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Indonesia Province Pushes Vasectomies to Curb Poverty Amid Regional Population Shift

Indonesia’s West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi. This image is used only for representational purpose. (photo credit: Wikipedia)

Late April, Indonesia’s West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi announced a birth control initiative encouraging men from low-income households to undergo vasectomies in a move to reduce provincial poverty, a policy that runs counter to recent demographic trends across Southeast Asia where neighbors like Vietnam have been relaxing population controls.

Vasectomy involves cutting or blocking sperm-carrying tubes to prevent pregnancy, creating permanent sterilization that can sometimes be surgically reversed, though success isn’t guaranteed.

Speaking at Depok City Hall, West java Province, Dedi outlined the program’s key features: weekly vasectomy services every Wednesday, a IDR 500,000 (about USD 30) cash incentive, and reports suggest sterilization may be required to access certain government assistance programs, such as electricity connections, food aid, scholarships, or public housing.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi speaks with reporters at Depok City Hall, West Java, on 29 April 2025. (Beritasatu.com/Fahri Ali)

Eligible men must be 35 or older, healthy, have at least two children, and obtain spousal consent. West Java defines poverty as living on IDR 535,000 (about USD 33) monthly or less.

World Bank data from April shows 60.3 percent of Indonesians, approximately 171.8 million people, live below the poverty threshold of USD 6.85 per person per day.

The World Bank’s Updated Global Poverty Lines: Indonesia. (source: World Bank)

Dedi explained that the province had observed many poor families continuing to have a fourth or fifth child, even though childbirth expenses range between IDR 15 to 25 million (around USD 1,000 to 1,700), which such families are unable to afford. 

He emphasized, as reported by the Jakarta Globe, that parenthood demands financial readiness.

West Java’s restrictive approach stands in contrast to broader regional demographic trends. 

Just this June, Vietnam ended its two-child policy as its fertility rate fell to 1.91, aiming to address rapid aging. 

Thailand faces an even sharper decline, with a fertility rate of 1.0 and births at a 70-year low, prompting new pronatalist efforts. China has similarly relaxed population restrictions in recent years to combat demographic challenges.

However, Indonesia’s population continues to increase each year, adding roughly 2.0 to 2.6 million people annually between 2020 and 2025. 

Population of Indonesia 2025 and historical. Source: Worldometer

Although the growth rate is gradually slowing, from 0.98 percent in 2020 to about 0.79 percent  in 2025, the overall population keeps rising due to natural growth and ongoing urbanization, despite negative net migration. 

Meanwhile, Laos maintains a higher fertility rate of 2.3 and continues to grow, though challenges like youth unemployment and urban migration are beginning to emerge.

Laos Undertakes Major Government Reshuffle Amid Structural Reforms

The 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly

The Lao government has carried out a sweeping reshuffle, replacing or reassigning nine ministers along with the Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR. 

Thai Political Crisis: What We Know

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (C) gestures at a press conference next to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (L), Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (2nd R), Armed Forces Commander Pana Klaewplodthuk (3rd R), Chief of the Defence Forces Songwit Noonpackdee (R), and Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Kitrat Phanphet (centre L) at Government House in Bangkok on June 19, 2025. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on June 19 apologised for her leaked phone call with Cambodia's ex-leader, which prompted a political crisis that threatens to collapse her government. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

By Damon WAKE/AFP – Thailand’s government is on the brink of collapse after a key coalition partner quit, leaving the kingdom facing yet another of its regular bouts of political instability.

Here’s what we know about the latest crisis rocking Thai politics:

What’s happening?

Thailand’s coalition government, headed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is in danger of collapsing after the second-biggest party in the alliance quit.

The conservative Bhumjaithai party said late Wednesday it was pulling out because of a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

The loss of Bhumjaithai’s 69 MPs leaves Paetongtarn with barely enough votes for a majority in parliament, and if any other coalition partner leaves, her government will almost certainly crumble.

Paetongtarn apologized for the call, saying she was trying to stabilize a volatile border dispute with Cambodia and did not expect the recording to become public.

What happened in this phone call? 

Paetongtarn spoke to Hun Sen on Sunday about a festering border dispute that last month broke into military clashes that left a Cambodian soldier dead.

A nine-minute portion of the call appeared online, followed hours later by the full 17-minute recording, posted by Hun Sen himself, who stepped down as Cambodian leader in 2023 but still wields great influence and is regarded as a wily political operator.

In the recording Paetongtarn addresses the veteran leader as “uncle”.

This is not unusual in Thai culture when a younger person is talking to someone much older, but it has led to accusations that Paetongtarn was being too familiar or too deferential, and that as prime minister she should have been more assertive.

