Indonesian President urges prudent response to COVID-19 surge
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on April 19 stressed the importance of a prudent response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, particularly during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) urged residents to respond prudently to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and get vaccinated in a video broadcast from Bogor Palace, West Java, on April 19, 2023. (Photo: antaranews.com)
Jakarta (VNA)ℱ – Indonesian President JokoWidodo (Jokowi) on April 19 stressed the importance of a prudent response tothe recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, particularly during the Eidal-Fitr exodus period.
While urging residents not to get alarmed over theinfection surge, he reminded them to complete their COVID-19 vaccination up tothe second booster dose as a precaution.
🌃 The President stressed the importance of vaccination, from thefirst to second doses until the first and second booster doses, adding residents should complete COVID-19vaccination with full doses according to government directives.
He also urged residents to continue adhering to thehealth protocols, specifically, use masks if they feel unwell or meetvulnerable individuals.
❀ Earlier, the President had urged homecoming travelersto take the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to their hometowns during the Eidexodus period to avoid infecting others.
He stressed that the most important is vaccination. Booster doses are essential formaintaining immunity against the disease amid high public mobility during theEid exodus period.
🅠 According to statistics, the number of new COVID-19cases in the country increased to 1,200 on April 18-19.
So far, Indonesia has recorded more than 6.7 millioncases, including over 161,000 deaths, accounting for about 2.4%./.
According to Nikkei Asia, a news service in Japan, Indonesia and Thailand have become two of the hottest Asian destinations for investment in parts and materials for electric vehicles (EV), as Japanese, Chinese and the Republic of Korea (RoK) players race to get in at the start of EV production in the region.
The Indonesian government has called on Czech investors to join developing environmentally friendly mass transportation in the future capital of Nusantara.
One of the priorities of Indonesia, as 2023 ASEAN Chair, is to promote the initiatives of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through concrete and inclusive development cooperation, said Minister of National Development Planning (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa.
The import restriction will remain in effect until further notice, depending on developments in disease prevention and control efforts in affected countries, according to the Philippine Department of Agriculture.
Addressing the event, Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Bebeb A.K.N. Djundjunan, who is now holding the ACAT rotating chairmanship, highlighted ASEAN’s message on a more united, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable association. He reviewed key achievements of the group, such as community building and expanded cooperation with global partners.
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) has become a key mechanism in narrowing development gaps among member states, helping the CLMV fully implement the joint commitments and comprehensively participate in the bloc’s integration and community building processes.
Four other major Thai destinations - Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai - also ranked among the region’s top cities for repeat visits, reflecting Thailand’s diversity and enduring appeal for travellers of all types.
In its Pre-Budget Statement 2026, the ministry stated that growth will be anchored by resilient domestic demand, particularly through private investment, stable employment, and income-enhancing measures such as targeted cash transfers and wage increases.
Singapore is at risk of chikungunya transmission as the number of reported cases this year has more than doubled compared to last year, the country’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has reported.
On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) urged residents to respond prudently to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and get vaccinated in a video broadcast from Bogor Palace, West Java, on April 19, 2023. (Photo: antaranews.com) 
