Indonesia Roundup: Asia’s most competitive, Iran’s attack on Israel, landslide disaster

Asia's 20 Most Competitive Countries

Indonesia has been ranked third among Asia's most competitive countries, based on research by the financial and investment site, Insider Monkey 2024. The ranking is based on factors such as GDP growth rate, GDP per capita growth rate, and competitiveness score. Indonesia ranks below India and the Philippines but remains competitive in attracting investors.

Indonesia calls for restraint following Iran’s attack on Israel

Indonesia has called for restraint and urged UN action following Iran's missile attack on Israel on April 13. "Indonesia urges the UN Security Council to act immediately to de-escalate tensions and continue working towards lasting peace in the Middle East," Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its social media on April 14. According to the Southeast Asian nation, conflict escalation in the Middle East needs to be prevented, with a focus on ending the illegal occupation of Palestine and achieving a two-state solution. The renewed hostility between Iran and Israel was triggered by an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, resulting in retaliatory strikes and damage to an Israeli airbase. Two prominent generals were among the seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders killed in the attack on Iran, Antara News Agency reported.

Landslide hits Indonesia's Sulawesi island

At least 18 people were killed by landslides on Indonesia's Sulawesi island, the world's 11th-largest island with two still missing. The landslides were caused by torrential rain, and rescuers faced challenges due to bad weather and difficult terrain. Seasonal downpours frequently lead to landslides and floods in Indonesia. Chief of the Disaster Management Agency located in the Tana Toraja district a landlocked regency of South Sulawesi disclosed to reporters on April 15 that a search and rescue team are still trying to locate the two victims.

Longest elevated railway

Indonesia's longest elevated railway at the Joglo intersection in Solo, Central Java will be completed by September, according to Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi. "Based on our review, the construction has been making the expected progress. God Willing, all works will be complete in September," the minister said after a recent inspection of the project. The 1.8-kilometer railway aims to alleviate traffic congestion at the Joglo intersection and improve traffic safety. According to state media Antara, the design will showcase Solo City's icons, and the project is expected to replace the level crossing and reduce accidents.

Rare Javan rhino calf spotted

A rare Javan rhino calf has been spotted in Indonesia's Ujung Kulon National Park, located in south-western Java giving hope for the conservation of the endangered species. The calf, estimated to be between three and five months old, was seen with its mother in footage captured by camera traps. "Praise God, this is good news and proves that Javan rhinos, which only exist in Ujung Kulon, can breed properly," senior environment ministry official Satyawan Pudyatmoko said. There are now believed to be 82 rare rhinos in the park, which is their last remaining wild habitat. The species has been hard hit by poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.