Indonesia
Asian utilities locked into coal as long-term contracts slow transition
Asia’s shift towards cleaner energy is being hampered by decades-long coal power agreements that continue to bind utilities to fossil-fuel generation, even at times when cheaper renewable supplies are readily available.
Indonesia’s decision to honour Soeharto sparks debate over justice and memory
Indonesia’s decision to posthumously name former president Soeharto a National Hero has reignited fierce debate over how the country remembers its past.
UNDP warns climate change will slash crop yields in low-income countries
A new United Nations dataset shows median national crop yields will decline by around 25-30% by the end of the century under very high emissions scenario.
China’s green capital powers Indonesia’s 100-GW solar ambition
Indonesia’s vision to build 100 GW of solar energy is gathering real momentum, fuelled by growing Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative.
COP30: Brazil's $125bn forest initiative draws support from dozens of nations
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has unveiled a global facility to protect tropical forests, securing commitments worth several billion dollars from both wealthy and developing nations at the COP30 climate summit.
Indonesia faces fiscal dilemma over $7.27bn high-speed rail debt
The operator, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia - China, now faces mounting pressure to service both principal and interest payments.
Emerging Asia overtakes the UK per-capita benchmark
For the first time since the Industrial Revolution, the major emerging economies including China, India and Indonesia have seen GDP as a percentage of the UK’s GDP increase as the leading BRICS countries start to overtake the Developed Markets.
APEC meeting closes in South Korea, WTO dead and buried
This was not a summit. It was a eulogy for the WTO, and APEC just lowered the flag to half-mast.
Indonesia's $12bn stimulus play
The coordination between the Finance Ministry and the presidency signals tighter executive cohesion under President Prabowo’s leadership, contrasting with the cautious fiscal stance of prior administrations.
COMMENT: For Asia, dealing with Europe isn’t about achieving success; it’s about concealing failure
To be taken seriously in Asia, Europe must rediscover the courage to deliver, not merely declare. Asia has moved on to execution. Europe is still editing its initial policy draft.
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.