Thresher sharks, locally known as hiu tikus, are being fished to extinction in Indonesia. Rafid Shidqi, a marine conservationist, founded the Thresher Shark Indonesia (TSI) project to protect these endangered species. Despite initial short-term funding, the project received positive responses from local communities and government, leading to the establishment of Yayasan Teman Laut Indonesia. The initiative focuses on reducing dependence on shark fishing in Alor by promoting alternative livelihoods like tuna fisheries. Conservation efforts include tagging sharks to study their behavior and advocating for site-based protection. Local communities are gradually becoming aware of the importance of protecting thresher sharks.

Student interns in Indonesia often face exploitation through unpaid and overworked conditions, as exemplified by Agus, Dini, and Bunga's experiences. Despite labor laws limiting full-time employees to 40 hours a week, interns frequently exceed this due to their exclusion from formal employment definitions. Nabiyla Risfa Izzati, a labor law lecturer, highlights the need for stronger regulations to protect interns' rights, as current laws and Ministry of Manpower regulations do not adequately cover student internships for college credit. The article underscores the necessity for revisions to internship regulations and better supervision by local government employment agencies.

The article discusses the challenges faced by women using the Transjakarta Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, particularly when it comes to convenience and security. Pregnant women, like journalist Wieta Rachmatia, struggle with accessing separate doors designated for them. Urbanist Elisa Sutanudjaja from RUJAK and transport planner Udayalaksmanakartiyasa Halim from ITDP highlight issues such as overcrowding, lack of toilets, and inadequate security measures like poor lighting and insufficient CCTV coverage. The article also touches on the efforts to make Transjakarta safer for women, such as women-only areas on buses, but notes that these measures do not fully address the underlying problems. The article suggests that improvements such as more buses, better lighting, and facilities like toilets and elevators at bus stops could make the system more accommodating for women, ultimately contributing to a more humane city for all citizens.

Jakarta's regulation mandates vehicle emissions tests, but implementation faces challenges due to low participation and lack of sanctions. Despite the affordable cost, few vehicle owners comply, leading to significant air pollution. The Jakarta Environmental Agency and other organizations stress the need for fines to ensure compliance. Public awareness and willingness to participate remain low, with many vehicle owners unaware or indifferent to the regulations. The story highlights the need for stricter enforcement and better public education to improve air quality in Jakarta.

Jakarta is intensifying efforts to boost participation in vehicle emissions tests through collaboration with the police and other stakeholders. Despite the implementation of electronic traffic law enforcement, the application of these measures to emissions violations remains unclear. Experts emphasize the need for joint efforts and public awareness to reduce air pollution. The city plans to revise parking fee regulations and implement environmental pollution taxes based on emissions test results. Neighboring areas' involvement is crucial to meet Jakarta's greenhouse gas reduction targets. Technology, such as low-cost sensors, is highlighted as essential for monitoring air quality.

Reformed terror convicts in Indonesia, such as Saifuddin Umar and Arif Budi Setyawan, are leveraging their experiences to aid in deradicalization programs. These individuals share their personal stories to dissuade others from extremism, working closely with organizations like the National Counterterrorism Agency and Ruangobrol. The involvement of former radicals is seen as crucial in overcoming the reluctance of current inmates to participate in rehabilitation. Family support and community engagement play significant roles in their transformation and ongoing efforts to prevent recidivism.

Victims of terror attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2003 JW Marriott Hotel bombing, recount their life-altering experiences and the long struggle for government compensation. Despite severe injuries and financial hardships, survivors like Gatut Indro Suranto and Mahanani Prihrahayu have fought for their rights through the Family of Survivors Foundation (YKP). Recent government regulations have finally provided financial compensation to some victims, though many still await support. The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) and the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) are working to address these issues, but challenges remain, including the lack of medical records for proper assessment.

Gege Lin, a tutor in Jakarta, turned to Gojek's PayLater service for financial flexibility as traditional banks wouldn't consider her credit card application due to her freelancer status. PayLater is part of Gojek's evolution into a super app, merging with Tokopedia and competing with Grab and Shopee in the Southeast Asian market. The region has seen a surge in online spending and venture investment in digital financial services, with BNPL services becoming increasingly popular. Companies like Atome, Hoolah, and Oriente are also offering BNPL products. However, concerns arise over opaque lending criteria and the potential for consumers to overspend. Southeast Asia's tech giants are leveraging their customer data to offer financial services to a market that traditional banks have found difficult to penetrate. Regulators and observers are calling for policy frameworks to regulate these fintech services as they move towards becoming neobanks.

