Antara, Yogyakarta – The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) conducted its first trial of B40 biodiesel for railway transportation at Lempuyangan Station, Yogyakarta, on Monday. The Ministry anticipates that the use of B40 could save up to $9 billion in fuel import costs.

Alfida Rizky Febrianna, Jakarta – Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati announced that the Coal Management Information System (Simbara), an online tracking system for mining activities, has added Rp 7.1 trillion to state revenues since its launch in 2022.

Dio Suhenda, Jakarta – Indonesia has welcomed a recent ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that called on Israel to end its occupation of Palestine, with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi calling the decision a significant affirmation that international law is on Palestine's side.

Antara, Heru Andriyanto, Jakarta – Acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono has responded sharply to accusations from his predecessor, Anies Baswedan, who alleged that Heru had undermined welfare programs established during Anies' tenure.

Anies, who served as the elected Jakarta governor from 2017 to 2022, is currently seeking reelection.

Emily Dugan – Indonesian workers who paid thousands of pounds to travel to Britain and pick fruit at a farm supplying most big supermarkets have been sent home within weeks for not picking fast enough.

Pes Yanengga, Jayapura – Leaders of the Papuan Baptist Church and the Tolikara Student Association have slammed a statement by the Cenderawasih XVII regional military commander (Pangdam) on the fatal shooting of three civilians by the 753 AVT Infantry Battalion Task Force in Pepera Village, Mulia district, Puncak Jaya regency on Tuesday July 16.

Ari Sandita Murti, Jakarta – Thousands of people from the Defend Palestine Indonesian People's Alliance (ARI-BP) held a peaceful action to reject the Israeli contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympiad.

Tanjungpinang – Hundreds of Rempang Island residents in Galang district, Batam city, Riau Islands, held a demonstration on Sunday July 21 rejecting relocation to the Pasir Merah Sembulang beach area and to oppose the Rempang Eco City national strategic project (PSN).

Hariz Baharudin, Jakarta – National events planned for Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, have been delayed or scaled back after construction deadlines were missed, even as efforts to woo investors for the mega project continue.

A brutal killing of three Papuan civilians in Puncak Jaya reveals that occupied West Papua is a ticking time bomb under Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, claims the leader of an advocacy group.

And United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Benny Wenda says the Melanesian region risks becoming "another East Timor".

Algi Muhamad Gifari, Bella Evanglista Mikaputri, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has dismissed claims of distributing ministerial positions before the end of his term. He said that the appointments were coordinated with president-elect Prabowo Subianto to ensure a smooth transition of governance.

Indah Handayani, Jakarta – The Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) had a sluggish week, with transaction values and volumes dropping over 5 percent and market capitalization declining nearly 1 percent.

Tria Dianti, Jakarta – A government plan to alleviate a critical doctor shortage by hiring foreign ones is facing a backlash from critics who say it will undermine local expertise, cause communication issues and drain funds that could be used to enhance education and training at home.

The government has said the shortage needs an immediate solution.

Nick Kuipers & Eve Warburton – Ask the average Indonesian voter what they believe it takes to be a winning legislative candidate and you're likely get the response: "harus punya duit" – "[they] must have money."

Niniek Karmini, Jakarta, Indonesia – An emotionally and physically abusive marriage of 11 years led Rani Miranti to join a fight club that has trained her in martial arts, enabling her to stand up against violence.

Basten Gokkon, Jakarta – A new study on Javan leopards has found that areas with higher numbers of the endangered subspecies have richer wildlife diversity than those from where the elusive big cats are absent.

Jakarta – The collapse in the domestic textile industry resulting in a wave of layoffs is the result of disarray in government regulations. Without comprehensive improvements, other industry sectors could suffer the same fate.

Tim Tempo, Jakarta – President-elect Prabowo Subianto expressed optimism about achieving 8% economic growth, even placing a friendly bet with ministers from neighboring countries on his success.

Antara, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) is reviewing data from the European Commission (EC), the executive body of the European Union. The EC data states that Indonesia's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 1.24 Gt CO2e equivalent, or roughly 2.3% of total global emissions in 2022.

On the night of 16 July 2024, the Indonesian military tragically shot dead Mr Tonda Wanimbo, head of Kalome Village in Mepogolok District, Mr Pemerintah Murib, head of Dokkome Village, and Mr Dominus Enumbi, a recent graduate from Cenderawasih University, in the Mulia District, Puncak Jaya Regency.

Bella Evangelista, Jakarta – Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) executive Sudaryono dropped his plan to contest the Central Java gubernatorial election after he was sworn in by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo as the vice agriculture minister in Jakarta on Thursday.

Thomas Rizal, Jakarta – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is considering nominating Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini, popularly known as Risma, for the upcoming gubernatorial election in East Java, where former Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa is seeking reelection with the support of all but two incumbent political parties.

Nina A. Loasana, Jakarta – Civil groups have raised concerns over violence against press workers and growing restrictions on press freedom following the alleged arson attack that left a reporter in North Sumatra dead, as well as assaults against several journalists in Jakarta.

Alifia Sekar, Jakarta – As the world's second-largest plastic polluter, Indonesia has topped the global per capita intake of microplastics that are found mostly in seafood, studies suggest, with fishermen and coastal communities being the most affected.

