Indonesia to raise anti-pandemic level during year-end holidays

Indonesia will impose the public mobility restriction or PPKM Level 3 for all regions during the 2021 Christmas and 2022 New Year holidays, an official has said.
Indonesia to raise anti-pandemic level during year-end holidays ảnh 1A child receives a COVID-19 jab in Indonesia (Photo: AFP)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia will impose the public mobility restriction or PPKMLevel 3 for all regions during the 2021 Christmas and 2022 New Yearholidays, an official has said.

Coordinating Minister for HumanDevelopment and Culture Muhadjir Effendy said in a recent written statementthat the move is made in the face of the threat of a third COVID-19 wave.

He said the policy is aimed at tightening the movement of peopleand preventing a spike in COVID-19 cases after the year-end holidays. Allregions, even those under PPKM Levels 1 and 2, will enforce PPKM Level 3 in thesame way.

Fireworks and parades in celebration of the new year that attractlarge crowds are prohibited. Meanwhile, rules on religious activities, touristvisits, and shopping centers will adjust PPKM Level 3.

PPKM Level 3 is set to take effect from December 24, 2021 toJanuary 2, 2022.

The official noted this policy is necessary to curb and prevent COVID-19 transmission while maintaining the economy. Tightening and monitoring the health protocols will also be carried out at a number of destinations, particularly churches, shopping centres, and local tourist sites./.
VNA

See more

(Photo: Malay Mail/Firdaus Latif)

Malaysia sues Telegram over harmful content

This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.

Elena Nikulina, an expert in Vietnam studies from the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies (CVAS) under the Russian Academy of Sciences. (Photo: VNA)

Verification remains core value of mainstream journalism: Russian expert

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.

A man works at a rice mill in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand, on April 18, 2025. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand records strongest export growth since early 2022

The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.

Workers on duty at the Pleiku 2's 500kV substation in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN reaffirms commitment to advancing green energy agenda

Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.

Malaysia, Algeria sign deal to develop mining industry

Malaysia, Algeria sign deal to develop mining industry

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.

People wait for a bus at a bus stop in Bang Phlat district of Bangkok. (Photo: Bangkok Post/Nutthawat Wichieanbut)

Thailand approves EV bus leasing for capital

The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).

Headquarters of the Lao News Agency. (Photo: VNA)

Laos announces major media organisational reforms

Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.