A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck western Sumatra late on Saturday, according to the US Geological Survey, marking the second major tremor to hit Indonesia within a single day. The epicentre was located near Pematangsiantar, around 126 kilometres (78 miles) southeast of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. The earthquake struck at a depth of 183 kilometres. No tsunami warning was issued following the tremor.&nbsp;Meanwhile, rescue teams were searching through collapsed and damaged structures on Flores Island after a powerful earthquake struck off the island earlier Saturday, killing at least 38 people, according to disaster officials. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency, said 13 people were injured, including two who suffered serious injuries. "Victims are trapped in several buildings," said Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians uses one name.&nbsp;"These will be the initial targets of the disaster response teams," he told a news conference, adding that two helicopters and a plane were being prepared to support rescue and relief operations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also offered assistance through the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation satellite programme."Europe stands ready to deploy Copernicus, our eyes in the sky, to support search and rescue efforts. Indonesia, we stand with you," she wrote on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-of-taliban-rule-how-afghanistan-has-changed-since-the-fall-of-kabul-1786790282607">Five years of Taliban rule: How Afghanistan has changed since the fall of Kabul</a><h2>7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Flores</h2>The earlier earthquake, which struck off Flores in eastern Indonesia, was reported at magnitude 7.7 and caused damage to dozens of homes and other buildings across the popular tourist island.Suharyanto said approximately 2,000 people had evacuated their homes following the earthquake. In Nagekeo, an area close to the epicentre, residents rushed to higher ground after witnesses reported that the sea had retreated early Saturday, a phenomenon that can be a warning sign of a possible tsunami.&nbsp;Although the tsunami warning was later lifted, authorities urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings because powerful aftershocks could cause further collapses. Hundreds of people remained outdoors by lunchtime as dozens of aftershocks continued to shake the island. The strongest aftershock was measured at magnitude 6.1.

Indonesia earthquakes: A 6.9-magnitude quake struck Sumatra as rescue teams searched for survivors after a deadly 7.7-magnitude Flores earthquake

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck western Sumatra late on Saturday, according to the US Geological Survey, marking the second major tremor to hit Indonesia within a single day. The epicentre was located near Pematangsiantar, around 126 kilometres (78 miles) southeast of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. The earthquake struck at a depth of 183 kilometres. No tsunami warning was issued following the tremor. Meanwhile, rescue teams were searching through collapsed and damaged structures on Flores Island after a powerful earthquake struck off the island earlier Saturday, killing at least 38 people, according to disaster officials. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency, said 13 people were injured, including two who suffered serious injuries. "Victims are trapped in several buildings," said Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians uses one name. "These will be the initial targets of the disaster response teams," he told a news conference, adding that two helicopters and a plane were being prepared to support rescue and relief operations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also offered assistance through the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation satellite programme. "Europe stands ready to deploy Copernicus, our eyes in the sky, to support search and rescue efforts. Indonesia, we stand with you," she wrote on X. Also Read: Five years of Taliban rule: How Afghanistan has changed since the fall of Kabul 7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Flores The earlier earthquake, which struck off Flores in eastern Indonesia, was reported at magnitude 7.7 and caused damage to dozens of homes and other buildings across the popular tourist island.Suharyanto said approximately 2,000 people had evacuated their homes following the earthquake. In Nagekeo, an area close to the epicentre, residents rushed to higher ground after witnesses reported that the sea had retreated early Saturday, a phenomenon that can be a warning sign of a possible tsunami. Although the tsunami warning was later lifted, authorities urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings because powerful aftershocks could cause further collapses. Hundreds of people remained outdoors by lunchtime as dozens of aftershocks continued to shake the island. The strongest aftershock was measured at magnitude 6.1.

Indonesia was hit by a 6.9-magnitude Sumatra quake as Flores rescue teams searched for survivors after a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake

Indonesia hit by second earthquake of 6.9 magnitude as death toll reaches 38; rescue teams search Flores debris

A massive search and rescue operation is underway in Indonesia after a passenger ferry carrying 271 people caught fire while crossing the Java Sea. Authorities say at least five people have died, 225 have been rescued, and 41 remain missing.

The ferry was traveling from Surabaya, East Java, to Makassar, South Sulawesi, when the captain reported flames onboard. Emergency responders, supported by nearby vessels, rushed to evacuate passengers as the ship burned. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire while rescue teams continue searching for survivors.

Deadly Indonesia Ferry Blaze Sparks Major Search And Rescue Mission | Indonesia Ferry Fire

A passenger ferry carrying 271 people caught fire in the Java Sea while sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

According to Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), five people have been confirmed dead, while 41 remain missing as rescue operations continue. Emergency teams are working to evacuate passengers and crew after the vessel caught fire during its journey.

Authorities say the captain alerted the ferry company shortly after the blaze broke out, triggering a large-scale search and rescue mission involving multiple emergency agencies.

Indonesia Ferry Fire: 5 Dead, 41 Missing After Passenger Ferry Catches Fire in Java Sea

Frustration mounts in Indonesia and Sri Lanka as officials struggle to reach survivors of deadly floods in remote and cut-off areas. The death toll in the four disaster-hit countries rises to 1,300, as reported by news agency AFP. Authorities are finding ways to reach survivors of flooding and landslides over the pace of the rescue effort and aid delivery. Groups facilitating aid say the challenge is unprecedented even for a country that is not facing any shortage of natural disasters.&nbsp;The monsoon, accompanied by the two rare tropical storms, dumped record deluges across Sri Lanka and in parts of Indonesia's Sumatra, Thailand, and Malaysia last week. And in Indonesia, the disaster has claimed 755 lives, and over 650 people are reported missing. "It's very challenging logistically to respond," Ade Soekadis, executive director of aid group Mercy Corps Indonesia, told AFP.&nbsp;'Like an earthquake'At an evacuation centre in Padan, 52-year-old Reinaro Waruwu told AFP he was "disappointed" in the government's immediate response and the slow arrival of aid. "Some waited a day and night before receiving help, so they couldn't be saved," he said, surrounded by evacuees sitting on mats on the floor in the hall-turned-shelter. "I am frustrated, it doesn't need to be said twice. The response was not quick," he added.&nbsp;Like many, he described the arrival of floodwaters and landslides as a disaster without precedent. "It came like an earthquake.. I thought 'Well, if I am going to die, then so be it,'" he said, beginning to sob heavily. He managed to escape the rising waters, but his neighbours were buried alive in debris. Traumatised, he could not even eat on arrival, and since then food has been patchily available, though vegetables arriving on Tuesday offered a "semblance of hope", he said.&nbsp;Nearby, Hamida Telaumbaunua, 37, described watching her entire kitchen swept away by floodwaters. "My heart... this was the first time I experienced such a flood," she said. Her home was lost entirely, along with everything but the few possessions she took when she left. “It's hard to think about what lies ahead. Maybe as long as we're still here, it's okay, but later... I don't know what will happen.” The weather system that hit Indonesia also brought heavy rains to Thailand, killing at least 176 people, and Malaysia, where two people were killed.&nbsp;(With agency inputs)

Groups facilitating aid say the challenge is unprecedented even for a country that is not facing any shortage of natural disasters.

Frustration mounts in Indonesia and Sri Lanka as officials struggle to reach survivors of deadly floods in remote and cut-off areas. The death toll in the four disaster-hit countries rises to 1,300, as reported by news agency AFP. Authorities are finding ways to reach survivors of flooding and landslides over the pace of the rescue effort and aid delivery. Groups facilitating aid say the challenge is unprecedented even for a country that is not facing any shortage of natural disasters. The monsoon, accompanied by the two rare tropical storms, dumped record deluges across Sri Lanka and in parts of Indonesia's Sumatra, Thailand, and Malaysia last week. And in Indonesia, the disaster has claimed 755 lives, and over 650 people are reported missing. "It's very challenging logistically to respond," Ade Soekadis, executive director of aid group Mercy Corps Indonesia, told AFP. 'Like an earthquake' At an evacuation centre in Padan, 52-year-old Reinaro Waruwu told AFP he was "disappointed" in the government's immediate response and the slow arrival of aid. "Some waited a day and night before receiving help, so they couldn't be saved," he said, surrounded by evacuees sitting on mats on the floor in the hall-turned-shelter. "I am frustrated, it doesn't need to be said twice. The response was not quick," he added. Like many, he described the arrival of floodwaters and landslides as a disaster without precedent. "It came like an earthquake.. I thought 'Well, if I am going to die, then so be it,'" he said, beginning to sob heavily. He managed to escape the rising waters, but his neighbours were buried alive in debris. Traumatised, he could not even eat on arrival, and since then food has been patchily available, though vegetables arriving on Tuesday offered a "semblance of hope", he said. Nearby, Hamida Telaumbaunua, 37, described watching her entire kitchen swept away by floodwaters. "My heart... this was the first time I experienced such a flood," she said. Her home was lost entirely, along with everything but the few possessions she took when she left. “It's hard to think about what lies ahead. Maybe as long as we're still here, it's okay, but later... I don't know what will happen.” The weather system that hit Indonesia also brought heavy rains to Thailand, killing at least 176 people, and Malaysia, where two people were killed. (With agency inputs)

Groups facilitating aid say the challenge is unprecedented even for a country that is not facing any shortage of natural disasters.

