Indonesia Roundup: Java floods, Jakarta governorship, repatriation of Filipina death-row convict

Aviation cooperation with France

Indonesia and France have held the 9th Steering Committee meeting to enhance aviation safety through a technical cooperation agreement. The meeting, led by M. Mauludin from Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation, focused on activities involving air transportation standardisation, risk management, and the implementation of a National Aviation Safety Program. It includes collaboration with Airbus and Bureau Veritas. Both parties expressed commitment to improving aviation safety and emphasised the importance of ongoing strategic cooperation. The French government, represented by Thibaut Lallemand, reaffirmed support for Indonesia’s safety monitoring capabilities. 

Indonesian medic forced to leave north Gaza

Indonesian medics from the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee were forced to leave the Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza by Israeli troops after receiving warnings. The team, which arrived on December 1, was the first emergency medical group at the facility in 60 days, as the hospital had been cut off from supplies and endured multiple Israeli strikes. Following their departure, the hospital's director reported a critical shortage of medical personnel and supplies, with scores of casualties from ongoing attacks. The team evacuated to the nearby Indonesia Hospital amid ongoing bombings, hoping for the safe evacuation of remaining patients. Since the start of the conflict in October, the Israeli military's actions have led to over 44,600 reported deaths and numerous injuries in Gaza. 

Devastating landslides, flash floods on Java island

In Indonesia's Java island, torrential rains have triggered devastating landslides and flash floods, leading to the recovery of 10 bodies, including three children, with two individuals still missing. Over 170 villages in Sukabumi district have been affected, forcing more than 3,000 residents into temporary shelters. The extreme weather has destroyed 31 bridges, damaged 81 roads, and flooded around 1,170 houses.

Opposition wins Jakarta governorship

Opposition candidate Pramono Anung won the Jakarta governor race with 50.07% of the vote, securing victory for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the country's sole opposition party. This unexpected win allows the party to control Jakarta, which represents one-fifth of Indonesia's economic output. The result is a setback for Prabowo, who has just begun his five-year term and is preparing to implement key national programs. 

Repatriation of death-row convict to the Philippines

Indonesia will repatriate death-row convict Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines after years of international pressure. Indonesia's law minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated the decision follows a meeting with Philippine officials and clarified that this does not involve clemency or a pardon. Veloso was sentenced to death in 2010 for attempting to smuggle drugs, but her supporters claim she was a victim of human trafficking. The responsibility for her rehabilitation will now rest with the Philippine government.