Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on Indonesia. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.
President Prabowo Subianto ordered the deployment of 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters to combat persistent wildfires burning over 200,000 hectares. The smog has now reached Malaysian Borneo, with six areas in Sarawak recording unhealthy air quality levels.
The article argues that Pari Island residents, led by the Pari Island Women's Group, are defending their land rights against PT Bumi Pari Asri while simultaneously pursuing a landmark climate lawsuit against Holcim. It highlights how local environmental stewardship and legal action intersect to protect the community from corporate claims and rising sea levels.
Indonesian authorities warned Friday they will take legal action against anyone starting open fires as haze spreads to Malaysia. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni vowed strict penalties after visiting fire-hit areas near Palangka Raya, where over 5,000 hot spots were recorded on Borneo and nearly 12,000 nationwide.
The Jakarta Post argues that Indonesia's rice self-sufficiency claims are undermined by El Niño-induced droughts, which disrupt harvests and drive up prices despite high state reserves. The commentary contends that structural weather vulnerabilities continue to threaten food security and necessitate potential imports.
Indonesia is advancing plans to construct its first nuclear power plant on an uninhabited island, with Semesak Island in West Kalimantan and the Bangka Belitung province as leading candidates. The government aims to have the facility operational by 2032 to meet decarbonisation targets, despite public concerns about seismic risks.
Chinese and Indonesian officials met in Jakarta to deepen military, maritime, and technology cooperation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi described global unilateralism as a heavy blow, emphasizing Jakarta-Beijing ties as an example of Global South cooperation during the inaugural Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue.
Forest and land fires are spreading across Kalimantan as the prolonged dry season continues, with hotspots detected in all five Indonesian provinces on Borneo. Authorities warn that fire severity has not yet peaked, while central government austerity measures have reduced local capacity to respond despite ongoing cloud seeding efforts.
Australian authorities are investigating four individuals following the death of a Perth father in Bali. The inquiry centers on an alleged assault that led to the victim's demise, marking a significant development in the case.
Indonesia is aiming to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union in October. Senior EU officials are expected to visit in late October or early November to finalize the process, which eliminates tariffs on 90 percent of Indonesian goods.
President Prabowo Subianto excluded the Nusantara capital city project from his State of the Nation address and 2027 budget presentation. The omission signals a lower priority for the megaproject, causing investors to hold back funding in East Kalimantan and raising concerns about its financial viability.