Indonesia
South Korea opens APEC summit focusing on connectivity and growth
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung chaired the opening session of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting on the morning of October 31 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
Global leaders gather in Gyeongju to shape APEC cooperation
Global leaders are arriving in Gyeongju, the cultural hub of North Gyeongsang Province, as South Korea hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Delegates from 21 member economies are expected to discuss trade, technology and security.
The Arctic and Antarctica record "off the charts" heat as polar warming accelerates
Parts of both the Arctic and Antarctic have experienced historically high temperatures in recent weeks, with weather stations in East Antarctica recording record-breaking warmth for the month of October, alarming climate scientists.
Singapore’s green pivot – headline grabbing but still limited
Forays into offshore wind via regional cooperation with neighbours, and forward-looking bets on hydrogen and low-carbon fuels are making headlines, but the scale required to wean a heavily gas-dependent system off fossil fuels is still daunting.
Trump pledges enduring support for Southeast Asia as new trade deals signed
During his visit to Southeast Asia, US President Donald Trump declared that Washington would remain a steadfast ally to the region, as he signed a series of trade agreements with four ASEAN member states.
Asian economies weigh their options amid fears of over-reliance on Chinese rare-earths
Just how control over these critical minerals plays out will be a long fought battle lasting decades, and one that will increasingly define Asia’s industrial future.
Looking back: Prabowo’s first year of populism, growth, and the pursuit of sovereignty
His administration, which began with a promise of pragmatic reform and continuity, has in recent months leaned heavily on populist and interventionist economic policies.
Brazil's Lula announces fourth presidential run at 80
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced he will seek re-election in October 2026, confirming his candidacy during a state visit to Indonesia on October 23.
IOC sanctions Indonesia over Israel visa ban
The International Olympic Committee has announced that international sports federations will be advised not to hold competitions or meetings in Indonesia after the country barred Israeli athletes from entering.
IMF: Global economic outlook shows modest change amid policy shifts and complex forces
Dialing down uncertainty, reducing vulnerabilities, and investing in innovation can help deliver durable economic gains.
Indonesia’s $80bn giant seawall
Indonesia’s ambition to build a colossal seawall along the northern coastline of Java has ignited both hope and heated debate. Valued at around $80bn, the project aims to safeguard the island’s coastal cities from tidal floods and erosion.
The Asian nations backing the Russian war effort – from India to Taiwan, China to Indonesia
While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.
UPDATE: Tsunami warning issued by Philippines, Indonesia following M7.6 quake
Authorities in The Philippines and Indonesia have issued tsunami warnings after a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines early on October 10.
State control rattles Indonesia’s fuel market
Indonesia’s tighter control on private fuel imports has sparked debate over how far the government should go to protect its domestic energy market and ensure national energy sovereignty.
Trump’s attendance at ASEAN Summit hinges on Cambodia–Thailand peace deal
US President Donald Trump will only attend the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia later this month if he is allowed to preside over a symbolic peace deal signing between Cambodia and Thailand,
World Bank warns of rising informal employment across East Asia, with Indonesia most affected
The World Bank has raised concerns over worsening employment quality across East Asia and the Pacific, warning that the growing shift towards informal and low-productivity jobs threatens the region’s economic resilience.
LONG READ: Trade is the glue that holds Global Emerging Markets Institutions together
The world order is changing. The emerging markets are coming of age and they are setting up a raft of largely non-Western Global Emerging Markets Institutions (GEMIs) to coordinate their lives. Trade is the glue that binds them together.
LONG READ: The GEMIs, the Global Emerging Markets' interlocking institutions
The international order is breaking up as the Global Emerging Markets build a raft of new non-Western interlocking international institutions to run their vision of a new multipolar world order.
Death toll rises in Indonesian Islamic boarding school collapse
Rescue efforts remain ongoing, with dozens of students feared trapped beneath the rubble. Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the building’s collapse.
Mass food poisoning in Indonesia linked to government’s free meal programme
It was reported that between mid-August and mid-September alone, 978 students required hospital treatment for diarrhoea, vomiting, rashes, facial swelling, breathing problems, and headaches.