Frustration mounts in Indonesia and Sri Lanka amid aid workers face challenges in reaching flood survivors

Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation after nearly 700 children in Yogyakarta province were affected by food poisoning this week. The incident unfolded after students consumed meals served under President Prabowo Subianto’s key free school meal programme, an official said.&nbsp;The school meal programme was introduced in January as a key election campaign promise from Prabowo, but as of October 29, some 15,000 children have fallen ill, according to data from the local non-governmental organisation JPPI, which has urged that the initiative be temporarily halted.&nbsp;In response, the officials indicated that the food poisoning is often a result of Improper food storage and late delivery of cooked meals, according to a report in the news agency Reuters.&nbsp;On Oct 29, regional head Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih said on her Instagram account that about 660 students from two separate schools fell ill from food poisoning after consuming free school meals in the Indonesian region of Gunungkidul in Yogyakarta.<h3>Investigations into the Gunungkidul cases are underway</h3>The chief of the national nutrition agency, known locally as BGN, Dadan Hindayana, who runs the school meal programme, told Reuters on Oct 30 that investigations into the Gunungkidul cases are underway and all nearby kitchens have been temporarily closed.&nbsp;Across Indonesia’s vast archipelago, around 11,000 kitchens are currently operating under the free meal initiative. The programme aims to reach about 70 million beneficiaries by the end of 2025, a figure lower than the government’s original target of 83 million, due to limited kitchen capacity, Dadan told Reuters earlier this month.&nbsp;In a separate statement on October 29, the National Food Agency (BGN) stated that it had directed kitchen staff to reduce meal portions to ensure freshness and prevent further cases of food poisoning. On the same day, President Prabowo established a ministerial task force, comprising the health minister and the BGN chief, to enhance oversight of the programme.&nbsp;The government has allocated 171 trillion rupiah (S$13.3 billion) for the scheme in 2025, although BGN expects to utilise only 99 trillion rupiah by the end of the year.&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/31-students-in-maharashtra-fall-sick-after-consuming-road-side-pani-puri-food-poisoning-8973296"> India: 31 students in Maharashtra fall sick after consuming road side pani puri</a>

The school meal programme was introduced in January as a key election campaign promise from Prabowo, but some 15,000 children have fallen ill as of Oct 29, according to data from the local non-governmental organisation JPPI, which has urged that the initiative be temporarily halted.

Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation after nearly 700 children in Yogyakarta province were affected by food poisoning this week. The incident unfolded after students consumed meals served under President Prabowo Subianto’s key free school meal programme, an official said. The school meal programme was introduced in January as a key election campaign promise from Prabowo, but as of October 29, some 15,000 children have fallen ill, according to data from the local non-governmental organisation JPPI, which has urged that the initiative be temporarily halted. In response, the officials indicated that the food poisoning is often a result of Improper food storage and late delivery of cooked meals, according to a report in the news agency Reuters. On Oct 29, regional head Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih said on her Instagram account that about 660 students from two separate schools fell ill from food poisoning after consuming free school meals in the Indonesian region of Gunungkidul in Yogyakarta. Investigations into the Gunungkidul cases are underway The chief of the national nutrition agency, known locally as BGN, Dadan Hindayana, who runs the school meal programme, told Reuters on Oct 30 that investigations into the Gunungkidul cases are underway and all nearby kitchens have been temporarily closed. Across Indonesia’s vast archipelago, around 11,000 kitchens are currently operating under the free meal initiative. The programme aims to reach about 70 million beneficiaries by the end of 2025, a figure lower than the government’s original target of 83 million, due to limited kitchen capacity, Dadan told Reuters earlier this month. In a separate statement on October 29, the National Food Agency (BGN) stated that it had directed kitchen staff to reduce meal portions to ensure freshness and prevent further cases of food poisoning. On the same day, President Prabowo established a ministerial task force, comprising the health minister and the BGN chief, to enhance oversight of the programme. The government has allocated 171 trillion rupiah (S$13.3 billion) for the scheme in 2025, although BGN expects to utilise only 99 trillion rupiah by the end of the year. Also read | India: 31 students in Maharashtra fall sick after consuming road side pani puri

The school meal programme was introduced in January as a key election campaign promise from Prabowo, but some 15,000 children have fallen ill as of Oct 29, according to data from the local non-governmental organisation JPPI, which has urged that the initiative be temporarily halted.

When free meals turn deadly: Indonesia struggles to contain food poisoning as thousands of students fall ill

People in an Indonesian village watched as a tower of loudspeakers mounted on a truck rumbled through their usually serene home, blasting a thumping bass loud enough to crack windows.Loudspeaker towers are commonplace on Indonesia's main island of Java, blaring a repetitive mix of electronic tunes and traditional folk music at street parties, but they have drawn the ire of local authorities and calm-seeking neighbours.The loudspeaker stacks have proven so disruptive that officials this month have restricted their use while religious bodies have declared excessive and damaging sound from them to be "haram", or forbidden under Islamic law."The sound is booming from 1 pm to 3 am. They play loud music and drink alcohol," Ahmad Suliyat, a resident of Ngantru village in East Java province, told AFP."It's really disturbing."Indonesians in East Java have shared videos on social media of cracked walls, falling roof tiles and damaged stores caused by the noise impact known as "sound horeg", which loosely means to move or vibrate in Javanese.The online backlash forced authorities in East Java to issue an order this month&nbsp;limiting noise levels and specifying the times and locations loudspeakers can be used."It was made for health and security reasons. The noise level must be regulated so it will not disturb the public peace and order," East Java governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa told AFP.<h2>Hearing problems</h2>Ear-splitting noise has been shown to have adverse health consequences, including a higher risk of heart conditions for those exposed.And Indonesia's loudspeaker towers, popular for little more than a decade in the world's most populous Muslim nation, have had dire consequences for some who attend the deafening street gatherings.A woman died this month after allegedly suffering cardiac arrest caused by loudspeaker towers at a carnival she attended, local media reported, while there has been an increase in hearing problems among those attending the events.The East Java government has capped sound system levels at 120 decibels, while mobile units used in parades or protests are limited to 85 decibels.Mobile units are also banned from being used near schools, hospitals, ambulances and places of worship that are in session.In July, a local Islamic council issued a religious edict that said excessive sound at parties that is capable of causing damage is forbidden by religion."The use of a sound system excessively, especially during a wedding convoy, or any other events that cause noise, disturb road users, or make people neglect worshipping, is haram," read the fatwa.Locals typically rent the speaker towers for weddings, circumcisions and Independence Day events -- all celebrations that can last until dawn.Some like Daini, who goes by one name like many Indonesians, believe the loudspeakers are a local tradition that should be kept.She glanced at her cracked window, held together by duct tape, as music blared from the truck in Ngantru."The glass cracked during a sound horeg event last year. But that's OK, people here like loud events," said the 61-year-old.<h2>Lax enforcement</h2>But loudspeakers have continued blasting above the new limits, due to lax enforcement by local authorities.After the rules were issued, an AFP journalist heard loudspeaker towers blaring music at an East Javan event as authorities watched on.The World Health Organisation says sound at 85 decibels and above can cause hearing damage over time, and anything above 120 decibels can cause immediate harm.Some Indonesians posted screenshots online of apps registering loudspeaker sound levels as high as 130 decibels.Operators of loudspeaker towers argue they are responding to demand that generates revenue for local businesses."I believe most people who dislike sound horeg are not from here," David Stevan Laksamana, a 40-year-old loudspeaker rental owner in Malang, told AFP."In Malang alone, it employed tens of thousands of people. This business is helping the economy."Others who cannot stand the disruptive street parties fear reporting them, with some loudspeaker tower owners reportedly parking outside complainants' houses to blare music for hours."I never complain to the village head," said Ahmad.“I just keep quiet. I'm afraid of intimidation if I say anything.”&nbsp;

East Java has restricted Indonesia’s booming “sound horeg” loudspeaker towers after complaints of cracked walls, hearing loss, and even a death. Officials capped noise at 120 decibels, while a local Islamic council declared excessive noise haram.

