Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

10 of the best things to do on Indonesia's Gili Islands
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,...

Indonesia sets clear direction for tourism growth at WITF 2025
Indonesia’s coordinating minister for economic affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has called for stronger collaboration and clearer strategies to advance the country’s tourism sector. Speaking at the opening of the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...
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...

Indonesia, North Korea renew ties in first ministerial visit in 12 years
oreign Minister Sugiono witnessed the renewal of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations between Indonesia and North Korea on his visit to Pyongyang, the first ministerial level visit to the country in 12 years. Sugiono...
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...

Travelling the world…at a bargain
Not too long ago, the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and OneKlik Events staged another opportunity for local residents to make their travel dreams come true… at a bargain! The three-day Travel Sale Expo (TSE) reeled off at SM Megamall...

Indonesia Tourism Industry Association to Send Letter to Prabowo on Tourism Law Revision
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Tourism Industry Association of Indonesia (GIPI) plans to send a letter to President Prabowo Subianto regarding the revision of the Tourism Law. According to the Chair of GIPI, Hariyadi Sukamdani, the association is...
Scoot Expands Indonesia Network with Four New Destinations
Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, announced today it will progressively launch flights to four Indonesian destinations starting December 2025, strengthening its presence across the archipelago and giving travelers more options to...