Although born late last year, Rio has drawn renewed attention in recent days after the park and authorities released new images and updates on his development, bringing the conservation success into the international spotlight. The cub is being closely monitored by veterinarians and remains under the care of his mother, Hu Chun, as he is still blind and deaf in his early development.

Officials say Rio’s birth highlights advances in panda conservation as well as strengthening diplomatic ties between Indonesia and China. With this success, Indonesia becomes the fourth country in Asia outside China to breed a giant panda in captivity, joining Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand .

Indonesia and Brazil signed eight memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in Jakarta on Thursday, witnessed by Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The agreements cover cooperation in energy, mining, science, technology, sanitation, phytosanitary standards, and statistics. Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara signed an MoU with Brazilian food giant JBS, while PLN, Pertamina, and Kadin sealed separate deals with Brazilian partners. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the two countries would collaborate on renewable energy and bioethanol development. Lula’s October 22-24 visit marked his first trip to Indonesia since 2008.

Nuclear power seen as solution to meet 2060 net-zero goal

Indonesia plans to develop nuclear power as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot announced at the Bapeten Executive Meeting on October 27. He said nuclear energy is now considered a “strategic option” for national energy security, no longer a last resort. The government targets its first nuclear plant by 2032 and 44 GW of capacity by 2060. Nuclear is expected to make up 5% of the energy mix by 2030 and 11% by 2060. Yuliot stressed public safety and strong oversight amid high costs and construction challenges.

Indonesia to deploy AI for real-time customs oversight

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced plans to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system to enhance real-time monitoring of customs and excise operations. Following a surprise inspection on Wednesday, he said the current system remains insufficient to detect violations like under-invoicing. Within three months, a more advanced AI platform will be built to strengthen oversight and curb illegal trade. Sadewa also aims to transform the National Single Window agency into an IT-based intelligence center for export-import monitoring. He said the integration of AI across ministry databases will improve efficiency, transparency, and state revenue collection.

New regulation eyes stronger protections for ojol drivers 

Indonesia’s upcoming presidential regulation on app-based motorcycle taxis (ojol) will prioritise driver protection, Manpower Minister Yassierli said on Tuesday. Speaking in Jakarta, he emphasised that the ministry’s main concern is ensuring drivers’ access to social security, including workplace accident and death insurance. The regulation aims to promote transparency and fairness between drivers and ride-hailing companies. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said discussions are in the final stage, with only minor technical issues remaining. The government targets completion of the regulation by year-end, following President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to strengthen driver welfare.

Indonesia’s free meals program reaches 39.2 million beneficiaries

Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has provided meals to 39.2 million people nationwide, with spending reaching Rp35 trillion (US$2.1 billion), the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said. BGN chief Dadan Hindayana reported that 13,347 kitchens, known as Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units, are now operating across the country. The government expects to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries by year-end. A new presidential regulation will establish the MBG Coordination Team, led by Food Minister Zulkifli Hasan, to oversee implementation and governance. Launched in January, the MBG program is a key initiative of President Prabowo Subianto to boost national nutrition.

Lula, who is currently serving his third non-consecutive term after returning to office in 2023, noted that his term does not end until the end of 2026 but expressed his willingness to participate in future elections. He framed his political ambitions within a broader vision of international cooperation, particularly highlighting the strategic importance of Brazil’s relationship with Indonesia.

“I’m prepared to run in other elections and try to make the relationship between Indonesia and Brazil a partnership,” Lula said, underlining his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in trade, technology, and diplomacy.

Prabowo emphasised trade as a key priority, stressing the need to expand international commerce. He also pointed to technology as an area of mutual learning, while praising Brazil’s advanced agricultural sector and expressing Indonesia’s interest in fostering cooperation in this field, the BPMI reported.

In addition, the Indonesian president noted Brazil’s sophisticated defence industry as another potential area for collaboration. “We are determined, after an intensive discussion, to continue to grow in all areas,” he said.

According to current estimates, about 15,000 Israeli troops are active in Gaza, alongside roughly 5,000 Hamas fighters. President Prabowo’s proposed deployment would not only outnumber both but would also signal Indonesia’s emergence as a global peace broker willing to match words with action.

Although the leader's offer was bold, it was also conditional. He stated that Indonesia stands ready to send 20,000 or more troops to Gaza “if and when the UN Security Council and this great Assembly decide.”

Currently, Indonesia is already one of the world’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 2,700 personnel deployed across various operations. The president’s new pledge would multiply that commitment almost tenfold, positioning Indonesia as one of the UN’s most significant peacekeeping forces.

However, Prabowo’s statement came with a clear diplomatic condition: Indonesia would consider recognising Israel only when Israel formally acknowledges Palestinian statehood.

