The global plastic waste trade is fueling a surge in toxic air pollution in lower- and middle-income countries, where a significant portion of imported waste is openly burned. According to United Nations data, 9.34 million metric tons of plastic waste were traded globally in 2024, with researchers linking the practice to increased mortality risks from … Read more
Indonesian authorities have seized 8.6 litres of suspected etomidate with an estimated value of Rp97.8 billion (RM22.7 million) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Police arrested four foreign nationals in connection with the smuggling operation, which spanned three separate cases between February and May of this year. Officials believe these arrests have prevented potential narcotics abuse for … Read more
Indonesian medical device industry leaders are calling for an overhaul of healthcare procurement governance, arguing that current systems must prioritize product quality and domestic manufacturing sustainability over budget-focused purchasing. The industry push follows recent government austerity measures that have tightened regional spending, complicating the procurement of essential medical equipment across the archipelago. Did You Know? … Read more
A sand miner sustained severe burns on Saturday after being struck by superheated volcanic material during an eruption of Mount Semeru in Indonesia’s East Java province. The 33-year-old victim, Very Irawan, suffered burns to approximately 80% of his body and remains in hospital for intensive care, according to local media reports. Incident Details and Volcanic … Read more
The Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia coalition has formally petitioned the Indonesian government to support a moratorium on deep-sea mining (DSM) ahead of the 31st International Seabed Authority (ISA) session in 2026. According to an official letter sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on June … Read more
Agus Putranadi, a participant in the BTN Jakarta International Marathon, died after collapsing at the 14-kilometer mark during the half marathon on June 14. The incident has triggered widespread scrutiny regarding the medical readiness of large-scale endurance events in Jakarta and the physical preparation required for runners in tropical, humid conditions. Medical Response and Event … Read more
Russia is positioning itself as a strategic “third power” in Southeast Asia to help regional nations diversify energy supplies and manage geopolitical pressures from the United States and China. According to analysts, Moscow is leveraging energy diplomacy, including nuclear cooperation and oil supply agreements, to strengthen ties with Asean members seeking to avoid alignment with … Read more
Beijing-based railway researchers have proposed a space-based train control system designed to eliminate the infrastructure vulnerabilities that caused the 2011 Wenzhou high-speed rail disaster. According to a paper published in Railway Signalling and Communication Engineering, shifting control systems to satellite networks aims to prevent the signal failures caused by ground-level environmental damage, such as lightning … Read more
Thailand is seeking to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to modernize its slowing economy and attract international investment as global supply chains shift away from China. While the move aims to trigger regulatory reform and combat corruption, analysts warn that the transition carries significant risks for the country’s large informal sector … Read more
The US Navy has launched Pacific Partnership 2026, its largest annual humanitarian and civic assistance mission in the Indo-Pacific, with a strategic shift toward Southeast Asia. According to the US Navy, the five-month deployment aims to strengthen regional partnerships and provide disaster relief training, serving as a pillar of Washington’s soft power projection amidst its … Read more