Indonesia, Russia to join hands in fight against terrorism
Indonesia and Russia have pledged to strengthen cooperation in cyber-security and counter-terrorism as concern grows about the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (left) shakes hands with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi in Jakarta on Aug 9, 2017 (Photo: AFP)
Hanoi (VNA) – Indonesia and Russia havepledged to strengthen cooperౠation in cyber-security and counter-terrorism asconcern grows about the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia.
The commitment was reached at the talks onAugust 9 between Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her Russian counterpartSergei Lavrov, who has been on a visit to the Southeast Asian country. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta,Russian FM Lavrov said the two countries would work together more closely tocounter the expansion of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). He stressed that the IS threat has not vanishedand its members have been spreading all over the world, including areas closeto the Russian and Indonesian borders. For her part, Indonesia FM Marsudi said besidesstrong ties on political and defence issues, Indonesia wants to boost traderelations with Russia. During the talks, the ministers also discussedtensions on the Korean peninsula, the East Sea issue and conflicts in theMiddle East, but they gave no details. Indonesia and Russia have been both concernedabout threats from the IS. Indonesian officials said dozens of Indonesians haveflocked to the Philippine southern city of Marawi to fight with militants loyalto IS. Meanwhile, the National Anti-TerrorismCommittee (NAC) of Russia has warned of threats from terrorists, namely IS, inthe country despite measures taken by authorised agencies to protect its peopleand facilities.-VNA
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo have held talks on cooperation in defence, cultural exchange and archival cooperation.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has issued a decree banning organisations that oppose the official state ideology, aiming to prevent the expansion of radical Islamic groups in the country.
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Brunei have agreed to intensify cooperation in combating terrorism following the IS militants’ attacks in the southern Philippines
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
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.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (left) shakes hands with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi in Jakarta on Aug 9, 2017 (Photo: AFP) 
