Indonesia
Indonesia’s coal politics: maintaining a strategic market price despite Chinese resistance
Indonesia's recent efforts to impose a government-mandated coal benchmark price or Harga Batubara Acuan on exports face resistance from its largest buyer, China
BRICS seeks new global alignment at Rio ministerial summit
The expanded BRICS alliance has emerged as a potent diplomatic force at its foreign ministers’ summit in Rio de Janeiro on April 28 ahead of the July meeting.
Japanese official warns of wider Asian security impact of Trump tariffs
Former defence minister Itsunori Onodera, speaking in Washington at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expressed particular concern about the potential impact on Southeast Asia.
Nusantara: Indonesia’s grand ambition to reshape its future
While the announcement came in 2019, formal actions commenced in 2021. A special committee was formed to deliberate, including a study trip to Kazakhstan - another country that had relocated its capital.
BRICS labour meeting in Brasilia tackles AI impact, green transition
The 4th BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting concludes in Brasília today, following three days of discussions focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and just transition in the world of work.
Indonesian President Prabowo’s Middle East mission: Humanitarian diplomacy or saviour complex?
President Prabowo Subianto’s recent Middle East tour, framed as a humanitarian and diplomatic initiative, is raising both eyebrows and hopes as he positions Indonesia as a key moral actor in the Gaza crisis.
The $3.56mn bribe behind Indonesia’s cooking oil crisis
The latest corruption scandal in Indonesia has sent shockwaves through the nation, revealing a web of bribery involving high-ranking officials, leading business figures, and even the Chief Judge of the South Jakarta District Court.
Russia and Indonesia work on direct bank settlement framework to bolster trade
Russia and Indonesia are currently working to establish direct settlement mechanisms between their respective banking institutions.
China accuses US of sophisticated cyberattacks, outs alleged NSA agents
Police in Harbin have also placed three individuals on a wanted list, alleging their affiliation with the NSA. They are said to have repeatedly attacked China’s critical information infrastructure, including cyber operations directed at Huawei.
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.