Indonesia – Artifex.News

Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 strikes Halmahera, Indonesia

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:07:00 +0000

An illustrative map showing the epicentre of the earthquake near Indonesian mainland. Photo: earthquake.usgs.gov

A 6.2 magnitude quake struck off eastern Indonesia on Friday (July 3, 2026), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The jolt struck at a depth of 120 kilometres, around 58 kilometres west of Tobelo, in North Maluku province at 11:31 local time (0231 GMT).

“I was sitting and having coffee at a roadside coffee stall when suddenly my chair started rocking. I panicked for a moment because I’m still traumatised by the past earthquakes,” Umar Abbas, a resident of Ternate, around 114 kilometres away from the epicentre, told AFP.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said there was no threat of a tsunami.

Indonesia and neighbouring countries experience frequent earthquakes due to their location in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” — an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Published – July 03, 2026 09:37 am IST

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The global impact of Indonesia’s export policy shift

admin — Thu, 28 May 2026 13:49:00 +0000

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (right) at the Parliament building in Jakarta on May 20, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AFP

In a major overhaul of trade policy, resource-rich Indonesia announced that key commodities can soon only be exported via a state-run agency. Speaking to Parliament on May 20, President Prabowo Subianto said the Government Regulation on Natural Resource Commodity Export Governance, as the measure is called, would mean that the Indonesian Government will be the sole exporter of natural resource products, beginning with palm oil, coal and ferro alloys.

The new policy requires the resource producers to sell their commodities to PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia, a state-run agency under the sovereign wealth fund Danantara. From here, the agency will engage in transactions with foreign buyers, eradicating direct sales between private resource companies and international buyers.

“This policy will optimise tax revenue and state revenue over the management and sale of our natural resources,” Mr. Prabowo said. Analysts say the announcement signals a major tightening of the government’s grip over the Indonesian economy. Indonesia is the world’s biggest producer and exporter of palm oil and thermal coal, and a major source of nickel. The move has sent commodities markets into a frenzy, with experts warning that its impact will be felt globally. The centralisation is set to come into effect by September, with a transition period of at least three months beginning in June. Details of the plan including the legislation and members of the agency are yet to be announced.

In his address, Mr. Prabowo said Indonesia had lost over $900 billion in revenue over the past 34 years because of fraud and under-invoicing. The new mandate would give the state control over the tax revenue and pricing, while strengthening overall oversight to to minimise revenue leaks. Despite being resource-rich, Indonesia has struggled to convert that wealth into consistent economic growth, with state revenue-to-GDP at around 12%, whereas the Asia-Pacific average is 19.5%, and the OECD average is 33.9%. Increasing tax revenue and plugging leaks allows for investment into the country’s development goals and supports its reserves, which have taken a hit due to energy shocks from the war in West Asia. The plan’s State controlled pricing would also ensure fair transfer pricings. “If they don’t support our price, then they don’t have to buy it. We can use it ourselves,” Mr. Prabowo said.

Market response

Following Mr. Prabowo’s announcement, Indonesian stocks dropped to the lowest in over a year. The Jakarta Composite Index fell by 2.4% on May 20, with major declines in energy and mining firms.

Traders and buyers are still understanding the impact of the decision and how the immediate changes will unfold. The commodities in question are vital to daily life and found in products globally. Palm oil is used globally in everything from processed foods to cosmetics, and half of the world’s thermal coal exports in 2025 came from Indonesia, with China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines being the top importers. Shortages in LNG supply because of the standstill in Iran is further pushing Asian nations, like Japan and South Korea, to lean on coal to fill energy gaps. Fears around the new regulations are leading to private companies selling the resources, like palm oil, in bulk and at discounts, with India and Malaysia among the buyers.China, in particular, is a major buyer of Indonesian nickel pig iron, a cheap alternative that is used in stainless steel production. The mineral is also a key material used in electric vehicle manufacturing. Experts say that the Asian superpower, which has come to rely heavily on Indonesia for its critical minerals, is monitoring the situation closely. Ahead of Mr. Prabowo’s announcement, the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, a group representing Chinese companies, wrote a five-page letter to the President, regarding their fears over the rise in “excessively stringent regulation, over-enforcement and even corruption and extortion by competent authorities.”

Concerns over the centralisation

In 2020, the then administration suddenly and immediately banned the export of raw nickel ore. The move intended to force global companies to invest in Indonesian nickel processing plants, thereby increasing the value of exports and bringing more revenue into the country. It was this move that led to Indonesia’s nickel dominance. Last year, Jakarta created Danantara, the country’s second sovereign wealth fund. The fund has become an instrumental part of Indonesia’s economic policy. However, it has done little to soothe investors about its commitment and staying power, especially in the face of political uncertainty and corruption risks.

Similar worries have been raised now. Private companies are expected to be hit hardest, as the state-run agency monopolises their role. Many also worry about how this will affect existing contracts and any limitations this will cause on Indonesia’s access to the global market.

