Back with HI Sepekan, a roundup of seven international issues that took place over the past week. Throughout the week, international dynamics were marked by strengthened cooperation between countries, developments in conflict and security, as well as Indonesia’s achievements in international sporting events.
Relations between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates continue to be strengthened through cooperation in culture, education, knowledge, and humanitarian affairs. UAE Ambassador Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri stated that the UAE and Indonesia continue to strengthen their partnership in these areas. The statement was delivered during a cultural seminar held as part of the 2026 Indonesia International Book Fair, which also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On Sunday (4/10), in Europe, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting discussed bilateral relations as well as European and international issues, with a focus on strengthening Ukraine, defense, and European security. Merz also reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Meanwhile, bilateral cooperation also remained a focus in Southeast Asia. On Tuesday (29/9), during the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP), Crown Prince of Brunei Al Muhtadee Billah met with several Singaporean leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and global developments of mutual interest to both countries. The visit also resulted in cooperation in the maritime and port sectors.
In the Middle East, the Iran-backed Houthi group claimed to have attacked Aramco facilities in Riyadh with ballistic missiles and drones in retaliation for Saudi Arabia’s attacks in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the attack, while tensions between the two sides continue to escalate.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula also rose again after North Korea tested a strategic intermediate-range missile launched from the Wonsan area and flown approximately 700 kilometers. The test was overseen by Kim Jong Un and took place amid growing tensions with South Korea.
In another security development, more than 3,500 military personnel from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan participated in the “Power of Unity 2026” exercise in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The exercise involved simulations of drone attacks, cyberattacks, disinformation, and maritime operations.
On Thursday (1/10), Indonesia recorded an important achievement at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Archer Nurisa Dian Ashrifah won the gold medal in the women’s individual compound event. The achievement marked Indonesia’s fifth gold medal and the first gold medal contributed by archery in Indonesia’s history of participation in the Asian Games. As of Thursday (1/10), Indonesia ranked 13th with a total of 34 medals, consisting of five gold, eight silver, and 21 bronze medals.
Source:
“Asian Games 2026: Raih emas dari panahan, atlet Nurisa Dian Ashrifah torehkan sejarah untuk Indonesia”. BBC Indonesia. 24 September 2026. https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/ckge4wrjqrn7o.
Haryono, Willy. “Kanselir Jerman Friedrich Merz Mendadak Kunjungi Ukraina untuk Temui Zelensky”. Metro TV News. 4 Oktober 2026. https://www.metrotvnews.com/read/NG9CwYry-kanselir-jerman-friedrich-merz-mendadak-kunjungi-ukraina-untuk-temui-zelensky.
“North Korea fires ballistic missile after Seoul demands apology over border mine blasts”. Sky News. 3 Oktober 2026. https://news.sky.com/story/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-after-seoul-demands-apology-over-border-mine-blasts-13594567.
Rustamova, Saida. “Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan join forces in major military exercise”. Euro News. 3 Oktober 2026. https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/03/azerbaijan-turkey-and-uzbekistan-join-forces-in-major-military-exercise.
“UEA-Indonesia Perkuat Kemitraan untuk Perdamaian dan Masa Depan”. CNN Indonesia. 2 Oktober 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20261002115339-106-1410901/uea-indonesia-perkuat-kemitraan-untuk-perdamaian-dan-masa-depan.
“Yemen’s Houthis say they attacked Aramco facility in Riyadh with missiles, drones”. NBC NEWS. 4 oktober 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/fire-smoke-seen-aramco-facility-riyadh-rcna601278.
Yow, Daphne. “Brunei’s crown prince visits Singapore, leaders discuss deepening bilateral cooperation”.CNA. 29 September 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/brunei-crown-prince-singapore-visit-bilateral-relations-mou-6418531.