HEADLINE

Starlink is a project begun by exploration company SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, the world’s richest man. It aims to provide faster, more affordable, global broadband internet access via satellite networks. The Company uses thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), at about 500- 1,400 km above Earth, allowing for lower latency and higher internet speeds than conventional satellites. SpaceX has regularly launched Starlink satellites into LEO. The company plans to increase the number of its satellites to tens of thousands in the next few years, from a current 4,600. 

The integration of natural gas pipeline networks throughout a region plays a strategic role in achieving its economic resilience and ensuring the sustainability of energy supply. In regard to Indonesia, it is highly crucial to distribute natural gas, which is mostly produced in the eastern part of the country, across western Indonesia, so it can be utilized by consumers who reside populous Java / Sumatra.

The recently concluded ASEAN Summit, held from September 5th to 7th, 2023 in Jakarta, was initially hailed as a significant gathering of Southeast Asian nations. However, it has become increasingly apparent that this summit was more of a theatrical spectacle, resembling a ‘showbiz’ event rather than a substantial diplomatic endeavor.

Indonesia currently holds the prestigious position of leading ASEAN, a pivotal role that shapes the course of Southeast Asia’s diplomatic relations. The 42nd ASEAN Summit, hosted in Labuan Bajo from May 10th to 11th, 2023, garnered significant international attention, due to the high expectations placed on ASEAN in addressing contemporary crises and navigating complex challenges. To ensure Indonesia’s successful and illustrious tenure as the Chair of ASEAN, it is imperative to grasp the imminent challenges and devise effective strategies. 

History shows that competition is inherent in human nature, where individuals or countries compete for power in every domain. This basic nature underpins the thoughts of classical economists. For example, Adam Smith’s theory on capitalism, where owners of capital assets are in control of economic resources and free trade (laissez-faire), and where a government does not discriminate against imports or interfere with exports by imposing tariffs or subsidies. 

As Indonesia celebrates 78 years of independence, it finds itself at a pivotal point in its history, marked by noteworthy successes and pressing difficulties. Indonesia has made amazing progress since proudly proclaiming its sovereignty in 1945, emerging from a colonial history to become a flourishing democracy enriched by its cultural legacy. However, while reflecting on its past and visualizing its future, the country must confront the myriad of possibilities and challenges that lie ahead, all while adhering to the ideals of diversity and unity. 

Food waste is a Responsible Consumption and Production issue for SDG 12. Thus, alternative solutions to food waste in food production and food leftovers in food consumption along food supply chain systems should be a worldwide priority. 

Trafficking in persons (TIP) is a global and widespread crime. Generally, it takes the form of human smuggling using violence, deception, or even coercion, by controlling the victims for the purpose of prostitution or illegal labor. 

The Government is going to move flights from Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung to “West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati” in Majalengka in October. It is interesting to analyze the impact of this relocation on the local economy, particularly in Bandung and Majalengka, and by extension, in West Java Province. As is widely reported, Husein Sastranegara Airport will soon stop serving scheduled commercial flights. Bandung residents have relied on the airport that began its commercial flights in 1973. It is suspected that the Government is shutting it down because it wants to optimize the sadly-underutilized Kertajati Airport. 

The wounding, heated polemic over the Omnibus Law on Job Creation (UU Cipta Kerja) is still painfully fresh in our memory, because it was rejected by various elements of society. There were massive demonstrations by workers and students in various regions of Indonesia to protest the passage of this law, with some rising to violence. All was attributed to the understanding that if the Job Creation Law were to be passed, it would exert an adverse impact on workers/laborers. Nevertheless, the House of Representatives (DPR) did go on to pass the law, on October 5, 2020. 

Pseudonymous hacker Bjorka is back in the spotlight. The self-proclaimed “hacktivist” has rattled Indonesia’s cybersecurity establishment by regularly flaunting on his blog snippets of the millions of the personal data files he has managed to steal, by successfully breaching into government databases.