One Piece Flag Stirs Controversy Over Display Ahead of Indonesia’s Independence Day
As Indonesia prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day on 17 August 2025, a cultural controversy has emerged involving the widespread display of the One Piece flag, a fictional pirate symbol from the Japanese anime and manga series created by Eiichiro Oda. The Jolly Roger, featuring a skull with a straw hat, has been seen […]
Video Shows Foreigner Gliding Through Bali Streets with Surfboard. Is It Safe?
A Russian foreign national has drawn attention online after uploading a video of himself rollerblading through Bali streets while using a surfboard, a stunt he calls “Bali Street Surfing.” The video, which was shared on Instagram via @savosin.ilia, shows the man mimicking the motions of surfing. Only this time, it’s not waves he’s riding, but […]
Bali Police Uncover Network Involving Russians and Indonesians in Assault and Extortion of Tourists
The Bali Police have uncovered an organised criminal network involving two Russian nationals and two Indonesian citizens, both of whom are active immigration officers, who extorted and assaulted foreign nationals across the island. The case came to light after a Lithuanian citizen, Roman Smeliov (42), reported being attacked in his home in Jimbaran on 9 […]
From Tirta Empul to Sumba: Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Journey Through Indonesia
Former football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently shared glimpses of his spiritual experience in Bali, Indonesia. The ex-AC Milan striker visited the famous Tirta Empul Temple in Gianyar Regency, where he participated in a traditional Balinese water purification ritual known as melukat. Posting three photos on Instagram (@iamzlatanibrahimovic), Ibrahimovic wrote simply, “In the moment.” Lihat […]
Indonesian Immigration Eases Access to Non-Formal Education Visas for Foreigners
In a new development aimed at enhancing accessibility to the Indonesian education sector, the government has launched a Limited Stay Visa for Non-Formal Education (Visa Tinggal Terbatas Pendidikan Non-Formal), effective as of July 15, 2025. Commonly referred to as the E30 visa, the new policy allows foreign nationals to undertake non-formal education programmes in Indonesia […]
Mount Rinjani Hiking Trail Equipped with Iron Stairs and Safety Railings
Efforts to enhance safety for climbers on Mount Rinjani are currently underway, with authorities undertaking physical improvements to its hiking routes. The Rinjani National Park Office (BTNGR), in cooperation with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and local volunteers, began repair works on Sunday, 27 July 2025, focusing on the hazardous section between Pelawangan Sembalun […]
Australian Tourist Survives Fall from Bali Hotel After Dispute with Partner
An Australian tourist identified by the initials DL, aged 31, survived a fall from the third-floor balcony of a hotel on Jalan Saraswati III, Padang Sambian Klod, West Denpasar, Bali, following an argument with his girlfriend in the early hours of Sunday, 27 July 2025. According to local police, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. […]
New High-Speed Ferry Connects Banyuwangi and Denpasar in Under Three Hours
A new transportation link between East Java and Bali officially began operating on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, providing a direct fast ferry route from Marina Boom Beach in Banyuwangi to Serangan Island Port in Denpasar. The route offers a more time-efficient and convenient alternative to existing land and air travel options for tourists and business […]
BMKG Warns of Tsunami Risk in Eastern Indonesia After Russian Earthquake
Russian Earthquake – A powerful earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale struck off the eastern coast of Russia on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, prompting tsunami alerts across parts of the Pacific. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of Indonesia has issued early tsunami warnings for 10 regions in the eastern part of the […]
Foreigner Embraces Bali Life by Eating with Hands: A Glimpse into Indonesian Dining Tradition
Eating by Hand: The Art of Eating Without Cutlery in Indonesian Culture In many parts of Indonesia, eating with your hands is not only common but is also a respected cultural tradition. Despite the presence of spoons, forks, chopsticks, and other modern utensils, many Indonesians still prefer to use their hands when dining. This practice […]