Photographers in Indonesia

US Trade Policy Shadows Movement of IHSG and Rupiah

Reporting style, Balanced: The article presents a mix of factual information and anticipatory analysis regarding the impact of US trade policy on Indonesian markets.

The movement of the Indonesian Stock Exchange Index (IHSG) and the rupiah is expected to be influenced by external sentiments, particularly the direction of US trade policy. The article discusses the need for the Indonesian government to prepare for potential impacts.

Early in the Year, State Budget Already Deficit Rp31.2 Trillion

Reporting style, Balanced: The article presents a mix of factual data and expert opinions on the budget deficit and economic conditions.

Political context, Centre: The article discusses economic policies and their impacts without a clear political bias.

Indonesia's state budget recorded a deficit of Rp31.2 trillion by the end of February 2025, representing 0.13% of GDP, which remains within the target design of 2.53% of GDP. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati highlighted a primary balance surplus of Rp48.1 trillion despite the deficit. The global economic uncertainty, influenced by US policies under President Donald Trump, has affected currency exchange rates and bond yields. Economic growth in Indonesia is projected to remain stable at around 5% despite global challenges. Economist Yusuf Hendry attributes the early-year deficit to reduced state revenue and issues with the Coretax system for tax reporting.

Government Plans to Revive BRGM After Forest and Peatland Fires Escalate

Reporting style, Balanced: Primarily reported analysis, but includes strong advocacy and critical assessments from environmental groups and experts.

Political context, Centre: The article focuses on environmental governance and policy, presenting criticism and proposals from several stakeholders without endorsing a political party or ideology.

Following severe 2026 forest and peatland fires, Indonesia’s government is considering establishing a National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency, after dissolving its predecessor, BRGM, in December 2024. Environmental advocates and experts say the new body should be permanent, able to inspect company concessions and government projects, recommend permit revocations, enforce corporate accountability, and prioritize prevention and ecological restoration over infrastructure targets. Experts also propose revising regulations that are poorly implemented. Stakeholders warn that without meaningful authority over damaged peatlands—including those inside licensed concessions—the agency could repeat BRGM’s perceived shortcomings. Монгол

Long Queues at Gas Stations Outside Java: Evidence of Energy Inequality?

Reporting style, Balanced: Reports expert assessments and government statements, while giving substantial space to critical views of biodiesel policy and unequal fuel distribution.

Drivers in Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung face long queues for diesel, sometimes waiting overnight, while fuel shortages are reported less visibly in Java. Experts say the recurring scarcity reflects connected pressures on supply, distribution, subsidy governance and regional allocation, rather than a single temporary supply failure. Traction Energy Asia warns that the B50 biodiesel mandate may raise subsidy costs by Rp80–100 trillion annually as biodiesel competes with food and exports for palm oil; it urges the government to publish distribution, blending and stock data. A deputy energy minister has said terminal stocks are safe and cited distribution bottlenecks, while a parliamentary commission also points to delayed transport and suspected resale of subsidized fuel. Trend Asia argues Java is favored in fuel allocation, criticizes B50 as a false solution with potential environmental and food-price consequences, and calls for public transport and logistics to shift toward electrification.

Mining Permits Cover 155,000 Hectares Across Aceh

Reporting style, Informative: Primarily factual reporting on mining permits and official processes, while including environmental advocacy and criticism from Walhi Aceh.

Aceh has 85 mineral and coal mining permits covering 155,307.5 hectares across 12 districts and cities; 56 permits are for exploration and 29 for production. Aceh Jaya has the largest permitted area. Provincial officials say applications undergo electronic processing and document checks, with local and technical recommendations required, and cite Aceh's special autonomy as a basis for its permitting authority. Walhi Aceh warns that mining expansion could damage forests, water sources, rivers, farmland and local livelihoods, while economic gains may not reach nearby communities. It calls on provincial and central authorities to openly review all permits, assess ecological and social impacts and company restoration obligations, and refrain from issuing new permits that threaten forests and communities.

