Indonesia fights forest fire

The Indonesian government has deployed over 22,000 soldiers, policemen and firefighters along with 24 aircraft to extinguish forest and agriculture fires in the western parts of the country.
Indonesia fights forest fire ảnh 1Forest fire in Ogan Ilir, southern Sumatra, Indonesia (Source: Reuters/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Indonesian government has deployed over 22,000 soldiers, policemen and firefighters along with 24 aircraft to extinguish forest and agriculture fires in the western parts of the country.

Spokesperson of the National Board for Disaster Management Sutopo Purwo Nugroho on September 15 said satellites of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) detected 260 hotspots in Indonesia, including 240 in Borneo Island.

He said numerous measures are being undertaken to put out the fires such as dropping water and creating artificial rain.

Such attempts are carried out as the country is experiencing the peak of the dry season in September, which poses a high risk of widespread fires, he added.

Indonesia suffered the biggest ever forest fires in 2015 with 2.61 million hectares of land burned, resulting in huge impacts on public health and economic activities.-VNA

VNA

See more

Participants pose for a group photo at the 31st ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation in China's Ningbo city on February 13, 2025. (Photo: https://asean.org/)

China proposes new initiatives of cooperation with ASEAN

The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for ASEAN's community-building efforts and the bloc’s central role in regional affairs, emphasising the priority China places on its relationship with ASEAN as part of its neighbourhood diplomacy.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan (right) and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia, Cuba strengthen bilateral ties

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan met with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13, where discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in trade, health care, education and tourism.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia raises volcano alert to highest level

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. In November, a series of eruptions killed nine people, forced thousands to flee, and disrupted international flights to Bali.

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane holds an online meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on February 10 (Source: rapchilaoviet.org)

Laos, Australia seek stronger cooperation

They two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in key areas outlined in the Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan, including human resources development, trade and investment, climate change mitigation, sustainable energy development, security, law enforcement, and other important areas.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (right) and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a joint press conference in Bogor on February 12. (Photo: AA/VNA)

Indonesia, Turkey boost trade, defence ties

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasised that the two sides are committed to increasing trade between the two countries, which is mutually beneficial and agreed to promote joint production and cooperation in the defence industry.

The number of foreign arrivals to Thailand in February is expected to reach 3.5 million, . (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

​Thailand's tourism sees bright outlook

Thailand is expected to welcome 3.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in February, a 5% increase year-on-year, with all major markets surging between 2% and 20%.

Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam says that while the authorities here have been proactive, Singaporeans should be prepared. (Photo: The Strait Times)

Singapore warns of rising radicalisation cases

The Internal Security Department (ISD) announced on February 10 that two self-radicalised Singaporeans had been issued an Order of Detention and a Restriction Order under the Internal Security Act (ISA), respectively.