Articles by Erwin Renaldi
Indonesian government faces Kalimantan wildfires lawsuit as haze blankets region
Read the story in Bahasa Indonesia A group of civil society organisations in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province has filed a class action lawsuit against the national government over its handling of wildfires in the region. Proceedings began yesterday in Pontianak, the capital of the region located on the island of Borneo. According to the plaintiffs, the peatland fires and accompanying widespread haze are an almost annual occurrence and should have been anticipated.
Australia's cross-border couples urge government to reconsider delaying offshore partner visas
Doug Dingwall and Erwin Renaldi Each day feels like a window is closing for Nadine Chamas, who wants to start a family but is facing indefinite separation from her husband, Aboudi Alsaidy, in Lebanon. The 44-year-old's doctors had advised her to remain in Australia if she planned to become pregnant due to her medical condition. However, Mr Alsaidy has been waiting for a partner visa so that they could be reunited in Australia.
Indonesian wildfires spurred by super El Niño choke South-East Asia
Tim Swanston and Ari Wu in West Kalimantan, with Raffa Athallah, and Erwin Renaldi For three exhausting months, Andri Susanto and his crew have been fighting raging forest and land fires on the island of Borneo. For many, it's reminiscent of 2015, a horrid fire season that led to a smoke haze and air pollution crisis across parts of South-East Asia. But Andri said this time around felt different. "Conditions in 2026 are indeed worse than in 2015," Andri said.
Indonesian wildfires spurred by super El Niño choke South-East Asia
For three exhausting months, Andri Susanto and his crew have been fighting raging forest and land fires on the island of Borneo. For many, it's reminiscent of 2015, a horrid fire season that led to a smoke haze and air pollution crisis across parts of South-East Asia. But Andri said this time around felt different. "Conditions in 2026 are indeed worse than in 2015," Andri said. Andri Susanto says the this year's fire season feels worse than the one in 2015.
Indonesia battling wildfires with smoke haze spreading as far as the Philippines
Erwin Renaldi and graphics by Alex Lim and Jarrod Fankhauser For most of the year, Indonesia has been battling wildfires, which have intensified in recent weeks. The resulting haze has spread as far as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. The Indonesian government said six provinces on the island of Sumatra and in Kalimantan were the priority of firefighting efforts. Although fire spots were also reported in Java and Sulawesi island, as well as in West Papua.
Quiz: Buckle up, join our mission to South-East Asia
Three countries in South-East Asia — Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia — celebrate their national days in August. We invite you to embark on a journey through South-East Asia and uncover its hidden gems along the way. Are you ready? Good luck. Loading
Quiz: Buckle up, join our mission to South-East Asia
8 hours ago President Donald Trump’s administration said on Monday it plans to revoke non-immigrant visas held by foreigners who applied for or are seeking asylum in the United States. The move could affect up to 200,000 people, the Associated Press reported, potentially making it the largest mass visa …
Doctor in earthquake-struck Indonesia pleads for support as number of injured and displaced rises
Indonesia correspondent Tim Swanston, Ari Wu and Erwin Renaldi As the scale of Saturday's deadly earthquake in eastern Indonesia emerged, a post on social media went viral. "I am physically unable to handle this many patients alone," wrote Dr Melinda Bella, a young doctor in East Manggarai, a regency island of Flores. "Please help," she said, ending her message with emojis of tears and prayer hands.
Doctor in earthquake-struck Indonesia pleads for support as number of injured and displaced rises
A young doctor says she has felt overwhelmed tending to injured patients by herself in a makeshift hospital on the earthquake-struck island of Flores. At least 70 people were killed and almost 1,200 others injured in the powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake. Communities are pleading for more support as the number of people injured and displaced continues to climb. As the scale of Saturday's deadly earthquake in eastern Indonesia emerged, a post on social media went viral.
Rescuers search for Indonesian earthquake survivors after dozens killed
Erwin Renaldi and Indonesia correspondent Tim Swanston, with wires Rescue teams are searching for survivors as authorities warn people remain trapped in buildings after a deadly magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia. At least 47 people are dead after the earthquake hit just before 5am local time on Saturday near Flores island, damaging houses and buildings including hospitals, clinics and places of worship, local authorities said.
Rescuers search for Indonesian earthquake survivors after dozens killed
Indonesian authorities say people remain trapped in buildings after a deadly magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck the country's east. Residents have described the panic that unfolded as the natural disaster hit. Local officials told the ABC they were providing temporary shelters for people affected by the earthquake and were urging them to avoid damaged buildings.
Malaysia Airlines pilot accused of trafficking 26kg of drugs and flying under influence
Erwin Renaldi Indonesian authorities have released a video showing the moment a Malaysia Airlines pilot arrived in Jakarta before being taken into custody on allegations of bringing drugs into the country. The Malaysian citizen was arrested on July 28 after authorities allegedly found more than 70,100 ecstasy pills weighing 26 kilograms and four grams of methamphetamine hidden in his luggage.
Why Malaysia shut down a digital nomad start-up hub
For digital nomads seeking the flexibility of working remotely from a tropical paradise, it ticked all the boxes. The Network School — a hub for online creators, personal trainers and other remote workers — was established in October 2024 in Forest City, in Malaysia's Johor state, across the border from Singapore.
Why Malaysia shut down a digital nomad start-up hub
14 hours ago New York — The public is fed up with the high cost of living, and the Federal Reserve is once again under pressure to act. Kevin Warsh, the new Fed chairman, has vowed to get inflation back to 2%. Some investors suspect the Warsh-led Fed will show it’s serious about that pledge by raising rates as …
“真把我当摇钱树了！” 澳洲签证费突然上涨引发强烈不满
邱龙（音，Qiu Long）发现毕业生临时签证费用在一夜之间悄然上涨时，感到愤慨不已，而就在几个月前，政府才刚将申请费翻了一倍。 这名刚在墨尔本完成酒店管理文凭课程的中国留学生说，他所有的同学都深感震惊。 为取得申请毕业生工作签证的资格，邱龙付了约6.3万澳元的学费及相关费用，取得了两个证书（certificate）和一个文凭（diploma）学位。 (Supplied: Qiu Long) 今年3月，澳大利亚政府已将485临时毕业生签证的申请费从2300澳元提高至4600澳元。而7月1日起，这一费用又悄然涨至5750澳元。学生们表示，此次涨价毫无预警。 “3月份的涨价就已经很痛苦了，现在又突然涨了一千多，大家都感慨移民局在‘持证抢劫’，”这名34岁的学生告诉ABC。 “很多人都在焦虑接下来还要面对什么突袭新政。” 485临时毕业生签证只是7月1日起涨价的数十个签证类别之一。其中涨幅最为显著的包括：155类居民回国签证从490澳元飙升至1475澳元；B类过桥签证从190澳元涨至575澳元，两者涨幅均超过200%。与此同时，配偶签证费用从9365澳元涨至11,710澳元。...
Visa fees increase without warning, sparking outrage and disappointment
By Kai Feng By Erwin Renaldi Qiu Long was outraged when he discovered the price of a graduate visa had been quietly hiked overnight, just months after the government had already doubled the fee. The Chinese international student, who recently completed his Diploma of Hospitality Management in Melbourne, said all his classmates were in shock. In March, the government doubled the cost of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) from $2,300 to $4,600.
Visa fees increase without warning, sparking outrage and disappointment
Qiu Long was outraged when he discovered the price of a graduate visa had been quietly hiked overnight, just months after the government had already doubled the fee. The Chinese international student, who recently completed his Diploma of Hospitality Management in Melbourne, said all his classmates were in shock. In March, the government doubled the cost of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) from $2,300 to $4,600.
Prominent tech entrepreneur and former minister sentenced to jail in Indonesian corruption case
A prominent tech entrepreneur in Indonesia has been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in a corruption case linked to the procurement of Google Chromebooks for schools. Nadiem Makarim, a co-founder of tech firm Gojek and a former education minister under the previous administration of Joko Widodo, was accused of profiting from the government's decision to purchase Chromebook laptops and software for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
West Papuan activists raise alarm over AI-generated deepfake videos
When Koteka Wenda stumbled across an AI-generated video of her circulating on social media, she was shocked. In the video, she was speaking out against a documentary that has become the subject of fierce debate. "The resemblance of my likeness is so sinister," she told the ABC. "I felt like me and my people were violated." Ms Wenda is the daughter of Benny Wenda, the leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
'Retribution' concerns amid surge in Islamophobic attacks after Bondi mass shooting Original
A rise in Islamophobic incidents has prompted warnings from Muslim organisations that their communities are at risk of "retribution" and "collective punishment", after their religion was linked to the antisemitic Bondi terror attack. The Australian National Imams Council said its Action Against Islamophobia (AAI) initiative had recorded an almost 200 per cent increase in anti-Muslim hate incidents since the attack on December 14.