People in an Indonesian village watched as a tower of loudspeakers mounted on a truck rumbled through their usually serene home, blasting a thumping bass loud enough to crack windows. Loudspeaker towers are commonplace on Indonesia's main island of Java, blaring a repetitive mix of electronic tunes and traditional folk music at street parties, but they have drawn the ire of local authorities and calm-seeking neighbours. The loudspeaker stacks have proven so disruptive that officials this month have restricted their use while religious bodies have declared excessive and damaging sound from them to be "haram", or forbidden under Islamic law. "The sound is booming from 1 pm to 3 am. They play loud music and drink alcohol," Ahmad Suliyat, a resident of Ngantru village in East Java province, told AFP. "It's really disturbing." Indonesians in East Java have shared videos on social media of cracked walls, falling roof tiles and damaged stores caused by the noise impact known as "sound horeg", which loosely means to move or vibrate in Javanese. The online backlash forced authorities in East Java to issue an order this month limiting noise levels and specifying the times and locations loudspeakers can be used. "It was made for health and security reasons. The noise level must be regulated so it will not disturb the public peace and order," East Java governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa told AFP. Hearing problems Ear-splitting noise has been shown to have adverse health consequences, including a higher risk of heart conditions for those exposed. And Indonesia's loudspeaker towers, popular for little more than a decade in the world's most populous Muslim nation, have had dire consequences for some who attend the deafening street gatherings. A woman died this month after allegedly suffering cardiac arrest caused by loudspeaker towers at a carnival she attended, local media reported, while there has been an increase in hearing problems among those attending the events. The East Java government has capped sound system levels at 120 decibels, while mobile units used in parades or protests are limited to 85 decibels. Mobile units are also banned from being used near schools, hospitals, ambulances and places of worship that are in session. In July, a local Islamic council issued a religious edict that said excessive sound at parties that is capable of causing damage is forbidden by religion. "The use of a sound system excessively, especially during a wedding convoy, or any other events that cause noise, disturb road users, or make people neglect worshipping, is haram," read the fatwa. Locals typically rent the speaker towers for weddings, circumcisions and Independence Day events -- all celebrations that can last until dawn. Some like Daini, who goes by one name like many Indonesians, believe the loudspeakers are a local tradition that should be kept. She glanced at her cracked window, held together by duct tape, as music blared from the truck in Ngantru. "The glass cracked during a sound horeg event last year. But that's OK, people here like loud events," said the 61-year-old. Lax enforcement But loudspeakers have continued blasting above the new limits, due to lax enforcement by local authorities. After the rules were issued, an AFP journalist heard loudspeaker towers blaring music at an East Javan event as authorities watched on. The World Health Organisation says sound at 85 decibels and above can cause hearing damage over time, and anything above 120 decibels can cause immediate harm. Some Indonesians posted screenshots online of apps registering loudspeaker sound levels as high as 130 decibels. Operators of loudspeaker towers argue they are responding to demand that generates revenue for local businesses. "I believe most people who dislike sound horeg are not from here," David Stevan Laksamana, a 40-year-old loudspeaker rental owner in Malang, told AFP. "In Malang alone, it employed tens of thousands of people. This business is helping the economy." Others who cannot stand the disruptive street parties fear reporting them, with some loudspeaker tower owners reportedly parking outside complainants' houses to blare music for hours. "I never complain to the village head," said Ahmad. “I just keep quiet. I'm afraid of intimidation if I say anything.”

East Java has restricted Indonesia’s booming “sound horeg” loudspeaker towers after complaints of cracked walls, hearing loss, and even a death. Officials capped noise at 120 decibels, while a local Islamic council declared excessive noise haram.

‘Haram’ noise? Indonesia bans ear-splitting loudspeaker trucks blamed for cracked homes, heart attacks

Strong tremors were felt on Tuesday in the eastern Indonesian region of Papua after an earthquake hit the region at around 5:24 pm (0824 GMT). The United States Geological Survey said the magnitude of the earthquake was nearly 6.3 and the depth was around 10 km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that there was no threat of a tsunami in the region after the earthquake. The epicentre of the earthquake was about 193 kilometres northwest of the town of Abepura in Papua. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.&nbsp;As per reports, Jayapura in Papua, Indonesia; Vanimo and Sandaun in Papua New Guinea; Agats in South Papua, Indonesia; and Nabire in Central Papua, Indonesia, also experienced strong tremors when the quake hit.The USGS official website said that the peak ground velocity during the earthquake was nearly 20 cm per second, which falls under the category of ‘very strong shaking’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.3 - 193 km WNW of Abepura, Indonesia <a href="https://t.co/ogOzfVPhPN">https://t.co/ogOzfVPhPN</a>&mdash; USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/USGS_Quakes/status/1955188775233208362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The archipelago nation experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an arc of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide, and it stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin that makes it vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis every year. A magnitude 6.2 quake that shook Sulawesi in January 2021 killed more than 100 people and left thousands homeless. <h2>Region often shaken by earthquakes</h2> The earthquake struck just about five days after the New Britain region in Papua New Guinea was jolted by a 5.9 magnitude quake, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). It was at a depth of 58 km (36.04 miles), EMSC added.Last month, Papua New Guinea experienced similar tremors, when an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude struck the region. The earthquake was at a depth of 106 kms (66 miles), according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ)Earlier in April 2025, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland province on April 12.

The epicentre of the earthquake was about 193 kilometres northwest of the town of Abepura in Papua. The USGS website said that the peak ground velocity during the earthquake was at nearly 20 cm per second, which falls under the category of ‘very strong shaking’.

Strong tremors were felt on Tuesday in the eastern Indonesian region of Papua after an earthquake hit the region at around 5:24 pm (0824 GMT). The United States Geological Survey said the magnitude of the earthquake was nearly 6.3 and the depth was around 10 km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that there was no threat of a tsunami in the region after the earthquake. The epicentre of the earthquake was about 193 kilometres northwest of the town of Abepura in Papua. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. As per reports, Jayapura in Papua, Indonesia; Vanimo and Sandaun in Papua New Guinea; Agats in South Papua, Indonesia; and Nabire in Central Papua, Indonesia, also experienced strong tremors when the quake hit. The USGS official website said that the peak ground velocity during the earthquake was nearly 20 cm per second, which falls under the category of ‘very strong shaking’.

The epicentre of the earthquake was about 193 kilometres northwest of the town of Abepura in Papua. The USGS website said that the peak ground velocity during the earthquake was at nearly 20 cm per second, which falls under the category of ‘very strong shaking’.

6.3 magnitude quake jolts Papua in Indonesia; ‘very strong shaking’ reported

Indonesia is proposing to increase imports of American goods, including aircraft and wheat, as part of its negotiations with the United States to secure lower tariffs on its own exports, ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccAirlangga Hartarto told Reuters on July 4. Speaking as Indonesia’s lead negotiator in the ongoing talks, Airlangga said state-owned carrier Garuda Indonesia and food giant Indofood are prepared to ramp up purchases of US products, including aircraft from Boeing and American wheat, in an effort to secure more favourable trade terms.Garuda Indonesia is reportedly in discussions to buy up to 75 Boeing aircraft, while Indofood, known for its instant noodles, could boost wheat imports. Both companies declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.<h2>Trade deal aims to narrow deficit, boost investment</h2>The talks are part of a broader $34 billion pact expected to be finalised next week. The agreement is likely to include increased Indonesian purchases of American goods and new investments by Indonesian firms in the US. Airlangga said Indonesia is also offering the US near-zero tariffs on key exports, particularly agricultural products, which currently face duties of between 0 per cent and 5 per cent. However, he emphasised that Indonesia expects reciprocal reductions from Washington, where Indonesian goods still face tariffs as high as 32 per cent.“We want to see the same commitment from the US side,” Airlangga told Reuters. “The final tariff reductions will depend on how much the US is willing to adjust.”In return, Jakarta is seeking lower tariffs for Indonesian exports such as electronics, textiles, and footwear. Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, also told Reuters these sectors are crucial to Indonesia’s export economy and need better access to US markets.<h2>Mineral investment opportunities on the table</h2>Indonesia has also extended an offer to the US to invest in its critical minerals sector, including copper, nickel, and bauxite, key inputs in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. Airlangga confirmed that military cooperation is not part of the negotiations.In 2024, the US goods trade deficit with Indonesia stood at $17.9 billion. Top American exports to Indonesia include soybeans, petroleum gases, and aircraft, according to trade data.

The talks are part of a broader $34 billion Indonesia-US pact expected to be finalised next week. The agreement is likely to include increased Indonesian purchases of American goods and new investments by Indonesian firms in the US.

Indonesia is proposing to increase imports of American goods, including aircraft and wheat, as part of its negotiations with the United States to secure lower tariffs on its own exports, ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccAirlangga Hartarto told Reuters on July 4. Speaking as Indonesia’s lead negotiator in the ongoing talks, Airlangga said state-owned carrier Garuda Indonesia and food giant Indofood are prepared to ramp up purchases of US products, including aircraft from Boeing and American wheat, in an effort to secure more favourable trade terms. Garuda Indonesia is reportedly in discussions to buy up to 75 Boeing aircraft, while Indofood, known for its instant noodles, could boost wheat imports. Both companies declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations. Trade deal aims to narrow deficit, boost investment The talks are part of a broader $34 billion pact expected to be finalised next week. The agreement is likely to include increased Indonesian purchases of American goods and new investments by Indonesian firms in the US. Airlangga said Indonesia is also offering the US near-zero tariffs on key exports, particularly agricultural products, which currently face duties of between 0 per cent and 5 per cent. However, he emphasised that Indonesia expects reciprocal reductions from Washington, where Indonesian goods still face tariffs as high as 32 per cent. “We want to see the same commitment from the US side,” Airlangga told Reuters. “The final tariff reductions will depend on how much the US is willing to adjust.” In return, Jakarta is seeking lower tariffs for Indonesian exports such as electronics, textiles, and footwear. Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, also told Reuters these sectors are crucial to Indonesia’s export economy and need better access to US markets. Mineral investment opportunities on the table Indonesia has also extended an offer to the US to invest in its critical minerals sector, including copper, nickel, and bauxite, key inputs in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. Airlangga confirmed that military cooperation is not part of the negotiations. In 2024, the US goods trade deficit with Indonesia stood at $17.9 billion. Top American exports to Indonesia include soybeans, petroleum gases, and aircraft, according to trade data.

The talks are part of a broader $34 billion Indonesia-US pact expected to be finalised next week. The agreement is likely to include increased Indonesian purchases of American goods and new investments by Indonesian firms in the US.

