Tag: Indonesia

  • Indonesia launches China-backed ‘Whoosh’ high-speed railway

    Indonesia launches China-backed ‘Whoosh’ high-speed railway

    The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train named ‘Whoosh’ is seen after the inauguration at Padalarang station in Padalarang, West Java on October 2, 2023. Bay Ismoyo | Afp | Getty Images Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday inaugurated a $7.3 billion high-speed railway connecting the country’s capital with the city of Bandung, a China-backed project that has…

  • Indonesia could be the ‘gateway’ to EV investments in ASEAN

    Indonesia could be the ‘gateway’ to EV investments in ASEAN

    Korean automobile manufacturer Kia displays the electric vehicle “EV6 GT-Line” during the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in Tangerang on August 10, 2023. Yasuyoshi Chiba | Afp | Getty Images Indonesia’s EV-friendly policies have lured global investors to the country, but experts say they could also boost investments in Southeast Asia’s automotive industry more…

  • Oil prices fall ahead of more central bank steers on interest rates

    Oil prices fall ahead of more central bank steers on interest rates

    This aerial photo shows the Enping 15-1 oil platform 200 km southwest of Shenzhen, south China, May 31, 2023. Mao Siqian | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Thursday after falling by the most in a month in the previous session on U.S. interest rate hike expectations, and…

  • 5 things to know before the stock market opens Tuesday, September 5

    5 things to know before the stock market opens Tuesday, September 5

    Here are the most important news items that investors need to start their trading day: 1. Stocks slip Stock futures were slightly lower Tuesday to start the trading week. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were down 8 points, or less than 0.1%. S&P 500 futures slid 0.1%, while Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.3%. Those moves come after…

  • Myanmar won’t be allowed to lead ASEAN in 2026, in blow to generals

    Myanmar won’t be allowed to lead ASEAN in 2026, in blow to generals

    Philippine’s President Ferdinand Marcos, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and East Timor’s Prime Minister…

  • Indonesia’s China-backed high-speed train sparks concerns of debt trap

    Indonesia’s China-backed high-speed train sparks concerns of debt trap

    Indonesia is starting trial runs for its first high-speed train, which will connect the capital Jakarta to a neighboring city of Bandung, after years of delays and cost overruns plagued the project. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images A $7.3 billion high-speed electric rail line between Indonesia’s two biggest cities is set to be launched…

  • Asia food inflation fears rise as rice prices surge

    Asia food inflation fears rise as rice prices surge

    An undated stock photo of a market stall with piles of many varieties of Vietnamese rice in Ho Chi Minh city grocery. Vietnam is one of the largest exporters of quality rice, Asia’s most important staple food. Bicho_raro | Istock | Getty Images A perfect storm may be brewing in Asia. Rice prices surged to…

  • ASEAN moves closer to economic unity with new regional payments system

    ASEAN moves closer to economic unity with new regional payments system

    Indonesian President Joko Widodo makes a speech during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on July 14, 2023. Murat Gok | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images A new regional cross-border payment system recently implemented by Southeast Asian nations could deepen financial integration among participants, bringing the ASEAN bloc…

  • A ban ends dog and cat meat trade in Sulawesi

    A ban ends dog and cat meat trade in Sulawesi

    The Tomohon Extreme Market was once a top tourist attraction in the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi — a live animal market filled with everything from fileted pythons to skewered bats and rats. But the market drew international condemnation in 2018 after animal activists shot videos of dogs and cats being brutally beaten and blowtorched…

  • A new private island opened near Singapore and Batam

    A new private island opened near Singapore and Batam

    Travelers from Singapore will soon have a new vacation option — one that doesn’t require a flight. A new Indonesian private island, named ONE°15 Marina Nirup Island, opened in July nine miles south of Singapore. The launch — the first of two phases — included the opening of a restaurant and bar, ferry terminal and…