#Indonesia Infrastructure

[investindo]

Discover the Billion-Dollar Boom: Indonesia's Construction Industry Secrets Revealed!

The construction sector in Indonesia has been experiencing remarkable growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. This growth is largely driven by the government's infrastructure development initiatives, which have led to a substantial increase in investment in the construction industry. In 2021, the Indonesian construction industry recorded an impressive annual growth rate of 4.83%, according to data from the Indonesian Statistics Agency (BPS).

The government's commitment to infrastructure development is evident from the significant increase in infrastructure investment. In 2018, the investment in infrastructure rose to IDR 157.8 trillion (approximately US$11.3 billion), up from IDR 216.8 trillion in the previous year. This substantial investment contributed significantly to the country's economic growth, accounting for 1.28% of the overall economic growth in 2018, with an added value of IDR 184.4 trillion. This marked an increase from the 1.06% contribution in 2017, with an added value of IDR 146.9 trillion.

These investments have been directed towards various infrastructure projects, including the construction of dams, new public roads, bridges, and toll roads. These developments have not only improved the country's infrastructure but have also enhanced its competitiveness on the global stage.

Indonesia's rankings in global competitiveness indices have seen positive changes. In the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index, Indonesia's rank in the Quality of Roads category improved from 72 in 2014 to 60 in 2019, out of 141 countries. Similarly, in the World Bank's Logistic Performance Index, Indonesia climbed from 53 in 2014 to 46 out of 161 countries in its 2018 report.

While the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the construction industry in 2020, the sector has since rebounded and is poised for continuous growth. Various consultancy firms project annual growth rates ranging from 5% to 7% in real terms. This growth is attributed to the government's effective COVID-19 mitigation measures and the ongoing infrastructure projects.

One of the major upcoming projects is the relocation of Indonesia's capital city from Jakarta to East Kalimantan, estimated to cost $33 billion and take a decade to complete. To fund this ambitious project and others, the Indonesian government launched the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), a Sovereign Wealth Fund. The government plans to inject over $5 billion into INA, with several countries expressing interest in investing through it, including the US, Japan, and Canada.

In conclusion, Indonesia's construction sector is poised for continued growth and remains an attractive investment opportunity. Despite short-term challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the government's commitment to infrastructure development, coupled with a stable political environment, low inflation, good credit ratings, and prudent macroeconomic policies, makes Indonesia's construction sector a promising prospect for investors. To navigate this competitive landscape, investors are advised to seek experienced local partners with established networks for a competitive edge. References: https://sertifikasi.co.id https://duniatender.com https://skk-konstruksi.com

[workersolidarity]

Photo: CRRC

🇮🇩🇨🇳 INDONESIA LAUNCHES FIRST HIGH-SPEED RAIL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA FUNDED BY CHINA: PART OF BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE (BRI)

Indonesia unveiled the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia Saturday, a joint-project between Indonesia and China funded at 75% by the Chinese State-owned China Development Bank and the remaining 25% was funded by Private Equity from Indonesian and Chinese shareholders. The Project is part of China's increasingly popular Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).

Though the initial project was projected to cost $6 Billion, some cost overruns mostly from land compensation costs raised the bill by another $1.2 Billion. Though by American and European standards, this would be a relatively small overrun.

The new high-speed railway connects Jakarta, a city of more than 10 million, with Bandung, an educational and technology of 2.5 million, with four stops: Halim, Karawang, Padalarang, Tegalluar.

The train four times daily, with a maximum capacity of 600 passengers and travels at speeds in excess of 350kmh (218mph), and covering a total of 142km (88mi).

The new train cuts the travel time between Jakarta's Halim station and Bandung's Padalarang from roughly 3 hours to just over 30 minutes, a truly stunning improvement for these rapidly growing and developing cities.

The high-speed train's cars are equipped with modern amenities including spacious seating, power outlets, and LCD screens while the ride is smooth, with few bumps.

Though a Western media blitz intended to deligitimize the project in recent weeks, actual Indonesian people's excitement about the project is evident.

“We feel very comfortable on the train. We can see how fast it is going,” said Muhammad Risman, a 48-year-old private employee from Jakarta who was taking the test ride with his wife.

"The seats are nice and spacious. The screens are also easy to see and show us what the route looks like.”

While Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who also rode on the train for the first time last week, expressed his admiration for the project.

