Putin and UAE President Discuss Middle East and Ukraine Conflict in Phone Call

Fanky Iskandar    Sunday, May 17, 2026    Comment   

Putin and UAE President Discuss Middle East and Ukraine Conflict in Phone Call

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to discuss bilateral cooperation, the Ukraine conflict, and Middle East tensions.

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday, according to a statement released by the Kremlin.

During the call, the two leaders discussed the growing cooperation between Russia and the UAE, particularly in political, trade, and economic sectors.

The Kremlin said both sides expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral ties and agreed to maintain active communication moving forward.

The discussion also covered the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin thanked the Emirati leadership for its continued assistance in addressing humanitarian issues related to the war.

“Vladimir Putin thanked the Emirati side for its regular assistance in resolving humanitarian issues tied to the Ukrainian conflict,” the Kremlin said in its statement.

The leaders additionally exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, including developments surrounding Iran that continue to draw international attention.

According to the Kremlin, both countries stressed the importance of continuing political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching peaceful compromise agreements while taking into account the interests of all states in the region.

The phone call came amid heightened global focus on Middle East stability and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent wider regional escalation.

Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Military Leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad

Fanky Iskandar    Sunday, May 17, 2026    Comment   

Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Military Leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad

IDF confirms Hamas military wing chief Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in a military operation in Gaza involving Israeli intelligence and air force units.

TEL AVIV — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday confirmed the killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas’ military wing in the Gaza Strip, during an operation involving the Southern Command, military intelligence, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israel Security Agency (ISA).

In its official statement, the IDF described the operation as a significant operational achievement amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“In every conversation I held with the hostages who returned, the name of arch-terrorist Izz al-Din al-Haddad repeatedly came up. Today, we succeeded in eliminating him,” the IDF said in a statement.

According to the Israeli military, Al-Haddad was among the figures linked to the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas. He later assumed leadership of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza following the death of the previous leader, Muhammad Sinwar.

The IDF stated that Al-Haddad had recently been working to rebuild Hamas’ military capabilities and plan attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.

The confirmation marks the latest development in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has not yet issued an official response to the Israeli claim.

Rp200 Million a Day From Drugs, Heri Yakop Says Samarinda Is Facing a Serious Threat

Jerry Pratama    Sunday, May 17, 2026    Comment   

Rp200 Million a Day From Drugs, Heri Yakop Says Samarinda Is Facing a Serious Threat

Bareskrim Polri raided a drug village in Gang Langgar, Samarinda. Eleven suspected syndicate members and two drug users were arrested in the operation. (ILLUSTRATION IMAGE)

Bareskrim Uncovers Drug Village in Samarinda That Operated for Four Years

SAMARINDA — Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) raided a drug village in Gang Langgar, Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on Saturday (May 16, 2026). During the operation, 11 people suspected of being involved in a drug trafficking syndicate were arrested.

Director of Drug Crimes Investigation at Bareskrim Polri, Brig. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, said the raid was carried out by a joint team from Sub-Directorate IV and the Narcotic Investigation Center (NIC) Task Force of the Drug Crimes Directorate.

“The drug syndicate operating in the drug village of Gang Langgar, Samarinda City, was dismantled by the joint team from Sub-Directorate IV and the Narcotic Investigation Center (NIC) Task Force of Bareskrim Polri,” Eko Hadi Santoso said, as quoted by Antara.

Investigators also seized several pieces of drug-related evidence from the raid location. Police suspect the drug trafficking activities in the area had been operating for approximately four years.

According to Eko, daily drug sales turnover in the area was estimated to range from Rp150 million to Rp200 million.

Separately, Head of Unit II of Sub-Directorate IV at the Drug Crimes Directorate, AKBP Bayu Putra Samara, said two drug users were also detained during the operation.

“This syndicate was quite elusive because several operations had previously been carried out by local authorities, but they were unsuccessful,” Bayu said.

All suspects were later taken to the Bareskrim Polri headquarters in Jakarta for further investigation. Police said more details regarding the case would be announced by the Drug Crimes Directorate.

