Indonesia

• Tensions between Indonesia and the Philippines intensified on April 12 after Chinese vessels were detected near disputed maritime zones, prompting both Southeast Asian nations to deploy coast guard vessels to assert territorial claims. • The Philippines' coast guard reported being rammed by a Chinese maritime militia vessel, resulting in minor damage but heightening concerns over freedom of navigation in the strategically vital waterway. • US Indo-Pacific Command warned that escalating incidents risk regional conflict and called for adherence to international maritime law, with Secretary of State advocating for strengthened ASEAN unity in responding to Chinese expansion.

• Indonesian authorities evacuated approximately 200,000 residents from coastal regions across Sumatra and Java on April 10 following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean, triggering tsunami warnings across the region. • The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for 17 countries across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean basin, with initial sea level measurements showing wave surges of 1.2 to 2.1 meters in Banda Aceh and other coastal communities. • Authorities reported no confirmed fatalities as of press time, with emergency shelters activated and communications being restored in affected areas; officials warned residents not to return to coastal zones until all-clear notices are issued.

The quake was at a shallow depth of 10km in the Northern Molucca Sea region, the USGS saidA magnitude 7.8 earthquake has struck the Northern Molucca Sea region in Indonesia, the United States Geological Survey said.The quake on Thursday was at a shallow depth of 10km (6.21 miles), it said. Continue reading...