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Suffering in the Prison of Collective Digital Memory

This opinion piece explores how the shift from analogue to digital media has democratised personal existence but created a perpetual "prison" of collective digital memory, where past mistakes or even false information are nearly impossible to erase. Drawing on concepts like news value and references to scholars such as Alice Bell and George Santayana, the author highlights the irony of digital permanence, which hinders redemption and forgiveness. It concludes by introducing the EU's "right to be forgotten" under GDPR as a potential remedy, emphasising the philosophical implications for individual rights in the digital age.

Jakarta's Air Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups on Friday

Jakarta's air quality has been recorded as unhealthy for sensitive groups, with an AQI of 115 and PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines by 8.2 times, prompting recommendations for mask-wearing and limiting outdoor activities. The city ranks fifth worst in Indonesia for air pollution, behind areas like Serpong and South Tangerang. The DKI Provincial Government is evaluating its Air Pollution Control Strategy (SPPU) and stresses the need for integrated, cross-regional collaboration to address the issue effectively.

Pupuk Indonesia pushes for methanol plant construction to support B50 mandate

PT Pupuk Indonesia is proposing the construction of two methanol plants, each with a capacity of 1 million tonnes, in collaboration with Danantara to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on imports amid the government's planned B50 biodiesel mandate starting in July 2026. This initiative aims to meet the projected national methanol demand of 2.9 million tonnes by addressing the current shortfall, where domestic output stands at only 400,000 tonnes against imports of 1.4 million tonnes. The policy, endorsed by Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, is expected to save Rp48 trillion in subsidies and achieve a diesel surplus in 2026 while enhancing energy and food security through sustainable biofuel development.

Oil Surges 11%, On-the-Ground Prices Break Through US$141 per Barrel

Global crude oil prices have surged dramatically, with Brent closing at US$109.28 per barrel on Thursday after an 8.03% increase, while spot prices reached US$141.36 per barrel amid severe supply disruptions from Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation, driven by ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and warnings of further military action from President Trump, highlights a deepening energy crisis that financial futures markets have yet to fully reflect, potentially leading to prolonged global supply shortages.

Alleged Receipt of Vehicle from Karo Regent Leaves Karo Chief Prosecutor Silent and Smiling

MP Hinca Panjaitan from Commission III of the DPR raised concerns during a meeting about Chief Prosecutor Danke Rajagukguk of Karo allegedly receiving vehicles, including a Nissan Grand Livina and Toyota models, from Karo Regent Antonius Ginting amid the Amsal Sitepu case. Hinca questioned whether this influenced the prosecutor's office to target creative workers while overlooking local government officials. Danke offered apologies for any errors but remained silent and smiled when pressed on the matter post-meeting, highlighting potential ethical issues in law enforcement.

Pupuk Indonesia CEO Assures Raw Material Supply Remains Secure Amid Middle East Turmoil

PT Pupuk Indonesia's CEO, Rahmad Pribadi, has assured that the national fertiliser supply and raw materials are secure despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, thanks to advance government payments and domestic price controls. The company has diversified import sources for key inputs like phosphate, potash, and sulphur from non-conflict regions such as Canada and Laos, while maintaining robust production capacity of 14.8 million tonnes annually, with urea fully met domestically using local natural gas. New regulations under Presidential Regulation No. 113/2025 enhance subsidy efficiency through market-based pricing, improving distribution speed and accessibility for farmers, thereby supporting agricultural stability and mitigating global supply risks.

Commission III Asserts Acquittal Verdict for Amsal Sitepu Cannot Be Appealed

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III has affirmed that the acquittal of videographer Amsal Sitepu cannot be appealed under the new Criminal Procedure Code, following a meeting with North Sumatra's High Prosecutor's Office and the Karo District Prosecutor's Office. The commission issued five key conclusions, including demands for an evaluation of the prosecutor's handling of the case, investigations into alleged intimidation by specific prosecutors, probes into claims of parliamentary intervention, and a review of the case for internal assessment. This development underscores efforts to ensure judicial fairness and prevent overreach by law enforcement in sensitive cases.

