Indonesia strives to ensure smooth operation of LRT
Indonesia is investigating a series of malfunctions that have plagued its first light rapid transit (LRT) system just days ahead of the opening ceremony of the Asian Games (ASIAD), the country’s transport ministry said on Aug 13.
Workers finalise construction of a light rail transit station in Palembang, South Sumatra, on June 28, 2018. (Source: AFP)
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesiais investigating a series of malfunctions that have plagued its first lightrapid transit (LRT) system just days ahead of the opening ceremony of the AsianGames (ASIAD), the country’s transport ministry said on Aug 13.
The LRT in Palembang city, which isco-hosting the Games with Jakarta, needs to be operating smoothly, as thousandsof athletes, officials and visitors arrive this week for the start of the continent'sbiggest multi-sport event.
Indonesia has set aside worries aboutterrorism and street crime, saying it is ready to organise the Games from August18 to September 2.
But officials on August 13 were forced toacknowledge a series of "shortcomings" with the LRT, seen as the keyto avoiding traffic snarls in Palembang on Sumatra island.
A short circuit knocked out power to aportion of the transit system on August 12, halting trains and forcingpassengers to disembark between two stations.
Just days earlier, passengers had toendure long delays due to signals interference, which caused the temporarysuspension of services, local media reported.
The government will immediately evaluatethe whole operation of the South Sumatra LRT, aiming to seek for a solutionthat will improve the overall operation of the LRT, the transport ministrysaid.
Jakarta and Palembang will host about11,000 athletes and 5,000 officials from 45 Asian countries and territories forthe Games.
The Vietnamese delegation to the event comprises 523 members, including 12 doctors, 24 experts, 81coaches, six interpreters and 352 athletes. They aim to snatch at leastthree gold medals.-VNA
A ceremony to see off the Vietnamese delegation to the 2018 Asian Games (ASIAD 2018) in Indonesia will take place at 7pm on August 9, according to the Vietnam National Olympic Committee and Vietnam Sports Administration.
Women’s football will be the first event of the Asian Games 2018 (ASIAD 18) to be held in Palembang of Indonesia, promising a treat for football fans there.
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.
Workers finalise construction of a light rail transit station in Palembang, South Sumatra, on June 28, 2018. (Source: AFP) 
