A well-intentioned policy has devolved into a public health tragedy because it was rolled out hastily, without a solid foundation.

Nia Dinata's documentary Raminten Universe offers a moment to reflect on how we, as a people and a nation, could realize our motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika by embracing an inclusive community that provides a safe space for all.

From a human rights perspective, the free nutritious meal program is part of the state's obligation to uphold people's right to food, rather than a charity activity. 

The House of Representatives has added 52 draft bills to the second amendment of the 2025 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), an increase from the initial 41. Meanwhile, the number of bills prioritized for 2026 stands at 67. Beyond this matter of quantity, the House must place greater emphasis on the quality of legislation, ensuring that laws reflect the interests of the people rather than serving only a few elites within the ruling coalition.

The government has no choice but to immediately pause the program and carry out a full systemic overhaul now that thousands of people have fallen ill due to food poisoning.   

The initiatives in Singapore and Malaysia to protect gig workers can act as a model for emerging economies to regulate platform labor.

Once seen as protectors of the people, the police now increasingly appear aligned with elite interests.

Singapore can retain its top spot in world safety rankings even if it reduces its use of capital punishment. 

While China has a strategic planning process, the US has neither a plan nor a strategy.

While the official spin on debt and deficit ratios sound reassuring, the reality is that state revenues are shrinking, debt service is rising and institutions are bending under political pressure.

Digital journalism practices today more than just annoy readers, they corrode democracy by replacing nuanced, fact-based reporting with emotionally charged content that leaves citizens less informed and more polarized.

The government is accelerating funding mechanisms to secure Indonesia’s food, energy and water needs, but the latest regulatory changes raise concerns about oversight and potential misuse. On Sept. 22, the Government Procurement Agency (LKPP) issued Regulation No. 3/2025 on Guidelines for Procurement of Goods from Completed Works in the Development of Self-Sufficiency Areas. Under the new regulation, vendors are no longer required to undergo electronic bidding or conduct feasibility studies, a change that enables faster disbursement of funds but increases the risk of inefficiency and misuse.

Concentrating vast public wealth in one body without strong oversight is a recipe for corruption, conflict of interest and declining transparency.

While China has been the chief driver of energy emissions so far this century, other nations including India, Indonesia and Vietnam will play a key role in determining future pollution trends.

The spread of the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hats Pirates is an example of how Gen Z is reshaping the cultural vocabulary of dissent.

Today, energy policy is investment policy, and Indonesia risks being left behind.

Public surveys confirm that the majority of respondents believed bribery existed within the police force, with many reporting direct experience or knowledge of the practice.

If there is clear proof of the incompetence surrounding President Prabowo Subianto, it lies in the poor structure and wording of his speech at the United Nations General Assembly just last week.

In the aftermath of the massive August anti-government riots, President Prabowo Subianto carried out two rounds of Cabinet reshuffles to consolidate power and control over his big-tent coalition government. The turmoil, which he described as bordering on treason, is the most serious challenge to his power since he took office in October last year.

We must use current momentum to push for a lasting solution that recognizes and guarantees the sovereignty of the two states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting side by side.

While skeptics might look askance at Prabowo's peacekeeping commitment, conveyed in his speech at the 80th UN General Assembly, this presents a chance for Indonesia to not only contribute to global stability but also to reshape the culture of both the TNI and the National Police as guardians of democracy.

Reintegration of high-profile extremists requires tailored programs addressing historical authority, relational networks and psychological needs. 

Beyond the figures and policies, humankind must come together in a collective vision that dares to look hard at the existential dilemma at the core of the climate crisis, and thereby love ourselves and our planet better.

Indonesia's Industry Ministry will phase out incentives for fully built-up (CBU) imports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by the end of 2025, shifting the policy focus toward local production starting in 2026. Automakers such as BYD and Geely, which have pledged investments totaling Rp15.52 trillion (US$936.62 million), are required to begin assembling vehicles domestically from that year. Should they fail to meet the production requirements, the government reserves the right to claim their bank guarantees in line with the local content requirement (LCR) roadmap and investment regulations.

Today’s global landscape is more complex than ever, characterized by turbulent challenges and unpredictable storms that no nation can face alone. However, the persistence of unilateralism, where countries act based on narrow self-interest without regard for international law, poses a serious threat to global peace and stability. Such actions undermine the principles of multilateralism, weaken international institutions and erode trust among nations.

Decent work is more than making a living: it is a barometer of how well we are doing in society as a whole, including health, education, equality and responsible consumption and production. 

The "normal" level of congestion in Greater Jakarta is already worse than in most other major cities, causing at least Rp 100 trillion (US$6 billion) in direct and indirect economic losses per year.