Indonesia deploys soldiers, police to enforce "new normal" scenario
About 340,000 soldiers and police officers will be deployed across four provinces of Indonesia to ensure the country’s transition to the "new normal", Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on May 26.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (center) visited the MRT station on May 26 (Photo: Antara)
Jakarta (VNA) - About 340,000 soldiers and police officers will be deployed across four provinces of Indonesia to ensure the country’s transition to the "new normal", Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on May 26.
During a visit to an MRT station in Jakarta, Widodo said security forces would help to ensure that residents abide by physical distancing rules.
He added that the basic reproduction number (R0) of COVID-19 had fallen below one in several provinces, indicating a decline in the transmission rate in those areas.
Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto Hadi said there were approximately 1,800 places that would be guarded by TNI and police personnel, including shopping malls, traditional markets, tourism spots and other places with high traffic.
According to the official government count, Indonesia had 23,165 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 1,418 deaths as of May 26.
Meanwhile, Chairman of House Commission X overseeing education Syaiful Huda on May 26 said 143 children in the country died of COVID-19.
Indonesian Doctors Association data showed that 129 children have died with COVID-19 symptoms and 14 others who have died tested positive for the virus, he said.
The official called on the Indonesian government to be careful in planning for the reopening of schools as the virus transmission remained high, adding that forcing schools to reopen will endanger the students and teachers.
The number of infections in Indonesia is expected to increase significantly next week as many people have ignored physical distancing guidelines during the Idul Fitri holidays.
Indonesia’s national COVID-19 Task Force spokesman Achmad Yurianto said the la🦹rge number of people violating the health protocol during the holidays will more than likely result in new confirmed cases next week.
Tri Wahyono, an epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia, said human-to-human transmissions will spread rapidly in severely affected areas such as Greater Jakarta. The prediction that cases will peak in early June and reach a plateau in August is very likely to be missed, he said, noting that the epidemiologist said the final number of cases will surpass the projected 32,000./.
The Indonesian Government may soon ease restrictions on socioeconomic activities and prepare to carry out the next action plan given that COVID-19 is yet to be brought under control, including the application of a “new normal” scenario.
Sixty-four shopping malls across Jakarta will reopen in early June after having been closed since April because of large-scale social restrictions, reported the Jakarta Post.
The Philippines will not allow students to go back to school until a coronavirus vaccine is available, said President Rodrigo Duterte in a speech aired on May 25 evening.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (center) visited the MRT station on May 26 (Photo: Antara) 
