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Netherlands returns more than 280 historical artifacts to Indonesia

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Netherlands returns more than 280 historical artifacts to Indonesia

Statues from early 19th century, weapons, coins, jewelry, textiles among items returned, says government office

ANKARA – The Netherlands announced on Friday that it will return a total of 288 historical artifacts and cultural objects illegally brought from Indonesia during the colonial period.

In a statement, the government said the artifacts and cultural objects from the National Collection will be returned on Friday at the request of Indonesia.

“The artifacts will be officially returned to Indonesia on 20 September at the Wereldmuseum in Amsterdam, in the presence of the director general for culture of Indonesia, Hilmar Farid, and the Indonesian Repatriation Committee,” the statement noted.

“These objects were wrongfully taken to the Netherlands during the colonial period and are of cultural interest to Indonesia,” the statement said.

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Among those returned were four Hindu-Buddhist sculptures brought to the Netherlands from Java in the first half of the 19th century, it added.

The other 284 objects, including weapons, coins, jewelry, and textiles, were brought to the Netherlands from South Bali in 1906 after the Dutch colonial conquest of the Indonesian islands.

The Colonial Collections Committee investigates the origins of cultural artifacts brought to the Netherlands from other countries and makes recommendations to return them in accordance with the national policy on colonial collections.

The Netherlands, following a committee’s recommendation, is returning smuggled historical artifacts for the second time, having previously repatriated artifacts to Indonesia and Sri Lanka in the summer of 2023.

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Polish gov’t presents initial flood damage report

Shasi Kumar
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Polish gov’t presents initial flood damage report

The ongoing floods in Poland have caused suffering for tens of thousands of people, and thousands of buildings and public facilities have been flooded or damaged, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office has said

Warsaw, Poland (PPA/DT) – On Saturday afternoon, Jan Grabiec presented a situation report at a government meeting with provincial governors in the southwestern city of Wroclaw, the capital of the region most affected by the floods that have so far killed seven and devastated or destroyed thousands of homes, damaged roads and bridges and disrupted energy and water supplies.

On Monday, the government declared a state of natural disaster in a number of areas of southern and southwestern Poland.

RELATED NEWS : Floods in Central Europe threaten new areas. Heavy rains also inundate parts of Italy

Grabiec said that the extraordinary measures affected some 2.4 people million living in 749 localities.

“They are mostly villages, but, of course, the number also includes towns and cities,” Grabiec said.

“We’re talking about a state of natural disaster here, but the next category includes the number of residents affected by the flood, those who despite the rescue and protection operations have actually suffered from the flood,” Grabiec continued. “At the moment, their number is 57,000.”

The number of people who had to be evacuated reached 6,544, Grabiec also said.

“When it comes to houses that have been flooded or damaged due to the flood, so far 11,502 reported buildings have been inspected,” Grabiec continued. “They are both single-family houses and apartment buildings.”

Grabiec also estimated the number of farm buildings damaged or destroyed by water at 6,033. Additionally, 724 public facilities have been flooded or damaged, including schools, kindergartens, sports centres, public administration buildings, as well as bridges and roads.

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Over 700 containers of rice remain unclaimed at Philippines ports

Diplomat Times
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Over 700 containers of rice remain unclaimed at Philippines ports

Manila, Philippines (PNA) – Over 700 shipping containers of rice remain unclaimed at ports under the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) despite already being cleared by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in addition to having no port congestion.

In a statement Thursday, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said these 700 containers of rice are just waiting for their consignee at ports and may be causing an artificial increase in the price of rice.

RELATED NEWS : Nestlé Waters avoids trial with €2m fine for illegal water drilling in France

He reminded cargo owners, consignees, brokers, manufacturers, and other supply chain service providers to claim cleared, ready-for-delivery, and overstaying cargoes at ports, especially at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

“Our focus remains on supporting a stable supply chain for crucial commodities, and we are dedicated to resolving any issues that arise in this regard. We appreciate the continued cooperation and support from our private operators, as we strive to improve service delivery and better meet the needs of the public,” Santiago said.

He said rice shipments are particularly important, with the PPA working to ensure that there are no delays in the processing of these goods.

Earlier, Santiago said there is currently no congestion at all PPA ports with an average yard utilization rate of 70 percent.

He said the average dwell time for containers is 5.4 days, the lowest in history, and is only 0.4 days beyond the free storage period provided by the PPA.

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Nestlé Waters avoids trial with €2m fine for illegal water drilling in France

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Nestlé Waters avoids trial with €2m fine for illegal water drilling in France

Epinal, France (RFI) – The company water subsidiary, Nestlé Waters, reached a settlement known as a judicial public interest agreement (CJIP) on Tuesday with the prosecutor in Epinal, in eastern France.

The fine comes after two investigations revealed that Nestlé had been drilling without permits and using unapproved purification methods, including ultraviolet treatment and charcoal filters, in its water production.