What you should know about 'Bali belly' and how to avoid it
Bali offers unforgettable experiences for travellers thanks to its year-round warm weather, affordable resorts and cheap drinks. But there are other moments tourists might rather forget, like becoming sick with the dreaded "Bali belly". About 1.5 million Australians visit the Island of the Gods in Indonesia annually, perhaps for a quick getaway or to immerse themselves in a yoga retreat. So chances are that either you, or someone you know, has experienced Bali belly.
What you should know about 'Bali belly' and how to avoid it before it ruins your holiday
All Aussie Teens Denied Entry Into US After Being Unable To Provide 5 Years of Social Media History All Australian teenagers have been informed by US officials that they are barred from entering America until they are able to produce five years’ …
Holiday workers propping up key sectors exposed to serious workplace injuries
Read the story in Bahasa Indonesia Jaya Daud Munthe had only just returned to work in a NSW abattoir after fracturing his hand when he had another accident that left him with a broken leg. A heavy box of lamb meat fell on the Indonesian working holiday visa holder as he was shifting a storage unit. "I wanted to run, but it was too late," he said.
Indonesia urges respect for its sovereignty after Australia-PNG defence treaty
By Hellena Souisa and Erwin Renaldi, ABC In short: Indonesia says it expects Australia and PNG to respect its "sovereignty and independence" after the two countries signed a defence treaty. The agreement has raised questions about what role Australia would play if the conflict between Indonesia and West Papuan fighters escalated. PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the Pukpuk treaty did not compel Australia to assist his country in the event of conflict on the Indonesian border.
Indonesia urges respect for its sovereignty after Australia-PNG defence treaty
By Hellena Souisa and Erwin Renaldi, ABC In short: Indonesia says it expects Australia and PNG to respect its "sovereignty and independence" after the two countries signed a defence treaty. The agreement has raised questions about what role Australia would play if the conflict between Indonesia and West Papuan fighters escalated. PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the Pukpuk treaty did not compel Australia to assist his country in the event of conflict on the Indonesian border.
Indonesia urges respect for its sovereignty after Australia-PNG defence treaty
The Indonesian government has responded to Australia and PNG's landmark defence treaty, saying it expects the two nations to "uphold the sovereignty and independence" of Indonesia. In the country's first response to the treaty, which was signed in Canberra on Monday, Indonesia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl told the ABC it was paying"close attention" to the strengthening of defence cooperation between its two neighbours.
Nepalese in Australia mourn youth killed in anti-government protests
Frustrations with Nepal's government have spilt beyond the country's borders, with the diaspora in Australia taking to the streets to express solidarity. Melbourne and Sydney's Nepalese communities held vigils last night to honour those who were killed during the protests across Nepal. Sparked by a social media ban, the protests were fuelled by deep-seated resentment among young Nepalese over high unemployment, wealth inequity and corruption.
Indonesia's government risks ignoring the root cause of one of the biggest protests since 1998
Indonesian people are done staying silent. Last week's protests and riots, which erupted in cities across the country, were among the largest since the end of Suharto's 32-year dictatorship. Ten people died, more than 3,000 people were arrested, while buildings and public facilities were set ablaze. According to the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, at least 20 activists remain missing.
Indonesian MPs' homes looted amid increasingly violent protests over perks for politicians
For the first time in Indonesia's democratic history, mobs have looted the homes of several members of parliament and a government minister. The looting followed violent nationwide protests against MP allowances, which left one 21-year old food delivery worker dead after being struck by an armoured police vehicleand more than 460 people hospitalised in Jakarta alone, according to official figures.
