On July 29, Indonesia called on ASEAN to shift its disaster management approach from disaster risk reduction towards long-term sustainable resilience, urging stronger international cooperation to better prepare the bloc for future crises.
Category: Politics
Indonesia Bolsters Village-Level Prevention to Counter Human Trafficking
On July 30, Indonesia strengthened efforts to combat human trafficking by combining tougher victim protection measures with village-based prevention and economic empowerment programmes. Authorities warned that traffickers are increasingly exploiting digital technology to recruit victims, as the country marked World Day Against Human Trafficking 2026 in Jakarta.
Why Cooling the Planet Means Removing Carbon, Not Just Emitting Less
Johanna has always been drawn to big challenges and to the simple solutions that are often underestimated. When it comes to the question of climate change, her answer is putting to use what is already around her.
Anti-Scam Law Becomes the First Political Test of Myanmar’s New Government
Myanmar’s military-backed Union Parliament has approved an Anti-Online Scam Law that introduces tougher penalties for online fraud on July 28, including a mandatory death sentence in cases where victims die after being forced to participate in scam operations. It is also the first legislation passed under the government of President Min Aung Hlaing, who moved from junta chief to head of state in April following an election that the pro-democracy party National League for Democracy did not contest.
Papuan Rebels’ Killing of Three Indonesian Civilians Sparks Fierce Condemnation
On July 20, three Papuan civilians were brutally murdered by the notorious separatist group, the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), on the pretext of a false allegation that the indigenous people were secret intelligence operatives for the Indonesian military force (TNI) tasked with locating rebel hiding spots.
Myanmar Approves Death Sentence for Cybercrime Offences
On July 28, Myanmar’s military-backed Union Parliament passed a green light to an “Anti-Online Scam Bill,” a law that regulates capital punishment for those who run online scam centers and force, violate or torture another person to commit to the scam.
Continuity, Not Innovation, to Define President Macros’ Final Two Years
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 to outline his administration’s priorities for the remainder of its term, placing governance, economic competitiveness, public services and national security at the centre of the government’s agenda.
Malaysia to Host Rescheduled Formula One Race in October
On July 26, Formula One confirmed that Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will stage the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to 4, slotted between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
Philippine Navy Joins RIMPAC 2026 PHOTOEX to Boost Maritime Security
On July 22, the Philippine Navy (PN) participated in the Photograph Exercise (PHOTOEX) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026, joining naval forces from 13 countries in a joint fleet formation aimed at demonstrating interoperability and maritime cooperation.
Thai-Cambodian Maritime Settlement Remains Uncertain despite UNCLOS Conciliation
On July 19, Cambodia confirmed that it had reached an agreement with Thailand in regard to both countries’ maritime dispute around Koh Kut Island to allow additional time for the appointment of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), describing the delay as “modest and entirely appropriate.” The extension followed a joint request by the four appointed conciliators and backed up by the Cambodian government that it will not affect any prescribed timeline or procedural step under the UN-backed process.