Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has shown his country’s desire to become a member of the BRICS - the alliance of major emerging economies initiated by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Participants at the Indonesia-Brazil Business Forum in Brazil on November 17. (Photo: VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has shown his country’s desire to become a member of the BRICS - the alliance of major emerging economies initiated by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Addressing an Indonesia – Brazil business forum in the Latin American country on November 17, the Indonesian leader expressed the commitment to becoming a member of BRICS as part of the country's strategy to strengthen its national economy.
The forum gathered businesses from the two nations to discuss strategic economic cooperation opportunities, including in the areas of energy, industry, and maritime.
Prabowo highlighted similarities between Indonesia and Brazil, stemming from natural resources and strategic vision for the future, saying that the Southeast Asian nation supports Brazil's role as a key member of BRICS, which is increasingly influential on the global stage.
He also emphasised the huge opportuni༺ties for cooperation with Brazil in the energy sector, especially in developing biofuels and renewable energy, saying that Indonesia is seeking to increase the use of bi🌊odiesel to 50% by 2025, using palm oil as the main raw material./.
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on November 14 that the government will raise value added tax (VAT) in January next year to ensure national budget revenue.
Indonesian Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti has confirmed that artificial intelligence (AI) and coding will be offered as optional subjects rather than compulsory in schools.
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana urged regional governments to optimise the resources they possess to improve integrated public transportation services to meet people's needs effectively and efficiently.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
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).
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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.
