Society, Environment & Culture

Unravel the intricate threads of justice, societal transformation, and cultural narratives shaping Indonesian society

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Biomass co-firing in Indonesian coal plants fails to cut emissions: CREA

The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed that biomass co-firing at coal-fired power plants (PLTU) in Indonesia brings only marginal reductions in emissions and could, in fact, introduce new pollutants. 

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Unions record 70,000 workers laid off in four months

Labor unions across Indonesia are preparing nationwide rallies following a wave of mass layoffs that has affected 70,000 workers in just the first four months of 2025, according to data released by the Labor Party and the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSP-PB, KSPI).

New Indonesian history project stirs debate over objectivity, political complexity

As Indonesia prepares to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its independence, the governmen’s initiative to rewrite the nation’s history has reignited old tensions over how the past should be remembered and who gets to decide.

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Activists file complaint over Wawonii mining irregularities with AGO

The Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) and the Coastal and Small Islands Advocacy Team (TAPaK) have filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO)over alleged corruption linked to nickel mining by PT Gema Kreasi Perdana (PT GKP), a subsidiary of the Harita Group, on Wawonii Island, Southeast Sulawesi.

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Church council calls for end to military operation in Papua villages

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has called for an immediate halt to a military operation that has reportedly affected three villages in Papua’s Intan Jaya Regency. 

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Indonesian NGO calls for nickel industry reform at OECD Forum

Indonesian environmental group Satya Bumi has called for urgent reforms in the country’s nickel industry during the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, held from May 5–7, 2025 in Paris.

Protest in Morowali. Image source: WALHI

Residents oppose pipeline crossing in Morowali, citing threats to farmland

Dozens of residents of Bumi Raya and Wita Ponda sub-districts in Central Sulawesi staged a protest on Monday, May 5, 2025, opposing the planned construction of a raw water pipeline crossing the Karaopa River, which is intended for PT Indonesia Huabao Industrial Park (IHIP) and PT Bahusuo Taman Industri Investment Group (BTIIG), both operating in Bungku Barat, Morowali Regency.

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W. Sulawesi residents seeks mining moratorium amid environmental threats

Hundreds of residents from villages across West Sulawesi staged a protest in front of the provincial governor’s office on Monday, May 6, 2025, calling for a moratorium on mining permits, the revocation of extractive industry licenses, and the halt of all ongoing mining operations threatening their environment and livelihoods.

Abu Dujana & Zarkasih JI Image source: Tribun Jabar Tribunnews.com

Former JI leader affirms disbandment, pledges loyalty to Indonesian State

Zarkasih, the former Amir (leader) of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), has confirmed that the organization has sincerely renounced terrorism and is aligning itself fully with the framework of the Indonesian state. 

Indonesia tops Global Flourishing Index, surpassing wealthier nations: Study

A global well-being study co-conducted by Harvard University, Baylor University, and international polling agency Gallup, which was published on Thursday, May 1, 2025, concluded that Indonesia is ranked as the most flourishing nation in the world.

Radio broadcasting revisited − awaiting law ratification

Indonesia is awaiting the ratification of the revised Broadcasting Law, an important milestone in transforming the national media ecosystem, with crucial change being the legitimacy of State-run radio station RRI as the first national digital radio broadcaster to broadcast free-to-air. 

Bentrok di Halmahera Image souce: Betahita

Police fire tear gas as locals protest against mining in East Halmahera

Tensions escalated on Monday, April 28, 2025, when police forces fired tear gas at some 300 residents of Wayamli and Yawanli villages in East Halmahera who were marching to protest against mining activities by PT Sambaki Tambang Sentosa (STS) on their customary lands.

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