He argued that Indonesia ’s steady growth, which is above 5% annually over the past decade, inflation at around 2%, and a deficit below 3% of GDP, reflects deliberate choices.

“Peace and stability in my country did not happen by chance or by luck; it happened because we chose unity over fragmentation and collaboration over confrontation,” he said.

$1 trillion sovereign wealth bet

A major highlight of his speech was the launch of Danantara Indonesia, a sovereign wealth fund with $1 trillion in assets under management. “Danantara means the energy to power the future of Indonesia, and it is designed to finance and co-finance the industries of the future that will transform our economy,” Prabowo explained.

He pledged to overhaul the country’s vast network of state-owned enterprises to meet the highest international standards, adding that foreign professionals would be allowed to lead firms where necessary to attract “the best brains and the best minds in the world.”

Framing Indonesia as a co-investment partner rather than a passive recipient of capital, he declared: “With Danantara, Indonesia can now stand before you as an equal partner, ready to grow with you and create shared prosperity.”

Social policy as economic strategy

Prabowo described Indonesia’s large-scale social programmes as economic investments rather than political gestures. On the nationwide free nutritious meals programme serving nearly 60 million people daily, he said: “This is not a populist programme. It is a rational productivity programme that strengthens our children, supports our small enterprises and improves the long-term health of our nation.”

The initiative has incorporated more than 61,000 micro, small and medium enterprises into its supply chain. “By strengthening human capital and empowering our small businesses, we are laying the foundation for growth that is inclusive and sustainable,” he said.

On education, he underscored efforts to break generational poverty through new boarding schools and digital upgrades. “I am determined to cut the chain of poverty so that the son of a poor farmer or street vendor will not be condemned to the same fate, but will have equal opportunity to rise,” Prabowo stated.

Rule of law and anti-corruption drive

He also argued that legal certainty is central to investor confidence. “There is no investment climate without the certainty of equitable rule of law, because no serious investor will commit capital in a country where laws are ignored or selectively applied,” he said.

In his first year, the government confiscated millions of hectares of illegal plantations and mines and shut down around 1,000 illegal mining operations. Describing entrenched corruption as “greedonomics,” he said: “We cannot allow the economics of greed and rapacious practices to undermine our democracy , our environment and the future of our children.”

He added a direct warning to corrupt actors: “I challenge anyone who believes that Indonesian officials can be bought to test that assumption under my administration, because they will find that we are serious about clean government.”

Trade, integration and the Global South

Prabowo rejected protectionism and reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to fair trade integration. “We do not pursue trade agreements because they are fashionable, but because we believe fair integration into the global economy is a tool for prosperity and not a threat to sovereignty,” he said.

On Indonesia’s foreign policy posture, he said: “Indonesia chooses peace over chaos, friendship over enmity, and we believe that one thousand friends are too few while one enemy is one too many.”

Indonesia is preparing to host an Ocean Impact Summit in Bali, and Prabowo was confident that Indonesia aims to play a more assertive role from within the Global South.

Watch the full speech here: 

The Council of Ministers approved 15 draft resolutions advancing Timor-Leste’s accession to key ASEAN agreements, including those on dispute settlement, privileges and immunities, customs cooperation, counter-terrorism, human trafficking prevention, and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The decisions mark a major step in fulfilling the country’s ASEAN membership roadmap and securing full participation in regional mechanisms. The Council also approved a joint operational plan between the Defence Forces (F-FDTL) and National Police (PNTL) to maintain public order during major events, including ASEAN accession ceremonies and upcoming state visits. 

UN warns scam centres spreading to Timor-Leste

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that scam call centres are spreading to Timor-Leste, citing a suspected operation linked to the Oecusse free trade zone. Police raided a compound in August in the Special Administrative Region, detaining more than 30 foreigners from Indonesia, Malaysia and China for working without permission. The UNODC report said it was unclear whether the detainees were trafficked. Scam centres, often walled compounds running online fraud schemes that cost victims billions annually, have proliferated across Southeast Asia and are now emerging globally.

