Zainal Abidin Bagir, a lecturer at Universitas Gajah Mada and director of the Indonesia Consortium for Religious Studies, discusses the ambiguity in advocating for freedom of religion and belief in Indonesia, which can lead to public unrest. He highlights the judicialization of religious conflicts, using legal reasons, including blasphemy issues. Renata Arianingtyas, Director of The Asia Foundation, notes that the reformation period brought about economic and political crises, as well as opportunities for regional autonomy and significant sectarian conflicts between 1999 and 2004. She points out that the state remains a primary actor in recurring social conflicts, followed by societal groups with regional and social identities. Both experts agree that advocacy efforts for religious freedom have been extensive, including dialogue and cooperation with the government, and that a variety of advocacy approaches are necessary.

The Indonesian government is preparing buffer zones for national food production outside Java to ensure food availability amidst the climate crisis. Budi Waryanto from the National Food Agency mentioned potential areas in Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua. The discussion highlighted recent food price spikes in Indonesia, influenced by climate change and geopolitical tensions. Experts emphasized the need for climate literacy among farmers, appropriate technology access, and the revival of local wisdom in planting patterns to combat climate change impacts on food production.

Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka lead with 46.7% in an LSI survey conducted in East Java from December 18-28, 2023. Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD follow with 26.6%, and Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar with 16.2%. Despite the current standings, a significant portion of voters remain undecided, indicating potential shifts in support. Experts highlight the dynamic nature of voter preferences and the possibility of changes leading up to the election. The survey results reflect broader national trends, but historical discrepancies between survey predictions and actual outcomes are noted. Local residents express skepticism about relying solely on survey results to predict election winners.

Approximately 70-75% of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) die due to bacterial resistance to antibiotics, with global deaths from antimicrobial resistance reaching 1.27 million. Harry Parathon, Chair of the Antimicrobial Resistance Control Committee, revealed these figures during a discussion in Surabaya. He emphasized the need to correct 70-80% of antibiotic prescriptions in Indonesia, as misuse and overuse are prevalent. The World Health Organization is currently assessing the global issue of inappropriate antibiotic use. The public is advised to avoid treating antibiotics as a cure-all and to use them wisely to prevent an era where diseases are untreatable by any antibiotics.

Two EMB 314 Super Tucano aircraft from the Indonesian Air Force's 21st Squadron crashed in Pasuruan, East Java, resulting in four fatalities. The aircraft lost contact during a proficiency formation flight. The Indonesian Air Force has dispatched an investigation team to determine the cause of the accident, while the East Java Disaster Management Agency has assisted in the search and evacuation efforts.

Two Indonesian Air Force planes crashed in two different locations in Pasuruan, East Java, on Thursday, November 16. Four members of the Indonesian Air Force died in the accident.

Hundreds of protesters from the Muhammadiyah Student Association in East Java held a solidarity action for Palestine in front of the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, demanding an end to Israeli military aggression and U.S. military support for Israel. The protest, led by Ali Mustain, called for the expulsion of the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia. International relations expert Probo Darono Yakti highlighted the ongoing global support for Palestine and the challenges posed by the UN Security Council's veto power and the unstable political situation in Israel. Despite the tensions, Probo does not foresee a larger war involving major powers like China or Russia.

The Indonesian government is addressing the issue of citizens seeking healthcare abroad by developing the Sanur Special Economic Zone (KEK) in Bali, aimed at providing top-tier medical services. The initiative, led by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and supported by the Ministry of Health, aims to integrate specialist doctors, including Indonesian diaspora, to practice in Indonesia. This development is expected to significantly reduce the annual expenditure of approximately Rp100 trillion on overseas healthcare. Additionally, the government plans to establish new industrial clusters to further boost economic growth.

Pertamina has initiated the use of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology at the Sukowati oil field in Bojonegoro, East Java, injecting 500 tons of CO2 to enhance oil and gas production. This move is part of Indonesia's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060. The initiative, supported by the National Energy Council and analyzed by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, is expected to increase oil production by 100-300% while also reducing emissions. Pertamina plans to expand this technology to other fields across Indonesia.

JATAM accuses Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia of conflicts of interest and potential corruption in the revocation of thousands of mining permits and the imposition of fees for permit renewals. Bahlil's dual role as a government official and shareholder in mining companies is highlighted. JATAM's National Coordinator, Melky Nahar, and Head of Legal Division, Muhammad Jamil, argue that political patronage and regulatory manipulation benefit private interests over public welfare. Legal expert Dr. Suhartati from Universitas Surabaya underscores the potential for corruption and conflict of interest in the delegation of mining permit authority to Bahlil by President Joko Widodo.