Indonesia Round-Up: Presidential Campaign, New Chief anti-Corruption, Krakatau Eruption, Wolbachia Mosquito

Indonesian presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo and vice-presidential candidate Mahfud MD's declaration in Jakarta

Ganjar Pranowo, presidential candidate of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P), poses for photographs with his running mate, Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin, chief security minister, known as Mahfud MD, during their declaration in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 18, 2023, in this photo taken by Antara Foto. Antara Foto/M Risyal Hidayat/ via REUTERS

Source: X03535

Indonesian Presidential Campaign Begins

The commencement of the Indonesian presidential election campaign marks the beginning of a period where the three candidates aspire for a peaceful, honest, and fair electoral process. Their campaigns will kick off from different regions in Indonesia, concluding on February 10, 2024, followed by a quiet period from February 11-13, 2024. The general election is scheduled for February 14, 2024, with the announcement of the elected president anticipated in March 2024.

Newly-appointed Chief of the Corruption Eradication Commission

The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, reappointed Nawawi Pomolango as the new head of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Monday (27/11/2023). This decision comes with the expectation that Nawawi can work towards restoring the tarnished image of the KPK, which suffered due to the case involving the former KPK Chief, Firli Bahuri. The former chief is under suspicion in an extortion case related to one of the corruption suspects, former Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

Eruption of Krakatau MountainOver the weekend, Mount Anak Krakatau experienced another eruption. The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) disclosed that there have been a total of 66 eruptions on Mount Anak Krakatau since the start of 2023. In the latter part of last week, the volcano erupted four times. The most recent eruption took place at 21:08 WIB, generating the highest ash column of approximately 1,000 meters from the peak's summit in a single day.

Trials The Spread of The Wolbachia Mosquito is Still Controversial

The initiative to deploy Wolbachia mosquitoes to curb the spread of dengue fever is facing resistance in several regions of Indonesia. Bali and Jakarta's local governments have reportedly opposed the mosquito deployment, citing concerns about the lack of an initial impact study on the mosquito release in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the Jakarta Health Service clarified that the Wolbachia mosquito program is currently in the socialization phase and has not yet reached the distribution stage.

Sulung Prasetyo