In a document issued in Yogyakarta, the Association of Catholic Higher Education Institutions has called for collaboration during a period of change and new challenges for the country. “Political leaders must commit to promoting transparent and accountable governance.”

According to official licence statistics, as many as 30,000 are aged between 70 and 79. This reflects not only the ageing population but also the financial difficulties faced by those who lost their jobs during the Covid pandemic. And with pensions insufficient to cover their expenses, many make ends meet by working as taxi drivers.

EU Special Representative Stiprais is calling for an update to cooperation policies that takes account of the increasingly close ties between the countries in the region, which have been highlighted by Kyrgyzstan’s election to the UN Security Council. The “shared” Kambarata hydroelectric power station and the local satellite internet connection system are the flagship projects.

Unlike previous years, no public commemorations were held at the site of the jihadi attack. Foreign diplomats organised a joint memorial at the Italian Embassy. The memory has been kept alive in more discreet ways. This morning, the Catholic Church offered prayers for the victims during Mass, invoking peace for their souls and healing for their families.

Leo XIV's appeal not to break unity has fallen on deaf ears. This morning in Écône, four consecrations were made without a mandate, which is tantamount to a schismatic act. The Society of Saint Pius X also has a district in Asia, based in Singapore, with a presence in the Philippines (home to a novitiate for Oblates), India, and Japan. Comparisons with China are inappropriate.

The figures released today by ACLED confirm the military junta's failure to restore stability after the 2021 coup. While Beijing wants to restart construction on the Myitsone Dam, the regime continues to reject ASEAN’s request for a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi.