Insights Indonesia

24/08/2026

A newborn Sumatran elephant arrived on Indonesia’s Independence Day, a hopeful symbol for one of the country’s most endangered animals.

There are other encouraging signs too. The government has strengthened elephant protections, launched a long-term conservation strategy and expanded veterinary cooperation.

But the picture is far from comfortable. Recent elephant deaths in Aceh, suspected poisoning in Bengkulu, habitat fragmentation and a wildfire in Way Kambas show how fragile the situation remains.

19/08/2026

Indonesia just turned 81, and while most of the world's population is aging fast, Indonesia's isn't, yet. From South Korea's record-low fertility rate to Sub-Saharan Africa's baby boom, we take a data-driven look at where Indonesia stands, and why its demographic window won't stay open forever.

Read the full analysis:

As fertility rates collapse across most developed nations, Indonesia's population stays young, and that's an economic edge.

16/08/2026

From a newly independent republic in 1945 to a G20 member co-hosting the world's largest peacekeeping exercise, Indonesia's journey since Merdeka has been remarkable. This Independence Day, we look at Indonesia's role in ASEAN and its growing influence on the world stage: from founding the bloc in 1967, to RIMPAC, Super Garuda Shield, and a seat at nearly every table that matters.

This Independence Day, see how Indonesia's role in ASEAN has grown since 1945, from a young republic into a trusted regional anchor.

13/08/2026

Indonesia is set to take part in a Chinese naval drill east of Taiwan at a highly sensitive moment.

The Indonesian vessel was already returning from Japan, but Taiwan says Beijing is using the exercise to create the impression that Chinese military activity around the island is normal.

With Taiwan conducting its Han Kuang war games and tensions already high, should Jakarta have accepted?

Indonesia’s role in a Chinese naval drill near Taiwan raises questions over Beijing’s pressure and Jakarta’s strategic choices.

11/08/2026

Indonesia is entering the toughest part of the 2026 El Niño.

Drought is spreading, forest and peat fires are worsening, and water supplies and agriculture are coming under pressure. But there’s an unexpected winner: salt production is booming under the prolonged dry weather.

Strong El Niño is worsening drought, fires and food risks across Indonesia, while dry conditions boost salt production and some fisheries.

09/08/2026

Indonesia wants to stop exporting cheap raw minerals and bring more processing home. On paper, that makes sense.

But there is a catch: much of the smelting and refining boom has been driven by Chinese capital, technology and companies. In a world of trade wars, export controls and growing tensions over critical minerals, that dependence could become a strategic weakness.

Indonesia may control the resources, but does it control the industry?

05/08/2026

Formed in 1975, Nasida Ria are still performing, releasing music and reaching Gen Z.

Indonesia’s pioneering Muslim women’s band shows how faith, female musicianship and popular culture can grow together across generations.

Nasida Ria remain active after 50 years, bringing Islamic qasidah to Gen Z through festivals, new music and a 2026 Google Gemini campaign.

03/08/2026

President Prabowo Subianto says he is willing to help reopen dialogue between North and South Korea.

Indonesia is unusually positioned: it has maintained historic relations with Pyongyang while building deep economic and defence ties with Seoul. That could make Jakarta a useful diplomatic bridge, but North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, the unresolved Korean War and decades of mistrust remain major obstacles.

Can Indonesia open a door that others have failed to unlock?

Prabowo offers to help reopen dialogue between North and South Korea, drawing on Indonesia’s historic ties and regional influence.

29/07/2026

China’s ethnic unity law is now moving from paper to policy.

During a Tibet visit, Wang Huning called for full implementation of the law and for Tibetan Buddhism to “adapt to socialist society.”

That raises the real question: unity, or control?

23/07/2026

Heavy Metal in Hijabs: The Unique Story of Voice of Baceprot

Voice of Baceprot show that faith, female freedom and heavy metal do not have to cancel each other out.

The unique story of Indonesia’s Voice of Baceprot, three Muslim women proving that faith and global metal can coexist.