Indonesia's Bali aims to be free from plastic waste by 2027

The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.

Indonesia’s Bali vows to become waste-free in two years (Photo: scmp.com)
Indonesia’s Bali vows to become waste-free in two years (Photo: scmp.com)

Jakarta (VNA) – The administration of Bali - Indonesia's premier tourist destination - has set an ambitious goal of becoming free from plastic waste by 2027, a senior official announced on June 16.

According to I Made Rentin, head of the Environment and Forestry Service of Bali, waste management has been designated a super-priority programme, and the participation from all sectors of society is essential for its success.

He said that the target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.

The Bali administration has been actively campaigning to eliminate plastic pollution from the island. Villages lacking proper facilities to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste have been instructed to develop such infrastructure.

Rentin also called on village leaders who have not yet established waste processing facilities to learn from those that have successfully done so, emphasising knowledge-sharing and community involvement as key to achieving the island's plastic-free vision.

According to statistics, Bali generates around 4,281 tonnes of waste daily, with plastic accounting for 13.9%. Only about 48% of the total waste is collected and processed at official landfills, while the rest is burned, improperly buried, or ends up in rivers and the ocean, causing serious pollution./.

VNA

See more

Thailand thwarts major drug trafficking operation along Mekong River

Thailand thwarts major drug trafficking operation along Mekong River

Royal Thai Navy Spokesperson Rear Admiral Paraj Ratanajaipan emphasised that the Royal Thai Navy and allied security agencies remain fully coordinated, enforcing strict border surveillance and legal measures to dismantle trafficking routes, safeguard national security, and protect the public.

The 24th meeting of the ASEAN-Russia Joint Cooperation Committee at ambassadorial level in April 2026. (File photo: VNA)

ASEAN-Russia economic cooperation gains new momentum after 35 years of partnership

As leaders gather in Kazan, Russia, for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 35th anniversary of dialogue relations from June 16-18, the implementation of a “sectoral strategic partnership” model and efforts to connect Eurasian economic spaces are expected to provide fresh momentum for bilateral cooperation while enhancing energy security and technological development.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia values strong maritime defence: minister

An Indonesian official has said that as Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic nation, maritime strength and the Navy are becoming increasingly important, not only today but also in the future.

Malaysia to waive interbank ATM cash withdrawal fees nationwide

Malaysia to waive interbank ATM cash withdrawal fees nationwide

The initiative will enable debit cardholders to access more than 14,000 ATMs and SRMs, regardless of their issuing bank, according a joint statement issued by the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and the Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia (ADFIM) on June 15.

Malaysia strengthens public procurement governance

Malaysia strengthens public procurement governance

Treasury Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Finance Johan Mahmood Merican said the ministry has identified numerous irregularities in the government's public procurement bidding process, including tender specifications being tailored to favour certain suppliers.

(Photo: thailand.prd.go.th)

15th Thai Silk Festival showcases Thai craftsmanship

The event features competitions in Royal Thai traditional costume design, contemporary Thai fashion design, and Thai silk pattern design, with more than 58 teams and over 300 students from across the country taking part.

Deputy Director of the ASEAN Centre at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) Dr. Valeria Vershinina (Photo: VNA)

Russian scholar praises Vietnam’s bridge role in Southeast Asia

Russia highly values Vietnam’s contributions to the ASEAN Community and its active role in pushing Russia–ASEAN ties forward, she said, adding that Moscow will consistently back Vietnam’s constructive initiatives to reinforce ASEAN’s unity, cohesion and flexible response to contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Thailand launches low-carbon rice production initiative

Thailand launches low-carbon rice production initiative

The Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model, covering a pilot area of 50,000 rai (about 8,000ha) across eight provinces in central Thailand, aims to tap into the lucrative international green agriculture market and secure a foothold in the global carbon credit ecosystem.

Thailand amends securities law to support digital economy

Thailand amends securities law to support digital economy

Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand, revealed that the government prioritises updating economic laws to keep pace with technological developments, especially by amending the Securities and Exchange Act to systematically support the issuance and use of electronic securities under a clear, transparent, and verifiable regulatory framework.

Singapore’s public sector offers highest pay premium for AI talent

Singapore’s public sector offers highest pay premium for AI talent

The Singapore edition of PwC’s 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer report showed that the substantial pay premiums came as AI-related job openings last year captured a larger slice of Singapore’s total labour market. The share of AI-related job postings jumped to 5.3% in 2025, up from 3.3% the previous year.

Thailand establishes the national semiconductor committee.

Thailand establishes national semiconductor committee

Thailand prepared a target strategy to become ASEAN’s semiconductor and advanced electronics industry hub and to make ‘Made-in-Thailand chips’ a reality by 2050, focusing on attracting 2.5 trillion THB (76 billion USD) in investment and developing more than 230,000 highly skilled personnel.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Thailand tightens AI deepfake control

Under the Computer-Related Crime Act, creating and publishing altered images that cause embarrassment can lead to up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 THB (5,400 USD).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Nguyen Nam Duong (second from right) and other participants in the conference held in Cairo on June 14–15 (Photo: VNA)

Egypt steps up implementation of UN Convention Against Cybercrime

Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Nguyen Nam Duong stated that as one of the first countries to ratify the convention, Vietnam stands ready to work with Egypt, African partners, the UNODC, and other UN member states to effectively implement the accord, contributing to a safer, more secure, and more resilient cyberspace.

​Thailand probes allegation of large-scale sale of personal data

​Thailand probes allegation of large-scale sale of personal data

Boonthida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has instructed the Personal Data Protection Committee Office to work with the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) to verify the authenticity of the claims and determine whether a data breach has occurred.