On January 26, 23 marines from the Indonesian navy were buried alive during pre-service training in Cisarua, West Java, before being deployed to Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border station.
Author: Jonathan Kay
Correspondent
Junta leaning party projected to win Myanmar’s third phase election
Myanmar’s third round of national election was held on January 25, following two previous phases.
Border shift moves three Indonesian villages into Malaysia in North Borneo
A border realignment between Indonesia and Malaysia has reportedly placed parts of three villages in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, Indonesia within Malaysian territory.
Indonesia’s Riau Province to legalise illegal gold mining sites, sparking environmental concerns
On January 19, the Riau provincial government of Indonesia is ready to legalise 30 blocks of illegal gold mines in Kuantan Singingi Regency covering around 2,600 hectares.
Philippines pushes for legally binding South China Sea COC
On January 22, the Philippines Foreign Ministry stated that it seeks to ratify the Code of Conduct (COC) with China on the South China Sea.
Vietnam begins 14th National Congress in Hanoi
Vietnam opened its 14th National Congress of the Communist Party on January 19 in Hanoi, with 1,586 delegates representing over 5.6 million members gathering to discuss key documents and elect new leadership for the next five years.
A second fatal crane collapse in Thailand raises questions over construction safety
On January 14, two people were killed after a construction crane collapsed onto a highway in Samut Sakhon, near Bangkok, destroying several vehicles.
Pro-junta party leads in Myanmar election amid civil war and conflict exclusions
Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has extended its lead after the second round of voting in the three-stage general election, official results show on January 16.
Japan and the Philippines strengthen military cooperation
Japan and the Philippines signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement on January 15.
Train derailment in Nakhon Ratchasima raises safety concerns
On January 14, a train in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province was hit by a crane, causing it to derail.