Indonesia
ASIA BLOG: Is China preparing to poke the paper tiger in the White House?
The US intimidates certain countries. But America is just a paper tiger. Don’t believe its bluff. One poke and it’ll burst!
Indonesia’s new laws spark fears of media suppression
Following mass protests over Indonesia’s recently passed Military Law, fresh concerns are emerging about the state of media freedom - with a particular point of concern a clause prohibiting the exclusive airing of investigative journalism.
Asian giants thrive in Russia despite sanctions
Maintaining a complex balance between profit, geopolitical alignment and risk management, the presence of Asian nations in Russia reveals a divergence between Western corporate exodus and Eastern mercantile strategy.
ASIA BLOG: China suddenly recognises need for community, in a region Beijing has long polarised
President Xi made no mention of long-standing territorial issues with China’s closest neighbours including Japan, South Korea and the self-governing country long claimed as an integral part of China by Beijing: Taiwan.
Southeast Asia's leading economies ponder possible US tariffs as 90-day pause takes effect
When the US administration under President Donald Trump announced sweeping import tariffs on ASEAN nations, it triggered an immediate ripple across Southeast Asia’s export-dependent economies.
Volcanic activity escalates at Mount Kanlaon in Central Philippines
Mount Kanlaon, a volcano in the Central Philippines, erupted once more on the morning of April 8, propelling a column of ash approximately 4,000 metres into the atmosphere.
Bank Indonesia: Rupiah slide won’t trigger debt or inflation crisis
Bank Indonesia has assured the public that the recent depreciation of the rupiah will not lead to increased debt burdens or inflationary pressures.
Indonesian industry leaders urge government to shield SMEs from US tariff fallout
Indonesia’s footwear and textile sectors are raising alarm over the newly announced import duties by the United States, citing serious risks for local businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Thailand joins over 50 nations in US tariff negotiations amid rising trade tensions
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on April 6 that Thailand would seek talks with Washington following the imposition of tariffs on Thai exports with Deputy PM and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira set to travel to the US.
Indonesians push back as military enters civilian government
Student groups protested outside the Blitar DPRD office under a heavy police presence, demanding the law’s repeal and calling for press freedom. Activists pointed to past instances of media suppression, warning about potential threats to journalists
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Survivors pulled from the rubble in Myanmar as the death toll rises following M7.7 earthquake
More people have been rescued from the rubble over two days after a powerful earthquake struck in neighbouring Myanmar, where the death toll in the country now exceeds 1,700 with some indicators that it may rise further.
Myanmar junta chief to attend regional summit in Bangkok
Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is expected to attend a regional summit in Thailand in April, marking his first visit to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations member state since 2021.
Indonesia joins BRICS' new development bank
Indonesia has formally decided to become a member of the BRICS-affiliated New Development Bank, just months after fully integrating into the China-led economic alliance
Indonesia’s military reforms leave millions on edge
The law’s ratification has sparked widespread anxiety across Indonesia and has served to revive memories of the authoritarian ‘New Order’ era of 1966 - 1998 under former President Suharto.
Powerful eruption of Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi sparks panic in East Flores
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted violently on the evening of March 20, sending local residents into a panic
Indonesia expands military role in government, protesters clash with police in Jakarta
Indonesia’s parliament has approved a controversial amendment granting military personnel greater access to government positions, despite concerns over its implications for civilian governance.
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Indonesia to launch national data centre by April 2025
Equipped with 25,000 core processors, 200 terabytes of memory, and 40 petabytes of storage, the facility will operate with an initial electricity capacity of 20 megawatts, expandable to 80 MW.
Severe floods in Morowali, Indonesia tied to nickel mining expansion
Heavy rains and strong winds battered Bahodopi Sub-district, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, on March 17, triggering severe flooding in Lalampu and Labota villages.
USAID ends operations in Indonesia, raising concerns over aid programmes
For 64 years, USAID has played a role in Indonesia, providing $153.5mn in aid in 2024 alone.
Indonesia’s $12.3bn crude oil corruption case that has rocked the public’s belief in government
The case involves the mismanagement of crude oil imports and exports, alleged fuel adulteration, and collusion between Pertamina executives and private contractors.