Indonesia helps Timor-Leste draft first aviation carbon reduction plan

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has helped Timor-Leste draft its first State Action Plan (SAP) to cut carbon emissions from international aviation. The mentoring, held in Dili from September 2 to 4 under ICAO’s SAP Buddy Program, included workshops on environmental frameworks, CORSIA implementation, and ICAO software tools. Officials said the collaboration produced an initial draft SAP, a target for submission before the 42nd ICAO Assembly, and plans for on-the-job training in Bali. Indonesia’s Civil Aviation Director General Lukman F. Laisa said the effort reflects Jakarta’s commitment to sustainable aviation and its role in supporting Timor-Leste’s compliance with global environmental standards.

Malaysia, Timor-Leste to deepen cooperation under new strategic framework

Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia by advancing a comprehensive strategic framework. Discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur focused on expanding cooperation in defence, health, and education.  At Malaysia’s recent national day celebrations in Dili, Ramos-Horta praised Malaysia’s role in supporting Timor-Leste’s pending ASEAN membership, expected to be formalised at the Kuala Lumpur Summit. He also identified opportunities for energy collaboration, including with PETRONAS, in projects such as Tasi Mane and the Greater Sunrise Gas Field. A new direct flight route between Kuala Lumpur and Dili was described as a historic milestone, enhancing connectivity.

ASEAN chief, Timor-Leste interior minister discuss crime cooperation, membership bid

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn met Timor-Leste’s Interior Minister Francisco da Costa Guterres on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in Melaka, Malaysia. The two discussed Timor-Leste’s role in contributing to regional efforts against transnational crime and supporting the work of AMMTC and its related mechanisms. Dr Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment to assist Timor-Leste in its accession process as ASEAN’s 11th member state. 

In Sarawak, Chung Hua Primary School Boards Association president Datuk Jonathan Chai urged all schools to install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to better respond to emergencies. At a safety seminar attended by over 180 teachers, Chai emphasised that educators must also be protectors, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training. The event, organised with the Malaysian Red Cross, aimed to equip teachers with vital life-saving skills, The Borneo Post reported.

Southeast Asia seeks joint tariff talks with Trump

Southeast Asian nations will present a united front to address U.S. tariffs and other challenges, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said at the ASEAN summit. Anwar, this year’s ASEAN chair, is pushing for a joint meeting with President Trump to discuss tariff impacts, which range from 10% to 49% across member states. ASEAN has formed a task force to coordinate responses, while some members pursue bilateral talks. Anwar also highlighted Tuesday’s historic meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the Gulf Cooperation Council, aimed at boosting regional cooperation. Leaders will unveil a 20-year plan for deeper integration. However, tensions remain with China over the South China Sea, with Philippine President Marcos Jr. urging a binding code of conduct. Anwar warned that the rules-based international order is under threat from arbitrary actions.

China's premier urges stronger trade ties with Malaysia

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged deeper trade and investment ties with Malaysia during a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to Xinhua. Visiting Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN-GCC-China summit, Li emphasised defending multilateral trade and cooperation amid rising protectionism. Li’s call follows recent regional visits by Chinese leaders as Beijing looks to strengthen ties beyond the U.S. amid ongoing tariff tensions. He pledged closer economic collaboration with Malaysia and ASEAN-GCC nations to tackle global challenges.

Vietnam to export renewable energy to Malaysia, Singapore

At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam signed a tripartite agreement with Malaysia and Singapore to export clean electricity, marking the first step toward cross-border renewable energy trade. Witnessed by Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh, Anwar Ibrahim, and Lawrence Wong, the deal supports ASEAN’s vision of a regional power grid. Malaysia’s MY Energy Consortium (TNB and Petronas) will partner with Vietnam’s PTSC and Singapore’s Sembcorp to harness Vietnam’s offshore wind energy for export. The deal aligns with Vietnam’s Power Development Plan 8, which targets up to 10 GW of renewable energy exports by 2035. Vietnam has over 470 GW of offshore wind potential within 200 km of its coast.

Malaysia PM hails key progress on Myanmar at ASEAN Summit

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday praised "significant" steps to engage Myanmar’s warring sides, as ASEAN leaders gathered in Kuala Lumpur to address the ongoing conflict and U.S. trade threats. Myanmar has faced turmoil since a 2021 military coup sparked a nationwide rebellion, displacing over 3.5 million people. As ASEAN chair, Anwar has led renewed peace efforts, including recent meetings with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Myanmar’s shadow government. He emphasised that while progress remains fragile, “even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf.”

