Govt Asks Geely to Build Factory Entering Indonesia

  Chinese automaker Geely has officially entered the Indonesian automotive market with the launch of the EX5 electric car. In Indonesia, Geely will assemble its car locally by cooperating with Handal Indonesia Motor as its manufacturing partner in the country.

However, Cahyo Purnomo, the Ministry of Investment / Investment Coordinating Board's (BKPM) director of promotion for the East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa region,  hopes that Geely can build its own factory in Indonesia and no longer rely on Handal Indonesia Motor to assemble its cars.

"They (Geely) are still in the market testing stage, they need to read about what our domestic market is like. Of course, economy of scale is the most important thing for them to be able to open a factory," Cahyo said when met in Jakarta last week.

"Of course, we encourage them to open a factory because it will reassure the consumers. If there is a shortage of spare parts, it will be quick. If there is no factory, it will take time (to bring in spare parts) if there is damage," he added.

Cahyo said the government has not set a deadline for Geely to build a factory in Indonesia. However, he hopes that the factory can be built as soon as possible so that Geely can take advantage of the incentives offered by the government.

"We have incentives, we can give them as long as they meet the requirements. As a newcomer, when they apply for incentives, they can adjust it to their plans," he said.

Geely has scheduled the assembly of its electric cars at the Handal Indonesia Motor plant to begin in the second quarter of this year. Its first product in the country, the EX5, will be the model produced at the plant.

900 Sheep from Australia as Kertajati Airport's First Cargo Arrival

 A cargo plane carrying 900 sheep from Australia landed at West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati. The cargo plane landed at Kertajati Airport on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at around 7:00 a.m. local time on a Maskargo plane owned by Malaysia Airlines.

The Australian sheep consisted of Dorper Black Head sheep (60 males + 475 females), Suffolk sheep (80 males + 140 females), and Texel sheep (45 males + 100 females). The sheep will then be quarantined in Cilacap, Central Java.

"This is the first cargo arrival at Kertajati Airport, namely the shipment of 900 sheep from Australia," said Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, who also witnessed the landing of the cargo plane.

According to Bey, the cargo shipment is part of the efforts to revive the Kertajati Airport. 

"In addition to serving passengers, the airport in Majalengka Regency will also be enlivened by cargo activities, both domestic and international ones. This is part of our efforts to revive Kertajati [Airport]," said Bey.

Bey explained that the non-transportation costs of cargo services to Kertajati Airport are relatively cheaper than other airports. "I asked the importer earlier, and they said the non-transportation costs are cheaper here than Soekarno-Hatta Airport. They will opt for Kertajati Aiport going forward,” he said. 

Bey also invited other importers to use cargo services at the Kertajat Airport.

Another advantage to the airport is the navigation system, which is said to be more advanced even in foggy weather. 

"The pilot said earlier that the runway is good and safe, especially with the sophisticated navigation system. It’s safer here since it can handle foggy weather,” he said, referring to the Kertajati Airport.

deputy minister No plans to relocate Palestinians to Indonesia

 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta confirmed that no discussion was conducted regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Indonesia amid the discourse reported by the US media last week.

Matta emphasized that the underway recovery activities in Gaza do not justify relocation plans.

"We cannot accept the relocation from Gaza. Reconstruction is not a reason for relocation. Until now, there has been no discussion about that," he remarked at the Presidential Palace Complex on Wednesday (January 22).

In terms of support for the Palestinian people in Gaza, Matta indicated that the Indonesian government is currently coordinating with several parties to send aid.

Earlier, NBC News, a US-based media outlet, reported that one of the US officials stated that Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, planned to visit Gaza to ensure the ceasefire deal.

In the same news, Trump and his team were also said to be considering a long-term solution to end the conflict in Gaza, including the fate of two million Palestinians in Gaza.

"Indonesia, for example, is one of the places discussed as a destination (for relocation) for some of (the Gaza residents)," NBC wrote as quoted from the official.

The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry then released a statement on January 21 stating that Indonesia never planned to relocate Gaza's residents.

The government chose to avoid various speculations and was consistent in its stance to not accept any form of plan to relocate the Palestinian people in Gaza.

As stated by the ministry, the government believes that the relocation is Israel's plan to expel the Palestinian people from Gaza to continue their illegal occupation activities in the Palestinian territories.

