Prabowo backs away from Nusantara for Independence Day celebration
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) chair Hasan Nasbi confirmed during a press briefing on Wednesday (July 16) that the State Secretariat had formed the organizing committee for the Aug 17 event, with the PCO also involved in the preparations.
'The Independence Day celebration will be held in Jakarta,' Hasan firmly stated.
Last year, such a celebration was held simultaneously in Jakarta and Nusantara. Then-president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, who launched the capital relocation megaproject, attended the ceremony in Nusantara, alongside then–defence minister and president-elect Prabowo.
At the time, when asked whether future celebrations would continue in the new capital, Prabowo responded, 'Insya Allah [God willing], it will be celebrated again here.'
However, Deputy State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro explained on Thursday that the decision to keep the celebration in Jakarta was made to avoid disrupting ongoing construction in Nusantara.
'We are focusing on completing the construction first,' Juri was quoted by Kompas.com as saying. Still, he noted that the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority would organize a separate local celebration in the East Kalimantan city.
Experts suggest Prabowo's decision to hold this year's Independence Day celebration in Jakarta reflects a shift in priorities driven by cost considerations and the administration's focus on populist programmes.
'The current government is not placing strong emphasis on Nusantara,' political analyst Adi Prayitno said on Thursday.
'Prabowo appears more focused on his own flagship initiatives, such as the free nutritious meals and village cooperatives programmes.'
The reversal comes as the new government imposes sweeping budget cuts to fund these signature policies.
Hosting the national celebration in Nusantara, where infrastructure is still under development, would likely incur higher logistical and operational costs.
Still, Adi noted that a complete abandonment of the new capital project is unlikely, pointing out that the administration has allocated Rp 48 trillion (US$2.94 billion) for Nusantara's development until 2029.
However, this figure falls well short of the Rp 79 trillion allocated during Jokowi's administration between 2022 and 2024.
Public policy expert Trubus Rahardiansyah called the decision to keep the Aug 17 event in Jakarta a 'practical move', rather than a sign that Prabowo is walking away from the capital relocation project.
'Unlike Nusantara, all the necessary facilities are already in Jakarta, so holding it here will be cheaper,' Trubus said.
'That said, Nusantara will likely remain on the back burner under Prabowo's administration, at least until all of his key programmes are fully running.'
But, political researcher Wasisto Raharjo Jati of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) warned that Prabowo needed to demonstrate clearer political commitment to the project. Notably, he has yet to visit Nusantara during his nine months in office.
'[The public] already views Nusantara as a project too big to fail. If Prabowo continues to let the project appear sidelined, it would also reflect poorly on his administration,' Wasisto said.
While the legal framework for relocating Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara was enacted in 2021, President Prabowo has yet to issue the presidential decree required to officially move the seat of government.
Technically, this formal step is expected to take place only after the government achieves its 2028 target of turning Nusantara into a fully functioning political capital, complete with legislative and judicial buildings, supporting infrastructure and the already constructed government offices.
IKN Authority head Basuki Hadimuljono told lawmakers earlier this month that the agency is preparing to launch several new development projects this year, including the construction of legislative and judicial offices, supporting infrastructure and staff housing.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Ministry continues work on existing projects such as toll roads, the national mosque, the vice-presidential palace and roads within the central government zone.