Amsal Sitepu Was Afraid Despite Acquittal Verdict, Worried Prosecutors Might Appeal

Videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu expressed lingering fears of an appeal by prosecutors following his acquittal in a village profile video project markup case, despite the court's ruling in his favour. The DPR's Commission III affirmed that no appeal or cassation is possible under the new Criminal Procedure Code, providing reassurance and highlighting a victory for Indonesia's creative economy sector. The North Sumatra Attorney General's Office stated it would consider the commission's recommendation through its leadership chain.

Pupuk CEO: Urea Fertiliser Exports Conducted After Domestic Needs Are Secure

PT Pupuk Indonesia's CEO, Rahmad Pribadi, has affirmed that urea fertiliser exports will proceed only after ensuring domestic agricultural needs are fully met, prioritising national food security amid global supply disruptions from Middle East tensions. Despite a sharp rise in global urea prices from around $400 to $800 per tonne due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, Indonesia's production capacity of 8.8 million tonnes operationally allows it to export about 1.5 million tonnes flexibly to countries like Australia and India while maintaining internal stability. This positions Indonesia as a potential global stabiliser for fertiliser supplies, as highlighted by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, with several nations seeking imports regardless of cost.

Ono Surono Caught in Bekasi Ijon Bribe Vortex: Searches Continue, KPK Denies Intimidation

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted searches at two residences of West Java DPRD Deputy Chairman Ono Surono in connection with an alleged ijon bribery case involving the suspended Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. During the raid in Bandung, authorities seized hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash, documents, and electronic evidence, while in Indramayu, they confiscated Rp 50 million from the family and Rp 200 million from an arisan group, prompting claims of intimidation and framing by Ono's legal team. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo firmly denied any coercion, stating that the family voluntarily disabled the CCTV and that the searches followed proper procedures.

Pupuk Indonesia CEO Assures Subsidised Fertiliser Ceiling Price Will Not Rise Despite Hormuz Strait Turmoil

PT Pupuk Indonesia's CEO, Rahmad Pribadi, has assured that the maximum retail price (HET) for subsidised fertiliser will remain unchanged despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, thanks to the company's substantial domestic urea production capacity of 8.8 million tonnes annually, which meets national needs without reliance on imports. This stability follows a 20% price reduction implemented in October 2025 under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, lowering urea from Rp2,250 to Rp1,800 per kilogram and NPK from Rp2,300 to Rp1,840 per kilogram, aimed at boosting farmer welfare and agricultural productivity. The policy has already led to a 31% increase in fertiliser uptake in 2026, underscoring its positive impact on the sector.

How to Register for KIP Kuliah 2026 for UTBK SNBT: Check Requirements and Stages

The Indonesian government's KIP Kuliah programme offers financial assistance to underprivileged students pursuing higher education, covering tuition fees and providing living allowances to break the cycle of poverty. Registration for the 2026 intake via the UTBK-SNBT pathway opened on 2 February 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026, with automatic integration for existing KIP holders from secondary school. Eligible applicants must meet income criteria and follow an online registration process, including validation of personal data, while KIP beneficiaries receive fee waivers for the UTBK-SNBT exam.

CNA Explains: How the Iran war might reshape Asia’s energy playbook

The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and India to ramp up coal-fired power operations to mitigate energy shortages and rising electricity prices. While this temporary reliance on coal highlights vulnerabilities in Asia's heavy dependence on Middle Eastern fossil fuel imports, experts suggest it may slow decarbonisation efforts but is unlikely to reverse long-term commitments to cleaner energy due to environmental and competitiveness concerns. The conflict is expected to accelerate diversification strategies, including greater emphasis on nuclear energy and renewables, to enhance regional energy security and resilience.

