Indonesia to renovate housing, narrow regional gap

The initiative is being implemented under President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to enhance social equity, strengthen the resilience of remote areas, and foster national cohesion.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian (in green shirt) and Housing and Settlement Minister Maruarar Sirait (white polo shirt) visit Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands District, North Sulawesi (Photo: ANTARA)
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian (in green shirt) and Housing and Settlement Minister Maruarar Sirait (white polo shirt) visit Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands District, North Sulawesi (Photo: ANTARA)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia aims to renovate about 15,000 uninhabitable homes in border and remote regions to promote more equitable development and improve the quality of life for residents, said Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, who also heads the National Border Management Agency (BNPP).

The initiative is being implemented under President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to enhance social equity, strengthen the resilience of remote areas, and foster national cohesion.

According to the official, the plan is part of a government programme to upgrade 400,000 homes for low-income households nationwide, thereby expanding access to safe and sustainable housing.

Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) island district in North Sulawesi province is one of the priority areas. The locality was recently affected by flash floods late last year, making improvements to living conditions urgent. As many as 1,000 houses are expected to be renovated under the Self-Help Housing Stimulus (BSPS) Programme.

Within the framework of the programme, the government also plans to relocate nearly 100 families affected by the natural disaster to a 2.5-hectare resettlement area prepared by local authorities to ensure safer living conditions.

Sirait stated that the project will be implemented as soon as possible, noting that three main factors make Siau Tagulandang Biaro a priority area: its strategic location in an outer region, a high poverty rate, and the urgent need to address the consequences of the natural disaster./.

VNA

See more

ASEAN, EU step up cooperation to promote multilateralism

ASEAN, EU step up cooperation to promote multilateralism

Ambassadors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination with the European Union (EU) in safeguarding the multilateral system and strengthening cooperation in digital transformation, sustainable development, cybersecurity, science-technology, and innovation, thereby contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and beyond.

Thongly Sisoulith, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union, speaks to Vietnam News Agency's correspondents in Vientiane (Photo: VNA)

Young Lao leaders hail Vietnam’s development achievements

Vietnam’s breakthrough economic targets and achievements in international integration offer valuable practical lessons for Laos, young leaders of Laos said on the sidelines of a conference organised earlier this month by the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos.

Philippines, US boost economic cooperation, develop Luzon economic corridor

Philippines, US boost economic cooperation, develop Luzon economic corridor

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jacob Helberg in Malacañang Palace on May 19 to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation. The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening economic and trade ties amid growing cooperation in strategic industries and emerging technologies.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia, Myanmar move towards diplomatic reset

Malaysia and Myanmar are moving to restore diplomatic relations following the inauguration of Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on April 10, Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama reported on May 20.

Workers harvest palm oil fruit in Pelalawan, Riau province, Indonesia. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Indonesia tightens controls on coal, palm oil exports

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on May 20 announced new controls on the export of several strategic resources, including crude palm oil, coal, and iron-containing alloys, in a bid to boost state revenues and curb foreign exchange losses amid economic pressures stemming from conflict in the Middle East and global financial volatility.

OpenAI opens first applied AI lab in Singapore

OpenAI opens first applied AI lab in Singapore

At the heart of the partnership is the OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab, a first outside the US. The lab will support work aligned with Singapore’s AI missions and national priorities, particularly in the areas of public services, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure.

Screenshot of the article titled “President Ho Chi Minh – A National Hero of Vietnam” on Cambodian Express News (Photo: VNA)

Cambodian newspaper praises President Ho Chi Minh as National Hero of Vietnam

The article provided an in-depth introduction to the life, career and revolutionary journey of National Hero, President Ho Chi Minh. It also highlights the achievements and legacy he left to the Vietnamese nation and people, as well as his contributions to fostering friendship, cooperation and prosperity among peoples in the region and around the world.

President Ho Chi Minh visits and inspects a southern military unit regrouped in the North during a training exercise before returning to the southern battlefield in June 1957. (Photo: VNA)

Italian Communist Party honours Ho Chi Minh’s lasting legacy

The Italian Communist Party on May 19 published an article paying tribute to President Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of his birth anniversary, describing him as a pivotal leader of Vietnam’s liberation struggle and a global symbol of anti-colonial resistance and anti-imperialist movements.

Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia rolls out four strategies to tackle supply chain crisis

Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.4% in the first quarter of 2026, coupled with the unemployment rate remaining at full-employment levels, provides a strong foundation for the government to implement more structured, proactive and responsive measures to address current economic challenges.

Singapore: Illegal e-cigarette market persists despite ban

Singapore: Illegal e-cigarette market persists despite ban

In a report published on May 18, the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and market research firm Euromonitor International said illicit tobacco sales in Singapore, comprising mainly illicit cigarettes and e-vaporisers, resulted in an estimated 156 million SGD in lost government revenue over the same period.

Thailand tightens durian quality control

Thailand tightens durian quality control

Durian is not only a key agricultural export but also an important economic asset, contributing to incomes for farmers, exporters and the logistics sector, while promoting Thailand’s culinary image in the global market, according to Thai Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriyas Junrungreangkit.