"Indonesia remains firm in its position that any attempt to relocate the people of Gaza is unacceptable," the ministry emphasized.

Kementerian Kesehatan Luncurkan Buku Panduan TBC untuk Capai Target Eliminasi TBC

 The Ministry of Health launched the Tuberculosis (TB) Handbook and Flip Chart on Wednesday to bolster the capacity of health workers and cadres to support the goal of eliminating TB by 2030.

In a statement received here on Thursday, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin noted that Indonesia is still facing a big challenge in the handling of TB, which causes 136 thousand deaths per year in the country.

To this end, early detection and comprehensive treatment are needed to tackle the challenge.

"We are targeting to detect one million TB cases this year from WHO's estimation of 1.08 million cases. In addition to detecting, we must also ensure that at least 90 percent of patients started and completed treatment," he remarked.

Sadikin noted that innovative approaches, such as assistance for patients by cadres and health workers, will continue to be strengthened.

The minister stated that the handbook was prepared to help cadres effectively educate the community on the importance of treatment.

In addition, the ministry is improving the treatment regime to be shorter and more effective, both for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB patients.

According to Sadikin, TB elimination is one of the government's commitments in three quick win programs to improve the quality of public health with better, more equitable, and more effective health services.

The minister noted that the three quick win programs cover providing free health screening for 280 million people, accelerating TB handling, and developing hospitals in underdeveloped districts and cities as well as remote areas.

"They all are expected to fully run in January, in accordance with the quick win principle, namely providing quick and accurate results," he remarked.

The minister also expressed appreciation to all health cadres who have been at the forefront of TB elimination programs.

Greenwood gives up on England recall and switches international allegiance

 Mason Greenwood has decided to close the door on England and has switched his international allegiance to Jamaica.

Greenwood made the decision after the FA made it clear he wouldn't be considered for selection again, ending his hopes of adding to his one cap which he earned back in 2020. The Three Lions' stance emerged after Greenwood was suspended by Manchester United - his employers at the time - when he was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour three years ago.

Greenwood denied the charges, which were subsequently dropped, but it still led to his eventual departure from United - with the striker joining Marseille in a permanent move last summer. The forward was highly-rated as he rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and he has attempted to salvage his career - first on loan in Spain with Getafe and now in France.

Despite impressive showings in Spain and France, the England set-up have made it known that he won't be picked in the future, which has forced his hand. Leading lights at Wembley acknowledged that picking him again was a risk due to the negative publicity it would generate, according to the Daily Star.

Greenwood has now turned to Jamaica and completed the necessary paperwork so that he can be picked by former United assistant manager Steve McClaren, who is now in charge. He qualifies for the Caribbean nation through his father, who was born in Jamaica.

Greenwood won his one England cap before his 21st birthday, that coming against Iceland in September 2020, and means he's able to swap countries.

Prior to the Euros back in the summer then England boss Gareth Southgate was quizzed on whether he'd consider a recall for Greenwood and said: "I think at this moment in time it would be a big distraction for the team and let’s see where that leads next season. I would need to know more details about the whole thing before it was an option."

Greenwood will have to wait to make his Jamaica debut with Marseille unwilling to release Greenwood for their two games next month, because they are friendlies. He is expected to be named in McClaren’s squad for the first time in June.

The ex-United forward has scored 12 goals to become the leading scorer in Ligue 1 this season. Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi said after signing Greenwood: "He's just exceptional. He's a great player and it shows. I'm happy to see him score to end all the controversy in the media."

Foden thinks Chelsea could be getting a 'leader' as 'plans' for £60m deal now clear

 Chelsea would be getting a strong leader if they eventually re-sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to Manchester City's Phil Foden.

Guehi, 24, has been eyed for a return to his former club, whom he left in 2021 to join Palace in a deal worth £18million. If the Blues were to bring the England international back to Stamford Bridge, they would likely have to pay three times that, plus a little extra to satisfy the south Londoners. However, it now appears the Blues are happy to wait till the summer to try and sign Guehi.

The central defender has been captaining Palace in the absence of skipper Joel Ward, who has fallen out of favour under Oliver Glasner. Foden is one of many people who know Guehi's footballing and personal qualities, having played alongside him during England's run to the final of Euro 2024.

