The Effectiveness of Depleted Uranium on Penetrating Ammunition and Its Impact on Environment: a Journal Review

Nuclear technology has significantly impacted the military, especially in weaponry. Depleted Uranium (DU), a byproduct of uranium purification rich in U-238 with low radiation levels, is notably used in ammunition due to its high density. This study investigates DU's effectiveness as ammunition material compared to tungsten-based alternatives. U.S. Army report on testing involved firing DU at a 150 mm steel plate, demonstrating DU's superior penetration capabilities, with an impulse pressure of 4.6 GPa, unlike tungsten, which tended to ricochet. Despite DU's effectiveness, its use is controversial due to its radioactive properties, though less potent than natural uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no harmful radioactive activity in DU usage areas, suggesting minimal environmental impact. However, the chemical toxicity of DU poses significant health risks, especially when fragments are inhaled or ingested

Defense Logistics Management in Border Areas

This article thoroughly investigates the optimization of defense logistics management within national border areas, with a distinct focus on integrating a "soft power" approach. Border regions are inherently complex, characterized by extreme geographical conditions, challenging accessibility, and intricate socio-cultural dynamics, all of which demand the implementation of highly adaptive, efficient, and strategically nuanced logistics systems. Beyond its traditional function of facilitating the movement of goods and operational support, defense logistics is presented as a crucial mechanism for cultivating trust, actively supporting community well-being, and significantly enhancing regional stability. This qualitative research, conducted through an extensive literature review and descriptive-analytical analysis, meticulously analyzes various facets of logistics support systems—ranging from planning and procurement to efficient storage and diverse transportation methods—and examines various logistics distribution models, emphasizing the indispensable role of active local community involvement and robust cross-sectoral collaboration. The key findings unequivocally demonstrate that effective and strategically applied defense logistics is not merely foundational for robust military operations but also functions as a powerful catalyst for fostering positive civil-military relations, ultimately contributing to sustainable development, enhanced security, and enduring stability in these critical border regions

Oryza sativa cv. Inpago 10 Shows Significant Drought Tolerance Differences Based on Relative Water Content (RWC) for National Food Sovereignty

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a key staple crop in Indonesia. This study focuses on using Relative Water Content (RWC) in Oryza sativa cv. Inpago 10 to deepen the understanding of drought tolerance and contribute data that supports national food sovereignty. The RWC measurement involves weighing fresh leaf samples, soaking them in distilled water for 24 hours, re-weighing them to obtain turgid weight, drying them at 60°C for 24 hours, and then measuring their dry weight. The RWC is calculated using a specific formula. The experimental design follows a Randomized Complete Block Design, with Inpago 10 subjected to drought stress and Inpago 5 serving as the control. Results show that Inpago 10 retains water more effectively during drought stress compared to Inpago 5. This research advances understanding of drought tolerance and could facilitate the development of more resilient rice varieties, thereby strengthening national food sovereignty

Politics in the Russia-Ukraine War (2022-2024)

The Russia-Ukraine War (2022) is a conflict that can be explained in terms of state behaviour (Russia) to defend itself from threats (NATO) by acting aggressively in accordance with Mearsheimer's theory of Offensive Realism. NATO's desire became the regional political context that drove the decision to invade Ukraine in 2022. The invasion had economic (and war) repercussions with international pressure with economic sanctions, but the war was sustained with capital and natural resources from its supporting coalition of powerful oligarchs and siloviki in Putin's circle and a national economic strategy to mitigate the economic sanctions. In addition to economics, the internal conflict within the military with the Wagner Coup was also an implication of the domestic military politics of the Russia-Ukraine War. Using a literature review, these three contexts are important to analyse the political, military and economic implications of the Russia-Ukraine War (2022).

China's Support for Indonesia's ASEAN Our Eyes Initiative in Countering Cyberterrorism in Southeast Asia

The ASEAN Our Eyes Initiative (OEI) was established as a regional intelligence-sharing platform in response to the growing threat of cyberterrorism in Southeast Asia. As the initiator, Indonesia has demonstrated regional leadership in promoting collective security based on ASEAN’s core principles of identity, nationalism, and strategic integrity. China’s increasing involvement in OEI-related activities introduces a complex strategic dynamic. On one hand, China’s technological support and intelligence-sharing capabilities have the potential to enhance ASEAN’s cyber defense. On the other hand, dependence on external actors may undermine ASEAN’s strategic autonomy and weaken its leadership in regional security affairs. This study offers a novel contribution by critically examining the ambivalent role of China in the OEI, an aspect that remains underexplored in current defense literature. Using a qualitative approach through a structured literature review, this research analyzes academic publications, official defense policies, and intelligence-related reports to evaluate both the benefits and risks of China’s participation. The findings indicate that while China’s involvement can significantly enhance ASEAN’s operational capacity in addressing cyberterrorism, it also carries the potential to shift the regional balance of power, thereby threatening ASEAN’s identity and independence as a security actor. This leads to clear policy implications in which ASEAN, particularly Indonesia, must establish transparent and rules-based cooperation frameworks to define the boundaries of external engagement. Strengthening intra-ASEAN collaboration and investing in domestic cyber defense capabilities are essential to safeguarding the sustainability of OEI. By maintaining a careful balance between external support and regional sovereignty, OEI can continue to serve as a credible, ASEAN-driven security mechanism. This study recommends enhancing joint oversight mechanisms, legal safeguards, and internal resilience to ensure that the initiative remains rooted in the region’s foundational values of unity, autonomy, and collective integrity

The Effect of Training, Work Environment, Esprit de Corps, and Competence on Combat Readiness

