Oarfish Washes Ashore in Lombok, Reigniting Earthquake Omen Beliefs
An oarfish washing ashore in East Lombok, Indonesia, has revived long-held local beliefs linking the deep-sea creature to omens of earthquakes and tsunamis. While scientifically unfounded, the association between the fish's appearance and natural disasters remains strong in the community.
This article requires PRO
This article is outside the free access window or is a special report. PRO unlocks it and the full archive.
Related articles
- Indonesia's Forest Fires Spark Health Crisis: Over 330,000 Cases of Respiratory Illness Reported
Indonesia's recurring forest and land fires (karhutla) have escalated beyond ecological disaster into a critical health crisis. Over 330,000 individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, have contracted Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA) due to toxic smoke exposure, with air pollution levels reaching hazardous extremes.
- Disappearing Wildlife Offers No Respite for South Sumatra Coffee Farmers
Coffee farmers in South Sumatra feel safer in their fields due to the decline of wild animals. However, wild boars and unpredictable weather are damaging crops and affecting coffee yields, with habitat loss suspected as a primary cause.
- Indonesia's Autocratization Costs the Environment
Analysis suggests Indonesia's increasing autocratization is weakening environmental protection policies, leading to rising environmental costs. This poses challenges to balancing political stability with sustainable development.
- RSPO-Certified Palm Oil Concessions Hit by Fires, Raising Doubts on Due Diligence
Widespread forest fires have been detected within palm oil concessions belonging to members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Indonesia. An analysis by Sawit Watch revealed numerous hotspots in Central Kalimantan, questioning the effectiveness of RSPO's due diligence system.