MELBOURNE, Australia — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to embark on his inaugural official visit to Australia since assuming office in October 2023. The visit, scheduled for Wednesday, underscores the deepening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the trip on Tuesday, though specifics remain scarce. Prabowo last visited Australia in August 2023 as defense minister and president-elect, just months before his inauguration. Albanese and Prabowo previously met in Jakarta during the Australia–Indonesia annual leaders’ meeting in May 2024, marking Albanese’s first overseas trip following his reelection. Albanese expressed enthusiasm about hosting Prabowo, stating, ‘I am delighted to welcome President Prabowo to Australia and reciprocate the warm hospitality he extended during my visit to Jakarta earlier this year.’ He emphasized the enduring partnership between the two countries, describing it as a ‘deep trust and unbreakable bond’ that fosters a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Australia views Indonesia, its closest neighbor after Papua New Guinea, as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Notably, newly elected Australian prime ministers traditionally prioritize Jakarta as one of their initial international destinations, reflecting the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship.
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Malaysia officials recover more bodies from capsized migrant boat
The Malaysian Coast Guard has entered the third day of a challenging search and rescue operation following the tragic sinking of a migrant boat near Langkawi, a resort island close to the Thai border. The vessel, carrying undocumented migrants, capsized, leaving at least 21 dead and dozens still missing. So far, 13 individuals have been rescued, with 11 identified as Rohingya and two as Bangladeshi nationals. Authorities estimate that around 70 people were on board, part of a larger group of 300 Rohingya who fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state two weeks ago. Another boat with 230 passengers remains unaccounted for. The operation, involving both sea and aerial searches, is expected to continue for seven days. The Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar, have faced systemic discrimination and violence, prompting many to undertake perilous journeys in overcrowded boats. Since 2017, hundreds of thousands have fled to Bangladesh, but poor conditions there have driven some to seek refuge in Malaysia, often paying exorbitant sums for the dangerous passage. Amnesty International has highlighted the deadly risks faced by Rohingya migrants, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention to this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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Six dead after second typhoon in a week hits the Philippines
The Philippines is grappling with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which has claimed at least six lives and caused widespread destruction across Luzon Island. The storm, which made landfall on Sunday night with sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h, triggered severe flooding and landslides, leading to significant casualties and damage. Over 1.4 million people were evacuated preemptively, and more than 4,100 homes were either destroyed or partially damaged. The typhoon, locally known as Uwan, has since weakened but continues to pose a threat as it heads toward Taiwan, where 30,000 people have already been evacuated. This disaster follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left tens of thousands reeling, and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu in September. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has emphasized that this series of catastrophes is far from routine, underscoring the escalating climate and seismic risks faced by vulnerable nations. Urgent support is needed to bolster relief efforts and aid recovery.
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China’s ‘Singles’ Day’ shopping festival a gauge of Beijing’s effort to get consumers to spend more
The annual Singles’ Day shopping festival, China’s equivalent to Black Friday, has seen a noticeable shift in consumer behavior this year, reflecting broader economic challenges. Alice Zhang, a 29-year-old marketer from Guangzhou, exemplifies this trend, having halved her spending compared to last year. Facing a 20% pay cut, Zhang opted for more affordable choices and skipped purchasing new shoes altogether. Her cautious approach mirrors a nationwide pattern as Chinese consumers prioritize necessities over discretionary spending.
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Dutch legend in Dubai: Gullit gives verdict on GOAT debate
Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times in Dubai, shared his insights on the evolution of football, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, and the emergence of new talents like Lamine Yamal. Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner and key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, reminisced about his playing days and the transformative impact of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on the sport. He also discussed the challenges facing modern football, including the physicality of players and the shifting dynamics of leagues like Serie A. Gullit praised the rapid development of Dubai, drawing parallels to the changes in football over the decades. He highlighted the immense potential of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, while cautioning against overburdening the 18-year-old with responsibilities. Gullit also reflected on the Netherlands’ World Cup heartbreaks and shared his predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, and his beloved Holland as top contenders.
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US Senate passes funding bill that could end shutdown within days
In a pivotal late-night session on Monday, the US Senate passed a critical funding bill that could terminate the longest government shutdown in US history. The bill, which secured a 60-40 vote, saw nearly all Republicans align with eight Democrats who broke party ranks to support the measure. This bipartisan agreement funds federal operations until the end of January and aims to restore essential services and compensate furloughed employees. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where its passage is anticipated before President Donald Trump signs it into law. Trump had earlier indicated his willingness to endorse the legislation. The breakthrough follows a 41-day shutdown that disrupted air travel, left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay, and threatened vital food assistance programs. The bill includes provisions to backpay federal employees, extend funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until September, and allocate full-year budgets for the Department of Agriculture and military construction. Additionally, it promises a December vote on extending healthcare subsidies, a key Democratic demand. While Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill for failing to address America’s healthcare crisis, supporters like Senator Tim Kaine emphasized the relief it brings to federal workers. The House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, is set to deliberate the bill starting Wednesday, with every vote crucial given the Republicans’ narrow majority.
