Indonesia news
Politics, disasters and news from across Indonesia and the region.
Will Lombok be the ‘New Bali’?
Lombok has always lagged behind Bali in regards to tourism . These days, Lombok is used as a stepping stone to the nearby Gili Islands . This doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do on the island.
What to bring to the UNFCCC in Bali
People attending the UNFCCC (UN Framework Conference for Climate Change) in Nusa Dua starting December 4th 2007 may have some queries about what to wear and what to bring.
Indonesian palm oil harming rain forest
As the run up to the UNFCCC (UN Framework Conference on Climate Change) gets closer local environmental activists will turn up the heat on eco-unfriendly activities.
Ex Garuda boss points finger at spy agency for activist murder
The former boss of Garuda Indonesia has told a court in Jakarta the spy agency BIN ordered him to allow an of duty pilot onboard, who may of been responsible for the murder of a human rights…
Indonesia boat accident a reminder for tourists
The recent ferry accident in Sulawesi is the latest in a long line of Indonesian adventures at sea.
Indonesian cyclists to highlight environmental conference in Bali
A group of dedicated Indonesian cyclists is to salute the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) starting December 3rd in Bali , by cycling from Jakarta to…
Environmental activists step up pressure ahead of Bali conference
Environmental activists from Greenpeace have stepped up pressure on the Indonesian government regarding deforestation, ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference in…
Ramadan in Indonesia
Today was the start of the holy month of Ramadan here in Indonesia. This 'once every 11 month' event rolls around a little bit earlier every year, if you are gauging it by a western calendar.
Indonesian Web 2.0: Social networking sites
The internet is popular here in Indonesia, with features such as IM, email, and photo sharing widely used.
Indonesian Independence Day
Indonesia celebrates its Independence day today August 17th . All around the country government offices and banks are closed and there are local celebrations.
SBY reported to Jakarta police
Its not just the US that has politicians making critical remarks about each other in the press. Here in Indonesia people sling mud and the latest episode involves President SBY.
Asian Cup final in Jakarta
The final of the Asian Cup soccer tournament took place in Jakarta on Sunday night with Irag emerging victorious over Saudi Arabia. Soccer is hugely popular in Indonesia with a small national league.
Investing in Indonesia
Indonesia could be a good place to invest if the government figured itself out. One commenter in the Jakarta Post 3 years ago said that while Indonesia attempts to attract foreign investment, it…
Deforestation a problem in Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the world's most beautiful countries. It also has has the world's worst deforestation problem.
Indonesia to sell clove flavoured Marlboro cigarettes
Indonesia is to start selling clove flavoured Marlboro cigarettes. The largest local cigarette producer, Sampoerna is connected to Marlboro and the new cigarettes will go on sale starting July 9th.
Enter the dragon: Komodo Indonesia
Most kids love pets and in western countries we're talking about cats & dogs. Here in Indonesia the wildlife is a bit more diverse and sometime doesn't take to the young ones as expected.
Indonesian public holidays in 2008
The Indonesian government has decided dates for public holidays in 2008. According to Bali Discovery , 3 government ministries, (Ministry of Religion, the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, and…
Rice cultivation playing a part in global warming
Global warming is an issue that is gaining more attention. Whether you think its a man made phenomenon, or simply part of a continual cycle of heating and cooling, the fact remains things are…
Climate change in Indonesia: Farmers affected
Indonesia straddles the equator like a string of pearls 3,000 miles long. The country gets more thunder storms than any other, but in general, its 2 seasons (wet & dry) can be predicted fairly well.
Singapore and Indonesia to sign extradition treaty
Singapore will no longer be a place criminals from Indonesia can run to. Come Friday April 27th 2007, the 2 countries will have an agreement to implement a mechanism for extradition .
Indonesian VT shooting victim buried
Indonesian engineering student Partahi "Mora" Lumbantoruan, killed in the Virginia Tech shooting last week, was buried in Java on Monday.
US warns against Indonesian airlines
The US has warned its citizens not to fly on Indonesian airlines where possible, due to recent accidents and an operating level under what the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) declares safe.
Indonesian ID cards often the source of trouble
Every citizen in Indonesia must have an ID card. The function is more than just for cashing checks and getting on a plane.
Palm oil: The grim reaper for Indonesia's forests
Political leaders around the world have been jumping on the latest bandwagon to hit town, cutting carbon emissions.
