Indonesian Finance Minister: No trade-off between health and economy
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on May 24 that Indonesia would not compromise on the health of its people to reboot the country's economy.
A dentist in Surabaya, East Java, wears complete personal protective equipment before examining a patient (Photo: Antara)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian FinanceMinister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on May 24 that Indonesiawould not compromise on the health of its people to reboot thecountry's economy.
There is no trade-off between health and economy. Both are like conjoined twins which are not separated, Sri Mulyani said.
That was why the government's first stepin COVID-19 mitigation was to earmark 75 trillion Rp (5 billion USD) specifically for health care, according to the minister.
Major aid packages sourcedfrom the State budget are being used to purchase medical materials andequipment, and upgrade 132 hospitals for COVID-19 treatment.
The government has alsodecided to provide a 15 million Rp incentive to medical specialists, 10 millionRp to physicians and dentists, 7.5 million Rp to nurses, 5 million Rp to othermedical staff members, and 300 million Rp in case of death of medical workers.
A total of 405.1 trillion Rphas been disbursed to the battle against COVID-19./.
Indonesian steelmakers are facing severe impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on their business with the demand having decreased by 90 percent from the normal times.
Indonesian National Police's Densus 88 counterterrorism squad have arrested a 16-year-old boy terrorist suspect in Merapi Subur housing complex in Batam, Riau Islands.
A special task force of the Indonesian National Police's Crime Investigation Department (Bareskrim) on May 23 confiscated 821 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine in Serang city, Banten province.
Managing director of Indonesia’s national railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Didiek Hartantos, said its revenue has plummeted 24.2 billion rupiah (1.6 million USD) a day due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
A dentist in Surabaya, East Java, wears complete personal protective equipment before examining a patient (Photo: Antara) 
