Indonesia

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 …

The Indonesian government, guided by President Joko Widodo‘s directions, is currently examining their SEZs. These zones are special areas where business and trade laws differ from the rest of the country, typically to encourage investment and economic growth.  The evaluation is focused on understanding how these zones are performing, especially in terms of attracting investments. If an SEZ doesn’t show …

In a monumental step toward a sustainable future, Indonesia proudly unveiled the Cirata floating solar farm—a groundbreaking initiative that now claims the title of the largest in Southeast Asia. President Joko Widodo, in a poignant address, shared the nation’s elation in transforming an ambitious vision into reality—a vision that envisaged Indonesia as a frontrunner in renewable energy on a grand …