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Culture & History2026.01.09Colonized by Japan
This petition is drafted as an effort to raise awareness and to document the historical record of Japanese colonial rule in Korea and the Japanese occupation of Indonesia during the Second World War. Japanese expansion constitutes a significant chapter in modern Asian history, leaving profound impacts on societies across East and Southeast Asia. Korea and Indonesia, although situated in different geographical and temporal contexts, both endured suffering as a result of Japanese military expansion, which deeply affected the social, economic, and humanitarian conditions of local populations. Korea was under Japanese colonial rule for thirty-five years, from its formal annexation in 1910 until the end of the Second World War in 1945. During this period, Japan implemented a comprehensive colonial system that penetrated nearly all aspects of life, including the loss of sovereignty, restrictions on the use of the Korean language and culture, the exploitation of labor and natural resources, and the forced mobilization of the population for wartime purposes. These policies had long-lasting effects on Korea’s social structure and national identity. Indonesia experienced Japanese occupation for a much shorter period, approximately three years between 1942 and 1945, following the defeat of the Dutch colonial administration in Southeast Asia. This occupation was militaristic and exploitative in nature, characterized by forced labor known as romusha, the confiscation of agricultural production, food shortages, famine, and various forms of violence against civilians. Despite its brief duration, the occupation had severe consequences and left deep trauma within Indonesian society. The experiences of Japanese rule in Korea and Indonesia demonstrate that suffering caused by colonialism and war cannot be simplistically equated, as each region was shaped by distinct contexts, policies, and consequences. Nevertheless, both societies occupied a similar position as territories subjected to the authority of the Japanese Empire and endured structural oppression during this period. Understanding this history accurately requires a careful, evidence-based approach that respects the specific contexts and lived experiences of affected communities. This petition seeks to emphasize the importance of an honest and proportional understanding of the history of Japanese rule in Korea and Indonesia, while encouraging the view that history should be studied as a source of knowledge and reflection rather than as a tool for oversimplification or conflict. By preserving historical memory in an objective and contextual manner, the experiences of the past can serve as meaningful lessons for present and future generations.nana
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Culture & History2026.01.08Protect Asian Martial Arts
As an Indonesian youth coming from a country rich in intangible cultural heritage, I deeply relate to the importance of preserving traditional martial arts that carry history, philosophy, and identity beyond physical movement. Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art recognized by UNESCO, represents not only a form of self-defense but also a cultural expression rooted in harmony, respect, and balance. Similarly, Indonesia’s Pencak Silat embodies spiritual values, community identity, and centuries of cultural wisdom. Yet in today’s globalized world, traditional martial arts like Taekkyeon and Pencak Silat are increasingly overshadowed by modern combat sports and commercialized martial arts that dominate global media and international competitions. The growing focus on standardized sports such as those featured in the Olympics has unintentionally marginalized traditional martial arts that do not fit competitive frameworks but play a crucial role in cultural preservation. Taekkyeon and Pencak Silat were never meant to be reduced solely to medals or rankings; they are living traditions that transmit values, ethics, and cultural memory across generations. When these arts are treated merely as sports or excluded from global platforms, the world loses an opportunity to understand the depth and diversity of human cultural expression. Through this petition, I call on international cultural institutions, UNESCO, and global educational organizations to promote greater awareness of traditional martial arts as intangible cultural heritage rather than evaluating them only through the lens of modern sports. This includes expanding educational programs, supporting cross-cultural exchanges between countries such as Korea and Indonesia, and creating global platforms where Taekkyeon and Pencak Silat can be introduced as cultural practices that reflect identity, philosophy, and history. Preserving Taekkyeon and Pencak Silat is not about resisting modernity, but about ensuring that globalization does not erase cultural diversity. By valuing traditional martial arts as living heritage, the international community can foster mutual respect, cultural understanding, and a more inclusive appreciation of world cultures. Protecting these traditions today means safeguarding the cultural legacy that future generations deserve to inherit.nana
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Health & Well-being2026.01.07Korean Workplace Mental Health
