Indonesia

The bishops of this remote region have condemned the death of Captain Nicholas Francis Goselin. The bishops highlight the “essential” service provided by AMA, an organisation founded by five Catholic dioceses. They have indignantly rejected allegations that the aircraft were transporting Indonesian army personnel and equipment.

Nicholas F. Goselin of Associated Mission Aviation was on one of the essential shuttle flights serving the most isolated communities. He was fatally shot after landing; the seven Papuans on board were unharmed. The West Papuan National Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a document issued in Yogyakarta, the Association of Catholic Higher Education Institutions has called for collaboration during a period of change and new challenges for the country. “Political leaders must commit to promoting transparent and accountable governance.”

Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has been sentenced to ten years for corruption. Meanwhile, five people have died during military training imposed on new rural cooperative managers. The way the government is managing the economy is increasingly criticised, especially regarding the opaqueness surrounding the Danantara sovereign wealth fund, which is expanding its reach.

In March, TikTok and YouTube implemented the measure at the request of the Indonesian government deactivating accounts of users under 16. Meanwhile, in Australia, the country that pioneered this type of measure, Prime Minister Albanese is studying new measures to stop users from circumventing the law.

Job losses stem from weakening exports, rising costs, soaring gas prices, an influx of imported products, and uncertainty in the global economy. The central government is preparing mitigation measures. Observers and experts are calling for collaboration between the government, employers, and trade unions to safeguard sustainability.

A case that began after authorities rescued six newborns bound for the city-state has put the spotlight on a widespread practice. Criminal groups exploit the economic difficulties of many women to circumvent adoption regulations, increasingly using social media for recruitment.

Eight years on from the 2018 disaster, a new 6.7-magnitude tremor has claimed at least one life and caused damage to dozens of homes. It is worth noting that the Central Sulawesi region, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is among the areas in Indonesia most at risk from earthquakes. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of mitigation measures and building inspections.

Faced with a wave of share sell-off and a currency that has fallen to historic lows against the dollar, Prabowo supporters blame Singapore and turn to social media with the hashtag #buyIndonesia. Students are taking to the streets against rising fuel prices and subsidy cuts, riled by the president's costly free school lunch programme.

The latest toll stands at 37 dead, four missing, and more than 450 injured. Bishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the CBCP, has called on all Filipinos to contribute aid to the relief effort. Many parts of the earthquake-stricken area are still without power. Homes have been destroyed, and more than a thousand people have been evacuated, including in Indonesia.

Dadan Hindayana, who headed the agency for two years, has been jailed, along with Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. The prosecution cites “solid” evidence supporting the charges, whilst the investigation continues. The agency’s new head announces a radical change: the target of reaching 83 million people is no longer a priority

Archbishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi weighs in on the criticisms of the Catholic Church contained in the documentary denouncing national strategic projects launched by the Indonesian government in South Papua. “The accusations against me and the archdiocese are entirely baseless,” the prelate says. For years, the Church has struggled “to uphold the dignity of Papuans” with “schools, healthcare, agricultural programmes, livestock farms, credit unions” in some of the remotest areas.