Activists from the Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (ECOTON) and students hold posters reading “Stop the production of plastic packaging“ during a protest near an installation in the shape of a heart and lungs damaged by exposure to microplastics waste to raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastics on the environment and human health in Surabaya, East Java on July 16, 2025.`

Microplastics detected in air across 18 major cities in Indonesia: Study

Sofi Azilan Aini, ECOTON’s microplastic research volunteer coordinator, said the main source of airborne microplastics is the widespread burning of plastic waste, which accounts for 57 percent of contamination.

8 hours ago

Archipelago

Six children drown in water-filled pit in East Kalimantan

Two teenagers, Salman and Ryadi, who first discovered the victims, said they heard screams for help while flying kites in a nearby field on Monday afternoon.

8 hours ago

Society premium

Densus 88 nabs five for allegedly recruiting minors into extremist groups

One of the suspects is described as a “veteran” previously linked to the Islamic State militant group.

12 hours ago

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Illustration of a police tape sealing a crime scene.

Archipelago

Batam immigration detains man wanted in China over $138 million loan default

The 58-year-old man, identified only as WZ, was arrested in Batam, Riau Islands, on Thursday after a request was received from the Chinese embassy in Jakarta.

15 hours ago

The Batam Customs and Excise Office displays 10 sacks containing 236 grams of sabu ( methamphetamine) and 256 ecstasy pills on Monday during a press conference in Batam, Riau Islands. The contraband was hidden in the anus of suspect MM, the customs office said.

Archipelago premium

Batam customs uncovers new ways to smuggle drugs from Malaysia

The contraband was hidden in the anus of suspect MM, the customs office said, adding that it was a new, daring way to smuggle drugs.

18 hours ago

Officials from the Indragiri Hulu Health Agency treat members of the Talang Mamak Indigenous community suffering from upper respiratory infections in Datai Hamlet, Rantau Langsat Village, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau Province. At least five members of the community have died and hundreds more have fallen ill as the outbreak spreads within the isolated tribe.

Archipelago premium

Respiratory illness outbreak in Talang Mamak indigenous tribe begins to ease

Riau Health Agency acting head Heri Permana said laboratory analysis confirmed that the outbreak in Datai hamlet was caused by the Influenza A virus, one of the main types of flu that infects humans.

19 hours ago

Constitutional Court Justice Arsul Sani (right), accompanied by court spokesperson Pan Mohamad Faiz (left), shows his academic documents during a press briefing on Monday at the court building in Jakarta. During the press briefing, Arsul denies allegations that he falsified his doctoral diploma to get the justice position at the Constitutional Court.

Politics premium

Constitutional Court justice hits back at fake diploma accusation

A civil group accusing Constitutional Court Justice Arsul Sani of falsifying his doctoral diploma to get a position at the court cited media reports on the corruption investigation against the Polish institute where he obtained his degree as a basis of their accusations.

21 hours ago

Visitors look at an exhibition on the evolution of ancient humans at the Sangiran Museum in Sragen, Central Java, on Feb. 4, 2025.

Society premium

jakarta

Purbaya calls on journalists to step up scrutiny of government

Speaking at an event hosted by the Chief Editors Forum on Sunday, Purbaya said the press had grown “increasingly muted” in recent years, leaving poor public policies insufficiently challenged and weakening policy outcomes.

2 days ago