Indonesian news highlights: Friday March 23rd 2007
Here are some news items from Indonesia today. Adam Air still in business >> JI militants arrested in Java >> large stash of explosives found in C. Java.
Adam Air going out of business
Baliblog readers, DO NOT BOOK TICKETS ON ADAM AIR. Latest news is its probably not going to be around much longer.
Gunung Rinjani claims 7 lives
Seven Indonesia hikers have been found dead on the slopes of Gunung Rinjani, the massive volcanic peak on the island of Lombok .
Tourist Object: Garuda flight GA-200
Garuda flight GA-200 which crashed in Yogyakarta last week received worldwide attention. Members of Garuda's staff could not resist a photo op, before the wreckage was cleared away.
Garuda airline explodes on landing in Yogyakarta
A Garuda Airlines plane has exploded upon landing in Yogyakarta this morning. Of the 140 passengers, 95 have been conformed as survivors.
Earthquake hits Sumatra
What do you get when you live in an earthquake zone? Earthquakes!!! Indonesia had a big one today in west Sumatra and according to the BBC , 70 people are dead.
Eating out in Batam Indonesia
Batam is popular with Singaporeans, so its no surprise there is a food court. The desk staff at my hotel advised me to go to Windsor Food Court, which was a bit of an adventure.
Ferry to Batam Indonesia
Yesterday afternoon I picked up my passport from my 'agent' who showed up with a stack of about 30 passports, dishing them out to a group of people who gathered at the McDonalds at the Forum Galeria…
Lucky Plaza Singapore
Singapore is a shopper's paradise, partly because of the choice and partly because food places are never far away.
Thoughts after travelling in SE Asia
People talk about globalization and say we are becoming more homogenous. You really have to see it to believe it. Coming to Singapore via Batam, I was next to a party of Korean tourists.
Meeting Fauzi & Siti in Singapore
Meeting up with my friends Fauzi and Siti, we sat at a streetside place in the Bugis area and caught up.
Wet wet wet in Singapore
Arriving in Singapore my ferry docked at Harbour Front , which is connected to the fast and efficient MRT subway system .
Exploring SW Bali
SW Bali can be an easy and rewarding area to explore. Driving west from Kuta , you'll pass through through the tourist / expat villages of Legian / Seminyak .
Ferry still causing accidents in Jakarta
An Indonesian ferry that caught fire last week, sending hundreds of people into the water and killing 42, was the center of another accident Sunday.
Ferry sinks off of Jakarta
Indonesia's transport accidents seemingly have no end, in many ways this country is hardwired for accidents. Adam Air wrecked a plane yesterday in Surabaya, thankfully with no loss of life.
Central Java dengue hotspot
The wet season is always associated with a higher incidence of dengue fever. Right now Central Java, including the place Ika is from, Semarang, has more than its fair share of the disease.
Visa changes in Indonesia
The VOA (visa on arrival) system is now well understood, both by the tourists to Bali and the people who implement it.
Australia warms citizens about Sulawesi
Australia has warned its citizens to avoid Sulawesi , which it says, could be the target of new terrorist attacks. Australia still has a travel warning out on Bali.
Its 'handbags' as graft commission investigate Mahendra
Former Minister of Justice, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the same guy who introduced the VOA fee, reduced the Tourist Visa from 60 to 30 days and tried to abolish the Department of Tourism, is having it out…
Indonesian maids getting a raw deal
One of Indonesia's greatest exports is it's people. Indonesians can be found working on ships, in hospitals and in private home all around th world.
Use caution when you build in Lombok
There is a law in Indonesia that states you cannot build within 50 meters of the high tide line, at coastal areas.
The Heart of Borneo Declaration: Protecting forests for future generations
An important declaration was signed yesterday in Bali. The Heart of Borneo Declaration, signed by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei , aims to protect the forest areas that staddle the 3 countries.
Jakarta getting a soaking in Indonesia
As Baliblog accurately predicted, Jakarta is not yet out of the woods, as far as the flooding problem. Today torrential rain compounded the mass flooding that has paralysed most of the city.
Jakarta 75% flooded
Jakarta is severely affected by the flooding, which has covered 75% of the city. This moring I saw photos in the Jakarta Post of people on tin roofs, warungs in 5 ft of water and locals using rafts,…
Flooding worse in Jakarta
The wet season is really hitting Jakarta hard. Looking at BBC's website , 20 people have been killed and 340,000 are homeless.
