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Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Prabowo and Trump strike tariff deal – but at what cost to Indonesia?
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said his conversation with US President Donald Trump heralded 'a new era of mutual benefit' between both sides. SINGAPORE – The trade deal announced on July 15 lowering US tariffs on Indonesian goods is seen by some as a diplomatic win for President Prabowo Subianto, though others warn that he may have overpromised and burdened Indonesia with costly commitments. US President Donald Trump broke the news on his Truth Social platform, saying that he had struck a trade pact with Indonesia following negotiations with Mr Prabowo to avoid steeper tariffs. 'They are going to pay 19 per cent and we are going to pay nothing... We will have full access into Indonesia, and we have a couple of those deals that are going to be announced,' he later told reporters. No details have been given about the deal, which comes after deals Mr Trump has made with Vietnam and the United Kingdom. The US President had threatened Indonesia with a 32 per cent tariff rate starting Aug 1 in a letter last week. Mr Prabowo on July 16 said his conversation with Mr Trump heralded 'a new era of mutual benefit' between both sides. As part of the deal, Indonesia has committed to purchasing US$15 billion (S$19 billion) in US energy, US$4.5 billion in American agricultural products, and 50 Boeing jets, many of them 777s. The sheer scale of Indonesia's purchase commitments, and the lack of clarity on how they will be financed and integrated with national strategies, has raised eyebrows, with experts warning that the deal could set a precedent for other trade partners to demand similar 'full access' terms. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Singapore ComfortDelGro to introduce new taxi cancellation, waiting fee policy Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Associate Professor Yohanes Sulaiman of Jenderal Achmad Yani University in West Java highlighted the plan to buy the Boeing jets, noting that national carrier Garuda Indonesia is still struggling financially and unlikely to be in a position to take on large-scale purchases. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the state-owned carrier recorded a net loss of US$75.9 million, surpassing its already-large net loss for the entire 2024 fiscal year. When asked about the planes on July 16, President Prabowo said that Indonesia needs to grow the national carrier's presence, and to do so, new aircraft were needed. There are also doubts about the energy component. While Indonesia does import liquefied petroleum gas and other fuels, analysts say a US$15 billion commitment would run counter to the government's ambitions to reduce fossil fuel dependency and boost renewables. The scale of the energy imports is not aligned with Indonesia's energy transition goals, and this could introduce fiscal strain and policy contradictions down the line, noted Dr Siwage Dharma Negara, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. 'The arrangement doesn't necessarily reflect a balanced, win-win outcome,' he said, warning that Indonesia has to keep in mind the longer-term costs. 'It remains unclear whether the economic benefits fully justify the scale of concessions offered by Jakarta.' Indonesia's goods trade with the US reached nearly US$40 billion in 2024, with a roughly US$18 billion surplus, and key exports including electronics, footwear, car tyres, palm oil and frozen shrimp. Indonesia's central bank on July 16 delivered its fourth interest rate cut since September, trimming its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent in a bid to support the economy amid weakening global trade and sluggish domestic demand. Sluggish household spending had already weakened growth in the first quarter, while the outlook for subsequent quarters has been clouded by the impact of US tariffs on global trade. Some observers found the direct negotiation between the two leaders notable. This growing personal rapport was most visibly demonstrated in November 2024, when Mr Prabowo posted a video of his congratulatory call to Mr Trump, in which he offered to fly over in person, and referenced his American military training. Bank Permata economist Josua Pardede said Mr Trump singling out Mr Prabowo and calling him 'highly respected' was more than symbolic, chalking it up as a win for the Indonesian leader and his foreign policy approach. 'Such direct acknowledgment from a global leader underscores President Prabowo's capability to manage complex international relations and signals strength and credibility to both domestic and international stakeholders,' he said. The agreement signals that Mr Prabowo is willing to make bold economic moves to safeguard Indonesia's interests, said Dr Siwage. 