The government and the House of Representatives (DPR) of Indonesia have agreed to reduce the volume of subsidised fuel in the 2025 Draft State Budget (RAPBN), aiming at ensuring a more targeted distribution of subsidies.
A fuel station attendant serves customers in Jakarta. Next year, Indonesia will reduce the volume of subsidised fuel to 19.41 million kilolitres from the 2024 target of 19.58 million kilolitres. (Photo: Antara) reduce the volume of subsidized fuel in the 2025 Draft State Budget (RAPBN(Photo: Antara)
Jakarta (VNA)🐼 - The government and the House of Representatives (DPR) of Indonesia have agreed to reduce the volume of subsidised fuel in the 2025 Draft State Budget (RAPBN), aiming at ensuring a more targeted distribution of subsidies.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced that the volume of subsidised fuel, which includes kerosene and diesel, will be reduced to 19.41 million kilolitres, down from the 2024 target of 19.58 million kilolitres.
This reduction is part of a broader plan for a more efficient and targeted distribution of subsidies in 2025, the official said, adding that the ministry and the state oil and gas company Pertamina have conducted evaluations and studies to ensure the subsidies are accurately targeted.
When subsidies are well-targeted, they lead to greater efficiency, Bahlih said, adding that the government wants to ensure that these fuel subsidies will benefit the poor.
He noted that the government and the DPR have agreed to maintain the diesel subsidy at 1,000 IDR per litre. Meanwhile, the volume of subsidised LPG for 2025 will be increased to 8.17 million tonnes, higher than the 2024 target of 8.07 million tonnes, driven by rising public demand.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is exploring the development of a gas network and the growth of the LPG industry in Indonesia, Bahlil said.
He went on to say that while there are challenges related to raw materials, the ministry is working with the oil and gas regulator SKK Migas and Pertamina to address these issues./.
Indonesia's Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani, who is also head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), is currently on a visit to Singapore with a view to attracting more investment to the archipelago nation.
The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has stated that more than 50 countries are so far intent on cooperating with Indonesia in halal product assurance.
Indonesian authorities have emphasised that export is the key for the country to ensure the sustainability of its economy in the post-COVID-19 pandemic amid global uncertainties, according to the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (IQA).
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).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
