Welcoming 80 years of Indonesian independence, the Indonesian History Transparency Alliance (AKSI) has warned of the dangers of a "national decline".

This danger is reflected in the damage to the foundations of the republic, namely the loss of respect for human values and dignity, enforcement of the rule of law and equal treatment for every child of the nation. Yet Indonesia was once an inspiration for the world in the fight against colonialism through the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, and the 1955 Asian African Conference (KKA).

Putri Nurjannah Kurita, Sentani – The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has called for peaceful actions to commemorate 63 years since the New York Agreement on August 15, 1962, and the racist incident against Papuan students in Surabaya on August 17, 2019.

This was conveyed by KNPB National Spokesperson for Ogram Wanimbo during a press conference at the Waena III State Housing Company (Perumnas) in Jayapura city, Papua, on Thursday August 14.

Eka Yudha Saputra, Devy Ernis – The decision by Pati Regent Sudewo to increase rural and urban land and building tax (PBB-P2) rates was met with a demonstration by thousands of residents on Wednesday August 13. The massive demonstration that ended in chaos was the result of Sudewo's arrogance in challenging his residents to demonstrate after rejecting complaints about the PBB-P2 increase.

And it was not just in Pati, but several other regions also increased PBB-P2 rates. For example, Semarang regency increased its PBB-P2 rate by 400 percent, while Bone regency increased it by 300 percent. In Cirebon and Jombang, the PBB-P2 rate even increased by 1,000 percent.

The Civil Society Coalition Against Impunity condemns the awarding of a four-star honorary general rank on Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Based on media reports, on Sunday August 10 President Prabowo Subianto awarded honorary general ranks on several individuals, including Sjamsoeddin. The awards were made during an Operational and Military Honours Parade at the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) Training and Education Centre in Batujajar, Bandung, West Java.