“I had visited the high-speed train project site four times before, but this was the first time I actually rode on it. It was very comfortable, and I didn’t feel the speed of 350 km [per hour] at all, whether I was sitting or walking around,” Jokowi said.

“This is what civilization looks like."

#source

#source2

#source3

[rhk111sblog]

The Microsoft Corporation recently announced Billions of Dollars worth of Investments that will benefit over a million People in three major Countries in South East Asia (SEA), but none of these will be in the Philippines, the supposedly “Ally” of Microsoft’s Country, the United States (US)

This was initially released as an Article last May 13, 2024 at https://therhk111philippinedefenseupdates.blogspot.com/2024/05/microsoft-invests-billions-other-sea-countries-except-us-ally-philippines.html

[impact-newswire]

Microsoft operates in 190 countries and is made up of more than 220,000 passionate employees worldwide (Software Development).

[jjbizconsult]

High Speed Railway: South East Asia's First in Indonesia

High Speed Railway: South East Asia’s First in Indonesia. Indonesia has unveiled the inaugural high-speed train in Southeast Asia, establishing a rapid rail link between two of its largest urban centers. This project, valued at $7.3 billion, is part of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative and received substantial funding from Chinese state-owned companies. Despite numerous delays and…

[greenthestral]

UIIC (USA, Indonesia, India, China): Four Countries Make Up Half the World's Population

In a world where countries are diverse and cultures vary greatly, there are four nations that stand out due to their sheer population size. The United States, Indonesia, India, and China, collectively known as the UIIC countries, are home to approximately half of the world's population. This article delves into the significance of these nations, their impact on global demographics, and the unique challenges and opportunities they face.

The United States: A Melting Pot of Cultures and Ideas

The United States, with a population exceeding 330 million people, remains one of the most influential and economically powerful countries in the world. Renowned for its "melting pot" of cultures and diverse demographics, the U.S. has been a beacon of opportunity for individuals from all walks of life. People flock to its shores in pursuit of the American Dream, seeking better opportunities, freedom, and a chance to contribute to its vibrant society.

Beyond its vast population, the United States has left an indelible mark on global culture, politics, and technology. It has been at the forefront of scientific and technological innovations, fostering advancements in fields such as space exploration, medicine, and information technology. Furthermore, its entertainment industry, centered in Hollywood, has captivated audiences worldwide, shaping popular culture and influencing trends in music, film, and fashion.

Indonesia: A Rising Economic Power in Southeast Asia

With a population of over 270 million people, Indonesia stands as the fourth-most populous nation on the planet. Spanning thousands of islands, Indonesia boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Its diversity is a testament to the country's vibrant heritage and harmonious coexistence.

In recent years, Indonesia has experienced significant economic growth, propelling it to become a rising star in Southeast Asia. The nation's abundant natural resources, strategic location, and young and dynamic workforce have attracted substantial foreign investment. Indonesia's economic trajectory, coupled with its commitment to sustainable development, positions it as an important player in regional and global markets.

India: A Land of Diversity and Rapid Development

India, the world's second-most populous country, surpasses the 1.3 billion mark in population. This vast and diverse nation is a tapestry of languages, religions, and cultural practices. Its ancient civilization and rich history have contributed to a deep sense of cultural pride and identity.

In recent decades, India has undergone remarkable economic growth, transforming itself into one of the fastest-growing major economies. The country's demographic dividend, characterized by a large and young workforce, has been a driving force behind its economic rise. India has emerged as a global leader in the information technology and services sectors, with its bustling cities serving as hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Despite its rapid development, India faces unique challenges related to poverty, inequality, and infrastructure development. However, the government and various stakeholders are actively working towards inclusive growth, social welfare programs, and sustainable development to address these issues.

China: A Giant on the Global Stage

China, with a population approaching 1.4 billion, stands as the most populous country in the world. Its ancient civilization, remarkable cultural heritage, and rapid economic rise have captivated the attention of the international community. China's influence extends far beyond its borders, impacting global trade, geopolitical affairs, and technological advancements.

China's manufacturing capabilities have been unparalleled, making it the world's factory. Its infrastructure development projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, have linked nations across continents, fostering connectivity and enhancing global trade. Moreover, China has made significant investments in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration, positioning itself as a formidable player in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Challenges and Opportunities for the UIIC Countries

While the UIIC countries collectively represent a significant portion of the world's population, they also face unique challenges and opportunities:

Managing Urbanization and Infrastructure: As these countries continue to experience population growth and rapid urbanization, managing sustainable infrastructure development becomes paramount. Balancing economic progress with environmental considerations and social stability poses a complex challenge that requires innovative solutions.