The Public Housing and Settlements Ministry is also finalising 47 residential towers for civil servants. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Medicaid, Trump tax cuts 'kick off' 2026 campaign
RESIDENTS of Columbus, Indiana awoke last week to a yellow billboard purchased by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) blaring: "Under Trump's Watch, Columbus Regional Health is Cutting Medical Services." Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), which oversees races for the United States House of Representatives, last month launched a digital ad campaign touting President Donald Trump's tax cuts and blaming Democrats for spiking inflation. As members of Congress return to their home districts for the August recess, the Democratic and Republican parties are launching ad blitzes centred around the tax-cut and spending bill Trump signed into law on July 4, in an unofficial start to the 2026 midterm election campaign. Democrats are focusing their message around access to healthcare while Republicans are countering that the tax provisions will put more money in voters' pockets. The bill makes permanent Trump's 2017 tax cuts and funds his immigration enforcement crackdown, while reducing healthcare and food aid. It devotes US$170 billion to immigration enforcement while cutting US$1.1 trillion from Medicaid and other public health programmes and US$186 billion in food assistance. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that 10 million people would lose their health insurance by 2034 as a result of the bill, and that the tax provisions and increased immigration and military spending would increase the federal deficit by US$3.4 trillion over the next decade. Republican strategists say they have plenty of time to sell the bill's benefits. "We will use every tool to show voters that the provisions in this bill are widely popular," said Mike Marinella, a spokesman for the NRCC. And the party has a cash advantage. The Republican National Committee (RNC) had US$81 million in cash at the end of June, compared with the DNC's US$15 million during the same period. The RNC also enjoys a huge asset in a sitting president who is still holding fundraisers for big-ticket donors. Republicans can only afford a net loss of two of the 220 seats they hold in the House to maintain control. In the Senate, they have a 53-47 advantage. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted last month, some 64 per cent of registered voters oppose cuts to Medicaid and food stamps in return for lower taxes for everyone. Democrats are seizing on that sentiment, pushing the idea that Republicans have taken away healthcare to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires. "Republicans threw working families under the bus to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, and we'll never let them — or voters — forget that," said DNC Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman in a statement. "This will define the midterms." Republicans say the bill's provisions on tips, overtime and Social Security show the party is focused on issues affecting working families. They also point to a US$50 billion fund the bill establishes to help rural hospitals. Another Republican strategy memo prepared by Trump's pollsters, urges candidates to "lead on kitchen-table issues." Democrats, meanwhile, are trying to tie Medicaid cuts to reduced healthcare access and higher costs. The DNC's website claims that the bill will "cost the poorest 10 per cent of households US$1,600 a year while raising the income of the richest 10 per cent of Americans by US$12,000 a year". Unrig Our Economy, a left-leaning group, is running ads in Iowa, Arizona and Pennsylvania depicting voters voicing frustration at their Republican lawmakers for voting for Trump's bill. "I'm so angry that Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks just voted for the largest cut to Medicaid in history to give tax breaks to billionaires," said one ad in Iowa, featuring a Davenport resident identified as Maria. Protect Our Care, a left-leaning healthcare advocacy organisation, said it planned to spend up to US$10 million on ads in the first half of next year, largely focused on urging Republican lawmakers to restore funding to Medicaid. Climate Power and the League of Conservation Voters spent US$500,000 on an ad pressuring lawmakers in six congressional districts to vote against the bill, claiming that it would increase electricity rates, according to its president, Pete Maysmith.
Malaysian Reserve
3 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Surgical Sutures Market Worth US$6.65 billion by 2030 with 6.5% CAGR
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global Surgical Sutures Market, valued at US$4.56 billion in 2024 stood at US$4.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$6.65 billion by the end of the period. The demand for surgical sutures is on the rise, driven largely by the increasing frequency of surgical interventions worldwide. This trend is significantly influenced by the aging population, which is more susceptible to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and orthopedic disorders that often require surgical intervention. Additionally, the rising incidence of trauma and accidental injuries globally contributes to the heightened need for sutures. Advancements in suture technology, including the development of absorbable, antibacterial, and barbed sutures, are crucial in enhancing patient recovery, minimizing post-operative complications, and reducing infection rates. These innovations not only improve surgical outcomes but also contribute to the overall growth of the sutures market by addressing specific clinical needs and improving the efficiency of surgical procedures. Download PDF Brochure: Browse in-depth TOC on 'Surgical Sutures