Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Indonesia Pushes Whoosh High-Speed Rail Extension to Surabaya Amid KCIC Debt Challenges
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government is determined to continue the Whoosh high-speed train project all the way to Surabaya, even amid the huge debt burden faced by the operator, PT Kereta Cepat...
Owner: Ciputra Family
Woman 'is tricked into travelling to Thailand for fake modelling job and killed so her organs can be harvested'
A woman was reportedly tricked into travelling to Thailand for a fake modelling job before being forced to work as a slave and killed so her organs could be harvested on the black market. Vera Kravtsova, 26, originally from Belarus, flew to...
Owner: Jonathan Harmsworth
Agoda reveals Asia’s top vegetarian destinations for culinary travelers
Agoda highlights vegetarian-friendly destinations across Asia, showcasing food-motivated travel trends and growing interest in plant-based culinary experiences. SINGAPORE – Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled a curated list of the best...
Owner: Theodore Koumelis & Vicky Karantzavelou
Diwali 2025 vacation: Indians can visit over 50 countries visa-free - check full list, key details
With days left for the Diwali 2025 holidays, several people across the country are gearing up to celebrate the festivities abroad. As a growing number of countries are offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival, travelling abroad has become easier with...
Owner: Shobhana Bhartia
Which 57 countries can Indian passport holders travel visa-free to in 2025?
India has dropped to the 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, giving Indian passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. This marks a decline of five spots from last year, when Indians could travel to 62...
Owner: Sahu Jain Family
Indonesia eyes woodball gold sweep at 2025 SEA Games
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian national woodball team is aiming for a clean sweep of gold medals at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, building on its achievements in several international championships over the past two years. “Indonesian...
Owner: Indonesian Government
Agoda, Saudi Tourism Authority to boost Asia-Pacific travel to Saudi Arabia
Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and travel experiences to Asia-Pacific travellers. Launched during Web in Travel...
Owner: Sino Splendid Holdings Ltd
10 of the best things to do on Indonesia's Gili Islands
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Lonely Planet
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Anyone who’s been to Indonesia's Gili Islands would likely agree on one thing – you can’t help but feel relaxed as soon as you set foot on the fine white sands. These three little islands off the coast of Lombok are a popular holiday destination,...
Owner: Ric Elias
BLACKPINK's Lisa Appointed as Thailand's Tourism Ambassador
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - K-pop star Lisa from BLACKPINK has been appointed as Thailand's new tourism ambassador to promote the country's culture and charm to international tourists. The Blackpink member's appointment was announced on Wednesday, October...
Owner: Ciputra Family
Ramaphosa appoints Enoch Godongwana as acting president
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as acting president. Godongwana will serve as acting president from 21 to 27 October 2025, while Ramaphosa is away on several international visits. ENOCH GODOGWANA AS ACTING...
Owner: Blue Sky Publications Ltd
Belitung aims to become carbon-free island, boost green tourism
Belitung, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - Belitung is set to become a carbon-free island as part of a wider push for low-emission development, clean air, and sustainable environmental practices, Belitung District Head Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat said on...
Owner: Indonesian Government
Eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Displaces Thousands in Eastern Indonesia, Elevating Regional Tensions in the Ring of Fire
Maumere, Indonesia – October 15, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of volcanic unrest, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a notoriously active stratovolcano on the remote island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, unleashed a series of powerful...
Indonesia denies report of planned Israel visit
Diplomatic relations do not yet exist, but Israel is preparing for what could be a dramatic and unprecedented visit: a year and a half after Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that Indonesia had agreed to normalize relations with Jerusalem in...
Owner: Yedioth Media Group
Indonesia denies reports that President Prabowo will visit Israel
KARACHI / ISTANBUL Indonesia on Monday denied reports that President Prabowo Subianto will visit Israel after completing his trip to Egypt. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry “firmly” stated that Prabowo will not visit Israel, the state-run Antara...
This Indian city has made it to the list of the world’s 10 cheapest long-haul vacation destinations
If you're looking to explore the world without spending a fortune, here's a list of the world’s 10 cheapest long-haul vacation destinations that can help you plan your trip. This list shows that it's still possible to take an international break...
Owner: Newhouse Family
Scoot launching new flights to Indonesian destinations, including Labuan Bajo, from December
Known for its lively traditional markets and unique culinary offerings, Palembang is one of Indonesia’s oldest cities. From Jan 15, 2026, Scoot will begin four times weekly flights to Palembang on the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, with one-way economy...
Owner: Singaporean Government
Scoot to fly to Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo, Medan, Palembang and Semarang
SINGAPORE – Those looking to travel on a budget now have more options after Scoot announced four new routes in Indonesia – Labuan Bajo, Medan, Palembang and Semarang. Flights to these cities will start progressively between December 2025 and...
Owner: Ong Beng Seng & Singaporean Government
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 16, 2025
INDONESIA 1. PURBAYA HITS OUT AT PLAN TO ‘RETURN’ IDLE MEAL FUNDS -- THE JAKARTA POST Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has called for improved budget absorption for the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme, after the National Nutrition...
Owner: Malaysian Government
World : Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 16, 2025
INDONESIA 1. PURBAYA HITS OUT AT PLAN TO ‘RETURN’ IDLE MEAL FUNDS -- THE JAKARTA POST Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has called for improved budget absorption for the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme, after the National Nutrition...
Owner: Malaysian Government
Helper jailed a week for lodging false rape report against ex-employer’s husband
SINGAPORE - To end the affair she was having with her employer’s husband, an Indonesian domestic helper filed a false police report against him, claiming he had raped her. On Oct 14, the woman was sentenced to a week’s jail after pleading guilty...
Owner: Ong Beng Seng & Singaporean Government