Hanoi (VNA) – Indonesia will set up a crisis centre headed by President Joko Widodo to handle s🥂ecurity situations involving its citizens overseas.
Minister for Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan said on April 25 that the centre will include senior ministers and military and police chiefs. It will be designed to respond quickly to situations that could have a "strategic impact".
The information was unveiled following the abduction of 18 Indonesians and Malaysians in three attacks in recent weeks in Philippine waters by groups suspected of being linked to the Abu Sayyaf militant network.
Abu Sayyaf has demanded 50 million pesos (1.1 million USD) to free the hostages. However, the Indonesian government has said it does not intend to pay the ransom.
Since taking office in 2014, President Widodo has placed maritime security high on his government's agenda.
Indonesia has voiced fears that a surge in piracy in the waters between Indonesia and the Philippines could reach Somalian levels and has told vessels to avoid dangerous areas.-VNA
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on March 21 summoned the Chinese charge d’affaire in Jakarta over an incident involving a Chinese coastguard vessel entering the country’s Natuna Sea.
Vietnam and Indonesia have continued their discussions on issues relating to the delimitation of the two countries’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundary based on the principles of the UNCLOS.
Indonesia will continue maintaining tough measures against fishing vessels that violate its sea territory in 2016, according to Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti.
Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) requested increasing its 2017 budget by over 50 percent to 826.38 billion Rp (62.5 million USD) to intensify its duties, the Jakarta Post reported.
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.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Photo: EPA/VNA)
