Environment

Mangrove Marred by Mining Mud

Local communities protested against Aneka Tambang for polluting the mangrove area in Tanjung Moronopo, East Halmahera North Maluku, with waste from its mining operation. The mine is changing both the waters and the lives of fishermen.

Environment

No Zero Emission Promises

President Joko Widodo made no mention of a time frame to achieve net zero emission at the Leader Summit on Climate 2021 initiated by the US President. Indonesia’s target is deemed far below expectations. 

Science & Technology

Back From Extinction

Residents of Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, discovered a bird identified as pelanduk kalimantan, or the black-browed babbler. This species has not been seen since it was first discovered in the 1840s.

Environment

Less Masapi at Lake Poso

Fishermen are concerned about the impact of the dredging activities in the Poso River basin in Central Sulawesi. Dams and traps block the life cycle of eels.

Religion

Worship in the Time of Emergency

A number of policies to deal with the pandemic this past year have an impact on Muslim rituals. Social worships and rituals are increasing. This report is the result of a collaboration between Tempo and Rappler, supported by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

Environment

Power Plant Ash Controversy

The government takes fly ash resulting from coal combustion off the list of hazardous and toxic waste. There is concern that this will endanger the environment and ignore any impact on those living around coal power plants.

Environment

From Scavenger Cooperatives to Wholesale Stores

Food manufacturers are innovating to reduce plastic bottle waste. Some maximize the use of recycled materials, while others support the community in its waste management.

Environment

An Omen from Rantau Nangka

Heavy rainfall on January 11 to 15 inundated 10 out of 13 regencies and cities in South Kalimantan. But the rain was not the only reason for the flooding. The loss of forest density impacts Barito watershed area’s ability to resist floods.

Environment

Lack of Ambition for Emission Reduction

The Climate Ambition Summit was organized to help push for a renewed commitment on emission reduction, in order to achieve the target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius by 2030. Indonesia is seen as lacking ambition to meet its emission reduction target.

Environment

Claimed by the Sea

The rising sea is turning the lives of Bendono village residents in Central Java upside down. Fertile rice fields and productive fishponds are now under water.

Environment

Bujang Raba’s Carbon Blessing

The live of people living around the Bujang Raba protected forest, Bungo Regency, Jambi, changed after the forest is included in the carbon trade. Hoping for the related regulation to be issued soon.

Science & Technology

Phytopharmacy’s Slow Progress

Numerous problems are hindering the development of phytopharmacy in Indonesia, from the reluctance of doctors to prescribe herbal medicines to lack of regulatory support. The industry must work to promote the use of phytopharmaceuticals among medical professionals and the public.

Science & Technology

possible Massive Earthquake and tsunami

A latest study predicts that a magnitude 9.1 earth quake and 20 meters high tsunami could hit the southern coast of Java. It further underlines the imperativeness for additional tsunami early warning system instruments.

Science & Technology

The Army’s Quick Cure

Research for a Covid-19 drug by Airlangga University sparked a polemic. Aside from its effectiveness, its adherence to clinical trials protocol is also questioned. The ball is now in the Indonesia Food and Drug Authority’s court.

Asean & Beyond

Thorn in the Flesh

Mahathir is challenging his dismissal from the Bersatu Party in an attempt to regain control of the government.

International

An Island for Rohingya

The Bangladeshi government is unable to convince Rohingya refugees to move to Bashan Char Island. There are concerns over safety and economic sustainability.

Cover Story

The Problem with Rapid Testing

International journalists have found issues with Covid-19 rapid test kits. India and Spain are complaining about the inaccuracy of Chinese-manufactured test kits.

International

Storm of Hatred in Uncle Sam’s Country

At least 1,000 racist or discriminative actions against Asians occurred amid the coronavirus outbreak. Four cases happened to Indonesians in Philadelphia.

Cover Story

A War Without Ammunition

The WHO has cautioned early about the world’s unpreparedness to face the corona pandemic. Health workers in the United States are complaining about the limited testing equipment available and the shortage of face masks.

Asean & Beyond

Abduction in Myawaddy Forest

Two Myanmar journalists were held captive for 24 hours. They were investigating construction projects at the Thai-Myanmar border.