Mid-September 2025 was marked by a series of global events, including fluctuations in political dynamics, natural disasters, and international sporting achievements.
In South Asia, Nepal was hit by political turmoil following massive protests against the ban on the use of social media and alleged corruption cases on Monday (8/9). The demonstrations, led by the younger generation, resulted in clashes with security forces and left at least 19 people dead. The wave of protests forced Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli to resign a day after the unrest.
Meanwhile, natural disasters once again underscored the impacts of extreme climate change. In Bali, major flooding since Wednesday (10/9) claimed 14 lives, with two people still missing. Siswanto, a climate researcher at the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (MBKG), cited the activation of the Equatorial Rossby Wave as the trigger. On the same day, New South Wales, Australia, was struck by heavy rain accompanied by two tornadoes that crippled several public facilities, including light rail lines.
Geopolitical tensions also escalated in the Middle East after the Israeli military launched an airstrike on Doha, Qatar, targeting members of the Hamas leadership, including Khalil al-Hayya and other senior officials of the group. This attack marks a significant escalation in the Israeli conflict in the Middle East, as Qatar is a principal mediator in efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.
In the United States, President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies again drew attention. U.S. immigration authorities arrested 475 individuals in a raid at the Hyundai–LG battery plant in Georgia, the largest operation conducted at a single factory site. The South Korean government confirmed that more than 300 of its citizens were among those detained, while LG Energy Solution stated that 47 of its employees were also taken into custody, including one Indonesian national.
From Latin America, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison by the Brazilian Supreme Court on Thursday (11/9). Bolsonaro was found guilty of involvement in an attempted coup against the president-elect, Lula Inacio da Silva, during the 2022 presidential election. In addition to planning the coup, Bolsonaro was charged with participation in a criminal organization, attempts to dismantle democracy, and damaging government property as well as protected cultural assets.
A positive highlight emerged from the world of sports as Indonesian tennis player Janice Tjen made history by reaching the final of the 2025 São Paulo Open (WTA 250), although she ultimately lost in straight sets, 3–6, 4–6, to French player Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah on Sunday (14/9). Tjen had previously drawn public attention after eliminating the world’s 24th seed, Veronika Kudermetova, in the first round of the 2025 US Open.
From Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to be the third speaker at the United Nations General Assembly on 23 September, following Brazil and the United States. Prabowo’s presence at this global forum will place Indonesia in the spotlight of international diplomacyl.
Source:
“Brasil Vonis Eks Presiden Bolsonato 27 Tahun Bui soal Plot Kudeta Lula.” CNN Indonesia. 12 September 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20250912142749-134-1272986/brasil-vonis-eks-presiden-bolsonaro-27-tahun-bui-soal-plot-kudeta-lula.
“Mengapa Bali Bisa Diterjang Banjir Besar?” Kompas. 12 September 2025. https://www.kompas.id/artikel/mengapa-bali-bisa-diterjang-banjir-besar.
“Prabowo Bakal Pidato Ketiga setelah Trump di Sidang PBB, Ini Alasannya.” CNN Indonesia. 11 September 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20250911175514-106-1272705/prabowo-bakal-pidato-ketiga-setelah-trump-di-sidang-pbb-ini-alasannya.
“Total 300 Pekerja Korsel Ditangkap dalam Razia Pabrik Baterai Hyundai.” CNN Indonesia. 7 September 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20250907031940-134-1270804/total-300-pekerja-korsel-ditangkap-dalam-razia-pabrik-baterai-hyundai.
“Update Terkini Chaos Nepal: Pemerintahan Kolaps, Militer Kuasai Negeri.” CNBC Indonesia. 10 September 2025. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250910174948-4-665909/update-terkini-chaos-nepal-pemerintahan-kolaps-militer-kuasai-negeri.
Planasari, Sita. “Israel Serang Petinggi Hamas di Doha Qatar.” Tempo. 9 September 2025. https://www.tempo.co/internasional/israel-serang-petinggi-hamas-di-doha-qatar-2068162.
Reliubun, Ihsan. “Janice Tjen Kalah di Final Turnamen WTA Sao Paulo Brasil.” Tempo. 15 September 2025. https://www.tempo.co/olahraga/janice-tjen-kalah-di-final-turnamen-wta-sao-paulo-brasil-2069788.
Stock, Petra. “Wild weather brings flash floods in Sydney and at least two tornados reported in regional NSW.” The Guardian. 11 September 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/11/australia-weather-warnings-nsw-tornado-sydney-flash-flooding-rain.