Early results from Indonesia’s election on Wednesday showed President Joko Widodo securing a comfortable lead over ex-general Prabowo Subianto.
Official results are not expected until May, but the so-called "quick counts" showed that Subianto was more than 10 percentage points behind Widodo.
Prabowo's campaign spokesman said the numbers based on 50 per cent of votes was not enough.
Saudi-owned vessel targeted in Red Sea, crew safe, state news agency says
Saudi Arabian state news agency on Thursday confirmed that tanker Encelia was ablaze after an assault while sailing in the Red Sea.
Rubio says US committed to helping end Ukraine war after meeting Lavrov
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that the United States remains prepared to play a "constructive role" in helping bring an end to the war in Ukraine, following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of an ASEAN gathering in Manila.
India's Modi promises fast-track courts on exam leaks, protesters want minister to quit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that "fast-track" courts would be set up to prosecute those behind exam paper leaks, his first public response after days of youth protests demanding the resignation of the education minister.
US House passes $1 trillion defence bill despite Iran, Israel concerns
The US House of Representatives narrowly passed its version of a massive defence policy bill, despite Democrats' concerns about its huge price tag, the Iran war and a provision that would boost Pentagon ties to Israel.
Death toll in Indian tunnel blast rises to 22
At least seven more bodies were recovered from the tunnel of an under-construction hydroelectric project in India's northeastern state of Sikkim, the state government said on Thursday, bringing the death toll from a blast to 22.
