Indonesia and the United States have reached an agreement on a reciprocal tariff arrangement after months of negotiations, President Prabowo Subianto said in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

2. INDONESIA EARMARKS 1.1 MLN HA PLANTATION LAND FOR FOOD SELF-RELIANCE -- ANTARA

The government has earmarked 1.1 million hectares of potential land nationwide for coffee, nutmeg, and cocoa cultivation under the social forestry program, aimed at boosting welfare and advancing food self-sufficiency. 

LAOS

1. WEATHERING CHANGING GLOBAL DYNAMICS -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Senior diplomats are advising Laos to adapt to the changing global environment and highlighted that diplomacy is key in managing foreign affairs. Responding to external shifts to mitigate potential risks to the country is crucial. 

2. NURSING REFORMS IN THE PIPELINE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Health Ministry will rely on the National Nursing Development Plan to 2030 to transform the profession. The ministry aims to develop professional nurses and midwives to meet the demands of the modern healthcare system. 

MYANMAR

1. CHIN STATE STABILITY VITAL FOR NATIONAL UNITY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

On the 78th Anniversary of China's National Day, which falls today, the government urged the ethnic community to maintain peace and stability. They are encouraged to work in unity to eliminate terror attacks.

2. OVERCOMING YANGON POWER SHORTAGE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Authorities have announced that electricity generated by LNG-fired power plants will be distributed to Yangon during the coming summer to plug the power shortage. Electricity will also be transmitted to industrial zones throughout the day.

PHILIPPINES

1. CPD SOUNDS ALARM OVER DECLINING POPULATION GROWTH IN RURAL AREAS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has sounded the alarm over declining population growth in several rural provinces, citing data from the 2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) and the ongoing demographic shifts across the country.

2. CANADA KEEN TO BACK PH VS CYBER THREATS AHEAD OF 2028 POLLS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

Canada will sustain its support in building the Philippines’ capacity against emerging cybersecurity threats, especially as the 2028 presidential election looms closer.

SINGAPORE

1. ONE CREW MEMBER DEAD AFTER FIRE BREAKS OUT ON SINGAPORE-BOUND CRUISE SHIP -- CNA

One crew member died after a fire broke out on a cruise ship en route to Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said on Friday.

2. NEW LIFE-CYCLE FUNDS SUITED FOR CPF MEMBERS WITH LONGER INVESTMENT HORIZON: FINANCIAL EXPERTS --  THE STRAITS TIMES

CPF members with a longer deployment horizon and who are not familiar with markets and investing will be among those who can stand to benefit from proposed life-cycle investment funds, say financial experts.

VIETNAM

1. FOREIGN CRUISE SHIP ARRIVES IN CHAN MAY PORT -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Adora Mediterranea international cruise ship docked at Chan May Port in Hue City yesterday— the first ocean liner to arrive in the central region this year. The ship carrying about 2,600 passengers arrived from Guangzhou, China.

2. VIETNAM ATTENDS GAZA PEACE BOARD MEETING -- VIETNAMPLUS

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam attended the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace in Washington, D.C. Vietnam will contribute to ending the Gaza conflict and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access.

-- BERNAMA