Latest news with #Wahyu
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Military takes lead on food security
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto (L) inspects troops from a vehicle during the Operational Troops and Military Honours ceremony as President Prabowo Subianto inaugurates commanders of Special Forces Command (Kopassus), Marine Corps, and Air Force Quick Reaction Command (Kopasgat) at Suparlan Airfield, in Bandung, West Java, August 10, 2025. (Photo by Timur Matahari / AFP) THE nation has set up 100 army battalions to help with agriculture projects under President Prabowo Subianto's food security initiative, an official said, underscoring the growing role of the military in civilian life. Since being inaugurated as president last year, Prabowo, a former special forces commander, has expanded the role of the military, including using soldiers to deliver his flagship free school meals project and to manufacture medicines for public use. The battalions, consisting of thousands of soldiers, will be installed across Indonesia to work on agriculture and health projects, especially in remote areas, said army spokesperson Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana. 'Our roles are as the enablers, to fill the gap when the projects are not delivered due to certain limitations or problems,' he said. Indonesia passed a change to legislation in March that allows the military a bigger role in government, a move that has raised fears among rights groups of a return to authoritarianism. Wahyu said the battalions would work to make idle land productive, improve irrigation systems and increase food production. Some have voiced concern that the military lacks farming expertise, but Wahyu said the agriculture ministry would train the soldiers, equipping them with the required skills. Made Supriatma, a visiting fellow at the Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, said it was the first time in its democratic era that Indonesia had set up military units dedicated to agriculture and farming. Rather than enlist soldiers, the government should have improved agricultural productivity by empowering farmers, he argued. 'This is a serious threat to democracy because these people will create their own structure. The military will have more roles,' he said. — Reuters
DW
03-07-2025
- DW
Indonesia: Dozens missing after boat sinks near Bali – DW – 07/03/2025
A ferry carrying 65 people capsized overnight between the islands of Java and Bali. At least four people have been rescued so far. A boat carrying dozens of passengers and vehicles capsized and sank near the popular tourist island of Bali in Indonesia, local emergency officials said Thursday. The ferry was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew, as well as 22 vehicles, the Surabaya search and rescue agency, which is based in Java, said. The rescue agency added in a later statement on Thursday that at least four people had been rescued. The AP news agency cited Banyuwangi police as saying that two people had died and 43 people were missing, while the AFP news agency said 61 people were missing, according to Surabaya search and rescue agency. The vessel, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, sank at around 23:20 local time (15:20 UTC/GMT). It departed from East Java's Ketapang Port shortly before 11 p.m. local time Wednesday, and sent a distress signal about 20 minutes later, said Wahyu Setiabudi, coordinator of the search and rescue post in Banyuwangi on Java island. The ferry was headed for Gilimanuk Port in Bali, a 50-kilometer (30-mile) trip. Search and rescue workers were deployed to the area of the vessel's last known location, but efforts were hindered by rough seas and inclement weather, Wahyu said. Local media reported that the boat had issued a mayday call requesting urgent assistance because of an engine malfunction. Ferries are a common mode of transportation in Indonesia, a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands. Maritime accidents are common in the country, where safety standards are poorly enforced. A boat carrying 16 people capsized near Bali in March, killing one Australian woman and injuring one other person. More than 150 people drowned when a ferry sank on Lake Toba on Sumatra island in 2018.
Daily Express
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Six Sabahans shortlisted to represent Malaysia at Asian Youth Para Games
Published on: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 20, 2025 By: GL Oh Text Size: L/R: Wahyu, Chen and Rasha. Kota Kinabalu: Six Sabahans have been shortlisted to represent the country at the Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) from December 7 to 14 in Dubai. Coach Eva Wong said Wahyu Eqwal (S5), Chen Zai Sheng (S12), Rasha Lim (S14), Nur Izza Halim (S10), Jonathan Wong (S5) and Sharlinie Voo (S6) together with fellow Sabahan coaches Ronisafihin Ibrahim, Ian Cheng and Nicole Yap will be joining the training camp at the Kampung Pandan Paralympic Sports Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur from June 1-5. Advertisement The camp will also serve as an assessment of the athletes' capabilities to participate in the national programme, and if they do well at the AYPG, they may make it to the national team and undergo one to three months of training. Sabah Para Swimming Association president Jonathan Wong Kar Gee in a statement released on Monday said they are very proud of the six athletes. 'They are outstanding athletes who come from diverse categories, including physical, vision, and intellectual disabilities, showcasing the incredible talent and resilience within our para swimming community. 'To have them selected marks an important milestone in our journey to develop world-class para athletes and aims to inspire more youth with disabilities to pursue sports at the highest level. Advertisement 'We are committed to providing our swimmers with the best training, support, and resources needed to excel in their competitions and achieve their dreams,' he said. He also urged the public to be more aware of their plight and give them the support needed. 'Encouragement and contributions are vital in ensuring that our para swimmers are well-equipped, motivated, and able to maintain their rigorous training and daily routines. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and success as our ultimate goal is to nurture athletes who can qualify for the Paralympic Games in 2028. 'We believe that with continued support, dedication, and perseverance, our swimmers can reach new heights and make our nation proud on the global stage.' He also expressed his gratitude to the principals, schools, and the education departments for their unwavering support and commitment to helping students with disabilities. 'Their collaboration and encouragement play a crucial role in empowering these young athletes to pursue their dreams. 'We would also like to thank all our partners, supporters, and the community for their ongoing commitment to inclusive sports and the empowerment of persons with disabilities through para swimming.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
