Nusantara - the new capital city of Indonesia (Source: futuresoutheastasia.com)
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia has unveiled a hostof tax breaks to attract companies and people to move to its new capital Nusantarain the heart of Borneo.
According to the local investment ministry, banks andinsurers operating in Nusantara will have to pay no income tax for up to 25 years if theyinvest before 2035. Those investing before 2045 can get up to 20 years of taxbreak.
These are only one of the various incentives being offered bythe government to get businesses to support President Joko Widodo’s 600trillion rupiah (39.5 billion USD) plan to move the nation’s capital from Jakarta.
The incentives would only be offered until 2045, whenNusantara, expected to be entirely renewable-powered and technologicallyadvanced, is set to be completed.
So far, 20 companies including local and foreign ones haveshown interest in investing in Nusantara, with a few of them having signeddeals, said Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.
The government has begun building basic infrastructure inthe new capital, including a water dam, roads and presidential and vicepresidential buildings. The target is for public officials to start relocating nextyear./.
Indonesia will speed up the infrastructure construction of its future capital city (IKN) Nusantara to attract more investors, said Indonesian Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono.
Many investors are interested in Indonesia’s new capital city or IKN Nusantara project, said Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on January 9 witnessed the handover of 11 Letters of Interest (LoI) from Malaysian companies to participate in the development of Indonsia’s National Capital City (IKN) Nusantara.
Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority Bambang Susantono has confirmed that 90 domestic and foreign investors could be considered serious in their intent to invest in the new capital.
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).
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.
Nusantara - the new capital city of Indonesia (Source: futuresoutheastasia.com) 
