Panama: locals threatened by new dam proposal
Hundreds of residents in Panama’s Indio River region are opposing a proposed dam project that threatens to flood their homes. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) plans to build a 4,600-hectare reservoir to supply water to the drought-affected canal, a key passage for 6% of global maritime trade. The $1.6 billion project, slated for completion by 2032, aims to stabilise water levels amid declining rainfall. While ACP pledges $400 million for compensating and relocating roughly 2,500 residents, groups warn that up to 12,000 people may be affected. Many villagers, dependent on farming and fishing, feel their livelihoods are being sacrificed for international shipping interests. Recent protests on the river reflect deep opposition, despite ACP’s commitment to dialogue. President Jose Raul Mulino supports the initiative, which has also stirred geopolitical tensions.
Indonesia: civic groups condemn proposal to call Soeharto a national hero
A controversial proposal to name former Indonesian president Soeharto a national hero has sparked widespread international condemnation. Over thirty civic groups issued a joint statement warning that such an honour would whitewash Soeharto’s 32-year authoritarian rule, marked by systemic corruption and grave human rights abuses. The groups cited atrocities during the 1965–66 anti-communist purges, in which up to three million were killed, and the 1997–98 disappearances of pro-democracy activists, as well as Soeharto’s alleged embezzlement of $35 billion. They also referenced a 2016 tribunal in The Hague, which concluded that the Indonesian military played a central role in mass killings under his command. The nomination, currently under review, was reportedly put out by Central Java’s governor, who later denied involvement. The civic leaders have urged the government to reject the nomination and instead address unresolved human rights violations and entrenched corruption linked to Soeharto - who is the father-in-law of current president Prabowo Subianto. This is not the first proposal to nominate him as a national hero; similar attempts took place in 2010 and 2015.
Malaysia: commitment to fight against invasive fish species
In Malaysia, invasive fish species like the suckermouth catfish are threatening the nation’s rivers and native aquatic life. Originally introduced for aquariums, the hardy suckermouth has proliferated in polluted rivers, outcompeting local species, spreading disease, and causing environmental damage such as riverbank erosion. The Klang Valley, along with many other waterways, is now overrun by these aggressive invaders. Alarmed, Mohamad Haziq founded a volunteer group during the Covid lockdowns to combat the ecological threat. Dubbed Malaysia’s ‘foreign fish hunter squad’, the group now boasts over 1,000 members and meets weekly to catch and remove invasive fish. While suckermouths are largely considered undesirable, their eggs are used for bait, and researchers are exploring potential uses for the fish - including biochar, leather, fertiliser, and pharmaceutical collagen. Despite acknowledging the fight may never be fully won, the group remains committed to raising awareness and protecting Malaysia’s fragile river ecosystems, one net at a time.
USA: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer
Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The diagnosis followed recent urinary symptoms and revealed a high-grade, aggressive form of the disease. However, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it may respond well to treatment. Biden and his family are currently considering treatment options. The news has drawn sympathy from across the political spectrum. Donald Trump expressed support for Biden and his family, wishing him a swift recovery. Other political figures voiced their prayers and confidence in Biden’s resilience. Biden, who stepped down from the 2024 presidential race due to health concerns, has maintained a low public profile since leaving office, though he has given occasional speeches and interviews. A long-time advocate for cancer research, he relaunched the Cancer Moonshot initiative in 2022. His son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015.
