Today’s roundup highlights three distinct developments: concerns from the Indonesian diaspora in Singapore over tax treatment of flood relief, Indonesia’s position in the 2025 SEA Games medal race, and the announced lineup for the Music Bank Global Festival in Tokyo.
Indonesian diaspora says overseas aid for Sumatra disaster is being taxed
Members of the Indonesian diaspora in Singapore have complained that humanitarian assistance sent from abroad is being treated as taxable imported goods unless the Indonesian government declares the Sumatra floods a national emergency.
One donor, identified as Fika, posted on Instagram @ffawzia07 on December 11, 2025: “If donations from the diaspora are sent while the Sumatra floods have not been declared a national disaster, the aid will be taxed.”
She and other diaspora members argue that the tax policy could deter valuable support for flood victims.
SEA Games 2025 medal standings day 4: Indonesia holds third place
After four days of competition, Indonesia remains third in the provisional medal table for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, trailing Vietnam by four gold medals.
On December 12, 2025 Indonesia added seven gold, five silver and four bronze medals, bringing its total to 72 medals (20 gold, 28 silver, 24 bronze). Thailand leads with 66 gold medals, while Vietnam holds second place with 24 gold medals.
The standings underscore a tight race for regional sporting supremacy as the Games progress.
Music Bank Global Festival 2025 lineup: Stray Kids, ITZY, Hearts2Hearts, and more
The first stop of the Music Bank Global Festival will take place December 13‑14, 2025 at Tokyo’s Japan National Stadium. Organized by KBS, the two‑day K‑pop event will feature veteran acts such as U‑Know Yunho (TVXQ) alongside groups like TXT, ENHYPEN, Stray Kids, IVE and emerging rookies.
With a venue capacity exceeding 60,000, the festival is positioned to become one of the year’s largest K‑pop celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are overseas donations to Sumatra potentially subject to tax?
According to a diaspora donor, Indonesian law treats aid sent from abroad as taxable imported goods unless the government officially declares the disaster a national emergency.
How many medals has Indonesia won by the fourth day of the SEA Games?
Indonesia has accumulated a total of 72 medals: 20 gold, 28 silver and 24 bronze.
When and where will the Music Bank Global Festival 2025 take place?
The festival is scheduled for December 13‑14, 2025 at Japan’s National Stadium in Tokyo.
What other developments do you think could shape these stories in the coming weeks?
