August 8, 2025 | 08:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Friday, August 8, 2025. Here are the highlights: Here's Why the Indonesian Gov't Declared August 18 a Collective Leave Day; Indonesia's 10 Richest People in August 2025, According to Forbes; and Foreign Minister Says Indonesia Ready to Provide Shelter for Gaza Refugees.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Here's Why the Indonesian Gov't Declared August 18 a Collective Leave Day
The government has issued a joint ministerial decree (SKB 3 Menteri) designating August 18, 2025, as a collective leave day.
The decree was signed by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Manpower Yassierli, and Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform Rini Widyantini.
Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Imam Machdi, explained that the decision was made to encourage public participation in celebrating Independence Day.
The public is expected to take part in various activities, such as flag ceremonies, traditional games, public festivals, and cultural or educational events. The government encourages people to use the day productively and responsibly.
2. Indonesia's 10 Richest People in August 2025, According to Forbes
U.S.-based business magazine Forbes has published its latest list of the world’s richest people, including updated rankings for Indonesia. The list is based on real-time wealth tracking using data from stock market movements, corporate financials, and asset valuations.
Several familiar names continue to dominate Indonesia’s billionaire ranks, including the Hartono brothers of Djarum and Bank Central Asia (BCA), coal magnate Low Tuck Kwong, and energy tycoon Prajogo Pangestu.
As of August 5, 2025, here are Indonesia’s top 10 wealthiest individuals, according to Forbes:
3. Foreign Minister Says Indonesia Ready to Provide Shelter for Gaza Refugees
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that the government is preparing alternative locations to accommodate Palestinian refugees from Gaza who are planned to receive treatment in Indonesia, one of which is on Galang Island, Riau Islands.
"We are still searching. Yesterday, the President mentioned Galang Island. We are also currently exploring it because it was previously used for COVID treatment. So the infrastructure is already there. Then we are also looking at other alternatives," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a brief interview in Jakarta, Thursday, August 7, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
Sugiono stated that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has conveyed to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that Indonesia is open to providing medical care to the people of Gaza, provided that all parties agree to it.
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Germany Halts Military Exports Potentially Usable by Israel in Gaza
1 jam lalu
This decision represents a significant shift for the German government, which has historically been one of Israel's staunchest international allies.
World Leaders Denounce Israel's Move to Occupy Entire Gaza Strip
1 jam lalu
World leaders have condemned Israel's plans to take control of Gaza City, the last 25 percent of the Gaza Strip that they do not yet control.
TNI Searches for OPM Militants Who Burned Indonesian Flags in Papua
2 jam lalu
The TNI reacted to TPNPB's instruction to its 36 regional divisions (Kodap) throughout Papua to forbid the raising of the Indonesian flag.
Netherlands Says No Plan to Recognize Palestine State for Now
4 jam lalu
The Netherlands rejects the recognition of Palestine as a state and will not stop importing weapons from Israel.
What is Payment ID? Here's What You Need to Know About Indonesia's New Financial System
4 jam lalu
Bank Indonesia (BI) is set to launch a new digital payment system called Payment ID on August 17, 2025. Here's what you need to know about it.
Netanyahu Says Israel Resolute in Plan to Occupy Gaza
6 jam lalu
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed the intention of Israel to occupy Gaza to establish a Hamas-free administration in the enclave.
New Zealand Keen to Boost Agricultural Product Imports from Indonesia
7 jam lalu
The import commitment was conveyed by the New Zealand Minister of Agriculture when signing an MoU renewal with Indonesia.
Papua's TPNPB-OPM Burns Indonesian Flags Seized from Security Forces
7 jam lalu
The TPNPB-OPM militia burns a number of Indonesian flags in the Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua, on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Survey Across Five Nations Calls to End Arms Sales to Israel
8 jam lalu
A survey across five countries spanning three continents demands an end to arms sales to Israel amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Indonesia's 10 Richest People in August 2025, According to Forbes
11 jam lalu
As of August 5, 2025, Forbes names Indonesia's top 10 richest, led by the Hartono brothers, Low Tuck Kwong, and Prajogo Pangestu.
