Mathias Hariyadi

Customs checks in the United States of imported shrimps from Indonesia set off alarm bells. The Cikande area in Serang district has been declared a special incident area. According to a preliminary investigation, the contamination appears to come from uncontrolled processing of metallurgical industry waste. Cesium-137 poses long-term health risks.

On two occasions, dozens of extremists interrupted Sunday prayers at a Protestant community. The attackers claimed that the shop-house did not have the necessary permits to be used as a house church. Controversy erupted online, with calls for freedom of worship. Once again, urban planning practices were used as a pretext to prevent Christians from praying.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made the announcement at the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he reiterated his commitment to the two-state solution as the only way forward in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the same time, he condemned the violence in Gaza, and expressed openness to future recognition of Israel if it recognises Palestine. The world's most populous Muslim country has a long history of lowkey contacts with the Jewish state.

For years, a battle has been raging between local people and the pulp and paper giant PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL). Yesterday, a rally turned violent after heavy-handed police intervention. Religious leaders raised the issue in parliament. Biodiversity and natural ecosystems are at risk.

The provision is contained in the new presidential regulation, with updates on government work for 2025. The development of the new capital, inaugurated last year but incomplete, enters its second phase (2025-2029). Cuts in public spending are a cause for concern, while the authorities deny any interruptions and are focusing on private funding.

Representatives from 16 countries met in Jakarta to take stock of the initiatives promoted by the network of religious women against this ‘crime against humanity’. Among the priorities are the growth of the Youth Ambassadors experience for the prevention of the phenomenon among the younger generations and interreligious collaboration in victim support networks.

The government, through the Ministry of Finance, has allocated more than $12 billion to five credit institutions. The funds will be provided through a ‘demand deposit’ scheme and will also apply to Islamic finance. Scepticism and doubts about the real effectiveness, the logic of the measure and the real impact on the economy.

The city of Denpasar and other districts have been affected, with significant damage to numerous buildings. No foreign tourists involved. State of emergency declared for one week.

Religious leaders and intellectuals from the National Conscience movement speak out in a country engulfed in protests and unrest, while President Prabowo threatens a harsh response. Cardinal Suharyo calls on Indonesians to have the courage to acknowledge weaknesses and errors in every branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial). The demands of the people must be met and elite privileges must be challenged.

Faced with a wave of demonstrations marking the first real crisis of his government, the president has cancelled some of the controversial measures approved by parliament, but at the same time is crying conspiracy. The Bishops' Conference: ‘Any policy or plan that burdens society and undermines justice should be reconsidered or cancelled. And the security forces should act as protectors of all.’

Triggered by an allowance increase for parliamentarians, the protests were exacerbated by a harsh police crackdown, during which an armoured vehicle ran over a motorcycle taxi driver. In South Sulawesi, the regional parliament is set on fire. The backdrop to the discontent was Prabowo honouring certain prominent individuals. A retired general blames foreign forces. The Catholic NGO slams violence against protesters, calling for action “to restore democracy to its rightful course”.

Indonesians are shocked and astonished by the possible move by the Prabowo administration, which is seeking a 51 per cent stake in the country’s largest private financial institution. Industry experts say plans appear to be ready. The institution offers a wide range of services for individuals and institutions. The news quickly shook the stock market.