Healthcare and Social Welfare: With large populations comes the responsibility of providing adequate healthcare and social welfare services. Ensuring access to quality education, healthcare facilities, and social safety nets is essential to promote overall well-being and reduce disparities within these nations.

Technological Advancements: The UIIC countries are at the forefront of technological innovation and advancement. Embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, renewable energy, and digital connectivity can drive economic growth, increase productivity, and improve the quality of life for their citizens.

Global Cooperation and Diplomacy: As influential nations, the UIIC countries play a vital role in global cooperation and diplomacy. Collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and economic inequality are essential for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Conclusion

The UIIC countries, comprising the United States, Indonesia, India, and China, collectively represent an astounding portion of the world's population and exert immense influence on the global stage. Each of these nations brings unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities to the table, and understanding their significance and fostering cooperation among them can pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive world. As these countries continue to evolve, their impact on global demographics, economy, and culture is set to be profound.

United States: As the third most populous country globally, the United States holds a prominent position in shaping the global landscape. Its democratic values, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural diversity have made it a beacon of opportunity and innovation. The United States has long been at the forefront of scientific research, technological advancements, and economic prowess. It boasts some of the world's leading universities, research institutions, and corporations, driving breakthroughs in various fields, including healthcare, information technology, and renewable energy. Additionally, its robust entertainment industry has garnered a global following, exporting music, movies, and popular culture that resonate across borders.

Indonesia: With the fourth-largest population in the world, Indonesia is an archipelago nation that spans thousands of islands, each contributing to its rich cultural heritage. As a rising economic power in Southeast Asia, Indonesia's vibrant markets and burgeoning middle class present significant opportunities for both domestic and international businesses. The country's young and dynamic workforce, coupled with its vast natural resources, make it an attractive destination for foreign investments. However, Indonesia faces challenges in infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, and maintaining environmental sustainability. By addressing these issues and promoting inclusive growth, Indonesia can harness its potential and become an even stronger player in the global economy.

India: As the world's second-most populous country, India's cultural diversity, ancient history, and rapid development make it a force to be reckoned with. India's large and youthful population has propelled it to become one of the fastest-growing major economies. The country has embraced information technology and services, with cities like Bangalore emerging as global technology hubs. India's robust startup ecosystem has given rise to innovative solutions in various sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare. However, India grapples with challenges such as poverty, infrastructure gaps, and social inequalities. By addressing these issues, investing in education, and leveraging its demographic dividend, India can chart a course towards sustainable and inclusive development.

China: With the world's largest population, China's rise as a global economic powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past few decades, China has experienced unprecedented economic growth, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. Its manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure development projects, and investments in technology have made it a major player in the global market. China's Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious infrastructure program, aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic cooperation across continents. The nation's commitment to research and development has propelled it to the forefront of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. However, China faces challenges related to environmental degradation, social inequality, and human rights concerns. Addressing these challenges while continuing to foster innovation and sustainable development will shape China's role in the global community.

The significance of the UIIC countries extends beyond their sheer population size. Their collective influence spans across various domains, including trade, politics, culture, and technological advancements. Cooperation among these nations can drive progress in addressing global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and economic inequality. By sharing best practices, collaborating on research and development, and promoting cultural exchange, the UIIC countries can foster a more interconnected and harmonious world.

Furthermore, the UIIC countries' impact on global demographics cannot be overstated. Their population dynamics, urbanization patterns, and social trends shape global migration, labor markets, and cultural exchanges. As these countries continue to evolve, their demographic shifts will have ripple effects on regional and global economies, healthcare systems, and social welfare policies.

In terms of the global economy, the UIIC countries serve as major engines of growth and consumption. Their domestic markets and investments influence industries ranging from technology and finance to manufacturing and entertainment. Moreover, their economic policies, trade agreements, and geopolitical relations have far-reaching implications for global trade and financial stability.

Culturally, the UIIC countries contribute to the world's cultural tapestry through their arts, languages, cuisines, and traditions. Their vibrant cultures and diverse populations enrich global cultural exchanges, promoting understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of different perspectives.

