August 18, 2025 | 09:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Monday, August 18, 2025. Here are the highlights: Independence Cup 2025: Indonesia U-17 Kicks Off Against Mali Today; Indonesia Beginning to Enter Electoral Autocracy, Experts Cite Three Causes; and Prabowo Kisses National Flag at 80th Independence Day Ceremony.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Independence Cup 2025: Indonesia U-17 Kicks Off Against Mali Today
Indonesia U-17 National Team will face Mali in their third and final match in the Independence Cup 2025 at the Utama Stadium in North Sumatra on Monday night, starting at 20:30 WIB (Indonesian Western Time). The match can be watched live on Indosiar or streamed on Vidio.
Mali will be a tough opponent for the team led by Nova Arianto in this tournament. The team coached by Adama Diallo has performed brilliantly in the two previous matches. They won against Uzbekistan 5-1 and Tajikistan 4-2.
On the other hand, the Indonesian U-17 team was held to a 2-2 draw in their first match against Tajikistan. The Young Garudas failed to secure a victory after conceding a goal in extra time. In the following match, they won against Uzbekistan 2-0.
Considering the performance of both teams in the preceding matches, Mali is expected to play aggressively. If that happens, Indonesia's defense line will face a tough test.
2. Indonesia Beginning to Enter Electoral Autocracy, Experts Cite Three Causes
Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, has expressed concern over the declining state of democracy in Indonesia.
Citing data from the V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy), he stated that for the first time in 2024, Indonesia has shifted from the electoral democracy category to being labeled as an electoral autocracy.
The V-Dem Institute is a democracy index institution whose data dates back to the 17th century.
"Despite still having elections, we are already authoritarian. This, in my opinion, must be recognized," said Usman during a press conference held by the Alliance for Indonesian Historical Transparency (AKSI) and Amnesty International in Central Jakarta on Thursday, August 14th, 2025.
He outlined that the characteristics of an autocracy include a narrowing of space for civil protests and criticism, which, if voiced, faces repression; nearly no opposition in parliament; and the weakened integrity of elections.
3. Prabowo Kisses National Flag at 80th Independence Day Ceremony
President Prabowo Subianto kissed the Red and White flag during the 80th Anniversary celebration of the Republic of Indonesia at Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
The moment occurred just before the seventy-six members of the National Youth Flag-Raising Team (Paskibraka) 2025 raised the Red and White flag.
Tempo observed that the ceremony began when Prabowo entered the ceremonial field at 10:00 AM local time. The Head of State led the 80th Anniversary celebration, while the Ceremony Commander was Colonel Inf Amril Hairuman Tehupelasury.
Meanwhile, the seventy-six members of the National Paskibraka 2025 had been prepared since 9:45 AM on the left side of the Merdeka Palace courtyard. Bianca Alessia Christabella Lantang, representing North Sulawesi Province and chosen to carry the Red and White flag, was positioned in the middle of the troop.
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Highlights from RI's 80th Independence Day: Flag Kiss, Chariot Parade, and Silat Performance
1 jam lalu
The 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day ceremony had some differences compared to previous ones.
Indonesia U-23 Schedule for 2026 Asia Cup Qualifiers Announced
5 jam lalu
The Indonesian U-23 national football team will host the Qualification Match for Asia U-23 Cup 2026 Group J from 3-9 September.
What Expert Says About Prabowo's Zero Deficit Target
7 jam lalu
Researcher at CSIS Riandy Laksono firmly believes that a zero percent deficit, as per Prabowo's aspiration, is unnecessary.
Indonesia Beginning to Enter Electoral Autocracy, Experts Cite Three Causes
8 jam lalu
For the first time, Indonesia was removed from the electoral democracy category and placed in the electoral autocracy category.
Independence Cup 2025: Indonesia U-17 Kicks Off Against Mali Today
9 jam lalu
The match between the Indonesian U-17 national team and Mali in the 2025 Independence Cup is scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025, at 8:30 p.m.
Prabowo Kisses National Flag at 80th Independence Day Ceremony
23 jam lalu
Prabowo kissed the Red and White flag at Merdeka Palace before the Paskibraka 2025 raised it during Indonesia's 80th Independence Day.
Today's Top 3 News: Xi Jinping, PM Li Qiang Congratulate Indonesia on 80th Independence Day
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
From Pacu Jalur to Tabola Bale: Palace Festivities Mark RI's 80th Independence Day
1 hari lalu
The celebration of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day at the Merdeka Palace was enlivened by various artistic performances, cultural displays, and a viral phenomenon.
Unemployment Rate Declines Despite Wave of Layoffs, Prabowo Claims
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto claims that the unemployment rate in Indonesia has reached its lowest level since the 1998 monetary crisis. However, why are there widespread layoffs today?
Prabowo Leads Independence Day Ceremony in Traditional Malay Attire
1 hari lalu
Prabowo dressed in beskap and brown songket while leading the 80th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony.