Guehi played in every match aside from the Three Lions' quarter-final triumph against Switzerland and was a last-ditch, goal-line clearance from Dani Olmo away from netting a last-minute equaliser against Spain in the final. And not only does Foden rate Guehi as a defender, he rates him as a leader.

"I know him well from obviously playing with him and he's not fazed by anything. I feel like he has come into the team and shown his qualities."

Palace were holding out for £60million when the Blues expressed an interest in signing Guehi, who has around 18 months left on his contract at Selhurst Park, this month. However, GiveMeSport report Chelsea are happy to wait till the summer to make a move, particularly after re-calling Trevoh Chalobah from Palace.

The Blues have suffered a minor injury crisis in their back-line, with Wesley Fofana in danger of missing the rest of the season and Benoit Badiashile injuring his thigh. Levi Colwill was also ruled out of the Blues' 3-1 home victory over Wolves on Monday night.

But while Maresca admitted he is happy with the central defenders at the club, the Italian admitted before their recent 1-1 away draw against Palace that he is an admirer of Guehi. Maresca said: "The only thing I can say is Marc Guehi is a Palace player.

“I like Marc for sure but he is not our player. But I like also the central defenders we have. I also like different types of central defenders in Italy, Spain and France but that doesn't mean we are going to buy a player.

"It is a normal situation I think when you have central defenders injured that the speculation is there. At the same time, there is nothing there."

Chalobah enjoyed an impressive return on his first match back at Stamford Bridge. The Cobham graduate was handed the man-of-the-match award after a solid display alongside summer arrival from Fulham, Tosin Adarabioyo.

He would have also been the scorer of Chelsea's second goal, were it not for Noni Madueke tapping his goal-bound header into the back of the net from a yard out.

Bear Grylls Explores the Life of Jesus in Incredible New Series

 Jesus: Refugee, Renegade, Redeemer, hosted by renowned adventurer Bear Grylls launches tonight on TBN, taking viewers on a spiritual journey through the Holy Land to uncover the profound story of Jesus Christ.

Premiering at 8 PM ET on TBN and TBN+, this six-part series offers an intimate and transformative exploration of Jesus’ life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice. Bear Grylls, celebrated for his daring exploits in Man vs. Wild and Running Wild with Bear Grylls, ventures beyond his survivalist persona to delve into the spiritual depths of Christ’s mission and legacy.

“This has been an adventure like no other,” Grylls shared. “When I heard the stories of Jesus and the impact He had on people, I felt compelled to walk where He walked and understand Him more deeply. Jesus is all about love, forgiveness, and calling us back to Him. I want viewers to join this adventure and see these truths for themselves.”

The series features Grylls trekking through the rugged mountains, deserts, and waters of Israel’s Holy Land, retracing Jesus’ steps while seeking a fresh perspective on His life and ministry. Along the way, biblical scholars, historians, and local experts share insights into the cultural and historical backdrop of Jesus’ time.

TBN president Matt Crouch expressed his excitement about the series, calling it a unique way to connect viewers with the story of Christ. “Bear Grylls represents the Kingdom in a way that’s both bold and relatable. This series combines his adventurous spirit with the greatest story ever told.”

Jesus: Refugee, Renegade, Redeemer invites viewers to experience Jesus as a refugee fleeing oppression, a renegade challenging the religious and social norms of His day, and a redeemer whose sacrifice changed the course of history. It’s a spiritual journey Grylls describes as his most meaningful project to date.

“It’s the series I’m most proud of ever making,” Grylls added. “I pray it moves people from every nation to kneel down and find home in Him.”

The premiere episode airs tonight, January 17, at 8 PM ET on TBN and TBN+, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly on Fridays.

Latest: Supreme Court Takes Up Montgomery County Parental Rights Case

 The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Mahmoud v. Taylor, a pivotal case addressing whether parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, can opt their children out of classroom materials that promote controversial ideologies on gender and sexuality. At the heart of the case is the Montgomery County Board of Education’s decision to revoke parental notice and opt-out rights for storybooks used in elementary classrooms, sparking a national debate about the balance between education policy and parental authority.

In 2022, the school district introduced “inclusivity” books for students in pre-K through fifth grade. While promoted as tools to foster respect and kindness, the books include content that critics say is inappropriate and ideologically driven. For example, one book for three- and four-year-olds includes a word search featuring terms like “intersex flag,” “drag queen,” “underwear,” and “leather,” along with references to an LGBTQ activist and sex worker. Another book presents gender transitioning as a child-knows-best decision, telling students that a choice to transition doesn’t need to “make sense” and framing a doctor’s identification of a newborn’s sex as merely a “guess.”

