INDONESIA MALAYSIA

Mar 31 2026BUSINESS

Fuel Swaps and Energy Scrambles in Asia

Indonesia’s president flew to Tokyo amid a regional rush to find new fuel sources. The Middle East conflict has cut many supplies, and now countries are trading energy to keep their economies running. Jakarta is planning a deal that would bring more liquefied natural gas into Japan while sending liq

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Mar 31 2026ENVIRONMENT

Forest Loss in Indonesia Rises Sharp as Self‑Sufficiency Drives Push Land Clearing

Indonesia’s forests shrank by a striking 66% in 2025, the fastest rate in eight years, according to data from satellite imagery and field checks across 16 provinces. The country’s huge forest area, once one of the world’s richest in biodiversity, is being cleared at an alarming pace as it pursues am

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Jan 29 2026HEALTH

Malaysia's Bold Step in Suicide Reporting: A New Guide for Media

Malaysia has taken a significant step forward in handling sensitive topics in the media. They have created the first-ever national guidelines for reporting on suicide. This initiative is unique because it involves people who have experienced suicide firsthand. It aims to improve how suicide is talke

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Jan 29 2026RELIGION

Indonesia's Changing Faith: A Quiet Shift in Belief

Indonesia is known for its strong religious roots. Islam is the dominant faith, but there are five other recognized religions. These religions shape the country's culture and laws. However, things are changing. Over the past 20 years, the role of religion in people's lives has been shifting. The co

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Jan 28 2026POLITICS

Indonesia's Rescue Agency Faces Budget Cuts Amid Rising Disasters

Indonesia's government has decided to reduce the budget for its main rescue agency, Basarnas. This decision comes even though the country faces more and more disasters. The cuts were approved by a parliamentary panel. They reduced the budget by 69. 38 billion rupiah, or about 4. 5%. This money will

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Jan 27 2026FINANCE

Indonesia's Economy: Steady Growth Amid Challenges

Indonesia's economy is showing resilience, with a growth target of 5. 2% for 2025, despite recent setbacks. The finance minister shared this update, highlighting that the fourth quarter saw even faster growth. This positive outlook extends into 2026, with a growth target of 5. 4% for the $1. 4 trill

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Jan 22 2026BUSINESS

Malaysia's Defense Spending: A Closer Look

Malaysia is putting more money into its military. This is not a small change. The country's defense budget is growing fast. In 2025, it was $4. 8 billion. By 2030, it could reach $7. 2 billion. That's a big jump. The money is going towards new tech and better equipment. The government wants to make

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Jan 19 2026POLITICS

Indonesia's Central Bank Faces New Leadership Shake-Up

Indonesia's central bank, Bank Indonesia (BI), is in the spotlight again. The president, Prabowo Subianto, has picked his nephew, Thomas Djiwandono, for a top role. This move has raised eyebrows, especially since Djiwandono isn't your typical central banker. He's a former businessman and current dep

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Jan 15 2026BUSINESS

Boosting Malaysian SMEs with AI and Smart Payments

Malaysia is stepping up its game to help small businesses grow. TNG Digital and EPOS have teamed up to launch EPOS360, a toolkit packed with AI features and payment options. This isn't just about making things digital; it's about giving small businesses the tools they need to compete and thrive. Th

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Jan 11 2026TECHNOLOGY

Indonesia Takes a Stand Against AI-Generated Explicit Content

Indonesia has made a bold move by temporarily blocking access to Elon Musk's Grok chatbot. This decision came after concerns were raised about the AI tool generating and spreading sexually explicit content. The country is known for its strict rules against obscene material online, and this action hi

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