Indonesia offers boost in US purchases in exchange for lower tariffs

Five people are reported dead and many still missing after a ferry capsized overnight in rough seas off Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. Thirty-five of the 65 passengers on the boat were rescued, while the remaining 25 are missing. Many of them were found unconscious after drifting in choppy waters for hours, said the local police chief. The ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, when it capsized shortly before midnight on Wednesday. The National Search and Rescue Agency said that the ferry was going from Banyuwangi on Java’s east coast to Bali. “The ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank about 25 minutes after weighing anchor,” the agency said. The cause of the capsize is not yet known.&nbsp;“The ship is fully submerged, so there is a possibility that there are people inside. But right now we are focusing on the surface of the water first,” said Nanang Sigit, head of Surabaya search and rescue.&nbsp;“For today’s search we are focusing on searching on the water, as the initial victims were found in the water between the location of the accident toward Gilimanuk port,” Sigit said in a statement Thursday morning.Relatives of the passengers arrived at the departure port after getting news of the disaster. Many cried for their loved ones as they sought help from local authorities.&nbsp;<h2>Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto orders immediate emergency response</h2>&nbsp;Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was in Saudi Arabia, ordered an immediate emergency response, cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said.The cabinet secretary said the boat likely capsized due to “bad weather”. However, a ferry operator said the vessel had reported issues with the engine shortly before it sank, local media reported.The transport ministry has said that all passengers were Indonesian and no foreigner was involved in the accident.&nbsp;Strong waves as high as 2 metres and darkness hampered the search and rescue operation overnight, but improved sea and weather conditions in the morning made it easier to find more missing people.“The ferry could not be contacted via radio from the beginning. Then it could be contacted by other ships from the same company,” Sigit said.&nbsp;Four survivors saved themselves by using the ferry’s lifeboat and were found in the water early on Thursday, the search agency said.&nbsp;Ferry tragedies are common in Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands where ferries are often used as transport and safety regulations are lax. The ferry from Java to Bali takes about an hour.&nbsp;In 2018, more than 150 people were killed after a ferry sank in one of the world’s deepest lakes on the island of Sumatra.

The ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, when it capsized shortly before midnight on Wednesday. The National Search and Rescue Agency said that the ferry was going from Banyuwangi on Java’s east coast to Bali.

Five people are reported dead and many still missing after a ferry capsized overnight in rough seas off Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. Thirty-five of the 65 passengers on the boat were rescued, while the remaining 25 are missing. Many of them were found unconscious after drifting in choppy waters for hours, said the local police chief. The ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, when it capsized shortly before midnight on Wednesday. The National Search and Rescue Agency said that the ferry was going from Banyuwangi on Java’s east coast to Bali. “The ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank about 25 minutes after weighing anchor,” the agency said. The cause of the capsize is not yet known. “The ship is fully submerged, so there is a possibility that there are people inside. But right now we are focusing on the surface of the water first,” said Nanang Sigit, head of Surabaya search and rescue. “For today’s search we are focusing on searching on the water, as the initial victims were found in the water between the location of the accident toward Gilimanuk port,” Sigit said in a statement Thursday morning. Relatives of the passengers arrived at the departure port after getting news of the disaster. Many cried for their loved ones as they sought help from local authorities. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto orders immediate emergency response Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was in Saudi Arabia, ordered an immediate emergency response, cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said. The cabinet secretary said the boat likely capsized due to “bad weather”. However, a ferry operator said the vessel had reported issues with the engine shortly before it sank, local media reported. The transport ministry has said that all passengers were Indonesian and no foreigner was involved in the accident. Strong waves as high as 2 metres and darkness hampered the search and rescue operation overnight, but improved sea and weather conditions in the morning made it easier to find more missing people. “The ferry could not be contacted via radio from the beginning. Then it could be contacted by other ships from the same company,” Sigit said. Four survivors saved themselves by using the ferry’s lifeboat and were found in the water early on Thursday, the search agency said. Ferry tragedies are common in Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands where ferries are often used as transport and safety regulations are lax. The ferry from Java to Bali takes about an hour. In 2018, more than 150 people were killed after a ferry sank in one of the world’s deepest lakes on the island of Sumatra.

The ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, when it capsized shortly before midnight on Wednesday. The National Search and Rescue Agency said that the ferry was going from Banyuwangi on Java’s east coast to Bali.

At least 5 dead, many missing after ferry capsizes off Bali coast, rescue ops on

A Brazilian tourist who fell into an active volcano during a hike in Indonesia was found dead by rescue workers. Juliana, a 26-year-old pole dancer, was on a trip to Southeast Asia and had already traversed through Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. In Indonesia, she joined a hiking group and went up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-largest volcano. Here she got separated from the group and plunged hundreds of feet into the abyss. Videos showing Juliana alive and moving were released, giving hope to her family members. However, it took the rescue teams almost four days to reach her, and by that time, it was too late. Her parents are accusing the authorities in Brazil and Indonesia of not doing enough on time. Juliana's family was reportedly shown videos of rescue teams taking food, water and warm clothing to her, which were fake and AI-generated."After four days of work, hindered by adverse weather, terrain and visibility conditions in the region, teams from Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency found the body of the Brazilian tourist," a statement from the Brazilian government read.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-and-their-jaws-drop-first-neuralink-patient-shares-how-he-draws-using-just-his-mind-1750767712176">'And their jaws drop...': First Neuralink patient shares how he draws using just his mind</a>&nbsp;The family says they urged rescue officials to work faster to save Juliana. Her sister said officials misled them with fake videos of rescue teams reaching Juliana. "All the videos that were made are lies, including the one of the rescue arriving at her. The video was forged to look like that, along with this message associated with it. We even celebrated. It was a shock to find out that it was a lie," Mariana said.Her father, Manoel Marins, told Brazil's TV Globo before leaving for Indonesia that there has been a lack of communication between Indonesian and Brazilian authorities. He alleged at the time that officials don't know where she is and they haven't reached her. "She hasn't received water, she hasn't received food. She's been alone for more than 36 hours, and it seems like they don't even know where she is now," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Juliana got separated from a group of hikers</h2>&nbsp;Juliana had paid $150 to join six tourists and a tour guide on the active volcano located on Lombok Island. She faced problems on the hike and was left behind by the tour guide, her sister Mariana told Brazilian news magazine Fantastico. Mariana said the park told them about what had happened. "We found out about this after contacting people who work at the park. Juliana was in this group, but she got very tired and asked to stop for a while. They kept going, and the guide didn't stay with her," she said.Her sister further said that she was lost and didn't know where to go, what to do. The guide returned when he saw Juliana had still not joined them back, and found that she had fallen into the abyss. However, the guide, identified as Ali Musthofa, told Brazilian outlet O Globo that he never left Juliana, but waited for her."I looked for her at the last resting place, but I couldn't find her. I told her I would wait for her ahead. I told her to rest," he said. He then saw the light of a flashlight in a ravine about 150 meters deep and heard Juliana's voice calling for help. Musthofa told Juliana to wait for help.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Julianas family was reportedly shown videos of rescue teams taking food, water and warm clothing to her, which were fake and AI-generated. Why did the officials trick them into believing she had been saved

A Brazilian tourist who fell into an active volcano during a hike in Indonesia was found dead by rescue workers. Juliana, a 26-year-old pole dancer, was on a trip to Southeast Asia and had already traversed through Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. In Indonesia, she joined a hiking group and went up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-largest volcano. Here she got separated from the group and plunged hundreds of feet into the abyss. Videos showing Juliana alive and moving were released, giving hope to her family members. However, it took the rescue teams almost four days to reach her, and by that time, it was too late. Her parents are accusing the authorities in Brazil and Indonesia of not doing enough on time. Juliana's family was reportedly shown videos of rescue teams taking food, water and warm clothing to her, which were fake and AI-generated. "After four days of work, hindered by adverse weather, terrain and visibility conditions in the region, teams from Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency found the body of the Brazilian tourist," a statement from the Brazilian government read. Also Read: 'And their jaws drop...': First Neuralink patient shares how he draws using just his mind The family says they urged rescue officials to work faster to save Juliana. Her sister said officials misled them with fake videos of rescue teams reaching Juliana. "All the videos that were made are lies, including the one of the rescue arriving at her. The video was forged to look like that, along with this message associated with it. We even celebrated. It was a shock to find out that it was a lie," Mariana said. Her father, Manoel Marins, told Brazil's TV Globo before leaving for Indonesia that there has been a lack of communication between Indonesian and Brazilian authorities. He alleged at the time that officials don't know where she is and they haven't reached her. "She hasn't received water, she hasn't received food. She's been alone for more than 36 hours, and it seems like they don't even know where she is now," he said. Juliana got separated from a group of hikers Juliana had paid $150 to join six tourists and a tour guide on the active volcano located on Lombok Island. She faced problems on the hike and was left behind by the tour guide, her sister Mariana told Brazilian news magazine Fantastico. Mariana said the park told them about what had happened. "We found out about this after contacting people who work at the park. Juliana was in this group, but she got very tired and asked to stop for a while. They kept going, and the guide didn't stay with her," she said. Her sister further said that she was lost and didn't know where to go, what to do. The guide returned when he saw Juliana had still not joined them back, and found that she had fallen into the abyss. However, the guide, identified as Ali Musthofa, told Brazilian outlet O Globo that he never left Juliana, but waited for her. "I looked for her at the last resting place, but I couldn't find her. I told her I would wait for her ahead. I told her to rest," he said. He then saw the light of a flashlight in a ravine about 150 meters deep and heard Juliana's voice calling for help. Musthofa told Juliana to wait for help.

