INDVESTIME

Green vibes only — and Batam’s leading the charge 🌱 Batam just got picked as Indonesia’s pilot city for green energy buildings, as part of a global program backed by the UN Environment & Global Environment Facility.

Goal? Simple: ➤ Cut carbon emissions ➤ Save energy in commercial & government buildings ➤ Be a model for other cities to follow

And no, it’s not just another plan on paper. It’s real. It’s funded. It’s happening.

✅ Part of Indonesia’s journey to Net Zero by 2060
✅ Led by the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources
✅ Batam’s showing how smart cities should look: clean, efficient, and future-ready

💬 Tag someone who still thinks Batam is just malls & duty-free shopping

Thailand, The Only ASEAN Country That Has Never Been Colonized

In Southeast Asia, the history of colonization by Europeans colored the journey of almost the entire country. England, Holland, France, and Spain once controlled various regions, leaving a long trail of colonialism. However, there is one country that managed to maintain its sovereignty throughout the colonial era: Thailand.

This success was thanks to the intelligent diplomacy of its kings, especially King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn, as well as Thailand’s strategic location as a buffer country between the British and French colonies. Thailand also modernizes to be considered a developed and independent country, so as to avoid colonization.

MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING HEALTH AND PEACE.
1 Muharram is more than just the start of a new year. It’s a moment of reflection, a time to renew our intentions, and to strive for personal growth and goodness.

Kerupuk is more than just a snack. it’s a flavorful identity of the Indonesian archipelago. Every region has its own unique version. Here are some of the most popular types of kerupuk in Indonesia:

1. Kerupuk Kulit (Rambak)
Made from cow or buffalo skin that is dried and then deep-fried until it puffs up.
Texture: Crispy and airy
Popular Regions: Central Java & West Java
Best Paired With: Soto, pecel, or as a standalone snack

2. Kerupuk Kemplang
A signature cracker from Palembang made from tenggiri (mackerel) fish.
Texture: Thin and crunchy
Often Served With: Cuko (sweet-spicy vinegar sauce)
Flavor Profile: Savory and slightly salty fish taste

3. Kerupuk Aci (Tapioca Crackers)
Made from tapioca flour, usually shaped into large, round pieces and sun-dried before frying.
Texture: Light and very crispy
Color: Typically white, with colored variations
Commonly Found At: Street food stalls, warteg, with rice dishes like pecel lele

4. Kerupuk Udang (Shrimp Crackers)
Contains ground shrimp as the main ingredient, giving it a strong seafood aroma.
Flavor: Rich, salty shrimp taste
Famous In: Sidoarjo, Cirebon, and coastal areas
Now Packaged: As a popular souvenir and snack

1. Leafy Greens & Potassium-Rich Fruits
Spinach, broccoli, bananas, and oranges are rich in potassium and folate—nutrients that help lower blood pressure and support healthy brain blood vessels.

2. Fatty Fish
Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Experts recommend eating them at least 2–3 times a week.

3. Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide fiber and healthy fats. These help lower bad cholesterol and support heart and brain health.

4. Citrus Fruits & Tomatoes
Oranges, guavas, apples, and tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids, which protect blood vessels and fight free radicals that can trigger strokes.

5. Dark Chocolate & Low-Fat Yogurt
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that help lower blood pressure. Low-fat yogurt is rich in calcium, potassium, and probiotics that support heart and brain health.