South Korea is one of the countries with the highest suicide rates in the world. On a global scale, South Korea ranks among the countries where people report the lowest levels of life satisfaction. With an average score of 6.06 between 2021 and 2023, the country ranked 33rd out of 38 member states of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). In 2023, the suicide rate increased by 2.1 points, reaching 27.3 cases per 100,000 people. One of the major contributing factors to suicide in South Korea is work-related pressure. Unhealthy working environments, such as excessive working hours, extreme hierarchical pressure, intense competition, and strong stigma surrounding mental health, have left many workers feeling trapped, unheard, and without a safe space to express their struggles. Suicide prevention should not be placed solely on individuals. It requires systemic support, humane working environments, and access to safe, confidential, and non judgmental emotional support to build a truly supportive and healthy society. Therefore, this petition calls for the involvement of Befrienders Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to suicide prevention and emotional support. Befrienders Worldwide brings extensive international experience in: 1. Providing safe spaces for individuals experiencing mental health crises 2. Reducing emotional isolation through empathy based support services 3. Helping communities and institutions understand the importance of mental health In addition, we urge the South Korean government to strengthen mental health policies in the workplace. Companies and institutions must also take responsibility by creating work environments that are humane, transparent, and supportive of employees’ mental well being. Every individual has the right to a safe, dignified workplace that supports mental health. By referring to and collaborating with organizations such as Befrienders Worldwide, we hope concrete actions can be taken to prevent further loss of life and to build a more humane and compassionate future of work.nana
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Culture & History2026.01.06K-drama as Cultural Diplomacy
In recent years, Korean dramas have become a global phenomenon, especially in Indonesia. The growing number of Korean drama fans reflects the strengthening of Korean cultural identity on an international scale. The popularity of Kdramas is not limited to entertainment alone, they also function as an effective medium for introducing Korean culture to global audiences. Through these dramas, Indonesian society has become increasingly familiar with various aspects of Korean culture, including the language, traditions, food, lifestyle, work culture, education system, and social values. This exposure has helped deepen cultural understanding and curiosity, making Korean cultural elements more widely recognized and appreciated among Indonesian viewers. This cultural phenomenon also highlights how Korean dramas serve as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and contribute to strengthening cooperation between countries. The global influence of K-dramas opens up many opportunities in different sectors, such as education through student exchange programs and academic cooperation, the creative and film industries, tourism development, and the growth of the creative economy. In fact, according to reports by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jasa Internet Indonesia, APJII), the combined number of Indonesian subscribers to streaming platforms such as Viu and Netflix, where many people watch Korean dramas, reached around 15 million in 2024. This indicates that a significant portion of Indonesia’s population is actively engaging with Korean content through modern digital platforms, further reinforcing the role of streaming services in cultural diffusion. However, to maximize these opportunities, support from the government is essential in encouraging balanced and sustainable cultural collaboration. Cultural exchange should not be limited to one way cultural consumption but should also promote mutual understanding and cooperation between countries. International organizations, global cultural institutions, and various cross border stakeholders can play an important role in facilitating cultural partnerships, joint productions, student exchange programs, and community based collaborations. With support from these global actors, the influence of Korean dramas can become a bridge for deeper intercultural dialogue, strengthening relationships between Indonesia, South Korea, and other countries in a more inclusive, collaborative, and reciprocal way.nana
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Health & Well-being2026.01.05Support Healthy Lifestyles
Junk food is one of the most popular types of food in Indonesia. According to data from Databooks, the most favored junk food among Indonesians is fried food. A survey conducted by Litbang Kompas shows that 45.7% of Indonesian people enjoy consuming fried foods. In addition, 43.1% of the population frequently consumes instant noodles. Furthermore, 21.7% of Indonesians prefer junk food such as bread, burgers, and pizza, while 19.6% of respondents stated that they enjoy frozen food. Although these foods are widely consumed, they are not healthy if eaten on a daily basis. On the other hand, recent data shows that DKI Jakarta, as the capital city of Indonesia, has the highest life expectancy in the country, reaching 75.81 years. However, when compared to developed countries such as South Korea, which has a life expectancy of up to 90 years, there is still a significant gap. One of the contributing factors to this issue is unhealthy eating patterns that rely heavily on fried and processed foods. To promote a healthier lifestyle in Indonesia, it is important to encourage people to reduce the consumption of fried foods and replace them with healthier cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, or