Juliana's family was reportedly shown videos of rescue teams taking food, water and warm clothing to her, which were fake and AI-generated. Why did the officials trick them into believing she had been saved?&nbsp;

'All videos were lie': Family of Brazilian woman who died inside active volcano says they were tricked with AI videos

A volcano erupted in eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, spewing hot ash to huge heights into the sky. The local authorities raised the alert level to the most dangerous.&nbsp;Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted at 5.35pm local time (10.35pm GMT), and unleashed a 10,000 metre-high thick mushroom cloud.“The height of the eruption column was observed at approximately 10,000 metres above the summit. The ash column was observed to be grey with thick intensity,” said Indonesia’s Geology Agency. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.&nbsp;The eruption of the 1,584-metre-high volcano could be seen from cities up to 90 miles away.&nbsp;A user on X posted a video of the huge column of hot ash being spewed from the volcano. His post on X read, “There was an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 17:35 WITA with an observed ash column height of ± 10,000 m above the peak (± 11,584 m above sea level),” said the Volcano Observation Post Officer, Yohanes Kolli Sorywutun, in his statement.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨BREAKING: A volcano in Indonesia has erupted! 🌋<a href="https://t.co/XH7U01d2fx">pic.twitter.com/XH7U01d2fx</a>&mdash; DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) <a href="https://twitter.com/DramaAlert/status/1934941160205672589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Muhammad Wafid, the head of Indonesia’s geology agency, said residents and tourists should avoid travelling within four miles of the volcano’s crater.He also warned of the possibility of hazardous lahar floods–a type of mud or debris flow of volcanic materials–if heavy rain occurred, which could hit villages close to the mountain.&nbsp;He also urged residents to wear face masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> – Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia has erupted 🌋 &quot;There was an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 17:35 WITA with an observed ash column height of ± 10,000 m above the peak (± 11,584 m above sea level),&quot; said the Volcano… <a href="https://t.co/BSn2RC4DnM">pic.twitter.com/BSn2RC4DnM</a>&mdash; ARIKA🇮🇳🚩 (@nidhisj2001) <a href="https://twitter.com/nidhisj2001/status/1934945716893528442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In November, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted multiple times, killing nine people and forcing thousands to evacuate as molten lava flowed through villages.It also led to the cancellation of dozens of international flights to Bali.&nbsp;It is not yet clear whether Tuesday’s eruption will affect flights.&nbsp;Laki-Laki, which means “man” in Indonesian, is twinned with the calmer but taller 1,703-metre volcano Perempuan, named after the Indonesian word for woman.Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes, and experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity because of its position along the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines that encircles most of the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;An eruption in March caused flight disruptions and cancellations of flights to Bali.&nbsp;

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted at 5.35pm local time (10.35pm GMT), and unleashed a 10,000 metre-high thick mushroom cloud. The eruption of the 1,584-metre-high volcano could be seen from cities up to 90 miles away.

A volcano erupted in eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, spewing hot ash to huge heights into the sky. The local authorities raised the alert level to the most dangerous. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted at 5.35pm local time (10.35pm GMT), and unleashed a 10,000 metre-high thick mushroom cloud. “The height of the eruption column was observed at approximately 10,000 metres above the summit. The ash column was observed to be grey with thick intensity,” said Indonesia’s Geology Agency. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The eruption of the 1,584-metre-high volcano could be seen from cities up to 90 miles away. A user on X posted a video of the huge column of hot ash being spewed from the volcano. His post on X read, “There was an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 17:35 WITA with an observed ash column height of ± 10,000 m above the peak (± 11,584 m above sea level),” said the Volcano Observation Post Officer, Yohanes Kolli Sorywutun, in his statement.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted at 5.35pm local time (10.35pm GMT), and unleashed a 10,000 metre-high thick mushroom cloud. The eruption of the 1,584-metre-high volcano could be seen from cities up to 90 miles away.

Volcano erupts in Indonesia, spews hot ash 10,000m into sky | Watch

Indonesia is grappling with an accelerating brain drain, as a growing number of young, educated citizens migrate abroad in search of better job opportunities and quality of life. Amid a sluggish domestic labour market and rising pessimism among the youth, this trend is raising concerns among economists and policymakers about its long-term implications for the country’s development.The Jakarta Post explained this with the example of 25-year-old Fikri Haikal, a political science graduate who left Indonesia on a working holiday visa (WHV) to Australia. Despite aspirations to pursue higher education overseas, Fikri settled for a job at a poultry factory after failing to secure a scholarship.“I never thought I would be a factory worker,” he said, adding that job prospects in Indonesia were dismal. “In Australia, securing a job is easy because there is a shortage of labour in sectors like manufacturing,” he told&nbsp;The Jakarta Post on May 23.The WHV programme is increasingly popular among Indonesians, with visa approvals rising sharply from 2,984 in 2022–2023 to 4,285 in 2023–2024, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.On social media, hashtags like #KaburAjaDulu (Just get out first) have gained traction in 2025, as more graduates share stories of better pay and working conditions abroad, though some caution that life overseas comes with its own set of challenges.<h2>Youth unemployment and policy gaps</h2>Indonesia’s inability to absorb its growing skilled labour force is seen as a key driver of the brain drain. A report by the Centre of Reform on Economics (Core) Indonesia reveals that formal employment opportunities are shrinking, even as the country struggles with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Southeast Asia.In 2024, youth unemployment stood at 13.1 per cent, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). More alarmingly, a June 2025 survey by Statistics Indonesia showed an even higher youth jobless rate of 16.16 per cent, more than triple the national average of 4.76%.“The country’s demographic dividend is at risk of becoming a demographic paradox — getting old before getting rich,” Core executive director Mohammad Faisal told&nbsp;The Jakarta Post. “If our best talent continues to leave, we will miss out on innovation, technology development, and investment opportunities.”Labour expert Dr Tadjuddin Noer Effendi from Gadjah Mada University echoed the warning, expressing doubt about Indonesia’s 2045 “Golden Indonesia” vision of becoming one of the world’s top economies.According to the report by&nbsp;The Jakarta Post, he attributed the brain drain to a lack of job security, widespread layoffs in 2025, corruption, and extortion that undermine the investment climate.“There is a real risk of brain drain causing shortages in crucial sectors like health, education, and technology,” he said. “As more young professionals leave, we are left with an ageing workforce.”<h2>From brain drain to brain gain?</h2>Not all consequences of this talent exodus are negative. Experts point out that Indonesian workers abroad significantly boost the nation’s foreign exchange earnings through remittances.In 2024, remittance inflows rose 13 per cent to 253 trillion rupiah ($20 billion), according to the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency.“Migrants are often heroes of foreign exchange,” said Dr Tadjuddin. “But remittances can’t compensate for the long-term developmental losses if we continue to lose skilled workers.”Singapore has also emerged as a top destination, with 3,912 Indonesians switching to Singaporean citizenship from 2019 to 2022, most aged between 25 and 35. “This shows that Singapore is perceived as a more attractive place to build a career and access quality education,” Dr Hempri Suyatna, a social welfare expert at Universitas Gadjah Mada, said in a report by Universitas Gadjah Mada.He stressed the importance of strengthening programmes like Kampus Merdeka, launched under former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, which aim to equip students with real-world skills through internships and entrepreneurial training.However, he noted that implementation gaps remain, particularly in post-program mentoring. He also emphasised the urgent need for a national blueprint aligning education with labour market demands. “A grand design for population and job market development is crucial,” he said. “But even with such a design, the system won’t work if recruitment still favours personal connections over merit.”As Indonesia stands at a crossroads, the decision to address its brain drain crisis now will determine whether it can harness its youth as an asset or watch them thrive elsewhere.

Experts warn of long-term economic risks as thousands of skilled workers leave Indonesia.

