A series of major events shaped international dynamics over the past week, ranging from natural disasters to developments in geopolitics, security, and strategic policy across various regions of the world.
From Indonesia, Tropical Cyclone Senyar, which struck North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh starting Monday, 24 November 2025, triggered flash floods and landslides. The disaster caused 174 deaths, 79 missing persons, and 12 injuries, with most victims coming from North Sumatra. The cyclone severely damaged national roads, bridges, and cut off land access and communication lines, making evacuation and logistical distribution extremely difficult. Thousands of families are currently displaced, including 4,846 in Aceh and 3,900 in West Sumatra. In addition to emergency aid distributed by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the government has also utilized Starlink to help restore communication in affected areas. The number of victims and the scale of destruction are expected to rise as many areas remain inaccessible.
Meanwhile, in East Asia, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced that the defense budget for 2026–2033 will be increased by around US$40 billion. The move aims to strengthen the country’s ability to withstand military and political pressure from China and push defense spending toward 5% of GDP by 2030. The expanded budget includes purchases of drones, missiles, and the development of the T-Dome air defense system. However, the plan still requires approval from a parliament dominated by the opposition. The United States welcomed the plan as a preventive measure, while Beijing condemned it, accusing Taiwan of being influenced by external powers.
From the United States, President Donald Trump declared that he will permanently halt migration from all “Third World Countries,” revoke millions of entry permits issued under the Biden administration, eliminate benefits for non-citizens, and deport anyone deemed dangerous or incompatible with “Western Civilization.” Trump framed these policies as necessary steps to “restore” U.S. immigration, following a shooting incident involving an Afghan immigrant in Washington, D.C. In addition, his administration is reviewing Green Card statuses for citizens of 19 countries, including Iran, Sudan, and Afghanistan.
In Hong Kong, on Wednesday (26/11), a fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po, killing approximately 146 people, leaving 150 missing, and injuring 79. The fire spread rapidly, burning 7 of the 8 towers, exacerbated by flammable construction materials including bamboo scaffolding. Evacuation efforts were hindered by the malfunctioning alarm system. The incident sparked public outrage, with thousands lining up—some as far as 2 kilometers—to lay flowers and messages. The fire was extinguished only after about 40 hours with assistance from 2,000 firefighters, 12 of whom were injured.
In South America, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for support from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its member states to jointly reject U.S. “aggression” after Donald Trump floated the idea of shutting down Venezuelan airspace and threatened to seize the country’s oil reserves by military force. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil delivered a letter to OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais and member states on 30 November 2025, stating that Venezuela condemns U.S. plans to militarily seize its oil resources, insists it will defend its energy assets, rejects threats and coercion, and warns of the consequences such military intervention could have on global energy stability and production.
Next, diplomatic efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war resumed as a Ukrainian delegation met U.S. officials in Florida to discuss revisions to a 28-point framework proposed by Washington. The meeting aimed to refine the negotiation language so it could serve as the basis for talks between the U.S. and Russia. However, the initial draft was deemed overly favorable to Moscow, prompting resistance from Ukraine. President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to continue discussions in Moscow. Concerns have emerged that mounting pressure on Ukraine could result in a rushed deal that compromises the country’s sovereignty.
Finally, from the Middle East, Egypt has begun training hundreds of Palestinian police officers in preparation for post-war security governance in Gaza. The training includes the use of modern equipment, border surveillance, and lessons learned from the Hamas attack in October 2023 and Israel’s subsequent counteroperations. The program is part of a Cairo-sponsored agreement to form a security force of around 10,000 police officers for Gaza—5,000 trained by Egypt and 5,000 drawn from existing personnel. The force will later be overseen by a Palestinian technocratic commission. At the same time, the European Union has offered additional training for 3,000 officers, although technical details remain under negotiation.
Source:
“Empat Kabupaten di Sumatera Utara Dilanda Bencana Banjir dan Longsor Secara Bersamaan.” Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB). 26 November 2025. https://www.bnpb.go.id/berita/empat-kabupaten-di-sumatera-utara-dilanda-bencana-banjir-dan-longsor-secara-bersamaan.
“Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 146 as thousands pay respects.” BBC News. 30 November 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp34yk7z6yxo.
“Trump Mau Setop Izin Tinggal WNA dari ‘Third World Country’, RI Masuk?” CNN Indonesia. 28 November 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20251128122714-134-1300445/trump-mau-setop-izin-tinggal-wna-dari-third-world-country-ri-masuk.
“Update Banjir Sumatra: 174 Orang Tewas, Akses Evakuasi Masih Sulit.” CNN Indonesia. 29 November 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20251129064142-20-1300713/update-banjir-sumatra-174-orang-tewas-akses-evakuasi-masih-sulit.
“Venezuela Kecam Ancaman AS Mau ‘Rebut’ Cadangan Minyak Lewat Militer.” CNN Indonesia. 1 Desember 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20251201032325-134-1301224/venezuela-kecam-ancaman-as-mau-rebut-cadangan-minyak-lewat-militer.
Dunbar, Marina., Angelique Chrisafis. “Ukrainian and US Officials Meet in Florida to Discuss Proposals to End Russia’s War.” The Guardian. 30 November 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/30/ukrainian-and-us-officials-talks-florida-russia-war.
Indraswari, Sekar Aqillah. “Wang Fuk Court: Apartemen Ribuan Unit di Hong Kong yang Hangus Terbakar.” detikProperti. 27 November 2025. https://www.detik.com/properti/berita/d-8231161/wang-fuk-court-apartemen-ribuan-unit-di-hong-kong-yang-hangus-terbakar.
Lee, Yimou., Ben Blanchard. “Taiwan Plans Extra $40 Billion in Defence Spending to Counter China.” Reuters. 26 November 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-president-says-he-will-propose-extra-40-billion-defence-spending-2025-11-25/.
Mustaqim, Andika Hendra. “Mesir Latih 5.000 Warga Palestina Disiapkan sebagai Polisi di Gaza.” SindoNews. 30 November 2025. https://international.sindonews.com/read/1650039/43/mesir-latih-5000-warga-palestina-disiapkan-sebagai-polisi-di-gaza-1764490295?showpage=all.