Heri Yakop Reveals Shocking Facts Behind Samarinda’s Drug Village: Rp200 Million Flowing Every Day

The raid on the drug village in Gang Langgar, Samarinda, illustrates how narcotics trafficking is no longer operating in secrecy, but has evolved into an organized ecosystem within residential neighborhoods. The alleged daily turnover of up to Rp200 million indicates the illegal business was operating on a massive scale with a strong distribution network.

BorneoTribun Editor-in-Chief Heri Yakop said the success of Bareskrim Polri in dismantling the operation deserved appreciation. However, he also described the case as a serious warning for regions across Kalimantan that are beginning to face area-based drug trafficking patterns, commonly referred to as “drug villages.”

“If daily turnover reaches hundreds of millions of rupiah, it means the flow of money there is already enormous. This is no longer a small-scale operation or street-level dealing. There is a system that has been alive and running for quite a long time,” Heri Yakop said.

According to him, the fact that the operation allegedly lasted for four years highlights the need for stricter and more consistent monitoring from all parties, including law enforcement officers, local governments, and surrounding communities.

Heri believes drug villages usually emerge not only because of weak law enforcement, but also due to economic pressures and social environmental factors. In many cases, such areas gradually develop until they become widely recognized transaction hubs.

“What is dangerous is not only the drugs themselves, but when society starts seeing such activities as normal. That is where the real social threat lies,” he said.

He also highlighted police statements describing the syndicate as highly elusive and capable of escaping previous operations. According to him, this suggests the network may already understand law enforcement patterns and possess its own internal security system.

On the other hand, the raid could become an important momentum for authorities to uncover a larger network, including supply routes and financial flows behind the narcotics trade.

“Arresting field operators is important, but dismantling the masterminds and distribution channels is far more crucial so that areas like this do not return to operation just a few months later,” Heri said.

He hopes the case in Samarinda will not end as a one-time operation, but will instead be followed by social recovery efforts and continuous supervision to prevent the area from once again becoming a center of narcotics transactions. (Yakop)

Truck and Two RX-King Motorcycles Involved in Fatal Crash in Sekadau

Jerry Pratama    Saturday, May 16, 2026    Comment   

Truck and Two RX-King Motorcycles Involved in Fatal Crash in Sekadau

A chain-reaction crash involving a truck and two RX-King motorcycles on the Sekadau-Sanggau Highway left one rider dead and several others injured.

SEKADAU - A chain-reaction traffic accident involving a truck and two motorcycles occurred on the Sekadau-Sanggau Highway in Sungai Kunyit Village, Sekadau Hilir District, on Saturday (May 16, 2026) at around 9:30 a.m. local time. One motorcyclist was killed at the scene.

The accident involved a Mitsubishi light truck driven by I (48), a resident of Kubu Raya Regency. Two Yamaha RX-King motorcycles ridden by H (28) and B (23), both from Sanggau Regency, were also involved in the collision.

Sekadau Police Chief AKBP Andhika Wiratama, through Public Relations Head AKP Triyono, said the crash began when the two motorcycles were traveling in the same direction from Sanggau toward Sintang.

While passing through a curved section of the road, H allegedly attempted to overtake a truck traveling ahead. At the same time, a Mitsubishi light truck was approaching from the opposite direction.

“Because the distance was already too close, the motorcycle ridden by H crashed into the front right side of the truck,” AKP Triyono said.

The impact caused H’s motorcycle to fall onto the roadway. Moments later, another motorcycle ridden by B, who was carrying passenger K (22), also collided with the fallen vehicle.

H died at the scene due to the collision. Meanwhile, J (21) suffered abrasions on the hands and legs, while A (5) sustained minor hand injuries and bruises to the head.

B suffered minor injuries to the hands, while K sustained head bruises. All injured victims received medical treatment.

Traffic officers and members of the Sekadau Police emergency unit immediately arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation, secure evidence, and manage traffic flow around the accident site.

AKP Triyono urged motorists to be more cautious, especially when driving on curved roads with limited visibility.

“Do not force yourself to overtake vehicles ahead. Always prioritize safety while driving,” he said.

Fake OSS Service Scams Target Public, DPMPTSP Kotim Issues Advisory

Fanky Iskandar    Friday, May 15, 2026    Comment   

Fake OSS Service Scams Target Public, DPMPTSP Kotim Issues Advisory

DPMPTSP Kotim warns the public to stay alert for scams using the OSS service name to steal money and personal data through illegal methods.

The Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office (DPMPTSP) of Kotawaringin Timur (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, warned the public on Thursday in Sampit to remain cautious of fraud schemes using the name of the Online Single Submission (OSS) service, following a rise in digital licensing scams.

Head of DPMPTSP Kotim Diana Setiawan said the scams could cause financial losses and threaten the security of people’s personal data.

She explained that irresponsible individuals have been exploiting the OSS name to request money, collect personal information, and illegally offer permit processing services.

“This scheme needs to be watched closely because it can harm the public financially and compromise personal data security,” Diana said.

The warning was distributed through DPMPTSP Kotim’s official website and social media accounts as authorities responded to the growing number of fraud attempts linked to the government’s digital licensing platform.

According to Diana, scammers often take advantage of the public’s limited understanding of the official OSS system, which operates entirely online and through verified channels.

She emphasized that all OSS services are processed through the official system and can be accessed directly by users without unclear third-party intermediaries.

Residents were urged not to trust suspicious text messages, phone calls, or information claiming to come from OSS.

“This issue deserves serious attention, especially because perpetrators exploit the public’s lack of understanding about the official and integrated OSS service system,” she said.

DPMPTSP Kotim also stressed that OSS never requests payments outside official government regulations and does not ask for personal data through private messages or phone calls without proper verification procedures.

The public has been advised not to immediately trust suspicious information and to avoid sharing identity details or important data with unknown parties.

DPMPTSP Kotim encouraged residents to report suspected fraud attempts through the agency’s official information and complaint channels.

People are also urged to verify doubtful information through official DPMPTSP channels or the OSS platform to avoid becoming victims of increasingly sophisticated digital crimes.

Public Reaction Grows Over Heavy Charges Against Nadiem Makarim

Fanky Iskandar    Friday, May 15, 2026    Comment   

Public Reaction Grows Over Heavy Charges Against Nadiem Makarim

Public reaction grows over legal demands against Nadiem Makarim as Metta Dharmasaputra warns the case could affect Indonesia’s young innovators and startup ecosystem.

Public debate surrounding legal demands against Nadiem Makarim intensified Friday after Metta Dharmasaputra shared his views through a Facebook post, saying the case had sparked anger among many young Indonesians.

In the post, Metta said prosecutors’ demands against Nadiem could reportedly reach 27 years in prison due to fines and compensation claims totaling Rp 5.7 trillion, an amount he described as impossible to pay.

Metta described Nadiem as a young figure who inspired millions of Indonesians through the creation of Gojek. He said the company helped support millions of livelihoods while transforming public transportation services across the country.

He also highlighted Nadiem’s international recognition over the years. Time magazine once named him among 100 leaders shaping the future, while Bloomberg listed him as one of the world’s most influential innovators.

Metta linked Nadiem’s rise to the wave of Indonesian technology startup founders who emerged in the early 2000s. He mentioned figures such as Tokopedia founder William Tanuwijaya and Bukalapak founder Achmad Zaky as part of the country’s growing digital innovation movement.

The post also recalled Nadiem’s appointment to President Joko Widodo’s cabinet, where he was tasked with accelerating education digitalization during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Public reaction grows over legal demands against Nadiem Makarim as Metta Dharmasaputra warns the case could affect Indonesia’s young innovators and startup ecosystem.

According to Metta, the situation forced the government to move quickly to ensure the national education system could continue operating amid the global health crisis.

He said the recruitment of young professionals and outside consultants was part of efforts to address the enormous challenges facing Indonesia’s education sector at the time.

“Prosecutors must understand that Indonesia has the fourth-largest education system in the world,” Metta wrote, referring to Nadiem’s statement during court proceedings when questioned about involving experts from outside the ministry.

Metta concluded by expressing concern that the case could discourage innovation among Indonesia’s younger generation. He warned that the long-term impact on the country’s startup and technology ecosystem should not be ignored.

With $25 Capital, Sampit Youth Launches Convex Mirror Selfie Photo Service

Fanky Iskandar    Friday, May 15, 2026    Comment   

With $25 Capital, Sampit Youth Launches Convex Mirror Selfie Photo Service

A young man in Sampit turned the viral convex mirror selfie trend into a creative photo service business that has attracted strong public interest.

