Latest news with #80thIndependenceDay
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Vadavannur's dual tribute to freedom and legacy
As India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday, a place named Vaidyasala at Vadavannur near Kollengode in the district marked a special occasion. The people of Vadavannur Vaidyasala came together to celebrate not one, but two birthdays: that of India and a majestic banyan tree planted on the midnight of August 15, 1947. Under the banner of the Vaidyasala Arayal Samrakshana Samiti, a group of patriots led by P. Gopinatha Menon aka Santhakumar marked the dual celebration by blending national pride with local heritage. 'It is a rare privilege to celebrate India's freedom alongside this reverred tree's timeless legacy,' said Mr. Menon. 'I know of no other place in India where the nation's birthday is celebrated alongside a tree's, making this a truly unique tribute.' It was Vadakkepattu Narayanan Nair, a reputed Sanskrit scholar and Ayurveda physician, who planted the banyan tree at Vaidyasala near Vadavannur post office at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947. 'His gesture stood the test of time and remains a testament to his remarkable foresight,' said Mr. Menon. To safeguard the historic banyan tree, the Vaidyasala Arayal Samrakshana Samiti approached the Vadavannur panchayat with a request to construct a protective base. Panchayat president Zakeer Hussain promptly honoured the request and built a sturdy foundation around the tree. Taking the initiative a step further, Narayanan Nair's son, veteran lawyer Madhusudhanan Nair, paved the foundation with tiles. He helped to transform the spot into a serene one where people can relax, breathe in the tree's fresh oxygen and appreciate the legacy of a giant freedom tree. Mr. Nair kicked off the celebrations by lighting a lamp. Mr. Husain hoisted the Tricolour. Apart from the usual freedom speeches, they also handed out sweets and made a promise to go big on the 80th Independence Day bash next year. Vadavannur village wears another feather in its cap: it is the native land of Tamil cinema icon and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran. For the past decade, the residents of Vaidyasala have been paying homage to the banyan tree and celebrating its significance. 'It is a constant source of inspiration for us,' said Mr. Menon.
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Indonesia targets 5.4% growth in 2026 with big spending on food security, energy, free lunches
[JAKARTA] Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has proposed a 2026 budget of 3,786 trillion rupiah (S$297.7 million), aimed at strengthening food and energy security while sustaining his high-profile free lunch programme. The plan also seeks to leverage the country's new sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, and private investment to drive the economy towards 5.4 per cent growth next year. Prabowo said the budget is designed to ensure Indonesia remains strong, self-reliant and prosperous. It was presented to parliament on Friday (Aug 15), following the president's first State of the Nation address ahead of the country's 80th Independence Day on Sunday. Indonesia will allocate 164.4 trillion rupiah for its food security programme, funding the development of new farmland and subsidised fertiliser for 9.26 million tonnes, as the government aims to boost agricultural self-sufficiency and reduce imports. State revenue is projected at 3,147.7 trillion rupiah next year, with an estimated budget deficit of 638.8 trillion rupiah, or 2.4 per cent of gross domestic product. Meanwhile, inflation is targeted at around 2.5 per cent. 'The government is committed to continuing budget efficiency measures to keep the deficit as low as possible,' Prabowo said, adding that he expects Indonesia to achieve a zero budget deficit by 2027-2028. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up The government and parliament have nearly six weeks to review and deliberate on the draft before it is finalised and passed into law in October. Nafan Aji Gusta, senior market analyst at Mirae Asset Sekuritas, said Prabowo's 2026 plans are highly optimistic, but market participants are waiting to see how the policies will be implemented. The Jakarta Composite Index was down 0.41 per cent on Friday, after briefly reaching an all-time high during midday trading. Record levels were hit for a second consecutive session, supported by optimism over potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts this year and increased clarity on US tariffs. 'The budget reveal could potentially boost market confidence, allowing investors to optimise their portfolio performance through various adjustments,' said Gusta, noting that the upcoming Bank Indonesia policy meeting on Aug 20 and the inclusion of several Indonesian firms in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index are expected to drive passive inflows. Weakening purchasing power Indonesia's economy grew 5.12 per cent in the second quarter, beating expectations. However, the nation of 280 million is grappling with weakening consumer purchasing power and looming export pressures from US tariffs. US President Donald Trump decided to impose a 19 per cent levy on Indonesian goods, in exchange for reducing trade barriers for American products. Unlike previous administrations, Prabowo's 2026 budget does not include a targeted salary stimulus for civil servants aimed at boosting household purchasing power. Bhima Yudhistira, executive director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies, said the government's efficiency measures under Prabowo have affected consumer purchasing power, as reduced government-led activity has dampened demand for goods and services. 