On May 27, the second day of his bilateral visit to France, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto began his morning by performing the Eid al Adha prayer at the Indonesian Embassy residence in Paris. He greeted Indonesian citizens and members of the diaspora in attendance before gathering with them for a communal meal, in an engagement intended both to mark the Feast of Sacrifice and to reinforce ties with overseas Indonesians.
Author: Amanda Laticia
He built an AI tool to monitor government spending. Now comes the hard part.
An artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Nemesis, built by Abil Sudarman, is reshaping the conversation around public accountability in Indonesia, and what it reveals about the country’s broader ambitions.
China’s new five-year plan signals tech push for Singapore firms
On March 23, China has unveiled its 15th Five-Year Plan following the conclusion of the “Two Sessions”, setting out its economic priorities for the next five years.
Laos faces wage dilemma as inflation squezees households
Rising living costs in Laos are prompting authorities to reconsider the national minimum wage, as households face increasing financial strain.
Indonesia explores energy-saving measures amid oil supply disruption
On March 19, Indonesian President President Prabowo Subianto has instructed key ministries to coordinate policies that ensure energy security while minimising any negative impact on economic activity.
Philippines seeks EV hub status with Chinese firms
The Philippine government is actively positioning the country as a strategic manufacturing hub for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies, highlighting strong market growth and favourable investment conditions.
Indonesia’s Bali celebrates annual Nyepi ceremony
Nyepi, also known as the Balinese Day of Silence, is a sacred Hindu celebration observed annually to mark the Saka New Year. Held this year on 19–20 March 2026, the occasion sees the island of Bali come to a complete standstill — no travel, no work, no entertainment, and no artificial light. It is a day devoted entirely to stillness, self-reflection, and spiritual purification.
UNESCO commends Vietnam’s “people-centred growth model”
On March 20, marking the International Day of Happiness, Vietnam’s development achievements were highlighted as a strong example of how prioritising people can drive national progress. The country has gained global recognition for improving the well-being and happiness of its citizens, reflecting a model that extends beyond economic growth to embrace a more holistic vision of development. According to UNESCO Representative Jonathan Baker, Vietnam’s leadership consistently places the needs, lives, and future of its people at the centre of policymaking.
Brunei aligns economic growth with environmental sustainability framework
On March 17, Brunei Darussalam is strengthening its approach to balancing economic development with environmental protection through a policy-driven framework focused on sustainability.