INDONESIA: In Board Games, Serious Talk Emerges About the Climate Article Climate Fresk was created in 2015 by Cedric Ringenbach, a French engineer and professor specialising in energy transition. This board game encourages discussion on environment and climate related issues, especially for young people. By Joan Rumengan
The Inaugural Independence Day Ceremony in Nusantara: A Milestone or a Setback? Article Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day with a historic ceremony in Nusantara, the new capital. Outgoing President Jokowi and incoming President Prabowo both took part in the event, symbolizing the shift to a new era. Despite the celebration, the move to Nusantara has sparked mixed reactions and debates. By Dinna Prapto Raharja
Tempe: A Story of Sustainability and Women Empowerment in Indonesia Article Indonesian Tempe Movement (ITM), an organization founded by a three-generation food scientists in Indonesia, has rediscovered the centuries old traditional food – Tempe – and explored the use of different types of leaves in wrapping it. Although modernity has swept across all aspects of life, including food consumptions, many regions in Indonesia still face significant challenges related to malnutrition particularly growth stunting due to economic and natural factors. By Wida Winarno
Participatory Climate Governance: Insights From Indonesia’s Peatlands Article Indonesia's vast tropical peatlands are crucial for global climate mitigation but are highly vulnerable to disturbance, leading to severe environmental and socio-economic impacts. This article explores how integrating local knowledge with scientific research through participatory decision-making can enhance peatland governance, addressing both climate challenges and the needs of communities reliant on these critical ecosystems. By Helena Varkkey
Political Maneuvering among Indonesia’s Elites: The Sword of Damocles over Democracy Analysis Indonesia, the third largest democracy in the world, has experienced a vibrant and stable democratic consolidation since the fall of the authoritarian regime in 1998. However, it is now facing an accelerated downfall – its democratic veins have been drained. Ironically, from the hands of its most lauded progeny. By Tobias Basuki
Indonesia Carbon Exchange: Diversion or Solution to Climate Change? Article This article highlights the perceived pitfalls of this "initiative," which is believed to accelerate carbon emission reduction. Instead, it is seen as just another attempt to distort and divert the goal of achieving net-zero emissions for Indonesia and other ASEAN countries with similar approaches By Johnson Chandra
Critical Minerals: The Need for Market Standards Article As global demand for critical minerals grow, so too do standards and regulations to ensure the industry is more sustainable and transparent about its environmental impact on local areas and residents. The case of nickel mining in Indonesia highlights the serious damage and inconsistencies of applied policy, and how we must keep open dialogue, respect for rights and demand action. By Bernadinus Steni
From Rhetoric to Reality: Unraveling the Just Energy Transition ‘Partnerships’ in ASEAN Countries Article As Indonesia and Vietnam start on their respective JET-P journeys, funding is pivotal in determining the nature of ‘partnership’ in just energy transition. Can they clear the path away from debt and fossil fuel-laden projects to navigate the way transparently with the IPG towards clearer benefits for all and respect for human rights? By Andri Prasetiyo
Forget Kendeng Not Article Indonesia’s diversity is a blessing and a curse. While foreign investors, particularly cement and mining companies, have brought in significant investment to the country, it has often come at the expense of the environment. Since 1998, Pati Regency in Central Java has been experiencing flooding, which has caused damages to properties, and livelihood. However, instead of addressing the root cause of the problem, the region opened up to cement mining, thereby, increasing the threats of disasters. By Dewi Candraningrum
Water Scarcity: The Cave’s Freshwater for Life Article Not many people realize that human life has been sustained by only 0.5% of freshwater on Earth. A very small part of this freshwater is hidden – unseen water that is stored deep under the earth in limestone, or karst aquifers. These water sources are now at serious risk due to mining activities, and local communities are trying to find creative ways to access and maintain their freshwater supply. By A.B. Rodhial Falah