Parents argue the removal of notice and opt-outs in 2023 violates Maryland law, the Board’s own policies, and the advice of its elementary school principals. Older students, meanwhile, retain opt-out rights for similar topics introduced during high school health classes.

A Coalition of Parents Take a Stand

The lawsuit, filed by Becket, a legal advocacy group specializing in religious liberty, represents a coalition of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish parents. Despite their differing faiths, these parents share concerns that the storybooks are age-inappropriate, emotionally and spiritually damaging, and inconsistent with their beliefs.

“The School Board has pushed inappropriate gender indoctrination on our children instead of focusing on the fundamental areas of education that they need to thrive,” said Grace Morrison, a board member of Kids First, an advocacy group for parents and teachers in Montgomery County. “I pray the Supreme Court will stop this injustice, allow parents to raise their children according to their faith, and restore common sense in Maryland once again.”

Legal challenges began in 2023 when parents sued the school district in federal court. After losing at the district and appellate levels, they appealed to the Supreme Court. The Fourth Circuit’s decision upholding the opt-out ban included a dissenting opinion, underscoring the contentious nature of the case.

“Cramming down controversial gender ideology on three-year-olds without their parents’ permission is an affront to our nation’s traditions, parental rights, and basic human decency,” said Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket. “The Court must make clear: parents, not the state, should be the ones deciding how and when to introduce their children to sensitive issues about gender and sexuality.”

Broader Implications

The case has drawn widespread attention as a bellwether for parental rights in public education. Polls indicate that most Americans support parental notice and opt-out options, aligning with the parents’ demands. If the Court rules in favor of the parents, it could set a significant precedent for similar disputes nationwide.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments later this spring. Advocates for parental rights and religious liberty see this as a critical moment to affirm the role of parents in guiding their children’s education.

Veddriq Leonardo from Indonesia was nominated for the World's Best Athlete Award

 Indonesian rock climbing athlete Veddriq Leonardo has been nominated for the "World Games Athlete of the Year 2024" award by the International World Games Association (IWGA).

The gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics is the sole Indonesian representative among 22 nominees from various individual and pair sports.

His nomination was proposed by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) due to his achievements throughout 2024. He not only secured a historic gold medal in the first-ever Olympic rock climbing competition but also triumphed over China's Wu Peng in the men's speed event with a record-breaking time.

Veddriq also clinched a gold medal at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, United States, where he defeated fellow Indonesian athlete Kiromal Katibin. His performance throughout the 2024 IFSC World Cup Series further strengthened his position as a strong contender for this prestigious award.

The IWGA has set a two-stage voting process to determine the winner. The first stage, open from January 9 to 22, 2025, at 12:00 GMT or 19:00 Jakarta time, allows voters to select two candidates from the entire pool.

The second stage, held from January 22 to 31, 2025, at 12:00 GMT or 19:00 Jakarta time, features only the top 10 vote-getters from the first stage. In this final round, voters can cast a single vote to determine the top three award recipients.

The IWGA will present trophies, valuable prizes, and extensive promotional campaigns to the three athletes who garner the most votes in the second stage.

Yenny Wahid, General Chair of the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI) Central Board, urged the public to wholeheartedly support Veddriq. She said the opportunity to win the Athlete of the Year award reflects Indonesia's commitment to continuously pursue world-class achievements.

“Voting for Veddriq is not just about celebrating his past victories, but also about motivating him to conquer future challenges, including the 2025 World Games,” said Yenny in a written statement. “Let's together support Veddriq Leonardo to win this award!”

How to Vote for Veddriq Leonardo:

Visit the official IWGA website www.theworldgames.org.

Click "Vote Now" to access the voting page.

Search for “Veddriq Leonardo” and select "vote" alongside other candidates during the first stage.

Voters can vote once per day during the first stage.

In the second stage, voters can only cast one vote to choose the winner.

Coach Shin Tae-yong opened his mouth about his sudden dismissal as coach of the Indonesian national team

  Former head coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong, has recounted the process of his dismissal by the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) on January 6, 2025. At that time, the PSSI invited the media for the announcement of the end of the contract with the South Korean coach and a new coach from the Netherlands.