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Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club hosts high-stakes inaugural Golf Society League
The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC) recently hosted the first-ever Golf Society League (GSL), a thrilling competition that brought together sixteen golf societies from across the UAE. Supported by Golf Away, the event offered participants the chance to vie for the prestigious title of GSL Champions, with the winning team securing an exclusive golfing holiday in Thailand. The tournament, which kicked off last weekend, was marked by intense competition and remarkable performances across three leagues, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. The leagues were structured to ensure fierce competition, with the top teams from each league advancing to the knockout stages. League 1 saw the defending champions, Nepalese Golf Society, begin their title defense with a solid start, while The Hole Seekers emerged as early leaders with a standout performance. In League 2, Social 1 dominated their matches, securing a perfect start, while League 3 witnessed The Spartans making a strong statement with two consecutive wins. Additionally, players competed in the Betterball Stableford competition, with Deepak Mandory and Prashant Athreya of The Hole Seekers claiming the top prize with 42 points. The event concluded with high anticipation for the next round, scheduled for December 7th, promising more thrilling golf action at SGSC. For further details about the GSL, visit golfandshootingshj.com or contact Samjhana Lama at golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com.
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Rory’s stage gets bigger: Emirates NBD steps into the heart of the DP World Tour Play-offs
The DP World Tour Play-offs, renowned for their high-stakes drama in the world of golf, have secured a significant new ally. Emirates NBD, a leading financial institution in the Middle East, has stepped into the spotlight as the Official Banking Partner for two premier events: the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship. These tournaments, pivotal in the season’s Race to Dubai, attract the world’s top golfers competing for trophies, ranking points, and a place in golfing history. The DP World Tour Championship, scheduled for November 13-16, 2025, at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course, remains a crown jewel of the Rolex Series. Last year, it was crowned Major Event of the Year, highlighted by Rory McIlroy’s thrilling victory on the 18th hole, a defining moment of the 2024 season. Emirates NBD’s expanded involvement, which now includes the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, underscores its commitment to supporting the UAE’s rise as a global golfing hub. The 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links will further showcase the bank’s presence, enhancing fan engagement and hospitality. Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the bank’s dedication to celebrating the UAE’s role in global sports and culture. Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East at the DP World Tour, praised the partnership, noting its potential to elevate the fan experience and drive regional golf growth. With Rory McIlroy set to headline the 2025 championship, Dubai remains poised for another historic moment in world golf.
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New ‘Lucifer’ bee with devil-like horns found in Australia
Australian researchers have unveiled a fascinating new native bee species, distinguished by its tiny, devil-like horns, earning it the name Megachile Lucifer. The discovery was made during a study of a rare wildflower endemic to the Bremer Ranges in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, located 470 kilometers east of Perth. The unique horns, found exclusively on female bees, are believed to serve multiple purposes, including defense, pollen collection, and nest-building material gathering. Dr. Kit Prendergast from Curtin University, the lead scientist of the study, revealed that the name Lucifer was inspired by the Netflix series she was watching at the time. She emphasized that this is the first new addition to this bee group in two decades. The name Lucifer, meaning ‘light bringer’ in Latin, also symbolizes the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts for native bee species and a deeper understanding of their role in pollinating endangered plants. The findings, published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research, advocate for the formal protection of the area where the bee and wildflower were discovered, highlighting the risks posed by habitat disturbance and climate change. Dr. Prendergast warned that many mining operations overlook native bees in environmental impact assessments, potentially leading to the loss of undiscovered species critical to ecosystem health. ‘Without knowing which native bees exist and their plant dependencies, we risk losing both before we even realize their presence,’ she concluded.
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US manufacturers face higher Chinese hurdles than soybean farmers
The United States finds itself in a precarious position due to its excessive reliance on China, a dependency that spans both agriculture and manufacturing sectors. American soybean farmers, for instance, have long depended on Chinese purchases, which account for nearly half of U.S. soybean exports. This reliance gives China significant leverage, as demonstrated earlier this year when it curtailed imports in response to trade tensions. However, the issue extends far beyond agriculture. U.S. manufacturers are equally vulnerable, as China dominates the global supply of critical materials and components essential for producing high-tech goods. Rare-earth minerals, which are indispensable for manufacturing cellphones, computer hard drives, and advanced defense systems, are a prime example. China controls 97% of global rare-earth production, and recent export restrictions highlighted the risks of this monopoly. While a temporary truce in the U.S.-China trade war has suspended these restrictions, the broader problem remains unresolved. China’s dominance extends to other critical materials like graphite, gallium, germanium, and tungsten, which are vital for industries ranging from electronics to pharmaceuticals. Even the active ingredients in many common medications, such as ibuprofen and antibiotics, are sourced from China. This overdependence is not accidental but the result of China’s deliberate industrial policies, which include subsidies, tax breaks, and protectionist measures to dominate global supply chains. The U.S. has attempted to counter this through initiatives like the Chips Act and tariffs, but China’s economies of scale pose a formidable challenge. Experts argue that international cooperation among like-minded nations is essential to mitigate this dependency. However, current U.S. trade policies, which impose tariffs on allies, complicate such efforts. While soybean farmers can seek alternative markets, manufacturers face a far more complex dilemma. The path forward requires strategic diversification and coordinated industrial policies to reduce reliance on China and safeguard America’s economic security.