US Vice President attends the 18th East Asia Summit, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagements and international relations between the United States and East Asian countries.

The article discusses the ship dismantling industry in Asia, highlighting that over 800 large ships are damaged annually, with the majority ending up in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, or Bangladesh for dismantling. These countries are preferred due to cheap labor, high steel demand, and lenient environmental regulations. In Jakarta, Indonesia, the ship dismantling process is performed by workers using basic tools, earning between $5.61 and $19 per day. The work is hazardous, exposing workers to dangerous materials like asbestos and toxic chemicals. The Indonesian Transportation Ministry is planning to create guidelines to reduce risks to workers and the environment. On average, dismantling a ship takes 30 days, yielding about 90 tons of materials daily for recycling.

The article discusses the Indonesian government's focus on building new toll roads as a solution to traffic congestion, particularly in Jakarta, as recently exemplified by President Joko Widodo's inauguration of two new toll road sections. However, Greenpeace Indonesia argues that toll roads only benefit four-wheel vehicle owners and do not address the root causes of congestion or pollution. The article suggests that the government's policies, including tax incentives for new car purchases, are exacerbating traffic and pollution problems. It advocates for investment in mass transit systems and cycling infrastructure as more sustainable and inclusive solutions, citing examples from Milan and Paris, and envisions a future Jakarta with more green spaces and less reliance on toll roads.

Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir has issued a circular requesting employees under 45 to return to the office starting May 25, 2020, in areas where large-scale social restrictions have ended. The circular outlines a phased recovery of activities, with malls and retail stores allowed to open on June 1, 2020, with limited visitor numbers and operational hours, and strict health protocols. Universities and educational services are set to reopen on June 8, 2020. The policy aligns with the Health Minister's Regulation and is part of the 'new normal' scenario planning. Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 head Doni Monardo has also allowed people under 45 to return to work, emphasizing the need to follow COVID-19 prevention protocols.

Jakarta's streets are deserted at night due to a government-imposed partial lockdown to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Movement restrictions began on April 10 and were extended to May 22, with residents ordered to stay home. As of May 4, Indonesia recorded 11,587 cases and 864 deaths, with Jakarta accounting for nearly half. Governor Anies Baswedan mandated the closure of schools, places of worship, and businesses, except for essential services. Violations of the restrictions could result in fines up to 100 million rupiah.

People across Southeast and South Asia are facing closures of schools, offices, and national landmarks as governments intensify efforts to contain the novel coronavirus. With infection rates rapidly increasing, some areas are being placed under lockdown.

Indonesia's parliament is prioritizing a new bill on renewable energy, aiming to shift the country's energy mix away from coal. Despite being a major coal producer, Indonesia has significant potential for renewable energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind power. Activists and energy experts are advocating for the transition, highlighting long-term economic and ecological benefits. The current energy policy targets 23% renewable energy by 2025, but progress has been slow due to regulatory challenges. The draft bill is expected to include mechanisms for market pricing and incentives for renewable energy, aiming to make it competitive with coal. However, there are concerns about the government's broad definition of 'new and renewable energy,' which includes less sustainable options like nuclear and palm oil biodiesel. The bill is also expected to address the need for environmental protection to prevent unsustainable renewable projects.

The article discusses the environmental impact of the palm oil industry in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly the destruction of habitats and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights efforts to promote sustainable palm oil production, such as the European ban on unsustainable palm oil for biofuels and the formation of the China Sustainable Palm Oil Alliance (CSPOA). The CSPOA, with members like AAK, Cargill China, and Mars, aims to increase the uptake of sustainable palm oil in China. The article emphasizes China's significant role in palm oil consumption and the potential positive impact of shifting to sustainable palm oil on global supply chains and tropical forest conservation. It also notes the challenges of raising awareness and demand for sustainable palm oil in China.

Wildlife managers in Florida are planning to remove rhesus macaques monkeys from Silver Springs, Florida, due to public health concerns. A recent study has shown that some of these monkeys are carrying and excreting a virus that poses a risk to humans. The presence of the monkeys along the Silver River has become a point of interest for kayakers and other visitors, but the potential danger from the virus has prompted action from wildlife authorities.