August 16, 2025 | 04:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Here are the highlights: Prabowo Pledges Rp178.7 Trillion for Teachers and Lecture Welfare in 2026 Budget; Indonesia Has Never Negotiated with Israel Over Gaza Evacuation: Foreign Minister; and Amnesty: 758 Criminalized Under ITE Law Despite President's Call for Criticism.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Prabowo Pledges Rp178.7 Trillion for Teachers and Lecture Welfare in 2026 Budget
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto will allocate Rp178.7 trillion for teacher and lecturer salaries and competency development when presenting the 2026 state revenue and expenditure budget (APBN) at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on August 15, 2025.
This Rp178.7 trillion is part of a total 2026 budget of Rp757.8 trillion, or roughly 20 percent. Prabowo stated that this is the largest education allocation in Indonesia’s history, but emphasized that the funds must be properly targeted.
He promised to improve teacher quality and strengthen vocational education to meet workforce needs.
2. Indonesia Has Never Negotiated with Israel Over Gaza Evacuation: Foreign Minister
Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Sugiono, reaffirmed that Indonesia has never engaged in negotiations with Israel regarding the transfer of residents from Gaza, Palestine.
"We have never negotiated with them (Israel)," he said after the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly 2025 at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, August 15, 2025, according to Antara.
The statement came in response to reports that Israel is negotiating with five countries for the transfer of Gaza residents, including Indonesia.
3. Amnesty: 758 Criminalized Under ITE Law Despite President's Call for Criticism
Amnesty International Indonesia reported that 758 civilians have been criminalized under the vague provisions of the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (ITE Law) between January 2018 and July 2025.
These individuals were charged with hate speech and defamation in 710 criminal cases.
"In today's state address, the President spoke about the need for correction, oversight, and criticism, and urged non-government parties not to stop criticizing. In reality, many people are still being criminalized simply for speaking critically," said Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, in a press release on Friday, August 15, 2025.
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Tom Lembong on His "Debt of Gratitude" to Prabowo After Pardon
40 menit lalu
Tom Lembong stated that his personal beliefs and stance on the country's situation will not change, even after receiving a pardon.
Sri Mulyani Reveals 2026 Nusantara Capital Budget Drops to Rp6.3tn
58 menit lalu
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani has indicated that construction on the Nusantara capital city (IKN) will continue under Prabowo.
Prabowo Claims Unemployment at Its Lowest Level Since 1998: Here's the Fact
1 jam lalu
President Prabowo claimed Indonesia's unemployment rate has reached its lowest level since the 1998 monetary crisis.
West Bank Settlement Plan Illegal, Germany Tells Israel
6 jam lalu
The German government has said Israel should not implement a plan to build thousands of new housing units at a settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Prabowo Lauds Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and Judicial Commission Performance
8 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the achievements of these judicial institutions from 2024 to 2025.
Prabowo Pledges Rp178.7 Trillion for Teachers and Lecture Welfare in 2026 Budget
17 jam lalu
Prabowo will allocate Rp178.7 trillion, or about 20 percent of the 2026 state budget, for teacher and lecturer salaries and competency development.
Indonesia Has Never Negotiated with Israel Over Gaza Evacuation: Foreign Minister
17 jam lalu
Foreign Minister Sugiono affirmed that Indonesia has never negotiated with Israel regarding the transfer of Palestinian residents from Gaza.
Why Gaza Has Become a Dangerous Zone for Journalists: 5 Things to Know
18 jam lalu
Gaza has become the deadliest place for journalists worldwide since October 2023, with nearly 270 media personnel killed, The New Arab reports.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Seeks Zero-Percent Tariffs for Key Exports to the U.S.
19 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Amnesty: 758 Criminalized Under ITE Law Despite President's Call for Criticism
20 jam lalu
President Prabowo called for openness to criticism, yet Amnesty noted that many still face prosecution under the ITE Law for speaking out.
