Bill Birtles

Jakarta

Jakarta Bureau Chief at ABC News (Australia)

Jakarta bureau chief Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) - Previously Taipei & Beijing. Active on Threads, not here - [email protected]

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Articles

Amid Donald Trump's tariff uncertainty, Vietnam scrambles to avoid an economic disaster

2 days ago | abc.net.au | Bill Birtles

In a garment factory on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, there's a mixture of anxiety and quiet confidence among staff about US President Donald Trump's threat of a huge tariff. Here, workers measure, cut, sew and pack clothing for some of the world's biggest brands, with monthly salaries starting at about $US320 ($500). The company, named Dony, has ridden on the manufacturing wave that caused Vietnam's economy to surge in the past two decades.
50 years since end of Vietnam War

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Bill Birtles

Vietnam is preparing for a major celebration with a military parade in Ho Chi Minh City today to mark 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. 52,000 Australian troops served there, and more than 500 were killed as they supported futile US efforts to fight the Communists.
Vietnam prepares major display of national pride 50 years on from fall of Saigon

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Bill Birtles

Vietnam is preparing for a major display of national pride and military might as it marks 50 years of unification under communist rule, known in the west as the "fall of Saigon". Thousands of troops and police plus around 13,000 civilians will parade down a major boulevard towards the Independence Palace, to mark the anniversary of communist troops conquering the southern city in 1975. Fighter jets and 10 helicopters roared in the skies over the city during a dress rehearsal.
Progressive force or timid academic? Filipinos hope for the first Asian pope, but he has his critics

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Bill Birtles

In cathedrals across the Philippines, Catholics are awaiting next week's conclave to choose the next pope with guarded optimism. While some are hesitant to say it, there's tremendous hope here that a 67-year-old hailing from the city of Imus, south of Manila, could make history and become the first ever pope from Asia.
Could Cardinal Tagle be the first Asian pope?

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Bill Birtles

There's increasing hope among Catholics in the Philippines that one of their own might become Asia's first Pope. Cardinal Luis Tagle is considered a contender to succeed Pope Francis, and has a reputation for being a relatively open minded voice in the Church.
Filipinos mourn Pope Francis

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Bill Birtles

Church bells have been ringing out across Manila, the capital of the Philippines, where worshippers have gathered in churches to pray and reflect on the Pope's death. The Philippines has Asia's largest Catholic population. Nearly 80 per cent of the population are members of the Church - and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is considered one of the frontrunners to be the next pope.
Russia responds to claims it sought access to Indonesian air base

4 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Stephen Dziedzic |Bill Birtles

Russia has issued its first direct response to claims that it is seeking access to an Indonesian air base, defending its military cooperation with Jakarta while slamming Australia's AUKUS nuclear submarine plan.
Reports Putin is eyeing an Indonesian air base leave Canberra scrambling

4 weeks ago | radionz.co.nz | Stephen Dziedzic |Bill Birtles

By Stephen Dziedzic and Bill Birtles, ABCAustralian officials are scrambling to confirm whether Russia is pushing to base long-range aircraft in Indonesia, in a move that would send alarm bells ringing in Canberra. The US military website Janes has reported that Moscow has launched an official request to base Russian aircraft at the Manuhua Air Force Base at Biak Numfor in the Indonesian province of Papua.
Russia seeks military base in Indonesia

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Bill Birtles

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Government is seeking clarification from Indonesia after reports Russia wants to station aircraft at a military airport in the Indonesian province of Papua. A US military website claims Moscow has lodged an official request with Indonesia to have its "long range" aircraft use the base.
Reports Putin is eyeing an Indonesian air base leave Canberra scrambling

1 month ago | rnz.co.nz | Stephen Dziedzic |Bill Birtles

By Stephen Dziedzic and Bill Birtles, ABCAustralian officials are scrambling to confirm whether Russia is pushing to base long-range aircraft in Indonesia, in a move that would send alarm bells ringing in Canberra. The US military website Janes has reported that Moscow has launched an official request to base Russian aircraft at the Manuhua Air Force Base at Biak Numfor in the Indonesian province of Papua.