Indonesia Imposes $12.4 Million Fine on Google: Here’s Why
The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) has decided to impose a substantial fine of IDR 202.5 billion ($12.4 million) on Google LLC after determining that the tech giant violated several key regulations under Indonesia’s Law Number 5 of 1999, which governs the prohibition of monopolistic practices and unfair business competition. The ruling follows an in-depth investigation […]
Foreign Tourist in Bali Reports Being Extorted; Two Policemen Admit to Asking for Money
A case of extortion at Kuta Police Station, Bali, went viral after being uploaded to social media by the TikTok account @balibackseat on January 19, 2025. In the video, a foreign tourist in Bali, from Colombia, with the initials SGH, claimed to have been asked to pay IDR 200,000 by two police officers when reporting […]
Parq Ubud: The ‘Russian Village’ in Ubud Temporarily Closed by the Bali Government
Parq Ubud, which has been referred to as the ‘Russian Village’ in Bali, was closed by the Gianyar Regency Government. (Last Updated) The Gianyar Regency Government has closed a tourist accommodation business located on Jalan Sriwedari, Banjar Tegalantang, in the Ubud District on Monday, 20 January 2025. The closure was enacted following the business’s violation […]
Landslides in Bali Claim Lives
Landslides triggered by heavy rains in Bali have led to tragic fatalities and ongoing search efforts. The rains, which began on Sunday, January 19, 2025, caused widespread destruction in Denpasar City and Klungkung Regency. Tragic Incident in Denpasar Lihat postingan ini di Instagram Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh BPBD Provinsi Bali (@bpbdbali) On Monday […]
Garuda Indonesia Launches Special Edition Aircraft Featuring Tahilalats Designs
In a celebration of Indonesia’s creative economy, Garuda Indonesia has unveiled a unique collaboration with Tahilalats, one of the country’s leading intellectual properties (IP). On Friday, 17 January 2025, the national airline revealed its new aircraft livery, named “Ayo Naik Garuda,” which features the colourful and playful designs of Tahilalats. The design has been applied […]
Balinese Artists Shine at Harbin Snow Sculpture Competition 2025
A group of Balinese artists from Himpunan Seniman Pecatu (HSP) has made a remarkable achievement at the prestigious Harbin International Snow Sculpture Competition 2025 in China. The competition, held from January 6 to 9, 2025, saw the participation of 26 teams from around the world, and the Balinese team earned recognition for their impressive snow […]
Bali’s Challenges and Opportunities: Optimism Amidst Many Issues
Bali, often referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” has long been one of the most famous tourist destinations globally, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of its people. As a major destination in Indonesia, it draws millions of both international and domestic tourists every year, contributing […]
Fire at Glodok Plaza, Jakarta’s Electronic Trading Centre
A massive fire engulfed the Glodok Plaza building, Jakarta’s well-known electronics trading centre, located in Tamansari, West Jakarta, on Wednesday night, January 15, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM WIB. The fire, which originated on the 7th floor, quickly spread to the 8th and 9th floors, prompting an extensive firefighting operation that lasted through the night. […]
Russian Tourists Arrested in Bali for Running International Prostitution Ring
Bali Police have uncovered an international prostitution ring, with two Russian nationals, a 26-year-old woman (AK) and a 31-year-old man (MK), arrested for their involvement in running the illegal operation. The couple has been managing the business from a luxury hotel in Canggu, North Kuta, since 2022. The police discovered that the pair were offering […]
Tourists Smoking in Malioboro, Yogyakarta, Face a Fine of IDR 7.5 Million
Tourists visiting the popular Malioboro area in Yogyakarta, part of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, are now prohibited from smoking. Following the introduction of stricter regulations, any visitor who is caught smoking tobacco in this area will face a fine of up to IDR 7.5 million. As of 2025, the Yogyakarta City Government has officially […]