Far more damaging was the fact she refers to the Thai army commander northeast as her “opponent”, sparking fury in Thailand’s highly vocal nationalist, pro-military quarters.

Thailand’s armed forces have a long history of intervening in politics and leaders are usually careful not to cross them.

The relationship between the military and the Shinawatra family is particularly sensitive, as the army has already ousted Paetongtarn’s father Thaksin Shinawatra and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra as prime minister.

Paetongtarn made her apology on 19 June at a press conference alongside army commanders in a public show of unity.

The army issued a statement saying it backed “democratic principles” and urged Thais to unite to defend the “paramount imperative” of national sovereignty.

What else is behind the crisis?

Pressure has been building on Paetongtarn’s government for months, the economy is struggling, little has been done to head off US President Donald Trump’s threatened trade tariffs, and relations with key political partners have fractured.

Growing tensions within the coalition erupted into open warfare in the past week as Pheu Thai tried to take the interior minister job away from Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul.

Critics say Paetongtarn, a political novice when she took office in August 2024, has been exposed as lacking experience and leadership ability, not least by the border crisis with Cambodia.

But the coalition Pheu Thai stitched together to take power was always an uneasy alliance, relying on conservative pro-military parties that have bitterly opposed Thaksin, his family and political parties for years.

While Thaksin, 75, remains popular with the rural voters whose lives he transformed in the early 2000s, he is loathed by the powerful Thai elites who see him as corrupt, nepotistic and a threat to social order.

His return from exile in 2023 and subsequent regular public appearances have done little to allay conservative fears that he is the one really pulling the strings of government.

What comes next?

Two key coalition parties will meet later on 19 June to discuss the crisis. If, as expected, one or both pull out, Paetongtarn’s government will almost certainly fall.

If this happens, she could dissolve parliament and call an election, which would have to take place within 60 days.

Alternatively, she could resign as prime minister and let other parties get together to try to form a new coalition.

The difficulty with this option is that there is no obvious alignment of parties available that would command a majority.

And as ever in a country that has seen a dozen coups in the past century, the threat of another military intervention hovers in the shadows.


© Agence France-Presse

Cushman & Wakefield Greater China Wins Three Best Five-Star Awards at 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm, has again been recognized at the Asia Pacific Property Awards, scoring three best Five Star Awards plus one “Award Winner” for outstanding achievements in the Greater China commercial real estate market, highlighting the firm’s leading industry position and exceptional service offerings.

  • Best Property Agency/Consultancy China — Five Star Award
  • Best Property Agency/Consultancy Marketing, Hong Kong (Habour East, Hong Kong, Capital Markets) — Five Star Award
  • Best Real Estate Agency Marketing, China (The Center, Shanghai, Project & Occupier Services) — Five Star Award
  • Lettings/Rentals Agency China — Award Winner

KK Chiu, Chief Executive, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “I am delighted that we have won such high acclaim for our performance excellence. This recognition from the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards again demonstrates our teams’ market-leading capabilities and strong commitment to our clients in the Greater China real estate market.”

In the Best Property Agency/Consultancy Marketing award category, Cushman & Wakefield’s Capital Markets team facilitated leading Chinese sports brand Li Ning Company Ltd’s acquisition of the Harbour East office tower, in Hong Kong’s North Point district, from Henderson Land. The property has been renamed the Hong Kong Li-Ning Building. With this transaction the Capital Markets team transitioned Li Ning from leasing to ownership status, enabling the brand to establish a new Hong Kong headquarters location.

Francis Li, Vice President, Greater China, Head of Capital Markets, Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “We are extremely proud that our Capital Markets team’s performance and commitment to problem-solving through the Habour East acquisition project has been recognized at the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Our team’s knowledge of the rapidly changing market, coupled with deep connections with local investors, developers, and institutional investors, has enabled us to complete total transaction volume of nearly HK$40 billion in the past five years, serving our clients with unrivalled excellence.”

In the Best Real Estate Agency Marketing, China, award category, Cushman & Wakefield’s Project & Occupier Services team took on a significant role in marketing The Center, a prestigious Grade A office property in downtown Shanghai and one of the most iconic projects from Hutchinson Whampoa Limited. As the main asset management service provider, the team fully leveraged the property’s comprehensive renovation combined with its 20th anniversary milestone. The team implemented an array of marketing approaches, generating a fresh new image for The Center and bringing the project into the top-tier of preferred locations for leading consulting firms, financial institutions and multinational corporations.

