Latest news with #Bekasi
Reuters
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Indonesian artists, students unfurl manga pirate sign as protest symbol
BEKASI, Indonesia/KARANGANYAR, Indonesia, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Spraypainting brick walls in an empty yard, Indonesian artist Kemas Muhammad Firdaus braved midday heat to paint a skull in a straw hat on a black background, a nod to the Japanese manga series "One Piece" about treasure-hunting pirates. Over the past month, students and activists in the world's third-largest democracy Indonesia have put up the pirate sign used by "One Piece" character Monkey D. Luffy as a symbol of protest against several government policies ahead of the country's Independence Day on August 17. Some officials have lambasted the sign, with a member of parliament saying it was akin to treason. President Prabowo Subianto's office said that while the country respects freedom of expression and criticism, the sign could undermine Indonesia's national flag if flown side by side. Kemas, 28, a mural artist in West Java's Bekasi district, said he was painting the pirate sign as a form of protest against government corruption and unemployment. "Many Indonesians are hoisting the 'One Piece' flag because they want the government to listen to them," Kemas said in an interview while drawing his mural, which shared some design elements of the official logo for Indonesia's 80th anniversary. In Central Java's Karanganyar district, custom-made flag seller Dendi Christanto said he had received an overwhelming number of "One Piece" flag orders over the past month and had stopped accepting them. The pirate sign has dominated Indonesian social media, and its popularity follows student protests in February across several cities against budget cuts and other policies, such as an increased role of the military in civilian life. Students and activists dubbed the demonstrations as "Dark Indonesia". Indonesia has a history of student activism and protests that sometimes turn violent. In 1998, students held a series of demonstrations against corruption, food shortages and mass unemployment that ended in deadly riots in May and the downfall of former President Suharto after decades of authoritarian rule. This week, local media reported that authorities in East Java confiscated some of the "One Piece" flags, a move criticised by Amnesty International as heavy-handed. "They didn't have to do all that, accusing them of dividing Indonesia - that's wrong," artist Kemas said. "It's just art." President Prabowo's office said the government did not order any raids.
Al Arabiya
26-06-2025
- Al Arabiya
Jakarta Volunteers Hit the Road to Sweep Away Sneaky Nail Traps
Clad in reflective vests and waving traffic control sticks, a spirited crew on a main road in central Jakarta cheerfully waved to people as they cleared hidden hazards with iron bars and circle magnets tied to ropes. The volunteer team covered half a kilometer (0.3 miles) and scooped up a haul of sharp metal including nails, threaded bolts, and scraps of umbrella frames during what they considered a good Saturday morning's work making the streets of Indonesia's capital safer from nail traps. Jakarta's main roads are notorious for the patches of sharp metal pieces that are believed to be spread by vandals intent on damaging the tires of cars and motorbikes, usually on main roads where traffic moves fast. A Clean Sweep community, Siswanto, a West Jakarta resident, began collecting metal from the streets in 2010. Inspired by his efforts and fueled by their own bad experiences with the pesky tire traps, more Jakarta road users joined in. The effort soon grew into a community known as the Sapu Bersih, also known as the Clean Sweep or Saber community. 'From 2010 to 2016, we collected 4 tons of the nail traps from Jakarta and other areas like Bekasi. We collected them from the volunteers,' said Siswanto, now 51, who used a rope tied to a magnet to collect sharp pieces as he patrolled a roadside with a fellow volunteer. After 15 years, the community members are still trying to clean the streets. They take turns before they go to their workplaces in the morning or before returning home in the evening. 'At least 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of metal pieces are collected every morning from several locations,' Siswanto said. Jakarta Traffic Police Chief Komarudin lauded the efforts of the street sweepers who are trying to reduce the traps. 'In addition to identifying the purpose and combing the locations, the communities such as SABER has also volunteered to clean the roads, which deserves our appreciation,' he said. Hazards may not be an accident. When bikers hit the patches of accumulated metal pieces, tires deflate relatively quickly. 'The nail trap is harmful. It particularly can damage tubeless tires. If it's a small hole, that can still be patched. If it's a big one, it has to be replaced if not given another inner tube,' said Yoga Fajri Pratama, who does repairs. Although his shop is not close to some of the usual nail trap locations, Pratama said many bikers come to him to have tires fixed. He explained a trap does not have to be a nail but could also be a piece of iron with a hole in the middle, like an umbrella frame cut into small pieces. Many believe the nail traps do not accumulate accidentally. There is a suspicion that troublemakers deliberately spread the tire-shredding hazards, with motorbikes a prime target. 'It is also sad to hear that someone is spreading them. That means they intentionally damage other people's tires,' Pratama said. According to one rumor circulating among Jakarta residents, nail traps could be connected to tire repair shops trying to create more business. 'It is suspicious after hitting a nail trap 100 meters from where we hit there was a tire patcher. That is suspicious. But I am not accusing, no,' said Pandu Dewanata, a 29-year-old motorbike taxi driver who has had at least three tire punctures caused by metal fragments in the past year. Police investigating the traps have found nuts or bolts that could accidentally fall from passing vehicles, but also nails and other objects that are deliberately bent. Komarudin, the traffic police chief, suspects the sharp debris also is intended to force bikers to the side of a road with a flat and turn them into easy targets for more serious crimes, such as robbery. 'I want this to end.' Dian Anggraeni, 33, a taxi driver from Jakarta, joined the Clean Sweep community in 2018 when she was working as a motorbike driver. Her experience of having flat tires up to three times a day or several days in a row prompted her to seek a way to prevent possible accidents or repair costs caused by nail traps. Years later, she continues to feel the urge to remove the dangerous objects that keep coming back. 'When I finished sweeping nails on the road, I felt that it is enough, I had enough and can minimize the casualties. Even after I finished it I can find more in five or 10 minutes later,' Anggraeni said. 'It's a bit annoying too, so I want this to end. It seems like it's already over, no nail trap, but they are moving locations again. That's what makes us never finish,' Anggraeni said.
