Showing 1 - 10 of 198
Indonesia's child bride problem
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 02/11/2020
» With proper sex education almost nonexistent, Indonesia's battle to reduce its high number of underage marriages resulting from unwanted teen pregnancies could be in vain, jeopardising a chance to seize the potential of its demographic dividend.
Indonesia's virus response: Not tough enough?
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 04/05/2020
» The Indonesian government has been facing a barrage of criticism over its response, perceived by many as lacklustre and uncoordinated, to the Covid-19 crisis.
Covid report card
Asia focus, Published on 04/05/2020
» Covid-19 has put countries around the world to an unprecedented test. As the outbreak that began in China enters its sixth month, many governments are still racing against time to curb the health and socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
What's next for climate change?
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 30/03/2020
» Relentless efforts to combat Covid-19 have shifted the world's focus away from other hot-button issues that had been gaining momentum, such as climate change.
Winning the war on plastic
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 13/01/2020
» Asia is picking up the pace in tackling the plastic crisis. In Bangladesh, the High Court last Monday ordered the government to ban single-use plastics in coastal areas and in hotels and restaurants in one year. It also ordered the government to strictly enforce the ban on polyethylene -- the main ingredient in many plastic bags -- under the existing law.
Plans take shape for Hindu mega-temple in Ayodhya
Asia focus, Narendra Kaushik, Published on 23/12/2019
» Emboldened by a Supreme Court decision that came down on the side of Hindus, the Indian government is pressing ahead with plans for a major temple complex and tourist attraction at a long-disputed site in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh state.
Palm oil diplomacy
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 23/12/2019
» Indonesia is stepping up its economic diplomacy in 2020 as trade disputes with the European Union (EU) are poised to escalate. The two sides have traded complaints at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Indonesia's two main commodities, palm oil and nickel ore, even as they continue talks for a free trade agreement.
Climate urgency increasing
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 16/12/2019
» While the latest UN Climate Change Conference was taking place in Madrid, smog returned to Bangkok last week with PM2.5 dust exceeding safe levels in some areas. Face masks were back in fashion, while children, pregnant women and the elderly were advised to avoid outdoor activities.
Green deal for Asean
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 16/12/2019
» In a move that could be seen as a reflection of the Green New Deal policy that it launched last week, the European Union (EU) is committing €24 million to support groups working to combat transboundary haze pollution and peatland fires in Southeast Asia.
Every drop counts
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 25/11/2019
» Residents of Claket village in Mojokerto district of East Java are facing an uncertain future that could include an absolute water scarcity by 2040. That has spurred them to act and they are now looking ahead with more optimism.