Personnel combat readiness is the main focus of the Indonesian Air Force units in carrying out their main tasks. Air Squadron 15 (Iswahjudi Air Force Base) is one of the Indonesian Air Force units that is expected to have maximum personnel combat readiness, but in reality, the combat readiness of personnel in this unit is not yet optimal. Personnel combat readiness can be influenced by various factors. This study used a quantitative method with a sample size of 59 people, and data analysis was carried out using path analysis techniques. The results of the study showed that training has a direct positive effect on combat readiness, the work environment had a direct positive effect on combat readiness, and environmental factors had a direct positive effect on combat readiness. Esprit de corps had a direct positive effect on combat readiness, and competence had a direct positive effect on combat readiness. Furthermore, training had a direct positive effect on competence, the work environment had a direct positive effect on competence, esprit de corps had a direct positive effect on competence, and training had a direct positive effect on esprit de corps. It is recommended that Air Squadron 15 improve the combat readiness of personnel by increasing and improving the training process, work environment, esprit de corps, and personnel competence. In addition, further research is needed on the combat readiness of personnel by considering other relevant aspects. It is recommended that the Indonesian Air Force leaders in air units increase the combat readiness of their personnel by adding/improving the variables that influence it

Comparative Study of Chlorophyll A on Several Rice Genotypes for Food Resilience Against Drought Stress

Drought stress is a major challenge in agriculture, especially in rainfed rice, which can reduce rice productivity and affect food security. This study analysed chlorophyll A levels in Inpago rice genotypes to evaluate their tolerance to drought stress. The genotypes tested included Inpago 1, Inpago 7 and Inpago 5. Chlorophyll A levels were measured using a spectrophotometer. The results showed variation in chlorophyll A levels, with Inpago 5 having the highest levels (2.73 mg/g), indicating better tolerance to drought stress. High chlorophyll A levels are associated with photosynthetic efficiency, so plants are better able to survive in dry conditions. This finding supports the importance of selecting resilient rice varieties for future food security. Genotypes with higher chlorophyll A levels, such as Inpago 5, should be prioritised in breeding programmes to improve the resilience of rice to climate change and water stress

The Urgency of the Indigenous Peoples Bill: Developing a Legal Framework for the Protection of Environmental Activists in Indonesia

Environmental activists and indigenous communities in Indonesia face significant challenges, including criminalization and repression, due to inadequate legal protections. This issue is intensified by a legal framework that does not safeguard their rights, fostering a culture of fear surrounding environmental activism. High-profile cases, such as those of Daniel Frits Tangkilisan and Jasmin, highlight the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards. This research aims to underscore the necessity of ratifying the Indigenous Peoples Bill to protect the human rights of environmental activists and indigenous communities. The study will demonstrate how this legal framework can promote equitable protection and environmental sustainability, thereby ensuring justice in law enforcement. The analysis is limited to selected cases that illustrate broader systemic issues and does not encompass all forms of repression faced by activists and indigenous peoples. Findings reveal a pattern of legal intimidation and criminalization against activists opposing environmentally harmful practices. Notable cases show how accusations of defamation and subversion are used to silence dissent. The lack of a protective legal framework allows industrial interests to override human rights. Ratifying the Indigenous Peoples Bill could transform environmental justice in Indonesia by empowering indigenous communities and activists, enabling more inclusive decision-making regarding resource use and conservation.  This research identifies a gap in legal protections for environmental defenders in Indonesia, emphasizing the need for legislation that recognizes indigenous rights. The novelty lies in connecting specific repression cases to the absence of comprehensive legal safeguards, advocating for the Indigenous Peoples Bill as crucial for enhancing human rights and environmental justice.The ratification of the Indigenous Peoples Bill is essential not only legally but also as a critical step toward safeguarding human rights and promoting environmental sustainability in Indonesia. Establishing a clear legal framework could mitigate conflicts between communities and industries and protect those who oppose environmental degradation

Comparison of Lignin Degradation in Empty Oil Palm Bunches Biomass with Alkaline Pretreatment

Lignocellulose is an abundant polysaccharide component in nature and consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Lignin degradation is a key step in the processing of lignocellulosic biomass from empty oil palm fruit bunches to produce bioenergy and valuable chemicals. Alkaline pretreatment method has become an effective approach in lignin degradation. This study aims to compare alkaline pretreatment with other methods in terms of lignin degradation efficiency. The initial treatment was carried out by cooking using a bench scale reactor at a temperature of 150 oC for 30 minutes. Characteristics before and after alkaline pretreatment were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The research results showed the lowest lignin content was 7.71% with alkali pretreatment using a reactor

Borderlines and Beyond: Strengthening Indonesia’s Land Borders Through Global Insights

Managing border areas shows how serious a country is in maintaining and regulating its territorial boundaries. One sign is the existence of a clear and comprehensive rule of law as a guideline for such management. This research analyzes Indonesia's land border management policy by comparing it to global best practices to formulate a more effective and sustainable strategy. A qualitative approach was taken to examine border management policies in various countries as lessons for Indonesia, by analyzing legal, social, and economic aspects through literature studies. Indonesia's border management shows strengths in law, security and diplomacy, but still faces challenges such as a lack of technological infrastructure. For example, Germany and Poland settled historical claims through bilateral resolutions, while Latvia and Russia opted for international arbitration to resolve border disputes. In mountainous regions such as the Alps (bordering France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria) and the Pyrenees Mountains (France-Spain), countries are implementing aerial surveillance using drones to overcome geographical limitations. Countries like Poland, for example, have successfully tackled the hard-to-reach border in the Białowieża Forest by implementing AI-based smart fences. Indonesia can replicate this approach through digital transformation and the development of technology-based surveillance systems. The implementation of systems such as biometrics and One Post Border System (OPBS) can also speed up the inspection process and strengthen coordination between countrie