Jonathan Wei, President of Project & Occupier Services, China, Cushman & Wakefield, commented, “Congratulations to the team for this top honor at the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Our team focuses on providing comprehensive and diversified real estate brokerage services to corporate clients, developers, governments, real estate investment funds and institutions. With our extensive resources and in-depth market insights, we will continue to play an integral role in driving high-quality brokerage and letting services”

Besides Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield India has also won recognition from the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards, securing two wins:

  • Best Property Agency / Consultancy, India — Five Star Award
  • Best Real Estate Agency Single Office, India — Five Star Award

Established in 1993, the Asia Pacific Property Awards (APPA) is part of the global International Property Awards, which celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. The Awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts who evaluate design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2024, the firm reported revenue of $9.4 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().

First Equestrian Federation in Laos Sets Stage for Horse Sport Growth

Phout Simmalavong, the former of Ministry of Education and Sports (blue shirt with glasses) attending the opening event of Laos Equestrian Federation. (Photo: The Next Media)

Laos officially entered the world of horse sport with the establishment of its first Equestrian Federation on 26 May.

Key Concept Strengthens Capabilities with Team Expansion In 2025


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Key Concept, a leading interior design firm in Singapore, is proud to announce a strategic team expansion in 2025, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to cultivating new talent in the interior design industry.

This expansion reflects Key Concept’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of designers. By creating a supportive and inspiring environment, the firm aims to empower aspiring interior designers—especially recent graduates and career switchers—by offering hands-on experience, creative mentorship, and meaningful career development. With the increasing demand for quality condo interior design, BTO home renovation, and resale flat renovation projects, Key Concept is scaling its team to meet client needs while enriching the industry with fresh perspectives and ideas.

Founded with a mission to make quality interior design accessible and personal, Key Concept specialises in transforming everyday spaces into functional and stylish homes. The firm is known for its client-first approach, attention to detail, and innovative solutions tailored to Singapore’s unique housing landscape.

As part of its forward-looking plans, Key Concept is also excited to announce Key Concept Grand Opening Event, a special event happening this June. More than a showcase, the event celebrates the firm’s evolution, creativity, and the vibrant community it serves. Homeowners attending the event can expect exclusive offers, including additional discounts on project sign-ups during the event period.

Whether it’s modern condo makeovers or thoughtful HDB transformations, Key Concept continues to set the standard in Singapore’s interior design landscape—balancing function, style, and individuality through every project.

For more information, please visit https://www.keyconcept.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #KeyConcept



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

UNESCO and SACIT Join Hands with ICONCRAFT to Celebrate Thai Artisans and Thailand’s Creative Cities Network

A landmark exhibition of Thai artisanship and contemporary design, inspired by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and featuring two debut clutches handcrafted from master-woven textiles by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – UNESCO and Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), a national agency promoting Thai craftsmanship, have joined hands with ICONCRAFT—Thailand’s hub of creative innovation–to launch the campaign, “UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities.”

“UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities” (2)

This nationwide initiative celebrates the cultural legacy of Thai textile traditions from the seven UNESCO Creative Cities across Thailand. These heritage textiles, crafted by national master artisans, are reimagined into contemporary fashion pieces by seven of Thailand’s top design houses, as well as the prestigious brand SIRIVANNAVARI, founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

The event, attended by UNESCO Director – General Audrey Azoulay, on her first official visit to Thailand, launches a long-term collaboration to empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable innovation, and inspire youth to pursue careers in the creative economy. It also reinforces Thailand’s commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which includes more than 350 cities worldwide. Thailand’s recognized Creative Cities–Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, and Suphanburi–serve as the foundation for this initiative and their distinctive cultural assets inspire the designs on display.

Event Highlights

At the heart of this exhibition is a collaboration between seven top-tier Thai fashion brands and local artisan groups, with each designer creating two exclusive outfits inspired by a different Creative City—14 looks in total:

  • ATELIER PICHITA – Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the Tai Lue Weaving Group by Master Dokkaew from Chiang Rai
  • THEATRE – Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from Ban Don Manow Thai Song Dam Weaving Group in Suphanburi
  • CHAI GOLD LABEL – Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by Rak Batik Group in Chiang Mai
  • HOOK’S BY PRAPAKAS – Designs based on hand-painted batik from Ying Batik Paint Group in Phuket
  • WISHARAWISH – Designs using the intricately patterned Pha Lai Yang fabric by Phusa Pha Lai Yang in Phetchaburi
  • PYVET – Designs crafted from Porcupine Pattern Pha Jok by Suntaree Thai Textile in Sukhothai
  • JANESUDA – Designs showcasing brightly colored batik from Marionsiam in Bangkok

SIRIVANNAVARI x Chansoma Collaboration

Among the standout creations are two exclusive clutch bags, personally designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Crafted from Kaew Ching Duang silk–a textile symbolizing prosperity and harmony–these pieces were handwoven by nationally honoured master artisan Weeratham Taragoonngernthai, founder of the Chansoma brand in Surin Province. Embroidered with exquisite detail, each clutch is a one-of-a-kind creation, specially designed for this occasion.

