Recent clashes between residents and police on Rempang Island highlight tensions over China's large-scale infrastructure investments. The Indonesian government plans to develop Rempang Eco-City, featuring Chinese manufacturing facilities for glass and solar panels. The project, involving a $24.6 billion investment and creating 306,000 jobs by 2080, requires the displacement of 7,500 residents. Protests have led to injuries and arrests, with accusations of human rights violations by security forces. President Joko Widodo secured the deal in China, declaring it a national strategic project. Analysts note the importance of Chinese investment for Indonesia's economic development but raise concerns about environmental impact and local employment. The government has offered compensation and relocation incentives, but civil society groups criticize the prioritization of investment over community interests.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Papua New Guinea for the U.S.-Pacific Islands summit highlights President Joe Biden's increased focus on Pacific Island nations amid concerns over China's growing influence in the region. In Port Moresby, Blinken signed a national defense and maritime agreement with Papua New Guinea. The new pact grants the U.S. significant access to the waters of this Pacific Island region, sparking public debate on whether the U.S. maritime presence could affect Papua New Guinea's national security. Students from Papua New Guinea and the University of Technology organized a protest against the defense cooperation agreement, calling for public scrutiny and transparency before its signing. High-ranking officials from Papua New Guinea stated that the agreement would be reviewed by the parliament and lawyers before signing and would soon be distributed to the public. Prime Minister James Marape assured that the security agreement would not hinder relations with other countries, including China, Australia, the UK, Japan, India, or any other related to the issue. The U.S. is also increasing its presence in the Pacific Islands by opening embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, with discussions to open more in Kiribati and Vanuatu. The U.S. State Department documents reveal that since September 2022, Peace Corps volunteers have returned to the Pacific region and are currently in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, with plans to return to Vanuatu this year. The Peace Corps is also evaluating the re-establishment of operations in the Solomon Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. A key point of discussion among Pacific Island leaders was addressing climate change, as recent storms and rising sea levels have impacted the region. The USAID has assisted Pacific Island countries by securing over $500 million from international organizations like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Climate Resilience Fund, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The plans also aim to provide quality, sustainable energy and infrastructure resilient to climate change. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown expressed excitement about the G-7 leaders' recent acknowledgment and support for the Pacific Blue strategy for 2050, which recognizes the interconnected challenges of politics, culture, and the environment in the Pacific Islands.

Indonesia is hosting the G20 summit in Bali, providing local business owners with an opportunity to promote their products and raise brand awareness. Devianti Faridz reports from Bali with videography by David Andreas.