In response to the settlement, a Nestlé spokesperson stated, “We take this matter seriously and are committed to adhering to all legal requirements and working with local communities to ensure sustainable water management.”

RELATED NEWS : Poland, France and Germany vow to make Europe stronger as fears grow over Russia and Trump

The decision to settle marks a crucial moment in the ongoing debate over corporate water use, especially in areas vulnerable to drought and resource depletion. Advocates for environmental conservation view the fine as a necessary step toward holding corporations accountable for their environmental responsibilities.

As Nestlé continues to face scrutiny, this case highlights the broader implications of water management policies and the need for transparency in corporate practices. The company has indicated plans to enhance its compliance measures and engage more actively with local stakeholders moving forward.

Prosecutor Frédéric Nahon said the fine must be paid within three months. He described the agreement as “the most significant environmental CJIP ever signed in France”.

Damage repair

Unlike a full trial, a CJIP does not result in a formal conviction but allows for the payment of fines and reparations without a declaration of guilt.

Alongside the fine, Nestlé Waters has committed to investing €1.1 million in an environmental restoration plan for two local rivers, the Petit-Vair and the Vair.

This plan will also focus on restoring wetlands in Vittel and Contrexéville, two towns closely linked to the company’s water production. The project will be supervised by the French Office for Biodiversity for the next two years.

In addition to the fine, Nestlé Waters will pay €516,800 in compensation to environmental groups. These include Vosges Nature Environnement, Foodwatch, and Eau 88, which were behind the complaints leading to the investigation.

‘Limited justice’

Some organisations, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the settlement.

This agreement allowed those with money to avoid a full trial and a criminal record, said Bernard Schmitt of Eau 88.

“Without this agreement, we would have faced a lengthy legal battle, possibly lasting five to 10 years, with minimal consequences,” he said.

Marie-Amandine Stévenin, president of UFC-Que Choisir, said the case highlights “the unfortunate limits of the French justice system”.

Despite the criticisms, the Epinal prosecutor emphasised that Nestlé Waters had fully cooperated with both the judicial and administrative authorities.

The company ceased the unauthorised treatments in 2023 and there were no health risks to the public.

Nestlé Waters also agreed to conduct an impact study on water levels in the affected aquifers, addressing concerns raised by environmentalists.

We demanded that an impact study be part of the agreement because we no longer have the luxury of waiting when facing urgent climate and resource challenges,” said Eau 88 lawyer François Zind.

This isn’t the first time Nestlé has faced environmental issues.

In 2022, it settled another CJIP after being blamed for a pollution incident in the Aisne River, which killed six tonnes of fish.

Although the company contested its role, it paid a €40,000 fine.

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Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich, The world’s largest folk festival begins after ceremonial keg-tapping

Shasi Kumar
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Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich, The world’s largest folk festival begins after ceremonial keg-tapping

Munich, Germany (AP) — Oktoberfest is open, Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich.

Mayor Dieter Reiter officially started Oktoberfest at noon Saturday when he inserted the tap into the first beer keg, signaling the 189th start of the festival. Thousands of beer lovers celebrated in the Munich fairground as the first to clink their mugs during the world’s largest folk festival.

Servers immediately began ferrying trays — each carrying up to 8 glass mugs — to tables. Revelers started clinking their mugs and taking deep gulps of beer in the stuffy heat of the tent.

The celebration runs through Oct. 6 in 18 large tents covering the Theresienwiese fairground.

Visitors wait in the tent of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery the start of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

This year’s festival includes stepped-up security in the wake of a deadly knife attack in Solingen, a city roughly 470 kilometers (292 miles) northwest of Munich. The violence on Aug. 23 left three people dead and eight more wounded, and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, without citing evidence. As a result, organizers added metal detectors to the security lineup for the first time in Oktoberfest’s history, but said there were no concrete threats.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets early Saturday to watch the opening parade as others raced to claim tables inside the tents. They gossiped, played cards and walked around the fairgrounds to check out the food options and amusement park rides to kill time before they could start drinking.

Revelers sprinted through the fairgrounds at 9 a.m. as soon as the entrances opened, despite security officers’ attempts to keep the procession orderly. They laughed despite the morning chill — someone could be heard shrieking “why are we running!” — and raced to get in line again, but this time to be first inside the tents.

Waitresses wait for the gate opening before the start of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Some 6 million visitors are expected over the festival’s 16 days — up to 600,000 each day — and can expect to shell out between 13.60 and 15.30 euros ($15.12 to $17.01) for a 1-liter mug of beer (33 fl oz). This year’s prices are roughly 3.87% more than in 2023.

Mikael Caselitz, 24, was born and raised in Munich and has attended Oktoberfest for years. He said everyone should travel to Munich for the festival at least once in their lives.

