Indonesia

Indonesia is planning to release 200 million genetically modified mosquitoes in Bali as part of an experiment to combat dengue fever, a potentially fatal disease that affects millions of people in the country every year. The project, which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and led by the World Mosquito Program (WMP), aims to reduce the transmission …

At least 11 hikers were killed and 12 others were missing after a volcano erupted in Indonesia on Sunday, spewing hot ash and gas that engulfed a popular hiking trail, an official said. The victims were among dozens of people who were hiking up Mount Marapi, a 2,891-meter (9,485-foot) volcano on Sumatra island, when it suddenly erupted around noon local …

In a move reflecting Indonesia’s proactive stance in the face of evolving geopolitical shifts, the nation is set to witness a substantial 20% increase in defense spending, reaching an impressive $25 billion until the close of the upcoming year. This decision, greenlit by the outgoing President and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, aims to fortify Indonesia’s defense capabilities against emerging security …

In the midst of looming smokestacks from a nearby coal power plant, Edy Suryana’s village grapples with perpetual grey skies, ash-filled air, and a lingering stench. Living in the shadows of northern Java’s power plant, Suryana and fellow villagers witness health woes, attributing them to the omnipresent smog.  Experts highlight a surge in respiratory illnesses and deaths in northern Java, …

In a recent turn of events, Ade Safri Simanjuntak, Director for Special Crime at Jakarta’s police, revealed on Wednesday that compelling evidence has surfaced, leading to the identification of Firli Bahuri, Chairman of Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), as a suspect in an alleged extortion case involving former Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo. The charges against Bahuri span corruption …

In an era of seismic shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the landscapes of Indonesia and the Philippines are quietly transforming into hotbeds of geothermal power innovation. Against the backdrop of abundant volcanic activity, companies are seizing opportunities to harness the Earth’s natural heat reservoirs, propelling geothermal energy into the limelight. One such trailblazer, Barito Renewables Energy, has recently etched its …

Back in 2019, the global economic stage witnessed a shift that sent tremors through Indonesia’s political echelons. The World Bank’s revelation struck a nerve – amidst the intricate dance of US-China trade tensions, Indonesia seemed to have missed its cue to join the bustling global manufacturing supply chains. The World Bank’s 2019 report painted a disconcerting picture: out of 30-plus …

In a surprising twist, five immigration officers stationed at Ngurah Rai Immigration post in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, found themselves in hot water on November 14th. Their alleged involvement in extorting money from tourists to access the fast-track arrivals lane has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Bali.  Officials are now reevaluating the efficacy of the fast-track …

Indonesia’s foreign policy, deeply rooted in the “Politik Bebas dan Aktif” doctrine, is undergoing subtle transformations as the nation prepares for the 2024 elections. Let’s delve into the nuances of international relations through the eyes of the presidential candidates, offering a sneak peek into the potential course of Indonesian diplomacy. Historical Tapestry of “Free and Active” From its inception, Indonesia …

In a noteworthy development, Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs has sealed an initial deal with Exxon Mobil to explore potential investment in a petrochemical project within the country. This project, expected to yield polymer production and involve a carbon storage facility, has, however, raised eyebrows given the oil giant’s recent settlement in a two-decade-long legal battle involving …