Indonesia is grappling with an accelerating brain drain, as a growing number of young, educated citizens migrate abroad in search of better job opportunities and quality of life. Amid a sluggish domestic labour market and rising pessimism among the youth, this trend is raising concerns among economists and policymakers about its long-term implications for the country’s development. The Jakarta Post explained this with the example of 25-year-old Fikri Haikal, a political science graduate who left Indonesia on a working holiday visa (WHV) to Australia. Despite aspirations to pursue higher education overseas, Fikri settled for a job at a poultry factory after failing to secure a scholarship. “I never thought I would be a factory worker,” he said, adding that job prospects in Indonesia were dismal. “In Australia, securing a job is easy because there is a shortage of labour in sectors like manufacturing,” he told The Jakarta Post on May 23. The WHV programme is increasingly popular among Indonesians, with visa approvals rising sharply from 2,984 in 2022–2023 to 4,285 in 2023–2024, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. On social media, hashtags like #KaburAjaDulu (Just get out first) have gained traction in 2025, as more graduates share stories of better pay and working conditions abroad, though some caution that life overseas comes with its own set of challenges. Youth unemployment and policy gaps Indonesia’s inability to absorb its growing skilled labour force is seen as a key driver of the brain drain. A report by the Centre of Reform on Economics (Core) Indonesia reveals that formal employment opportunities are shrinking, even as the country struggles with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Southeast Asia. In 2024, youth unemployment stood at 13.1 per cent, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). More alarmingly, a June 2025 survey by Statistics Indonesia showed an even higher youth jobless rate of 16.16 per cent, more than triple the national average of 4.76%. “The country’s demographic dividend is at risk of becoming a demographic paradox — getting old before getting rich,” Core executive director Mohammad Faisal told The Jakarta Post. “If our best talent continues to leave, we will miss out on innovation, technology development, and investment opportunities.” Labour expert Dr Tadjuddin Noer Effendi from Gadjah Mada University echoed the warning, expressing doubt about Indonesia’s 2045 “Golden Indonesia” vision of becoming one of the world’s top economies. According to the report by The Jakarta Post, he attributed the brain drain to a lack of job security, widespread layoffs in 2025, corruption, and extortion that undermine the investment climate. “There is a real risk of brain drain causing shortages in crucial sectors like health, education, and technology,” he said. “As more young professionals leave, we are left with an ageing workforce.” From brain drain to brain gain? Not all consequences of this talent exodus are negative. Experts point out that Indonesian workers abroad significantly boost the nation’s foreign exchange earnings through remittances. In 2024, remittance inflows rose 13 per cent to 253 trillion rupiah ($20 billion), according to the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency. “Migrants are often heroes of foreign exchange,” said Dr Tadjuddin. “But remittances can’t compensate for the long-term developmental losses if we continue to lose skilled workers.” Singapore has also emerged as a top destination, with 3,912 Indonesians switching to Singaporean citizenship from 2019 to 2022, most aged between 25 and 35. “This shows that Singapore is perceived as a more attractive place to build a career and access quality education,” Dr Hempri Suyatna, a social welfare expert at Universitas Gadjah Mada, said in a report by Universitas Gadjah Mada. He stressed the importance of strengthening programmes like Kampus Merdeka, launched under former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, which aim to equip students with real-world skills through internships and entrepreneurial training. However, he noted that implementation gaps remain, particularly in post-program mentoring. He also emphasised the urgent need for a national blueprint aligning education with labour market demands. “A grand design for population and job market development is crucial,” he said. “But even with such a design, the system won’t work if recruitment still favours personal connections over merit.” As Indonesia stands at a crossroads, the decision to address its brain drain crisis now will determine whether it can harness its youth as an asset or watch them thrive elsewhere.

Experts warn of long-term economic risks as thousands of skilled workers leave Indonesia.

Indonesia’s brain drain worsens as young talent seeks better futures abroad

Farmers in the world's largest nickel producing country Indonesia are struggling due to exploitation by domestic and foreign Enterprises to mines. The critical component used in electric vehicle batteries. China among others is hungry for the natural resource fueling demand but farmers and locals in southeast so louisi say the nickel boom is threatening their land and harming the environment.

Indonesia: Farmers fights for land rights

The Indonesian government on Friday (December 30) issued an emergency regulation to replace the controversial Jobs Creation Law that was passed two years back. The regulation has been criticised by some legal experts who said it is an attempt by the government to bypass proper debate in Parliament.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference on Friday, President Joko Widodo said, "We know it looks like we're normal now, but global uncertainty, risk is haunting us ... Actually the world is not doing fine."

Widodo argued that Indonesia's economy would rely on investments and exports next year and that legal certainty about the law was crucial to maintain good investor perception,&nbsp; reports news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Indonesia's chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto, meanwhile, said the main consideration to issue the emergency regulation was a global recession risk next year, the war in Ukraine, climate change and the potential for a worldwide food, energy and monetary crisis.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-removes-all-remaining-measures-to-control-covid-19-pandemic-548004">Indonesia removes all remaining measures to control Covid-19 pandemic</a>

The Jobs Creation Law had revised over 70 other laws and was praised by foreign investors for streamlining rules in Indonesia. However, the legislation also lead to nationwide protests from workers, students and green groups who said it eroded labour and environmental protections, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

In 2021, the constitutional court ruled that the passage of the Jobs Creation Law was flawed because of inadequate public consultation. The court ordered lawmakers to restart the process within two years. The law would otherwise be deemed unconstitutional.

One of the biggest controversies in the law included relaxed rules on severance pay, contract labour and outsourcing, and changes to the minimum wage formula.&nbsp;

Bivitri Susanti, a constitutional law expert from the Indonesia Jentera School of Law, said the emergency regulation is a "fait accompli'' from President Widodo.&nbsp;

"Everyone can see there is no emergency. It's holiday time," Susanti said and pointed out the move is "ridiculous" and ''inappropriate'' as it would reduce debate time in Parliament.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indonesian government on Friday (December 30) issued an emergency regulation to replace the controversial Jobs Creation Law that was passed two years back. The regulation has been criticised by some legal experts who said it is an attempt by the government to bypass proper debate in Parliament.

The Indonesian government on Friday (December 30) issued an emergency regulation to replace the controversial Jobs Creation Law that was passed two years back. The regulation has been criticised by some legal experts who said it is an attempt by the government to bypass proper debate in Parliament. Addressing a press conference on Friday, President Joko Widodo said, "We know it looks like we're normal now, but global uncertainty, risk is haunting us ... Actually the world is not doing fine." Widodo argued that Indonesia's economy would rely on investments and exports next year and that legal certainty about the law was crucial to maintain good investor perception, reports news agency Reuters. Indonesia's chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto, meanwhile, said the main consideration to issue the emergency regulation was a global recession risk next year, the war in Ukraine, climate change and the potential for a worldwide food, energy and monetary crisis. ALSO READ | Indonesia removes all remaining measures to control Covid-19 pandemic The Jobs Creation Law had revised over 70 other laws and was praised by foreign investors for streamlining rules in Indonesia. However, the legislation also lead to nationwide protests from workers, students and green groups who said it eroded labour and environmental protections, Reuters reported. In 2021, the constitutional court ruled that the passage of the Jobs Creation Law was flawed because of inadequate public consultation. The court ordered lawmakers to restart the process within two years. The law would otherwise be deemed unconstitutional. One of the biggest controversies in the law included relaxed rules on severance pay, contract labour and outsourcing, and changes to the minimum wage formula. Bivitri Susanti, a constitutional law expert from the Indonesia Jentera School of Law, said the emergency regulation is a "fait accompli'' from President Widodo. "Everyone can see there is no emergency. It's holiday time," Susanti said and pointed out the move is "ridiculous" and ''inappropriate'' as it would reduce debate time in Parliament. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indonesia issues emergency regulation to replace controversial job law; legal experts criticise move

Indonesia's parliament on Tuesday approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment.

Indonesia passes new criminal code, bans sex outside marriage

Another volcanic eruption around the Pacific is making headlines, triggering concerns all across Indonesia. Mount Semeru erupted on its most densely populated island, Java, spewing a column of ash 1.5 kms into the air and prompting the authorities to raise the volcano alert status to the highest level.

Indonesia: Mount Semeru volcano erupts; hundreds evacuated

Indonesia could phase out coal-fired power plants by 2040 if it gets sufficient financial help from the international community, the finance minister told Reuters.

Indonesia plans to retire coal with the help of international funds

Indonesia's president ordered an all-out effort to find a missing submarine in a race against time to save the 53 crew, whose oxygen supply defence chiefs said would last only until Saturday.

The&nbsp;crew on the KRI Nanggala 402 could have enough oxygen until early Saturday, but time was quickly running out as rescuers scoured the coast off holiday island Bali where it disappeared.

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"There's time until Saturday around 3:00 am. Let's hope we can find them before then," Navy Chief of Staff Yudo Margono told reporters.

However, defence analysts have warned that the vessel could have already broken into pieces if it has sunk to depths believed to be as much as 700 metres (2,300 feet) -- well below what it was built to withstand.

Indonesia sent a helicopter and five ships to search waters&nbsp;north&nbsp;of the holiday island of Bali but found no signs of the KRI Nanggala-402, which went missing early on Wednesday during a torpedo drill.

"I have ordered the military chief, navy chief of staff, the search and rescue agency and other instances to deploy all the forces and the most optimal efforts to find and rescue the submarine crew," President Joko Widodo said on Thursday.

"The main priority is the safety of the 53 crew members."

Yudo Margono, the navy chief of staff, said the search was being aided by calm conditions but the crew's air supply would last only until Saturday..

"Hopefully before they can be found, the oxygen will be enough," he told a news conference in Bali.

The vessel had been cleared for use and was in good condition, he added.

The 1,395-tonne vessel was built in Germany in 1977, according to the defence ministry, and joined the Indonesian fleet in 1981. It underwent a two-year refit in South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;that was completed in 2012.

Indonesia said several countries had responded to requests for assistance, with Malaysia and Singapore sending ships and Australia offering "help in any way we can".

The US&nbsp;Defence Department is sending "airborne assets" to assist in the submarine search, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Twitter.

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We are deeply saddened by the news of Indonesia’s lost submarine, and our thoughts are with the Indonesian sailors and their families. At the invitation of the Indonesian government, we are sending airborne assets to assist in the search for the missing submarine.
— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentagonPresSec/status/1385360888815890437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to speak with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto on Friday "to convey our sorrow and to discuss how else the United States can be of assistance," Kirby said.

An aerial search found an oil spill near the submarine's dive location, and two navy vessels with sonar capability had been deployed to assist in the search, officials said.

The oil slick could indicate damage to the vessel or could be a signal from the crew, the navy said.