grilling. Increasing daily intake of fruits and vegetables should also become a habit, as they provide essential nutrients needed by the body. In addition, limiting instant and highly processed foods and choosing fresh, home-cooked meals can significantly improve overall health. Drinking enough water and reducing the consumption of sugary beverages are also simple yet effective steps. Public education, especially for young people, about balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits must be strengthened. Furthermore, promoting traditional Indonesian foods prepared in healthier ways can help maintain cultural identity while improving nutritional quality. In conclusion, adopting a healthy lifestyle is not only an individual responsibility but also a collective effort to ensure a better future for Indonesia. By reducing excessive junk food consumption and increasing awareness of healthy eating habits, Indonesians can improve their quality of life and potentially increase national life expectancy. Through this petition, we urge relevant stakeholders to take action in promoting healthier life.nana
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Environment & Climate2025.12.31Protect Indonesia's Forests
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers of spices, ranking fourth globally. Its natural wealth, including vast tropical forests, serves as a source of natural spices and supports the lives of humans as well as other living beings. Known for centuries, Indonesia’s forests have played a crucial role in maintaining global environmental balance. Furthermore, Indonesia is home to one of the largest tropical forest areas in the world, after Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a country with extensive tropical forests, Indonesia holds a significant responsibility in preserving global climate stability and environmental sustainability. Indonesian forests function as carbon sinks, climate regulators, and protectors of biodiversity, all of which have direct impacts beyond national borders. However, Indonesia continues to face serious challenges such as deforestation and the exploitation of natural resources, including illegal burning, land clearing for palm oil plantations, and recurring forest fires. These activities have significantly reduced forest coverage, with government data showing the loss of millions of hectares each year. Such forest destruction leads to the loss of valuable natural resources, including spices and medicinal plants, and further worsens the global climate crisis by increasing the risk of natural disasters. Therefore, to protect Indonesia’s forests as part of the world’s natural heritage, strong conservation efforts and effective policy implementation are urgently needed. Through cooperation between the government and society, Indonesia’s forests can be preserved and enjoyed by everyone both present and future generations, locally and globally.nana
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Human Rights & Social Justice2025.12.31Build Cultural Inclusivity
In the current era of globalization, South Korea has become one of the countries that actively engages in strong international cooperation. Korea is heavily involved in export and import activities, and its entertainment industry such as Kpop and Kdramas has gained global recognition. Through these influences, many foreigners are interested in visiting South Korea and choose it as a destination for traveling, studying, or working. Moreover, the South Korean government offers various scholarships for international students to study in the country for free, one of which is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). However, behind these positive developments, not all local Koreans are welcoming toward foreigners. This attitude is especially evident among the older generation and in rural areas, where there is often a lack of respect toward people from different backgrounds. Many foreigners report experiencing unfair treatment, social exclusion, and even discrimination in campus environments, workplaces, and public spaces. Such situations reflect a lack of commitment to upholding equality and human rights. This can negatively impact the mental and physical well being of foreigners, as well as their sense of safety while living in South Korea. This issue is also discussed in the journal article “Migrant Racialization in South Korea: Class and Nationality as the Central Narrative.” The article explains that foreigners in South Korea are often judged based on the economic status of their home countries. One example mentioned in the article involves Vietnamese nationals: when they tell locals that they are from Vietnam, they are often immediately perceived as poor. Such perceptions can create serious concerns for foreigners who wish to visit, study, or work in South Korea. Furthermore, the presence of xenophobia defined as fear or hatred toward people from other countries intensifies the challenges faced by foreign residents. Through this discussion, we call on the South Korean government, educational institutions, companies, and public service sectors to take concrete actions to ensure equal treatment for foreign nationals. These actions may include implementing strong anti discrimination policies, providing cultural education especially for children and establishing safe and accessible reporting systems for victims of discrimination. The implementation of anti discrimination measures can help create a positive environment and a safe space for everyone, regardless of their national or cultural background.nana
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