Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: June 21, 2025

INDONESIA

1.AGO TO SUMMON FORMER MINISTER NADIEM IN RP 9.9T CHROMEBOOK CORRUPTION CASE -- JAKARTA GLOBE

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Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has been summoned by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) for questioning on Monday, June 23, as part of a corruption probe into the Education Ministry’s Rp 9.98 trillion (US$615 million) Chromebook procurement project.

2.JAKARTA WELCOMES NEW AGE WITH GLOBAL AMBITIONS -- THE JAKARTA POST

Jakarta will mark its 498th anniversary this weekend with a renewed vision of transforming into a global centre for trade, services, finance and business, even as the city faces persistent questions about its livability and its impending loss of capital status.

MYANMAR 

1.ELECTION PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Election Commission held a meeting to ensure the polls are conducted transparently without any fraud. Voting machines that are being produced will be transported and stored in the respective regions and states.  

2.EXPORTERS ENTERING CHINESE MARKET RISING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Nearly 1,755 food processing companies have applied to the General Administration of Customs of China for a licence to enter the market as of June 13. Registration is mandatory for food exporters to China. 

SINGAPORE

1.TURBULENCE AHEAD: HOW USED COOKING OIL COULD HINDER AVIATION’S GREEN FUEL HOPES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

This is the starting point for the world’s – and especially Europe’s – lofty dreams of greener air travel: a collection point for plastic bottles filled with discarded frying oil in Malaysia.

2.TRUMP SAYS IRAN HAS 'MAXIMUM' TWO WEEKS, DISMISSES EUROPE PEACE EFFORTS -- CNA/AFP

US President Donald Trump said Friday (Jun 20) that Iran had a "maximum" of two weeks to avoid possible American air strikes, as Israel claimed it has already set back Iran's presumed nuclear programme by at least two years.

VIETNAM

1.STRICTER RULES TO MANAGE GOLD TRADING -- VIETNAMPLUS

The State Bank of Vietnam is mulling stricter regulations on gold trading. Bank transfers are required for gold transactions worth RM3,253 (US$765) and above to promote transparency and verify customer identities.

2.CARBON TAX PRESSURES SHIPPING SECTOR -- VIETNAM NEWS

The International Maritime Organisation’s policy to cut greenhouse emissions from ships could burden Vietnam’s shipping industry. Vessels emitting carbon dioxide beyond the mandatory limits would face a tax of RM16,164 (US$380) per metric tonne when the policy is implemented in 2028. 

-- BERNAMA