Indonesia

After a 7,7 magnitude earthquake hit Flores, the scientific community said consecutive major earthquakes, (like Venezuela, Colombia) are normal: global earthquake rates remain steady, averaging about 16 major earthquakes, magnitude 7 or higher, each year

Facing a school enrollment crisis, with classrooms in some regions emptying as falling birth rates, migration and economic pressures reduce student number, authorities are considering reforms to adapt to a shrinking school-age population

B50 biodiesel mandate has been officially launched; The policy requires diesel fuel to contain 50% palm oil-based biodiesel and is designed to increase domestic palm oil consumption, reducing imports and strengthening energy security

Students in Jakarta staged protests against rising fuel prices and what they described as costly government programs that burden public finances; Demonstrators argued that increasing living costs are worsening economic pressures on ordinary Indonesians

The House of Representatives is pushing to lead revisions to election laws in Indonesia, amid stalled talks with the government; The dispute could affect oversight, candidate requirements and institutional balance

Indonesia is exploring legal avenues to protect its citizens in Malaysia, authorities are reviewing bilateral mechanisms as reports show Indonesians entering on tourist visas but working illegally, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and detention

8.000 Indonesia troops will be possibly deployed to peacekeeping in Gaza, subject to a UN mandate; The move, announced as President Prabowo Subianto visits the US, signals ambition to expand its diplomatic ties and security role in the Middle East

Sovereign investment fund Danantara, which manages state stakes in strategic sectors will fund a new Krakatau Steel plant, reflecting the recent push to use state capital to revive key industries, cut imports and strengthen industrial self-sufficiency

To curb illegal mining across about 190.000 hectares of woodland - cause of deforestation, pollution and revenue losses - the government plans stricter enforcement, permit reviews and inter-agency coordination to restore damaged forests

At least 22 villages in Indonesia’s Aceh province were wiped out after Cyclone Senyar triggered floods and landslides; Dozens of communities remain isolated as authorities race to restore access, assess damage and deliver aid amid disrupted communications