CPO Export Fraud: 11 Suspects Detained – Kompas.com

Indonesia Cracks Down on Alleged CPO Export Manipulation, 11 Suspects Named Indonesian authorities have identified eleven individuals suspected of manipulating crude palm oil (CPO) exports, falsely classifying them as palm oil mill effluent (POME) to evade taxes and regulations. The investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Office, reveals a scheme potentially costing the state billions … Read more

Bali Scooter Crash: 1 Australian Dead, 1 Injured

Nearly 80% of tourists in Bali opt to rent a scooter, drawn by the freedom and affordability. But this convenience comes with a hidden cost, one that’s becoming increasingly apparent with each reported accident. The recent deaths of an Australian man and serious injuries to his girlfriend, reported by the ABC, Daily Telegraph, and Sky … Read more

Three Questions with Dilshan “Arty” Ranaweera of Cafe Secret Alley in Sri Lanka

Cafe Secret Alley in Kandy, Sri Lanka, began as a tourist-focused establishment with little coffee expertise, but has evolved into a specialty coffee shop committed to high-quality beans and brewing techniques. From Tourist Stop to Specialty Coffee Destination When Dilshan “Arty” Ranaweera opened Cafe Secret Alley in 2017, Sri Lanka lacked a strong coffee culture, … Read more

Bali Cocaine Plot: Australian Man Sentenced 12 Years

Bali’s Drug Trafficking Surge: A Harbinger of Southeast Asia’s Evolving Criminal Landscape A seemingly isolated case – an Australian man, Lamar Ahchee, sentenced to 12 years in a Bali prison for cocaine smuggling – belies a far more significant and troubling trend. The $1.1 million AUD worth of cocaine Ahchee attempted to bring into Indonesia … Read more

What you should know about ‘Bali belly’ and how to avoid it before it ruins your holiday

Bali remains a popular destination for travellers, offering warm weather and affordable experiences, but tourists are often susceptible to traveller’s diarrhoea, commonly known as “Bali belly.” Approximately 1.5 million Australians visit the Indonesian island each year, and experiencing the illness is a common occurrence. What is Bali belly? Bali belly is not unique to Bali, … Read more

Bali Beach: Glass Elevator Project Scrapped After Backlash

The Bali Elevator Debacle: A Warning Sign for ‘Iconic Viewpoint’ Development Globally Over 6.2 million tourists visited Bali in 2023, drawn by its stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences. But a recent decision by the Bali government – to dismantle a partially constructed glass elevator at Kelingking Beach – highlights a growing tension between the … Read more

Rupiah Redenomination: Impact on Indonesian Stocks & Market

Indonesia’s Currency Reimagined: Beyond Redenomination to a Digital Rupiah Future Indonesia’s central bank, Bank Indonesia (BI), has periodically revisited the idea of redenominasi – essentially lopping off zeros from the Rupiah. While discussions have resurfaced recently, fueled by comparisons to other nations and the desire for a more streamlined currency, the path forward is far … Read more

Gracia Indri & Husband’s Bali Holiday: Photos & Return to Indonesia

Gracia Indri’s Bali Homecoming: Pregnancy Rumors and Family Joy Indonesian actress Gracia Indri has returned to her homeland with her husband, Noel Van Der Veer, sparking excitement among fans and fueling speculation about a possible second pregnancy. Recent photos from their Bali vacation have ignited social media, with many observing a noticeable change in the … Read more

Bali Udayana Uni: Bullying Probe After Student Death

Nearly one in three students worldwide report experiencing bullying, yet the conversation surrounding it often remains hushed, particularly within higher education. The recent tragedy at Udayana University in Bali, where a student’s death is linked to alleged bullying, isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a stark symptom of a systemic problem – a silent epidemic – … Read more