Society, Environment and Culture
Unravel the intricate threads of justice, societal transformation, and cultural narratives shaping Indonesian society.
Indonesian Navy says no ties with former Marine now in Russian service
The Indonesian Navy has confirmed it no longer has any connection with former Marine officer Satria Arta Kumbara, who reportedly joined the Russian military and is now pleading to return to Indonesia.
Thousands of “Ojol” drivers rally at Presidential Palace, seek lower commission fees
Tens of thousands of online motorcycle taxi (ojek online or ojol) drivers rallied in front of the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, July 21, 2025, demanding the government reduce commission fees charged by app-based ride-hailing companies and enact stronger regulations to protect drivers' rights.
Three dead, two missing after KM Barcelona V caught fire in North Sulawesi
At least three people were confirmed dead and two others still missing after the KM Barcelona V, a passenger ferry, caught fire in the waters off Talisei Island, North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, on Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2025.
MIND ID reaffirms ESG commitment, strategic risk management to DPR
State-owned mining holding company, MIND ID, reaffirmed its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and strategic risk management in a presentation before Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
WWF warns of “Empty Forest Syndrome,” urges stronger governance
In a hearing with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the World Wide Fund (WWF) Indonesia, raised serious concerns over the country’s forest condition, warning of a growing “empty forest syndrome” − forests that appear intact but are ecologically barren.
Bali launches electricity roadmap toward Net Zero Emission by 2045
The Bali Provincial Administration launched the Bali Electricity Roadmap Toward Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2045 on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, marking a significant step in accelerating clean energy transition and achieving energy independence on the island.
Civil Society demands new, fair forestry law to protect ecosystems
A coalition of Indonesian civil society organizations asks the House of Representatives (DPR) to abandon the ongoing amendment of Forestry Law No. 41/1999 and instead draft an entirely new forestry law that ensures justice, protects forest ecosystems, and recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples.
Sarbumusi: US$36 M worth of goods stalled during nationwide truckers' strike
A nationwide strike on July 13-14, 2025, involving 15,000 logistics drivers across Indonesia has caused an estimated Rp600 billion (US$36 million) in undelivered goods, according to the Indonesian Muslim Workers Confederation (Sarbumusi).
IESR calls for decarbonization as RI’s transport emissions hit 202 M tons CO₂ in 2024
Indonesia's transportation sector produced a staggering 202 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in 2024 − accounting for 27 percent of national energy-related emissions − according to the Indonesia Sustainable Mobility Outlook (ISMO) 2025, a report released by the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR).
Program Launched in North Kolaka to Revitalize Cocoa Farming and Inspire Youth
In a bid to address the challenges of farmer regeneration and cocoa production sustainability, North Kolaka regency hosted the Cacao Care program from July 7–8, 2025.
Flores residents reject geothermal report, calling it “misleading”
Representatives of local communities from Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have voiced rejection of a technical team report commissioned by the NTT Governor in support of geothermal projects in several areas of the province, which they claimed as disconnected from realities and posing threats to the livelihood of indigenous communities.
Indonesia puts clean energy at heart of economic strategy: ESDM ministry
Indonesia is repositioning clean energy not only as a climate solution, but also a central pillar of its national development strategy, said Dadan Kusdiana, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).