In conclusion, the UIIC countries - the United States, Indonesia, India, and China - collectively represent half of the world's population and play a pivotal role in shaping the global landscape. Their unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities present a rich tapestry of potential for collaboration and progress. By understanding their significance, fostering cooperation, and addressing shared challenges, we can work towards a more prosperous, inclusive, and interconnected world. The impact of the UIIC countries on global demographics, economy, and culture will undoubtedly be profound as they continue to evolve and shape the future of our interconnected world.

[radio-charlie]

One possible reason why wolves were chosen to that end

[gwydionmisha]

The Effort to Save the 2nd Largest City on Earth: Jakarta, Indonesia's MEGACITY

[vibesfc]

heartbroken

[argyrocratie]

"In “Memory Voids and Role Reversals,” Palestinian political science professor Dana El Kurd writes of her jarring experience, hearing of the October 7th massacres by Hamas while visiting the Holocaust Tower at the Jewish Museum in Berlin. She notes the historic irony of Holocaust survivors seeking security from future oppression by expelling another people from their homeland by the hundreds of thousands, ghettoizing them in enclaves enforced by military checkpoints, and controlling them with collective punishment.

The irony of a state formed as the “antithesis” to the ghetto using ghettoization as a strategy of control is not lost on Palestinians. This infrastructure of coercion went hand in hand, of course, with ever-present physical violence — imprisonment, home demolitions, air strikes and more.

She quotes Aristide Zolberg’s observation that “formation of a new state can be a ‘refugee-generating process.’”

This is not only true of Palestinians. The Westphalian nation-state, which has been the normative component of the international system since the Treaty of Westphalia, necessarily entails (especially since the post-1789 identification of nationalism with the nation-state) the suppression of ethnic identity to a far greater extent than the expression of any such identity. Every constructed national identity associated with a “State of the X People” has necessarily involved the suppression and homogenization of countless ethnicities present in the territory claimed by that state. At the time of the French Revolution, barely half the “French” population spoke any of the many langue d’oil dialects of northern France, let alone the dialect of the Ile de France (the basis for the official “French” language). The rest spoke Occitan dialects like Provençal, or non-Romance languages like Breton (whose closest living relative is Welsh). The same is true of Catalan, Aragonese, Basque, and Galician in Spain, the low-German languages and now-extinct Wendish in Germany, the non-Javanese ethnicities of Indonesia, and so on. Heads of state issue sonorous pronouncements concerning the “Nigerian People” or “Zimbabwean People,” in reference to multi-ethnic populations whose entire “identity” centers on lines drawn on a map at the Berlin Conference.

When I say official national languages were established through the suppression of their rivals, I mean things like the residential schools of the United States and Canada punishing Native children for using their own languages. Or schools around the world shaming students with signs reading “I Spoke Welsh (or Breton, or Provencal, or Catalan, or Basque, or Ainu, or an African vernacular instead of the English, French, etc., lingua franca). And so on.

And when we consider the range of artificial national identities that were constructed by suppressing other real ethnicities, we can’t forget the “Jewish People” of Israel. Its construction occurred part and parcel with the suppression of diasporic Jewish ethnic identities all over Europe and the Middle East. The “New Jewish” identity constructed by modern Zionism was associated with the artificial revival of Hebrew, which had been almost entirely a liturgical language for 2300 years, as an official national language. And this, in turn, was associated with the suppression — both official and unofficial — of the actually existing Jewish ethnicities associated with the Yiddish, Ladino, and Arabic languages.

The centuries-old languages and cultures of actual Jewish ethnicities throughout Europe were treated as shameful relics of the past, to be submerged and amalgamated into a new artificially constructed Jewish identity centered on the Hebrew language. 

Yiddish, the language spoken by the Ashkenazi Jews of Europe — derived from an archaic German dialect and written in the Hebrew alphabet — was stigmatized by Zionist leaders in Palestine and by the early Israeli government. According to Max Weinreich’s History of the Yiddish Language, the “very making of Hebrew into a spoken language derives from the will to separate from the Diaspora.” Diasporic Jewish identities, as viewed by Zionist settlers, were “a cultural morass to be purged.” The “New Jew” was an idealized superhuman construct, almost completely divorced from centuries worth of culture and traditions of actual Jews: “Yiddish began to represent diaspora and feebleness, said linguist Ghil’ad Zuckermann. ‘And Zionists wanted to be Dionysian: wild, strong, muscular and independent.’” 