A young man named Jakaria has turned the viral convex mirror selfie trend on social media into a creative photography business in Sampit, Kotawaringin Timur, Central Kalimantan. The service has been operating for the past few days at several crowded public spots across the city.

Jakaria charges Rp5,000 per session for visitors who want to take photos using a convex mirror. During the three-minute session, customers are free to use their own cameras or smartphones.

“I was inspired by social media. I wanted to try something viral that hasn’t existed in Sampit yet,” Jakaria said in Sampit on Thursday.

He targets busy public locations, including Sampit City Park during Car Free Day events, the Nur Mentaya Tunnel tourist area in the afternoon and evening, and other community gathering spots.

According to Jakaria, the convex mirror effect creates unique and aesthetic photos that appeal especially to young people looking for creative social media content.

He said public response has been positive since the business launched. The service attracts more visitors during weekends and nighttime hours when public areas are crowded.

“Thankfully, the response from the community has been very positive. Quite a lot of people have used this service,” he said.

Jakaria explained that the business is still a side job because he continues to work at a shopping center in Sampit. His shift-based schedule allows him to run the photo service outside his regular working hours.

He also revealed that the startup cost for the business was relatively low, totaling around Rp400,000. About Rp200,000 was spent on purchasing the convex mirror online, while additional supplies such as spray paint, stickers, and support poles were bought locally in Sampit.

The trend highlights how social media developments can create productive business opportunities when used creatively and positively, especially for young people seeking innovative ways to earn income.

Passenger Traffic on Tanjung Selor-Tarakan Speedboats Reaches 2,535 During Long Holiday

Fanky Iskandar    Friday, May 15, 2026    Comment   

Passenger Traffic on Tanjung Selor-Tarakan Speedboats Reaches 2,535 During Long Holiday

Speedboat passenger traffic at Kayan II Port in Tanjung Selor surged to 2,535 travelers during the long Ascension Day holiday period in North Kalimantan.

The number of speedboat passengers at Kayan II Port in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan, increased significantly over the past three days during the May 12-14, 2026 holiday period. The surge was driven by travelers heading to Tarakan City for the long Ascension Day weekend.

Ariyanto, the duty officer at the Kayan II Port Harbormaster Office, said the increase in passenger traffic began on Tuesday, May 12.

A total of 797 passengers departed for Tarakan using 21 speedboats that day, while 525 passengers arrived at the port on the same number of vessels.

“For departures on May 12, there were 797 passengers with 21 speedboats operating. Arrivals reached 525 passengers with the same number of boats,” Ariyanto said on Thursday.

Passenger numbers continued to rise on Wednesday, May 13, despite only 20 speedboats operating that day.

According to Ariyanto, 821 passengers departed from Tanjung Selor, while 717 passengers arrived from Tarakan.

“There were 821 departing passengers and 717 arrivals, with 20 speedboats in operation,” he said.

The peak of the holiday travel occurred on Thursday, May 14, which coincided with the Ascension Day public holiday. A total of 917 passengers departed from Kayan II Port to Tarakan using 21 speedboats.

Ariyanto explained that only half of the boats returned to Tanjung Selor because several vessels stayed overnight in Tarakan.

“There were 21 speedboats departing today, but only half returned because the boats stayed overnight in Tarakan. Today also marked the peak departure day with 917 passengers,” he said.

In total, 2,535 passengers departed from Kayan II Port between May 12 and May 14, 2026.

The increase in passenger traffic was largely driven by residents taking advantage of the long holiday and collective leave period for vacations and shopping trips to Tarakan.

One traveler, Heriansyah, said he used the holiday break to spend time in Tarakan with family members.

“It’s a long holiday and I also happened to be on leave, so I’m staying in Tarakan for two days for vacation and shopping. I also have family there,” he said.

North Kalimantan Police Prepare 1,024 Free Nutritious Meals for Students in Tanjung Selor

Fanky Iskandar    Friday, May 15, 2026    Comment   

North Kalimantan Police Prepare 1,024 Free Nutritious Meals for Students in Tanjung Selor

North Kalimantan Police prepare 1,024 free nutritious meals daily for students and teachers at four schools in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan.