Market'348 – Tables52 – Figures319 – Pages By product, Suture thread dominates the surgical sutures market due to its essential role in wound closure across various surgical procedures. As the core component of any suturing system, it is integral to traditional open surgeries and minimally invasive techniques. The preeminence of suture thread can be attributed to its remarkable versatility, diverse material options, and continuous advancements in design and functionality. Innovations such as non-absorbable, absorbable, antibacterial-coated, and barbed suture threads have expanded their application spectrum across various surgical disciplines, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, gynecologic, and general surgery. Clinicians increasingly opt for threads characterized by high tensile strength, minimal tissue reactivity, and reliable absorption profiles—attributes that leading manufacturers consistently refine to meet the evolving demands of surgical practice. By type, Multifilament sutures dominate the surgical sutures market due to their superior handling properties, reliable knot security, and broad application across various surgical specialties. These sutures are constructed from multiple braided or twisted filaments, which give them enhanced flexibility and tensile strength compared to their monofilament counterparts. This makes multifilament sutures particularly well-suited for surgical procedures that demand precise tissue closure, as they can adapt more readily to the contours of the tissue being sutured. The intricate design of multifilament sutures allows for better manipulation during surgical procedures, enabling surgeons to achieve a secure and stable closure. The improved knot-holding capability of these sutures is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the surgical site, reducing the risk of complications that can arise from loosening or failure. In high-pressure clinical environments, where time is often of the essence, the ease of handling that multifilament sutures provide can streamline surgical processes, ultimately contributing to shorter operation times and improved patient outcomes. Their versatility and effectiveness have made multifilament sutures a preferred choice among surgeons in numerous fields, including general surgery, orthopedics, and plastic surgery. By geography, the surgical sutures market is characterized by five key regions: North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America stands at the forefront of this market, bolstered by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high surgical throughput, and the presence of leading industry players. The region features a robust network of hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics that engage in a wide array of complex surgical procedures—including cardiovascular, orthopedic, and general surgeries—all of which rely heavily on high-performance surgical sutures. Particularly, the US accounts for the largest market share due to its aging demographic, the prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, and an increasing demand for cosmetic and minimally invasive surgical interventions. Furthermore, North America is a hub for technological innovation, housing major corporations such as Ethicon and Medtronic, which consistently introduce cutting-edge suture materials and methodologies. This includes advancements in antimicrobial and absorbable sutures, which are crucial in improving surgical outcomes and patient safety. Request Sample Pages: The key players in the global surgical sutures market are Ethicon [Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.] (US), Medtronic (Ireland), B. Braun SE (Germany), Advanced Medical Solutions Group Plc (UK), Healthium MedTech Limited (India), Boston Scientific Corporation (US) Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (US), Stryker (US), Smith+Nephew (UK), Conmed Corporation (US), Internacional Farmacéutica S.A. de C.V. (Mexico), Corza Medical (US), DemeTECH Corporation (US), Unisur Lifecare Pvt. Ltd (India), Assut Europe (Italy), RESORBA Medical GmbH (Germany), KATSAN Katgüt Sanayi ve Tic. A.S. (Turkey), Sutumed Corp. (US), Mellon Medical (Netherlands), Futura Surgicare Pvt. Ltd. (India), GMD Group (Turkey), Lotus Surgicals Pvt Ltd (India), BioSintex (Romania), Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (India), and Aqmen Medtech (India). Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. [Ethicon] (US): Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is at the forefront of the surgical suture industry and is recognized for its advanced, high-quality products and comprehensive surgical solutions. The company excels in critical areas such as manufacturing infrastructure, extensive research and development capabilities, and a nuanced understanding of surgical requirements, enabling it to create cutting-edge wound closure innovations. Ethicon's suture portfolio is versatile, catering to various surgical disciplines, including orthopedic, gynecological, cardiovascular, and general surgery. This range encompasses absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, barbed sutures, antibacterial-coated options, and specialty sutures designed for specific applications. The company has made significant investments in technological innovation, especially in automated suture production and the development of bioengineered materials to promote optimal healing outcomes. Furthermore, Ethicon places a strong emphasis on surgeon education, offering global training programs aimed at enhancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes. Medtronic (Ireland) Medtronic stands as a prominent force in the surgical sutures sector, leveraging its extensive expertise in surgical solutions and wound closure technologies. The company's competencies are rooted in