Indonesia Highlights: US Secretary of State Pompeo Visits Indonesia | North Sumatra’s Mount Sinabung Erupts | Indonesia’s Third-Wealthiest Person Tan Siok Tjien Dies

KOMPAS.COM – Residents in Karo district of Indonesia’s North Sumatra are urged to avoid the red zone of Mount Sinabung as the volcanic activity is heightened.

The volcano has erupted again on Thursday, October 29 at about 7:52am local time, spewing a giant hot ash cloud and causing volcanic ash rain over the nearby area.

Just three days ago, the volcano also erupted, ejecting similar hot ash clouds into the air.

Prayers and thoughts go to the family of Tan Siok Tjien who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91. Tan is listed as the third-wealthiest person in Indonesia. Her company’s total assets reach about $5.96 billion.

Tan is the wife of the late Surya Wonowidjojo, the founder of Indonesia’s cigarette company PT Gudang Garam Tbk.

Meanwhile, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Indonesia on Thursday, October 29.

During his visit, the US and Indonesia agreed to enhance economic cooperation to increase the global supply chain and accelerate economic recovery. The two nations also agreed to promote cooperation in the healthcare sector.

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that the minister’s visit shows the importance of the strategic partnership between both countries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the mutual visits between the US and Indonesian officials are quite intensive.