This “contempt for the Diaspora” was “manifested . . .  in the fierce campaign against Yiddish in Palestine, which led not only to the banning of Yiddish newspapers and theaters but even to physical attacks against Yiddish speakers.” From the 1920s on, anyone in Palestine with the temerity to publish in Yiddish risked having their printing press destroyed by organizations with names like the “Battalion of the Defenders of the Hebrew Language,” “Organization for the Enforcement of Hebrew,” and “Central Council for the Enforcement of Hebrew.” The showing of the Yiddish-language film Mayn Yidishe Mame (“My Yiddish Mama”), in Tel Aviv in 1930, provoked a riot led by the above-mentioned Battalion. After the foundation of Israel, “every immigrant was required to study Hebrew and often to adopt a Hebrew surname.” In its early days Israel legally prohibited plays and periodicals in the Yiddish language. A recent defender of the early suppression of Yiddish, in the Jerusalem Post, argued that Diasporic languages threatened to “undermine the Zionist project”; in other words, an admission that actually existing ethnic identities threatened an identity manufactured by a nationalist ideology.

If this is true of Yiddish — the native language of the Ashkenazi Jews who dominated the Zionist settlement of Palestine — it’s even more so of the suppression of Jewish ethnic identities outside the dominant Sephardic minority. Golda Meir once dismissed Jews of non-Ashkenazi or non-Yiddish descent as “not Jews.” 

Consider the roughly half of the Israeli population comprised of Mizrahi Jews from Middle Eastern communities (including those living in Palestine itself before European settlement). Although the Mizrahim are trotted out as worthy victims when they are convenient for purposes of Israeli propaganda — the majority of them were expelled from Arab countries like Iraq after 1948, in what was an undeniable atrocity — they are treated the rest of the time as an embarrassment or a joke, and have been heavily discriminated against, by the descendants of Ashkenazi settlers. For example former Prime Minister David Ben Gurion described Mizrahim 

as lacking even “the most elementary knowledge” and “without a trace of Jewish or human education.” Ben Gurion repeatedly expressed contempt for the culture of the Oriental Jews: “We do not want Israelis to become Arabs. We are in duty bound to fight against the spirit of the Levant, which corrupts individuals and societies, and preserve the authentic Jewish values as they crystallized in the Diaspora.”

Current Prime Minister Netanyahu once joked about a “Mizrahi gene” as his excuse for tardiness. And an Israeli realtor ran a commercial appealing to “there goes the neighborhood” sentiments by depicting a light-skinned family having their Passover celebration disrupted by uncouth Mizrahi neighbors.

Nationalism and the nation-state are the enemies of true ethnicity and culture, and built on their graves. There’s no better illustration of this principle than the Zionist project itself."

-Kevin Carson, "Zionism and the Nation-State: Palestinians Are Not the Only Victims"

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Devastating Brazil Floods Claim 83 Lives as Climate Change Submerges Cities

The recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, have led to the deaths of 83 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region’s history. The death toll is expected to increase as recovery efforts continue. The catastrophic flooding has been attributed to climate change, compounding the already volatile weather patterns typical of the region.

In just four days, Rio Grande do Sul received more than 70 percent of its usual monthly rainfall for April. This deluge has resulted in widespread destruction, with roads being washed away, thousands left without water and electricity, and critical infrastructure severely damaged. The floods have had a devastating impact on local communities, disrupting daily life and causing significant economic hardship.

Brazilian climatologist Francisco Eliseu Aquino highlighted that this disaster was driven by a combination of Global warming and the El Niño-La Niña weather phenomenon. This deadly mix has not only affected Brazil but has also intensified storms across the globe, from Indonesia to Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. According to Michael McPhaden, Senior Scientist with NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, extreme El Niño and La Niña events could become more frequent and severe by the end of the century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate.

Continue reading.

[rhk111sblog]

Other South East Asian (SEA) Countries recently have been benefiting immensely from having a healthy Economic Trade with China, except for the Philippines because of the Tensions brought about by its Territorial Disputes with China in the South China Sea (SCS).

This was initially released as an Article last March 27, 2024 at https://therhk111philippinedefenseupdates.blogspot.com/2024/03/sea-countries-greatly-benefiting-economic-trade-china-except-philippines.html

[zvaigzdelasas]

“How did we lose to China in Indonesia!?”

