October 21, 2025 | 04:31 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Here are the highlights: Jakarta Responds to Microplastics Found in Rainwater; Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program Has Reached 36.7 Million People, Says BGN; and Over 5,500 Victims of Police Repression in Prabowo's First Year, Amnesty Warns.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Jakarta Responds to Microplastics Found in Rainwater
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The discovery of microplastics in Jakarta's rainwater by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) serves as an environmental alarm that needs immediate action, according to Head of the Jakarta Environmental Agency, Asep Kuswanto.
"Plastic pollution is now not only a matter of the sea or rivers; it has also reached the skies of Jakarta," Asep said in a written statement on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Asep stressed that the BRIN finding is a critical reminder that plastic pollution has spread into the air and must be addressed across all sectors. The Jakarta Provincial Government has already implemented several policies to reduce single-use plastic waste, notably Governor Regulation Number 142 of 2019, which mandates the use of eco-friendly shopping bags.
2. Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program Has Reached 36.7 Million People, Says BGN
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reported that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has reached 36,773,520 beneficiaries across Indonesia until October 20th, 2025. This program, a priority of President Prabowo Subianto's administration, is said to have involved more than 12,500 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or community kitchens.
The Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, claimed that the achievement demonstrates successful cross-sector work between the central and regional governments. "The achievement of more than 12,500 active SPPGs shows the government's commitment to ensure the effective and even implementation of the MBG Program," Dadan said in Jakarta on Monday, October 20th, 2025.
3. Over 5,500 Victims of Police Repression in Prabowo's First Year, Amnesty Warns
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amnesty International Indonesia documented that approximately 5,538 people were victims of repressive actions by security forces during demonstrations throughout the first year of the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The organization concluded that human rights conditions during this year of government experienced the worst erosion due to a surge in authoritarian policies, actions, and practices.
Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid explained that the thousands of victims of security force violence stemmed from various demonstrations since early 2025, including protests against the revision of the TNI Law in March, demonstrations demanding workers' welfare in May, and protests against the increase in allowances for members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in August.
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Over 5,500 Victims of Police Repression in Prabowo's First Year, Amnesty Warns
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Amnesty International Indonesia concluded that human rights conditions during the first year of Prabowo's government experienced the worst erosion.
Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program Has Reached 36.7 Million People, Says BGN
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Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reported that Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has reached 36,773,520 beneficiaries across Indonesia.
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Prabowo said the LPDP scholarship fund needs to be strengthened so that Indonesia can produce more outstanding and globally competitive generations.
Microplastics Detected in Rainwater Worldwide, Not Only in Jakarta
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A study in China this year indicated that the concentration of microplastics was markedly higher in snow than in rainwater.
Prabowo Urges Reduction in Indonesia's Hajj Costs and Waiting Time
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President Prabowo has urged the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reduce hajj costs and shorten the waiting time for Indonesian pilgrims to 26 years.
Prabowo Subianto's Idea to Expand the Military's Role
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Prabowo expanded the military's role and added new units within a year of his administration. He asked soldiers to be on standby for war.
Prabowo: Indonesian-made Cars to Become a National Strategic Project
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President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia will have a national car within the next three years.
A Year of Authoritarian Consolidation
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Consolidation by Prabowo after a year in office. Politics and the economy are increasingly being guided.
