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Arlina Arshad

Indonesia Bureau Chief

Arlina is The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief. A journalist since 2000, she has covered various issues, from politics and the economy to culture and religion, across South-east Asia. Previously, she was ST’s regional correspondent and Agence-France Presse’s correspondent for Indonesia and Timor-Leste. She considers Indonesia her second home, and the warm people there her family.

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Latest articles

Prabowo and Anwar dial into the Gulf to protect energy and political standing

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on March 27.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on March 27.

Has Indonesia jumped to US camp? It’s not so simple

Steps, such as joining Donald Trump's Board of Peace, may suggest Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's administration is edging closer to the US camp. The truth is more complicated, says the writer.
Steps, such as joining Donald Trump's Board of Peace, may suggest Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's administration is edging closer to the US camp. The truth is more complicated, says the writer.

Indonesia pauses talks on Board of Peace amid Iran conflict

People in Indonesia take part in a protest outside the US Embassy, urging the Indonesian government to revoke its membership from the Board of Peace.
People in Indonesia take part in a protest outside the US Embassy, urging the Indonesian government to revoke its membership from the Board of Peace.

Indonesia’s peacemaker dream shattered by US-Iran strikes

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) meeting Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman on Feb 25.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) meeting Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman on Feb 25.

Between duty and danger: Indonesia’s bold peacekeeping push in Gaza

President Prabowo Subianto, seen here with US President Donald Trump, told reporters after the inaugural BOP meeting in Washington that advance teams could be dispatched to Gaza within one or two months to assess security conditions on the ground.
President Prabowo Subianto, seen here with US President Donald Trump, told reporters after the inaugural BOP meeting in Washington that advance teams could be dispatched to Gaza within one or two months to assess security conditions on the ground.

Ink, scars and salvation: How Indonesia’s street punks and the marginalised are finding faith

Tasawuf Underground serves those who have been pushed to the margins: street punks and young men from broken homes who live on the streets out of necessity, not choice.
Tasawuf Underground serves those who have been pushed to the margins: street punks and young men from broken homes who live on the streets out of necessity, not choice.

Peranakan pride: Indonesia’s ‘tan but Chinese’ Benteng people revive their fading heritage

Merry Andayani (left) and Elsa Novia Sena are Benteng Chinese reviving their heritage.
Merry Andayani (left) and Elsa Novia Sena are Benteng Chinese reviving their heritage.

From malls to minarets: Prabowo plans 40-storey Islamic hub at Jakarta’s glitziest landmark

indonesia Bunderan HI, Hotel Indonesia roundabout, Thamrin, Sarinah, City, Skyline
CMG20240122-DarwisOA 陈渊庄/ Indo Election [Jakarta]
indonesia Bunderan HI, Hotel Indonesia roundabout, Thamrin, Sarinah, City, Skyline
CMG20240122-DarwisOA 陈渊庄/ Indo Election [Jakarta]

‘It’s no laughing matter’: Culinary gas becomes deadly party trend in Indonesia

Police found a canister of nitrous oxide in Ms Lula Lahfah's flat after her death. Whip Pink, the Indonesian brand behind the canisters, is managed by PT Suplaindo Sukses Sejahtera.
Police found a canister of nitrous oxide in Ms Lula Lahfah's flat after her death. Whip Pink, the Indonesian brand behind the canisters, is managed by PT Suplaindo Sukses Sejahtera.

‘Game Of Thrones’ in Indonesia as Solo’s princes clash over the crown

Prince Purbaya is claiming the throne of Surakarta Palace and has been performing royal duties.
Prince Purbaya is claiming the throne of Surakarta Palace and has been performing royal duties.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.