'Indonesia needs to prioritise measures to support household spending, which is currently under pressure. Government spending and quality investment could play a key role in boosting purchasing power,' he said. Yudhistira said Indonesia is facing challenges from volatile commodity prices, such as palm oil, coal and nickel, which could affect government revenue. Sovereign wealth fund drive South-east Asia's largest economy will fast-track US$38 billion in downstream projects through Danantara, targeting the mining, coal, agriculture, fisheries and renewable energy sectors. 'The role of Danantara will be optimised, including by involving national and global private sectors in a synergistic and collaborative manner,' said Prabowo. He aims to boost oil and gas production next year while expanding the use of renewable energy through the development of clean power plants, including solar, hydro and geothermal. Indonesia has allocated 402.4 trillion rupiah for energy security in 2026. Prabowo said that the country must aim to achieve 100 per cent electricity generation from new and renewable energy within 10 years, or even sooner. The 73-year-old president has vowed to boost economic growth to as much as 8 per cent during his five-year term through populist measures. These include a multi-trillion-rupiah free lunch programme, a move that has raised investor concerns over its potential impact on state finances and budget discipline. Next year, Prabowo plans to nearly double the free lunch programme budget to 335 trillion rupiah, from 171 trillion rupiah this year, with a goal of reaching 82 million children. Crackdown on illegal resources Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, pledged that a broader crackdown would be launched on the illegal exploitation of natural resources, after a survey of palm plantations found that 3.7 million hectares (ha) were found to be operating unlawfully. Five million ha of palm plantations have been placed under scrutiny. Prabowo also announced the government's seizure of 3.1 million ha of illegal plantations with assistance from the military. He said the government is also planning a crackdown on mining, adding that it had received reports of as many as 1,063 illegal operations throughout the vast, mineral-rich archipelago. He did not specify what type of mines or the commodities they were extracting. Prabowo added that the government would take action against businesses found to be hoarding and exploiting key commodities in Indonesia. Large-scale rice mills would also be forced to obtain government permits to ensure rice quality and affordability.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Former presidents, VPs expected at Prabowo's state addresses
Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi delivering statements regarding the commemoration of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day at the PCO Headquarters, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (August 14, 2025). - Photo: Antara JAKARTA: (Bernama-Antara) The government has invited all living former presidents and vice presidents of Indonesia to attend President Prabowo Subianto's annual state addresses at the Parliamentary Complex on Friday (Aug 15), the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) announced. "Regarding the list of figures expected to attend the president's speeches tomorrow, we can confirm that all presidents and vice presidents who have served Indonesia have been invited," PCO Head Hasan Nasbi told the press in Jakarta on Thursday, reported Antara news agency. This means the government is expecting the attendance of Fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Sixth President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Seventh President Joko Widodo. Among the past vice presidents anticipated to join are Sixth Vice President Try Sutrisno, Tenth and Twelfth Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Eleventh Vice President Boediono, and Thirteenth Vice President Ma'ruf Amin. "We hope tomorrow's event will be a moment to reinforce national unity and harmony, as well as bring together elite politicians. Therefore, we expect all former presidents and vice presidents to attend the state addresses," he said. He noted that President Prabowo is scheduled to deliver two state addresses at the Parliamentary Complex starting at 9 am local time. The first, before the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), will outline the government's performance in its first 300 days in office. The second, during a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) at 2:30 pm, will present the 2026 Draft State Budget (RAPBN). Nasbi then highlighted a letter issued by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi on August 12, which encourages all government institutions, companies, and residents to follow the two addresses live through various available channels. - Bernama-Antara
Focus Malaysia
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Pirate flag becomes symbol of protest ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day
