Indonesia’s decision to suspend the construction of hotels, nightclubs, and villas in Bali is a strategic move to combat congestion and overdevelopment in the popular holiday destination. The initiative aims to preserve the island’s agricultural land while managing the influx of tourists effectively. Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan revealed that the moratorium could last up to 10 years, subject to government evaluation. The move reflects a commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism in Bali. Acting Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya presented a proposal to halt construction in busy areas like Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan. The…

When Joko Widodo was first elected a decade ago, he was hailed as a “New Hope” on the cover of Time magazine. However, as his final term as president of Indonesia draws to a close, disillusionment has set in among many citizens, leading them to use his birth name, Mulyono, as a form of humiliation. Despite initial strong support, recent events and perceived threats to democracy have triggered protests and widespread discontent that threaten to overshadow his legacy. This dissatisfaction is particularly evident online, where references to “Mulyono” abound. A demonstrator holds a cut-out of Widodo during a protest against…

Indonesia’s recent plan to distribute contraceptives to teenagers has sparked debates among the public. While some view it as a necessary step to promote reproductive health awareness, others fear it may clash with the country’s traditional values. The Indonesian health ministry has introduced this initiative to enhance students’ understanding of reproductive health. Along with distributing contraceptives, the plan includes offering counselling services, STD screenings, reproductive health treatments, and access to contraceptives for students and teenagers, although specifics on distribution methods remain unclear. Despite these intentions, the proposal has faced pushback from various groups, including educational institutions and religious organizations expressing…

In a surprising move, President Joko Widodo of Indonesia made significant changes to his cabinet, appointing members of the opposition party, including Supratman Andi Agtas as Minister of Law and Human Rights. This reshuffle, the fourth in 12 months, is seen as a foundation for the next administration, according to analysts. The appointments signal a smooth transition to potential investors, with changes aligning with Prabowo’s campaign promises. Notably, members of the ruling party lost their positions, indicating a rift between them and Widodo. A fresh start: Why is Indonesia building a new capital? The reshuffle aims to ensure continuity between…

Indonesia’s President-Elect Prabowo is set to visit Australia’s Prime Minister Albanese in Canberra before his inauguration in October. This visit comes as part of strengthening defense and bilateral ties between the two nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo: Pool via AP Improving ties Australia and Indonesia are set to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations as they continue to strengthen defense cooperation. Past challenges like the annulment of a security pact in 1999 have been overcome, and the relationship has seen improvements, especially since Prabowo became defense minister. Indonesian Defence Minister and president-elect Prabowo Subianto with Japanese Defence Minister…

After reports surfaced about Indonesia’s interest in buying Chinese-made missile systems, the CSSC executives visited the country to discuss potential deals. This move aligns with Indonesia’s plan to modernize its military under the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) blueprint. Despite past minor purchases from China, Jakarta has been cautious in developing a defense partnership with Beijing. The potential purchase of submarines marks a shift in Indonesia’s defense ties with China, as the country aims to diversify its defense imports from various suppliers. The potential defense deal with China could signify a shift in Indonesia’s security ties, which have historically leaned towards…

The project to develop a new capital city in Indonesia has hit a roadblock, with delays raising doubts about its future. Originally envisioned by President Widodo, the plan involves transforming land in East Kalimantan into a green smart city over the next few decades. However, setbacks in infrastructure development have pushed back the relocation of civil servants twice, casting a shadow over the project’s feasibility. Investors are wary due to uncertainty surrounding the project, as foreign entities have yet to make significant investments. The incoming president, Prabowo Subianto, may prioritize other initiatives such as a free meal program over the…

Prabowo, the newly elected president of Indonesia, has pledged to implement a free school meal programme to combat child malnourishment in the country. With high rates of stunting among children, Prabowo aims to provide free meals and milk to 83 million underprivileged children, estimated to cost billions in the coming years. However, critics from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have raised concerns about the impact of the programme on Indonesia’s budget deficit. To address these concerns, Prabowo’s team is considering measures like tax enforcement and cutting other costly projects. Successful models Prabowo’s team is looking at successful…

The challenges faced by young Indonesians in finding employment have been highlighted in a recent report by Statistics Indonesia (BPS). At least 10 million Gen Z individuals are currently unemployed and not enrolled in any formal education or training programs, with the unemployment rate among those aged 20 to 24 on the rise. Experts warn that this trend could lead to demographic challenges and an unemployment crisis in the future, as job creation has not kept up with the growing working-age population. Despite Indonesia’s demographic dividend, with a majority of the population in the prime working age group, the country…

Every year, over 2 million students in India compete for 110,000 spots to study medicine, with half the seats reserved for lower-income backgrounds. An exam scandal has caused uncertainty for medical aspirants due to alleged inconsistencies and paper leaks. 03:14 Modi’s BJP claims ‘historic’ victory in Indian election despite smaller majority Modi’s BJP claims ‘historic’ victory in Indian election despite smaller majority Activists are calling for a comprehensive investigation and a fair re-do of the NEET-UG exam. The NTA initially denied cheating allegations but later cancelled scores and scheduled a re-exam. The issue has also brought attention to high rates…