Latest Joko Widodo News

The pope urges Indonesia to live up to its promise of 'harmony in diversity'

Sep. 04, 2024 10:50 AM EDT

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Pope Francis urged Indonesia to live up to its promise of “harmony in diversity” and fight religious intolerance on Wednesday, as he set a rigorous pace for an 11-day, four-nation trip through tropical Southeast Asia and Oceania that will test his stamina and health....

In Asia, pope urges Indonesia to live up to promise of 'harmony in diversity,' fight extremism

Sep. 04, 2024 00:11 AM EDT

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Pope Francis urged Indonesia to live up to its promise of “harmony in diversity” and fight religious intolerance on Wednesday, as he set a rigorous pace for an 11-day, four-nation trip through tropical Southeast Asia and Oceania that will test his stamina and health....

Pope will visit the Istiqlal mosque in Indonesia on the first stop of an interfaith Asian trip

Aug. 26, 2024 23:47 PM EDT

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — When Pope Francis begins his Asia tour next week, one of his early stops will be at Indonesia's iconic Istiqlal mosque. The 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church will hold an interfaith meeting with representatives of the country's six officially...

Ratification of Indonesian election law changes delayed as protesters try to storm parliament

Aug. 23, 2024 01:37 AM EDT

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The ratification of changes to Indonesia's election laws was halted Thursday as thousands of protesters occupied roads in front of parliament and some tried to storm the building. The changes, if implemented, would deepen the political influence of...

Indonesia's new capital isn't ready yet. The president is celebrating Independence Day there anyway

Aug. 17, 2024 12:07 PM EDT

PENAJAM PASER UTARA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia marked 79 years of independence on Saturday with a ceremony in the unfinished future capital of Nusantara, which was planned to relieve pressure on Jakarta but whose construction has lagged behind schedule. Hundreds of officials and...

Indonesia's leader highlights economic and infrastructure developments in his final state of nation

Aug. 16, 2024 02:55 AM EDT

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s outgoing President Joko Widodo highlighted advances in the economy and infrastructure during his final State of the Nation address Friday. Widodo said that in the 10 years he's led the country, his administration controlled inflation, reduced...

Indonesian president holds the first cabinet meeting in the nation's unfinished future capital

Aug. 12, 2024 20:46 PM EDT

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian President Joko Widodo held his first cabinet meeting in the nation's future capital of Nusantara, surrounded by miles of construction sites and doubts about the sustainability of the ambitious megaproject. Widodo began working from the city two...

Israel-Hamas war latest: International calls for cease-fire grow after assassinations in the Mideast

Aug. 02, 2024 23:43 PM EDT

The Pentagon has announced that the U.S. will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region. The announcement was made Friday, a day after United States President Joe Biden said he’s “very concerned” that the violence in the Middle East could...

Indonesian leader starts working in new capital despite construction work and lack of facilities

Jul. 29, 2024 03:35 AM EDT

PENAJAM PASER UTARA, Indonesia (AP) — Outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo started work Monday from the new presidential palace in his country's ambitious new capital, where he intends to spend the last few months of his presidency. “Today I have started receiving officials...

Indonesia's massive metals build-out is felling the forest for batteries

Jul. 15, 2024 21:14 PM EDT

LELILEF SAWAI, Indonesia (AP) — On a steep trek up to his forest farm on the Indonesian island of Halmahera, Librek Loha let out a cry of dismay. “Aduuuuh,” he said, his voice trailing off. “Landslides, again. They happen all the time now.” The mudslide...