Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Indonesia Declares Independence as Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ is Published
JAKARTA, Indonesia — On this day in 1945, Indonesia declared its independence from the Netherlands, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history. At approximately 10:00 AM on August 17, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta made the announcement via...

How Indonesian companies dodge fines for forest & peatland fires
While Indonesia’s courts have fined plantation companies more than $21 trillion rupiah ($1.3 billion) for forest and peatland fires, almost none of that money has been collected. This fuels a cycle of impunity where fires continue to flare up in...

Business News | Klook and Hong Kong Tourism Board Launch First Multi-Market Partnership to Enhance the Muslim Travel Experience
PRNewswire Singapore, August 19: Muslim leisure travelers have the same motivations as others: explore new cultures, discover local experiences, and create meaningful memories. Also Read | Kanpur Superstars vs Kashi Rudras, UP T20 League 2025 Live...

Indonesian Government Prepares VPN Regulations as Part of Online Gambling Crackdown
Written by Tim Alper Tim Alper Tim is a journalist, author, and columnist with two decades of experience writing for outlets like the BBC, the Guardian, and Chosun Ilbo. He is an expert on regulation, business, and industry and is fluent... Read...

Indonesia targets record revenue in draft 2026 budget
Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian government has set a state revenue target of 196.73 billion USD in the 2026 draft state budget (RAPBN), up 9.8% from this year's figure. At a recent press conference on the draft state budget and fiscal year for 2026...

Show, don’t tell: Asian banks need to prove simplification works – here’s how
The choice is clear: simplify or stagnate — the future of Asian banking depends on it. Asia’s economic engine is a powerhouse, attracting investors and institutions to the region’s dynamic markets. However, beneath the glittering skyscrapers of...
Bank Indonesia to hold rates at 5.25% on August 20, resume easing in Q4: Reuters poll
By Rahul Trivedi BENGALURU (Reuters) -Bank Indonesia is expected to pause its easing cycle on Wednesday to assess the impact of earlier rate cuts as inflation has ticked up recently and economic momentum remained solid last quarter, a Reuters poll...
Honorary Consul Paskal A.B. Rois Hails 80 Years of Indonesia and Ghana’s Shared Journey
Indonesia yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of its independence, a historic moment that recalls the proclamation of freedom on August 17, 1945, by President Soekarno and Dr. Mohammad Hatta. The day is celebrated as a sacred occasion,...

Financial Security (FinSec) series with Philip TAKYI (Dr): Global Sovereign Wealth Funds: Strategic allocation trends towards emerging markets
Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) have become pivotal players in global financial markets, managing trillions of dollars in assets and influencing economic trends across developed and emerging economies. Historically, SWFs have concentrated their...

Indonesia activates online arrival card
JAKARTA, 19 August 2025: Effective since Monday, 18 August 2025, Indonesia has implemented a new, integrated system for international arrivals called “All Indonesia”. The new system is designed to streamline the entry process by combining several...

Studio Ubud Rides 'Demon Slayer' Success, Puts Indonesia on Anime Map
Jakarta. Indonesia’s anime industry is booming, generating Rp 90.9 trillion ($5.99 billion) in 2022 and projected to reach Rp 109.6 trillion by 2026, according to PwC. With Japan’s anime production expected to shrink due to population decline and...

Indonesia monitors inbound travel growth
JAKARTA, 19 August 2025: Indonesia recorded 7.05 million foreign tourist visits from January to June 2025, representing a positive year-on-year growth of 9.44%, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana reported during the Ministry of Tourism’s...

World Reuters Fire at illegal oil well in Indonesia kills three, hundreds evacuated
JAKARTA (Reuters) -Firefighters in Indonesia are struggling to contain a three-day-old fire at an illegal oil well that has killed at least three people and injured two others, a disaster relief official said on Tuesday. Some 750 people have been...

asia Fire at illegal oil well in Indonesia kills 3, hundreds evacuated
JAKARTA — Firefighters in Indonesia are struggling to contain a three-day-old fire at an illegal oil well that has killed at least three people and injured two others, a disaster relief official said on Tuesday (Aug 19). Some 750 people have been...

AllianzGI Appoints President Director in Indonesia
The investment management unit of Allianz has announced the appointment of a president director of its Indonesia business. Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI) has appointed Aliyahdin Saugi as president director in Indonesia, according to a...

Moderate gains, rising challenges: Navigating the multi-finance industry in 2025
he multi-finance industry this year faces a rather complex dynamic amid global uncertainty and persistently weak household purchasing power. Several macro indicators suggest that demand recovery has not yet fully materialized. The Consumer...

Pelita Air makes international debut with Jakarta–Singapore flight
elita Air made its international debut on Monday with a new Jakarta–Singapore route, marking the Pertamina-owned carrier’s first overseas service since transforming from a private charter operator to a commercial airline in 2022. The daily flight,...

MPR final guardian of Indonesia's Constitution, says Muzani
Jakarta (ANTARA) - People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani reaffirmed the body's strategic role as the final guardian of Indonesia's constitution during a speech marking Constitution Day and the MPR's 80th anniversary on Monday...

Fire at illegal oil well in Indonesia kills three, hundreds evacuated
JAKARTA (Reuters) -Firefighters in Indonesia are struggling to contain a three-day-old fire at an illegal oil well that has killed at least three people and injured two others, a disaster relief official said on Tuesday. Some 750 people have been...

Indonesia and Peru’s New FTA is a Model for South-South Cooperation
Just days after reciprocal tariffs took effect on global imports entering the United States, a new trade agreement between two major Asia-Pacific economies – Peru and Indonesia – quietly came into force. Both countries, despite having a free trade...