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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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.

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

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

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.

‘Strategically aligned’: Singapore, Indonesia want Strait of Malacca open and free for all, say leaders

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the annual Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat in Jakarta on July 6.

Gojek founder Nadiem Makarim jailed 10 years over Indonesia school laptop corruption case

Nadiem Makarim, Indonesia’s former education minister and co-founder of ride-hailing firm Gojek, has been sentenced to 10 years of prison.

From ‘glass cars’ to dollar remarks, Prabowo’s quips draw laughs – but at what political cost?

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's jocular remarks have sparked memes, but analysts warned they can breed discontent.

A teen noticed sacrifices of Indonesian helpers. His initiative to help now reaches beyond Singapore

Singapore relies heavily on migrant domestic workers, with about 316,900 employed as at December 2025, according to the Ministry of Manpower.

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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.