CNA
16-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
2,000 jobs at a fair, 25,000 jobseekers: Indonesia's unemployment problem
A recent job fair in Bekasi, Indonesia that offered some 2,000 positions and drew 25,000 people - with many shoving, screaming and fainting - has highlighted the plight of Indonesia's jobseekers. Why is Indonesia grappling with unemployment?
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Disney's Stitch Makes a Splash with Exclusive Seaside-Inspired Collection at OH!SOME
Playful seaside-themed merchandise debuts, blending functionality with the charm of Disney's beloved character. Acrylic quicksand blocks featuring Stitch and Angel in beach-themed scenes. featuring Stitch and Angel in beach-themed scenes. Surfing Stitch charms that add a fun touch to accessories. that add a fun touch to accessories. Adorable plush toys showcasing Stitch in jellyfish, crab, and anglerfish hats. showcasing Stitch in jellyfish, crab, and anglerfish hats. Practical essentials like straw shoulder bags, bento boxes, beach towels, and flip-flops designed for style and functionality. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 May 2025 - Shoppers at OH!SOME 's Grand Kota Bintang location in Bekasi are being greeted by an exciting and unexpected sight this month: Disney's mischievous Stitch perched atop the storefront, flashing his signature playful grin. This eye-catching display celebrates the global launch of OH!SOME's exclusive Stitch Beach Collection — a first-of-its-kind collaboration that comes just ahead of Disney's highly anticipated limited-edition collection reimagines Stitch's universe with refreshing seaside-inspired designs, perfect for summer adventures. Featuring a mix of statement pieces and practical accessories, the collection effortlessly captures the essence of beachside relaxation. From whimsical straw shoulder bags and vibrant bento boxes to plush beach towels and flip-flops, these items are must-haves for every Stitch fan planning a sunny getaway."We're thrilled to bring this exclusive collection to our customers," shared an OH!SOME representative. "At OH!SOME, we're all about spreading joy and creating meaningful moments. Whether through our products or interactive events, we aim to be a destination for happy memories."The Stitch Seaside-Inspired Collection offers a wide range of thoughtful designs, blending functionality with the playful charm of Disney's beloved character. Standout items include:The collection also extends beyond beach essentials to include versatile, everyday items infused with summer vibes — such as hair accessories, neck pillows, handheld fans, scented candles, and portable chargers. These products bring a touch of holiday spirit into daily debuting in Malaysia in September 2024, OH!SOME has quickly become a favorite destination for fun and unique merchandise and has quickly expanded across Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak, and other regions, with its sights now set on entering the Singapore market later this #OHSOME The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Disney's Stitch Makes a Splash with Exclusive Seaside-Inspired Collection at OH!SOME
Playful seaside-themed merchandise debuts, blending functionality with the charm of Disney's beloved character. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 May 2025 - Shoppers at OH!SOME 's Grand Kota Bintang location in Bekasi are being greeted by an exciting and unexpected sight this month: Disney's mischievous Stitch perched atop the storefront, flashing his signature playful grin. This eye-catching display celebrates the global launch of OH!SOME's exclusive Stitch Beach Collection — a first-of-its-kind collaboration that comes just ahead of Disney's highly anticipated live-action Lilo & Stitch release. This limited-edition collection reimagines Stitch's universe with refreshing seaside-inspired designs, perfect for summer adventures. Featuring a mix of statement pieces and practical accessories, the collection effortlessly captures the essence of beachside relaxation. From whimsical straw shoulder bags and vibrant bento boxes to plush beach towels and flip-flops, these items are must-haves for every Stitch fan planning a sunny getaway. "We're thrilled to bring this exclusive collection to our customers," shared an OH!SOME representative. "At OH!SOME, we're all about spreading joy and creating meaningful moments. Whether through our products or interactive events, we aim to be a destination for happy memories." Collection Highlights The Stitch Seaside-Inspired Collection offers a wide range of thoughtful designs, blending functionality with the playful charm of Disney's beloved character. Standout items include: Acrylic quicksand blocks featuring Stitch and Angel in beach-themed scenes. Surfing Stitch charms that add a fun touch to accessories. Adorable plush toys showcasing Stitch in jellyfish, crab, and anglerfish hats. Practical essentials like straw shoulder bags, bento boxes, beach towels, and flip-flops designed for style and functionality. The collection also extends beyond beach essentials to include versatile, everyday items infused with summer vibes — such as hair accessories, neck pillows, handheld fans, scented candles, and portable chargers. These products bring a touch of holiday spirit into daily routines. OH!SOME's Rapid Expansion Since debuting in Malaysia in September 2024, OH!SOME has quickly become a favorite destination for fun and unique merchandise and has quickly expanded across Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak, and other regions, with its sights now set on entering the Singapore market later this month. Hashtag: #OHSOME The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. OH!SOME
