Southeast Asia
AsiaThe latest on Southeast Asia from our Asia desk.
Prabowo Apologizes to Singapore, Malaysia Over Haze at ASEAN Summit
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto apologized to Singapore and Malaysia at the ASEAN summit in Manila on November 15, 2026. He said 104 companies are under investigation over fires that burned for nearly four months, and 16 firefighters have died.
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Gibran Resigns as Indonesia’s Vice-President After Diploma Ruling
Indonesian Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigned on November 11 after the Supreme Court found he entered university without finishing high school. His exit comes as President Prabowo Subianto and Gibran's father, Joko Widodo, fall out, with the police chief's arrest raising fears of a security-force rivalry.
Three-Finger Protest Salute Falsely Tied to Ganjar Pranowo Support
Social media posts claim Indonesian protesters' three-finger salute shows backing for Ganjar Pranowo, President Prabowo Subianto's 2024 election rival. A student union that organized the October 2026 rallies says the gesture came from The Hunger Games and has no political affiliation.
Prabowo Hugs Gibran, Accepts V-P’s Resignation With ‘Heavy Heart’
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto embraced Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Merdeka Palace on November 12 after accepting the vice-president's resignation. Gibran stepped down following a legal ruling on his constitutional qualifications and gave no reason in person. The People's Consultative Assembly must choose a successor within 60 days.
Indonesia Vice President Gibran Resigns as Prabowo Courts NasDem Backing
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned. On November 11, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto attended NasDem's 15th anniversary in Jakarta, where party chairman Surya Paloh said Prabowo "must not fail" and prayed he could consolidate political ranks.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka Submits Resignation as Indonesia VP
Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his resignation to the People's Consultative Assembly on November 12, 2026, after court rulings on his education records. Parliament now has three days to approve it and 60 days to choose a successor.
Prabowo Says Gibran Fell Short of Constitutional Requirements, Urges Calm
With his vice president standing beside him, Indonesia's president explained the resignation, praised two years of work and warned against attempts to divide the country.
Indonesian Vice President Gibran Resigns After Court Rulings on Education Papers
Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has tendered his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto, an aide said, after court rulings on his education documents and an impeachment petition signed by 120 lawmakers. The upper house must now approve it and choose a replacement.
Chan Tsan to Lead Singapore’s LTA From May 1, 2027, Succeeding Ng Lang
Chan Tsan, currently chief executive of the Home Team Science and Technology Agency, will take over as head of Singapore's Land Transport Authority on May 1, 2027, succeeding Ng Lang. Police deputy commissioner Alvin Moh Tser Loong will replace him at HTX from February 1, 2027.
Gibran Offers to Resign as Indonesia’s Vice President
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka told President Prabowo Subianto he intends to resign over court rulings on his diploma, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said on November 10, 2026. No formal resignation has been announced, and Gibran wants to challenge the documents' status in court.
Japan to Give Philippines Coastal Radar, Drones in $27 Million Deal
Japan will provide the Philippines with a coastal surveillance radar system and unmanned aircraft under a $27 million security deal signed in Manila on Monday. It is the first transfer of finished Japanese-made defense equipment under Tokyo's security assistance program.
Four Men to Be Charged in Singapore Over S$6 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Four men aged 27 to 39 will be charged in a Singapore court on November 10 over an alleged scheme to obtain more than S$6 million in mortgage loans using a stranger's home as collateral, police said. A fifth suspect is still being traced.
MV Odyssey ‘Forever Cruise’ Ship Arrested in Singapore
The MV Odyssey, a luxury "forever cruise" ship stranded in Southeast Asia, has been arrested in Singapore, according to court records. The legal move lets
Balikpapan Study: Data Analysis Maps Spatial Popularity Gap
Researchers combined satellite night-light images with Google Maps records in Balikpapan, gateway to Indonesia's new capital. Lighting was even across districts, but popularity scores for city brand objects stayed below forty-five percent everywhere.
Tari Lang Memoir: At 16, a Dictator Became Her Neighbor
Tari Lang's memoir My Neighbour, The Dictator recounts growing up in Jakarta during Indonesia's 1965 military coup. Suharto moved a few hundred meters from her family home in 1967. In September 1968 her parents were detained, and her mother spent 15 months in Bukit Duri prison.
Two Survivors Named After Firefighting Helicopter Crash in Borneo
Australian Michael Betteridge and New Zealander Hugh Page survived when their firefighting helicopter nosedived into the Barito River in South Kalimantan. Navigator Yayan Supyansuri died. Indonesia's disaster agency has promised a safety review of aerial operations.
Mike Lim: Kuala Lumpur Mall Design Offers Ideas for Singapore
Interior designer Mike Lim says shopping malls need to offer more than retail as Singapore’s market faces criticism for sameness. His latest project, Ombak KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, drew social media attention for its six-storey atrium, while Lim argues that flexible spaces and social experiences can help malls attract repeat visitors.
Singapore Changi Transit Hotel Guide: Where to Sleep Airside
The Singapore Changi transit hotel guide helps travelers choose between airside rooms, short stay options, and landside hotels without leaving the airport. Knowing the rules, terminal access, and booking windows can save a rushed connection from turning into a sleepless layover.
Bangkok pub tragedy with 27 bodies renews scrutiny on nightlife safety
BANGKOK — Bangkok is facing fresh scrutiny after a pub incident left 27 bodies, a toll that instantly pushes the case beyond a local crime
Vietnam Economy Grows 8.39% as Trade Deficit Widens
HANOI, JOURNALARTA.COM – Vietnam's economy posted a strong performance in Q2 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth reaching 8.39% from the same period a year earlier. The result topped the previous quarter's 7.94% pace, reinforcing Vietnam's position as one of Southeast Asia's key manufacturing hubs. The main growth driver was industry and construction, which expanded 10.51% in Q2 2026. The sector accounted for the largest share of GDP at 50.07%. The gains were supported by recovering export orders and the effective rollout of public investment...
Malaysia Extends MH370 Search Contract With Ocean Infinity
KUALA LUMPUR, JOURNALARTA.COM – The mystery of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, missing for more than a decade, still has no clear answer. But the latest development offers a glimmer of hope for victims' families and the international aviation community. Malaysia has officially announced an extension of its underwater search contract with marine technology company Ocean Infinity, now running through June 2027. The decision follows extensive discussions over new evidence from satellite data analysis and more advanced ocean current modeling. The move underscores Malaysia's commitment to continue the search until the truth about the tragedy involving 239 passengers and crew is fully uncovered.