Former governor of South Sumatra, Alex Noerdin, is implicated in the Sriwijaya Grand Mosque construction graft case. A record held by the project management shows that billions of rupiah were given to “Sumsel 1,” a code suspected to refer to the number one person in the province.

Civil liberties are felt increasingly threatened. Murals in the form of criticism are expressions and aspirations conveyed through art.

PLN is trying everything to stay out of the financial crisis. It is caught between ambitious government projects, electricity purchase arrangements, and the impact of the pandemic. This report on the dilemma of the electricity and coal businesses was done with the support of the Judith Neilson Institute.

Epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia’s Public Heath Faculty Iwan Ariawan says that the Level 1-4 public activity restrictions (PPKM) have been proven effective in slowing down the speed of Covid-19 transmission. Iwan who follows weekly virtual meetings with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan says that with increased testing and contact tracing ratios coupled with the second phase vaccination, the government hopes to rein in the pandemic in October or November.

Taliban offers amnesty to former government officials and those who worked for the United States government. They also promise press freedom and protection of women’s rights within the framework of Islamic law.

The resolution of the government to put the brakes on 2022’s budget deficit brings relief to the market.

The virtual festival titled Flores, the Singing Island initiated by local musician Ivan Nestorman highlighted the unique vocal skills of Flores from the eight points of the island.

Government’s plan to apply a carbon tax next year triggers reactions. Academics and environmental activists say this is merely one way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

On the non-detention of beauty specialist doctor Richard Lee.

Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman

Every candidate with the potential to become president must be given the opportunity. Transparency of political funding is a key factor.

Under a regime that declares a constant state of war, citizens are placed within a prison-like Jeremy Bentham’s ideal construction, the panopticon: on its high tower are the eyes of Argus Panoptes.

ENVIRONMENTAL activists from the Aer Republic community unfurled the red-and-white flag at the Cianggir Landfill (TPAS) in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Sunday, August 15. The action at the garbage landfill was carried out to commemorate the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as a campaign for environmental awareness during the Covid-19 pandemic while fostering a sense of nationalism./Antara/Adeng Bustomi

SOUTHEAST Asia has faced numerous human rights violations and abuses, ranging from the worst crimes against the Rohingya and other religious and ethnic minorities in Myanmar to extra-judicial killings in the Philippines under President Duterte’s administration. Many enforced disappearances have also occurred across the region, along with violence against human rights and democracy defenders, attacks on freedom of religion and belief, freedom of expression, and some other incidents. 

It does not mean the region has no institution that addresses human rights issues. Since 2009, member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have had the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights or AICHR. But critics said this body has been ineffective and ‌incapable of protecting human rights in the region. 

To commemorate the International Human Rights Day on December 10, TEMPO TALKS presents Yuyun Wahyuningrum, the representative of Indonesia to AICHR who will explain about human rights problems in the region and how her organization addresses the issue on TEMPO TALKS