Mathias Hariyadi

The peaceful opposition of local communities on the island of Flores in Indonesia against the government project that is expropriating several native lands. The latest demonstration ended with a clash with security agents who violently removed the demonstrators

The recognition was granted yesterday during the 42nd plenary session of the UN cultural organisation at its Paris headquarters. For President Widodo, it is "a source of pride and satisfaction". Language has played a key element in unifying the country since the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the Republic. Indonesians are happy about it.

The Ulema Council has called for a boycott of the purchase of 121 products - mainly food and beverages, but also health products - that it believes are 'linked' to Israel directly or indirectly. The initiative follows McDonald's Israel's announcement that it has donated free meals to the Israeli army.

Anwar Usman was removed from office for violating the code of ethics. The Chief Justice, brother-in-law of the incumbent president, issued a last-minute decision on 16 October allowing his nephew to run for vice president.

Msgr Dwiardy is an ethnic Dayak and before becoming the new bishop he spent about 10 years in Rome as "Definitor" of the Asia Pacific Capuchin Conference. During his episcopal ordination, Mgr Dwiardy said: "I ask all of you to pray for me so that I can better serve God and his people".

The government is helping Indonesian associations send humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population. Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions are rising between the Southeast Asian country and Israel.

After registering with the General Election Commission today, Gibran Rakabuming Raka will run with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who has ties with the family of former dictator Suharto. Voting is set for 14 February, but several experts point to a weakening of democracy in recent years. For many, it is still unclear what President Joko Widodo’s aim.

Former President and ruling party chairwoman Megawati, daughter of Indonesia’s Founding Father Sukarno, made the announcement today. An unknown factor is the possibility that the son of current President Joko Widodo might run with former general Prabowo Subianto (who challenged Widodo in a previous election).

Five years after the Manado Declaration, the Forum of Archipelagic and Island States (AIS), which brings together 51 countries from around the world, is being strengthened. Gathered in Indonesia - the country with the largest number of islands - they relaunched their commitment to increase solidarity and cooperation on major challenges such as combating ocean pollution, sustainability in fisheries and tourism, and emergency management.

The Muslim Council of Elders opened an office in the Indonesian capital during yesterday’s conference. The Council plans to work with other groups in Malaysia and Pakistan. Focus on the environment coincides with Laudate Deum, and comes a few weeks before COP28 in Dubai. Christians and Muslims share the same concern for the environment. The Bandung Eco Camp highlights the Church’s commitment at work.

Migrant outreach becomes a priority for UNIO Indonesia at its 14th meeting, which drew more than 2,000 priests and bishops. Father Maxi Un Bri becomes the association’s new head until 2026.

Semarang’s Catholic university hosts a workshop dedicated to preserving bits of Indonesia’s history, locked up in the archives of Dutch missionary institutes and local Catholic organisations.