'Mr Trump's public acknowledgment of a direct deal with Mr Prabowo suggests that Indonesia took an active role in shaping the outcome,' he said, adding that this highlights how both leaders prefer a personal, transactional style of diplomacy. Other experts, however, cautioned that the deal may carry ripple effects across Indonesia's wider network of economic relationships. Mr Muhammad Habib Abiyan Dzakwan from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned that the nature of the arrangement, involving significant import concessions, could prompt demands from other economic partners. 'What I am concerned the most is the extent of this unusual arrangement would then affect Indonesia's relations with Asean neighbours and Free Trade Agreement partners. More partners will likely demand the same concession from Indonesia,' he said. In particular, countries like China, the archipelago's largest trading partner and one of its top investors, may view Jakarta's increasingly close economic overtures to the US with suspicion, he added. However, he cautioned that the government must ensure it has sufficient budget and fiscal space not only to meet these obligations, but also to prepare for future uncertainties that may arise. While the figures in the deal appear large, Mr Josua said that the commitments are likely to be staggered over time, and may align with Indonesia's long-term infrastructure and aviation ambitions. But whether they benefit Indonesia in the long run will depend on how they create jobs and drive productivity, and how Indonesia integrates these commitments with domestic policy objectives. 'Careful negotiation and execution will be critical to ensuring that benefits are maximised and commensurate with the substantial financial outlays involved,' he said.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Straits Times
Jail for man who fatally hit his own daughter, 2, while driving van without licence
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The accident occurred on March 13, 2023, at the carpark of Block 326 Woodlands Street 32 and his daughter died that same day. SINGAPORE – While driving a delivery van, a man ran over his wife and a stroller carrying their two-year-old daughter. At the time of the accident, the 36-year-old man did not have a driving licence, and was on the run for a previous unlicensed moneylending offence. The accident occurred on March 13, 2023, at the carpark of Block 326 Woodlands Street 32 and his daughter died that same day. On July 16, the man was sentenced to 12 weeks' jail and disqualified from driving for three years after pleading guilty to two charges of driving without a valid licence and driving without motor insurance. Two other charges of driving without due care and attention were taken into consideration for his sentencing. The man cannot be named as the identities of his other children are protected under the Children and Young Persons Act. The court heard that the man was sentenced in December 2021 to one year's jail and three strokes of the cane for an unlicensed moneylending offence. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Singapore ComfortDelGro to introduce new taxi cancellation, waiting fee policy Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia He was supposed to start serving his sentence in January 2022, but did not surrender himself on the scheduled date. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he remained on the run till the day of the accident. That day, his wife was driving a rented delivery van to the Woodlands Street 32 area to deliver parcels. The man, their son and daughter were with her. After the couple delivered some parcels, the man asked to drive the van to several blocks to clear the remaining deliveries quickly so that the family could have lunch soon. His wife knew he did not have a valid driving licence but allowed him to do so. She made her way on foot to another block to deliver parcels while pushing their daughter in a stroller. Their son accompanied the man in the van. Footage played in court showed the van making a turn in the carpark as the man's wife was walking and pushing a stroller by the roadside. The crash happened off-camera. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Jun Chong said the van, which was not driven at a safe distance from the wife, toppled the stroller and ran over the daughter and the wife's right foot. Seeing their daughter motionless on the road, his wife screamed. The man immediately braked and reversed the van. The man alighted and ran towards his wife, who was cradling the girl and crying hysterically. He took the girl from his wife's arms and tried to wake her, but to no avail. He then started walking around aimlessly while carrying the toddler, mumbling: 'Papa sorry.' Some passers-by called for an ambulance, which took the wife and daughter to the hospital. The girl suffered a bruise on her forehead and was bleeding profusely from her nose and mouth. She died in hospital at about 3.30pm that day. The man was arrested and started serving his sentence the next day for his previous offence. DPP Ng revealed in court that the man had been fined $1,500 in August 2021 for driving without a licence. The prosecutor said: 'The consequences which arose from the accused's driving was grave as well as tragic. 