PPATK’s newly minted chief, Ivan Yustiavandana, has a special assignment from President Joko Widodo. In addition to preventing and fighting money laundering crimes, PPAT has been ordered to crack down on illegal online lenders.

In the aftermath of the sanctions issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the Indonesian team which won the Thomas Cup had to stand on the podium without the Red and White national flag. But thanks to the quick lobbying of PBSI Chief Agung Firman Sampurna, the national anthem Indonesia Raya could be played during the trophy presentation ceremony in Denmark.

For her relentless fight for press freedom and human rights in the Philippines, Rappler’s senior journalist Maria Ressa has been awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. She continues to challenge President Rodrigo Duterte’s repressive regime.

As the climate change conference (COP26) in Glasgow draws near, Edvin Aldrian once again reminds the government about formulating strategies to achieve the zero carbon emission target. The IPCC expert panel member calls for more bilateral cooperation to combat the climate crisis.

Airlangga University’ Merah Putih vaccine research team led by Prof. Fedik Abdul Rantam has been making rapid headway in the development of the country’s own Covid vaccine together with Biotis Pharmaceutical Indonesia. The vaccine is set to enter the first phase of the human clinical trial in the fourth week of October.

Speculations surrounding security issues in Papua has not dampened the confidence of Yunus Wonda, Executive Chair of the Papua 20th National Sports Week (PON) Committee. He is optimistic that with the support of the Papuan people and the military and the police combined, the quadrennial sports festival will proceed smoothly and safely.