Indonesia
USAID ends operations in Indonesia, raising concerns over aid programmes
For 64 years, USAID has played a role in Indonesia. According to data, in 2024 USAID provided $153.5mn in aid to Indonesia, an increase from the $151.6mn allocated in 2023.
Indonesia’s $12.3bn crude oil corruption case that has rocked the public’s belief in government
The case involves the mismanagement of crude oil imports and exports, alleged fuel adulteration, and collusion between Pertamina executives and private contractors.
Indonesia's Danantara fund: bold vision or governance risk?
Danantara was created to optimise government investment and support Indonesia’s transformation into a global economic power with an initial capital of approximately $20bn.
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From social media to the streets: how hashtags fuel Indonesian youth activism
Ever since the 2019 protests against efforts to weaken the Corruption Eradication Commission, social media has been crucial to organising protests in Indonesia.
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Indonesia at a tipping point: volatile policies and budget cuts drive frustration
Student-led protests in several Indonesian cities were triggered by frustration over spending cuts, the lack of policy stability and police censorship.
Brazil hosts first BRICS Sherpas meeting with expanded membership
Brasilia hosted the first BRICS Sherpas meeting under the Brazilian Presidency on February 24-25, bringing together representatives from all 11 member countries at the Itamaraty Palace.
New search for MH370 begins a decade after mysterious disappearance
A renewed effort to locate Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is underway, more than ten years after the aircraft vanished in one of aviation’s most baffling mysteries.
Bali’s tourism boom, a friend but also a dangerous foe
Known as the Island of the Gods, the island of a Thousand Temples, and the Lost Paradise, Bali’s beauty leaves visitors in awe—so much so that many keep coming back, and some even choose to call it home - but should they?
Brazil drops BRICS currency plan in favour of local payment push
Brazil will not pursue a common BRICS currency during its presidency of the bloc this year, focusing instead on facilitating trade in local currencies despite warnings from US President Donald Trump about challenging dollar dominance.
Trump Gaza plan backed by “murderer” Netanyahu “major threat to world peace”, says Erdogan
On visit to Pakistan, Turkish leader asserts: “The homeland for which the Palestinians have sacrificed tens of thousands of their children is not up for bargaining.”
The curious case of unsustainable energy funding in Indonesia
During the G20 Summit held in Bali in November 2022, then president of Indonesia Joko Widodo and the International Partners Group signed the landmark Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnership agreement — but what happened to it?
Hacker targets Indonesian banks with ransomware threats
Bjorka, the hacker who previously made headlines in Indonesia during 2022 and 2023, has resurfaced, now using an X account to warn that several major Indonesian private and state-owned banks are potential targets of ransomware attacks
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Trump issues anti-wind executive order
President Donald Trump quickly issued an unexpectedly sweeping executive order that prevents federal government involvement in permitting of all offshore and onshore wind projects, including on private onshore land.
Landslide in Central Java, Indonesia claims 17 lives, nine still missing
A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall has claimed at least 17 lives in Central Java, Indonesia, with nine others still missing, according to disaster officials.
Bali shuts down "Russian Village"
The Gianyar Regency Government of Bali officially closed PARQ Ubud, also referred to as "The Russian Village," on January 20 for breaching local regulations.
Russia backs Vietnam's bid to join BRICS
Russia has publicly endorsed Vietnam's aspirations to join the influential BRICS bloc, a move that could significantly bolster Hanoi's global standing and economic prospects.
China's coast guard deployment raises tensions in South China Sea, Philippines protests
The Philippines has expressed growing concern over China’s deployment of its largest coast guard vessel within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), calling the move a provocative escalation.
Indonesia joins BRICS despite concerns over potential Trump threats
The Centre of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has urged the Indonesian government to remain vigilant about potential threats from US President-elect Donald Trump following Indonesia’s official membership in the BRICS economic bloc.
Singapore’s PacificLight Power embarks on $735mn hydrogen power plant project
Singapore’s energy leader, PacificLight Power, is advancing clean energy initiatives with a $735mn hydrogen power plant on Jurong Island, slated for completion in 2029.
BRICS expands membership, adding Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand
The BRICS bloc, a coalition formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is broadening its reach as it seeks to challenge the dominance of the US dollar and reshape global financial and economic systems.