Indonesia's economy contracts for first time in two decades

Indonesia's economy contracted in the second quarter for the first time in more than two decades as it was slammed by coronavirus restrictions, with warnings that the recovery could be among the weakest in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia's economy contracts for first time in two decades ảnh 1Cranes silhouetted against the setting sun at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta (Photo: Reuters)
Hanoi (VNA) - Indonesia'seconomy contracted in the second quarter for the first time in more than twodecades as it was slammed by coronavirus restrictions, with warnings that therecovery could be among the weakest in Southeast Asia.

Output in the region's biggesteconomy slumped 5.3 percent on-year in April-June, the country’s statisticsagency said. That marked Indonesia's first contraction since the first quarterof 1999 during the Asian financial crisis.

“Economic activity in Indonesiacollapsed in the second quarter," research house Capital Economics said in noteafter the figures were published. "A failure to contain the viruseffectively and inadequate policy support means the recovery is likely to beone of the slowest in the region," it added.

Last month, Indonesia's central bankcut interest rates for the fourth time this year in a bid to boost thestruggling economy. The country has announced a stimulus package worth morethan 48 billion USD to help offset the impact of the virus, which forced alarge-scale shutdown that hammered growth.

Indonesia, home to nearly 270 millionpeople, has been easing movement restrictions in a bid to head off economiccollapse but COVID-19 infections are mounting, with cases topping 115,000 withand more than 5,300 deaths./.
VNA

See more

Julie Le Saos, Advisor for Asia, Oceania and the Americas to the French President (Photo: Pacific Newsroom)

France seeks to promote strategic cooperation with Vietnam: official

According to the Élysée Palace, a key objective of the visit to France by Party General Secretary and President To Lam is to drive the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2024, thereby helping reinforce the strategic autonomy of both nations and supporting Vietnam’s ambitious development goals.

A cargo port in Semarang, Central Java province, Indonesia. (Photo: Getty Images/VNA)

Malaysia, Indonesia seek to lift two-way trade

Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said improved trade facilitation could substantially increase transaction volume, with the Border Trade Agreement playing an important role in facilitating economic activities.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Trinh Minh Manh (fifth from right) and Vietnamese Consul General in Mumbai Le Quang Bien (sixth from right) at the flight route inauguration ceremony (Photo courtesy of the Vietnamese Embassy in India)

Indian airline launches direct Mumbai–Hanoi route

The new route operates four flights a week and is the first direct Mumbai–Hanoi service operated by an Indian airline. Hanoi has become Akasa Air’s seventh international destination and its second destination in Southeast Asia, after Phuket, Thailand.

A post on the official Facebook page of the Pathet Lao newspaper. (Photo: Screenshot)

Lao newspaper hails Vietnam’s National Day as glorious historic milestone

Pathet Lao described the past 81 years as a journey marked by hardships and challenges, but also immense pride. From the prolonged struggle for national independence and reunification to national construction and development in peacetime, Vietnam has steadily strengthened its potential, capacity, position, and prestige in the international arena.

The article by Pedro Gellert (Photo: Screenshot)

Mexican newspaper spotlights Vietnam’s transformation after four decades

Pedro Gellert wrote in a September 1 article for Regeneración, the political news outlet of Mexico’s ruling National Regeneration Movement, that Vietnam’s socialist-oriented development drive stands out for its progress. The piece, timed to Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), highlights 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal) process.

Gildas Tréguier, Secretary-General of the France-Vietnam Health Federation (Photo published by VNA)

French doctor’s 40-year view of Vietnam’s economic rise

Gildas Tréguier's involvement with Vietnam began in 1988 and became central to his career. Over four decades, he has engaged in successive phases of the “Born and Raised in Vietnam” programme, run by APPEL, GHBS, and partners, including Lorient city and Brittany region. He has also worked with the FSFV, established in 2015, for more than a decade.

Cao Thanh Dinh, founder and CEO of ANPz Co. (Photo: VNA)

Resolution harnesses OV resources through substantive projects

The Politburo’s Resolution 23-NQ/TW has introduced a range of new viewpoints, goals and measures aimed at building a united, deeply integrated and sustainably developing overseas Vietnamese (OV) community, while effectively harnessing its resources for national development and global engagement.

Indonesia, US kick off Super Garuda Shield 2026

Indonesia, US kick off Super Garuda Shield 2026

According to a release by the US Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia, the two-week combined and joint military exercise running until September 11 will take place in multiple locations, including Bandung, Baturaja, Lampung, and North Kalimantan.

Cambodia cracks down on over 700 large-scale online scam centres

Cambodia cracks down on over 700 large-scale online scam centres

From July 2025 to August 20, 2026, specialised authorities in Cambodia inspected 793 suspected locations and raided 624 facilities. They also dealt with 27 casinos, permanently revoking the licences of 18 and suspending the operations of the remaining nine.