Kuala Lumpur – Asia's youngest nation Timor Leste on Sunday became the 11th member of the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN, fulfilling a vision set out by its current president nearly a half-century ago while under Portuguese rule.

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto continues to make large-scale investments in Indonesia's primary weaponry systems (alutsista), a policy consistent with his tenure as Minister of Defense from 2019 to 2024.

According to Tempo's report on October 23, 2025, Prabowo has strategically used defense procurement as a high-level diplomatic tool.

Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka took up a populist platform during the election campaign, garnering the full support from the oligarchy and mainstream political parties, and ultimately secured a victory in the 2024 presidential election.

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – The Special Advisor to the President for National Defense, Dudung Abdurachman, raised the issue of the absence of mandatory military service in Indonesia, citing that several countries, such as South Korea and Singapore, have implemented this practice.

Nandito Putra, Jakarta – The Ministry of Industry confirms that Indonesia's position is becoming stronger in the global textile and textile product (TPT) industry.

Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – There has been a recurrence of the free nutritious meal (MBG) poisoning in Mlati Sub-District, Sleman, Central Java. However, this time it involves a different Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG/kitchen) compared to the previous MBG poisoning case.

Jakarta – The government recently reaffirmed its continued supports for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who contribute to the development of a sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Muhammad Farhan, Wawan Kurniawan, Jakarta – Indonesia will begin construction of waste-to-energy (WtE) plants in seven regions starting March 2026, as the government accelerates efforts to convert urban waste into renewable electricity under President Prabowo Subianto's green energy agenda.

Anggita Raissa, Serang, Indonesia – The rain had just passed over Nambo Udik, a village in Cikande, Serang, Banten. The air hung heavy and damp, and puddles lingered in the muddy yard in front of Sakinah and Roni's home.

Dian Rahma Fika, Jakarta – The Center for Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has found that the public is dissatisfied with the performance of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka one year into their term. The conclusion is based on a survey involving 120 journalists and 60 media organizations.

Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – Indonesia plans to use the COP30 momentum as an opportunity to woo foreign buyers into purchasing its carbon credits following sluggish demand.

Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Member of House Commission X (DPR), Bonnie Triyana, stated that it would be better for President Prabowo Subianto to expand the teaching of the Mandarin language rather than introducing Portuguese in Indonesian schools.

Jakarta – Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) General Chairperson Muhamad Isnur has criticised law enforcement agencies over the demonstrations last August.

Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned the labor attache at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday as part of its investigation into a Rp 85 billion ($5.1 million) extortion case linked to the issuance of foreign worker permits at the Manpower Ministry.

Julie Wark – The United Nations has recently come under attack from the Trump Administration and, much as it goes against the grain, it's difficult to argue with real-estate-developer-cum-ambassador-Representative for U.N. Management and Reform [sic], Jeff Bartos:

Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – A political communication lecturer at Paramadina University, Hendri Satrio, said there was a communication gap between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his ministers during the first year of his presidency.

Hensa, as he is known, observed that this gap is one of the main factors affecting the effectiveness of the government.

Suharto's nearly 32-year rule considered one of the most brutal, corrupt regimes in 20th century

Human rights activists have criticized the Indonesian government for including former military dictator Suharto, much criticized for authoritarianism, in a list of individuals nominated for recognition as national heroes.

Antara, Jakarta – The Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) has revealed that 40 to 50 percent of the Indonesian population cannot afford a balanced, nutritious diet due to its high cost compared to a merely sufficient diet.

Jakarta – Asia's youngest nation Timor Leste is set to achieve a decades-long dream when it becomes the 11th member of ASEAN this weekend, which analysts say is a win politically although the economic benefits remain to be seen.

Zhulfakar, Jakarta – Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiharto clarified on Thursday that the large amounts of regional government funds held in banks are not the result of hoarding or attempts to gain interest, but rather part of normal cash management practices.

Defara Dhanya, Jakarta – Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Eddy Soeparno, said climate change can no longer be viewed as a mere environmental issue. During the opening of the 3rd Indonesia Climate Change Forum (ICCF), co-organized by the Emil Salim Institute (ESI) and MPR, Eddy mentioned climate issue is now linked to national development.

On 21 October 2025, plainclothes police officers riding motorcycles arbitrarily arrested 17-year-old Cansius Yawiwa in Jalan Kuda Mati, Kamundu Subdistrict, Merauke City, South Papua Province.

Christine Rovoi – For Pasifika, the conflict in West Papua is no longer a distant neighbour's affair – it is a family issue, a regional humanitarian challenge, and a test of the 'Blue Pacific' solidarity.

The Prabowo-Gibran administration has now completed its first year. Over the past year, the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) noted a deterioration in human rights enforcement across Indonesia, based on a year of monitoring and advocacy experience.

Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – Investment Management Agency Danantara Indonesia plans to enter the Indonesian stock market. The majority of the funds acquired by Danantara come from managing dividends from several state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Danantara believes this move will strengthen the fundamental liquidity of the domestic stock market.

Servio Maranda, Jakarta – Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has called on managers of nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) to produce positive content on TikTok to highlight the free nutritious meal program (MBG).

