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Good news from Indonesia
Positive stories set in or affecting Indonesia, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
25 stories.
Indonesia: Baby orangutan saved from Borneo wildfires as habitat destruction escalates
A young orangutan rescued from wildfires in Borneo is recovering after receiving urgent medical care. The three- to four-year-old female, found with burns, was given oxygen and fluids before being taken to a rehabilitation center. This rescue offers hope amid escalating habitat destruction.
Euronews
Once Sentenced to Death, Mary Jane Veloso Receives Pardon in the Philippines
Mary Jane Veloso, who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling in Indonesia, has been pardoned in the Philippines. After more than a decade, this decision spares her life and brings hope to her family. It’s a rare and meaningful act of mercy.
The New York Times
S’pore joins regional bid to add Malay dance form zapin to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list
SINGAPORE – Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia will be putting up a joint bid for zapin, a traditional Malay performing art with deep roots in the region, to be inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
The Straits Times
Sound guardians
The sounds of nature in Borneo’s rainforest are fading as development spreads, but Abidin, a Balik elder, relies on them to navigate his world. Protecting these sounds helps preserve the forest’s balance and his way of life, making this a quiet but vital victory for both.
Aeon
Our head teacher was an abuser. We joined forces to get justice - now we're married
After years of gathering evidence to expose their abusive head teacher, former students fell in love and got married. Their courage brought justice and transformed their lives, showing how solidarity can lead to both accountability and unexpected joy.
BBC News
Keppel planning subsea cable to transmit solar energy from Indonesia to Jurong Island plant
Keppel is developing a subsea cable to link a solar facility in Indonesia to its power plant in Singapore, enabling cleaner energy transmission. This innovation could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support sustainable energy goals. It’s a promising step toward more efficient renewable energy sharing in the region.
The Straits Times
Dozens of rescued survivors from overturned ferry brought to Indonesian port
Dozens of rescued survivors from overturned ferry brought to Indonesian port
The Sydney Morning Herald
Fighting Wildfire Haze With an Airplane and Lots of Salt and Water
Malaysian Borneo is using cloud-seeding to reduce smoke from Indonesian wildfires, protecting air quality for residents. The effort could ease breathing difficulties and improve visibility, offering relief to affected communities. It’s a creative approach to a regional challenge.
The New York Times
Pakistan among Arab, Muslim nations welcoming UK ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements
Pakistan and seven other Arab and Muslim countries welcomed the UK’s ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move supports Palestinian rights and signals growing international opposition to settlement expansion. It’s a step toward fairness and accountability in trade.
Dawn
Sumatran tiger cubs receive first health checks at Greek zoo
Three critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs received their first vaccinations and microchips at a Greek zoo, supporting conservation efforts. The brief health checks help protect the cubs and track their progress. This is good news for a species at risk of extinction.
Euronews
From Bali to Hoi An, how a family turned the world into their classroom
A family turned months of travel into a global classroom, showing how adventure can be an enriching way to learn. Their journey offers a fresh perspective on education, proving that the world itself can be a valuable teacher. This approach inspires others to rethink traditional learning and embrace new possibilities.
The Straits Times
Orangutan mother and infant rescued from wildfire-hit forest in Indonesia
A mother orangutan and her infant have been rescued from a shrinking patch of forest threatened by wildfires.
Al Jazeera
Photos of the Week: Nomad Games, Pushkin Puppet, Lunar Simulation
A 90-year-old bodybuilding champion in Japan shows the power of determination at any age. A kite festival in Indonesia and a marching-band performance in Atlanta celebrate community and creativity. These moments remind us of the joy and resilience found in everyday life.
The Atlantic
Indonesia sets up shelters for babies, children affected by wildfire smoke
Indonesian NGOs have opened shelters in Palangkaraya to protect babies and children from the dangerous effects of wildfire smoke. The shelters provide a safe haven for those most vulnerable to the health risks of the haze. This initiative offers critical relief to communities facing severe air pollution.
Al Jazeera
Indonesia, Malaysia, S’pore commit to keep Malacca, Singapore straits free, open, safe
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are working together to finalise guidelines that will improve coordination for ships in distress, helping them find safe locations for repairs or cargo discharge. This step ensures the Malacca and Singapore straits remain open and secure, benefiting maritime trade and safety in the region.
The Straits Times
Far from home, Hong Kong’s wild cockatoos could save their species from extinction
A small but thriving flock of cockatoos in Hong Kong, far from their Indonesian jungle home, offers hope for the species' survival. Their genetic diversity and urban adaptation could help protect them from extinction. This unexpected success shows nature’s resilience in unexpected places.
The Globe and Mail
In Bali, a Quest to Restore the Sacred Glow of Fireflies
In Bali, efforts are underway to restore firefly populations, which are sacred in local culture. Development for tourism has threatened the insects, so conservation work could help protect them. This is good news for both the environment and cultural traditions.
The New York Times
Mount Toba eruption doesn't seem like it could nearly kill our species
New evidence suggests the massive Toba eruption 74,000 years ago had little climate impact, contrary to earlier fears it nearly wiped out humanity. This reassures scientists that even extreme volcanic events may not pose the existential threat once assumed. The findings offer a more hopeful view of Earth’s resilience.
Ars Technica
Submerged Indonesian village re-emerges as drought lowers water levels
A drought has lowered water levels in Indonesia’s Karian Reservoir, revealing the remains of a submerged village. While officials confirm the reservoir remains safe, the re-emergence offers a rare glimpse into the past. The dry season’s effects highlight both the challenges and unexpected discoveries that come with changing conditions.
Al Jazeera
'El-Nino is a blessing' for Indonesian salt farmers
While drought threatens crops in West Java, salt farmers are thriving. The dry conditions, driven by El Niño, create ideal conditions for salt production, offering a rare silver lining in a challenging climate. This unexpected benefit highlights how some communities adapt to weather extremes.
The Globe and Mail
Indonesia’s salt fields bloom under drought from El Niño’s baking heat
In Indonesia’s West Java, salt farmers are thriving under El Niño’s drought, while crop farmers face challenges. The dry conditions create ideal salt-harvesting weather, offering a rare bright spot amid climate-driven hardship. It’s a reminder of how some communities adapt and even benefit from shifting weather patterns.
Daily Maverick
Saudi Aramco backs India’s Mitti Labs to make Asia’s rice farming more water-resilient
Saudi Aramco is investing in Mitti Labs to help rice farmers in Asia reduce water use and methane emissions. The startup uses AI and satellite data to make farming more resilient to climate change. This expansion could benefit farmers in India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
TechCrunch
A New Generation of Chefs Reimagines Indonesian Cuisine in the Netherlands to Tell the Stories of Its Origins
A new wave of chefs in the Netherlands is reimagining Indonesian cuisine, shifting away from colonial nostalgia to reflect modern Indonesian identity. Their fresh approach honors the food’s origins while adapting it for today’s diners. This creative evolution celebrates cultural heritage in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Smithsonian Magazine
The squad of motorbike-riding women fighting wildfires in the jungle
An all-female team in Indonesia now patrols the jungle on motorbikes to spot and stop wildfires before they spread. Their work protects their villages and the environment from the choking haze that once threatened their homes. This proactive effort brings hope to communities vulnerable to devastating fires.
The Telegraph
More flights ahead: Changi Airport to plug gaps in flight network in Asia and beyond
Changi Airport is adding new routes to fill gaps in its flight network, with most focusing on the Asia-Pacific region. This expansion will help travelers and businesses by offering more connections. It’s good news for anyone looking for easier and more direct flights.
The Straits Times
