TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN INDONESIA, SINGAPORE & THAILAND: MARCH 11, 2025

INDONESIA

1. KPK SEARCHES RIDWAN KAMIL’S RESIDENCE OVER BANK BJB CASE -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil confirmed that his residence was searched by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in connection with an alleged markup in advertising funds at Bank Jabar Banten (BJB).

2. CIVIL SERVICE RECRUITS PROTEST DELAYED START -- THE JAKARTA POST

Frustration over the government’s decision to postpone the employment start date for some 1.2 million newly recruited state workers has spilled over onto the streets, with scores of recruits staging protests in several cities demanding accountability for months of lost income and financial setbacks.

SINGAPORE

1. CREDIT CARD DEBT CROSSES $8B; DELINQUENCY RATE ABOUT 1 PCT TO 3 PCT: MAS AND CREDIT BUREAU SINGAPORE DATA -- THE STRAITS TIMES

The amount of credit card debt not paid by the due date hit a record high late in 2024, but the level of indebtedness is not ringing any alarm bells yet.

2. CHOCOLATE FINANCE CEO SAYS WITHDRAWAL ISSUES CAN BE TRACED BACK TO 'GAMING' OF MILES REWARD SYSTEM -- CNA

When Chocolate Finance discovered that some customers were "gaming" its miles reward system by making big payments on AXS machines, the financial services platform decided to "nip it in the bud".

THAILAND

1. SRT SEEKS INVESTORS FOR THB9.2-BILLION SMART COMPLEX AF BANGKOK STATION -- THE NATION

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is seeking investment to develop a 51-rai (8.6 hectare) plot, including its office, a bus terminal and 4-star hotel, next to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok.

2. THAI DEFENCE MINISTER URGES DEEP SOUTH PEACE TALKS REVIEW -- BANGKOK POST

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for a reassessment of the peace negotiations in the deep South, stressing the need for genuine representatives to participate in the dialogue process.

-- BERNAMA