WITH Indonesia's 80th Independence Day just around the corner, authorities are clamping down on what they see as politically charged displays — namely, the rising presence of the 'Jolly Roger' flag from the anime One Piece. The iconic symbol, featuring a skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat, has been popping up on vehicles and homes across the country. Although the flag originates from a popular Japanese animated series, it has recently taken on a new meaning for many Indonesians: a quiet form of rebellion against President Prabowo Subianto's government. Officials view this growing trend as a potential provocation and have cautioned against flying the anime flag alongside the national red and white. 'I personally fly the One Piece flag because the red and white flag (Indonesia's official flag) is too sacred to be raised in a corrupt country like this,' said Khariq Anhar, a 24-year-old university student from Riau, in an interview with AFP. 'I believe freedom of expression exists in Indonesia, but it is extremely limited. Voicing your opinion is becoming increasingly dangerous now. 'If the government isn't afraid to oppress its own people, we shouldn't be afraid to oppose its terrible policies.' Government officials have not taken the matter lightly. They say the use of unrelated symbols during national events threatens to divide the population, and they are considering a ban on flying the One Piece flag near the official flag or during national celebrations. 'It is important for us to refrain from provoking tensions using symbols that are irrelevant to the national struggle,' said Budi Gunawan, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, in a statement issued last week. Ministers have also reminded the public that national flag protocol is legally enforced. Under Indonesian law, any action seen as insulting or degrading the red and white flag can result in up to five years in prison or a fine nearing USD 31,000. On Tuesday, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi commented that while President Prabowo supports 'creative expression,' the placement of the two flags should be handled with care. 'They should not be placed side-by-side in a way that invites comparison,' he said, according to local media reports. Observers believe that this symbolic form of protest is a creative way for citizens to express dissatisfaction with current policies, especially as concerns grow over the direction of the country under Prabowo's leadership. Some of his recent economic and defence decisions have raised questions about the health of Indonesia's democracy. 'Flying the One Piece flag as a form of criticism is part of freedom of expression, and it is protected under the Constitution,' said Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia. —Aug 8, 2025 Main image: TEMPO English
Asia News Network
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Asia News Network
Pirate anime flag becomes tool of protest ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day
August 5, 2025 JAKARTA – The red-and-white national flag is a common feature to be found ahead of the country's Independence Day, adorning roads and houses across the country. But this year, a flag from a popular Japanese anime One Piece has reportedly been spotted in various spots and events instead of the national flag, which has prompted the government's ire. The 'Jolly Roger' pirate flag, showcasing a skull with a straw hat on a black background, has been touted by social media users as a symbol of their discontent at the state of Indonesia's democracy, amid various issues currently ailing the country. 'The red-and-white flag is too sacred for us to raise right now, at a time when many people are still colonized by those in power,' an X user posted last Thursday. The user added that the One Piece flag represented 'the spirit of resistance against injustice' that mars the country. The sentiment was shared by thousands of other social media users, one of whom also recreated the 80th Independence Day logo in the style of the One Piece flag. The movement has since prompted stern reactions from the government and the House of Representatives, who deemed the flying of the flag it a 'provocative' act that attempts to fragment Indonesia's unity. 'We have received information from security agencies that there are indeed [systematic] efforts to divide the nation's unity [through the One Piece movement],' House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said on Thursday, as quoted by Antara. In a press statement a day later, Coordinating Politics and Security Minister Budi Gunawan warned residents who raised One Piece flags on Independence Day of the 'criminal consequences' of their actions. Budi cited the prevailing 2009 law on national flags, which criminalizes insults to the national flag. Civil societies have since rebuked the government's statement over the flag and noted that it should simply be taken as a form of criticism against the government's performance. Muhamad Isnur of rights group the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) said that as long as people raise the One Piece flags just below the red-and-white flags, there should be no concern over its existence. 'The flag is a sign of the residents' love for the country and participation in democracy. It needs to be honored instead of being perceived as an act of treason, which is terribly misguided,' Isnur said on Saturday. He further noted how the flag, which is derived from a widely beloved anime, was not different from flags of mass organizations or football clubs that people raised out of their love for each institution.
