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One Killed in Indonesia Helicopter Crash During Wildfire Fighting Operation

One Killed in Indonesia Helicopter Crash During Wildfire Fighting Operation

One person died and two foreign nationals were rescued after a helicopter crashed into a river in Indonesia during a mission to combat wildfires in South Kalimantan. The deceased crew member was identified by Indonesian authorities as Yayan Supyansuri. The two rescued individuals, Michael John Betterridge (an Australian national) and Hugh Andrew John Page (a New Zealander), were found safe and transported to a hospital for treatment. The helicopter, a Super Puma H-225, was owned by a company contracted by disaster authorities for firefighting operations. Investigations into the accident are ongoing, with the military having retrieved the helicopter's black box. This incident follows another helicopter crash in central Kalimantan that killed three crew members during a similar operation.

Indonesia Intensifies Digital Monitoring of Russian Military Recruitment Channels

Indonesia Intensifies Digital Monitoring of Russian Military Recruitment Channels

Indonesia is increasing its digital surveillance of social media platforms used to recruit its citizens for foreign armies, particularly focusing on channels associated with Russia's military. This heightened monitoring follows reports of an Indonesian citizen dying while serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting a diplomatic protest from Jakarta to Moscow. Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria stated that the ministry is actively identifying appropriate actions to prevent recruitment that could threaten national security. Digital monitors are investigating external social media channels facilitating mercenary recruitment, in coordination with the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs. Authorities are also evaluating whether these overseas job postings linked to foreign military enlistment constitute human trafficking, indicating a multi-faceted approach to address the issue.

How Friendster Quietly Built a Moat Wall Street Missed

How Friendster Quietly Built a Moat Wall Street Missed

Learn the untold story of how the social network Friendster, after failing in the U.S., found a second life and immense value in Southeast Asia.

Philippine VP Duterte's impeachment nears end as prosecutors stake case on unexplained wealth

Philippine VP Duterte's impeachment nears end as prosecutors stake case on unexplained wealth

By Karen Lema MANILA, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Philippine prosecutors are focusing their impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte on a single allegation of unexplained wealth, dropping three other charges, to try to conclude the trial by the end of this year before attention shifts to the 2028

WHO Director-General Nominee Warns U.S. Against Solo Pandemic Response

WHO Director-General Nominee Warns U.S. Against Solo Pandemic Response

Budi Sadikin, Indonesia’s Minister of Health and a nominee for WHO Director-General, has issued a warning to the United States, stating that no country can effectively safeguard its population from a pandemic alone. Sadikin, who has a background in finance and physics, believes his executive experience can aid in WHO reform, particularly as the organization faces donor funding cuts. He advocates for emergency treatments during a global pandemic to be considered global public goods. Sadikin's positive relationships with the U.S., stemming from his executive education stints at institutions like Wharton, Harvard, and UC Berkeley, could potentially facilitate Washington's re-engagement with the WHO. He emphasizes that any belief by a country that it can manage the next pandemic independently is both scientifically and practically impossible.

Indonesia's vice president offers resignation as questions mount over his eligibility

Indonesia's vice president offers resignation as questions mount over his eligibility

Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has offered to resign amid mounting pressure over his academic credentials, officials say

Indonesian Students Plan Nationwide Protests on Heroes' Day Against Government Policies

Indonesian Students Plan Nationwide Protests on Heroes' Day Against Government Policies

Student groups across Indonesia are organizing nationwide demonstrations for Heroes' Day, November 10, to voice their opposition to various government policies. Protests are scheduled in major cities including Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Banyuwangi, and Purwokerto. The students' grievances encompass concerns over corruption, environmental degradation, and the increasing cost of living. Specific demands include the dissolution of the state investment management agency Danantara Indonesia and an end to military and police involvement in civilian affairs. These planned demonstrations follow a protest held on November 9 outside the office of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Jakarta, where dozens of demonstrators gathered. Vice Presidential Secretary Al Muktabar stated that Vice President Raka had instructed officials to allow protesters to enter for dialogue, but the protesters declined the invitation, choosing to remain outside the compound.

Southeast Asian Nations Restrict Data Center Construction Amid Resource Strain and Economic Slowdown

Southeast Asian Nations Restrict Data Center Construction Amid Resource Strain and Economic Slowdown

Southeast Asian Nations Restrict Data Center Construction Amid Resource Strain and Economic Slowdown

Indonesia's BSSN Emphasizes Human Oversight for AI Security Amidst Rising Cyber Threats

Indonesia's BSSN Emphasizes Human Oversight for AI Security Amidst Rising Cyber Threats

Indonesia's National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) is advocating for human oversight as a critical component in managing the cybersecurity risks associated with the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sulistyo, Deputy for Government Cybersecurity at BSSN, highlighted that despite the 'AI tsunami' driven by new AI models, human involvement remains central to securing these systems. He stressed the importance of strong governance, human oversight, and the ability to detect and handle cyber incidents, especially as AI adoption outpaces organizational readiness. This perspective was shared during the National Cyber Security Connect (NCC) 2026 event in Jakarta. The BSSN has also launched a technical guidance program for 35 central government agencies to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities to cyber incidents. This program aims to improve understanding of attack patterns, equip teams with analytical tools, and teach digital investigation techniques to support incident response.

Indonesia Overhauls Competition Law in Bid for OECD Membership

Indonesia Overhauls Competition Law in Bid for OECD Membership

Indonesia is actively revising its business competition rules as part of a broader effort to meet the stringent standards required for membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Jakarta aims to complete key regulatory reforms by 2028, with revisions to its decades-old competition law being a top priority. Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto indicated that these revisions would likely focus on aspects such as merger and acquisition notifications. Under current regulations, companies must notify the KPPU (Indonesia's anti-monopoly watchdog) within 30 business days of such acquisitions. A recent example includes a Rp 15 billion (approximately $824,000) fine imposed on TikTok for late reporting of its takeover of e-commerce platform Tokopedia. The OECD has assigned a 'competition committee' to review Indonesia's progress, assessing whether Jakarta has established appropriate legal provisions, sanctions, procedures, policies, and institutions in its competiti...

Nations promise to install more rooftop solar at UN climate talks

Nations promise to install more rooftop solar at UN climate talks

Five countries have backed a plan to double the number of homes with rooftop solar panels worldwide by 2030

Indonesia Advocates for Global Cooperation to Combat Illegal Fishing and Promote Ocean Governance

Indonesia Advocates for Global Cooperation to Combat Illegal Fishing and Promote Ocean Governance

Indonesia is urging stronger regional and global cooperation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized this stance at the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya, Hainan, China, held from November 6-8, 2026. Trenggono highlighted Indonesia's belief that international collaboration is crucial for addressing various global maritime challenges, given its status as the world's largest archipelagic country. The symposium gathered nearly 400 representatives from over 30 countries and regions. In addition to combating IUU fishing, Indonesia advocated for enhanced marine conservation efforts, expanded marine research, and the development of an inclusive and sustainable blue economy. The minister reiterated that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) serves as the primary foundation for international ocean governance. Indonesia also outlined five key blue economy...