INDONESIAN TALK

IndonesianTalk.com — MPR Prepares to Elect Gibran’s Successor as Vice President, Yusril Says Final Decision Rests with Prabowo Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) has begun preparations to fill the vacant position of vice president, with President Prabowo Subianto holding the constitutional authority to nominate two candidates for the legislature’s consideration, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has said. The MPR leadership is scheduled to hold a joint meeting with its supporting bodies on Friday, November 13, to discuss preparations for a plenary session on the election of a replacement for Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Delegation Room, Nusantara V Building, within the parliamentary complex in Jakarta. The preparations follow political and constitutional developments surrounding Gibran’s reported resignation from office, raising questions about the succession process and the political considerations that may shape the selection of his…

IndonesianTalk.com — PT China Harbour Indonesia Deepens University-Industry Collaboration The 13th President University “China Harbour Engineering Company Limited Scholarship” Award Ceremony and Employment Cooperation MoU Signing Ceremony On November 5, 2026, the 13th President University “China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) Scholarship” Award Ceremony was held in Jakarta. During the event, PT China Harbour Indonesia (CHI) and President University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Employment Cooperation, marking an expansion of their partnership beyond scholarship support into areas such as internships, recruitment, and talent development. The event was attended by Mr. Liu Xiang, Director of China Communications Construction Group (CCCG); Mr. Sun Shangbin, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia; and Dr. Fransiska Wiratikusuma, S.S., MTCSOL., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Partnership at President University. They were joined by nearly 80 university representatives, including faculty members, staff, and students, who gathered to witness this important occasion. Dr. Fransiska Wiratikusuma…

IndonesianTalk.com — Maraden Panggabean: The Batak General Who Fought for Indonesia’s Independence and Unity A former elementary school teacher from North Sumatra, Maraden Panggabean rose through the military ranks to become one of Indonesia’s most influential generals and statesmen. His contributions to the republic have now been recognized with the title of National Hero. Indonesia has long recognized many of its national heroes from Java. But the country’s struggle for independence was fought across the archipelago, including the forests and rugged terrain of North Sumatra, where one of the republic’s determined defenders emerged: General Maraden Panggabean. Born on June 29, 1922, in Pansur Napitu, Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Maraden was the son of Patuan Natoras Marhusa Panggabean and Katharina boru Panjaitan. His journey from a village schoolteacher to the highest ranks of the Indonesian military reflects a lifetime of service to the nation. Before taking up arms, Maraden held a piece of…

INDONESIANTALK.com — Prabowo Honors 19 Figures as National Heroes, Families Urged to Preserve Their Legacy President Prabowo Subianto has conferred Indonesia’s highest national honor, the title of National Hero, on 19 prominent figures in recognition of their contributions to the country’s history and independence struggle. The awards were presented at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, coinciding with the country’s annual Heroes Day commemoration. The Indonesian Association of National Heroes’ Families (IKPNI) welcomed the decision, describing it as more than a formal state recognition. For the families of the recipients, the honor represents an acknowledgment of the sacrifices, dedication and struggles that helped shape Indonesia. “Behind every title lies a story of struggle that continues to live in the memories of families and serves as a valuable legacy for future generations,” the association said. The 19 recipients came from diverse backgrounds, regions and fields of service, reflecting the…

Heroes of Today: You Don’t Have to Die on the Battlefield On Indonesia’s Heroes Day, the greatest acts of patriotism may not involve weapons or sacrifice on the battlefield, but the courage to fight corruption, defend truth and make everyday life better for others. November 10, 2026, is Indonesia’s Heroes Day, an occasion when the nation once again pauses to remember those who fought for independence. Flags are raised. Revolutionary songs fill public spaces. Ceremonies are held. The names of national heroes are invoked: Bung Tomo, General Sudirman, Soekarno, Mohammad Hatta and countless others who risked their lives for one defining word: freedom. We remember them with gratitude and respect. But perhaps there is a question we should ask ourselves: If these heroes were alive today, what would they be fighting for? Indonesia has achieved independence. Colonial rulers have departed. The red-and-white flag flies across the archipelago, from Sabang to Merauke….

IndonesianTalk.com — Indonesian Women Judokas Shine in Jordan and Senegal, Secure Two Bronze Medals Five Indonesian female judokas have made their mark on the international stage, winning two bronze medals and securing three fifth-place finishes at competitions in Jordan and Senegal. JAKARTA — Indonesia’s women’s judo team has delivered an encouraging performance on the international stage, with five athletes recording notable results at a series of tournaments in Jordan and Senegal. The team secured two bronze medals and three fifth-place finishes, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Indonesian judokas against athletes from across the world. The two podium finishers were Hagia Sofya Radityo and Sashenka Cahaya Fatimah, whose performances earned recognition from Indonesian Judo Association (PB PJSI) chairman Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak. Maruli expressed his appreciation in Jakarta on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, following a report from PB PJSI secretary-general Maria Regina Vega. “This is an encouraging achievement. I appreciate the dedication of…

IndonesianTalk.com — From Art to Luxury Spirits, Cincoro Tequila Brings Global Lifestyle Appeal to StartMoments 2026 Art, fashion, design and premium lifestyle brands are coming together at StartMoments Jakarta 2026, a four-day creative showcase featuring 130 artists and 68 exhibitors at Ciputra World 2 in South Jakarta. Among the international brands taking part is Cincoro Tequila, the ultra-premium tequila brand co-founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and several other NBA team owners. Its participation as a sponsor also marks the brand’s official entry into the Indonesian market. Running from Nov. 5 to 8, the event offers a meeting point for artists, designers, independent creative businesses and lifestyle enthusiasts, highlighting the growing intersection between artistic expression and commercial opportunities. Cincoro’s presence adds an international dimension to the exhibition, bringing a globally recognized luxury spirits brand into a creative environment dominated by art, fashion and contemporary design. But spirits are not the only…