Chief of staff Yudo said authorities had found an item with "high magnetic force" floating at a depth of 50 to 100 metres.

Modernisation&nbsp;'imperative'

Indonesia has been seeking to modernise its defence capabilities but some of its equipment is old and there have been fatal accidents in recent years.

Subianto said it was "imperative" that Indonesia modernises its defence equipment faster, but did not suggest there had been problems with the missing vessel.

Navy spokesman Julius Widjojono told KompasTV that the diesel-powered submarine that runs on electric batteries while submerged could sustain a depth of 250-500 metres (820-1,640 ft).

"Anything more than that can be pretty fatal, dangerous," the spokesman told KompasTV.

The waters in the area are shallower than in other parts of the archipelago but can still reach depths of more than 1,500 metres.

The navy on Wednesday said a blackout may have occurred during static diving, causing a loss of control and preventing emergency procedures from being carried out if the vessel falls to a depth of 600-700 metres.

Military chief Hadi Tjahjanto on Wednesday told Reuters contact with the submarine was lost at 4:30 a.m. and a search was under way 60 miles (96 km) off Bali.

Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines bought from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of the sprawling archipelago.

It now operates five,&nbsp;the two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South&nbsp;Korean vessels.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia's president ordered an all-out effort to find a missing submarine in a race against time to save the 53 crew, whose oxygen supply defence chiefs said would last only until Saturday.

Indonesia's president ordered an all-out effort to find a missing submarine in a race against time to save the 53 crew, whose oxygen supply defence chiefs said would last only until Saturday. The crew on the KRI Nanggala 402 could have enough oxygen until early Saturday, but time was quickly running out as rescuers scoured the coast off holiday island Bali where it disappeared. "There's time until Saturday around 3:00 am. Let's hope we can find them before then," Navy Chief of Staff Yudo Margono told reporters. However, defence analysts have warned that the vessel could have already broken into pieces if it has sunk to depths believed to be as much as 700 metres (2,300 feet) -- well below what it was built to withstand. Indonesia sent a helicopter and five ships to search waters north of the holiday island of Bali but found no signs of the KRI Nanggala-402, which went missing early on Wednesday during a torpedo drill. "I have ordered the military chief, navy chief of staff, the search and rescue agency and other instances to deploy all the forces and the most optimal efforts to find and rescue the submarine crew," President Joko Widodo said on Thursday. "The main priority is the safety of the 53 crew members." Yudo Margono, the navy chief of staff, said the search was being aided by calm conditions but the crew's air supply would last only until Saturday.. "Hopefully before they can be found, the oxygen will be enough," he told a news conference in Bali. The vessel had been cleared for use and was in good condition, he added. The 1,395-tonne vessel was built in Germany in 1977, according to the defence ministry, and joined the Indonesian fleet in 1981. It underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012. Indonesia said several countries had responded to requests for assistance, with Malaysia and Singapore sending ships and Australia offering "help in any way we can". The US Defence Department is sending "airborne assets" to assist in the submarine search, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Twitter. We are deeply saddened by the news of Indonesia’s lost submarine, and our thoughts are with the Indonesian sailors and their families. At the invitation of the Indonesian government, we are sending airborne assets to assist in the search for the missing submarine. — John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) April 22, 2021 × US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to speak with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto on Friday "to convey our sorrow and to discuss how else the United States can be of assistance," Kirby said. An aerial search found an oil spill near the submarine's dive location, and two navy vessels with sonar capability had been deployed to assist in the search, officials said. The oil slick could indicate damage to the vessel or could be a signal from the crew, the navy said. Chief of staff Yudo said authorities had found an item with "high magnetic force" floating at a depth of 50 to 100 metres. Modernisation 'imperative' Indonesia has been seeking to modernise its defence capabilities but some of its equipment is old and there have been fatal accidents in recent years. Subianto said it was "imperative" that Indonesia modernises its defence equipment faster, but did not suggest there had been problems with the missing vessel. Navy spokesman Julius Widjojono told KompasTV that the diesel-powered submarine that runs on electric batteries while submerged could sustain a depth of 250-500 metres (820-1,640 ft). "Anything more than that can be pretty fatal, dangerous," the spokesman told KompasTV. The waters in the area are shallower than in other parts of the archipelago but can still reach depths of more than 1,500 metres. The navy on Wednesday said a blackout may have occurred during static diving, causing a loss of control and preventing emergency procedures from being carried out if the vessel falls to a depth of 600-700 metres. Military chief Hadi Tjahjanto on Wednesday told Reuters contact with the submarine was lost at 4:30 a.m. and a search was under way 60 miles (96 km) off Bali. Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines bought from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of the sprawling archipelago. It now operates five, the two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian president orders all-out effort to find submarine as oxygen runs low

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to boost efforts by the world’s largest Muslim movement to recontextualize Islam during a forthcoming visit to Indonesia as part of a three-nation Asian tour. The tour is likely to be the secretary’s last official trip prior to next month’s US presidential election.

Mr. Pompeo’s engagement with Nahdlatul Ulama, a powerful Islamic grouping in Indonesia, with an estimated following of 50 million people, takes on added significance against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s push for a definition of human rights that redefines notions of freedom of religion at the expense of other basic rights in advance of a hard fought election that Donald J. Trump could lose.

It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron kicked into high gear his self-declared mission of reforming what he has termed an Islam that “is a religion that is in crisis all over the world” in the wake of the gruesome murder of Samuel Paty, a 47-year old teacher.

Mr. Paty was killed by an 18-year old youth of Chechen descent after he used cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed in a class about freedom of expression.

The Indonesia-leg at the end of Mr. Pompeo’s tour, which is first taking him to India and Sri Lanka, similarly comes as Nahdlatul Ulama, an independent civil society movement, competes globally with Saudi, United Arab Emirates, and Turkish state-backed efforts to garner religious soft power and shape the definition of what constitutes moderate Islam.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-seeking-second-term-to-help-himself-and-his-wealthy-friends-says-ex-us-president-barack-obama-337789">Trump is seeking second term to help himself and his wealthy friends, says Ex-US President Barack Obama</a>

Nahdlatul Ulama was founded almost a century ago in opposition to Wahhabism, the austere interpretation of Islam, that has largely guided Saudi Arabia since its founding in 1932.

Mr. Pompeo and his top aides are scheduled to participate in two days of events in the Indonesian capital organized by Nahdlatul Ulama to nurture “the shared civilizational aspirations” of Indonesia, the United States and Islam, defined by the group with the Qur’anic phrase that the faith is “a source of universal love and compassion.”

By giving Nahdlatul Ulama the State Department’s seal of approval, Mr. Pompeo is implicitly acknowledging the fact that the group unlike its rivals in the quest for religious soft power has started to put its money where its mouth is.

Unlike its soft power rivals, Nahdlatul Ulama has spelt out its definition of moderate Islam with its adoption in 2015 of the concept of Nusantara (Archipelago) or humanitarian Islam that calls for a full embrace of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UNHDR).

Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE project themselves as models of undefined forms of moderate Islam manifested by engagement in inter-faith dialogue and varying degrees of religious tolerance.

They have, however, stopped short of addressing theologically problematic concepts like that of kafirs or infidels, the Muslim reference to non-Muslims, slavery, dhimmis, people of the book that Islam recognizes but accords a lesser status than Muslims, apostasy, and blasphemy.

They have also manoeuvred in inter-faith gatherings to evade unrestricted support of the UN human rights declaration.

By contrast, Nahdlatul Ulama has taken initial steps in that direction even if it still has a ways to go. Thousands of the group’s religious scholars issued a fatwa or religious opinion that eliminated the notion of infidels, effectively removing one pillar of Muslim perceptions of religious supremacy.

Based on statements by Nahdlatul Ulama leaders, the group’s scholars are likely to next do away with the legal concept of slavery.

The group’s litmus test will be if and when it takes on apostasy and blasphemy, concepts that are certain to be far more emotive and controversial. Nahdlatul Ulama officials say the group has long accepted in practice conversion away from Islam.

Mr. Pompeo’s acknowledgement of Nahdlatul Ulama further suggests that the State Department recognizes that religious reform is more likely to successfully be enacted by independent civil society actors with proper religious credentials and a significant following rather than states.

It is a recognition that by implication highlights the limitations of efforts by states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey, to define the essence of Islam as well as Mr. Macron’s ambition to solve the faith’s problems for it.

Mr. Pompeo lands in Jakarta shortly after signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration alongside a host of countries that propagate conservative values and rank low on Georgetown University’s Women, Peace and Security Index.

The declaration seeks to promote women’s rights and health and strengthen the family but emphasizes that “in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning.”

It stipulates that there is “no international right to abortion, nor any international obligation on the part of States to finance or facilitate abortion.”

The declaration’s signatories include Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Iraq, Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Egypt, Belarus, Hungary, and Indonesia.

Many of the signatories are members of the Group of Friends, a block of 25 nations in the United Nations that seeks to pre-empt any expansion of rights for girls, women, and LGBT people and weaken international support for the Beijing Declaration, a landmark 1995 agreement that stands as an internationally recognized progressive blueprint for women’s rights.

Much of the group’s positions are coordinated by the Center for Family and Human Rights, or C-Fam, a small but influential far-right group that focuses on abortion, sexual orientation and gender identity. C-Fam has worked closely with the State Department dating back to the administration of US President George W. Bush.

