AEC Feed

Political freedom in Indonesia has led to widespread sectarianism in recent months, which has distracted the government from pursuing much needed economic growth, said Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
“Over the last four to five months, we have wasted our energy and forgotten about matters relating to our economic progress,” he added.
“It is important for me to convey this point, let’s not jeopardise our progress by failing to focus [on economic growth].”
His remarks at a People’s Conscience Party (Hanura) event were a veiled rebuke of the series of protests against Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, led by conservative Muslim groups that started last October. –The Straits Times

Comfy clothes trend at VN fashion week 
The latest creations by Vietnam’s leading fashion designers will take centre stage at this year’s fall-winter runway at Vietnam Fashion Week, which opened yesterday.
Fourteen designers from Vietnam and Spain will show 1,000 outfits in two nights of ready-to-wear and one haute couture.
The event will take place at its usual location at Vietnam Television’s S14 studio on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hanoi.
Veteran designer Minh Hanh, and founder of Vietnam Fashion Week, said the designs focus this year on more casual outfits to satisfy customers’ growing demand for clothes that fit travelling and daily outdoor activity.
“A ready-to-wear design should be useful and applicable in daily life. Moreover, it should fit customers’ pocketbooks,” she said. – Viet Nam News