Muslim Population in India May Match Indonesia's After Census: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated on Saturday, May 9, 2026, that the Muslim population in India is projected to reach nearly the same level as Indonesia’s following the upcoming Census. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Rijiju emphasized that the data from the Census, which has been delayed since the last decennial count in 2011, would reveal this demographic shift. He noted that the population growth since 2011, combined with the skipped 2021 census, would lead to significant changes in the country’s religious demographics. Rijiju highlighted that while the exact figures remain pending, the trend suggests the Muslim community’s numbers could align with Indonesia’s, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. He reiterated that all communities, regardless of religion, are integral to India’s identity, stating, “Whatever the numbers of whichever community are, all are Indians.” This remark was framed as a response to concerns about minority representation and security. The minister also addressed the declining population of the Parsi community, a small but historically significant minority in India. He reported that their numbers currently range between 52,000 and 55,000, calling them the smallest minority group in the country. Rijiju stated that the government is actively working to protect the Parsi population and prevent further demographic decline, underscoring the state’s commitment to preserving cultural and religious diversity. In addition to demographic discussions, Rijiju dismissed claims that minorities in India face systemic threats, attributing such narratives to political groups seeking to stoke fear among Muslim and Christian communities.#mumbai #india #kiren_rijiju #indonesia #union_minister
Coal India faces heat from renewables despite near-term pricing uptick Coal India Ltd’s shares surged to a new 52-week high of ₹467.90 on the National Stock Exchange on Thursday, rising over 4% despite the Nifty 50 index falling 0.5% during the same period. The rally was attributed to expectations of higher prices at the company’s e-auctions, driven by rising global coal prices linked to the West Asia conflict and Indonesia’s production cuts. These factors are projected to boost Coal India’s e-auction premiums and increase its offtake volumes. However, the company faces mounting pressure from the growing renewable energy sector. While global coal prices have climbed, domestic import volumes are expected to decline, which could strain Coal India’s market position. Analysts note that the company’s sales volume has dropped for two consecutive years, creating a mismatch between its stock performance and underlying business challenges. The Bloomberg report highlights that higher global coal prices could reduce reliance on imports, potentially benefiting Coal India’s e-auction revenues. Yet, the decline in sales volume underscores structural issues in the company’s operations. Despite the stock’s recent gains, the broader economic context—such as slowing growth and mixed inflation signals—remains a concern for investors. The surge in Coal India’s shares also reflects investor optimism about its ability to capitalize on short-term price increases. However, long-term sustainability will depend on its capacity to adapt to shifting energy markets and address declining sales volumes. As the company navigates this transition, the balance between traditional coal demand and renewable energy adoption will shape its future prospects.#nifty_50 #indonesia #west_asia_conflict #coal_india_ltd #e_auctions
Indonesia to restrict social media access for children under 16, minister says Indonesia’s communications and digital ministry announced on Friday that it will restrict access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16, marking the latest effort by a country to implement online safeguards against risks such as addiction and cyberbullying. The measure, set to take effect starting March 28, will involve the gradual deactivation of accounts owned by minors on “high risk platforms,” including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Roblox. The decision follows similar actions by other nations, including Australia, which banned social media access for users under 16 in December 2025, and Spain, which announced in January 2026 that it would impose similar restrictions. Indonesia’s neighbor, Malaysia, also announced in November 2025 that it would ban social media for minors under 16 beginning in 2026. Meutya, the head of Indonesia’s communications and digital ministry, emphasized that the process would be gradual, allowing platforms time to comply with the new requirements. She acknowledged potential challenges, noting that children and parents may initially face confusion or discomfort. “Our children are facing risks, from porn, cyberbullying, online fraud to most importantly, addiction,” she said, adding that Indonesia will be the first non-Western country to enforce such restrictions. The ministry did not immediately disclose the full details of the regulation or specify the exact steps platforms must take to meet the requirements. Representatives from TikTok, Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram), and Roblox have not yet responded to requests for comment. Internet penetration in Indonesia, a country with a population of approximately 280 million, reached 79.#tiktok #indonesia #communications_and_digital_ministry #meutya #meta
Indonesia to ban social media and other online platforms for under 16s The Indonesian government announced plans to ban social media platforms and other online services for users under the age of 16, starting on 28 March. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid revealed that accounts for minors on high-risk platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox will be deactivated. Hafid emphasized that this move would make Indonesia the first non-Western country to delay children’s access to digital spaces based on age. The minister highlighted concerns about the risks children face online, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction. She stated that the government is intervening to reduce the burden on parents, who often struggle to monitor their children’s digital activities. Hafid argued that the ban aims to protect children from the “giants of algorithm-driven platforms” and ensure their safety in the digital world. Unicef reported in 2023 that approximately half of the 510 Indonesian children surveyed had encountered sexual content on social media. Parents like Amanda Kusumo, a 42-year-old working mother with a teenage son, welcomed the policy. She noted that government regulations provide relief for parents who lack the time to constantly supervise their children’s online behavior. Amanda expressed confidence that the ban would bring long-term benefits for both children and families. However, some young people, like Amanda’s 17-year-old son, Matt Joseph, expressed mixed opinions. While acknowledging the challenges of managing screen time, Matt argued that a complete ban on “risky” platforms might not be the most effective solution.#facebook #tiktok #youtube #indonesia #meutya_hafid