This is the question being worriedly debated in government offices and executive suites throughout Japan. [...]

Japan’s project plan called for a five year construction period, including a full one year trial operation period. If construction were to start in 2018 the line would be ready to take passengers in 2023. Total cost would be some Rupiah 64 trillion (JPY 534.6 billion, or $4.5 billion).   The Japanese government operating through JICA (the Japanese International Cooperation Agency) would finance 75% of the cost with a 0.1% long term yen loan (terms and conditions in conformity with international convention for concessionary financing). The remaining 25% would have to be raised by the Indonesian government and private enterprises.   Importantly, Japan’s concessionary loan would--in accordance with international conventions for official government lending--require an Indonesian government guarantee.   Then, in October 2014, as the Japanese agencies and companies prepared for the project, something happened in Indonesia:  the swearing in as president of Joko Widoko.  Campaigning for office Joko had called for greater infrastructure investment, and it was taken for granted that he was a supporter of the Java high speed rail project. However, Joko had campaigned as a “man of the people” whose priority would be improving welfare for Indonesia’s common and rural people over the more affluent people in the big cities.[...]

on March 26, Joko visited Beijing and met Chinese president Xi Jinping.  Xi publicly announced support for the Indonesian high speed project and the two governments signed a memorandum specifying China’s interest in the Jakarta-Bandung line. Well before the Joko-Xi meeting China had entered competition for the project. China’s proposal was for a total project cost of Rupiah 74 trillion (JPY 618.2 billion, $5.2 billion). The cost was higher than Japan’s, but China committed to financing the entire amount at an interest rate of 2%.  Moreover, the project would be completed in three years--meaning taking passengers in 2018 [lol]. [...]

That China was awarded the project and Japan rejected seems to owe mainly to China’s willingness to accept the financial risk of the project (i.e., to forego an Indonesian government guarantee and also, thereby, possibly to finesse international ODA norms) and of Japan’s inability or unwillingness to do so.   The Toyo Keizei piece makes the point that such projects’ risks are not small. Taiwan is an example. Taiwan’s high-speed rail line enjoys relatively heavy business passenger traffic, which allows relatively expensive ticket prices. But the high prices seem to have discouraged non-business passengers, such that ridership numbers have fallen short of forecasts and revenues have proven insufficient to cover debt service requirements.   Compared with Taiwan, Indonesia is a very poor country. Given that business traffic will be relatively limited, ticket prices will have to be set low to be affordable for average citizens (and to avoid political backlash). Generating sufficient cash flow for debt service looks like a formidable challenge. That China is willing to take the risk speaks volumes about how China views infrastructure aid in the Asian region.  According to press reports China sweetened its offer in other ways as well, including committing to establish a joint venture with Indonesian firms to produce rolling stock for high-speed rail, electric rail, light rail systems, not only for Indonesia, but also for export to other Asian countries; to transfer related technology [!!]; and also to renovate and rebuild train stations.

2015

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

There is also a border with Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. And, lest anyone forget, there is a maze of underground tunnels one recently-freed Israeli hostage calls "Lower Gaza" which presents numerous illegal exit opportunities.

As Ari Zivotofsky observes in the Jerusalem Post, a September 19, 2023, episode of the Palestinian television show Emigration claimed that, "in the past 15 years a quarter of a million young Palestinians left for abroad." In 2022, over 15,000 of them who lived abroad (having apparently escaped the "prison") willingly returned to it to celebrate the feast of Eid al-Adha.

This is not how prisons work.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) has been running a series on "Gaza Before October 7" refuting the "concentration camp" and "open-air prison" claims with pictures and videos. The first two episodes follow Palestinian "influencer" Yousef Alhelou as he travels around Gaza, showing off the top spots for tourists, including a gold market. Subsequent episodes include an Al-Jazeera feature of the economic boom in Gaza, Turkish television reports on the markets of Gaza, and various Arab media outlets covering the many sporting events in Gaza.

Hamas propagandists argue that Gazans are denied goods and services they are entitled to because of Israel's "land, water, and sea blockade," but Israel only blocks weapons from entering Gaza. Even after October 7, Israel has continued to supply electricity, food, and medicine.