“It can get really crowded and disgusting when people puke on the side of the road,” he joked, “but overall it’s a really fun experience.”

Ollie Standen woke up at 6 a.m. to get in line early for Oktoberfest, where the beer starts flowing at noon. The 21-year-old from England is in Munich this year for a university exchange program and a local friend told him he had to join the festivities. He said he’s looking forward to trying different German beers that aren’t usually found in the United Kingdom.

“It’s a great German tradition and I’m excited to be here,” he said.

READ MORE : UN Tourism members and G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Brazil Highlight Climate Action, & Education as Key Priorities

The event was skipped in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with COVID-19, but returned in 2022.

The first Oktoberfest was held Oct. 17, 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Theresa of Saxony. The venue, a meadow on the edge of Munich at the time, was called “Theresienwiese” to honor the bride. While that name remains, the start date has moved up to September, when the temperatures in Bavaria are usually warmer.

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UN Tourism members and G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Brazil Highlight Climate Action, & Education as Key Priorities

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UN Tourism members and G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Brazil Highlight Climate Action, & Education as Key Priorities

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (DT) — At today’s G20 Tourism Ministers meeting, held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) leaders called for accelerated global action on three critical fronts: climate action, inclusion, and education. The meeting, attended by ministers and high-level representatives from the world’s leading economies, focused on how sustainable tourism can drive economic recovery while addressing pressing global challenges.

Climate Action:

A central theme of the discussions was the role tourism must play in the fight against climate change. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili urged governments and industry leaders to invest in sustainable travel infrastructure and implement green practices to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. “Tourism can be a game-changer in climate action, but we must act now,” Pololikashvili said, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and promoting responsible travel.

Ensuring tourism benefits are shared equitably across communities was another key priority. Ministers highlighted the need to make tourism more inclusive, particularly for marginalized groups, including women, youth, and rural populations. Collaborative initiatives were discussed to create more inclusive policies and employment opportunities, ensuring tourism growth contributes to social equity.

Education:

The final focus of the meeting was on education and skill-building to prepare the tourism workforce for the future. As digital transformation reshapes the industry, G20 ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening educational programs and training opportunities to equip workers with the skills required for a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.

This year’s G20 meeting underscores the critical role that tourism plays in global economic recovery, sustainability, and social progress. With a renewed commitment to climate action, inclusion, and education, the international tourism community is taking meaningful steps toward a more resilient and equitable future.

READ MORE : Brazil calls for reform of United Nations as it starts its G20 presidency

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Brazil drought punishes coffee farms and threatens to push prices even higher

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Brazil drought punishes coffee farms and threatens to push prices even higher

CACONDE, Brazil (AP) — Silvio Almeida’s coffee plantation sits at an ideal altitude on a Brazilian hillside, whose clay-rich soil does well at retaining moisture from rainfall and a nearby reservoir.

Lately, though, water is scarce on Almeida’s modest farm in Caconde, a town in one of Sao Paulo state’s key growing regions. He can’t get his coffee to grow the way it should.

In Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, Almeida and other farmers have started grappling with the nation’s worst drought in more than seven decades and above-average temperatures. Almeida expected to harvest 120 sacks of coffee beans this harvest season, but instead managed just 100.

“Given the conditions here, the 2025 crop is already affected,” he told The Associated Press, pointing to a part of his plantation where flower buds died before blooming. “I won’t say it’s doomed, because with God anything is possible. But based on the situation, it’s already compromised.”

Brazil’s harvest season that ends this month was virtually flat from last year, and exports surged, but the ongoing drought is already complicating the start of the 2025/2026 season, according to a report Monday by the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics at the University of Sao Paulo’s agribusiness school.

An aerial view of a coffee plantation consumed by wildfires in a rural area of Caconde, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

At the same time, Vietnam, the world’s second-biggest coffee producer, is experiencing heat and drought, affecting its crops. Potential supply shortages in both countries have started driving up global coffee prices, according to the report.

The market is closely monitoring how Brazilian coffee plants endure these adverse climate conditions, which can cause flowers to stop blooming, fail to turn into cherries or produce lower-quality beans, said Felippe Serigati, who coordinates the master’s program in agribusiness at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university in Sao Paulo.

“It could result in a smaller coffee harvest,” Serigati said. “Since the market tends to anticipate these movements, we’ve already seen the price of arabica coffee in New York and robusta (coffee) in Europe trading at higher levels.”

Coffee prices haven’t reached the record highs the world saw in the late 1970s, after a severe frost wiped out 70% of Brazil’s coffee plants. But they have been soaring in recent years, and adjusted for inflation are at a 13-year high, according to the International Coffee Organization.

In August, the organization’s Composite Indicator Price – which combines the price of several types of green coffee beans – averaged $2.38 per pound, up nearly 55% from the same month a year ago.

