Norway to pay Indonesia $56 million for drop in deforestation and emissions
In the deal, the Nordic country will pay Indonesia, home to the world’s third-largest tropical forests, to keep its forests standing, thereby reducing its emissions.
Southeast Asia
Indonesia to put 2 million electric motorbikes on road by 2025
Indonesia is hoping to reduce its carbon footprint by 29% by 2030. One way they plan to do so is to help put two million electric motorcycles on the road by 2025 through a new subsidy program.
Indonesian program pays fishers to collect plastic trash at sea
Each of the 1,721 participating fishers will receive the equivalent of $10 a week for collecting up to 9 lbs of plastic waste from the sea daily.
Malaysia revokes oil palm concession near UNESCO-listed Bornean park
The 10,900-acre concession was revoked had been the subject of protests and a lawsuit by Penan, Berawan and Tering Indigenous communities who said it threatened their livelihoods.
Local officials remove permit for controversial Philippine gold mine
Local activists have hailed the revocation of the permit as a victory in a decades-long campaign against the mine.
Indonesia announces plan to protect 10% of its seas by 2030, and 30% by 2045
The move is part of the country’s contribution to the global “30 by 30” conservation goal, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s seas and lands by 2030.
Singapore to repeal colonial-era law against sex between men
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced the repeal of the colonial-era Section 377A of the penal code, under which sex between men is punishable by up to two years in prison.
Japan withdraws funding for major coal projects in Indonesia and Bangladesh, effectively canceling them
Two planned coal-fired power plants, one in Indonesia and the other in Bangladesh, have had their funding withdrawn by the Japanese government, as part of Tokyo’s decision to no longer bankroll coal projects in either country.
Indonesia issues long-delayed rules to protect migrant fishing workers
Marine activists have welcomed the decree, which they say should help improve the global fisheries sector, given that vessels where worker abuse is rife also tend to be engaged in illegal fishing activities.
Malaysia abolishes mandatory use of the death penalty
Malaysia will now allow judges discretion in sentencing and offering a range of substitute sentences for crimes that carry a mandatory death sentence.