Singapore, Indonesia to begin discussions on “fast lane” for essential travel
Singapore and Indonesia are set to begin discussions on a "fast lane" to allow essential travel to gradually resume, said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 25.
Singapore (VNA) – Singapore and Indonesia are set to begin discussions on a"fast lane" to allow essential travel to gradually resume, saidSingapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 25.
It was agreedby Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his Indonesiancounterpart Retno Marsudi during the latter’s visit to Singapore from August 24– 26. Marsudi has also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Singapore hasestablished “fast lane” with Malaysia and China and is discussing the setup ofsimilar lanes with several others, including Japan. Indonesia has alsoestablished “fast lane” for essential travel for business purposes with China,the Republic of Korea and the UAE.
Both ministersdiscussed how the two countries can continue to work together to overcomecommon challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, said theSingapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
They agreedthat both countries should work closely together to strengthen public healthcooperation, enhance economic growth and investments, deepen financialcooperation and facilitate safe travel, it said.
In a Facebookpost on August 25, PM Lee said he spoke to Indonesian President Joko Widodoseveral times in the past few months, and continued the discussion withIndonesian FM Marsudi on "jointly overcoming the pandemic".
He also notedthat Singapore is on track to remain the top investor in Indonesia this year,which has been the case since 2014./.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo will attend the ASEAN Special Summit and the ASEAN+3 Special Summit on COVID-19 Response will be held online on April 14 under the chair of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
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 corner of Singapore (Source: Asia Resorts) 