What the "pro-Palestine" luminaries will never admit is that Israel has been forced into controlling Gaza's ports by the long history of weapons shipped there. In 2001, two vessels, the Calypso and the Santorini, were seized with weapons destined for Palestinian terrorists, and in 2002, a Palestinian ship called the Karine A was seized with 50 tons of Iranian weapons destined for Gaza. Since then, Israel has acted to prevent further shipments of weapons from reaching Gaza by sea. In 2007, after Hamas took over Gaza completely, Israel imposed an inspections regime and began more aggressively searching ships for smuggled weapons. Food and medicine are not prevented from entering Gaza.

Poor access to healthcare is another complaint about life in the Gaza "open-air prison." In April 2023, the Jerusalem-based anti-Israel activist group B'Tselem faulted Israel for preventing Palestinians from leaving Gaza in order to be treated in Israeli hospitals. But Israel treats plenty of Palestinians. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh sends his entire family to Israel for medical care. In 2013 his 1-year-old granddaughter was treated in an Israeli hospital; in 2014 his daughter was treated at Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital and his mother-in-law was treated at Jerusalem's Augusta Victoria Hospital; in 2021 his niece was treated at Ichilov Hospital. Just this month, it was reported that Haniyeh's grandniece was being treated at the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. But why should any Gazans be treated in Israeli hospitals? There are 36 hospitals in Gaza, many of which are run by foreign nations (Indonesia, Turkey, Jordan, European countries) serving a population of around 2 million.

Of course, hospitals in Gaza are dual-purpose buildings, offering both healthcare and camouflage for the entrances to Hamas's elaborate subterranean infrastructure. An IDF spokesman said that "Hamas systematically built the Indonesian Hospital to disguise its underground terror infrastructure." The Al-Shifa hospital, where IDF soldiers found a stash of rifles, ammunition, and ballistic vests, also sits atop a major tunnel junction. IDF soldiers recently found unopened boxes of medicine for Israeli hostages at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

If Gaza is a prison, Hamas is the jailer.

[southeastasianists]

There was a time when Prabowo Subianto's name would have spooked most Indonesians.

But now young voters appear to be charmed by the defence minister's slick makeover. The fiery ex-special forces commander dogged by allegations of human rights abuses and disappearances has become a cute grandfather made for memes.

"He is much older, but he is able to embrace my generation," says a 25-year-old supporter of his, Albert Joshua.

Now 72, Mr Prabowo is running to succeed the popular Joko Widodo when the world's third-largest democracy votes on 14 February. He is promising more of the stability and economic development Mr Widodo, or Jokowi as he is better known, pushed during his decade in power.

So far the polls put Mr Prabowo ahead of his younger rivals, Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan. Both men are in their 50s and have experience running key Indonesian provinces as governors. Job security, infrastructure and a bigger diplomatic role for Indonesia dominate their campaigns.

Mr Prabowo's running mate is Mr Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. It's a choice that many see as a tacit blessing by the president, who is yet to endorse anyone, including his own party's candidate, Mr Pranowo.

But a Prabowo presidency is also alarming to many, who say he has never been held accountable for the alleged abduction and killing of pro-democracy student activists decades ago.

A young voter, who did not wish to be named, says she is "terrified" he will win: "If he could be an accomplice of silencing voices then he will be silencing those voices now if he gets elected."

"Cuteness" hardly makes an eligible leader, she says. "If that's how you think a leader should be, then you should elect kittens."

Indonesia's cat-loving 'gemoy squad'

Cats are also a part of Mr Prabowo's social media campaign. His brown and white stray, Bobby, has his own well-curated Instagram account that describes him as a "patriot".

Then there are the TikTok videos of Mr Prabowo doing his signature move - an awkward shuffle across the stage - or shooting hearts at the audience. The gushing response has dubbed him "gemoy", a moniker for all things cuddly and adorable. His young supporters call themselves the "gemoy squad".

Social media has been the cornerstone of his outreach. Millennials and Gen Z make up more than half of Indonesia's 205 million eligible voters - they also account for many of the 167 million Indonesians who use social media.

Mr Prabowo's official Facebook and affiliated accounts spent $144,000 in advertising over the past three months, according to Meta's data. That's almost double Mr Pranowo's spend, and triple that of Mr Baswedan.

"I rarely see Prabowo's real picture anymore," said Yoes C Kenawas, a research fellow at Atma Jaya University.

Instead the internet, drawing rooms and streets are filled with posters of Mr Prabowo as a chubby cartoon character. This new "avatar... is all over Indonesia", Mr Kenawas says. "That's how they're softening his image. And so far, it's pretty successful."

