Indonesia is working to develop medical tourism in rural areas as part of the country’s effort to strengthen public health care services, a senior official has said.
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia is working to develop medical tourism in rural areas ൩as part of the country’s effort to strengthen public health care services, a senior official has said.
Speaking to the press on the sideline of the World Tourism Network Summit 2023 in Jakarta on July 7, Taufik Jamaan, chairman of the Indonesia Medical Tourism Association (AWMI) said the association’s work had started in late 2022, and ongoing efforts include collaborating with food processing trainers to ensure hygienic food processing. AWMI is also embracing digitalisation through the implementation of the Community Telehealth Pavilion (ATM Health), he said, adding that this solution, linked to the Ministry of Health, allows travelers to check their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and oxygen saturation in a convenient manner. For instance, before embarking on a mountain climb, individuals can assess their health using ATM Health, Taufik said. The portable nature of ATM Health, which resembles a suitcase, making it mobile and easy to use in tourism villages, he went on. According to the official, AWMI’s role goes beyond medical tourism promotion, as it also actively develops business avenues, educates the public, and conducts research on herbal resources across the country. It recently welcomed the Association of Indonesian Herbal Medicine Doctors as a partner in its medical endeavours. Taufik said that AWMI aims to establish downstream processes to ensure that the community can benefit from research findings in the future. By leveraging research outcomes, it plans to develop various products, such as supplements, powders, herbs, and beverages, which will strengthen Indonesia’s reputation in herbal medicine, he added./.
Indonesia received 4.12 million international arrivals in the first five months of 2023, four times higher compared to the same period last year, data from the country’s statistics bureau has revealed.
Blue economy has big potential to become a new engine for the development of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), an Indonesia’s senior official has said.
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kemenkominfo) is preparing a media centre and fast internet access to support successful dissemination of information on the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) scheduled for next year.
The Indonesian Government will provide clean water for the community as an anticipatory step against drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy said on July 5.
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.
Illustrative image. (Photo: ttgasia.com) 