Published – May 27, 2026 08:30 am IST

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With brooms in hand as symbol for change, Indonesian women join Jakarta protests

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:55:00 +0000

Activists hold up posters as they shout slogans during a rally denouncing violence allegedly committed by the police during days of protests against lavish allowances given to the members of the parliament, in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 3, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AP

Hundreds of women dressed in pink joined protests in Indonesia’s capital on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) against lawmakers’ perks and police brutality, brandishing brooms as a symbol of their calls for reform, while the President flew to China for a military parade.

The women carried signs with slogans such as “reform the police” and “your sweet promises cause diabetes,” as well as the brooms which protest organiser The Alliance of Indonesian Women said symbolised a need to “sweep the state’s dirt … and the repressiveness of security forces.” The protests that began in Jakarta last week have rocked the world’s third-largest democracy, with the demonstrations escalating nationwide after a police vehicle hit and killed a motorcycle taxi driver on Thursday night.

Rights groups say 10 people have died in the protests, which have also sparked some looting and rioting.

The Alliance, a coalition of women-led civil society groups, had called off a planned protest on Monday citing the risk of a violent response by authorities.

“We want to show that protests are mostly peaceful,” said 30-year-old Rizky Ananda, who was demonstrating against violence against people, and women in particular, as well as wasteful government spending.

“If the government said protests were treasonous, it should be questionable.” President Prabowo Subianto has said the military and police would stand firm against violence, and said on Sunday that some of the unrest bore the signs of terrorism and treason. Prabowo was making a trip to China to attend a lavish military parade on Wednesday after initially cancelling due to the unrest, with his office saying that signs of normalcy returning in Indonesia were a factor in his decision to travel.

The National Commission on Human Rights was conducting an investigation into security forces’ handling of the protests, commissioner Anis Hidayah told journalists on Tuesday.

The United Nations’ rights office called on Monday for investigations into “all alleged violations of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force”.

Published – September 03, 2025 05:25 pm IST

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Indonesia Delegation Sings Bollywood Song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ At President’s Banquet

admin — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 01:11:50 +0000

New Delhi:

In a heartfelt showcase of soft culture influencing bilateral ties between the two countries, an Indonesian delegation sang the famous Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.

The delegation hosted in honour of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Rashtrapati Bhavan included senior Indonesian ministers.

The title track from the movie of the same name — ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji in lead roles. The directorial debut of Karan Johar was a huge blockbuster both in India and overseas. The song, composed by Jatin Lalit and sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, was a major hit among the audience and still continues to captivate people.

#WATCH | Delhi: A delegation from Indonesia sang Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honour of Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The delegation included senior Indonesian ministers.

The… pic.twitter.com/VH6ZHRTbNS

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2025

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is on his first state visit to India. He will grace the 76th Republic Day celebrations as its Chief Guest at Kartvya Path today.

The 76th Republic Day celebrations will also see Indonesia’s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), that embodies discipline and military tradition.

This unique blend of military music and noble values reflects the spirit and honour of the academy.

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Hyderabad House in Delhi.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on sectors like defence, security, maritime domain, economic ties, and people-to-people connections.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Indonesian President, Republic Day Chief Guest, Lands In India

admin — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:16:32 +0000

New Delhi:

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in the national capital on Friday night, on his first state visit to India.

He was received by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita at the airport in New Delhi.

President Prabowo, who is in India from January 23-26, will also be the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that the visit will further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS @PmargheritaBJP at the airport. President @prabowo will be the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations. This visit will further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in a post on X.

A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS @PmargheritaBJP at the airport.

President @prabowo will be the Chief Guest for ’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.

This visit will… pic.twitter.com/OEeXLOengC

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 23, 2025

Before departing, President Prabowo shared the details of his visit on X, and said the visit is aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas such as security, maritime, and digital technology development.

He also informed that he will depart for Malaysia after his Indonesia visit.

“Today, I depart for New Delhi, India, to attend the 76th Republic Day celebrations of India. During my visit, I will meet with the President and Prime Minister of India to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas such as security, maritime, and digital technology development,” the Indonesian President stated.

“After completing my agenda in India, I will continue my trip to Malaysia at the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Close cooperation with friendly countries has always been our priority to build a stronger and more prosperous region together,” he added.

During his visit, President Subianto is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the MEA stated.

On Friday, he will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Taj Mahal Hotel at 4:00 pm.

On January 25, President Prabowo will participate in a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10:00 am, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat.

He will later hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House at 12:00 pm, which will include the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and press statements.
In the evening, he will meet with India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Taj Mahal Hotel at 4:00 pm. At 7:00 pm, he will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

On January 26, President Prabowo will attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest. Later in the afternoon, he will attend the “At Home” Reception hosted by President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At 5:30 pm, he will depart for Indonesia.

Notably, with President Subianto as Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day, a 352-member marching and band contingent from the country will be participating in the Parade on the Kartvya Path in the national capital.

This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad.

Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded and the third CEO Forum will be held on the sidelines.

President Prabowo will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations.

PM Modi paid an official visit to Indonesia in 2018. During the visit, India-Indonesia bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a shared vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was also adopted.