'An accident occurred, and the accused caused the death of his own daughter, as well as untold grief to both his wife and himself.' The man – who did not have a lawyer – took issue in court with the timeline of investigations as he was charged two years after the accident. District Judge Shawn Ho found that there was no inordinate delay by the police or prosecution as time was needed to obtain various documents, such as medical reports. The judge pointed out that the man had absconded for his previous offence and thereafter had to serve his jail sentence, which also took time. The man said in mitigation that he and his wife were remorseful and still grieving the loss of their daughter. He said: 'As a human, (how) do I feel if I cannot bury my own daughter when I'm inside (prison)?' He added that he is the family's sole breadwinner as his wife has not been in the right state of mind to work after the accident. 'It's our own daughter, not an outsider or a passer-by... It's hard for us to move on,' he said. The couple have since had another baby, a six-month-old boy, who was in court with the wife, elder son and other family members. He continued requesting a lighter sentence after the jail term was handed down, but Judge Ho said he had already considered his mitigation plea seriously. The man accepted his sentence and kissed his sons goodbye before he was taken away.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
ComfortDelGro to introduce new taxi cancellation, waiting fee policy
To help its customers ease into the changes, ComfortDelGro will implement a waiver period. SINGAPORE - Singapore's largest taxi operator ComfortDelGro will be introducing a new cancellation and waiting fee policy from July 31. In a Facebook post on July 16 announcing the change, ComfortDelGro said that charges under the new policy will be applied only after a waiver period – from Sept 1 for the cancellation fee, and from Oct 15 for the waiting fee. During this period, no charges will be applied even if the fee conditions are met, which ComfortDelGro said allows both customers and drivers to familiarise themselves with the new policies before it is fully enforced. Under the new cancellation policy, customers are accorded four free cancellations a month, usable only when a taxi has yet to arrive at a pickup point. After these are used, a $4 fee will be charged. However, if a taxi has arrived at a pickup point – determined by its GPS data – and a customer cancels the ride, the $4 fee will be charged regardless of the remaining free cancellation quota. A no-show by customers, defined as them not being at the pick-up point more than five minutes after the taxi arrives, will incur a charge of $5. A waiting fee will be charged if the taxi waits for them for more than four minutes. For every additional five minutes of waiting, $3 will be added to the customer's fare, up to a maximum of $9. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Describing its new policies as 'fairer', the transport operator said that the move was so 'everyone's time is respected, and drivers are fairly rewarded when plans change last minute'. On its website , ComfortDelGro clarified that the fees are mutually exclusive - a waiting fee will only be charged if a customer completes a trip, while a cancellation or no-show fee is only applicable if a customer fails to complete the trip. Customers using cashless payment methods will have the fees deducted automatically, while those paying by cash will see the fee added to their next ride's fare via ComfortDelGro's Zig app. ComfortDelGro also assured customers that drivers will also suffer consequences for cancelling, and that there are 'policies are in force to ensure that both parties are treated fairly'.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Jon Rahm eager to end Spanish drought at the Open Championship
PORTRUSH – Jon Rahm knows it has been 37 years since a Spaniard won The Open Championship, when Seve Ballesteros lifted his third Claret Jug in 1988. Rahm has had several close calls, with ties for second in 2023, third in 2021 and seventh in 2024. He also finished T11 the last time it was played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland in 2019. 'I can't really give you an answer why (it has been so long),' Rahm said on July 15 as he prepares for the start of the 153rd Open on July 17. 'The way Seve played, it's a bit of a different way to play on links courses. I think one of the reasons he was so loved in Britain and Ireland, because I don't think anybody conceived that that was the way to play links golf – just hit driver everywhere and somehow find a way to put it on the green and chip and putt. 'It was not normal, which is a testament to how good of a golfer he was.' Countrymen Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia made strong runs at The Open Championship. Olazabal twice finished third and Garcia twice finished second. 'I think Sergio and I are obviously more known for being ball strikers,' Rahm said. 'Ollie, besides the driver, everything else was outstanding, one of the best iron players ever. