The Indonesian government will not create a supplementary budget to fund its upcoming free public school program but will instead draw directly from the mandated education allocation in the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN).

2.DNA OF BODY IN ENGGANO BENGKULU MATCHES ARUPADATU CREW MEMBER: POLICE -- ANTARA

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The Banten Regional Police confirmed that DNA test results have identified a body found on Enggano Island, Bengkulu, as Surakman, also known as Sukarman, a crew member of the missing Arupadatu I speedboat.

PHILIPPINES

1. HUNT ON FOR PERSON WHO INCITED SOUTH COTABATO SHOOTING – PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Authorities are pursuing a person suspected of influencing the minor involved in the deadly school shooting in Banga, South Cotabato, through online conversations, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. 

2. UK APPROVES NEW PHP419.9 BLN FINANCING FRAMEWORK FOR PHILIPPINES PROJECTS - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The United Kingdom is providing the Philippines with access to up to PHP419.9 billion in export financing to support its priority economic programs, the Department of Finance (DOF) said on Wednesday.

SINGAPORE

1. BLACK SPITTING COBRA SEEN NEAR SERANGOON GARDENS REMAINS ELUSIVE AFTER NPARKS' SEARCHES - CNA

A highly venomous black spitting cobra has been spotted near Mei Hwan Drive in the Serangoon Gardens area, but searches have so far failed to locate it.

2. AIR CANADA TO AXE SINGAPORE’S ONLY NON-STOP FLIGHT TO CANADA IN JANUARY 2027 -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Travellers looking to hop on a non-stop flight from Singapore to Canada will soon lose their only option, as Air Canada prepares to axe its service between the Republic and Vancouver in January 2027.

THAILAND

1. ADB RAISES THAILAND'S 2026 GROWTH FORECAST TO 2 PCT ON TECH EXPORTS -- THE NATION

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth in 2026 to 2.0 per cent from the 1.8 per cent projected in July, supported by technology and electronics exports and a strong global investment cycle in artificial intelligence (AI). Growth is forecast at 1.9 per cent in 2027.

2. KHAO SAN FACES GLUM HIGH SEASON -- BANGKOK POST

Khao San tourism operators are bracing for an unproductive high season as the prolonged West Asia conflict hampers the long-haul market, particularly backpackers, while the new cannabis control bill is expected to force more than 50 per cent of such operators out of business, according to the Khao San Road Business Association.

-- BERNAMA