Police patrol in Jakarta (Source: VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto has stated that Indonesia remains under real threat of terrorism and that the National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT) cannot work alone in countering it. The Indonesian news agency Antara quoted Minister Wiranto on January 18 as saying that combating the acts and threats of terrorism is the collective responsibility of all elements of the nation and that the BNPT should be able to coordinate with and synergise the huge potentials of the nation in carrying out counter-terrorism measures. Thus, building synergy holds such importance that all related ministries and agencies must be encouraged to assist the preventive counter-terrorism measures, he said, adding that coordination among the Ministry of Finance, the National Development Planning Agency, and the Ministry of Social Affairs is needed during the process. Some have … [Read more...] about Minister: Terrorism threats remain in Indonesia
Foreign Ministers’ Retreat seeks ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific strategy
They discussed the bloc’s internal issues, especially the progress of ASEAN Community establishment for sustainable development, and emerging regional and international issues. Upon addressing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam will do its utmost to realize ASEAN priorities in 2019 as preparations for Vietnam to take over ASEAN Chair in 2020. He extolled progresses in ASEAN’s cooperation over the past years, noting that Vietnam is willing to coordinate with Thailand in carrying out the regional grouping’s 2019 tasks. Minh proposed that ASEAN member states closely cooperate and offer mutual support in enhancing creativity, supporting start-up development, and training high-quality workforce. Voicing concern over escalating militarization in the East Sea, he suggested ASEAN reinforce solidarity and step up efforts to promote peace, stability, and security in the region on the basis of agreed … [Read more...] about Foreign Ministers’ Retreat seeks ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific strategy
Seven people injured by bombs in southern Thailand
Security units regroup near the rubber plantation in Chanae district of Narathiwat after the raid on an insurgent camp on January 18 morning. (Photo: Bangkokpost) Bangkok (VNA) – Five army rangers and two policemen were seriously wounded by bomb blasts in southern Thailand on January 18. Separate roadside bombings hit Su-ngai Padi district in Narathiwat province, and Nong Chik district in Pattani province in the morning. In Su-ngai Padi district, five army rangers while patrolling a road along a railway track were wounded by two bombs detonated by suspected separatists. In Nong Chik, another bomb went off on a road, wounding two policemen who were providing security for local teachers in a village. Security in southern Thailand has been complicated since 2004 when Muslim militants began attacks on local residents and security forces. The attacks have killed thousands of people so far.-VNA … [Read more...] about Seven people injured by bombs in southern Thailand
Singapore picks US F-35 fighter jet to replace aging fleet
F-35 aircraft (Source: Lockheed Martin) Hanoi (VNA) - Singapore has chosen the US’s F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, its Defence Ministry said on January 18. Accordingly, the F-16s will have to retire soon after 2030 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the most suitable replacement to maintain the Singapore Air Force capabilities. The ministry said the air force should first buy "a small number" of F-35s for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on January 18 that it took Singapore more than five years to make a decision as they had to look carefully at specifications and what was needed. Singaporean agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward, he said. It is expected to take 9-12 months to finalise terms in the deal. Singapore earlier said it was evaluating Lockheed Martin's F-35 along with … [Read more...] about Singapore picks US F-35 fighter jet to replace aging fleet
Thai air-con, electronics exhibitions introduced in HCM City
At the roadshow (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) –Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and Federation of Thai Industries introduced in Ho Chi Minh City on January 18 a series of exhibitions on air-con and electronics to be held in this year. The introduction was part of a roadshow programme held in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam with an aim of luring more visitors from ASEAN countries to Refrigeration Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning Exhibition (Bangkok RHVAC 2019) and the Bangkok Electric and Electronics Exhibition (Bangkok E&E 2019), scheduled for September 25-28 in Bangkok, Thailand. The twin expos will showcase an array of products, ranging from plastic spare parts to innovative goods, heard the roadshow. According to deputy head of the DITP Wittayakorn Maneentr, the fairs have been expanded through years, both in the number of the participants and exhibiting areas. Besides an attractive destination for businesses in the sectors, the … [Read more...] about Thai air-con, electronics exhibitions introduced in HCM City