Coffee producer Joao Rodrigues Martins holds a handful of damaged coffee beans during an inspection of his plantation consumed by wildfires in a rural area of Caconde, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

In part, prices are rising because of higher demand, particularly in Asia. But weather is also driving increases. Drought, frost and fire have damaged as much as one-fifth of arabica coffee producers’ growing areas in Brazil, said Billy Roberts, a senior economist for food and beverage at Colorado-based CoBank.

“It’s not looking like it will get that much better in the near term. They will need consistent rainfall to recover,” he said.

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Slovenian President Honors Štirje Kovači Ensemble with Order of Merit for Cultural Contributions

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Slovenian President Honors Štirje Kovači Ensemble with Order of Merit for Cultural Contributions

 Ljubljana, Slovenia (DT) — In a significant recognition of their contribution to Slovenia’s cultural heritage, the President of Slovenia has awarded the Štirje Kovači Ensemble the prestigious Order of Merit. The award honors the ensemble’s 70 years of dedication to preserving and promoting traditional folk music, a key aspect of Slovenian identity.

Founded in 1950, the Štirje Kovači Ensemble has been instrumental in keeping the country’s folk traditions alive, while also helping to raise Slovenia’s profile on the global stage through their performances and cultural outreach. Their work has been pivotal in the development and continued appreciation of Slovenian folk music, both at home and internationally.

Picture of Order of Merit the highest honors of Slovenia . Photo : President Account

The Order of Merit is one of the highest honors awarded by the Slovenian state, reserved for individuals and groups that have made exceptional contributions to the nation’s culture, science, or public life.

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Sri Lanka Election 2024: Who Might Be the Next President and What’s at Stake?

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Sri Lanka Election 2024: Who Might Be the Next President and What’s at Stake?

Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankans will vote on Saturday to election the South Asian nation’s 10th president in the first election since the catastrophic 2022 economic crisis that saw the country default on its loans.

Months of food and fuel shortages had caused political chaos forcing then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country in July 2022.

The incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took over from Rajapaksa and has since tried to turn the economy around, is seeking re-election. He is being challenged by Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party and Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party.

Here is how the election will be held, what the top candidates are promising — and what’s at stake for the nation of 22 million people.

What time does the polling start in Sri Lanka?

Since then, under President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the South Asian island nation’s economy has begun a fragile recovery. As the country gears up for a crucial presidential vote, key economic indicators have improved and there are no shortages of food and fuel. Inflation is almost under control after peaking at 70%.

On Thursday, the government announced it has completed restructuring its debt. The finance ministry said it has reached agreements in principle on the restructuring of international sovereign bonds, the final step after previously restructuring loans from local and bilateral lenders.

Sri Lankans who usually vote along religious and ethnic lines will be keeping the state of the economy in mind when they vote Saturday on a new president. Many are still struggling, borrowing money or leaving the country to cope with rising living costs and limited opportunities.

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Who is Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah Commander Targeted by Israel?

Dr Mohd Ramzan Ali
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Who is Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah Commander Targeted by Israel?

Israel targets top Hezbollah commander in air raid on Beirut suburb that kills 12 people and wounds 66

Beirut, Lebanon (DT) – Israel has targeted a residential area in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, in an attempt to assassinate senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil.

The Israeli military claims to have “eliminated” Aqil during the operation on Friday, but Hezbollah has not yet confirmed his death. In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has confirmed the targeting of Ibrahim Aqil, a prominent commander within Hezbollah. This move has drawn widespread attention, as Aqil is considered a key figure in the militant group’s operations along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The attack killed 12 people and wounded 66 others, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said, in a preliminary toll.

Background on Ibrahim Aqil

Ibrahim Aqil has been linked to various military activities and strategic operations involving Hezbollah, an organization classified as a terrorist group by Israel and several Western nations. Reports indicate that he has played a pivotal role in orchestrating attacks against Israeli forces and has been instrumental in the group’s military buildup in southern Lebanon.

Aqil’s rise within Hezbollah has been marked by his involvement in numerous conflicts, where he gained recognition for his tactical acumen and leadership skills. Analysts believe that his targeting by Israel reflects a broader strategy to undermine Hezbollah’s command structure and operational capabilities.

The assassination attempt or airstrike targeting Aqil could have significant ramifications for regional stability. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate, raising concerns of an escalated conflict that could draw in multiple actors in the region. Observers warn that this incident may trigger a cycle of violence, further complicating an already volatile situation.

Israeli officials have stated that their operations are aimed at neutralizing threats from Hezbollah, emphasizing the importance of national security in the face of ongoing hostilities.

International Reactions


The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for restraint from various governments. Analysts suggest that how Hezbollah responds to this targeting will be critical in shaping the future dynamics of Israeli-Lebanese relations.

As tensions mount, the world watches closely to see how this incident will unfold and its potential impact on the fragile peace in the region.

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