Gibran Rakabuming, the Mayor of Solo, continues his official duties without taking campaign leave, focusing on projects like Solo Safari and preparations for the U17 World Cup semifinals and finals. Despite the official campaign period starting, he opts to work and attend the U17 World Cup semifinals. Solo City Government spokesperson Herwin Nugroho clarifies that campaign leave regulations have changed, allowing flexibility according to needs. The new regulation, Government Regulation No. 53 of 2023, adds provisions for ministers and equivalent officials running for President or Vice President to obtain leave approval from the President.

The U17 World Cup in Indonesia is showcasing young football talents, known as 'wonderkids', from 24 participating countries. Players like Marc Guiu from Barcelona, Paul Brunner from Germany, and Ethan Nwaneri from England are showing promise. Guiu has been influential for Spain's U17 team, scoring in their matches. Indonesia's PSSI chairman Erick Thohir highlighted diaspora players Weiberlieskott De Halim Jardim and Amar Brkic, as well as Arkhan Kaka from Solo, who has scored for Indonesia. The U17 World Cup has historically produced world-class players, and the current tournament continues to be a platform for young talents to be scouted by senior leagues and foreign clubs.

Diabetes is among the top five causes of death globally, and the situation in Indonesia is similar. Excessive consumption of sugar, oil, and salt is a primary cause of diabetes cases in the country. One in five Indonesians is pre-diabetic. The Ministry of Health's Regulation No. 30 of 2013 states the daily sugar intake limit is 10% of the total energy of 200 kilocalories, equivalent to four tablespoons or 50 grams per person. In 2019, diabetes was the fourth leading cause of death in Indonesia. The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) advises against frequent consumption of sweetened drinks, which has increased due to extreme hot weather. Child health experts from the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) highlight the high sugar content in packaged foods and drinks consumed by children, often available in school canteens. Professor Aman Pulungan supports the imposition of excise on sweet drinks to prevent addiction, especially in children. The Endocrinology Association of Indonesia (Perkeni) notes a shift in diabetes patients to those under 40 years of age, emphasizing the need for early preventive measures.

Two thousand people, including Abu Bakar Ba'asyir of Al Mukmin Ngruki, demonstrated in Solo, Indonesia, waving Indonesian and Palestinian flags and calling for the Indonesian government to take a firm stance against Israel amidst the conflict with Hamas. The demonstration outlined four positions, including condemning Israel's actions and supporting Palestinian independence. A similar but smaller demonstration occurred in Jakarta, coordinated by Majelis Ta’lim Ratibul Haddad, which also condemned Israel's attacks and criticized American support for Israel.

Indonesia's U23 national soccer team has qualified for the final round of the AFC U23 Cup in Qatar 2024 after defeating Turkmenistan and China-Taipei in the qualifying round. President Joko Widodo, who attended the matches at Manahan Stadium in Solo, joined the spectators in celebration.

An art exhibition featuring a giant pink reclining balloon doll by American contemporary artist Brian Donelly, known as KAWS, is attracting tourists at the Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO cultural heritage site. The exhibition, part of KAWS: Holiday world tour, has become a viral sensation on social media, drawing crowds of young people eager to capture the moment with photos and videos. The unique and unprecedented size and color of the artwork have garnered significant attention, with visitors, including international tourists like Daniella from Spain, taking the opportunity to photograph with the installation.

Indonesia's U17 national soccer team is undergoing preparations for the upcoming U17 World Cup, with hard work being put into forming the team and recruiting players from the Indonesian diaspora worldwide. The team has faced high-level competition in recent matches against youth teams from Barcelona and Kashima Antlers, which has been a learning experience. The PSSI is conducting selections across 12 regions in Indonesia and has also opened opportunities for Indonesian diaspora players to join the national team after strict selection processes. Currently, four diaspora players are still in training camp, while four others have been sent back. The team will train in Germany ahead of the World Cup in November, and Frank Wormuth has been appointed as a consultant coach to improve the team's quality and strategy.

World Breastfeeding Week, supported by WHO, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Health, highlights the challenges working mothers face in providing exclusive breastfeeding, with half a billion women workers lacking adequate legal support, including in Indonesia. Larasati, a journalist and mother, recounts her struggles to balance work and breastfeeding, ultimately succeeding in providing exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continuing for two years. The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for reducing the risk of malnutrition and chronic diseases. The UN reports that only 20% of countries mandate employer-provided maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities, resulting in less than half of infants under six months receiving exclusive breastfeeding. In Indonesia, government regulations require up to three months of maternity leave for pregnant workers.

