Government Declares 18 August 2025 as an Additional Indonesian Public Holiday
The Indonesian government plans to designate Monday, 18 August 2025, as an additional national holiday in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the country’s independence. The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of State Secretary, Juri Ardiantoro, who described the move as a celebratory gesture for the public. Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, confirmed […]
BMKG Warns of High Waves in Southern Bali Waters Until 9 August
The Denpasar Regional Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BBMKG) has issued an early warning of high waves in several waters surrounding Bali. The phenomenon, triggered by strong winds and atmospheric pressure differences between Australia and Indonesia, is expected to persist until at least 9 August 2025. According to Aryantika, a forecaster from BBMKG Region III […]
Padar Island Tourism Project Faces Scrutiny Over Environmental Concern
PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism (KWE) has received a 55-year business permit to build nature-based tourism infrastructure on Padar Island, part of Komodo National Park, in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. The permit, granted under Minister of Forestry Decree No. SK.796/Menhut-II/2014 allows the company to develop facilities within a 274.13-hectare zone, or equivalent to 19.5% of […]
Two Dead, One Missing After Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Sanur, Bali
A speedboat carrying 80 people capsized while attempting to enter the Sanur Port channel in Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday afternoon (5 August 2025), resulting in the deaths of two Chinese tourists and leaving one Indonesian crew member missing. The Bali Dolphin Cruise 2 departed from Nusa Penida Port at approximately 2:30 PM local time, en […]
Foreign Tourist Surprised by Gas Station Staff Comfortably Carrying Cash in Indonesia
A video of a foreign tourist marvelling at the behaviour of Indonesian gas station employees has gone viral on TikTok, sparking discussion among Indonesian netizens. The video, first uploaded by TikTok user @tomaslevin, shows a Chilean national observing a petrol station worker refuelling a vehicle while casually holding a large stack of cash. “Bro, out […]
5 August: Will It Be the Shortest Day of 2025? A Scientific Perspective
Claims circulating on social media have suggested that 5 August 2025 will be the shortest day of the year. While it is among the shortest, scientific data indicates it is not the absolute shortest. According to timekeeping authorities, including the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) and the US Naval Observatory, four dates […]
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 […]