An Indonesian island with a pivotal, evolving story
A ferry fire off Madura Island has left dozens missing as rescue teams work to evacuate passengers. Initial figures varied, with official counts evolving as authorities confirm rescues and fatalities; background on the ship and route is provided.
New analyses of bones from Sulawesi suggest foragers 7,600–25,000 years ago sucked betel nuts, with arecoline traces in teeth. This indicates early drug use predates farming and reshapes views on psychoactive history.
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 fuel shortage on Bali has stretched queues at gas stations into hours, with disruptions blamed on tanker discharge delays. Authorities have ordered civil servants to work from home for three days while schools move online, as deliveries resume and stations extend hours to alleviate shortages.