On July 23, the Indonesian government reaffirmed their commitment to repatriate several Indonesian cultural artefacts which had been illegally smuggled overseas. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stressed that the authorities were still working to secure the return of numerous artefacts currently held abroad.
Category: Society
DIFF and US Embassy to Launch Freedom 250 Film Programme
The Dili International Film Festival (DIFF) has partnered with the US Embassy in Dili to launch Freedom 250: The Spirit of America in Film, a cultural initiative that will bring a series of film screenings and educational workshops to Timor-Leste over the coming months.
Protected Cambodian Wetland Welcomes Early Return of Rare Greater Adjutant
On July 21, the endangered Greater Adjutant stork arrived earlier than expected at Cambodia’s Boeung Prek Lapov Landscape Protected Area, with conservationists describing the sighting as a positive sign for the species’ recovery.
Cambodia Rescues 100,000 Hectares of Rice Fields Amid El Niño Drought
On July 21, Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) announced that it has successfully alleviated catastrophic 100,000-hectare crop failure attributed to an intense El Niño.
Hanoi Earns Global Recognition for Friendly Customer Service City
On July 19, Hanoi was recognised as one of the world’s leading cities for customer service, reinforcing Vietnam’s growing reputation as a destination known for its warm hospitality.
Saving the People Who Save Us: Close the Fiscal Gap in Indonesia’s Primary Healthcare
On May Day 2026, a young doctor named Myta Aprilia Azmy died in an intensive care unit in Palembang, Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Mount Semeru Remains on Alert After Spewing Hot Ash
On July 18, Mount Semeru, locatedin the province of Jawa Timur, Indonesia, erupted and released a hot pyroclastic flow that travelled approximately 3.5 kilometres down its slopes.
Laos Faces Australian Criticism Over Backpacker Poisoning Case
On July 17, the Australian government criticised Laos over its handling of the investigation into the deaths of six foreign backpackers, including two Australians, who died after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng in November 2024.
Over 500 Missing After Two Rohingya Boats Sink off Myanmar
On July 16, more than 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees reportedly disappeared or sank off the coast of Myanmar, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
Bangkok Pub Fire Death Toll Reaches 32 as Investigation Continues
On July 15,The death toll from the deadly fire tore at a Bangkok pub has risen to 32 after two more victims died from their injuries, as police continue investigating whether negligence played a role in the incident.