"While the barrage of tariffs is sweeping across the world in fast and furious fashion, we are witnessing the fraying of the global order," Anwar tells a gathering of ASEAN finance ministers and central bank governors in Kuala Lumpur.

"I think two wrongs don't make a right, and it's important that we remain calm," he said.

Earlier the same day, Aziz posted on X (formerly Twitter) about a meeting with US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan. “We clarified concerns around the tariff issue and explored ways to strengthen our economic partnership,” he wrote.

Six out of the nine Southeast Asian countries named by former US President Donald Trump were subjected to tariffs ranging from 32% to 49%, exceeding initial expectations.

The bill received strong support, with 415 out of 420 lawmakers voting in favour. It now awaits approval by the Senate.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the move would help break the dominance of large companies like Thai Beverage and Boon Rawd Brewery, which have controlled the market for decades.

It is also expected to boost the rural economy by encouraging small-scale production, Bangkok Post reports.

The new rules will make it easier for microbreweries and small distilleries to open, potentially creating unique drinks for both locals and tourists.

The bill could take effect as early as October 2025, depending on how quickly licensing regulations are issued.

Thailand’s alcohol market is huge, with beer making up most sales. In 2023, the country sold nearly 3 billion litres of alcoholic drinks worth $6.3 billion.

The city has been struggling with poor air quality caused largely by vehicle emissions and a 20% increase in biomass burning compared to last year.

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution, Bangkok has revised its Work From Home policy to allow quicker action when air quality worsens. Unlike before, when WFH was announced only when PM2.5 dust levels reached the red level (above 75.1 µg/m³) in five districts. Under the new criteria, WFH will be implemented if PM2.5 levels reach the orange level (37.6–75.0 µg/m³) across at least 35 districts, ventilation drops below a specific threshold, and there are over 80 burning hotspots for three consecutive days.

The last WFH implementation in February 2024 saw over 60,000 people from public and private organisations participating.

This reduced road traffic by nearly 10%, easing congestion and lowering dust levels.

Bangkok aims to expand the program, targeting 200,000 participants from the current 100,000 registered organisations.

The Low Emission Zone project has also been expanded. Trucks with six or more wheels are banned from entering the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road area unless they meet strict environmental standards, such as being electric vehicles or compliant with Euro 5-6 emission rules. Currently, around 12,000 registered trucks meet these criteria.

While current harmful PM2.5 dust levels remain high, ventilation is expected to improve in the next few days.

Today, the country has ten members with Brunei joining in 1984, followed by Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia which joined by 1999.

ASEAN was born from the vision of five founding members—Adam Malik of Indonesia, Narciso Ramos of the Philippines, Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia, S. Rajaratnam of Singapore, and Thanat Khoman of Thailand, who wanted to create a more unified and cooperative Southeast Asia.

Their goal was to build a strong intergovernmental organisation to support regional development and stability.

Today, ASEAN is one of the most successful regional organisations in the developing world, promoting economic, political, and cultural cooperation among its members.

The bloc generated a purchasing power parity (PPP) gross domestic product (GDP) of around US$10.2 trillion in 2022, constituting approximately 6.5% of global GDP (PPP). ASEAN member states include some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and the institution plays an integral role in East Asian regionalism.

All members of the bloc are to maintain fundamental principles including mutual respect for the the independence and sovereignty of each nation, and the non-interference in the internal affairs of one another.

Here’s a representation of the ASEAN countries on a map compiled by World In Maps.

The Commodore further emphasised the need for the vessel to leave China's flashpoint due to "structural damage to the vessel resulting from the deliberate ramming by the China Coast Guard on August 31, 2024."

According to pictures posted by local media, coast guards onboard the vessel were carried out on stretchers due to dehydration.

In response to claims of the Philippines relinquishing the Sabina Shoal to China after relentlessly guarding it for five months, Tarriela added that the country is on a journey of repositioning its vessels, debunking any rumours of facing defeat from China.

