Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta has denied violating the Catholic-majority nation's constitution and dismissed a ruling from a top court that accused him of interfering in judicial independence.

Indonesia, West Papua – This 10-page document outlines cases and developments, including human rights violations and their patterns, the escalation of armed conflict and its impact on civilians, significant political shifts in Indonesia affecting West Papua, and international responses and initiatives.

Jakarta – The Chairperson of the People's Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani has no issue with the hoisting of the One Piece flag by citizens ahead of the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day. Muzani sees it as an expression of creativity.

Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – The act of raising the flag of the Japanese animation One Piece in Indonesia is suspected to have been infiltrated by authorities.

The Myanmar junta's rhetoric against Timor Leste is reaching hysterical pitch as the island state's accession to ASEAN looms.

Daniel Ahmad Fajri, Jakarta – A constitutional law lecturer from Mulawarman University in Indonesia, Herdiansyah Hamzah, stated that the law does not prohibit Indonesian citizens from flying the pirate flag from One Piece. Citizens are allowed to fly the One Piece flag as long as it is not higher than the Indonesian flag.

Alfi Dinilhaq, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto aims to make Indonesia an "economically independent" country, as Southeast Asia's largest economy marks its 80th year of independence this month.

In a social media post, Prabowo wrote that 80 years marked a historic milestone in the country's journey towards economic independence.

Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – Indonesia has been importing more vehicles and auto parts during the first half of this year, government data shows.

Basudiwa Supraja, Bandung – Senior Indonesian business figure Sofjan Wanandi has called on the government to shift its focus toward ensuring legal certainty in economic regulation and promoting national unity, now that the country has concluded its election cycle.

Myesha Fatina Rachman, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's decision to grant abolition to Tom Lembong and amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto on Thursday, July 31, 2025, has sparked criticism from various parties, ranging from legal experts to the Executive Board of the All-Indonesia Students' Executive Body (BEM SI).

Tess Ikonomou – Australia and Indonesia should deepen their defence ties to jointly tackle threats such as cyber attacks and economic coercion, a think tank says.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute's report, released on Tuesday, calls for a framework between the two nations to focus on co-ordinated harmful activities, with the potential to expand regionally.

Yanuar Nugroho and Julia Lau – There is growing disquiet among Indonesia's political elite about the uncertain fate of the new capital city, Ibu Kota Negara (IKN) Nusantara, after President Prabowo Subianto's press office announced that Jakarta, not Nusantara, will host this year's Independence Day celebrations.

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has won widespread praise for his decision to release two public figures from jail who were recently convicted for corruption, especially since the public overwhelmingly believe they were targets of separate political persecutions.

Ni Komang Erviani, Jakarta – Two foreign tourists have been arrested for two alleged robberies targeting money changers on the resort island of Bali. One of the suspects was beaten by a mob after trying to steal Rp 191,150,000 (US$11,667) from the victim.

Police discovered that this was their second such act on the island.

Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Presidential Communication Office Head, Hasan Nasbi, recently affirmed that the Indonesian flag cannot be replaced by any other flag, specifically referencing the "One Piece" flag. Hasan noted that he has not observed the widely discussed Japanese pirate anime flag displayed along public roads.

Ni Made Tasyarani, Jakarta – Indonesian manufacturers are increasingly cautious in their outlook as business confidence has fallen to a record low amid concerns over United States import tariffs. Experts warn that waning sentiment risks holding back investment.

Antara, Jakarta – Five regencies in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) have entered drought alert status due to the ongoing dry season.

These include Dompu Regency, covering Kilo and Pajo Districts; Bima Regency, covering Lambitu, Lambu, Sape, and Soromandi Districts; and East Lombok Regency, particularly Sambelia District.

Martin Bagya Kertiyasa, Jakarta – A 46-year-old midwife named Dona Lubis bravely crossed the strong currents of the Batang Pasaman River in West Sumatra to treat a Tuberculosis (TB) patient in Kejorongan Sinuangon, Nagari (Village) Cubadak Barat, Dua Koto Subdistrict, Pasaman Regency.

Heru Andriyanto, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has warned of strict legal consequences for individuals or companies that clear land by setting forest fires, following a high-level meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto with security and law enforcement officials.

Daniel Ahmad Fajri, Jakarta – Willy Aditya, the chair of the NasDem Party's central leadership council for Public Communication, said raising the One Piece flag – Indonesian youth's current form of protest – is inappropriate.

Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The "One Piece" anime symbol, notably utilized by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during his 2024 presidential election campaign, is now being characterized as a divisive element in Indonesian society.

M. Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai claimed that the government's decision to prohibit the public from hoisting the One Piece flag ahead of Independence Day will receive support from the United Nations (UN).

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, has shown concern regarding the popular gaming platform, Roblox, that is gaining popularity among students. According to him, the diverse online games provided by the application can be dangerous.

Jakarta – The saying about robbing Peter to pay Paul is what is guiding the government in its efforts to deal with soaring debt. The inability of the administration to manage state finances, as well as its apparent belief that Indonesia is a major nation, could undermine the economy.

Zacharias Wuragil, Jakarta – Some Indonesians are currently protesting against the government by waving One Piece anime flags. This protest continues to go viral on social media, with images of flags featuring pirate skulls in straw hats scattered throughout.

