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February 1st, 2024

Capital costs

Indonesia's new capital fights to show investors it is here to stay amid preelection uncertainty

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The Big Story

Indonesia's new capital hinges on election as Jokowi set to exit

With most funding from private sector, Nusantara struggles to convince investors it is here to stay

An aerial view of the ongoing construction of Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital on Borneo island, seen in December 2023. The large building in the foreground will be a grand presidential palace. (Photo by Dimas Ardian)
A wide pay gap between regular and nonregular workers has depressed the overall wage level in Japan.
Datawatch

Nonregular workers struggle to go full-time in labor-scarce Japan

Only 7.4% of fixed-term employees landed secure jobs in 2022

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., right, with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in January 2023. (cnsphoto via Reuters)
Opinion

Marcos' embrace of Taiwan's Lai was more than a friendly gesture

With focus on Philippine economy and security, president braves Chinese rebuke

A supporter of Nawaz Sharif, the former Pakistani prime minister,  in Hafizabad on Jan.18: The country's already delayed election could be further postponed. 
Opinion

South Asia is still struggling to deliver on promise of democracy

Elections alone are not equating to grassroots empowerment

Taiwan’s Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te, right, meets with the co-chairs of the U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus -- Democrat Rep. Ami Bera, second from left, and Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, left -- in Taipei on Jan. 25. (Taiwan Presidential Office/AP)
The Nikkei View

U.S. should stay committed to Asia's security

Deterring Chinese aggression and engaging with Beijing are both important

A company from China showcases products and components that it produces during the CES electronics show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 11. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
Business Spotlight

China's slump pushes its smaller companies overseas for growth

Suppliers venture out on their own, drawn by opportunity and driven by limits at home

Delta Air Lines saw profits rise while American Airlines' profit decreased in the fourth quarter from a year ago.
Transportation

Asia-Pacific flights return for U.S. carriers, but profit concerns linger

China routes remain fraction of pre-pandemic levels as service slowly resumes

Vu Ha Van, scientific director at the VinBigData and professor of mathematics at Yale University, talks about the necessity of Vietnam developing its own generative AI. (VinBigData)
Technology

Vietnam jumps into made-in-Asia generative AI race

Less reliance on U.S. is goal as local developers tap home languages, cultures

U.S. company Virgin Galactic has successfully brought tourists to the edge of outer space. (Photo by Virgin Galactic)
Travel & Leisure

How about going on your own space odyssey in 2040?

Advances could mean extraterrestrial travel is no longer just for super-rich

Yangon bustles as the regime attempts to make city life feel relatively "normal," while conflict between resistance and army forces has engulfed many other areas of Myanmar. (Source photos by Ken Kobayashi and Mauk Kham Wah)
Asia Insight

Myanmar, 3 years on: Resistance gains raise specter of splintered nation

Ahead of Feb. 1 army takeover anniversary, Yangon calm contrasts with intensifying war

Tourists take photos of the Arch of Reunification in Pyongyang in 2018.
N Korea at crossroads

North Korea tears down 'reunification' arch, sending message to Seoul

Satellite images show cranes where monument used to be, professor says

Skilled workers wait for interviews and tests at a Haryana state government recruitment drive to send workers to Israel on Jan. 17.
Middle East crisis

Indian workers flock to Israeli jobs despite war and ethical concerns

High demand for positions reflects employment pressures in most populous nation

A taste of home: From left, rice noodle and fish soup, pulled pork tart, and pennywort salad with spicy charred shrimp. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Bamama Cooks)
Life

Myanmar's favorite dishes show the bonding power of food

Diaspora throughout the world finds solace and memories of home in unique flavors

A platform attendant stands outside a female-only train car in Tokyo. Some men have begun calling for male-only cars, arguing that they can be victims of harassment, too. 
Tea Leaves

In Japan, it can be hard to be a man, say men

Groping problem triggers female outrage amid male sense of injustice