Indonesia investigates possible ISIS link in Papua riots
The Indonesian National Police's Counterterrorism Squad, Densus 88, is probing a likely involvement of the Islamic state (ISIS) group in a string of riots in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, Indonesia’s Antara News Agency reported.
In the West Papua provincial capital of Manokwari, a rally against the alleged racist slurs took a violent turn on August 19, with some protesters setting ablaze a local parliamentary building and tires in several parts of the city. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian NationalPolice's Counterterrorism Squad, Densus 88, is probing a likely involvement ofthe Islamic state (ISIS) group in a string of riots in the Indonesian provincesof Papua and West Papua, Indonesia’s Antara News Agency reported.
The police are working all-out to unearth themasterminds behind the riots, said Chief of the Public Relations Bureau of theNational Police Brigadier General Dedi Prasetyo.
A string of violent rallies broke out in severalparts of Papua and West Papua as an upshot of the alleged racist slurs againstPapuan students in Surabaya, East Java.
In the West Papua provincial capital ofManokwari, a rally against the alleged racist slurs took a violent turn onAugust 19, with some protesters setting ablaze a local parliamentary buildingand tires in several parts of the city.
Demonstrators went on a rampage, vandalizing andsetting ablaze several government buildings.
The police have alleged that Papuan separatistfigure Benny Wenda had masterminded the riots. He is believed to havedisseminated hoaxes and attempted to provoke on social media.
However, the police cannot take legal measuresagainst Wenda, as he is no longer an Indonesian citizen.
Earlier, an investigation, jointly conducted bythe National Police, the National Intelligence Agency and the National Cyberand Encryption Agency, had discovered 1,750 Facebook and Twitter accounts thathad been the source of 32,000 fake news articles and provocative content aboutthe current security situation in Papua. Some of these accounts were operatedfrom overseas.
The findings were already reported to theCommunication and Informatics Ministry. All of the fake news articles have beendeleted from Facebook and Twitter.
Police have named 57 suspects in anarchist violence in Papua and 21 suspects inriots in West Papua.-VNA
Riots broke out in the Indonesian province of West Papua on August 19, torching the parliament building of Manokwari city and injuring three police officers.
Indonesian police said on September 2 that they have been investigating possible foreign involvement in violent protests in Papua and West Papua provinces since August 19.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
In the West Papua provincial capital of Manokwari, a rally against the alleged racist slurs took a violent turn on August 19, with some protesters setting ablaze a local parliamentary building and tires in several parts of the city. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