Indonesian women are increasingly entering higher education and professional fields, yet they face significant workplace challenges due to a lack of women-friendly policies. SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia stands out for its supportive policies, including flexible work hours and anti-sexual harassment measures. The organization won a video competition for its efforts, highlighting its commitment to gender equality and safe work environments. Despite widespread sexual harassment in workplaces, few have standard procedures to address it, making SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia's approach exemplary.

The article discusses the careers of Indonesian female basketball players Priscilla Annabel Karen and Yuni Anggraeni, highlighting the challenges they face, including balancing sports with studies and the decision to retire early due to social expectations and financial constraints. It also touches on the disparity in pay and sponsorship between men's and women's basketball leagues in Indonesia. The Srikandi Cup, the only professional women's basketball competition in Indonesia, struggles with funding and public interest, which affects the development of the sport. The article suggests that increased sponsorship and more frequent competitions could improve the state of women's basketball in Indonesia. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated matters, with clubs struggling to cover operational costs and pay athletes.

The article discusses the experiences of former drug users in Indonesia and the challenges they face with the judicial system, which is rife with corruption and bribery. Tedjo and Rosma, both repeat drug offenders, share their stories of arrest, bribery, and imprisonment. They now work at an NGO, Aksi Keadilan Indonesia, advocating for the decriminalization of drug use. The article criticizes Indonesia's punitive approach to drug users, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the current narcotics law and the corruption within law enforcement and rehabilitation centers. It also addresses the issue of prison overcrowding, with drug offenders making up a significant portion of the prison population. Activists are pushing for a revision of the narcotics law and the decriminalization of drug use, arguing that the state could benefit economically from regulated narcotics. The article also touches on the potential for legalization and the ongoing efforts to challenge prohibitive regulations on narcotics for medical use.

The article focuses on the plight of Hazara women refugees in Indonesia, particularly Zahra and Arezoo, who have escaped violence from their home countries. It highlights the establishment of the Sisterhood Community Center in South Jakarta, a place where refugee women can participate in activities like cooking, sewing, yoga, and gardening. The center, co-founded by Victoria Forsgate and a Pakistani refugee named Kalsoom, aims to address the specific needs of women refugees. Despite Indonesia not recognizing refugees' rights to work or study, the center provides a safe space for women to learn and become independent. The article also touches on the challenges faced by the center, such as limited funding and capacity building. The UNHCR reports that as of December 2017, Indonesia hosted 13,840 refugees, with about half from Afghanistan. The center's work is crucial as resettlement opportunities are dwindling due to stricter global refugee policies.

Programs like 'Coding Mum' and organizations such as Clevio Coder Camp, ERM, and Thinkweb are actively working to empower women in STEM fields in Indonesia. Despite societal norms that often discourage women from pursuing technology careers, initiatives supported by entities like the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy and the UN's Pulse Lab Jakarta are making strides in promoting gender diversity. Mentorship, supportive work environments, and family encouragement are highlighted as crucial factors in increasing women's participation in STEM. The article underscores the importance of breaking gender barriers and fostering inclusive policies to support women in technology.

Research by Tempo Institute and PDAT reveals that only 11% of media sources in Indonesia are women, highlighting gender bias in media coverage. The study, based on observations from August to September 2018, shows a significant disparity between male and female sources. Factors contributing to this include media's tendency to interview easily accessible sources, often male. The discussion also addresses sexism and stereotypes in media, with examples of sexualization and objectification of women. Media leaders emphasize the importance of gender-sensitive reporting and the challenges faced by female journalists, including societal expectations and workplace discrimination.

The article discusses the personal experiences of individuals with thyroid disorders in Indonesia, highlighting the physical and mental challenges they face. Bunga Ramadani, a volunteer teacher and institutional relations manager, shares her journey with thyroid cancer and Hashimoto thyroiditis, including her surgery and lifelong hormone replacement therapy. She co-founded Pita Tosca, a support group for thyroid survivors, to combat isolation and depression due to limited information and support. The article also touches on the gendered nature of thyroid disorders, with women being more prone to them, and the stigma men face, as illustrated by Stevan Samuel's experience with grave disease. Medical professionals explain the link between thyroid disorders and mental health, and the article addresses misconceptions about the severity of thyroid conditions and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

The article discusses the lives of Afghan refugees in Cisarua, West Java, focusing on a group of teenage girls who have formed a futsal team as a means of escape from the challenges of their situation. The girls, who are ethnic Hazaras and have faced persecution in Afghanistan, are unable to attend formal school and are awaiting resettlement by the UNHCR. The futsal team provides them with a sense of normalcy and joy amidst the uncertainty of their lives as refugees. The team is coached by Said Sadeq Akbari, who is dedicated to improving the girls' skills and health through the sport. The story highlights the resilience and hopes of these young refugees, particularly their desire for safety, education, and a better future.