Hello reader,

Social media movements are a powerful force. One can argue that this is especially true In Indonesia, where authorities often do a whole lotta good after some viral outrage.

Indigenous Papuans hoping to save their sacred forests from destruction are certainly hoping that this force can aid their endeavor. Just below, we look at what’s behind the hugely viral “All Eyes on Papua” campaign, and why it could be the last ray of hope for the preservation of their way of life.

Cheers,

Andra

Law/Politics

All Eyes on Papua

Indonesians on social media birthed the “All Eyes on Papua” movement this week, demanding the protection of Papuan forests and its indigenous peoples.

This movement highlights the struggles of indigenous communities, particularly the Awyu and Moi tribes, who are fighting against forests being converted into 36,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. The campaign mirrors similar movements like "All Eyes on Rafah," emphasizing the global call for solidarity and awareness regarding local injustices and ecological destruction.

With millions of posts across social media platforms raising awareness about and supporting the movement, it remains to be seen whether such a massive public outcry could halt the deforestation plans. There’s certainly reason to hope — we’ve seen, time and time again, how viral campaigns influenced policies in Indonesia.

In Other News

• The Jakarta Metro Police today summoned Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto for questioning over allegations of spreading false information, which would be a violation of the Information and Electronic Transactions Act (UU ITE). Hasto previously stated in a TV interview that the 2024 elections were rigged.

• Saudi authorities detained three Indonesian nationals following the deportation of 34 Indonesian pilgrims who attempted to enter the country using non-Hajj visas. The deported pilgrims were trying to circumvent Hajj visa restrictions, while those who remained in Saudi are believed to have coordinated the scheme.

• Tiko Aryawardhana, perhaps best known as the husband of actress Bunga Citra Lestari, is under Jakarta Metro Police investigation after he was accused of embezzling IDR 6.9 billion from a company he founded with his ex.

Business/Economy

• As if public sentiment in the Public Housing Savings (Tapera) program couldn’t go any lower. Indonesian media outlets dug up a 2021 report by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), stating that the Tapera management body had yet to return IDR 567 billion to retired civil servants for the years 2020-2021. The funds, part of the former Bapertarum program in which only civil servants were required to take part, were meant to be disbursed to retirees and their heirs. With practically all workers soon to be mandated to buy into the Tapera program, surely they won’t make the same again?

• Indonesian pharmaceutical company Indofarma (INAF) and its subsidiary, PT Indofarma Global Medika, are under BPK investigation for alleged fraudulent activities. These include fictitious sales transactions in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business unit and holding tax refunds in bank accounts not reported in financial statements.

• We’re about to see even more EVs hit the road, and one particular model will have the honor of being locally manufactured. China’s Neta has kicked off the local production of its Neta V-II electric vehicle at the PT Handal Indonesia Motor plant in Bekasi. The Neta V-II boasts a local content level of 44%, with its batteries supplied by PT Gotion Green Energy Solutions Indonesia.

Everything Else

• From July 1-September 30 in select provinces including Jakarta, Aceh, and Bali, the Indonesian police (Polri) will trial a new requirement for getting your driver's license renewed. On top of the usual documents, applicants need to be a participating member of the national health insurance program, BPJS Kesehatan. This applies to all licenses, from motorbikes (SIM C) to cars (SIM A and B). Let’s see if this will make it out of the trial stage.

• Indonesian netizens are calling for heartthrob Nicholas Saputra to be cancelled after the actor represented a Nestlé milk product in an ad campaign. Indonesians concerned about the conflict in Gaza have been calling for boycotts of corporations and products linked to Israel, with Nestlé alleged to be one offender.