Downtown Jakarta flooded
This morning's Jakarta Post, carried photos of downtown Jakarta under water. According to reports, some parts were under as much as 50cm of water.
US to help recover Adam Air flight recorders
The US Ambassador to Indonesia, has offered the help of the US, in locating the flight recorders of Adam Air's downed plane. The plane crashed in bad weather off the west coast of Sulawesi.
Adam Air flight recorder detected on ocean floor
The flight recorder from the downed Adam Air flight, has been detected on the ocean floor. A US Navy ship located a signal from the recorder, plus indications of debris on the ocean floor.
Next US President, made in Indonesia
That title is a bit of a stretch, designed more to catch attention, than to pursued.
Working a 'little fiddle': A national sport in Indonesia
Sometimes, you've just got to laugh at what goes on out here. People living in countries outside Indonesia, must think us folks living here, have the word 'corruption' on the brain.
Missing Adam Air flight: debris found
Wreckage from the missing Adam Air flight that dissappeared 12 days ago, on a route from Surabaya to Manado, has been found.
Singapore & US help in search for Adam Air plane
Search and Rescue workers continue to look for the missing Adam Air plane. The plane has been missing for over a week, forcing authorities to scour ocean and land areas.
No sign of missing Adam Air plane in Indonesia
Here in Indonesia, it feels like we have our very own ' Bermuda Triangle ', with no sign of the lost Adam Air flight, which left Surabaya on Sunday, heading for Manado.
Weather affects transport in Indonesia
The last couiple of days in Kuta / Seminyak ahve been windy and wet. We lost a papaya tree, our neighbor had a giant old tree crash in her garden.
Internet connectivity getting better in Bali
As far as I can see, the internet connectivity in Bali is getting better. The Taiwan earth quake damaged fiber-optic cables that cross the Pacific, which affected internet access and cell phone use.
Adam Air crash plane still missing
Adam Air's crash , which was reported yesterday on the BBC website, has been changed to 'missing'. Local villagers in Sulawesi reported wreckage and fiding bodies.
Internet access in Seminyak / Legian Bali
Internet access seems to have been affected in the following way in Legian and Seminyak. Many of the better internet cafes (AC, decent hardware, good speed) are closed.
Bali internet update
Just read this on Jakarta Post about the router / earthquake problems. Apparently the Indonesian connection to Taiwanese / US servers, has been severed due to damage to undersea cable.
Torrential rain causes Christmas havok across Indonesia
Wet season in Bali is Novemeber - March, give or take a few weeks. This year we have had very little rain due to the El Nino weather condition.
Tsunami drill in Bali
Bali organized a tsunami drill today, on the 2nd anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, that killed 170,000-220,000 people, depending on who you believe.
Tight security and good intentions keep Christmas safe
Despite past history of religious conflict, and travel advisories warning against travel to Indonesia, Christmas passed without incident.
Bali having a quiet Christmas 2006
Christmas in Bali is the high-season, when prices go up and hotels are full. That's the plan anyway.
Bali vs. London at Christmas time
Maybe its because I'm a Londoner, that I left and live in Bali. The 'Big Smoke' is a cold windy place, but gains a special something around Christmas.
Java mud flow interfering with Christmas
Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country, but there are also many Indonesian Christians. I met a girl once, Anastasia, from Jakarta, who used to go home for Christmas and Easter.
10 people crushed in Indonesian concert
Ten people have been crushed to death at a rock concert in Jakarta. Watching local TV, I am aware of the fact that Indonesians enjoy rock music, and that there are many rocks bands in this country.
Prisoner exchange possible in early 2007: Chris Ellison
Australian senator Chris Ellison, has said that a prisoner exchange deal between Australia and Indonesia, could be online in early 2007.
Aceh considering amputation for theft
Aceh, the rebel province in the far north of Indonesia, that was badly hit by the 2004 tsunami, is considering the introduction of amputation, as a penalty against theft. Ow!
Indonesia's Monica Lewinsky scandal
We all know Indonesia is a big Muslim country, with some hardliners who want to turn the country into an Islamic republic.
Greenpeace ada 'cojones' besar in Jakarta Indonesia
A friend of mine once said, "Its really dissappointing when you wake up one day, and realize the world is run by greedy bastards." I've already woken up, and here in Indonesia, its free for all for…
Macao an option for Bali visitors
Visitors to Bali might like to hear they have another option for excitement. A new airline is offering trips from Jakarta to the world's gambling capital Macao , for $10.99.
