Indonesia

The new history textbook allegedly presents a political bias, downplaying human-rights abuses and favoring pro-government military-friendly narratives; Scholars warn it distorts key events, noting it's not the first state attempt at historical revisionism

150 new battalions TNI, Indonesia's land army, will be added each year starting in 2026 to guard assets like oil refineries and expand nationwide presence; Critics say the move strengthens military power and influence into civilian and strategic areas

Authorities are investigating a student, hurt, allegedly involved in explosions that wounded nearly 100 people at a school in Jakarta; the blasts hit a school mosque just before Friday prayers, sparking panic among worshippers and fears of a terrorism act

Danantara, Indonesia’s new state-backed fund, aims to turn the nation from a raw-material exporter into a high-tech producer by consolidating state assets and investing in innovation to build world competitive firms and cut reliance on foreign technology

A four-year ban on international carbon trading has been lifted and a new regulated system ensures transparency and fair profit-sharing; The move aims to boost green investment for Indonesia's companies and strengthen national control over climate finance

Land once home to villagers has been overtaken by Indonesia’s new MotoGP circuit in Lombok, part of a mega tourism zone; dozens of Sasak community families were evicted, and compensation has been described as woefully low

Free meals program is under more pressure: after several mass food poisoning incidents affecting over 1.000 students, NGOs and officials are calling for its suspension, citing poor oversight, unsafe kitchens, and rushed expansion

Protests erupted after police killed a motorcycle ride-hailing driver; The demonstrations turned violent, with some parliament buildings set ablaze and by yesterday government agreed to cut lawmakers’ extra pay and housing allowances to calm the unrest

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

Indonesia will build a dedicated “Hajj village” about 400 meters from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia; the project, part of deepened Jakarta–Riyadh cooperation, aims to ease pilgrimage logistics for Indonesian worshippers