On 16 October 2025, members of the Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) reportedly tortured ten Papuans, including two volunteers from the Manokwari Institute for Research, Assessment and Development of Legal Aid (LP3BH Manokwari), in North Moskona District, Teluk Bintuni Regency, Papua Barat Province.

On 3 October 2025, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) reportedly arrested Mr Mumak Nirigi, 35, a resident of Mebarok District, near the Wisigi area, amidst intensified military operations.

Antara, Jakarta – Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said the government will offer incentives to companies that invest in ethanol production facilities to support Indonesia's plan to introduce mandatory 10 percent bioethanol (E10) fuel blending by 2027.

Yanti Lawerissa, D.J.A. Hehanussa, E.R.M. Toule and Abraham Tulalessy – On Indonesia's Buru Island, eucalyptus farmer Mahani switched professions and became a gold miner to make more money. He is just one of many who joined a gold rush. In 2011, gold was found on the island's Mount Botak.

Nina A. Loasana, Jakarta – More than 1,000 prison guards are undergoing retraining at the maximum-security prisons on Nusakambangan Island, following a string of scandals involving criminal activities orchestrated from behind bars, a senior minister has said.

Hammam Izzuddin, Jakarta – The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Department revealed that North Sumatra has the highest number of drug cases in Indonesia.

Kadek Wara Urwasi – 17 August 2024 did not end up being a significant milestone for Nusantara, Indonesia's planned new capital city currently under development in East Kalimantan. That year, on the 79th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, outgoing president Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had intended to celebrate the inauguration of a brand new capital.

Agencies, Jakarta – Indonesia vowed Thursday to play an "active role" in global sports after the IOC urged federations not to stage events there following the country's ban on Israeli gymnasts.

Jayapura – The dire conditions facing refugees in conflict areas that continue to be ignored by the government, as well as the increasing number of military operations that have resulted in civilian casualties, require the attention of all parties as well as the need for international intervention.

Alfitria Nefi P, Jakarta – Indonesia imported 157,000 tons of cocoa beans in 2024 to meet the needs of the domestic processing industry, according to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday praised Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's leadership and claimed that he had copied some of the South American leader's policies.

Prabowo made the statement during a bilateral meeting with Lula at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Thursday morning.

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Body (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, said the agency is open to various suggestions on the free nutritious meal program implementation. One of the suggestions floated is for the schools to directly manage the free meal program.

Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – Indonesia's Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman addresses the surge of imports entering Indonesia and disrupting the local market. He says that the government has not been able to resolve this issue, which has impacted small entrepreneurs.

Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency is finalizing a presidential regulation on the governance of Free Nutritious Meal (MBG).

One of the key provisions in the regulation requires nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs) to use gallon water bottles for cooking.

Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto announced that Portuguese will soon be added to Indonesia's school curriculum, underscoring the country's deepening ties with Brazil.

On 3 October 2025, Indonesian military personnel reportedly detained Mr Agustinus Tipagau, 22, in Timika City, at around 11:00 am (see photo on top, source: independent HRD).

Andi Adam Faturahman, Jakarta – LSI (Indonesian Survey Circle) Denny JA has released a report on the first year of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration. The report shows that the level of public satisfaction has decreased.

Alfitria Nefi P, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that 90 percent of the chlor-alkali plant (CAP) industry's salt needs in the country still rely on imports. "This has become a challenge as well as an opportunity for the development of the national salt industry," said Agus in a written statement on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Dani Aswara, Jakarta – The Forum of Retired Indonesian National Armed Forces Members (FPP TNI) has stated that they are taking various measures to push for the impeachment of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. They are monitoring one of the efforts, which is the Rp125 trillion civil lawsuit against Gibran in the Central Jakarta District Court.

On 15 October 2025, police personnel disrupted a student-led, anti-militarisation protest at the Abepura Roundabout in Jayapura City, Papua Province. At least five protesters were arbitrarily detained for over 24 hours before being released without charges, after authorities reportedly found no legal violations.

On 20 October 2025, security forces opened fire at Moanemani Market, Kamu District, Dogiyai Regency, around 11:00 am. Three people were reportedly injured during the shooting. Later that day, security forces raided the Mauwa Village around 11:36 pm, resulting in the death of Mr Keni Dumupa, with one additional person arrested.

Hans Nicholas Jong, Jakarta – "Going to Dubai was an act of desperation," says Muninggar, a 48-year-old former fish farmer from northern Java. "There were no jobs left in the village. If I wasn't forced to, I wouldn't have gone – my kids were still small."

Alfitria Nefi P, Jakarta – Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture has stated that the productivity of local cocoa plantations has declined in the past year. "Our productivity has indeed decreased in the past year," said the Head of the Cocoa and Other Seasonal Crop Working Group at the Ministry of Agriculture, Yakub Ginting, in Pullman, Jakarta, on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Jakarta – Several regional administrations have unveiled austerity measures, including reduced workdays and remote work policies for civil servants, following the central government's decision to cut regional transfers (TKD) for fiscal year 2026.