Royal Ensemble Exhibition

Another event highlight is the first-ever public exhibition in Thailand of eight Royal Thai Ensembles worn by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, curated by the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. The designs, by Tirapan Wannarat, founder of the Tirapan fashion house and Thailand’s 2019 National Artist in Visual Arts (Fashion Design), will be on display from June 25–29 at ICONLUXE AVENUE, M Floor, ICONSIAM.

Featured ensembles include:

  • Thai Ruean Ton Dress – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace
  • Thai Chitralada Dress – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns
  • Thai Amarin Dress – A pink silk pha sin featuring golden rose vines, historically associated with the birthday of King Rama V

Event Schedule

The special collection will debut at Crafts Bangkok 2025, from 18–22 June 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, before its formal launch on 25 June at ICONSIAM.

Alongside the textile showcase and royal attire exhibition, visitors will have the rare opportunity to purchase or bid on selected pieces. A special auction will include the limited-edition silk clutches by SIRIVANNAVARI. Proceeds will support a UNESCO initiative to expand access to creative education for young people in Thailand’s Creative Cities.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Thai cultural heritage, admire the craftsmanship of local masters, and witness how creativity continues to shape Thailand’s future.

Hashtag: #ICONCRAFT #ICONCRAFTatICONSIAM #ICONSIAM #SIAMPIWAT #SACIT #UNESCO

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Laos Celebrates International Day of the Midwife with Renewed Commitment to Maternal Health

Laos joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Midwife, honoring the vital role midwives play in safeguarding maternal and newborn health, especially in remote and underserved communities. Amari Hotel, Vientiane Capital. 8 June 2025. (photo credit: UNFPA Laos)

On 18 June, Laos joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Midwife, honoring the vital role midwives play in safeguarding maternal and newborn health, especially in remote and underserved communities. 

Held in Vientiane, the celebration was organized by the Ministry of Health, the Lao Association of Midwives, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), and partners. It brought together government leaders, development partners, and health workers to honor midwives and reaffirm commitments to improving maternal health and midwifery services.

Over the past two decades, Laos has seen a significant decline in maternal mortality, from 609 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 (United Nations Estimates) to 112 in 2023, a reduction of over 80 percent, far exceeding the global average. Midwives have been central to this progress.

“Midwives are the backbone of our maternal health system,” said Aphone Visathep, Deputy Minister of Health. “Their work not only saves lives, it builds trust and brings services closer to the people. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every health facility has at least one trained midwife by 2030, especially in rural and ethnic communities.”

The celebration featured heartfelt testimonies from midwives on the ground, including Beng Seanmeung, a 22-year-old ethnic midwife from Saravan province. Inspired to join the profession after witnessing a neighbor’s life-threatening childbirth, Beng is now one of 93 ethnic midwives trained since 2010 under UNFPA support, bridging cultural and geographic gaps to deliver safe maternal care.

Thomas Lammar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg, reiterated Luxembourg’s long-standing support for maternal health in Laos. 

“Midwives are central to building strong, resilient health systems that leave no one behind,” he said. “We celebrate their essential contributions and reaffirm our partnership for a healthier future.”

UNFPA’s Deputy Regional Director, Alexandar Sasha Bodiroza, highlighted the evolving role of midwives: “Midwives do far more than deliver babies. They deliver dignity, knowledge, and the right to health. To reach our goal of one midwife per primary healthcare facility by 2030, sustained investment is essential.”

The event also served as the launch platform for the Midwifery Action Plan 2025-2035, which outlines five key pillars: education, regulation, workforce development, enabling environment, and community engagement. 

Notably, three midwifery schools in Laos  have achieved international accreditation, the first of their kind in the Asia-Pacific region.

“When a skilled midwife stands with a mother, she is laying the foundation for a stronger future, not only for the child but for the entire nation,” said UNICEF Country Representative Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani.

Lao midwifery students performed a stage play to honor the vital role of midwives in maternal and newborn care. (photo credit: UNFPA Laos)

The event concluded with a cultural performance by midwifery students, field stories, and the global launch of WHO’s new Implementation Guidance on Transitioning to Midwifery Models of Care, co-developed with UNFPA, UNICEF, and the International Confederation of Midwives. This framework supports countries in empowering midwives as leaders of quality, person-centered care.