"It's not a defeat. As I said, related to my response a while ago, it's not also the Coast Guard abandoning our post in Escoda Shoal, we are just repositioning our own vessels. The only reason why we directed (BRP Teresa) Magbanua is to address the concerns that I mentioned. But it doesn't mean that the Coast Guard vessels will no longer be deployed there," Tarriela said at a news conference.

The South China Sea has been a hotspot for territorial conflicts among several nations, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Last month, there were several clashes between Chinese and Filipino ships which China affirmed it was not going to put an end to.

"China will continue to take resolute and forceful measures following the law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the seriousness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, stated.

"There is a lot of damage. The branches hit each other and broke. After the rain, there was flooding. The river rose, submerged everything, and the trees died. During the storm, we propped the trees back up. The next day, they were flooded again. This year, it's a total loss. No harvest," she said.

Do Thi Hoa, further counting her losses shared with AFP "It’s heartbreaking because I’ve put in so much effort since the beginning of the year. Money for pesticides and labour. So much money was spent with the hope of a harvest by the end of the year. Now, with this loss, everyone in the village is worried. "

Beyond the destruction of the farms, the human cost of Typhoon Yagi is equally tragic. As of Friday, September 13, 233 people have been reported dead with many more injured or missing.

This follows a review and approval by a special committee and the celebration of Pride Month by the Thai LGBT community ahead of the marriage equality bill readings.

The approval of the bill makes Thailand the first of the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to legalise same-sex marriage.

Senator Kamnoon Sithisamarn, a spokesperson for the special committee, highlighted that this bill represents a new dimension for Thai society. “It has been a long journey over 10 years, driven by people who may not have been directly visible to the public,” he was quoted by Nation Thailand .

Kamnoon had previously stated that the Senate had no reason to oppose the bill since it was supported by the House of Representatives, which is elected by the people.

The bill is now set to go to the Cabinet for final approval before being handed over to the palace for royal endorsement.

The new law will come into effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, likely making it a New Year's gift to the people of Thailand.

Under the new law, “two persons of any gender” can marry and be eligible for rights such as:

Same-sex marriage is legal and recognised in 37 countries including Andorra, Denmark, France, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, and Canada among others.

Several Rohingya refugees arrived in North Sumatra, Indonesia via boat to escape violence and persecution in Myanmar. The UNHCR reported that they were primarily women and children, who were provided with health screenings, water, and food upon arrival. However, the refugees have faced hostility from local Indonesians, with hundreds perishing or disappearing while seeking refuge. Human Rights Watch has urged Indonesia to safeguard the well-being of the refugees and investigate online incitement of violence against them. The Rohingya have been targeted by the military in Myanmar, leading many to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Indonesia.

Minister urges Starlink to open operations centre in Indonesia

Minister Budi Arie Setiadi urges Starlink to open a network operations centre (NOC) in Indonesia to monitor and control internet access to prevent illegal activities. "Starlink should have an NOC in Indonesia, so the government can control and monitor the use of internet access in the country to prevent acts of online gambling, pornography, separatism, and prohibited activities according to the law and regulation," he said. Starlink has been operating in Indonesia since May 2024 and has obtained the necessary licenses and permits. The presence of Starlink is expected to help provide internet services in remote areas, state agency Antara News reports.

Indonesia and Malaysia hold joint air patrol

Indonesia and Malaysia conducted a joint air patrol over the Malacca Strait using F-16s and F-18 Hornets to maintain peace and security in the important trade route. The joint patrol aims to strengthen regional peace and security and safeguard the countries' air sovereignty, Antara News reports.

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Over 90,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, with 11 reported deaths, according to the state news agency. The pilgrims will fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam with the help of "Badal Hajj." Indonesia secured a pilgrim quota of 241,000 for this year, including an additional 20,000 pilgrims approved by the King of Saudi Arabia.  According to Antara, President Joko Widodo secured the additional quota during a bilateral meeting in October 2023.

Commitment to stable ASEAN

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN stability and security, aiming to prevent the region from becoming a hotspot of conflict. The country is also focusing on mitigating risks related to geopolitical issues and ensuring food self-sufficiency in the region. This commitment was reiterated by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, at the 29th Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia in Tokyo. "All ASEAN leaders await steps taken by Indonesia, considering the country's major role. Hence, we in the ASEAN must preserve our togetherness to prevent our region from becoming a conflict zone,"  the minister said.

