Back with HI Sepekan, a recap of seven international issues that unfolded over the past week and deserve the attention of Kawan HI!
International economic dynamics were once again marked by tensions between the United States and Canada. The two countries have become embroiled in a trade war after failing to reach an agreement in trade negotiations. Washington has maintained tariffs of up to 50 percent on several Canadian products, while Ottawa has responded by imposing similar tariffs on US goods.
These economic tensions have coincided with growing attention to Venezuela’s energy sector. US President Donald Trump stated that the United States plans to take control of a significant portion of Venezuela’s oil reserves, citing efforts to restore the country’s energy industry, which has suffered from sanctions and a lack of investment. The Venezuelan government stated that the agreement would continue to preserve the country’s sovereignty over its oil resources.
Beyond economic and energy issues, political developments in Northern Europe have also drawn attention. Norway entered a period of mourning after King Harald V passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 89. Several world leaders, including King Charles III and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, expressed their deep condolences following the death of King Harald V. After 35 years on the Norwegian throne, Harald was succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII.
Meanwhile, debate over relations with the European Union has resurfaced in Iceland. Its citizens rejected a proposal to reopen negotiations on EU membership. Supporters argued that joining the European Union would provide economic and security benefits, while opponents emphasized the potential threat to national sovereignty.
Moving to the Himalayan region, flash floods and landslides struck parts of Nepal and Tibet on August 26, 2026. The disaster has claimed 750 lives, with thousands of others still reported missing. Search and rescue operations continue amid challenging weather conditions.
Amid these various crises, the Russia-Ukraine war continues with no end in sight and is escalating further. Russian drone strikes hit an ammunition storage facility west of Kyiv, triggering massive explosions and fires that killed dozens of people. The attack once again highlighted the continued impact of the war on civilians in a conflict that has lasted for more than four years.
Not only conflicts and disasters, but environmental issues have also drawn attention across Southeast Asia. Forest fires in several areas of Kalimantan and Sumatra are still ongoing, increasing the risk of transboundary haze. The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) issued a high-level warning (Level 3) for the southern ASEAN region. Singaporean authorities continue to monitor air quality levels, while Malaysia has advised people to reduce strenuous outdoor activities due to unhealthy air quality.
Sumber:
Moench, Mallory. “Norway’s King Harald dies aged 89: A beloved monarch buffeted by family crises.” BBC. 28 Agustus 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clykn5p5172o.
“Death toll in Nepal-China flash floods rises to 750.” NHK World Japan. 30 Agustus 2026. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260830_09/.
Jones, Kent. “US‑Canada trade war deepens as Trump revives Depression‑era trade tool – what’s at stake for consumers and the midterms.” The Conversation. 28 Agustus 2026. https://theconversation.com/us-canada-trade-war-deepens-as-trump-revives-depression-era-trade-tool-whats-at-stake-for-consumers-and-the-midterms-290569.
Permana, Rakhmad Hidayatulloh. “Trump Kuasai Sebagian Minyak Venezuela, Presiden Rodriguez Tegaskan Kedaulatan.” detikNews. 30 Agustus 2026. https://news.detik.com/internasional/d-8640482/trump-kuasai-sebagian-minyak-venezuela-presiden-rodriguez-tegaskan-kedaulatan.
Reuters. “Iceland rejects talks on joining the European Union in referendum.” NBC News. 30 Agustus 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/iceland-votes-whether-restart-talks-joining-european-union-rcna594995.
The Associated Press. “Russian strike on a Ukrainian warehouse kills 37 in the war’s deadliest attack this year.” NBC News. 30 Agustus 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/russian-strike-ukrainian-warehouse-rcna595041.
“ASEAN Alert Tertinggi Kabut Asap, Warga Malaysia Diminta Diam di Rumah.” CNN Indonesia. 29 Agustus 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260829105936-106-1397705/asean-alert-tertinggi-kabut-asap-warga-malaysia-diminta-diam-di-rumah.