Accompanied by among others Mary Ann Glendon, the head of the State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights, Mr. Pompeo’s arrival in Jakarta also comes after the centre-right Centrist Democrat International (IDC-CDI), the world’s largest alliance of political parties, acknowledged the Commission’s report as “a re-affirmation of the spirit and substance of fundamental human rights.”

Indonesia’s National Awakening Party (PKB), which has five seats in President Joko Widodo’s cabinet and is an influential member of IDC-CDI, is closely associated with Nahdlatul Ulama.

Critics have charged that the Commission’s report fuels assertions that there are too many human rights and prioritizes religious liberty and property rights at the expense of protections against discrimination particularly on the basis of gender.

As a result, Mr. Pompeo’s endorsement of Nahdlatul Ulama could prove to be a double-edged sword. It strengthens the group’s proposition, yet also identifies it with one faction in a global battle that not only seeks to define the soul of Islam but also fundamentally shape what constitutes a human right.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to boost efforts by the world’s largest Muslim movement to recontextualize Islam during a forthcoming visit to Indonesia as part of a three-nation Asian tour.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to boost efforts by the world’s largest Muslim movement to recontextualize Islam during a forthcoming visit to Indonesia as part of a three-nation Asian tour. The tour is likely to be the secretary’s last official trip prior to next month’s US presidential election. Mr. Pompeo’s engagement with Nahdlatul Ulama, a powerful Islamic grouping in Indonesia, with an estimated following of 50 million people, takes on added significance against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s push for a definition of human rights that redefines notions of freedom of religion at the expense of other basic rights in advance of a hard fought election that Donald J. Trump could lose. It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron kicked into high gear his self-declared mission of reforming what he has termed an Islam that “is a religion that is in crisis all over the world” in the wake of the gruesome murder of Samuel Paty, a 47-year old teacher. Mr. Paty was killed by an 18-year old youth of Chechen descent after he used cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed in a class about freedom of expression. The Indonesia-leg at the end of Mr. Pompeo’s tour, which is first taking him to India and Sri Lanka, similarly comes as Nahdlatul Ulama, an independent civil society movement, competes globally with Saudi, United Arab Emirates, and Turkish state-backed efforts to garner religious soft power and shape the definition of what constitutes moderate Islam. Also Read | Trump is seeking second term to help himself and his wealthy friends, says Ex-US President Barack Obama Nahdlatul Ulama was founded almost a century ago in opposition to Wahhabism, the austere interpretation of Islam, that has largely guided Saudi Arabia since its founding in 1932. Mr. Pompeo and his top aides are scheduled to participate in two days of events in the Indonesian capital organized by Nahdlatul Ulama to nurture “the shared civilizational aspirations” of Indonesia, the United States and Islam, defined by the group with the Qur’anic phrase that the faith is “a source of universal love and compassion.” By giving Nahdlatul Ulama the State Department’s seal of approval, Mr. Pompeo is implicitly acknowledging the fact that the group unlike its rivals in the quest for religious soft power has started to put its money where its mouth is. Unlike its soft power rivals, Nahdlatul Ulama has spelt out its definition of moderate Islam with its adoption in 2015 of the concept of Nusantara (Archipelago) or humanitarian Islam that calls for a full embrace of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UNHDR). Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE project themselves as models of undefined forms of moderate Islam manifested by engagement in inter-faith dialogue and varying degrees of religious tolerance. They have, however, stopped short of addressing theologically problematic concepts like that of kafirs or infidels, the Muslim reference to non-Muslims, slavery, dhimmis, people of the book that Islam recognizes but accords a lesser status than Muslims, apostasy, and blasphemy. They have also manoeuvred in inter-faith gatherings to evade unrestricted support of the UN human rights declaration. By contrast, Nahdlatul Ulama has taken initial steps in that direction even if it still has a ways to go. Thousands of the group’s religious scholars issued a fatwa or religious opinion that eliminated the notion of infidels, effectively removing one pillar of Muslim perceptions of religious supremacy. Based on statements by Nahdlatul Ulama leaders, the group’s scholars are likely to next do away with the legal concept of slavery. The group’s litmus test will be if and when it takes on apostasy and blasphemy, concepts that are certain to be far more emotive and controversial. Nahdlatul Ulama officials say the group has long accepted in practice conversion away from Islam. Mr. Pompeo’s acknowledgement of Nahdlatul Ulama further suggests that the State Department recognizes that religious reform is more likely to successfully be enacted by independent civil society actors with proper religious credentials and a significant following rather than states. It is a recognition that by implication highlights the limitations of efforts by states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey, to define the essence of Islam as well as Mr. Macron’s ambition to solve the faith’s problems for it. Mr. Pompeo lands in Jakarta shortly after signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration alongside a host of countries that propagate conservative values and rank low on Georgetown University’s Women, Peace and Security Index. The declaration seeks to promote women’s rights and health and strengthen the family but emphasizes that “in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning.” It stipulates that there is “no international right to abortion, nor any international obligation on the part of States to finance or facilitate abortion.” The declaration’s signatories include Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Iraq, Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Egypt, Belarus, Hungary, and Indonesia. Many of the signatories are members of the Group of Friends, a block of 25 nations in the United Nations that seeks to pre-empt any expansion of rights for girls, women, and LGBT people and weaken international support for the Beijing Declaration, a landmark 1995 agreement that stands as an internationally recognized progressive blueprint for women’s rights. Much of the group’s positions are coordinated by the Center for Family and Human Rights, or C-Fam, a small but influential far-right group that focuses on abortion, sexual orientation and gender identity. C-Fam has worked closely with the State Department dating back to the administration of US President George W. Bush. Accompanied by among others Mary Ann Glendon, the head of the State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights, Mr. Pompeo’s arrival in Jakarta also comes after the centre-right Centrist Democrat International (IDC-CDI), the world’s largest alliance of political parties, acknowledged the Commission’s report as “a re-affirmation of the spirit and substance of fundamental human rights.” Indonesia’s National Awakening Party (PKB), which has five seats in President Joko Widodo’s cabinet and is an influential member of IDC-CDI, is closely associated with Nahdlatul Ulama. Critics have charged that the Commission’s report fuels assertions that there are too many human rights and prioritizes religious liberty and property rights at the expense of protections against discrimination particularly on the basis of gender. As a result, Mr. Pompeo’s endorsement of Nahdlatul Ulama could prove to be a double-edged sword. It strengthens the group’s proposition, yet also identifies it with one faction in a global battle that not only seeks to define the soul of Islam but also fundamentally shape what constitutes a human right. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US Secretary of State Pompeo set to boost Indonesian religious reform efforts

Indonesian President Joko Widodo defended his flagship job creation law on Friday (October 9) after violent protests erupted earlier this week opposing the legislation, which demonstrators say undermines labour protections.

The country needs the sweeping "omnibus" jobs creation law to provide employment for its young population and those unemployed due to the economic crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the president said.

"I saw there were protests against the jobs creation law which were motivated by disinformation," he added.

He urged critics to challenge the law at the Constitutional Court if they disagree with its content.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-in-protests-against-new-indonesian-jobs-law-333785" hreflang="en">Clashes erupt in protests against new Indonesian jobs law</a>

Police and demonstrators clashed in the Indonesian capital on Thursday on the third day of protests and strikes against a polarising new jobs law passed in Southeast Asia’s largest economy earlier this week.

The “omnibus” jobs creation bill, passed into law on Monday, has seen thousands of people across the world’s fourth-most populous nation take to the streets in protest against legislation they say undermines labour rights and weakens environmental protections.

Around 1,000 protesters have been detained in Jakarta and more than 100 others arrested in other cities, according to police spokespeople. At least two students have been hospitalised with head injuries, and six police officers hurt.

The government of President Joko Widodo has championed the legislation as key to boosting Indonesia’s ailing economy by cutting red tape and attracting more foreign direct investment.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo defended his flagship job creation law on Friday (October 9) after violent protests erupted earlier this week opposing the legislation, which demonstrators say undermines labour protections.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo defended his flagship job creation law on Friday (October 9) after violent protests erupted earlier this week opposing the legislation, which demonstrators say undermines labour protections. The country needs the sweeping "omnibus" jobs creation law to provide employment for its young population and those unemployed due to the economic crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the president said. "I saw there were protests against the jobs creation law which were motivated by disinformation," he added. He urged critics to challenge the law at the Constitutional Court if they disagree with its content. Also read: Clashes erupt in protests against new Indonesian jobs law Police and demonstrators clashed in the Indonesian capital on Thursday on the third day of protests and strikes against a polarising new jobs law passed in Southeast Asia’s largest economy earlier this week. The “omnibus” jobs creation bill, passed into law on Monday, has seen thousands of people across the world’s fourth-most populous nation take to the streets in protest against legislation they say undermines labour rights and weakens environmental protections. Around 1,000 protesters have been detained in Jakarta and more than 100 others arrested in other cities, according to police spokespeople. At least two students have been hospitalised with head injuries, and six police officers hurt. The government of President Joko Widodo has championed the legislation as key to boosting Indonesia’s ailing economy by cutting red tape and attracting more foreign direct investment.

Indonesia president defends new jobs law, says protests fueled by disinformation

Torrential rain brought floods to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta paralysing large parts of the city as rescue workers used boats to navigate streets.

Indonesia's Capital Jakarta could be under water by 2050

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