The presidential press chief's stripping a palace reporter of her credentials during a media conference, though reinstated less than a week later, has sharpened scrutiny of the state of press freedom in the country and by extension, freedom of speech.

Thailand’s ambassador to Indonesia rebuts The Jakarta Post’s Sept. 15 editorial, arguing it oversimplifies the nation’s politics, stressing the resilience of Thai democracy, the non-political role of the monarchy, the independence of its institutions and Thailand’s constructive role in ASEAN.

Japan, long proud of its status as a science and technology leader, is lagging behind its competition so much that it is poised to suffer its greatest defeat since World War II.

Bali projects an image of sustainability while its economy rests heavily on over-tourism, straining land, water and energy, depending on fossil-fueled generators. 

Indonesia must preserve its strategic autonomy to balance relations among major powers, mitigate potential risks and safeguard its national interests amid growing uncertainty. 

The organization is marking its anniversary in a world scarred by brutal and widespread conflicts, deep inequalities and injustice, flagrant violations of human rights and looming existential threats.

Pancasila acts as a moral guidance to make sure development serves humanity, unity honors diversity, and democracy is guided by wisdom.

Rice is politically central but economically stagnant, consuming vast fiscal resources while failing to deliver prosperity for farmers or affordable food for consumers.

The surprise appointment of Deputy Finance Minister Anggito Abimanyu as chairman of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) marks a clear break from established selection procedures and casts uncertainty over President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to create a separate revenue collection agency.

It is safe to say that the incoming police reform is no more than a reactionary policy, rather than a genuine intention to bring about change. 

While heavily redacted, the ICC has publicly released the charges it plans to bring against the former president over three separate criminal incidents, signaling that the Philippine people might finally learn of their country's most violent contemporary period.

The elimination of tariffs on 98 percent of goods under ATIGA, coupled with greater free trade agreement utilization, further improved competitiveness for regional producers and exporters. 

The FIR agreement between Indonesia and Singapore reflects a bureaucratic compromise and diplomatic bargaining chip, particularly since its discussions were tied to unrelated issues such as extradition and defense cooperation treaties.

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.