Indonesian island, province and westernmost of the Lesser Sundas
A series of personal-experience articles chronicles expatriates who have moved between countries seeking better lives. From Berlin to Sonoma, from Malta to Chiang Mai, and from Tuscany to a Tuscan village, the pieces explore how relocations, retirement plans, and family decisions shape their journeys.
Indonesian police have arrested 321 foreigners, mostly Vietnamese and Chinese, in a raid linked to an online-gambling hub near Jakarta’s Chinatown. The operation targets customers overseas and involved multi-country links; authorities are tracing organizers and backers as similar raids widen across Surabaya, Bali and Batam.
A panel of judges has found Nadiem Anwar Makarim guilty of abuse of authority in relation to the 2020 procurement of Google Chromebooks for Indonesian schools. He has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a fine and restitution totaling over 800 billion rupiah. Prosecution says state losses reached about 125 million, while Google’s investment in Gojek is central to the case. The verdicts from multiple outlets converge, with the defense planning appeals.
The Strait of Malacca and Hormuz are central to global energy and trade routes. Recent reporting shows Malacca’s traffic exceeds Hormuz and underscores China’s reliance on open sea lanes while Iran asserts control over straits, raising tensions and questions about future transit costs and routes.
Cunard’s Queen Victoria will enter Rotterdam drydock from 17 Oct to 5 Nov 2026 for a refurbishment that adds cabins, a wellness cafe and updated public spaces. Queen Victoria will return to service on 7 Nov 2026 for Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords and Canary itineraries.
Travelers are adjusting to higher costs as global tensions shape travel patterns. Data show Americans and others favor road trips, domestic stays and budget options over long-haul, international travel this summer.
A passenger boat, KM Nurul Salsa, has experienced engine failure and sank off Sulawesi, Indonesia. Seventy-eight people were aboard; survivors have been rescued, and at least one person is confirmed dead. The rescue operation is ongoing as weather remains harsh and search teams cover the affected area.