Asia | Indonesian ambassador: Studying in Iran is a valuable opportunity for our students / Deadly protests in Jakarta

Pars Today – The Indonesian ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, during a visit to Hazrat Masoumeh University in Qom Province, described the university as a commendable example to be introduced to higher education in Indonesia.

Ruliansyah Sumirat, the Indonesian ambassador in Tehran, during his visit to Hazrat Masoumeh University in Qom, emphasized the need to deepen scientific, research, and cultural cooperation between the universities of the two countries, describing these interactions as an effective part of modern diplomacy.

According to Pars Today, Sumirat, referring to the long-standing relations between the two nations, noted: This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Indonesia—a valuable milestone that can serve as a springboard for enhancing scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between the two peoples.

He further noted the situation of Indonesian students studying in Iran, saying: Currently, more than 200 Indonesian students are pursuing their education in Iran; however, this number is not sufficient and should be increased. Sumirat added that the activities of Hazrat Masoumeh University, as a higher education institution specifically for women, are particularly important and valuable to us and can serve as a platform for joint cooperation.

Deadly protests in Indonesia

Widespread protests in Indonesia earlier this month began amid public anger over increases in parliamentary allowances and benefits, and escalated after a video emerged showing the killing of a motorbike driver by security forces in Jakarta. According to the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), by August 31, 20 people had gone missing in cities including Jakarta, Bandung, and Depok. Jakarta police have so far arrested hundreds of people, and protests in cities such as Gorontalo and Bandung turned violent due to protesters throwing Molotov cocktails and police using tear gas and water cannons.

Malaysia opens its first electric vehicle factory

Malaysian automaker Proton, driven by the growing development of the electric vehicle industry, has inaugurated its first electric vehicle assembly plant. In a statement, Proton announced that the initial annual production capacity will be 20,000 vehicles, but this number could increase to 45,000 vehicles per year.

Opening of a Korean shipbuilding factory in the Philippines

The Philippine government has launched a shipbuilding plant managed by South Korea’s Hyundai in Subic Bay, aiming to revive the maritime industry and increase the capacity to produce larger ships amid rising tensions with China.

During the inauguration ceremony of the Korean shipyard in the Philippines, attended by representatives from the U.S. and South Korea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the increased production capacity will enable the construction of larger ships, boost exports, and create more job opportunities for Filipino workers.