Special Capital Region of Jakarta — de facto capital and largest city of Indonesia.
The Indonesian central bank chief has resigned, with the government naming an interim successor as markets react. Separately, the National Nutrition Agency faces ongoing scrutiny amid leadership changes and health concerns surrounding key figures.
Brent crude has risen above $100 a barrel after attacks on shipping and renewed US–Iran strikes disrupted tanker routes. Traders are pricing tighter supply as US reserves fall to multi-decade lows and refiners report record crack spreads. Forecasters now see scenarios ranging from modest rises to spikes above $150 a barrel, with higher pump and inflationary pressure expected.
Indonesia has-received artefacts linked to Papuan Dani, Asmat and Lake Sentani communities, recovered in cooperation with the FBI. The artefacts, smuggled out of Indonesia, will be housed at the National Museum, as part of efforts to restore cultural sovereignty. This follows recent repatriations including bronze Buddhist sculptures and other items.
The weekend has seen a pause in Iran’s retaliatory strikes as talks with Oman progress on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The US has held off further strikes, while Yemen’s Houthi actions have expanded and crude prices have eased from earlier spikes, though Brent remains above $90 a barrel.
A Malaysian airline pilot has been arrested at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airport after arrival from Kuala Lumpur. Authorities say the officer, identified by initials MS (or MSO in some reports), is connected to a haul of more than 70,000 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine found in his luggage. Drug tests indicate impairment during the flight; Malaysia Airlines is conducting an internal review.
Indonesia is battling widespread wildfires that have scorched tens of thousands of hectares, forcing school closures and online learning in affected provinces. Authorities are deploying cloud-seeding aircraft and firefighting efforts across six provinces with more than 107,000 hectares burned this year. The country faces a harsher dry season linked to El Niño.
A magnitude-7.7 quake has devastated Flores island, Indonesia, killing at least 53 and displacing thousands. Emergency tents replace damaged hospitals as aftershocks and landslides disrupt aid deliveries. Indonesia has deployed thousands of troops and tonnes of aid, while authorities warn the toll could rise amid damaged infrastructure and blocked roads.
Indonesia has faced a spike in wildfires driven by a strong El Niño and dry conditions; fires have burned more than 107,000 hectares and pushed flames within metres of the Yiari orangutan rehabilitation centre in West Kalimantan. Authorities are using cloud-seeding aircraft, water-bombing and local teams to fight blazes as haze reaches neighbouring Malaysian Borneo.
Arsenal has clinched back-to-back Premier League titles and is defending the crown in a season opening match against Coventry. Coventry, 25 years out of the top flight, returns with Frank Lampard at the helm and a ready-made test for Arsenal. The Premier League starts amid widespread managerial upheaval and a shift in balance as clubs adapt to new coaches and a deeper squad landscape.
Indonesia and China have expanded defence and economic cooperation through high-level talks. The two countries will boost joint exercises, training, and defense-industry links, with a new bilateral dialogue to safeguard development and security. Trade neared $167 billion in 2025 amid Belt and Road projects, while collaboration spans AI, satellites, and critical minerals.
The AP and Independent reports show Indonesia facing El Niño-driven drought with thousands of hot spots across Kalimantan and Sumatra. About 3,000 residents have gathered for a rain-prayer in Palembang as firefighting efforts continue and cloud-seeding and water-bombing aircraft expand to curb the haze.
Indonesia's leadership has approved added funds to the budget, with finance officials noting the move could be classified as non-tax state revenue to help narrow the year's fiscal deficit. Government seeks 6% growth by 2027 while keeping the deficit at or below 2.4% of GDP, and foreign appetite for Indonesian debt remains robust amid healthy inflows.
Church's Texas Chicken opens first China location in Shanghai, drawing long lines and sparking a side hustle around queueing services. Official data show services spending outpacing goods as catering revenue rises, while McKinsey notes foreign firms must invest to stay relevant in China’s evolving market.
Chelsea has completed the signing of Emi Martínez on a three-year contract for 7.5 million pounds. The goalkeeper has declared he is ready to help the club win titles, following a career at Aston Villa and success with Argentina.
Anak Krakatau has erupted since late Friday, producing lava fountains and ash plumes up to 50,000ft and forcing temporary closures at Soekarno‑Hatta and multiple regional airports. Authorities have suspended operations at several airports, delayed or cancelled hundreds of flights and stranded tens to hundreds of thousands of passengers while marine and air exclusion zones remain in place.
Airports serving Jakarta have reopened after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau has moved away. Authorities are conducting inspections and cleaning as flight disruptions affect thousands of passengers across eight airports.
A speedboat carrying five photojournalists, two crew members and a guide has lost contact after departing Carita for Anak Krakatau. The last message reported arrival near the volcanic island, but rescuers have yet to locate them amid ongoing eruptions and ash dispersal affecting flights and online schooling for affected communities.
A passenger ferry, the Virgo Transport 8, has lost contact on its route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Rescue teams have recovered 107 survivors and six bodies so far; search efforts are ongoing for the remaining people from a manifest listing about 243 on board. Authorities have deployed ships and a helicopter to the vessel's last known position.
A roll-on/roll-off ferry, Virgo Transport 8, has capsized in the Java Sea while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Rescuers have recovered 108 survivors and at least nine bodies; more than 120 passengers and crew remain missing. Salvage teams and specialist divers are preparing to right the vessel to allow safer recovery amid strong currents and rough seas.
The Virgo Transport 8 has capsized in rough Java Sea conditions after sending a distress call. Authorities have confirmed several deaths and a large number of missing, with search efforts spanning multiple ships, aircraft and underwater teams.
A 56-year-old man and his two young children were found dead at a Kuta, Bali home after neighbours checked on the family following a call from the wife in Jakarta. Police treat the case as a suspected murder-suicide and are continuing forensic examinations and interviews. The wife remains in shock in Jakarta.
Indonesia has received the former Italian warship Giuseppe Garibaldi, now KRI Gajah Mada/Sriwijaya-100, and will convert it into a mobile base for helicopters and drones to support disaster response and maritime operations. The transfer, part of Italy’s defense engagement, has sparked debate over cost and necessity amid fiscal pressures.
Investigators have found more than 10 housing units outside regular prison cells at Cibinong Prison in Bogor, near Jakarta, with amenities such as air conditioning, TVs, fridges, sofas and dining areas. A gym and a golf simulator are under construction. Five officials have been suspended as authorities examine whether inmates received special accommodations through bribery.
Wildfires across Kalimantan, Sumatra and Borneo have intensified amid El Niño-driven drought. Firefighting efforts face delays, with residents and wildlife suffering as haze drifts to neighboring countries. Legal actions pursue accountability and regional cooperation intensifies.
A sustained haze from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia has triggered hazardous air quality across Southeast Asia. Schools are closed, health conditions rise, and authorities warn of regional spillover as drought persists under El Niño.
The Indonesian Ulema Council has demanded cancellations of Andrea Bocelli's scheduled performances at Borobudur and Jakarta as part of his Romanza tour, citing Bocelli's past support for Israel. The Tourism Ministry says it is seeking consensus with the MUI, while local police have withdrawn a permit recommendation for Borobudur.