The project signals Tokyo's desire for wider security ties in the region and Jakarta's aim for more joint weapon developments, analysts say In a move that analysts see as emblematic of Tokyo's shift towards broader security alliances - and Jakarta's quest to bolster its maritime defences - Japan and Indonesia are on the cusp of a landmark

Indonesia will expand its existing defence partnerships and step up its handling of strategic issues impacting its sovereignty, including maritime security and the safety of sea passage and fisheries,

"There is no other choice. Both of us, Indonesia and China have to strengthen our relationship based on three pillars: politics and security, economic development and people-to-people (connectivity)," said Dino, who is the former ambassador to the US and former deputy foreign minister.

Indonesia's BRICS membership is expected to boost growth in Southeast Asia's biggest economy, enabling the country to serve as a role model for other ASEAN members keen on joining a growing bloc that focuses on the Global South, analysts said.

Indonesia has announced plans to expand existing defence partnerships and step up its handling of strategic issues that could have an impact on its sovereignty. Foreign Minister Sugiono says Jakarta will continue to advocate for the completion of a code of conduct on the South China Sea between ASEAN and China,

China and other countries in Asia have seen an uptick in cases involving the respiratory virus in recent weeks, prompting the UN health agency to assuage concerns over a possible global outbreak. “China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range for the winter season,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Defense welcomed a military visit from China on Friday, January 10, 2025, aimed to boost relations between both countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia as part of his effort to further strengthen defense and economic ties with Southeast Asia as threats from China rise in the region.

China warmly welcomes the new addition to the BRICS family, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, in response to Brazil, as the BRICS chair 2025, releasing a statement on Monday night announcing the official entry of Indonesia as a full member into BRICS.

Malaysia's trade ministry said it has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, originating or exported from China and Indonesia. The anti-dumping duties range from 6.

Brazil, as the BRICS chair this year, released a statement announcing that Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS, which received wide attention from the international community.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been spreading in China, has now been reported in Indonesia. Experts say the virus is not deadly.