On June 13, Timor-Leste extended its congratulations to the Philippines on the occasion of its Independence Day, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between the two Southeast Asian nations and expressing solidarity with communities recovering from a recent earthquake.
Category: Politics
Indonesian students rally nationwide against currency downturn and fuel price hikes
Students across Indonesia held a massive rally on June 12 to protest against Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s economic management and policy direction. Beyond the capital Jakarta, the wave of demonstrations rapidly spread to other major regional cities, such as Bogor, Bandung, Semarang, Kendari and Yogyakarta, signifying the wide public discontent.
Hundreds protest in Yogyakarta Indonesia as criticism against government policies widen nationwide
On June 13, hundreds of students gathered at the Gejayan intersection in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for a protest organised by the People’s Alliance Calls (Aliansi Rakyat Memanggil) collective, accusing the government of failing to safeguard public welfare and demanding wide-ranging policy reforms.
Beijing sanctions Philippine defense chief over ‘irresponsible’ comments
On June 11, China formally announced sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family, prohibiting them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and banning them from conducting business with firms originating from these areas. The decision to sanction him was in response to what Beijing called Teodoro’s “irresponsible remarks on China” in relation to China’s claim in the South China Sea.
Thousands of students flood streets, warn Indonesia is heading toward bankruptcy
On June 12, more than 1,000 Indonesian students held a protest against economic policies implemented under President Prabowo Subianto’s government. In Jakarta, demonstrations were mostly organised by the Student Executive Board of Universitas Indonesia (BEM UI) through a national consolidation on June 10, titled Indonesia is Heading toward Bankruptcy (Menuju Indonesia Bangkrut)” took place in Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, one of Jakarta’s principal arterial road.
North Korea and Southeast Asia: Charm Offensive, Shadow Network
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Vietnam unveils new strategy to align diplomacy with national development
Vietnamese President and Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Secretary General, Tô Lâm, announced a new set of development and foreign policy priorities on June 11, signalling a strategic shift aimed at boosting domestic potential while playing an active role in regional and world affairs.
Corruption arrests reach the heart of Indonesia’s government
Indonesian authorities launched sweeping arrests in early June, detaining President Prabowo Subianto’s inner circle officials, detaining several high-ranking officials from the newly-formed National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services. These arrests have become one of the most striking blows within his administration.
Indonesian Parliament passes new Police Law, expanding cyber powers and civilian roles
The Indonesian House of Representatives passed a revised version of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Law during a plenary session on June 9. Facing no objection in the parliament, the law was unanimously adopted, amending the previous regulation, Undang-Undang Nomor 2 Tahun 2002. This law aims to strengthen professionalism in policing and reinforce the principle of a civilian police force.
Indonesia’s free nutritious meal programme undergoes restructuring amid cost concerns
On June 11, the Indonesian government announced it expects the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to require less funding than previously planned after reviewing its management and operations.