A spokesperson for Mr Prabowo's campaign said they were just trying to attract young people through a "fun" campaign: "Politics can be conveyed through different methods... that's not a bad thing," Dedek Prayudi told the BBC.

Gen Z voter Rahayu Sartika Dewi says she is drawn to Mr Prabowo's plans to develop the renewable energy and farming sectors. She calls the campaign "very cute, fun and approachable... not too heavy like in previous years".

Mr Prabowo ran for president, and lost, in 2014 and 2019. But this campaign has been remarkably different.

"The logic is that Prabowo's losses were, at least in part, because his strongman image and firebrand style alienated parts of the electorate," says Dr Eve Warburton, director of the Australia National University's Indonesia Institute.

Mr Prabowo is also targeting a generation that has no memory of the time when he rose to the peak of his power. That happened during the dictatorship of General Suharto, who was forced from office in 1998. His 32-year reign, which many Indonesians credit with modernising the country, was also a time of brutal repression and bloodshed.

Twenty-five years on, young voters say they would rather judge Mr Prabowo on how he tackles unemployment and cost of living. He has promised to create 19 million new jobs over the next five years.

"I know activists are still speaking out... but we have to move on," Mr Joshua says.

Mr Prabowo's campaign has denied the allegations, although he was dismissed from the military for his alleged role in the activists' disappearance. In 2014 he told Al Jazeera that he had ordered their kidnapping but had only done so on the orders of superiors.

In recent months videos have been showing up of people in tears, expressing their sympathy for him, claiming he had been "victimised by his opponents". They often feature young people, and some election watchers doubt if these are genuine supporters.

Ms Dewi says his presidential nomination is "proof" that he has shaken off the allegations.

An extraordinary comeback

Mr Prabowo was born into a wealthy political family, the son of a renowned economist who served in the Indonesian cabinet.

He followed his father who left the country in 1957 under a cloud of controversy, and spent a decade of his childhood in exile in Europe.

After returning home, he joined the army and quickly moved up the ranks to become the captain of Indonesia's elite special forces, the Kopassus.

By then he had already been accused of human rights violations in restive East Timor, where he had served as a member of the unit. His exact role in the military operations in East Timor that claimed hundreds of lives has never been proven and he denies the allegations. But the murky blot on his career has stayed.

He married one of Suharto's daughters and remained in the dictator's inner circle. As Suharto's reign crumbled in the late 1990s, the Kopassus was accused of kidnapping more than 20 student activists who opposed the regime. At least a dozen of them are still missing and feared dead. Those who survived have alleged torture.

Mr Prabowo was discharged from the military, went into self-imposed exile in Jordan, made it onto a blacklist in Australia and was banned from travelling to the United States.

But he made a comeback in 2019, when Mr Widodo appointed him as his defence minister, turning the rivals into allies. The surprise move followed a bitter election win - Mr Prabowo blamed his loss on cheating - and violent protests that left eight people dead.

"How can we expect justice if the perpetrator becomes the president?" asks Suciwati, the widow of a prominent human rights lawyer. Munir Said Thalib spent much of his life investigating the 1998 disappearances. He was assassinated in 2004 on a flight. The pilot was found guilty, but Suciwati does not believe that is the full story.

Prabowo's presidency "would be an extraordinary defeat for us, the families of victims, and human rights activists", she says.

Mr Widodo's support has helped restore Mr Prabowo's image, some say. Social media is "not enough", Mr Kenawas adds, and "how the state machineries have supported his campaign... should not be underestimated".

Many point to his running mate and Mr Widodo's son, Mr Gibran. A constitutional court, where Mr Widodo's brother-in-law serves as chief justice, controversially cleared the way for the 36-year-old to run for vice-president - Indonesian law requires him to be older.

What also worries many is a return of the "old Prabowo", known for his hot temper and volatile personality.

Dr Warburton says some of his recent public appearances had hints of that.

"No-one knows how Prabowo will govern," she says. "He may be a very hands-off president most interested in the prestige and pomp of office; but most who know him well emphasise his unpredictable personality. And that's never good for governance."

[nutongzhi]

my brother seriously thinks there’s like no infrastructure in the global south he was genuinely surprised to learn our great uncle was diagnosed with cancer “they can tell there?” yes dumbass they have ct scanners in indonesia.