This Week in Asia

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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto gestures at the launch of a new system for directly transferring allowances to regional public school teachers’ bank accounts in Jakarta on March 13. Photo: AFP

Politics

Can Indonesia pivot towards the Middle East and diversify from China, US?

With a focus on trade, infrastructure and defence, Indonesia aims to leverage the region’s substantial wealth and cultural ties.

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‘Shameful’ Japanese tourists’ Great Wall prank sparks outrage at home

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British couple attacked in Thailand found guilty of injuring neighbours

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Politics

Is North Korea a nuclear power? Trump seems to think so

The comments have sparked fears the US might favour talks on nuclear arms reduction with North Korea instead of full denuclearisation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump meet in Panmunjom in the Demilitarised Zone on June 30, 2019. Photo: AP
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump meet in Panmunjom in the Demilitarised Zone on June 30, 2019. Photo: AP

Economics

Tokyo’s nightlife gets US$3.8 million makeover to lure visitors after dark

Initiatives include pop-up information offices, projection mapping displays, and subsidies for businesses, all designed to showcase Tokyo’s vibrant after-hours scene.

Politics

Will Typhon system feature in Philippines’ full-battle Balikatan drills?

Similar to Balikatan 2024, this year’s drills will feature sinking exercises 12 nautical miles outside the Philippines’ territorial waters.

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People

South Korean firms axe ads with actor Kim Soo-hyun over underage dating scandal

Star’s agency denies claims that he had a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage.

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South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun. Photo: Getty Images
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun. Photo: Getty Images

Health & Environment

Indonesia’s clean energy transition in doubt after US withdrawal from JETP

Despite Jakarta’s ambitious net-zero goals, analysts say the country has limited political will to fulfil its climate commitments on its own.

People

Malaysian reporter acclaimed for migrant syndicate stories denies bribe-taking

Malaysiakini’s Nantha Kumar claims he was acting as an undercover informant for immigration authorities.

Politics

Japan, US to mark 80th anniversary of Iwo Jima battle amid trade tensions

Tokyo hopes joint memorial will underline commitment to security alliance, but Hegseth expected to ask Japan to do more to defend itself, analysts say.

Iwo Jima, with Mount Suribachi in the foreground, is seen from a Japanese Air Self Defence Force C-1 transport plane. Iwo Jima was the site of a fierce battle between Japanese and US forces for control of airfields on the island during World War II. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Trump’s crackdown leaves Indonesian immigrants in US ‘afraid to do anything’

As of November 2024, more than 4,000 Indonesians were on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement removal list.

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US Transportation Command support Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation flights. Photo: US Army/AFP
US Transportation Command support Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation flights. Photo: US Army/AFP

Economics

Myanmar refugees offer hope to South Korean county fighting population decline

Yeongyang county hopes to revitalise its community by welcoming refugees, offering new opportunities and utilising empty properties.

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Lifestyle & Culture

Japanese fortune-teller charged with extortion linked to mysterious drowning deaths

Authorities believe two men drowned themselves after the fortune-teller told them it was a way to cleanse evil from people they knew.

Economics

Chinese tourists are drawn to Japan’s Fukushima, despite its nuclear past

‘Dark tourism’ trend sees visitors eager to witness the impact of the disaster.

Futaba is seen behind a retractable fence. Photo: Kyodo

Economics

‘Not a bailout’: Malaysia’s Anwar defends US$230 million in aid for Sapura Energy

The prime minister says the move is needed to stabilise the sector, but critics call it hypocritical due to his past opposition to bailouts.

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gives a speech during a public lecture event with the attendance of the Turkish president in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on February 10. Photo: EPA-EFE
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gives a speech during a public lecture event with the attendance of the Turkish president in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on February 10. Photo: EPA-EFE

Politics

South Korean medical schools threaten to expel striking students

The government proposed increasing the medical school admission quota to address a doctor shortage, but students argue poor working conditions are the real issue.

Politics

Former Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri shows up to give statement in corruption case

He had twice delayed reporting to Putrajaya authorities, citing health issues.

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Economics

Emas or gelap? Prabowo’s golden dream and Indonesia’s ‘dark’ realities collide

With a shrinking middle class, falling commodity prices and youth unemployment on the rise, experts warn of an economic paradox in the making.

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Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Economics

Malaysia’s digital economy ambition faces disconnect in workplace and schools

The country’s workers are ill-equipped to meet the needs of the digital economy with AI threatening to leave them in the shade, analysts say.

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Politics

Deadline diplomacy: Arab nations mobilise against Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ scheme

With lives at stake, the Arab world is rallying to counter what analysts described as the US president’s ‘deranged ethnic-cleansing plan’.

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Health & Environment

Toxic tides: life in Indonesia’s most polluted village

Once a pristine fishing hamlet, Tanjung Uma is now drowning in garbage and disease as it bears the brunt of unchecked waste and environmental collapse.

A food stall in Tanjung Uma next to a trash-strewn waterway. Photo: Ken Kwek
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LATEST Asia NEWS

Southeast Asia

Philippines’ Duterte attends ICC hearing via video link

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Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is seen on a screen in the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague on March 14, 2025. Photo: pool via Reuters

Politics

Can Indonesia pivot towards the Middle East and diversify from China, US?

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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto gestures at the launch of a new system for directly transferring allowances to regional public school teachers’ bank accounts in Jakarta on March 13. Photo: AFP

South Asia

Man’s best friend celebrates Holi, the festival of colours

A woman pets a dog who took part in Holi festivities at a park in New Delhi. Photo: AP

China Economy

Vietnam boosts China’s aviation ambitions with C909 deal move

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The C909 is the smallest narrowbody jet produced by Chinese aviation company Comac. Photo: EPA-EFE

Southeast Asia

‘You have to kill me to bring me to The Hague’: how Duterte’s arrest unfolded

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Supporters of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte gather outside the ICC detention centre in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 12. Photo: Xinhua
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OPINION
Biman Mukherji

My Take | Asia needs new clean-energy partners after US withdrawal from climate aid

Biman Mukherji
Danielle Chubb

Opinion | Why US aid cuts are a win for North Korea’s Kim Jong-un

Danielle Chubb
David Yu Chak-wai

Opinion | 3 steps Hong Kong workplaces can take to end sexual harassment

David Yu Chak-wai
Joseph Sipalan

My Take | Here we go again: Ismail Sabri is third Malaysian ex-PM on corruption carousel

Joseph Sipalan
Pou Sothirak,Eoeng Kanhara

Asian Angle | Asean, Beijing need new strategy for binding code of conduct in South China Sea

Pou Sothirak
Eoeng Kanhara
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

India celebrates colourful Holi festival

Indians mark Holi festival with colourful powder and flower petals
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Video

India’s female brewers

The women brewing change in India, one beer at a time
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Video

Hundreds rescued from hijacked train in Pakistan

‘Armed men stormed the train’: Pakistan train hijacking ends with hundreds rescued
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Video

Duterte video message tells supporters not to worry

‘Do not worry’: Rodrigo Duterte addresses supporters in video from ICC custody
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