The Jakarta Post

The deadly flooding that has killed hundreds in Indonesia was largely the result of monsoon rains and a rare tropical storm. But something else may have played a role: deforestation.

Environmentalists, experts and even Indonesia's government have pointed to the role forest loss played in flash flooding and landslides that washed torrents of mud into villages and stranded residents on roofs.

Forests help absorb rainfall and stabilise the ground held by their roots, and their absence makes areas more prone to flash flooding and landslides.

Indonesia is regularly among the countries in the world with the largest annual forest loss.

Mining, plantations and fires have caused the clearance of large tracts of the country's lush rainforest over recent decades.

In 2024, over 240,000 hectares of primary forest was lost, and that was less than the year before, according to analysis by conservation start-up The TreeMap's Nusantara Atlas project.

"Forests upstream act as a protective barrier, a bit like a sponge," explained David Gaveau, founder of The TreeMap.

"The canopy captures some of the rain before it reaches the ground. The roots also help stabilise the soil. When the forest is cleared upstream, rainwater runs off rapidly into rivers creating flash floods."

Story by AFP/Marchio Gorbiano and Dessy Sagita.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story.

#Deforestation #Sumatra #Flood

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1 day ago | [YT] | 13

The Jakarta Post

I have been away from Indonesia for almost two years now. Distance has a way of sharpening longing, missing the food, the warmth, the everyday rhythm of home. Yet, it also amplifies the shock when news arrives that something profoundly heartbreaking has happened in a place you love.

That was exactly how I felt reading about a mother in Jayapura, the capital of Papua, who, along with her unborn baby, died after being turned away by several hospitals. Even thousands of miles away, the grief travels. And so does the frustration: How can this still be happening in Indonesia?

Opinion by Melania Hidayat.

Illustration by Adinda.

Click the link in our bio to read the full article.

#MaternalMortality #ChildMortality

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2 days ago | [YT] | 9

The Jakarta Post

Should children be using beauty face masks? Dermatologists say no, but a growing number of companies are targeting a new generation of kids who have grown up with TikTok skincare and make-up routines.

Story by AFP/Adam Plowright.

Illustrated by Adinda.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story.

#BeautyTrend #GenAlpha

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3 days ago | [YT] | 5

The Jakarta Post

To celebrate the power of democratic expression and inclusive engagement, The Jakarta Post, in partnership with PannaFoto Institute, is launching a photo competition with the theme “A Voice for All: Capturing the Spirit of Participation”. 📸

We're calling on Indonesian photographers — from professional photojournalists to weekend enthusiasts — to capture moments that showcase the diverse voices, experiences and perspectives of people participating in democratic processes.

We are looking for compelling, thought-provoking and inspiring images that best represent the spirit of civic participation, such as voting, community engagement, social activism and public discourse.

📌 Fill the registration form at bit.ly/TJPphotocomp
📌 Submission deadline
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 | 23.59 WIB

Visit thejakartapost.com/photo-competition & pannafoto.org for more information.

2 years ago | [YT] | 3

The Jakarta Post

LIVE tomorrow #TheJakartaPost Live Coverage Event:
77th Indonesia Independence Day Celebration
Presidential State Address 2022

📆 Tuesday, August 16, 2022
🔗 youtu.be/4PNandlWW8Q

Our editorial team—alongside our official partners and guests—will provide exclusive commentary, insights, and analysis regarding Indonesia’s current state affairs and the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.

Don’t miss out on the live coverage tomorrow.

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3 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

The Jakarta Post

Don't miss Canadian Grand Prix analysis with Matthew Marsh, ex-F1 driver Alex Yoong and special guest, and veteran F1 trackside commentator Bob Constanduros on The Jakarta Post's YouTube channel.

3 years ago | [YT] | 0

The Jakarta Post

The NasDem Party announced last week that it was looking to tout Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Central Java Ganjar Pranowo or Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Andika Perkasa as a presidential nominee.

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The Jakarta Post

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, who chairs the G20 Finance Track, spoke to The Jakarta Post about some of the worst-case scenarios for the global economy and what would be at stake if G20 members fail at coordinating economic policies

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The Jakarta Post

Celebrity chef Vindy Lee was already well known from her cooking show on TV, but her popularity rocketed on TikTok, where her unique dining etiquette videos became a viral sensation.

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The Jakarta Post

Join Matthew Marsh, Alex Yoong and special guest, former F1 commentator Steve Slater, as they review the key highlights of the 2022 Azerbaijan GP.

3 years ago | [YT] | 1