Society, Environment and Culture
Unravel the intricate threads of justice, societal transformation, and cultural narratives shaping Indonesian society.
Indonesia to build four radioactive testing labs to safeguard shrimp exports to U.S.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) will establish four laboratories for radioactive substance testing by the end of 2025, following the inclusion of 41 Indonesian shrimp producers on the U.S. government’s yellow list after traces of radioactive materials were found in local shrimp sold in the U.S. market in July 2025.
Indonesia-Taiwan launch joint project to tackle marine plastic pollution
The growing problem of marine waste — particularly plastic pollution — has drawn increasing global concern due to its severe impact on marine ecosystems, food security, and human health.
Nickel industry crisis prompts calls for stronger worker, environmental protections
Indonesia’s booming nickel industry, a key pillar in the country’s downstreaming agenda, has drawn scrutiny over mounting workplace accidents, pollution, and weak safety standards, amid calls from civil society for stronger oversight and regulatory reform.
EU countries seek flexible approach to 2040 climate targets ahead of COP30
European Union member states are negotiating a compromise proposal aimed at giving industries more flexibility in meeting the bloc’s ambitious 2040 climate goals following concerns raised by several governments over the economic costs and impacts of transitioning to clean energy.
Indonesian language gains global ground as UNESCO recognizes “Bahasa Indonesia”
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has announced that Bahasa Indonesia has not only been recognized as an official language in meetings of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), but is now also being taught in dozens of countries worldwide.
Economist: Govt unlikely to meet 17+8 protest demands amid structural economic challenges
Economist and University of Indonesia Professor Mohamad Ikhsan believes that the government will be unable to meet the 17+8 demands raised by labor groups following the nationwide demonstrations in late August 2025.
Nickel boom tarnished by widespread abuses, pollution, and coal reliance: Report
Indonesia’s booming nickel industry, a cornerstone of the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, is mired in widespread human rights abuses, environmental destruction, and coal dependence that undermine global climate goals, according to a new report by Climate Rights International (CRI) released on Thursday, October16, 2025.
Indonesia’s first biennial transparency report maps US$282 B climate finance needs
Indonesia’s First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) estimates that the country will require US$282 billion (Rp4,519 trillion) to support national climate actions through 2030that will cover both mitigation and adaptation efforts to meet the targets outlined in the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Environmental group warns new mining regulation could worsen Indonesia’s ecology
The Indonesia Climate Justice Literacy (ICJL) has voiced strong opposition to Government Regulation (PP) No. 39/2025 on the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities, warning that it could accelerate environmental degradation and deepen Indonesia’s ecological crisis.
Indonesia finds Caesium-137 contamination in 22 factories after US shrimp alert
Indonesia’s special task force on radioactive contamination has detected traces of Caesium-137 at 22 production facilities in an industrial zone near Jakarta, officials said on Wednesday, October 8, 2025..
Sangihe Island in peril, mining threatens small island’s ecosystem
The Save Sangihe Island Coalition rallied in front of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on Monday, October 8, 2025, demanding for a complete halt to mining activities on North Sulawesi's Sangihe Island in North Sulawesi due to critical ecological risks.
Massive land clearing in S. Papua raises environmental, indigenous rights concerns: Environmentalists
The government’s ambitious Food and Energy Estate project in Southern Papua is facing mounting criticism for its potential environmental damage and adverse impact on indigenous communities.