Indonesia calls on ASEAN to stay united against global pressure
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on August 25 suggested ASEAN countries bolster their ties, collaboration, and engagement to ensure sustainable growth amidst the escalating global geopolitical tension.
Delegates to the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in a group photo. (Source: asean.org)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian Finance MinisterSri Mulyani Indrawati on August 25 suggested ASEAN countries bolster theirties, collaboration, and engagement to ensure sustainable growth amidst theescalating global geopolitical tension.
Speaking at the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers andCentral Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM), the minister noted that the collectivestrength can be enhanced through different cooperation channels like infrastructureand green energy transition.
Together as a region, ASEAN economies are also poisedto further strengthen its strategic position and the centrality of ASEAN inworking with all partner countries to foster trade and investment and alsoother economic engagement in the region for the benefit of ASEAN and the world,she went on.
Sri Mulyani encouraged participants to forge closercoordination, enabling swift and effective collective actions in response tochanges in global and regional economic developments./.
Deputy Minister of Finance Vo Thanh Hung, who led a Vietnamese delegation to the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) held in Jakarta, said that Vietnam has actively participated in the ASEAN financial cooperation process since 1995.
Deputy Minister of Finance Vo Thanh Hung highlighted Vietnam’s flexible monetary policy management in an effort to promote consumption, investment and business while addressing the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM) which was held in Indonesia on August 24 and 25.
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In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Delegates to the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in a group photo. (Source: asean.org) 
