Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: June 23, 2025
The Indonesian government has strongly condemned a Canadian-based website for listing several islands within Indonesia's territory for sale, declaring the practice illegal and misleading. Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Nusron Wahid said Sunday that no private ownership or sale of entire islands is permitted under Indonesian law, following reports that Private Islands Inc., a website based in Ontario, Canada, was advertising islands in Indonesia to international buyers.
State asset fund Danantara is stepping in to provide capital support for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), marking a shift away from direct state-funded injections. While the move is expected to ease the fiscal burden, experts have raised concerns about a potential lack of transparency.
1.PROTECTING MEKONG RIVER ENVIRONMENT -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The United Kingdom and the Mekong River Commission partnership will strengthen climate resilience efforts and improve water resource management in Laos. The partnership will enhance regional climate adaptation, water governance, and biodiversity protection. This will benefit communities across the Lower Mekong Basin.
2. LAO TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT ECONOMY -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged provinces to increase domestic food production and reduce imports. The move is to promote a self-reliant economy and transition from a consumer society to a production-oriented market.
MYANMAR
1.TECHNOLOGY FOR LOWLAND COFFEE GROWERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government will provide technology to families interested in growing coffee on a small scale or for commercial purposes in lowland areas where coffee is widely grown. Authorities are trying to promote more lowland organic coffee cultivation, mostly robusta and liberica varieties.
2.CHINESE EXPERTS TO FIX DAMAGED BUILDINGS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Chinese cultural heritage preservation experts have completed the inspection of ancient buildings damaged by the earthquake in the Mandalay region. They also discussed with Myanmar authorities regarding renovation of damaged heritage buildings, repair processes and long-term plans.
SINGAPORE
1.'SAFETY FOREMOST IN OUR MINDS': FAISHAL IBRAHIM REASSURES SINGAPOREAN STUDENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The Government is monitoring developments in the Middle East closely and is working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in touch with Singaporean students in the region.
2.IRAN THREATENS US BASES IN RESPONSE TO STRIKES ON NUCLEAR SITES -- CNA/AFP
Iran on Sunday (Jun 22) threatened US bases in the Middle East after massive air strikes that Washington said had destroyed Tehran's nuclear programme, though some officials cautioned that the extent of damage was unclear.
VIETNAM
1.NEW POLICY OFFERS HIGHER LOANS FOR FARMERS -- VIETNAMPLUS
Farmers are allowed to borrow up to about RM51,000 (US$12,000) starting July 1 without any collateral. The new policy is to promote agriculture and rural development and also simplifies loan applications for farming communities.
2.HO CHI MINH TO HOST TAEKWONDO TOURNAMENT -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam will host the international CJ 2025 Taekwondo Tournament in Ho Chi Minh City from June 26–29. This is the first time that Vietnam is holding a G1-level tournament where more than 100 athletes from 15 countries will participate.
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