NATIONAL

Public Works and Housing Ministry’s director general of housing Iwan Suprijanto said the ministry has started the construction of 47 low-cost apartment towers (rusun) for the state civil apparatus (ASN) and security defense employees in the new capital city of Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan. Construction is expected to be completed in 19 months or in December 2024.

The government issued new regulation to provide subsidies for the purchase of electric motorbikes worth Rp7 million per unit per one citizen.

President Joko Widodo appealed to residents in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok and Bekasi (Jabodebek) to take advantage of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) mass transportation system to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

Vietnam will face Indonesia in the final of the AFF U-23 Cup. Assessing Indonesia's strength, Vietnamese media 24h highlighted the threat of Indonesian players' throw-in skills. Indonesia's second goal against Thailand at the semifinal was created by Ferarri. The game concluded with Indonesia beating Thailand 3-1 at the Rayong Provincial Stadium, Thursday (24/8).

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo emphasized that Indonesia has not joined BRICS.  According to him, the country's membership in the economic bloc still needs careful study and calculation.

The government strives to reduce air pollution in Jakarta among others by implementing a carbon tax planned to take effect in 2025.

The Indonesian U-23 national men's football team advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup with three other teams (Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam). The Garuda Squad was the best runner up.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is scheduled to preside over 12 meetings at the 43rd Asean Summit to take place at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on September 5-7, said Foreign Ministry's Asean Cooperation director general Sidharto R Suryodipuro, per Setkab.go.id, Wednesday (23/8).

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) will employ technology to make artificial rain in Jakarta. This is part of the short-term solution as the city is reeling under worsening air pollution.

The Environment and Forestry Ministry (KLHK) announced the discovery of two new species of flora and one species of fauna spread across several regions in Indonesia. This discovery is an indicator of the rich biodiversity of Indonesia, and shows the success of the conservation efforts.

The Constitutional Court (MK) allows election participants to carry out campaigns in government and educational facilities on the condition that no political party attributed are on display.