Society, Environment and Culture
Unravel the intricate threads of justice, societal transformation, and cultural narratives shaping Indonesian society.
Indonesia’s cyclone disaster death toll climbs to 303 as rescuers struggle to reach isolated area
Rescue teams across Indonesia are racing against time to reach survivors in isolated regions still submerged after a week of cyclone-fueled torrential rain as authorities confirmed on Saturday, November 30, 2025 that national death toll has climbed to 303 and is anticipated to rise further.
Martabe Gold Mine operator responds to deadly floods, rejects claims linking site to disaster
PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), operator of the Martabegold mine in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, has expressed condolences over the devastating floods and landslides that struck several regencies in North Sumatra, while firmly denying allegations that its operations were linked to the disaster.
Planting hope in “Karst Country”: A small foundation in Kebumen reforestation
On a humid November morning in Siboro, a village tucked inside the rugged limestone corridors of the Kebumen Geopark, Central Java, Mar’atun Chasanah moved briskly between seedling trays at a modest tree nursery.
Indonesia launches “global citizenship” permit for former nationals
Indonesia has opened applications for a new Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) permit, offering former Indonesian citizens and those of Indonesian descent the right to live and work in the country indefinitely, a senior immigration official told Reuters.
Employers push for minimum wage formula adjustment to reflect cost of living
The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) has asked the government to refine the minimum wage calculation formula by aligning specific index values with the updated Decent Living Needs (KHL) standard after the number of goods and services used as KHL reference items surged from 64 to nearly 200 for the 2026 wage establishment.
Government reaffirms Tesso Nilo forest restoration
The government has reiterated its commitment to restoring the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) ecosystem despite recent public pressure and protests surrounding ongoing forest–area enforcement operations.
Indonesia-UK sign climate and environmental cooperation deal at COP30
The Indonesian Ministry of Environment has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom to strengthen collaboration on environmental protection, secured on the sidelines of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil on November 17, 2025.
Indonesia’s climate diplomacy under scrutiny as COP30 highlights coal, forest contradictions
As world leaders convene at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Indonesia faces mounting criticism from civil society groups over what they describe as a widening gap between the country’s climate diplomacy and its domestic extractive policies.
Prabowo discusses human resources, public health and marine conservation with U.S. entrepreneur Bloomberg
President Prabowo Subianto met with American businessman Michael Bloomberg and his delegation at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, discussing efforts to improve the quality of human resources in Indonesia.
Indonesia pushes for roadmap, strong safeguards in global REDD+ discussions at COP30
The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry calls for the adoption of a clear roadmap for the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) scheme during discussions with multiple countries at COP30 in Brazil.
No evidence of heavy metal contamination in Obi tuna exports: Ministry
The Quality Assurance Agency at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries says it has not received any official confirmation of heavy metal contamination in tuna or other seafood products sourced from Obi Island despite questions raised last year by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
ITUC urges Indonesia to strengthen democracy, workers’ rights
President Prabowo Subianto met with General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Luc Triangle, and ITUC-Asia Pacific General Secretary Shoya Yoshida at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, November 10, 2025, discussing democratization and labor rights issues in Indonesia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.