Indonesian presidential candidates join final debate
The fifth debate, which is the final debate between two presidential candidates of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and Joko Widodo, took place on April 13 in Jakarta, focusing on economic and social welfare issues, finance, investment, trade and industry.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (second from left), and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto after their last presidential debate in Jakarta on April 13 (Source: asia.nikkei.com)
Jakarta (VNA) - The fifth debate,which is the final debate between two presidential candidates of Indonesia PrabowoSubianto and Joko Widodo, took place on April 13 in Jakarta, focusing on economicand social welfare issues, finance,investment, trade and industry.
The General Elections Commission ofIndonesia (KPU) assigned ten economists from universities to work as connectors,who were responsible for preparing questions on issues that were discussed atthe debate.
During the event, Prabowo said he would work to increase the value for the industrialsector, saying that Widodo only focused on infrastructure development, making the country’s industry has been slowlydeveloping.
He highlighted the importance of promoting industrial development and maintainingcertainty in business, saying that these will play a vital role in fostering developmentof the industry and fishery sectors.
For his part, Widodo said infrastructure development is part of the first stagein his economic development plan.
The Indonesian President said infrastructure facilities will be connected to industrialareas, tourism destinations and construction sites.
On April 17, around 192 millioneligible voters across Indonesia are expected to flock to polling booths tocast their votes for their representatives at the House of Representatives(DPR), Regional Representatives Council (DPD), as well as provincial anddistrict/city legislative bodies.
They will also vote for their preferred pair ofpresidential and vice presidential candidates. Five debates of candidates andtheir running mates were held during Indonesia’s presidential campaign.-VNA
Indonesian presidential candidates Joko Widodo and his challenger Prabowo Subianto on February 17 spared over the issues of energy, environment, infrastructure, food, and natural resources in their second debate held two months ahead of the presidential polls.
The Indonesian government has invited American investors to invest in the digital economy and the development of "10 New Balis", a plan that aims to replicate the economic effects of tourism in Bali nationally.
Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has said that the increase in the export of farm commodities, including mangosteen which climbed up three times, has contributed to the local agricultural sector’s achievements.
There were some major differences on how two Indonesian presidential candidates envisioned the future of Indonesia’s foreign policy, which were conveyed during the fourth face-off between two candidates held in Jakarta on March 30
Indonesian President Joko Widodo on April 1 inaugurated three special economic zones (SEZs) covering 2,200 ha of land in the provinces of East Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, and North Maluku in a bid to attract investment and spur economic growth in less-developed areas of the country.
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 (second from left), and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto after their last presidential debate in Jakarta on April 13 (Source: asia.nikkei.com)
