On September 7, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for a significant increase in the budget for disaster mitigation as the government reviews its preparedness following an earthquake in Flores, volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau and forest and land fires in several provinces.
Category: Politics
Thailand-US Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Finalise Trade Terms
On September 7, Thailand and the US reached agreement on the key elements of a proposed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), with technical teams working to finalise the remaining details.
Indonesia’s Student Protest in Yogyakarta Turns Violent, Six Injured
Hundreds of students gathered at the Gramedia Four-Way Intersection on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on September 1, 2026, in a demonstration that began peacefully in the afternoon but turned violent by nightfall after clashes with a civilian group.
Laos and Belarus Forge Closer Economic Ties, Mineral Mining Investment Opportunities Explored
Laos and Belarus are set to implement their existing pledges into concrete projects, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on September 4.
Quezon City Court Issues Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Arrest Warrant Amid Impeachment Proceedings
On September 4, the Quezon City (QC) Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued an arrest warrant against the Philippine Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte after finding probable cause to proceed with three counts of grave threats arising from remarks she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Vietnam Arrests Deputy Health Minister Thuấn Over Alleged Bribery in Smuggling Probe
On September 2, Vietnamese authorities arrested and prosecuted Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn on allegations of receiving a large amount of bribes, as part of an expanded investigation into alleged accounting violations and smuggling.
Malaysia’s AUKU Replacement Must Guarantee Academic Freedom and Student Voice
The Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti 1971), or known locally with its abbreviation AUKU, has been in operation for over half a century in Malaysia. It was enacted with the purpose of providing a legal mechanism for the establishment, administration and governance for public universities, but gradually became intertwined with a larger debate on student activism, political participation, freedom of expression and academic freedom.
Vietnam Revises Cross-Border Trade Rules Following US Trade Review
Vietnam will introduce revised regulations governing cross-border trade from September 5, alongside a new prohibition on imports of goods produced wholly or partly using forced labour under Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP.
Thailand to Revive 450-Baht Tourist Entry Fee for High-Value Tourism
Thailand, one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia, is attempting to leap to the next stage of tourism development by shifting its focus towards enhancing travel quality and safety. A chief endeavour currently underway is a proposal to revive an entry fee for foreign visitors, amounting to 450 Thai baht (17 US dollar).
Deadline Set for Indonesia’s Asset Forfeiture Bill As Thousands Rally at Parliament
Indonesian authorities deployed more than 18,500 security personnel across capital Jakarta on August 27 as thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the House of Representatives (DPR) in the district of Senayan, demanding lawmakers pass a long-stalled bill allowing the state to seize the assets of corruption convicts.