Features
Bank Indonesia’s credibility at risk as markets watch and wait
Indonesia’s central bank is finding itself under sharper investor scrutiny after Governor Perry Warjiyo confirmed a new “burden-sharing” arrangement with the government.
The quiet calculus of India’s trade talks with the US
From late August 2025 all Indian goods entering the American market are confronted by some of the world’s steepest barriers.
From World Bank to patriotic homecoming in Indonesia - then dismissal
Indonesia’s long-serving finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, was abruptly removed from her post in early September and replaced by economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.
Central Asia, India see untapped trade potential but face connectivity hurdles
Joint report by Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank reveals significant potential for mutual trade and investment held back by logistical bottlenecks.
INTERVIEW: Kazakhstan repositions as a diversified investment destination
Kazakhstan is doubling down on its drive to attract high-quality foreign investment, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov in an interview with bne IntelliNews.
Europe mulls secondary sanctions as part of the nineteenth sanctions package for the first time
The European Union is considering the unprecedented step of adopting US-style secondary sanctions as part of the nineteenth sanctions package currently under review. The EU has never imposed secondary sanctions before.
Stumbling blocks hinder plan to build Trans-Afghan Railway connecting Uzbekistan to Pakistani seaports
Security risks, financing challenges, difficult terrain and lack of recognition for Taliban among headaches.
PANNIER: Tensions creep into rebuilt Tashkent-Bishkek relations as Uzbek border guards shoot dead two Kyrgyz men
What's known indicates victims were gathering medicinal herb unaware they had strayed across frontier.
Kosovo’s flawed electricity market liberalisation leaves businesses in the dark
Companies face disconnections, uncertainty and higher costs, Kushtrim Ahmeti, executive director of the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Kosovo, tells bne IntelliNews.
Poland faces political paralysis as leadership divide deepens
Poland’s mounting conflict between nationalist President Karol Nawrocki and pro-EU Prime Minister Donald Tusk is paralysing governance and undermining credibility abroad.
Raid at Hyundai’s Georgia plant sparks diplomatic tensions
On September 4, 2025, US immigration officers carried out what officials have called the largest workplace immigration enforcement action in the history of the Department of Homeland Security.
China accused of escalating Taiwan tensions with oil drilling in disputed waters
By placing energy platforms in contested waters, China is signalling both defiance of international rulings and a willingness to tighten the squeeze on Taiwan.
Fat payoff to Mourinho as Turkish football confirms status as eager member of big-spending league
Super Lig clubs splurge €321mn on buying players. Istanbul club Galatasaray Europe’s fifth biggest spender.
Central Asia and Afghanistan heading for “confrontation” over water-thirsty canal, warns analyst
Minimal progress seen in dealing with rightful Taliban claim to share of Amu Darya border river. Region’s water security dilemma worsening.
US and Taiwan quietly hold defence talks in Alaska as Trump balances China ties
Taipei has recently announced a record defence budget, proposing a 23% rise that would lift military spending to more than 3.3% of GDP next year.
LONG READ: Europeans face recession, financial crises, as they struggle to boost defence spending
US President Donald Trump has dropped the burden of supplying and supporting Ukraine’s battle against Russia firmly in Europe’s lap. But cash-strapped and with the UK and France on the verge of crisis, they are going to struggle to manage.
LONG READ: Europe can’t afford the Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump has cut off all aid to Ukraine and dumped the problem in Europe’s lap. But Europe can’t afford to pay for the Ukraine war, nor for the modernisation of its own defence sector.
Indonesia uncovers over $60mn in Hajj quota corruption
The Corruption Eradication Commission has intensified its investigation into alleged corruption surrounding Indonesia’s 2023–2024 Hajj quota.
SCO summit highlights India’s balancing act
For India, participation was both a bridge and a shield. It allowed New Delhi to remain engaged with Eurasian institutions while avoiding full alignment with Beijing or Moscow.
Japan’s Ishiba, and South Korea’s Lee – the best of frenemies
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s choice of Tokyo and not Washington for his first state visit since coming to power was no accident.