TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Here are the highlights: Ecoton Research Finds Microplastics in Drinking Water and River Fish in East Java; The Costs the US Incurs to Defend Israel in the War Against Iran; and Prabowo Embarks on Three-Nation Visit, First Stop in Saudi Arabia.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Ecoton Research Finds Microplastics in Drinking Water and River Fish in East Java
The founder of the Ecoton Foundation for Ecological Studies and Land Conservation, Prigi Arisandi, revealed the results of microplastic research in Indonesian rivers in East Java. There are facts about the serious dangers of microplastics to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
Ecoton's environmental expedition findings in various regions of East Java revealed that microplastics are now found in drinking water, river fish, and sediment deposits.
"These findings serve as a reminder that the microplastic issue has reached an environmental emergency," said Prigi in a public discussion on the topic "Recycling the Future: Reducing Plastic Waste with Innovation".
The discussion was organized by the Environmental Science S-3 and S-2 Study Program of the Postgraduate School of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Solo, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
2. The Costs the US Incurs to Defend Israel in the War Against Iran
The United States aid to Israel in its fight against Iran has come at a cost. The 12-day standoff between Israel and Iran has significantly depleted the US missile defense system. The US military has used up an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the global THAAD missile interceptor stockpile in defending Israel.
The rapid depletion was driven by Iran’s massive barrage of retaliatory missiles, which included advanced and hard-to-intercept projectiles such as the hypersonic Fattah-1 missile, as well as older variants such as the Ghadr and Emad.
The US deployed THAAD and Patriot missile systems, along with naval assets, to help counter these attacks and bolster Israel’s air defense network.
The US aid to Israel cost more than $1 billion and exposed significant vulnerabilities in US missile defense readiness. The barrage of advanced Iranian missiles overwhelmed Israel’s multi-layered air defenses, forcing the Pentagon to quickly deploy the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
3. Prabowo Embarks on Three-Nation Visit, First Stop in Saudi Arabia
President Prabowo Subianto is embarking on a three-nation tour for bilateral meetings and joining the BRICS summit.
Prabowo departed on July 1, 2025, from the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta. He was seen off by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said Prabowo will visit Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and France.
"The first stop is Saudi Arabia," Prasetyo said at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base.
Prasetyo mentioned that Prabowo will meet with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss the political situation of the two countries as well as the developments in the Middle East.
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U.S. Airstrike Causes Serious Damage to Iran's Nuclear Facility, Says Minister
2 jam lalu
Iranian Foreign Minister admitted that the Fordo nuclear facility sustained significant damage following a U.S. airstrike on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Indonesia Set to Join BRICS-Led New Development Bank
4 jam lalu
The New Development Bank (NDB) is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS member countries in July 2014.
Iran Actively Seeks Compensation for U.S.-Israel Military Attack
4 jam lalu
Iran is actively pursuing its right to seek compensation for damages caused by the recent aggression of the United States and Israel.
Minister Explains Why Indonesia, Malaysia Opt for Joint Ambalat Block Management
5 jam lalu
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin revealed the reasons behind Indonesia's cooperation with Malaysia in managing the Ambalat Waters.
U.S. Senate Passes Trump's $3.3 Trillion Tax Cut and Spending Bill After Tie-Break Vote
6 jam lalu
The U.S. Senate approved Donald Trump's tax cut and spending bill with a 51-50 vote, passed by the tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance.
Indonesia Plans Second-Stage Evacuation of Citizens from Iran
6 jam lalu
Indonesian Ambassador to Iran Roy Rolliansyah Soemirat stated that the evacuation plan for Indonesian citizens in Iran is still being finalized.
Iran Ends Cooperation with IAEA Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel and U.S.
7 jam lalu
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a new law obliging the government to cut ties with the IAEA.
Iran Accused of Plotting to Mine the Strait of Hormuz
8 jam lalu
The U.S. officials accuse Iran of loading naval mines on ships in the Persian Gulf to block the Strait of Hormuz.
Indonesian Students, Diaspora Greet Prabowo Upon Arrival in Jeddah
10 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday night, July 1, 2025, as part of his state visit.
Prabowo Embarks on Three-Nation Visit, First Stop in Saudi Arabia
13 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto will visit Saudi Arabia, France, and Brazil. He departed on July 1, 2025.