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man who tried to smuggle over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Singapore Acute psychiatry services to be expanded across all healthcare clusters: MOH 'Incredible golf game, both Ollie and Sergio; it's just never easy to win an Open.' Rahm, 30, returns to Royal Portrush in top form, having finished in the top 15 at all three Majors so far and coming off a runner-up showing last week at the LIV Golf Andalucia event in his home country. Rahm played through blustery conditions at Real Club Valderrama and carded a six-under 65 on July 13 to finish one stroke behind winner Talor Gooch. 'We had quite a bit of wind, and that's always going to be a very hopeful week to get ready for (the Open),' Rahm said. 'The other thing Valderrama does, it's challenging. Every golf shot you hit there, it's very little margin of error, so it does prep you mentally to get ready for a challenge that a Major can be. Not to the fullest, but it's challenging enough to where you have to think about it quite a bit. With the wind obviously there's differences, but in those two aspects it helps. ' Rahm has enjoyed success in Ireland, including his first title on the European Tour at the Irish Open in 2017, which he won again in 2019. 'From what I've played in Ireland, I think maybe the designs – or I really don't know how to explain it best, but it just seems they use the contours in different ways,' the two-time major winner said. 'All the courses seem to be in a way where there's a few more dunes.' Rahm is paired with defending champion Xander Schauffele and reigning US Open champion J.J. Spaun for the first two rounds. REUTERS
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Xander Schauffele starting with blank canvas for Open Championship defence
Defending champion Xander Schauffele of the US ahead of the Open Championship at Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland on July 14. PORTRUSH –Xander Schauffele is super excited at the prospect of trying to defend his Open Championship title at Royal Portrush this week but says he will have to come up with a different plan to the one that took him to victory 12 months ago. 'I think a blank canvas is a great place to start. You can paint many different pictures to win a tournament. You've just got to do the right one,' the American told reporters on the County Antrim coast on July 15 after practice. The 31-year-old produced a blemish-free final-round of 65 at Royal Troon in 2024 to win his second Major title to go along with his gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He was the third American in four years to win golf's oldest Major but while that experience will hold him in good stead for the days ahead, he said Portrush's Dunluce Links will throw up a completely new test of his renowned links golf skills. 'It's an interesting thing just because my thoughts of playing really well were at Royal Troon,' he said. 'Coming here, I feel like I'm trying to re-learn this golf course, get comfortable with certain sight lines, some blind tee shots. If I can get myself in the mix, that's when I think I would have an advantage. That's where my biggest edge would be. 'I can lean on experience at other points in time, but I think the most fun and the biggest advantage I would have is coming down the stretch, if I can get close to that lead.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man who tried to smuggle over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Singapore Acute psychiatry services to be expanded across all healthcare clusters: MOH With the perils of a links course's sloping greens, cavernous bunkers, knee-deep rough and the wild weather associated with Britain's coast, it is hardly surprising that defending the title is treacherous. The last player to do so was Ireland's Padraig Harrington in 2008 and Schauffele knows the luck of the draw and getting lucky with the weather could be vital this week. 'This week is a pretty good example of having to deal with a wave. There's typically a good wave and a bad wave in an Open Championship,' he said. 'You just keep your fingers crossed that you're in the good wave and try and play well. 'If you're not, fight for your life and make the cut and then try and do something on the weekend.' For a player who grew up in San Diego, it might be surprising how he has embraced the challenge of links golf. But he said 16-hour trips in the car with his dad as a youngster helped him learn to be creative. 'We drove up to Bandon Dunes from San Diego. It took about 16 hours. I was 13 years old,' he said. 'We played three or four days in a row. I think it was just Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes at the time. 'We got the real weather. My rain gear stopped working. It was that much wind and rain. 'I had a blast. As much as it was nice to look forward to a hot shower at the end of the day, I had so much fun for some reason trying to figure out how to play golf in that weather.' With wind and rain expected to batter Portrush at times over the next five days, he will draw on those experiences again. REUTERS