No Conflict: Wild Birds and Sumatran Tigers Live Peacefully in Beutong Ateuh Forest

Reporting style, Informative: Primarily reported findings and community perspectives, with some positive, advocacy-oriented language about forest and wildlife conservation.

A survey by the Aceh Environmental Studies Group recorded 31 bird species in Beutong Ateuh forest, including four endangered, three vulnerable and four near-threatened species. The forest provides habitat for endemic birds and other wildlife, and forms an ecological corridor connecting the Leuser Ecosystem and Ulu Masen forests. Residents rely on farms, forests and the Meureubo River but describe a longstanding ethic of protecting nature and avoiding harm to wildlife, including Sumatran tigers. Separate surveys in the Terangun–Beutong area recorded five wild cat species, including Sumatran tigers, and found ample prey. The findings underscore the importance of conserving the forest and maintaining coexistence between residents and wildlife.

Welcome to the 2025 Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Child Labor and Exploitation in Indonesia's Pulp and Paper Industry

The article investigates the use of child labor at Toba Pulp Lestari, one of Indonesia's largest pulp and paper companies. Despite Indonesian laws and international conventions prohibiting child labor, especially in hazardous work, the company has been employing minors, including a 14-year-old girl named Sita, to work on their eucalyptus plantations. These underage workers are involved in planting, fertilizing, and spraying weed poison without proper protective equipment, earning below the minimum wage and without health insurance. The company, owned by billionaire Sukanto Tanoto, has been previously linked to illegal deforestation and land grabbing. The article highlights the plight of these children and their families, who live in poor conditions and are forced to work due to economic necessity. It also discusses the role of subcontractors in the employment process, which allows child labor to persist. VICE World News' investigation reveals the harsh realities of child labor in Indonesia's pulp and paper industry, calling attention to the need for better enforcement of labor laws and corporate accountability.

Photo Report of the Burial Process of a PDP Who Died in Pangkalpinang, Swab Test Result Negative for Corona

Reporting style, Informative: Mostly factual with some subjective statements.

A COVID-19 patient under surveillance (PDP) named SA passed away in Pangkalpinang after receiving treatment at RSUP Ir Soekarno. Despite initial concerns, swab tests confirmed that SA was negative for COVID-19. This case adds to the list of PDP deaths in Babel, totaling six. As of April 15, 2020, Indonesia has reported 5,136 positive COVID-19 cases, 446 recoveries, and 469 deaths.

Photos of Illegal Tin Mining Activities in the Lower Rangkui River

Reporting style, Interpretive: The article contains subjective statements from local residents about the impact of illegal mining.

Illegal tin mining activities in the lower Rangkui River, specifically in Pasir Putih and Rejosari, Pangkalpinang, are causing significant disturbances to local residents. The operations, which continue despite occasional raids, result in noise pollution and sedimentation issues. Residents, including Anca, express their inability to take effective action against the ongoing mining activities.

The Priests Revered in the Land of Five Genders

Reporting style, Factual: Reported feature grounded in descriptive reporting, with little explicit opinion.

Bissu, spiritual leaders in South Sulawesi’s Bugis communities who are understood to embody both male and female traits, lead ceremonies marking events such as births, weddings and deaths. At a rice-planting ritual in Segeri, they perform ma’giri, a dramatic self-stabbing ceremony in which they appear unharmed. The gathering also celebrates gender fluidity and the bissu’s centuries-old place in local religious and cultural life.

My friend died in a diving accident. Then I was arrested for his murder

Reporting style, Informative: A largely factual first-person account, shaped by the author's memories and reflections on the traumatic experience.

In 2002, Czech diver Dan Frolec was on a Croatian sailing trip when his friend Michael disappeared inside an underwater cave. A Croatian coastguard diver also died during the recovery attempt, after which police arrested Frolec and fellow diver Ivo on suspicion of murdering Michael. Held in jail and facing up to 40 years in prison, Frolec was subjected to questioning, a lie-detector test and forensic scrutiny. Evidence from the divers' testimony, Michael's dive computer and DNA testing ultimately undermined the murder theory, showing that supposed bloodstains on the boat were caused by mooring ropes. Frolec and Ivo were released after nearly a month. The ordeal continued to shape Frolec's views on freedom, risk and friendship, although he still dives and now lives in Bali with his wife Jarka and their children.