PM Modi also met President Prabowo on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November last year. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupted 1,000 times this month

admin — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 03:49:31 +0000

A woman and child look on at volcanic ash rising into the air during the eruption of Mount Ibu, as seen from Duono Village in West Halmahera, North Maluku province, on January 15, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AFP

A volcano in eastern Indonesia has erupted at least a thousand times this month, according to an official report on Sunday, as efforts are under way to evacuate thousands of villagers.

Mount Ibu, on the remote island of Halmahera, sent a column of smoke up to 4 km into the sky in an eruption on January 15.

Indonesian officials called for the evacuation of 3,000 people living in six nearby villages.

It was one of 1,079 eruptions by the volcano recorded since January 1 by Indonesia’s Geological Agency, sending columns of ash reaching between 0.3 km and 4 km above its peak, according to the agency’s data.

The latest big eruption occurred on Sunday at 1:15 a.m. local time. “The ash was grey, with moderate to thick intensity, drifting southwest. A loud rumbling sound was heard all the way to Mount Ibu Observation Post,” the agency said.

It added that the volcano had erupted 17 times on Sunday alone.

The local authorities had only managed to evacuate 517 residents as of Sunday, pledging to persuade those who remained to stay in safe shelters. Many have refused to evacuate, arguing that they were used to the situation and were in the harvest season.

“There might be economic considerations, as many residents are in the middle of harvesting crops. However, we will continue to educate the community and encourage them to evacuate,” said Adietya Yuni Nurtono, Ternate district military commander in charge of a safe shelter.

Published – January 20, 2025 09:19 am IST

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Indonesia’s Mount Ibu Erupts, Spews Hot Lava, Smoke

admin — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 12:43:48 +0000

Jakarta:

A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted on Saturday, spewing hot lava and releasing a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (3.1 miles) into the air, an official said.

Mount Ibu, on Halmahera island in North Maluku province, erupted at 7:45 pm central Indonesia time (1145 GMT), sending a tall flaming column soaring into the sky.

“The lava was spotted two kilometres away from the eruption centre,” Geological Agency head Muhammad Wafid said in a statement.

Images from the volcano monitoring post showed a bright red column of flame and thick, dark smoke billowing high above the volcano crater.

The volcano is currently still on the second highest alert level.

There has been no new evacuation order, but visitors and villagers have been told to vacate a zone four to 5.5 kilometres from the peak.

The agency also urged people to wear face masks and protective goggles in case of volcanic ash rain.

Ibu is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupting more than 2,000 times last year.

More than 700,000 people lived on Halmahera island as of 2022, according to official figures.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

Last year, Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province erupted more than half a dozen times, forcing thousands of residents of nearby islands to evacuate.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Malaysia imposes anti-dumping duties on plastic imports from China, Indonesia

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 08:58:07 +0000

Plastic waste piled outside an illegal recycling factory in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, Malaysia October 14, 2018. Picture taken October 14, 2018.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Malaysia’s trade ministry said it has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, originating or exported from China and Indonesia.

The anti-dumping duties range from 6.33% to 37.44% and took effect on January 7, 2025, the trade ministry said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Published – January 08, 2025 02:28 pm IST

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Brazil Announces Indonesia Entry Into BRICS

admin — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 23:46:34 +0000

Brasilia:

Brazil on Monday announced that Indonesia had become a full member of BRICS, a bloc of developing economies increasingly seen as a counterweight to the West.

Brazil’s foreign ministry said in a statement that Southeast Asia’s most populous country “shares with the other members the will to reform the institutions of global governance and contribute positively to cooperation within the Global South.”

Brazil, which holds the rotating presidency of the grouping in 2025, said Indonesia’s bid to join the bloc had been approved during a summit in 2023 in Johannesburg.

BRICS was created in 2009 by founding members Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa joined the following year.

Last year, the grouping expanded with Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates becoming full members.

During its presidency, Brazil aims to boost cooperation between countries of the “Global South” and reform multilateral institutions.

One of the objectives, according to the government of left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is the “development of means of payment” to facilitate trade between member countries.

During the last BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in November 2024, member nations discussed boosting non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currencies.

This raised the ire of US President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened the group’s members with “100 percent tariffs” if they undercut the US dollar.

This year’s BRICS summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro in July.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: How is climate change affecting rice production?

admin — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 11:15:54 +0000

Tipping Point: How is climate change affecting rice production?

| Video Credit:
The Hindu

Rice feeds billions of people across the globe. It is the staple food for more than half of the world’s population, and millions depend on it for their livelihood.

However, climate change is disrupting how crops are produced and consumed, and rice too is not untouched. In our main story today, we’ll explore how rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and aggravated extreme weather events are threatening rice.

In our extreme weather event section this week, we take a look at an important study published last week by the World Weather Attribution and Climate Central.

Indonesia’s target to phase out coal plants in 15 years is our story of climate hope this week.

Script and presentation: Priyali Prakash

Videography and editing: Zeeshan Akhtar

Published – January 03, 2025 04:45 pm IST

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