Anita Wahid – At dawn on June 27, a journalist for Indonesia's Tribrata TV, Rico Sempurna Pasaribu, was killed in a suspected arson attack at his home, along with his wife, son and grandchild.

Bella Evanglista, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is confident that Indonesia can dominate up to 85 percent of the global nickel market through a partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

President Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday.

Muhammad Aulia Rahman, Jakarta – Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), did not attend a scheduled summons from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday.

Hasto was set to provide testimony in a corruption investigation involving the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) at the Ministry of Transportation.

Bella Evanglista Mikaputri, Jakarta – The government recently defended its decision to have two deputy finance ministers following the inauguration of Thomas Djiwandono, the nephew to President-Elect Prabowo Subianto.

Jakarta – A number of organisations that make up the Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform have condemned the shooting of senior Papuan advocate and human rights activists Yan Christian Warinussy.

Tria Sutrisna, Krisiandi, Jakarta – The House of Representatives (DPR) is being urged to immediately pass the Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers (RUU PPRT) into law.

The "Permanent Peoples' Tribunal on State and Environmental Violence in West Papua" took place last month at Queen Mary University of London.

A panel of tribunal experts heard evidence from numerous international NGOs and local civil society organisations as well as testimonies from individuals who have witnessed human rights violations and environmental destruction.

A National Strategic Project (PSN) Teluk Bintuni Regency, Papua Barat Province, has sparked concerns over the potential violation of indigenous land rights. The project, handled by Genting Oil Kasuri Pte. Ltd, is accused of failing to implement Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles with the affected Sumuri indigenous community.

Pribadi Wicaksono, Yogyakarta – The Yogyakarta Regional Government (DIY) has recently ramped up efforts to combat illegal mining activities across various districts and cities in the province, following public complaints and concerns raised on social media.

Responding to the shooting of Yan Christian Warinussy, a senior lawyer and human rights defender in the province of West Papua, Amnesty International Indonesia's executive director Usman Hamid said:

Rizka Ardina Nugraheni, Jakarta – Vice President-Elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka recently revealed that the upcoming ministerial cabinet was still in discussions despite his inauguration drawing nearer.

Dioceses bordering Timor-Leste and the Indonesian government are collaborating to help Catholics attend the papal visit to the Catholic-majority Asian nation in September.

Jude Conway – The hardships endured by the East Timorese are detailed in a memoir by Dr Vacy Vlazna, both a story of courage and a political analysis. Dr Jude Conway reviews "East Timor Reveille for Courage: Recollections of an Australian Human Rights Activist, 1998-2001".

Jakarta – Outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo insisted recently that he would retire and return to his hometown of Surakarta in Central Java upon ending his second term in October. The statement comes amid overwhelming support for him to play a role in the incoming administration.

Stefanno Sulaiman and Gayatri Suroyo, Jakarta – Outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will appoint Thomas Djiwandono, the nephew of president-elect Prabowo Subianto and his adviser for fiscal issues, as a deputy finance minister later on Thursday, a senior politician said.

Jakarta – Here is a truth-or-dare challenge for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. Truth, that the fuel subsidy is a gross waste of state financial resources. Dare for the President to end the subsidy once and for all, in the name of fairness. Somehow, however, we doubt he will.

Jakarta – The Agriculture Ministry ensures the free school lunch program under president-elect Prabowo Subianto will utilize locally sourced produce.

Mulyono, head of the ministry's food crop processing group, said on Tuesday that it aimed to increase food production next year to accommodate the increased consumption from the flagship program.

Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja, Jakarta – Indonesia has intercepted a Singapore-flagged vessel carrying 106kg of crystal methamphetamine in the waters off the Riau Islands that was probably en route to Brisbane, Australia, said the authorities on July 17.

Yvette Tanamal, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Monday met with visiting Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to emphasize the importance of cooperation in security and development, amid simmering tensions in the region and Jakarta's increased emphasis on maintaining ties with its Pacific island neighbors.

Delfi Neski, Jakarta – The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Fatwa, Muhammad Asrorun Niam Sholeh, announced the suspension of two MUI members suspected of involvement with an organization affiliated with Jewish interests. This action follows a controversial meeting between Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) members and Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Israel.

Rizka Ardina Nugraheni, Solo – Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka has denied rumors that the budget for the free nutritious meal program (MBG) will be cut from Rp 15,000 (around $1) to Rp 7,500 per child.

"Who said that? No. Wait for the confirmation. Let's wait for everything," Gibran told reporters at Solo City Hall on Thursday.

Alfi Dinilhaq, Jakarta – The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has mandated that all motor vehicles, including motorcycles and cars, must carry third-party liability (TPL) insurance.

Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo did not return from his recent Abu Dhabi trip empty-handed as Indonesia had just secured a deal to get a Dubai financial hub to participate in the new capital project Nusantara.

Anisa Fauziah, Jakarta – Calls are mounting for the government to make drugs cheaper.

Mita Amalia Hapsari, Jakarta – Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan revealed plans to establish a Task Force on Illegal Imports, which will include police officers and representatives from the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung).

Effendi Rusli, Siak, Riau – A plantation worker was mauled to death by a Sumatran tiger when he left his company shelter in Siak Regency, Riau Province, on Tuesday night, police reported on Wednesday.

The victim, identified as Yasonia Zega, 43, was a local employee of the palm plantation company Sunli Acronia Sukses.