Stories from Indonesia

Janang Palanungkahi of the Indonesian NGO Wali stated that the government is failing to prevent deforestation. Central Kalimantan is currently experiencing some of the highest rates of forest loss in the country.

Environmental defender Janang Palanongkai of the Indonesian NGO Wali reported deforestation activities in Indonesia's Central Kalimantan province on Borneo. Palanongkai claims to have witnessed deforestation being carried out by subsidiaries of Asia Symbol.

Indonesian environmentalist Fawiza Fahan and her charity, the Haka Foundation, were awarded the Whitley Gold Award. The award recognizes their conservation work in the Leuser ecosystem in Sumatra. The ecosystem is described as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

A increase in lung infection cases has been reported in the Bahudopi district. A local medical professional stated that 70% to 80% of their patients originate from the Bahudopi area. The infections are linked to the AIMIP industrial park. NPR reached out to AIMIP for comment multiple times, but the organization has not responded. The condition is noted to potentially cause lasting health impacts such as lung cancer. The medical professional expressed concern regarding living in the area. The source described the situation with the phrase, 'We say to God, don't move.' A mother in Bahudopi reported that she and her husband are attempting to save money to move due to recent illness. The report was filed by Katarina Barton of NPR News from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lung infection cases have seen a increase in the Bahudopi district since 2019.

Indonesian environmentalist Farweza Fahan and her charity, The Haka Foundation, have been awarded the Whitley Gold Award. The award recognizes their work in rainforest conservation.

The Indonesian financial services sector grew by 7.92 percent, marking its highest growth rate since 2021. The OJK reported that this growth contributed significantly to the national economy. The lender Kredit Pintar reported loan disbursements of 9.5 trillion rupiah.

Nickel mining operations in Indonesia are producing thick smog that impacts public health and the environment. Observers reported that the smog density is comparable to a forest fire. The mining process for nickel, used in stainless steel and batteries, is cited as a primary cause of the air quality issues. Reporters on the ground noted that the smog is thick enough to resemble forest fire conditions. Residents and reporters are wearing masks to cope with the air quality. Thick smog from mining activities has made breathing difficult for residents, necessitating the use of masks.

Deforestation is being practiced in the Indonesian province of Borneo. Janang Palanongkai of Wali highlighted these concerns during a recent event. The NGO Walhi stated that approximately 41,000 hectares of forest were converted into coal, gold, and nickel concessions last year. The organization described the government's commitment to energy transition and climate justice as a serious threat. This follows reports regarding the impact of concessions in Kalimantan. Mining activities are identified as a driver of planetary-scale deforestation and toxic runoff into waterways and oceans. The source noted that such environmental impacts occurred in Brazil in 2015 and 2019. Mining exploration is currently concentrating on specific zones in Quebec, Canada. A new mining company has commenced drilling and forest clearing operations in the Anjou region near Saint-Élie-du-Caxton.

An investigation by the Gecko Project revealed that vast areas of tropical rainforest on Borneo have been cleared for plantations. These plantations supply a packaging manufacturer that maintains a non-deforestation policy.

Financial fraud cases have increased in the Banyumas Raya region. The OJK Purwokerto office is conducting educational outreach during Ramadan to address the rise in scams.