Indonesian government stays mum on ex-president Jokowi's health amid growing public concern
Mr Jokowi has chosen to spend time in Bali with his wife and grandchildren.
JAKARTA - Mr Jokowi, who stepped down from office i n October 2024 , has been notably absent from major public events, including the recent 79th anniversary celebration of the National Police, also known as Bhayangkara Day, attended by President Prabowo Subianto and by other former presidents.
The 64-year-old has instead chosen to spend time in Bali with his wife and grandchildren, as indicated in his social media posts.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
12 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Trump escalates attacks against the Smithsonian Institution
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The White House said last week it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump suggested on Aug 19 he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a premier museum, education and research complex for US history and culture, to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding. 'I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made,' Mr Trump said on Truth Social. The Smithsonian, which was established in 1846 and includes 21 museums and galleries and the National Zoo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Most of its museums are in Washington DC. When asked if Mr Trump would threaten funding cuts to the Smithsonian based on the findings, a White House official said: 'President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable.' The White House said last week it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Mr Trump earlier in 2025 accused it of spreading 'anti-American ideology' and raised alarm among civil rights advocates. 'The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been – Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,' Mr Trump said. The Smithsonian receives most of its budget from US Congress but is independent of the government in decision-making. Civil rights advocates say Mr Trump's administration is undoing decades of social progress and undermining the acknowledgment of critical phases of American history. Mr Trump has made threats to cut federal funding of top US educational institutions, citing pro-Palestinian protests against US ally Israel's war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The government in July settled its probes with Columbia University , which agreed to pay US$221 million (S$283.97 million), and Brown University, which said it will pay US$50 million. Both institutions accepted certain government demands. Talks to settle with Harvard University are ongoing. REUTERS
Straits Times
42 minutes ago
- Straits Times
US hikes steel, aluminium tariffs on imported appliances, railcars, EV parts
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The US Commerce department said 407 product categories are being added to the list of 'derivative' steel and aluminium products covered by sectoral tariffs. WASHINGTON - The US Commerce Department said on Aug 19 it is hiking steel and aluminium tariffs on more than 400 products including wind turbines, mobile cranes, appliances, bulldozers and other heavy equipment, along with railcars, motorcycles, marine engines, furniture and hundreds of other products. The department said 407 product categories are being added to the list of 'derivative' steel and aluminium products covered by sectoral tariffs, with a 50 per cent tariff on any steel and aluminium content of these products plus the country rate on the non-steel and non-aluminium content. Evercore ISI said in a research note the move covers more than 400 product codes representing over US$200 billion (S$256.96 billion) in imports in 2024 and estimates it will raise the overall effective tariff rate by around 1 percentage point. The department is also adding imported parts for automotive exhaust systems and electrical steel needed for electric vehicles to the new tariffs as well as components for buses, air conditioners as well as appliances including refrigerators, freezers and dryers. A group of foreign automakers had urged the department not to add the parts, saying the US does not have the domestic capacity to handle current demand. Tesla unsuccessfully asked Commerce to reject a request to add steel products used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines, saying there was no available US capacity to produce steel for use in the drive unit of EVs. The new tariffs take effect immediately and also cover compressors and pumps and the metal in imported cosmetics and other personal care packaging like aerosol cans. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Proposals sought to develop Changi East Urban District next to T5 World Trump rules out US troops but eyes air power in Ukraine deal Business SGX wants to woo private companies to list in Singapore, says its head of research Singapore NDP 2026 to be held at National Stadium to accommodate more Singaporeans Singapore Girl, 14, among 3 injured after minibus falls into Bukit Panjang canal Opinion The era of job dating? It's all about matching employers and talent Singapore Hyflux founder Olivia Lum and ex-CFO gave input to 'play down' energy component of Tuaspring project Singapore Man to be charged after allegedly slashing another man with Swiss knife at City Plaza 'Today's action expands the reach of the steel and aluminium tariffs and shuts down avenues for circumvention – supporting the continued revitalisation of the American steel and aluminium industries,' said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler. Steelmakers including Cleveland Cliffs, Nucor and others had petitioned the administration to expand the tariffs to include additional steel and aluminium auto parts. REUTERS
Straits Times
42 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Malaysia weighs anti-bullying law after outcry over Sabah teen's death
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Zara Qairina Mahathir's death almost a month ago has rocked the South-east Asian nation and prompted thousands to take to the streets. KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is considering the need for laws to address bullying after public outcry over the unsolved death of a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Sabah sparked demands for justice, ahead of an election in the Borneo state. Zara Qairina Mahathir's death almost a month ago has rocked the South-east Asian nation and prompted thousands to take to the streets. She was found unconscious in a drain by her school dormitory in Sabah, which is expected to hold a state election in 2025. The government will review the need for an Anti-Bullying Act that includes setting up a tribunal to hear cases involving students and children, national news agency Bernama reported, citing Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said. She said there was currently no specific definition or clear punishment for bullying in Malaysia's laws. Zara's mother lodged a police report after she found bruises on the teenager's body, and requested that police exhume her remains for a post-mortem. Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told Parliament on Aug 18 that police investigated elements of bullying, sexual harassment and neglect, as Zara had already filed complaints to her school. There has been no attempt to cover up the case and police had recorded statements from 195 witnesses, he added.