Licensing of KBIHU Al-Fatah in Purwakarta Revoked for Illegal Fees and Data Falsification

Reporting style, Factual: Factual report centered on an official licensing decision and attributed statements.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah revoked KBIHU Al-Fatah’s license to provide Hajj and Umrah guidance, effective October 9, 2026. The Purwakarta-based organization was found to have falsified data related to sacrificial payments and proxy Hajj, and charged pilgrims more for guidance than permitted. It must stop all guidance activities and return the rights of pilgrims it is currently assisting. The ministry said revocation does not absolve the organization of responsibility for its violations and framed the sanction as a measure to protect pilgrims.

Behind Live-Streaming Hosts’ Profits Lies a Loophole for Worker Exploitation

Reporting style, Interpretive: Investigative reporting includes extensive expert commentary and frames precarious host work as exploitative, while also presenting data and worker accounts.

Indonesia’s rapid growth in live commerce has driven strong demand for livestream hosts, but reporting by Tirto highlights precarious pay, demanding schedules, appearance standards, unpaid preparation and content work, and earnings tied to sales performance. Hosts may also face “owed” livestream hours when sessions are stopped for low viewership, while some receive below-minimum wages and lack social-security benefits. Labor expert Arif Novianto argues that companies retain control over schedules, targets and work methods while shifting business risks onto workers, including those labeled freelance or agency staff. He says preparation and emotional labor should count as work, and employers should provide protections against harassment and other risks. The central concern is that employment labels and intermediary agencies can obscure responsibility even where the substance of the relationship is that of employment.

Four-Legged Gladiators: Indonesia’s Outlawed Tradition of Pitting Boars Against Dogs

Reporting style, Interpretive: The article presents a mix of factual reporting and subjective opinions, particularly from animal rights activists.

In the village of Cicaringgang, Bandung, the outlawed tradition of 'dugong' continues, where dogs are pitted against boars in a fight. Despite a 2017 regulation by the West Javanese government banning the practice, it persists under the guise of 'adu ketangkasan' or 'agility fight.' The event, originally meant to train hunting dogs, has become a controversial form of entertainment. Animal rights activists, like Nadya Andriani, criticize the practice for its unethical treatment of animals. Locals, however, continue the tradition, adapting its name to avoid legal repercussions.

Four-Legged Gladiators: Indonesia’s Outlawed Tradition of Pitting Boars Against Dogs

Reporting style, Balanced: The article includes both factual reporting of the events and the opinions of individuals involved.

In the village of Cicaringgang, Bandung, a local custom called dugong involves dogs fighting wild boars in an arena, a practice used historically for training hunting dogs and addressing crop destruction by boars. Despite a 2017 West Javanese government regulation outlawing it, the tradition persists under a different name, 'adu ketangkasan' or 'agility fight.' The event is popular, with dogs treated for injuries on-site, while injured boars are either slaughtered for meat or forced to fight again. Animal rights activists, like Nadya Andriani, condemn the practice as unethical.

4 dead, 38 missing after ferry sinks on its way to Bali

Reporting style, Factual: The article is factual, reporting on a ferry accident with details from authorities.

A ferry en route to Bali from Java sank, resulting in at least four deaths and 38 missing individuals. The vessel, carrying 65 passengers, sank due to bad weather, as stated by President Prabowo Subianto. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 23 survivors found so far. The incident highlights recurring marine accidents in Indonesia, often attributed to lax safety standards and adverse weather conditions.

Indonesian rescuers widen search for missing after ferry sinks

Reporting style, Factual: The article is factual, providing detailed information about the ferry accident and rescue operations.

A ferry carrying at least 65 people sank during a crossing from Java to Bali due to bad weather, leaving 29 people missing and six confirmed dead. Rescue operations, involving 306 personnel, are ongoing, with efforts hampered by adverse weather conditions. The ferry's manifest listed 53 passengers and 12 crew, but discrepancies are common in Indonesia. The incident highlights ongoing safety challenges in the archipelago nation.