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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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Protests spread in Indonesia as anger mounts over forest fires and haze

People (left) gather outside the Central Kalimantan Governor’s Office on Oct 15 to protest the government’s response to the haze issue, and the budget allocated for disaster management.
People (left) gather outside the Central Kalimantan Governor’s Office on Oct 15 to protest the government’s response to the haze issue, and the budget allocated for disaster management.

Prabowo replaces Indonesia disaster chief a day after brother’s graft arrest

Lieutenant-General Kristomei Sianturi has been appointed as the new head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency.
Lieutenant-General Kristomei Sianturi has been appointed as the new head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Smoke, swamps and snakes hamper Indonesia’s battle against forest fires, officials say

Smoke rises from a wildfire in a peat forest in Mempawah in West Kalimantan province, Indonesia, on Sept 18.
Smoke rises from a wildfire in a peat forest in Mempawah in West Kalimantan province, Indonesia, on Sept 18.

Prabowo orders tougher action on Indonesia fires; foreign offers to help tackle haze not discussed

Indonesia is experiencing an unusually severe fire season, with prolonged heat and dryness exacerbated by a very strong El Nino.
Indonesia is experiencing an unusually severe fire season, with prolonged heat and dryness exacerbated by a very strong El Nino.

From buses to boats and helicopters? Jakarta dreams of taking public transport sky-high

TransJakarta, Jakarta’s public bus operator, will start running boat services in June 2027 and could eventually take to the skies, according to Governor Pramono Anung.
TransJakarta, Jakarta’s public bus operator, will start running boat services in June 2027 and could eventually take to the skies, according to Governor Pramono Anung.

Indonesia welcomes Singapore, Malaysia offers to help tackle haze

Indonesia is experiencing an unusually severe fire season, with prolonged heat and dryness exacerbated by a very strong El Nino.
Indonesia is experiencing an unusually severe fire season, with prolonged heat and dryness exacerbated by a very strong El Nino.

From FIFA suspension to prized partner: Has Indonesia turned its football around?

Indonesian supporters -- including President Prabowo Subianto -- cheer on the national team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup final on Oct 5.
Indonesian supporters -- including President Prabowo Subianto -- cheer on the national team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup final on Oct 5.

Prabowo’s direct oversight of peatlands could bolster battle against haze, analysts say

Firefighters attempt to extinguish a wildfire in Sungai Putri, a fire-affected peatland area in Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan province, Indonesia, on Aug 29.
Firefighters attempt to extinguish a wildfire in Sungai Putri, a fire-affected peatland area in Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan province, Indonesia, on Aug 29.

‘Luxury villas’ demolished at Indonesian prison as probe finds ‘abuse of authority’

A well-appointed restroom is seen in one of the “villas” in the Cibinong men’s prison, where inmates allegedly paid rent for the luxury accommodation.
A well-appointed restroom is seen in one of the “villas” in the Cibinong men’s prison, where inmates allegedly paid rent for the luxury accommodation.

Indonesia suspends five prison officials over inmates’ ‘villa homes’

Indonesia’s Ombudsman found during its surprise inspection on Cibinong prison in Bogor, more than 10 residential units, some resembling homestays, terraced houses and villas, among other things on Sept 23.
Indonesia’s Ombudsman found during its surprise inspection on Cibinong prison in Bogor, more than 10 residential units, some resembling homestays, terraced houses and villas, among other things on Sept 23.

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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.