A number of significant events shaped national and international dynamics over the past week.
In the field of education, on Tuesday (20/1), during the UK–Indonesia Education Roundtable forum, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invited leading universities from the United Kingdom to establish 10 new universities in Indonesia. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of the national education sector. These internationally standardized universities are targeted to begin admitting students in 2028, will use English as the language of instruction, and will be open to foreign lecturers. Prabowo stated that, for the time being, development will focus on medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, science, and technology to address Indonesia’s shortage of medical personnel.
In Europe, a collision between two high-speed trains in the Adamuz area of southern Spain killed at least 40 people and injured more than 100 others. The accident occurred after a train on the Málaga–Madrid route derailed and collided with a train traveling in the opposite direction. The two trains were carrying approximately 400 passengers. Twelve victims are reported to be in critical condition, while 41 others remain hospitalized. The government stated that the death toll could rise, as the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have once again escalated. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Indonesia and seven other Muslim-majority countries have joined the Gaza Peace Council formed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision was agreed upon by foreign ministers who expressed support for peace efforts and for the implementation of the Council’s mission as a transitional authority in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The Council aims to ensure the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, support Gaza’s reconstruction, and promote peace based on the Palestinian right to self-determination, although Indonesia’s financial contribution has yet to be confirmed.
On the other hand, on Wednesday (21/1), Israel launched airstrikes on four Syria–Lebanon border posts allegedly used by Hezbollah for arms smuggling. The airstrikes killed two people and injured dozens of others. The attacks took place despite a ceasefire mediated by the United States, prompting criticism from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement and targeting civilians. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted four Syria–Lebanon border posts used for “weapons transfers” and resulted in the death of a key Hezbollah smuggler.
In global health issues, on Thursday (22/1), following a decision by the administration of President Donald Trump, the United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization’s failure to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. government stated that it would not rejoin the WHO, would maintain only very limited cooperation, and would halt all financial contributions to the organization. This move triggered a financial crisis within the WHO, which had previously received around 18% of its funding from the United States, forcing it to reduce management, staff, and various programs. Several experts argue that this decision risks weakening global health cooperation systems and could have serious consequences for public health, both within the U.S. and worldwide.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war have also yet to yield results. Peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States held in Abu Dhabi failed to produce any agreement amid the ongoing conflict. During the two-day negotiations, Russia launched airstrikes on Ukraine that damaged energy infrastructure and caused casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that discussions focused on ending the war and left open the possibility of further talks on February 1. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine continue to accuse each other of attacking civilians and critical facilities. Differences over territorial issues remain the main obstacle to achieving peace.
Domestically, natural disasters have once again struck. On Saturday (24/1), a landslide hit Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, West Java. The landslide occurred at around 02:30 a.m. WIB following two days of heavy rain and strong winds. The incident killed eight people and buried dozens of houses. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that as of 10:30 a.m. WIB, 82 people were still missing, while the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded that around 34 households, or 113 people, were affected, and approximately 400 people had been evacuated to the village office. Evacuation efforts are ongoing despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and weather conditions. The West Bandung Regency government has declared a state of emergency to accelerate response and search efforts.
Source:
“Longsor timbun puluhan rumah di Bandung Barat, delapan orang meninggal dunia”. BBC Indonesia. 24 Januari 2026. https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/c4g08dv54ezo.
Castano, Aicha El Hammar, dan Leah Sarnoff. “Death toll climbs to 40 after high-speed train collision in Spain”. ABC News. 20 Januari 2026. https://abcnews.go.com/International/21-killed-100-injured-after-high-speed-train/story?id=129335730.
“Israel Bombardir Negara Arab Lagi, 2 Orang Tewas”. CNN Indonesia. 22 Januari 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260122153932-120-1319822/israel-bombardir-negara-arab-lagi-2-orang-tewas.
Jordan, Dearbail, dan Patrick Jackson. “Peace talks on Russia-Ukraine war end as fighting rages”. BBC News. 25 Januari 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyr6p30054o.
Luc. “Resmi! AS Angkat Kaki dari WHO, Dunia Kesehatan Terguncang”. CNBC Indonesia. 23 Januari 2026. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20260123143446-4-704783/resmi-as-angkat-kaki-dari-who-dunia-kesehatan-terguncang.
Nugraha, Fajar. “Indonesia Bergabung dengan Dewan Perdamaian Gaza Bentukan Trump”. MetroTV News. 22 Januari 2026. https://www.metrotvnews.com/read/k8oCQnag-indonesia-bergabung-dengan-dewan-perdamaian-gaza-bentukan-trump.
“Prabowo Ajak Universitas Top Inggris Dirikan 10 Kampus di RI”. CNN Indonesia. 21 Januari 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260121094220-134-1319195/prabowo-ajak-universitas-top-inggris-dirikan-10-kampus-di-ri.