Nevertheless, Sabin Aboitiz, CEO of holding company Aboitiz Equity Ventures, told Global South World that the Philippines remains reliant on fossil fuels to ensure cheap, reliable electricity for its growing population.

“Sustainability is in our DNA. It’s just that it's harder in the Philippines because, you know, we cannot rely on expensive renewable power only because we need it and we still need the old conventional way of doing power,” he said in an exclusive interview from his office in Manila.

“We need to balance our thinking of sustainability and, um something that will not hamper our growth, like higher power rates or no power at all, or no water, right or so, between power and water,” he added.

As an example of achieving this balance, Aboitiz cites his company’s involvement in Apo Agua - a project which combines the needs of power generation with water supply and waste-water management.

Another illustration can be found in the use of coal domes at the Therma Visayas and Therma South power plants. The first in the country to introduce the structures, these plants have been able to dramatically reduce their environmental footprint as a result of trapping coal dust which would otherwise have escaped into the air.

By ensuring the Philippines' energy needs are fulfilled from increasingly diversified and more and more sustainable sources, Aboitiz says he believes his businesses can ensure the Philippines fulfils its potential to become “the next big thing” among Asian economies.

He described the impetus behind his strategy in an exclusive interview with Global South World.

“It's like we're just being in tune with the times, and it's reminding us, that we must transform because we live our lives every day, and sometimes we transform automatically when we're forced to - like the pandemic. People had to do certain things because they were forced to. We don't want to go there. We want to be prepared, right? Let's not be forced to do something. So let's lead. Let's not follow.” 

The efforts he is making are so important that he did not consider the word “transformation” sufficient on its own to express the urgency and the scale of the challenge. So, taking inspiration from the Great Migrations of Africa, which saw mass movements across hundreds and thousands of miles, he decided to add a prefix.

“The transformation is something that we need to do so to escalate and make sure that we kind of exaggerate what transformation is needed. We put these two words together,” he said.

And of course, at the heart of The Great Transformation is technology. Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ interests span operations as diverse as Coca-Cola, Mactan airport, UnionBank and its core earnings driver, AboitizPower. Bringing systems and data across those operations can deliver huge benefits to customers in all sectors, Aboitiz believes.

“We can use data to be able to benefit the whole instead of individual companies. So, our clients in food data, for example, can benefit the bank and maybe benefit our clients of Coca Cola who can benefit the bank, too. And our clients of the distribution utilities, for example, again can benefit the food group or the Coca-Cola Group and that data used to be able to have better information on customers so that now creates a premium.”

Aboitiz describes his business as the first Asian Techglomerate and is passionate about its ability to improve the lives of Filipinos, whether through expanding the reach of education or finding solutions to generate cleaner affordable energy.

“We have a growing population, we have a very digital-savvy population … as the infrastructure, the roads are being built, so you're seeing infrastructure go in …I think before this president finishes, we will be the next big thing in Asia. I truly believe that,” Aboitiz said.

Aboitiz, 57, whose own businesses have been transformed into what he describes as a “techglomerate” spanning the fields of energy, transport, food and finance, said that by listening to business, the government was identifying and addressing issues which had previously held the country back.

He highlighted the work required to improve the infrastructure to support tourism, an area where his group has been contributing by developing Mactan Airport. Another important challenge is around the supply of clean and sustainable water, he noted. AEV’s lead project Apo Agua is an example of the kind of investments needed to secure the future prosperity of urban centres, he said.

"We have a great opportunity now. The success of the nation is really not the burden of the government but the burden of us, Filipinos. How we vote, how we act, how we support,” he concluded. “It lies on us.”

In the lengthy interview with Global South World, the businessman talked about his strategy to build a “techglomerate” that can leverage data across different units to benefit customers.

He also addressed some of the infrastructure challenges facing the Philippines including what his own companies are doing, for instance: managing water supplies to ensure sustainable and clean supplies for growing populations; improving airports to attract more tourists and ensure the kind of positive first impressions that will encourage them to return; balancing the need to supply reliable energy to power the economy with the necessity of reducing carbon emissions.