Two Indonesian army soldiers have been implicated in the fatal abduction of a state bank manager, alongside 13 civilian suspects, the Jakarta Military Police Command confirmed on Tuesday.

2.STIMULUS ‘NOT ENOUGH’ TO JUMP-START ECONOMY -- THE JAKARTA POST

The government’s latest economic stimulus package of around US$986.7 million aims to create jobs and sustain household spending, but businesses and experts warn it might only provide a short-term boost unless deeper problems are addressed.

LAOS  

1. VIENTIANE MAINTAINS MODEST ECONOMIC GROWTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Vientiane achieved an annual average economic growth rate of 5.34 per cent over the past five years but fell below the 2021-2025 target of 7-8 per cent. The growth of the agricultural and industrial sectors dropped, while services performed well.

2. ASEAN PREPARES FOR BIOLOGICAL TREATS -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Regional health officials and partner countries are meeting in Vientiane to finalise the Plan of Action for the ASEAN Network on Biosafety and Biosecurity. The three-day meeting is to prepare and respond to future biological threats.

MYANMAR

1. MILLIONS OF TREES PLANTED THIS MONSOON -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation has planted nearly 22 million trees across the country this monsoon. The tree planting campaign is vital in preventing global warming, climate change and natural disasters.

2. MYANMAR-INDIA PROMOTE MILITARY TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR  

About 120 Myanmar armed forces personnel are visiting India to enhance cooperation with their Indian counterparts. While a similar number of Indian army personnel have arrived in Myanmar for a reciprocal study tour on cultural heritage. 

PHILIPPINES

1. RED ALERT STATUS NOT FOR ANY 'POLITICAL COLOR,' SAYS MILITARY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

There is no politics behind the military's declaration of red alert status in light of the ongoing anti-corruption rallies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.

2. P20/KG RICE PROGRAM EXPANSION EYED FOR BUS, TAXI DRIVERS, TEACHERS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Bus and taxi drivers, as well as teachers, may soon avail of the government’s PHP20-per-kg rice program, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday.

SINGAPORE

1. ALL NEW MOTORCYCLES MUST BE FITTED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FROM APRIL 1, 2027: LTA -- THE STRAITS TIMES

All newly registered motorcycles in Singapore must be equipped with an anti-lock braking system from April 1, 2027 – a move to improve safety for motorcyclists, pillion riders and other road users, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said.

2. THREE ARRESTED OVER FAKE BULK ORDER SCAMS INVOLVING IMPERSONATION OF SAF PERSONNEL -- CNA

Three people aged between 16 and 31 were arrested for their suspected involvement in fake bulk order scams involving the impersonation of army personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the police said on Tuesday (Sep 16).

VIETNAM

1. PROTECTING POWER SUPPLY DURING STORMS -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Hanoi Power Corporation is taking safety measures to protect the power grid to ensure a continuous and stable electricity supply during bad weather. About four to six storms are forecast to hit Vietnam this year. 

2. TAPPING GLOBAL GREEN CAPITAL MARKET -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank has become the first bank in Vietnam to issue RM1.3 billion (US$300 million) sustainable bonds on the international market. It is a major step to tap the global green capital market.

-- BERNAMA