Indonesia
Indonesians push back as military enters civilian government
Student groups protested outside the Blitar DPRD office under a heavy police presence, demanding the law’s repeal and calling for press freedom. Activists pointed to past instances of media suppression, warning about potential threats to journalists
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Survivors pulled from the rubble in Myanmar as the death toll rises following M7.7 earthquake
More people have been rescued from the rubble over two days after a powerful earthquake struck in neighbouring Myanmar, where the death toll in the country now exceeds 1,700 with some indicators that it may rise further.
Myanmar junta chief to attend regional summit in Bangkok
Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is expected to attend a regional summit in Thailand in April, marking his first visit to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations member state since 2021.
Indonesia joins BRICS' new development bank
Indonesia has formally decided to become a member of the BRICS-affiliated New Development Bank, just months after fully integrating into the China-led economic alliance
Indonesia’s military reforms leave millions on edge
The law’s ratification has sparked widespread anxiety across Indonesia and has served to revive memories of the authoritarian ‘New Order’ era of 1966 - 1998 under former President Suharto.
Powerful eruption of Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi sparks panic in East Flores
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted violently on the evening of March 20, sending local residents into a panic
Indonesia expands military role in government, protesters clash with police in Jakarta
Indonesia’s parliament has approved a controversial amendment granting military personnel greater access to government positions, despite concerns over its implications for civilian governance.
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Indonesia to launch national data centre by April 2025
Equipped with 25,000 core processors, 200 terabytes of memory, and 40 petabytes of storage, the facility will operate with an initial electricity capacity of 20 megawatts, expandable to 80 MW.
Severe floods in Morowali, Indonesia tied to nickel mining expansion
Heavy rains and strong winds battered Bahodopi Sub-district, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, on March 17, triggering severe flooding in Lalampu and Labota villages.
USAID ends operations in Indonesia, raising concerns over aid programmes
For 64 years, USAID has played a role in Indonesia, providing $153.5mn in aid in 2024 alone.
Indonesia’s $12.3bn crude oil corruption case that has rocked the public’s belief in government
The case involves the mismanagement of crude oil imports and exports, alleged fuel adulteration, and collusion between Pertamina executives and private contractors.
Indonesia's Danantara fund: bold vision or governance risk?
Danantara was created to optimise government investment and support Indonesia’s transformation into a global economic power with an initial capital of approximately $20bn.
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From social media to the streets: how hashtags fuel Indonesian youth activism
Ever since the 2019 protests against efforts to weaken the Corruption Eradication Commission, social media has been crucial to organising protests in Indonesia.
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Indonesia at a tipping point: volatile policies and budget cuts drive frustration
Student-led protests in several Indonesian cities were triggered by frustration over spending cuts, the lack of policy stability and police censorship.
Brazil hosts first BRICS Sherpas meeting with expanded membership
Brasilia hosted the first BRICS Sherpas meeting under the Brazilian Presidency on February 24-25, bringing together representatives from all 11 member countries at the Itamaraty Palace.
New search for MH370 begins a decade after mysterious disappearance
A renewed effort to locate Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is underway, more than ten years after the aircraft vanished in one of aviation’s most baffling mysteries.
Bali’s tourism boom, a friend but also a dangerous foe
Known as the Island of the Gods, the island of a Thousand Temples, and the Lost Paradise, Bali’s beauty leaves visitors in awe—so much so that many keep coming back, and some even choose to call it home - but should they?
Brazil drops BRICS currency plan in favour of local payment push
Brazil will not pursue a common BRICS currency during its presidency of the bloc this year, focusing instead on facilitating trade in local currencies despite warnings from US President Donald Trump about challenging dollar dominance.
Trump Gaza plan backed by “murderer” Netanyahu “major threat to world peace”, says Erdogan
On visit to Pakistan, Turkish leader asserts: “The homeland for which the Palestinians have sacrificed tens of thousands of their children is not up for bargaining.”
The curious case of unsustainable energy funding in Indonesia
During the G20 Summit held in Bali in November 2022, then president of Indonesia Joko Widodo and the International Partners Group signed the landmark Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnership agreement — but what happened to it?