Editor of Playboy Indonesia on trial
The editor of the Indonesian version of Playboy is on trial, for publishing material considered 'over the line'.
Freedom in a state of change in Indonesia
Freedom in Indonesia is always in a state of change. Laws concerning, dress, actions, words, religious activities etc. often make the news here.
Avoid Fiji & E.Timor says governments
Travelers on their way around the world, there are 2 places you might want to avoid right now. Fiji & E.Timor (Timor Leste).
Sharia law will hurt investment in Indonesia
A study group has concluded that introducing Sharia law in Indonesia, will harm foreign investment. God, these guys are smart!
Happy Thanksgiving from Bali
One of my favourite holidays is Thanksgiving, and I'm not even a Yank. Thanksgiving occurs on the 4th thursday in November and is a one day holiday.
Bush & SBY meet school kids in Bogor Indonesia
US President Bush and Indonesian President SBY, were scheduled to meet a group of local elementary school kids, during their brief time together.
Mr Popular about to visit Indonesia
US President GW Bush will land in Jakarta today. He will then fly by helicopter, to the mountain town of Bogor, in west Java, for a meeting with Indonesian President SBY.
President Bush as popular as ever in Indonesia
US President GW Bush is seeing his chickens coming home to roost. After years of lying to the American people, destroying the environment and starting illegal wars in foreign countries, he is getting…
World Bank chief praises Indonesia for anti-corruption efforts
President of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz , has praised Indonesia, for its anti-corruption efforts.
Bali is steamy right now and it's not just my opinion
Bali's weather is hot, sunny and steamy. Putting my sandles on today, my legs were already wet with sweat.
Tommy Suharto to face Bali lawsuit
Tommy Suharto, the corrupt son of the former dictator, is to face a lawsuit from angry Balinese locals, over his land grab in 1995.
Bush's upcoming visit to Bogor Indonesia
US President GW Bush will be visiting Indonesia, sometime in the next week. As leader of the world's only superpower, he represents a good ally for Indonesia.
President Bush's visit makes Indonesians think about US relationship
US President Bush is to visit Indonesia within the next several days. He will arrive in Jakarta by plane, then take a helicopter to Bogor, in west Java.
Bush's helipad not popular with Bogor residents
US President GW Bush will be visiting Indonesia later in November. As always, his visit will be treated like the D-Day landings, with troops, police, boats, planes and flying saucers all guarding his…
Environmental destruction in Indonesia fuelling climate change
Indonesia is a beautiful country, blessed with some of the world's most diverse forests and seas. Not for long, I hear some people saying.
Bush's Indonesia visit requiring massive security
US President GW Bush, will visit Indonesia on November 20th. As is common wherever he travels, massive security will be deployed to keep protestors / trouble makers at bay.
Tommy Suharto released from jail in Indonesia
Tommy Suharto , the son of the former Indonesian dictator, was released from jail today.
Geo thermal energy: Indonesia's answer to power problems
Living in Indonesia, it often feels like we're in a natural war zone, with volcanoes, tsunami's, mudflows, landslides, earthquakes etc.
Iodised salt: A simple way to prevent illness
Developing countries, such as Indonesia, often have recurring public health problems that are not related to disease, but to the lack of something very basic.
Indonesia to get floating nuclear power plant
Life just gets stranger and stranger. In a country that can't control the burning of jungle areas, government officials are ready to approve a new floating nuclear power station .
SE Asian haze at critical level
SE Asia's haze, caused by dry season jungle clearing and crop waste, reached critical levels today.
Indonesia gets serious about fighting the SE Asian haze
The annual haze that originates in Indonesia, and covers much of the region, causing respiratory problems, damage to transport sytems and loss of tourist revenue, has inspired SE Asian leaders to…
Leave that thang alone: Female circumcision barred in Indonesia
Indonesia passed a law back in April barring female circumcision . In typical fashion, they didn't tell anyone, about the new law. Yesterday it was announced to the medical community.
Garuda pilot not guilty of activist's murder
People will probably remember the case in 2004, of the Human Rights activist Munir, who was murdered on a Garuda Indonesia flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam.
SE Asian haze pollution problem
Indonesia is a like friend who smokes 40 Marlboro a day. He's your mate, but you wish he'd stop affecting your health.
US Pres. to visit Indonesia in November
US President GW Bush may visit Indonesia next month, according to the International Herald Tribune . Indonesian President SBY is a friend of America and needs foreign investment.