In the realm of Indonesian politics, the Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has responded to the recent remarks of Megawati Soekarnoputri, the Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP). Megawati's critical comments hinted at newly empowered parties acting akin to the New Order, an authoritarian regime led by Soeharto. Although not explicitly mentioned, Gibran's response indicated a disagreement with the comparison, suggesting that he does not endorse practices reminiscent of the New Order. Mayor of Solo Responds to Megawati Soekarnoputri Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the mayor of Solo, provided a brief response to the statements made by PDIP's Chairperson, Megawati Soekarnoputri, at the National Volunteer Coordination Meeting (Rakornas Relawan Ganjar-Mahfud) held in Jiexpo, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. In her speech, Megawati alluded to those who have recently come into power and are perceived to...

Eight Israeli hostages are now breathing the air of freedom following their release by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This development on December 1, 2023, marks a high point in a week-long temporary cease-fire between the two factions. A truce deal, mediated by Qatar, had Israel release 30 Palestinian prisoners in return.A Delicate TruceThe cease-fire, held for seven days, received an extension of one more day just before its expiry. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who held meetings with leaders in Israel and the occupied West Bank, called for the truce's extension. This truce emerges in response to international calls for peace after a period of intense conflict, featuring an Israeli bombardment and ground campaign. This was a retaliation to a deadly Hamas attack on October 7.Hostages and Prisoners: The Human BargainWhile the truce brought some relief, it also saw a complex exchange involving human...