Densus 88 Anti Teror Mabes Polri arrested five ISIS network members in Solo Raya, Central Java. The leader of this group is suspected to be a disciple of terrorist mastermind Dr. Azahari and is believed to possess bomb-making skills.

Fishermen in the North Natuna Sea are increasingly marginalized due to frequent illegal fishing by foreign vessels, particularly from Vietnam. Hendri, the head of the Natuna Fishermen's Alliance, highlighted the issue during an online discussion with the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI), which uses technology to monitor these activities. The IOJI spokesperson, Imam Prakoso, emphasized the need for improved regulations and detection capabilities. The Indonesian Navy has been actively patrolling the area, with Commander Arsyad Abdullah reporting the capture of six Vietnamese vessels in 2022. Legal scholar Arie Afriansyah suggested that diplomatic notes are insufficient and recommended stronger action against foreign vessels hindering local fishermen. The Presidential Regulation No. 34 of 2022 outlines Indonesia's maritime policy action plan for 2021-2025, addressing resource management, security, law enforcement, and maritime diplomacy.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo is taking steps to ban the sale and consumption of dog meat in Solo, Indonesia, due to health concerns and the spread of rabies. Despite dog meat not being recognized as edible in Indonesia, it is consumed by a minority, leading to millions of dogs being killed annually. The virus causing rabies is mainly transmitted through dogs, posing a risk to those involved in the dog meat trade. Dog Meat Free Indonesia reports that thousands of dogs are slaughtered monthly in Solo, with most dogs coming from regions not declared rabies-free. The proposed ban faces challenges, as dog meat is a cheaper alternative to other meats and has been part of the local culture for generations. The mayor of Solo, Hadi Rudyatmo, acknowledges the difficulty of ending the trade and suggests a gradual approach to transition those in the dog meat trade to other sources of income.

On World Hearing Day, concerns are raised about the increasing risk of hearing loss among the young generation, not just the elderly. The Indonesian Ministry of Health notes the potential for hearing impairment due to the use of earphones, headsets, and earpods, especially post-pandemic as young people are more engaged with technology. WHO data estimates that 1 to 1.5 billion young people globally are at risk of hearing function decline due to exposure to noise from music and online games exceeding safe limits. Over 50% of young people aged 12-35 years listen to music or play games at volumes above the decibel limit, risking hearing loss. Additionally, about 5,200 babies in Indonesia are born with hearing disabilities annually, highlighting the need for government attention.

The wedding of President Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, to Erina Sofia Gudono, took place smoothly from December 9 to 11, featuring traditional Javanese attire and customs. The marriage ceremony was held in Yogyakarta, the bride's hometown, and followed by a reception in Solo, where Javanese traditions of Solo style were more prominent. President Jokowi emphasized the importance of preserving culture and tradition. The reception was held at Pura Mangkunegaran, a cultural heritage site, instead of the family's private venue, Graha Saba Buana, due to prior bookings. The wedding invited 6,000 guests and 13,000 volunteers, with free meals provided to attendees. In line with anti-corruption regulations, no monetary gifts or gratuities were accepted, with the family preferring blessings and floral arrangements instead.

A special home for children with HIV/AIDS, the first of its kind in Indonesia, was inaugurated in Solo. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Solo city government, and retail company Lottemart Indonesia, aims to provide a comfortable and safe environment for these children. The home, which can accommodate 20 individuals, currently houses 12 children with HIV/AIDS along with several companions or volunteers. The establishment of this home is seen as a pilot project that could serve as a model for other regions. Local authorities and the managing NGO, LSM Lentera, have expressed relief and pride in overcoming societal discrimination and providing a stable and strategic location for the children.

The Central Java government in Indonesia is distributing free staple foods and opening subsidized markets to prevent price hikes during Ramadan and Eid. Whitono, head of the Food Security Agency, aims to stabilize prices and prevent the circulation of expired or counterfeit food items. In Solo, people saved about 30% on groceries at these markets, with some receiving free staples through village coupons. Jakarta's governor, Ahok, warned Islamic groups against attacking entertainment venues during Ramadan, emphasizing that only police can enforce the law and urging respect for fasting Muslims.

Indonesia's Labor Affairs Minister Hanif Dhakiri has dismissed allegations that the Islamic State is recruiting Indonesian migrant workers. Despite pamphlets with Islamic State symbols being found among migrant workers in Hong Kong, and claims of Indonesian workers in the Middle East joining the group, Dhakiri emphasizes that migrant workers undergo a special placement process. Indonesia plans to revoke the citizenship of those who join the group, which is seen as contradicting the country's pluralist ideology, Pancasila.