Amelia Rahima Sari, Jakarta – Several sociology professors in Indonesia responded to the raising of the One Piece flag ahead of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, 2025.

Iman Pambagyo – After a turbulent first half of 2025, Indonesia enters the second semester with hopes of recovery – yet, much like a boat navigating choppy waters during the eastern monsoon season, the national economy must still weather global uncertainties, weakening commodity prices, and unresolved domestic challenges.

Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Ahmad Luthfi, the Chair of the Ansor Cyber Agency, stated that the One Piece pirate flag is not a threat. The spirit of adventure, courage, and solidarity in the One Piece series aligns with the values of struggle and unity of the Indonesian nation.

Danang Triatmojo, Jakarta – Pro-Palestine protesters from the Free Palestine Network (FPN) descended on the Egyptian Embassy in the Menteng neighbourhood of Central Jakarta on Saturday afternoon August 2.

Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – A large-scale rally in support of Palestine was held this morning in the southern area of the National Monument (Monas), Central Jakarta.

Ervana Trikarinaputri, Hanin Marwah, Badung – Megawati Soekarnoputri, the general chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, or PDIP said the concept of "opposition" and "coalition" does not exist in Indonesia's presidential system. According to her, the terms government opposition and coalition are known in a parliamentary system.

Anastasya Lavenia Yudi, Jakarta – The Prasasti Center for Policy Studies assesses that Indonesia's investment realization, which reached Rp477.7 trillion in the second quarter, provides a positive signal amidst global uncertainty.

Antara, Jakarta – Indonesia's Banten Provincial Police have threatened to take firm action against residents who intentionally raise the pirate flag of One Piece during the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day.

Hanin Marwah, Jakarta – A total of 2,123 joint security personnel have been deployed to secure the Palestine solidarity rally at the South Monas Square area, Central Jakarta, this morning.

Daniel Ahmad Fajri, Jakarta – The National Liberation Army of West Papua-Free Papua Movement, or TPNPB OPM, issued a prohibition on the raising of the Indonesian flag in Papua on August 17, 2025, which is the day Indonesia commemorates its Independence Day. Their reason is for the education of the Papuan people.

Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – One of the residents from Riau, Kharik Anhar, is undaunted by the Indonesian government's criminal threat against those who raise the One Piece flag. "There is no law prohibiting people from raising flags of characters, football clubs, or animations at home or on vehicles," said Kharik when contacted on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Wawan Kurniawan, Antara, Jakarta – Flying the Jolly Roger next to the Indonesian flag this Independence Month? Authorities say that's a no-go.

Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – SETARA Institute criticizes the use of articles used by the Indonesian police in handling intolerant acts. In some cases of forced dispersal and prohibition of religious worship, the police only use the vandalism article.

Yustinus Paat, Monique Handa Shafira, Juan Ardya Guardiola, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has granted amnesty and abolition to two prominent political figures previously aligned with rival presidential candidates, triggering debate over the intersection of law and politics.

Yogyakarta – The August 17 '45 People's Resistance Alliance will hold a One Piece flag-raising competition on Indonesian Independence Day on August 17. In addition to this, they have also called for the raising of the One Piece flag in various places to symbolise resistance.

Hanin Marwah, Jakarta – Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), Transparency International Indonesia (TII), and the IM57+ Institute have strongly criticized President Prabowo Subianto's decision to grant special privileges to two corruption convicts.

Nabiila Azzahra, Jakarta – A total of 1,178 inmates have been declared eligible for amnesty or pardon from President Prabowo Subianto following a verification process, according to Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas.

Ricki Putra Harahap, Iqbal Riyanda, Agung Dharma, Jakarta – State railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) canceled dozens of train services across Java on Saturday following the derailment of the Argo Bromo Anggrek train in Subang, West Java, on Friday afternoon.

Adil Al Hasan, Jakarta – The 2025 World Giving Report (WGR) has ranked Nigeria as the most generous country globally with an average donation of 2.83 percent of per capita income. Meanwhile, Indonesia has dropped from first place to 21st out of 101 surveyed countries.

Jakarta – After months of troubling silence in the face of rising violence against religious minorities, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has finally spoken out – expressing regret over the recent attack on a Christian prayer house in Padang, the capital of West Sumatra.

Jakarta – Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir stated that Timor-Leste is an important partner in building a peaceful, inclusive, and dynamic Southeast Asian region.

Anastasya Lavenia Yudi, Jakarta – According to the 2024 Asia Scam Report compiled by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), 65 percent of Indonesians experience scam attempts every week. These scams take various forms, from fake job offers to investment fraud.

Ilham Oktafian, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has requested approval from the House of Representatives to grant presidential pardons to former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, both of whom were recently convicted on corruption charges.

Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has declared August 18, 2025, a national holiday to celebrate the 80th Indonesian Independence Day, which falls on August 17. Deputy State Secretary Minister Juri Ardiantoro stated that the holiday is a "gift for the public."

Jakarta – Bali is always the face of Indonesia. In international forums held there, the government often shows off renewable energy projects as a realization of its commitment to the global climate movement. And now, Bali will become the right place to see if the government's noble promise to promote the energy transition is anything more than a promise.