Society, Environment and Culture
Unravel the intricate threads of justice, societal transformation, and cultural narratives shaping Indonesian society.
Merauke strategic project condemned for threatening environment, livelihood
The government’s decision to expedite the development of the National Strategic Project (PSN) in Merauke, South Papua has drawn criticism in the absence of proper consultation with local communities and therefore has the potential to damage the environment and threaten their livelihood.
Fossil fuel use up, Paris goals missed
A decade after the Paris Agreement, countries around the world, including Indonesia, are still planning to increase fossil energy production until 2030, which is expected to be 120 percent higher than the volumes required to meet the 1.5°C target.
Prabowo lets independent team probe late August riots
President Prabowo Subianto has decided not to establish a government-sanctioned Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) to investigate the late August protests that descended into violence, opting instead to support an independent probe launched by six state human rights institutions.
Groups protest against 11th International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition
Civil Society Coalition staged a protest on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, against the 11th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) held at the Jakarta Convention Center as a response to the government’s relentless push to develop geothermal energy sources, which they accused of bringing disaster to communities and the environment.
Government asked to make systemic changes against climate crisis
Environmentalists have asked the government to undertake systemic changes to achieve a just energy transition and transparent climate financing as the national economic structure, which heavily depends on the extractive sectors, exacerbates the impacts of the climate crisis that burden the society instead of promoting welfare.
Group demands end to privatization of Komodo conservation area
A conservationist group, Aliansi Komodo Memanggil (AKM), held a protest in front of the Presidential Palace and the Ministry of Forestry in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, rejecting the construction of luxury villas on Padar Island, an island within the preserved Komodo National Park (KNP), East Nusa Tenggara province.
ESDM minister accelerates Freeport landslide evacuation process
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed that as of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the evacuation process for victims of the landslide at PT Freeport Indonesia’s underground mine is still underway, although the weather has been a major obstacle in the search and rescue efforts.
Emissions from global fossil fuel firms linked to 213 heatwaves, Indonesia included
Three Indonesian fossil energy companies – PT Alamtri Resources Indonesia (Adaro Energy), PT Bumi Resources, and State energy giant PT Pertamina – are among the 180 global carbon majors or major carbon emitters responsible for causing 213 heatwaves worldwide between 2000 and 2023.
Concerns raised over government plan to shift US$13.2 B to Himbara for fossil fuel financing
A proposal by the government, led by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, to move Rp200 trillion (US$13.2 billion) from the state’s reserves held by the Indonesian Central Bank (BI) to the State-Owned Banks Association (Himbara) has sparked concern among economic experts and environmental advocates.
Cultural sector lacks structural support: Ruang Rupa
Indonesia's cultural sector is facing systemic neglect and economic vulnerability, with limited state support pushing artists and cultural workers to the brink, said Ade Darmawan, co-founder of the Jakarta-based art collective Ruang Rupa.
Walhi to release counter-documentary against mining narrative located in South Halmahera
The Indonesian Environment Forum (Walhi) is producing a counter-documentary in response to a recent film, which the environmental watchdog says fails to fully represent the reality of local communities living near mining operations.
Fossil fuels retain prominent role despite renewables push: CREA
The release of Indonesia’s 10-year power grid plan, RUPTL 2025-2034, has sparked considerable debate as it indicates that while there is substantial growth projected for renewable energy, fossil fuels will still hold a significant place in the nation's energy landscape.