Major Ash Eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki
JAKARTA – Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki, on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted on June 17, projecting an ash column up to 11 km (7 miles) into the atmosphere. The country’s volcanology agency immediately elevated the alert to Level 4 – … Continue reading Major Ash Eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki
Singapore and Indonesia: New Era of Partnership
SINGAPORE – Singapore and Indonesia are embarking on a new phase of strategic partnership, marked by renewed commitments to deepen cooperation in energy, defence, food security, and regional stability. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, both recently … Continue reading Singapore and Indonesia: New Era of Partnership
US presses Hanoi to reduce dependence on China
WASHINGTON/HANOI – The US is urging Vietnam to lessen its reliance on Chinese tech in devices assembled locally—such as Apple iPhones, Samsung smartphones, and Meta/Google VR headsets—exported to the American market. Hanoi is hosting meetings with domestic manufacturers to boost … Continue reading US presses Hanoi to reduce dependence on China
Trump Declares Rare Earths Deal ‘Done’ with China
WASHINGTON/LONDON/BEIJING – President Trump proclaimed on Truth Social that China has agreed to supply U.S. companies with “full magnets” and rare earth metals up front, while the U.S. will refrain from revoking visas for Chinese students. This announcement follows two … Continue reading Trump Declares Rare Earths Deal ‘Done’ with China
Bomb Threat Triggers Emergency Return to Phuket
PHUKET – On June 13, Flight AI 379, operated by Air India, departed Phuket at 9:30 a.m. local time en route to New Delhi. Moments after takeoff, crew received a bomb-threat note discovered in a lavatory. The Airbus A321/A320 (reported variously) circled … Continue reading Bomb Threat Triggers Emergency Return to Phuket