Hello reader,

Merry Christmas! I hope you’re able to spend quality time with loved ones this holiday season.

In that respect, I’m putting on the brakes a little for a little break. Nusantara Notes will be back on Friday, December 27.

Until then!

Cheers,

Andra

Feel Your Best on the Field With Nike Kylian Mbappé Collection.

Discover the Nike Kylian Mbappé collection, crafted for players ready to take their skills to the next level. Featuring standout styles like the Vapor and Superfly, these boots combine cutting-edge technology with eye-catching designs inspired by the pros. Experience the game-changing Air Zoom unit for explosive acceleration and a responsive touch, whether you’re making that perfect through ball or striking from distance. Treat yourself to a fresh pair from the collection and dominate the pitch. You deserve to feel your best on the field.

Shop the Kylian Mbappé Collection.

Law/Politics

• The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto a corruption suspect, several months after the anti-graft body began questioning him in relation to former PDI-P cadre and corruption fugitive Harun Masiku. KPK alleges that Hasto, along with Harun and other accomplices, bribed a General Election Commission (KPU) official in 2020 to secure a seat in the House of Representatives (DPR). In addition, Hasto allegedly hindered KPK’s investigation into Harun’s case.

• PDI-P leaders have decried KPK’s decision as “highly political,” given the party’s opposition stance to the current administration and Hasto’s vocal criticism of former President Joko Widodo and his successor President Prabowo Subianto. PDI-P pointed out that allegations of Hasto’s involvement in Harun’s case resurfaced ahead of this year’s elections.

• Coordinating Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Services Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government is looking to pardon former members of the terrorist group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), which disbanded in June 2024, as part of President Prabowo’s humanitarian drive to advance together as a nation. Around 1,400 former members are set to be repatriated, mainly from Syria and the Philippines, as they pledged to leave behind their extremist ways. JI was responsible for some of the country’s most horrifying terrorist attacks, including the Bali bombings in 2002.

• A driver of a Mercedes-Benz in Surabaya, East Java plowed into a cyclist on Monday afternoon, before crashing into five other vehicles during an attempted hit-and-run. The incident left one person dead and at least five with serious injuries. Police have arrested the driver, who had traces of alcohol in his system, but not narcotics.

• A DNA test confirmed that the claims of a baby swap were unfounded at the Cempaka Putih Islamic Hospital in East Jakarta. The baby boy was born on September 16, 2024 and sadly passed away the next day. His parents claim that the baby they buried had distinct physical characteristics from the baby that the mother birthed. They had been seeking the truth ever since.

Business/Economy

• The Ministry of Manpower said around 80,000 workers have been laid off since 2023, with another expected wave of layoffs involving 60 major companies looming. The ministry highlighted the easing of import policies as a major factor behind the rising number of layoffs, which has particularly hit hard the manufacturing sector, including the textile sector. The ministry has called for policy revisions to create a more business-friendly environment and reduce unemployment.

• Gapki, Indonesia’s palm oil association, has expressed concern over plans to increase export levy on crude palm oil (CPO) from 7.5% to 10% next year. The association argues that such a move would make Indonesian palm oil less competitive globally. Stagnant production, coupled with the government’s launch of the B40 biodiesel program in January, could see CPO exports drop by 2 million tons, Gapki said, which could drive up prices of vegetable oils globally.

• Bank Central Asia (BCA) reported a record-breaking profit of IDR 50.47 trillion as of November 2024, a 14.31% year-on-year increase, driven by strong revenue growth, robust operational performance, and effective credit cost management (CoC). The bank cited sustained loan growth, particularly in mortgages and consumer credit, as well as its ability to maintain operational efficiency as key contributors to this milestone 

Everything Else

• Whoosh, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train service, officially has a new stop on the rail line: Karawang Station. The station, which begins operations today, sits between the two major cities — a trip from Jakarta’s Halim station takes approximately 15 minutes, while a trip to Padalarang on the outskirts of Bandung takes around 20 minutes. Fares to and from Karawang Station start from IDR 125K.

Discover a Better Way to Search with Freespoke

Freespoke is more than just a search engine; it's a tool for those who value freedom of thought and authentic information. In today's world, where mainstream search engines often filter and prioritize content based on agendas and profits, Freespoke offers a refreshing departure.

Here's why you should give it a try:

• Unbiased Information. Freespoke presents you with results from a variety of viewpoints, ensuring you're not just getting one side of the story. We are committed to providing content that makes you think, not just what to think.

• Privacy First. Your searches are your business. Unlike other search engines that track your every move, Freespoke respects your privacy and doesn't sell your data.

• Authenticity. Freespoke values the truth. It's designed to bring you closer to the facts, supported by science and sound data, helping you make informed decisions.

• Safe and Secure. Freespoke is committed to creating a safer internet. By blocking adult content, it helps protect users and contributes to the fight against human trafficking. This makes Freespoke not only a smart choice but also a responsible one.

• Empower Your Search Experience. Freespoke celebrates individuality and the inherent differences between people. With Freespoke, you get a search experience that's as unique as you are.

Join the growing community of people who are choosing Freespoke for their search needs. Download the Freespoke app today and start exploring the web with the confidence that you're getting the full picture.

Download Freespoke now