Nationwide March for Australia sparks mixed reactions among migrants
A nationwide "March for Australia" has divided opinion among migrants, with some saying they feel targeted, while others have defended the right to free speech. The "marches against mass migration" are scheduled for Sunday, with plans for events in major cities across the country. The organisers of the marches have been linked to white nationalism, leading some community members to feel "overwhelmed" and "worried" about being targeted.
Indonesia airdropped aid for Palestinians in Gaza, but experts question its effectiveness
Indonesia has airdropped 18 tonnes of aid into Gaza after being given special permission by Israel. As people in Gaza continue to die of starvation, Indonesia sent necessities like blankets, staple foods, ready to eat meals, and medicine. The first Indonesian mission was completed as the country celebrated its independence day last Sunday. The 17.8 tonnes sent referred to the date of the Indonesia's independence day — August 17.
What Australia's shift on Palestinian state means for politics and alliances across the Asia-Pacific region
Australia's move to recognise a Palestinian state marks a historic shift in its policy and brings it in line with many of its South-East Asian neighbours. However, Australia's decision goes against many of its Pacific neighbours to the east, who tend to align themselves with the US and Israel because of aid, development, and religion. So how will this decision affect Australia's regional relationships, and will it encourage countries who have yet to recognise a Palestinian state to follow suit?
Recognising Palestinian state 'meaningless' without cutting Israel ties, advocate says
Australia's move to recognise an independent Palestinian state has been welcomed by some but has disappointed both pro-Palestinian groups and supporters of Israel. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday said at the United Nations General Assembly next month Australia would recognise a state of Palestine with a condition that terror group Hamas has no role in its governance.
Popular Japanese anime flag becomes symbol of Indonesia resistance
By Erwin Renaldi and Natasya Salim, ABC The Indonesian government is clamping down on the display of a popular Japanese anime flag by frustrated youth, with some authorities claiming it could "divide" the nation. As the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day on 17 August, the emblem of the One Piece flag has been increasingly popping up on vehicles and outside homes.
A popular Japanese anime flag has become a symbol of resistance
The Indonesian government is clamping down on the display of a popular Japanese anime flag by frustrated youth, with some authorities claiming it could "divide" the nation. As the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day on August 17, the emblem of the One Piece flag has been increasingly popping up on vehicles and outside homes.
Indonesian police bust baby-trafficking syndicate that allegedly sold at least 24 infants
Indonesia's police have arrested 13 suspects after uncovering an alleged baby-trafficking syndicate in West Kalimantan, on Borneo island. The ring, which had operated since 2023, sold 24 babies, including 15 to customers in Singapore, police in West Java province said. They said six babies, aged between two and six months, were also rescued during the sting and were being cared for in a hospital in Bandung, the province's capital.
Battle to save Indonesian 'paradise' as nickel industry expands into Raja Ampat in Papua
With its crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands, Raja Ampat — often described as "the last paradise on Earth" — has long been a dream destination for tourists. But this archipelago off Indonesia's east coast has emerged as the latest battleground between groups at odds over the country's nickel industry. For Indigenous Papuan man Matias Mambraku, Raja Ampat, or the "Four Kings", is more than just a paradise.
Prabowo snubbed the G7 to meet Putin. Is Indonesia moving away from the West?
The decision by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to skip the G7 meeting in Canada and to visit Russia has raised eyebrows in Western capitals. The official reason provided was that his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin was pre-planned. Prabowo, being a man of his word, had decided to skip the G7 meeting of wealthy liberal democracies in favour of attending the little-known St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Anthony Albanese lands in Indonesia for first trip abroad since election win
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has landed in Indonesia as he begins his first overseas trip since his smashing election victory on May 3. It won't be a long visit — Mr Albanese will only spend one full day on the ground in Jakarta before flying to Rome to meet European leaders and attend the pope's Inauguration Mass. But it will still have plenty of symbolic weight.
Muslim voters say election delivered strong message despite Labor landslide
Muslim Australian Hawraa put Labor last on her ballot paper for the first time at this year's federal election. Hawraa, who only wants to be identified by her first name, said she wanted to send Labor a message: "Do not take us for granted." A voter in the Victorian electorate of Wills, Hawraa was "disappointed" at news Labor's Peter Khalil had been re-elected in the Melbourne seat, narrowly defeating a challenge from Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam.
Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back, Tri-Services Operation Targets Terror Camps in Pakistan and PoK
07 May 2025 The building damaged by a strike carried out by India on Wednesday. (Photo: AP) ------ India South Asia Arab World Europe Mideast North America Africa Southeast Asia Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/operation-sindoor-terror-camps-pakistan-pok/d/135458 Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back, Tri-Services Operation Targets Terror Camps in Pakistan and PoK The building damaged by a strike carried out by India on Wednesday.
'Just cook it': Pig's head, dead rats sent to newsroom in Indonesia
Read in Bahasa Indonesia This story contains images that readers may find confronting. Tempo, a weekly magazine known for its hard-hitting reporting and investigations into Indonesia's most powerful institutions, has received all sorts of threats: bomb scares, doxing, phone hijacking. Last week, they received a package containing a pig's head with its ears cut off.
How a fasting body uses fat cells to make 'good things' happen
Fasting has been practised across civilisations, throughout history, and in various religions and cultures. Millions of Muslims across the world are currently observing Ramadan, a month of fasting each day from before sunrise until sunset. In Australia, this equates to fasting for roughly 14 hours. But restricting eating for specific time periods isn't just a religious practice, it's also an approach used in intermittent fasting. So what exactly happens in our body when we fast?
How non-English speakers can stay informed as Cyclone Alfred approaches
Accessing information on how to prepare for natural disasters can be difficult for people with limited or no English language. However, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the South-East Queensland coast, there are resources available that have been professionally translated into a range of languages. And artificial intelligence-powered machine translation has been adopted by some organisations that provide emergency updates.
Indonesia 'very worried' about foreign criminals after alleged assaults at Finns Beach Club in Bali
Indonesia's deputy tourism minister says the government seeks to urgently address violent crimes committed by foreigners in Bali after several men, including at least one Australian national, were filmed allegedly assaulting security guards outside a popular beach club. A chaotic brawl took place outside Finns Beach Club in Canggu on Tuesday night, with footage posted to social media allegedly showing shirtless men beating security guards with wooden blocks.
Tourists and security clash in violent brawl outside popular Bali club
Bali police are searching for a group of foreigners, who attacked security guards with wooden planks during a violent brawl outside Finns Beach Club. Several guards sustained injuries before the attackers fled. Police are reviewing footage and speaking to witnesses as they work to track down the suspects. Chaos has erupted outside of one of Bali's most exclusive beach clubs as a violent brawl involving foreign tourists and security guards spilled out on to the streets.
Indonesian minister proposes to send drug users to rehabilitation centres instead of jail
Former drug user Jennifer Agatha was sentenced to two years in an Indonesian prison in 2021 after police found half a gram of methamphetamine on a friend. "At the time, I didn't feel any remorse or guilt, I blamed others," said Agatha, who served her time and now lives in Surabaya, a city on Java island. The 28-year-old said punishment for her drug offences was not effective because she lived in jail "alongside other drug addicts and dealers".
Essington School in Darwin the latest Australian school to drop Bahasa Indonesia
Read the story in Bahasa Indonesia One of the Top End's most elite schools will ditch the language of Australia's closest Asian neighbour in a move experts say flies in the face of preparing students for the future. Despite being located closer to Bali than Sydney, the Essington School in Darwin confirmed to the ABC that "after a long-standing history of teaching Indonesian", the school's board and executive had decided to cease teaching the language by the end of semester one in 2025.
Trump says new Indonesian leader's English is 'so good'. It might not be enough to woo him away from China
The Indonesian president was in Washington to meet US President Joe Biden, but it was a phone call with president-elect Donald Trump that has made headlines. An effusive exchange shared across Prabowo Subianto's social media channels has raised eyebrows. "Wherever you are, I'm willing to fly to congratulate you personally, sir," Prabowo told Trump. "That's so nice," Trump responded. "Well we'll do that anytime you want but, ah, great job you're doing in Indonesia … proud of you, really amazing.
Prices of essentials in Indonesia and other countries have been dropping. That's not necessarily a good thing
He sells rice, oil, sugar and other daily essentials, but customers have been a relatively rare sight recently for Erick Saputra. Mr Saputra, from Bukittinggi on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, said that for the past five months his small shop had made the equivalent of less than $30 per month. That's less than half of what he usually earns. "It seems people are not spending as much anymore," he told the ABC.
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