its innovative approach to clinical effectiveness, producing a diverse portfolio of sutures that effectively support both conventional and advanced surgical techniques. Renowned for high-performance offerings, Medtronic's sutures emphasize durability, biocompatibility, and ease of handling to cater to various subspecialties, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and general surgery. The company maintains a robust commitment to research and development, focusing on enhancing product performance across a range of sutures, including absorbable, non-absorbable, and barbed varieties designed to meet the dynamic demands of surgical practice. One of Medtronic's significant advantages is its expansive global distribution network, coupled with strong engagement with surgeons, facilitating comprehensive training, education, and clinical support on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, the company strategically utilizes its diverse surgical portfolio to create integrated solutions, often bundling sutures with surgical staplers, energy devices, and ancillary instruments. This approach not only provides value-added offerings to healthcare facilities but also enhances surgical efficiency. With a strategic emphasis on expanding market access in emerging economies and addressing the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures, Medtronic remains a key and adaptive player within the surgical sutures arena. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Wound Dressings Market Advanced Wound Care Market Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments Market Endoscopy Equipment Market Electrosurgery Market Get access to the latest updates on Surgical Sutures Companies and Surgical Sutures Market Size About MarketsandMarkets™: MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact:Mr. Rohan SalgarkarMarketsandMarkets™ INC.1615 South Congress 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445USA: +1-888-600-6441Email: sales@ Our Website: Logo: View original content:
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Friday (Aug 1, 2025)
Malaysia: * Media a vital bridge of information between police and public, says IGP * Penang defers implementation of new water tariffs to July 2026 * Children accused of crime must be treated with dignity, says Suhakam * US cuts Malaysia tariff to 19% from 25% * 'Governor's family not involved in student's death' * Malaysia factory slump eases as July PMI hits five-month high * Four teens nabbed for allegedly beating up classmate in Kajang mall * Malaysian pharmaceuticals, semiconductors exempt from US tariffs, minister says * Reduction of US tariff rate to 19% a significant achievement, says Zafrul * Kuching Waterfront set to be longest riverfront nationwide * Unemployed man charged with raping former sister-in-law in Cheras * Man who stabbed cop in KL tests positive for dugs * Ten police officers nabbed by MACC to face disciplinary action, says Bukit Aman * CAAM-Mavcom rationalisation in effect, Mohd Sharil is new chairman, says Transport Ministry * Minimum wage extended to contract apprentices as amended law takes effect, says HR Ministry * Teen pregnancies still an issue in Sabah due to poor sex education, says state assistant minister East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta delivers his speech at the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) Secretariat in Jakarta on August 1, 2025. -- Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP Singapore: * Man accused of raping Singaporean woman who hired him to fix lights in her flat claims she made first move * Three Singaporean men charged over living on the earnings of prostitution * Tanjong Katong sinkhole: Singapore says affected road will open progressively to motorists from noon on Aug 2 * Singapore's 2024 MRT breakdown could have been prevented with better coordination: SMRT CEO * HK actor Raymond Lam and family kick off their summer vacation in Singapore * Mariah Carey to stage shows in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan * Asia: Stocks struggle as Trump unveils new tariff sweep * S'pore cop among trio held over illegal exit attempt * US, Australia hold joint military exercise in Papua New Guinea for first time * Singapore's OCBC sees lower 2025 net interest income, Q2 profit matches forecasts Indonesia: * A treat for Nusantara music fans - Indonesian star Pamungkas and local boys Fugo join in the fun for Panggung Purnama concert on Sept 28 * World economies reel from Trump's tariffs punch, but most South-East Asian countries rejoice thanks to kinder rates * Indonesian President Prabowo pardons political opponents * RM2mil drug haul: Syndicate smuggling to Indonesia busted * Farmer charged with trafficking six Indonesians into country * Prabowo's political rivals among over 1,000 granted clemency * Paradise beaches sit empty as Indonesia bets on saturated Bali * Oil steadies as concerns about tariff impacts vie with Russian supply threats Foreign military attaches from major powers and Asean member countries, along with diplomats from 23 countries and Thai military personnel, visit a shelter in Sisaket province following a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, where displaced people have been staying since July 24, in Sisaket province, Thailand, August 1, 2025. -- Photo: REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa Thailand: * Thailand seeks neutral venue for border talks with Cambodia; Malaysia seems to be best venue * Thailand welcomes 19% US tariff as 'major success' * Trump sets 19% tariff on Thailand, Cambodia after peace deal' * Court to rule on Thaksin's hospitalisation jail dodge * Trump's tariffs send Asian FX markets reeling, won leads losses * New US tariffs draw regional reactions across Asia-Pacific * Trump's call broke deadlock in Thailand-Cambodia