“The Indonesian Football Federation informed me of my dismissal at 9:40 a.m. on the 6th (of January) and then announced the appointment of a new coach at 12 p.m. that day,” Shin Tae-yong said in an interview with Yonhap News on Thursday, January 16, 2025

“Although I don't understand it, I humbly accept it,” added the coach, who is familiarly called STY.

Shin Tae-yong served as the Indonesian national team coach from January 2020 to January 2025. During his tenure, he guided the Garuda squad to significant achievements, including: runner-up in the 2020 AFF Cup, bronze medal at the 2021 SEA Games, runner-up in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup, and qualification for the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.

The 54-year-old coach also led the squad to reach the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup, secure fourth place in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, and qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“I worked very hard and succeeded in my five years in Indonesia. I am proud of myself. I return home with pride as I have laid a strong foundation for Indonesian football,” he stated.

Dutch-born Patrik Kluivert has since assumed the role of Indonesian national team coach. The former Barcelona player is tasked with leading the Garuda squad to qualify for the World Cup.

Indonesia urges South Korea to intensify the search for the missing crew members

  The Indonesian government has called on the South Korean authorities to strengthen their search efforts for the two Indonesians who disappeared after the "Geumseong 135" fishing boat sank on Friday (November 8).

"We urge search operation for the two Indonesian crews continued beyond the 3x24 hours limit," Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Zelda Wulan Kartika, stated as per the embassy's written statement received here on Saturday.

Kartika said she met South Korean officials on Friday to discuss rescue efforts for crews of the fishing boat that sank near Jeju Island on November 8. The ship carried 11 Indonesian crew members, of which nine have been rescued.

She expressed condolences over the tragedy, commended the quick response from the local authority to rescue the unfortunate boat crew, and urged them to intensify search efforts for the remaining missing crew members.

The Chargé d'affairs also met the nine rescued Indonesian boat crews to console them and ensure their safety. During their recovery period following the rescue operation, she urged them to reach out to their families back home.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, with assistance from the local authorities, will work to ensure optimum protection for all Indonesian crews on the ship," Kartika stressed.

The "Geumseong 135" fishing boat sank in the waters of Jeju Island on November 8 at 4:33 a.m. local time. The ship was carrying 27 crews comprising 16 South Koreans and 11 Indonesians.

Following the rescue operation, 15 boat crews, including nine Indonesians, have been rescued. The operation is now focused on searching for the other 10 South Korean and two Indonesian crew who remain missing.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has instructed his officials to mobilize resources and personnel to continue the search and rescue operation for missing victims and ensure proper treatment and recovery for the rescued crew members.

Erick Thohir thanked Shin Tae-yong and congratulated Coach Patrick Kluivert

 Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir once again extended his appreciation to former coach of the Indonesian national football team Shin Tae-yong while welcoming new coach Patrick Kluivert on Instagram on Saturday.

"Thank you, Coach Shin Tae-yong, for everything you have done for the Indonesian national team. Now, it is time to welcome Coach Patrick Kluivert as we begin a new chapter in Indonesian football," he noted on his Instagram account @erickhohir.

In the Instagram post, Thohir posted two pictures, each taken with Shin and his Dutch successor.

On Monday (January 6), the PSSI announced the termination of Shin's contract as the team's head coach before unveiling Kluivert, a Dutch football legend, two days later.

Shin then posted a message on his Instagram, thanking Thohir and the PSSI for giving him great support during his spell as the national team's coach.

He also expressed hope that Indonesia would qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Having managed the Garuda Squad since 2020, the South Korean coach managed to record some notable achievements with the team despite the fact of not winning any trophy.

During his term, Team Indonesia managed to reach the knockout stage of the 2023 Asian Cup, qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, advance to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and climb the FIFA rankings from 173rd to 129th.

In the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, Shin led the team to collect six points with four matches remaining, setting a new record for Southeast Asian football.

Kluivert, a former striker of Barcelona and AC Milan, arrived in Indonesia via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, on Saturday (January 11).

His first task is to prepare the team for upcoming matches in the World Cup qualifiers against Australia, Bahrain, China, and Japan.

The target has been set to at least finish fourth in Group C of the qualifiers to advance to the fourth round. With six points collected, Indonesia currently sits third below Japan and Australia.