More countries are participating in the annual Super Garuda Shield joint drills in Indonesia that got underway on Aug. 26. This photo is from last year's exercises. (Photo by Ismi Damayanti)
Defense

Indonesia, U.S. host joint drills with first cybersecurity agenda

More countries participate in this year's Super Garuda Shield exercise

26 August 2024
Students take part in a trial free lunch program at an elementary school in Tangerang, Indonesia, on Aug. 5.
Startups

Indonesia hopes startups play big role in free school lunch plan

Gojek drivers participate in trial, agritech company keen to procure ingredients

26 August 2024
With Malaysian equities leading the way, the rally in Southeast Asian stocks has been underpinned by expectations of a September rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Markets

Investors turn to ASEAN markets as inflation's grip loosens

Weakening dollar provides tailwind to region's high-growth economies

26 August 2024
A drone view shows houses damaged following flashfloods in Rua village, Ternate, North Maluku province, Indonesia on Aug. 25. (Antara Foto/Andri Saputra/via Reuters)
Natural disasters

Floods in Indonesia's North Maluku kill 13, two injured

Disaster management agency warns heavy rain may continue in next few days

25 August 2024
A demonstrator holds up a placard during a protest pressuring the country's election commission to issue rules for regional votes that follow the Constitutional Court's ruling, outside the Election Commission headquarters in Jakarta on Aug. 23.
Politics

Indonesia election body gets nod for new rules as protesters demand

Demonstrations last week halt Jokowi allies' attempt to change eligibility requirements

25 August 2024
Former baseball player Shogo Shibata, third from right, hopes to increase fans of the sport in Southeast Asia through the Asia Koshien 2024 baseball tournament. (Photo by Junichiro Sato)
Sports

Indonesia's 'field of dreams': Youth tournament to pitch baseball to nation

Former Japan pro player spearheads project to spread sport in Southeast Asia

24 August 2024
The share prices of ASEAN's three biggest tech companies -- GoTo, Sea and Grab -- are experiencing contrasting fortunes as investors seek greater profitability. (Source photos by Ken Kobayashi, Reuters and Hiroki Endo)
Technology

ASEAN tech stars Grab, GoTo and Sea fight to retain market sparkle

Investors prize profitability over merely cutting losses

22 August 2024
The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency over mpox but stressed that the disease is "not the new COVID."
Society

Asia on alert over mpox as cases detected in Thailand, Philippines

Indonesia and Malaysia tighten surveillance at international entry points

22 August 2024
Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, left, with President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo at the parliament building. All but one party with seats in the House of Representatives has joined Prabowo's coalition.
Politics

Prabowo extends grip on Indonesian parliament as parties join his coalition

Enlarged group moves to defy Constitutional Court over election rules

22 August 2024
Officials from the Asia Zero Emission Community. The ministers mapped out how member countries will collaborate on decarbonization efforts, in Jakarta on Aug. 21. (Photo by Nana Shibata)
Climate Change

Japan, Indonesia, others agree to build sustainable fuel supply chain

Coconut oil-based aviation fuel among 400 projects pitched in Jakarta meeting

21 August 2024
Toyota Tsusho is planning to supply biofuels and green hydrogen to Patimban Port in Indonesia. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)
Energy

Japan's Toyota Tsusho to develop and supply biofuels in Indonesia

Trader will work with state-run Pertamina to support decarbonization efforts

21 August 2024
Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto greets Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ahead of a meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, on Aug. 20. (AAP Image via Reuters)
Defense

Australia and Indonesia seal treaty-level defense pact

Agreement allows militaries to operate from each other's countries

20 August 2024
The Indonesia Press Council has criticized the revised broadcasting bill, arguing that it conflicts with the principles established by existing legislation and threatens to degrade journalism.
Opinion

Indonesia must prevent return to New Order era mouthpiece media

Broadcasting law revision needs to ensure journalism promotes democracy

19 August 2024
Indonesian President-elect and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, left, talks with President Joko Widodo during the country's 79th Independence Day celebration at the Presidential Palace in the new capital city of Nusantara, on Aug. 17.
Politics

Jokowi picks Prabowo aides for key posts in cabinet reshuffle

Indonesia's former ambassador to U.S. becomes investment minister

19 August 2024
Coffee prices have been soaring in recent months, with London futures for robusta coffee beans reaching a historic high in July. (Source photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Market Spotlight

Coffee prices volatile on climate, shipping crunch, forest regulation

Unpredictable weather will increase cost of production in the long run

19 August 2024
Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo attends the country's official Independence Day ceremony on Aug. 17 in Nusantara, the future capital. (Photo by Dimas Ardian)
Politics

Indonesia holds first Independence Day event in new capital

1,400 guests attend scaled-back event in Nusantara

17 August 2024
The Grand Outlet currently houses about 120 shops, featuring international brands such as Coach, Nike and Adidas, and the number will increase to 150 in the future. (Photo by Tomoyoshi Oshikiri)
Retail

Mitsubishi Estate takes on Simon Property in Indonesian outlet malls

After collaborating in Japan, property giants now pursue separate development projects

17 August 2024
Outgoing Indonesian President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo speaking to parliament on Friday, a day before the nation's Independence Day celebrations.
Economy

Indonesia forecasts smaller budget deficit of 2.53% of GDP in 2025

Contraction despite 9% rise in expenditure to fund Prabowo's policies

17 August 2024
Iseki looks overseas as the domestic market for farm equipment shrinks.
Companies

Indonesia to produce 90% of Japan's Iseki farm machines for export

Japanese tractor maker shifts production as domestic demand wanes

15 August 2024
Workers construct a pedestrian walkway near the State Palace and the eagle-shaped Garuda Palace in Indonesia's new capital Nusantara on Borneo.
Business trends

Indonesia's new capital Nusantara attracts increased investor interest

Prabowo asserts support for project amid private sector doubts

14 August 2024
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (center, in white shirt) leads a plenary cabinet meeting at the Garuda Palace in Nusantara on Aug. 12. The president is in a hurry to move capital functions out of Jakarta before he leaves office in October.
12 August 2024
Foreign ministers of Southeast Asian countries pose for a photo in Vientiane on July 25. ASEAN now faces significant centrifugal forces amid the reshaping of global orders. 
Comment

OECD or BRICS? Key members' differences might weaken ASEAN unity

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand all pursue different 'diversification' strategies

12 August 2024
India's Nita Ambani attends the inauguration of the Indian House at the 2024 Olympics on July 27. India is among the hopefuls already jockeying to host the 2036 Games.
Sports

Asian cities and nations make their case to host the 2036 Olympics

India, Indonesia, Istanbul, Qatar and others are already touting their strengths

12 August 2024
The Indonesian island of Maratua boasts a number of virtually empty beaches with superb reef snorkeling just off the shore. (All photos by Oliver Raw)
Life

Maratua beckons tourists seeking low-key alternative to Bali

Indonesian island expects rise in visitors after relocation of national capital

10 August 2024
Indonesian gold medallist Veddriq Leonardo celebrates his speed climbing win at Le Bourget. 
Sports

Indonesia's Leonardo wins Olympic gold in men's speed climbing

China's Wu Peng took silver and American Sam Watson bronze

8 August 2024