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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A decade after Indonesia’s worst fires, the haze is back. Why does the problem still persist?

Firefighters putting out a fire in Banjarbaru, in Indonesia’s South Kalimantan province, where ST found that clearing land without fire can still cost considerably more than burning it.

Indonesia’s wildfires and haze in Kalimantan cost billions: Families pay the price

Adi Siswoyo, 43, with his wife, Asmarawati, 39, and their son, Rahmat Rafis Saputra, 5, at their home in Banjarbaru. The farmer’s household income has fallen substantially after wildfires scorched his farm.

Jakarta airports reopen after Anak Krakatau ash disruption

Several airports including Jakarta's main international airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, reopened on Sept 8.

Will Anak Krakatau keep disrupting Singapore-Jakarta flights? Analysts explain

Affected passengers at Garuda Airlines check in counter trying to get refunds or reschedule their flights on Sept 7.

Prabowo offers Indonesia as Russia’s gateway to ASEAN

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto spoke at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in Russia on Sept 3.

Jakarta police probe ‘intellectual actors’ behind Aug 27 unrest that left one dead

A protester during a demonstration urging lawmakers to immediately pass an asset forfeiture law for corrupt officials outside the Parliament building in Jakarta on Aug 27.

Beyond Bali and Batam: How new routes are changing Singapore’s ties with Indonesia

aafly - Singaporean Zachary Lee (extreme right) with his family, his friends and their families on vacation in Belitung.
ST Photo: Hariz Baharudin

West Sumatra, where you find buffalo supermodels and a village called ‘Singapore’

aapadang - A traditional Minangkabau rumah gadang stands amid rice fields in West Sumatra. The house is built largely from wood and topped by distinctive gonjong, the upward-curving roof peaks associated with Minangkabau architecture. Such rooflines are a common sight across West Sumatra, appearing not only on private homes such as this one but also on government offices and other public buildings.

Credit: Arlina Arshad

Hundreds rally at Indonesia’s Parliament in anti-corruption protest

Protesters rallying in front of the Indonesian parliament building in Jakarta on Aug 27.

Singapore, Indonesia launch network of defence alumni to strengthen ties

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing (fourth from right) and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (fourth from left) at the launch of the Indonesia-Singapore Defence Alumni initiative in Jakarta.

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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.