This nuanced stance underscores Jakarta’s support for a two-state solution , emphasising that peace must guarantee both Israeli security and Palestinian sovereignty.

The proposal has stirred debate both internationally and domestically. While some critics suggest it could soften Indonesia’s traditionally strong pro-Palestinian stance, others see it as a pragmatic step toward elevating the country’s global diplomatic influence.

This aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s recent push for renewed multilateral dialogue during his visit to Jakarta earlier this year, where France and Indonesia jointly voiced support for mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine.

His address marks a symbolic return. It is reported that this is the first time in ten years that an Indonesian president has delivered remarks at the UN General Assembly.

According to a visual breakdown of his address, he allocated:

Prabowo’s emphasis on multilateralism aligns squarely with ongoing debates within the United Nations about reform, relevance, and financial sustainability.

In fact, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the “UN80 Initiative” early this year to modernise and revitalise the organisation amid funding cuts and institutional criticisms.

Additionally, in September 2025, the first Biennial Summit between the UN and International Financial Institutions took place, aiming to deepen coordination between the UN and bodies such as the IMF and World Bank as a clear sign that the multilateral architecture is under active review.

Guterres has also repeatedly called for a multipolar world order and stronger multilateralism, including during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

Focus on Palestine, human rights and Indonesia’s vision

Beyond institutional questions, Prabowo devoted 22% of his speech to the Palestinian cause, the Gaza conflict, and support for the two-state solution. That is consistent with Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy posture on Palestine.

Another 20% was reserved to highlight Indonesia’s development model and leadership role in the Global South. This is part of a broader narrative which highlights that under Prabowo’s presidency, Indonesia has rejoined BRICS as a full member, signalling a pivot toward South–South cooperation and a more assertive role in global governance.

The 16% allocated to human rights, dignity, and historical struggles speaks to Indonesia’s attempt to claim moral legitimacy in the international arena, invoking past experiences of colonisation, struggle for independence, and social justice.

Smaller but meaningful shares went to humanitarian appeals (8%) and interfaith or spiritual invocations (5%). These show that Prabowo also sought to appeal to global conscience and moral authority, particularly in a context of conflicts, refugee crises, and religious pluralism.

Fertility rate — the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime — must be about 2.1 births per woman to maintain population size without immigration.

New data reveal vast swaths of Europe, East Asia, and the Americas have rates far below this replacement threshold, while much of Sub-Saharan Africa has women having four, five, or even six children on average.

Globally, fertility has more than halved since the 1950s, when the average woman had around five children. Today, the global average is about 2.3, according to the UN’s World Population Prospects.

Even Latin America, which once had some of the world’s highest fertility rates, is now approaching sub-replacement levels. The United States sits around 1.6 , well below replacement, and countries such as South Korea, Singapore, and Italy have dropped even lower, in some cases near or below 1.1 children per woman.

The implications are profound. Populations in countries with sustained low fertility begin to shrink, workforces contract, and the share of elderly citizens rises, putting pressure on pensions, healthcare systems, and economic growth. Italy reported just 370,000 births in 2024, the lowest in its history, leaving its fertility rate around 1.18.

Greece recently announced a €1.6 billion family support package in an effort to reverse its decline, warning that its population could fall below 8 million by 2050 if trends continue. Meanwhile, India, the world’s most populous country, has crossed a historic threshold, with its fertility rate now at 1.9, below replacement for the first time.

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat clarified that teacher allowances and salaries remain part of the National Education System Bill (RUU Sisdiknas), countering fears that they were excluded from discussions. This reassurance was welcomed by educators, as the bill will shape the future of Indonesia’s education policy.

Healthcare and scholarships

The Riau Islands government launched a medical specialist scholarship program to address the shortage of doctors in regional hospitals. Governor Ansar Ahmad called on the central government to support the initiative, which aims to improve local healthcare and retain native talent.

Rice prices and food security

The price of premium rice has surged to Rp16,088 per kilogramme, prompting lawmakers and farmer advocates to urge the government to stabilise prices and accelerate investment in agricultural technology. The call reflects growing concerns about food security despite reported high production levels.

Floods and infrastructure concerns

Tidal floods continue to disrupt life in Rokan Hilir, with residents urging authorities to construct water gates to prevent recurring damage. Meanwhile, Bali and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are recovering from devastating flash floods that have killed at least 15 people, with 10 still missing. Over 200 rescuers have been deployed, and evacuations are underway.

Presidential actions and diplomacy

President Prabowo Subianto approved the withdrawal of Rp200 trillion in government funds from Bank Indonesia to inject liquidity into the banking system and stimulate economic activity. He also ordered the acceleration of a presidential regulation to combat illegal lobster seed exports, seeking to protect state revenues from illicit trade.