Puan Stresses Public Services Must Be Maximised Despite ASN Working from Home on Fridays

Indonesian House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has emphasised that the policy allowing civil servants (ASN) to work from home every Friday, in response to global energy dynamics, must not compromise public service productivity. She stressed that public trust depends on timely document processing, responsive administration, and consistent government decision-making, regardless of physical office presence. Puan views the initiative as an opportunity for bureaucratic modernisation if it shifts focus to measurable performance while ensuring direct services to citizens remain efficient.

Commentary: If the US is a ‘revisionist power’, how countries engage it will change

Singapore's Foreign Minister has labelled the US a 'revisionist power' amid its disruptive actions under Trump's second term, prompting Southeast Asian nations to shift from pragmatic engagement to preventive measures to avert worst-case scenarios like tariffs. While selective cooperation continues in areas such as supply chain security and critical minerals, trust in US commitments has eroded due to abandoned initiatives like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Just Energy Transition Partnerships. This evolving dynamic underscores the need for diversification in ties with Washington to mitigate risks from its unilateral policies.

DEN: Pertamina Ensures Fuel Availability, Public Urged to Remain Calm

Members of the National Energy Council (DEN) and the House of Representatives have reassured the public that Pertamina is working diligently to maintain fuel oil (BBM) supplies amid a global energy crisis triggered by the Iran-US and Israel conflict, with Indonesia's situation far better than many Southeast Asian neighbours where fuel prices have surged significantly. Officials emphasise that fuel stocks exceed 20 days, surpassing minimum operational reserves, and urge citizens to stay calm, avoid panic buying, and consume energy wisely to support government efforts in managing fiscal burdens from subsidies. Price adjustments are necessary to mitigate the financial strain, as each $1 increase in oil prices adds approximately Rp10.3 trillion to subsidy costs, with current prices over $100 per barrel.

Lawyer Claims KPK Investigators Intimidated Ono Surono's Wife

Ono Surono's lawyer, Sahali, has accused KPK investigators of intimidation during a search of the PDI-P West Java chairman's home, alleging they insisted on turning off the CCTV and pushed to seize family and arisan funds despite evidence of their communal nature. Sahali dismissed the KPK's claim that the family disabled the CCTV, calling it illogical, and questioned the absence of a search warrant as required by Indonesian law. The incident highlights tensions in the ongoing corruption probe, with further searches planned, raising concerns over procedural fairness in anti-corruption efforts.

KPK Hands Over Case Files of PT Blueray Boss to Public Prosecutor

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has completed its investigation into an alleged bribery case involving the owner of PT Blueray, John Field, and two associates, handing over the suspects, case files, and evidence to the KPK's Public Prosecutor for further proceedings. The trio is accused of bribing officials at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, including former Director Rizal and others, to facilitate import processes. This development underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Indonesia's customs authority, with charges under anti-corruption and criminal codes applicable to all involved parties.

Pramono: WFH Reduces Fuel Consumption, Official Trips Tightened

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stated that implementing Work From Home (WFH) for civil servants one day a week will significantly cut regional budget expenses, particularly on vehicle fuel for official cars. He emphasised strict rules prohibiting personal use of official vehicles during WFH and encouraged the use of free public transport provided to civil servants, while warning of firm action against misuse. Additionally, Pramono announced a review and reduction of official trips outside the region for both government staff and regional-owned enterprises to enhance administrative efficiency amid global economic challenges.

DSSA Prepares Rp 35 Trillion Investment to Develop Geothermal in Indonesia

PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk (DSSA) plans to invest Rp 30-35 trillion over the next five years to develop seven geothermal sites across Indonesia, aiming to achieve a total installed capacity of 780 MW and position itself as a world-class player in the sector. This initiative aligns with the government's energy transition agenda, leveraging Indonesia's vast 40% share of global geothermal reserves to reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants and enhance renewable energy contributions. DSSA is also advancing sustainable practices, including solar panel production and partnerships with global firms, to ensure long-term operational efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

Archive Statistics

310,727
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period