Browsing Tag

Indonesia

79 posts

Massive sperm whale beaches itself, dies in Bali

Experts in Indonesia are preparing to conduct an autopsy on an 18-metre sperm whale, found dead after washing up on a beach in Bali. The cause of death is not yet known, but officials suspect it may be linked to plastic or pollution. Sperm whales are listed as “vulnerable” to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In 2018, a sperm whale found dead in Indonesia was found to have over 100 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags in its stomach. Indonesia is the world’s second biggest contributor to marine debris after China.

Indonesia in FIFA talks after U-20 World Cup Israel protests

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has sent the head of the country’s football association to meet with FIFA in Qatar to find a solution following the cancellation of the Under-20 World Cup draw. Protests erupted over Israel’s participation, with Bali’s governor calling for the country’s removal from the cup. The cancellation could result in Indonesia facing isolation on the global football stage if it can’t guarantee Israel’s participation.

Indonesia policeman jailed over football stadium crush

Indonesian court jails a police officer for 18 months over negligence in one of the worst stadium disasters in football history. Last year’s crush in Malang killed 135 people after a football match when police fired tear gas causing a deadly stampede. The court found Hasdarmawan, a commander for the East Java police’s mobile brigade unit, guilty of failing to predict the situation and ordering the tear gas. The sentence was shorter than the three years prosecutors had asked for. Another police officer was found not guilty, while one more was awaiting a verdict on negligence.

Indonesian farmers fight for their land in nickel mining boom

Nickel mining in Indonesia, the world’s largest producer, is putting farmers’ land rights and the environment at risk, say residents and rights groups. The boom is driven by rising global demand for metals used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel. Dozens of nickel processing plants have sprung up across Sulawesi, home to black macaques, maleo birds and tarsier primates. Some villagers have confronted miners with machetes, while others have detained miners and set heavy equipment on fire. Chinese firms, which invested $8.2bn in Indonesia last year, are among the leading international investors.

Dawn school trial for drowsy teens draws outcry in Indonesia

Indonesia’s Kupang has launched a pilot project to strengthen children’s discipline by starting classes at 5:30 am for twelfth-graders at 10 high schools. Parents are concerned about their children’s safety and health, stating that they arrive home exhausted and are at risk of sleep deprivation. A 2014 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended middle and high schoolers start classes at 8:30 am or later to allow enough time for sleep. Despite criticism, the government has maintained its experiment and even extended it to local education agencies.

Indonesians seeking climate justice take aim at Swiss concrete giant

Residents of Indonesia’s Pari island are suing Swiss cement company Holcim over climate-related loss and damages, in what could be a landmark case for plaintiffs from developing countries. Rising sea levels threaten to sink the 42-hectare island by 2050. Environmental litigation against governments and fossil fuel firms has surged in recent years but this is the first case filed by Indonesians against a foreign company for climate-related damage. Cement manufacturing accounts for around 8% of global CO2 emissions.

Bali governor prohibits motorbike rental for foreign tourists due to reckless driving and violations of traffic regulations

Governor Wayan Koster of Bali has prohibited foreign tourists from renting and riding motorbikes on Bali’s roads due to reckless driving, leading to accidents and fatalities. The ban will take effect this year, and visitors are expected to use transportation services that meet specific criteria. Bali Police records show that over 171 foreign nationals have violated traffic regulations. However, the Chairman of the Bali Motorbike Rental Association expressed concern over the ban’s negative impact and suggested enforcing existing regulations instead. Authorities have also requested the central immigration agency to cancel the visa-on-arrival policy for Russian and Ukrainian nationals.

Indonesia jails two football match officials over stadium crush

Indonesia jails two officials for negligence after one of football’s worst stadium disasters. The tragedy took place in Malang, killing 135 people after police fired tear gas into packed stands to control supporters who had invaded the pitch.

Rescuers search for dozens missing after deadly Indonesia landslide

Rescuers are searching for dozens missing after a landslide killed 15 people on the remote Indonesian island of Serasan. Poor weather and downed communication lines have hindered rescue efforts. Floods have also disrupted lives in other areas of Indonesia and Malaysia. Experts believe climate change is exacerbating the country’s weather-related disasters.

Seven missing as boat capsizes off disputed Japan islands

Japan’s coastguard is searching for seven people missing after their boat capsized off the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku islets, which are also claimed by China. The overturned boat was spotted by a Japanese navy patrol in the area, and the crews are one Taiwanese and six Indonesians. Japanese authorities are coordinating with their counterparts in Taiwan, which also lays claim to the Senkaku islets.