80th Independence Day was celebrated with nationwide festivities on 17 August; the grand ceremony in Jakarta, led by President Prabowo, with a historic flag parade, cultural performances and fireworks, marked the milestone with massive public celebration

“Beyond Unsettled Past,” now open at Erasmus Huis in Jakarta, revisits Dutch colonial legacy through works by six contemporary artists; art, archives, storytelling explore how colonial time still influences culture and its relevance to today’s Indonesia

Nickel mining in Raja Ampat has devastated ecologically unique islands causing deforestation, sediment pollution and coral loss with minimal economic returns; four licenses have been revoked but Gag Nikel still operates amid calls for full protection

The Indonesian Army plans to recruit 24.000 non-combat troops for agriculture, health services and local development; civil groups fear a return to Suharto-era “Dwifungsi" that would jeopardize democracy, professionalism, and combat readiness of the army