Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Philippines & Singapore: Sept 20, 2025
INDONESIA
1. FREEPORT RESCUE UPDATE: SEVEN MINERS STILL TRAPPED AFTER 10 DAYS UNDERGROUND -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Indonesian rescue teams are racing against time to free seven workers trapped underground at Freeport Indonesia's Grasberg Block Cave mine, as unstable conditions and heavy mud continue to obstruct evacuation efforts more than 10 days after the incident.
2.2026 BUDGET DEFICIT NEARS LIMIT, FUELLING FISCAL WORRIES -- THE JAKARTA POST
The projected deficit in the 2026 state budget is edging closer to the legal limit as the government has lifted the targets for both spending and revenue, raising questions over President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to fiscal discipline.
PHILIPPINES
1. 'NANDO' INTENSIFIES INTO SEVERE TROPICAL STORM AS IT MOVES OVER PH SEA -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
"Nando" has intensified into a severe tropical storm and is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon as it approaches landmass.
2. PALACE DECLARES HALF-DAY WORK IN GOV'T OFFICES ON SEPT 22 -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Malacañang has shortened the work hours in state offices and departments on Monday to allow government employees to participate in the annual observance of the 33rd Family Week and the "Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga" Day.
SINGAPORE
1. OPERATORS OF HIGH-TECH FACTORIES TOUTED AS THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION IN SINGAPORE RUN INTO CHALLENGES -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Some weeks in an industrial area in Singapore, a public road fills up with as many as 20 illegally parked trailers loaded with building components.
2. AGODA APOLOGISES FOR 'INAPPROPRIATE' SEVERANCE CLAUSES, WILL WORK WITH LABOUR MOVEMENT TO SUPPORT RETRENCHED EMPLOYEES -- CNA
Agoda on Friday (Sep 19) apologised for including "inappropriate" clauses in its severance agreements that discouraged retrenched employees from approaching trade unions, government agencies and statutory bodies.
-- BERNAMA