The North Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kaltara) are preparing 1,024 portions of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) every day for students and educators in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan Regency, on Wednesday. The program currently serves four schools in the area.

North Kalimantan Police Chief Inspector General Djati Wiyoto Abadhy said the beneficiaries include 957 students along with 67 teachers and education staff.

“A total of 1,024 meal portions are distributed, consisting of 957 students and 67 teachers and education personnel from four schools,” Djati said while inspecting the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) at Jalan Bhayangkara, Tanjung Selor.

The schools covered by the program are TK Bhayangkari, TK Agape, SDN 10 Tanjung Selor, and SMPN 07 Tanjung Selor.

Djati said the meal menus have been adjusted to meet children’s nutritional needs under the supervision of nutrition experts from the SPPG unit.

In addition to SPPG management, the program is supported by nutritionists, accountants, and 30 volunteers assisting with daily operations.

Meal distribution is carried out using SPPG operational vehicles to ensure the process runs safely and in an organized manner.

“SPPG Polda Kaltara is part of our commitment to improving children’s nutritional quality and supporting the development of a healthy and competitive young generation in North Kalimantan,” Djati said.

Previously, North Kalimantan Police also began construction of another SPPG facility at the Bulungan Police Headquarters on May 14, 2025, to support the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in the region.

The facility is being built on a 600-square-meter site with a 400-square-meter building area. It is expected to serve up to 3,500 students and will be managed by the Kemala Bhayangkari Foundation of Polda Kaltara.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by North Kalimantan Chief Prosecutor Amiel Mulandari, representatives from Military Resort Command 092/Maharajalila, North Kalimantan Provincial Secretary Bustan, Bhayangkari officials, and representatives from the provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office.

Are There Any Black MotoGP Riders? Here’s the History and Facts

Fanky Iskandar    Friday, May 15, 2026    Comment   

Are There Any Black MotoGP Riders? Here’s the History and Facts

Black MotoGP riders remain extremely rare in Grand Prix history, with European dominance and the high cost of racing seen as major factors. (Illustration image)

MotoGP is widely recognized as the most prestigious motorcycle racing championship in the world, featuring elite riders from different countries and cultures. However, Black riders in the premier MotoGP class remain extremely rare, and very few have become major stars in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

European riders, particularly from Spain and Italy, have historically dominated MotoGP. Racing culture, early development programs, and strong financial backing are considered some of the main reasons diversity in motorcycle racing has not grown as rapidly as in other global sports.

Motorsport is also known for being an expensive sport. Reaching the MotoGP level usually requires riders to begin competing at a very young age through local, national, and international championships with significant financial support.

That reality gives countries with advanced racing infrastructure a major advantage in producing world-class riders. 

Spain and Italy, for example, have well-established racing academies, junior circuits, and clear development pathways from Moto3 to Moto2 and eventually MotoGP.

In the history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Black riders have rarely appeared consistently in the premier class. The situation contrasts sharply with Formula 1, which has global icons such as Lewis Hamilton.

Actor Idris Elba is sometimes mistakenly associated with MotoGP because of his appearances in automotive documentaries and motorsport-related programs. However, Idris Elba has never been a MotoGP rider.

Discussions about diversity in MotoGP continue because the sport remains heavily centered around European talent. 

Still, the championship now includes riders from countries such as Japan, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa.

South Africa itself has a notable motorsport history, but most successful Grand Prix riders from the country have come from white communities. 

Economic barriers and limited access to racing opportunities are often cited as key challenges for Black riders trying to reach the top level of motorcycle racing.

In recent years, inclusivity has become a bigger topic across motorsport. The success of Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 is widely seen as an inspiration for young Black athletes interested in entering the racing world.

The rise of social media and international racing academies is also creating more opportunities for talented riders from developing countries. 

As MotoGP continues expanding globally, the possibility of seeing more Black riders in the premier class is becoming increasingly realistic.

Although representation remains limited, motorcycle racing is gradually moving toward a more inclusive future. 

Better infrastructure, development programs, and sponsorship opportunities will play a major role in creating greater diversity in MotoGP over the coming years.