border crisis Philippines: * World Bank to provide US$700mil loan to boost Philippines' resilience to natural disasters * Philippines national nabbed at Kota Kinabalu airport with fake travel passes * Philippines' Marcos eyes India trade, defence in talks with Modi * Philippines records 10.5bil pesos infrastructure damage due to south-west monsoon, cyclones with death toll at 37 * Asian currencies fall to two-month low as tariff deadline nears * On World Day Against Trafficking, UN sounds alarm on scam centre surge China's swimmer Peng Xuwei dives as she competes in a semi-final of the women's 200m backstroke swimming event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Friday, August 1, 2025. -- Photo by François-Xavier MARIT / AFP Vietnam: * Weather havoc in Vietnam - Flash floods kill three in mountainous north, nine more people missing * Vietnamese PM calls for completion of 3,000 km of expressways by end-2025 * Flooding leaves 14 dead, missing in Vietnam's Dien Bien * Vietnamese lychees attract global buyers * Asia's factory activity worsens as US trade uncertainty bites * Countries with no trade deal will hear from US by midnight, White House says Myanmar: * Myanmar enforces Cybersecurity Law, targeting unauthorised online gambling and VPN services * Myanmar imposes martial law in 63 townships following state of emergency declaration * US tariff set to shift Indochina economic balance with Myanmar and Laos worst hit * Japan says 'seriously concerned' about Myanmar elections without release of those detained * Conflict-ridden Myanmar to vote A crew disembarks the Indian Navy ship guided-missile destroyer, INS Delhi, that is docked at Manila's port, Philippines, on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. -- AP Photo/Aaron Favila Cambodia: * Cambodia to nominate Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, says deputy PM * Thailand returns two wounded soldiers to Cambodia but continues to hold 18 of their comrades * Cambodia says the country had agreed to talks in Malaysia at Thailland's request * Cambodia deputy PM says 19% US tariff rate averts collapse of its garments manufacturing sector * Hun Manet urges troop release as ceasefire holds Laos: * Russia, Laos sign seven documents, including a roadmap for nuclear cooperation * US tariff set to shift Indochina economic balance with Myanmar and Laos worst hit * Laos launches digital ID system Brunei: * Brunei announces enforcement on abuse of dominant positions * Brunei lion dance team heads to Kuala Lumpur for international debut * Brunei enforces key provisions of the Competition Act Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith applause during a ceremony of exchange of documents following their meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia. -- AP AseanPlus: * Penang chosen as filming spot for Miss HK Pageant 2025, joined by TVB stars Benjamin Yuen & Moon Lau * Save my baby: Mother gives up baby girl while being nabbed during immigration raid in Tawau * What's it like to scale the highest active volcano in South-East Asia * Immigration nabs dozens of foreigners in raids on Pontian nightclubs * Actress Eleanor Lee wins lawsuit against former assistant who doctored her audio recording * Captain of Turkish yacht found safe after 40-hour ordeal at sea * Forget dating apps: More young Malaysians go back to face-to-face interactions * Beijing officials admit 'gaps' in readiness after rains kill dozens * Man's naked body found surrounded by sex toys in Hong Kong flat * China prepares to unseat US in fight for AI market * Hong Kong police arrest 82 triad suspects, seize assets worth HK$15 million * The cultural lore and hidden gems in 'KPop Demon Hunters' * Trump says tariffs talks with China 'moving along well' * Landslide-prone Nepal tests AI-powered warning system * Australian minister says US tariffs to remain at 10% * Hong Kong GDP expands 3.1%, faster than forecast * Japanese woman with child injured in subway station attack in China, says Tokyo embassy * Ancient 'lamp shells' practised social distancing, fossil find in China reveals * Renewable energy on fast lane amid China's green transition * Nvidia says no 'backdoors' in chips as China questions security * Chinese warships arrive in Russia for joint Pacific naval exercise * Did a lab of AI 'scientists' design a possible Covid-19 treatment? * Taiwan to seek lower tariff after Trump's 'temporary' 20% levy * China's manufacturing activity shrinks as exports drag, S&P PMI shows * Trump sets 10% to 41% 'reciprocal' tariffs on dozens of countries' exports * Toddler survives deadly encounter with cobra by biting its head off * Japan plans another record hike in minimum wage, Kyodo News says * Woman, 35, to deny making false statement to secure Hong Kong study permit * China, HK stocks book steepest weekly losses since April on soft data, Trump tariffs * Hulk Hogan's racist sex tape influenced estranged daughter Brooke to remove herself from will * China courier puts sick daughter in delivery box at work to save on childcare * Will China win renewables race while US pivots to fossil fuels and nuclear? * Wu Yiquan: The Chinese AI researcher scoring big on the basketball court * South Korea says it has no written pact on US trade deal * South Korean restaurant owner puts pet dog inside fridge to prevent animal from overheating * US President Trump hits dozens of countries' goods with steep tariffs; Canada, Brazil and India among worst hit * Heat fuels China's booming night-time tourism - As sweltering heat waves sweep across China, a recent tourist trend has emerged * South Korea's former President strongly resists special counsel's attempt to arrest him for questioning * South Korea's ex-leader Yoon lay on floor of cell and refused to be questioned, prosecutors say / New arrest warrant for Yoon over missed summons
