Indonesia

Indonesian security forces have deployed large numbers of personnel in three major cities. Tens of thousands of protesters are calling for an end to the country's "militarization" and demanding the death penalty for corrupt officials. The demonstrations mark the anniversary of last year's violent unrest that left ten people dead.

On the Indonesian resort island, which is particularly popular among Western tourists, they celebrate "Nyepi" every year, a holy day when beaches are emptied, the internet is disconnected, and everyone is required to stay indoors, keep quiet, and meditate. 26-year-old Lucian Andrin Zgraggen from Switzerland chose to go to the beach, take pictures, and mock the locals on Instagram.

The world's largest Muslim country allows Aceh province to operate under Sharia law and punish "moral offenders" with lashes for gambling, adultery, and "forbidden intimacy." Today, four individuals received 100 lashes each in front of a crowd, including children.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in Surabaya, Indonesia, on suspicion of repeatedly sexually assaulting a blind girl living in an institution. Her twin sister found videos on the suspect's phone that allegedly documented the acts. According to the police, he exploited her disability and threatened her to keep her from telling anyone. The suspect is in custody and the girl is receiving psychological...

Earthquakes have become almost routine as natural disasters strike different regions around the world every day. This time it was in Mexico, where a 5.7 magnitude tremor was felt.

According to various reports, the powerful earthquake was underwater, and there is a chance of tsunami waves in various areas of Indonesia. The source of the tremor is likely in the area of Flores Island. Many residents rushed to evacuate their homes, but initial reports do not indicate any casualties.

The Congressional Budget Office updates its deficit estimate for fiscal year 2026 to $2.1 trillion, following a sharp decline in customs revenues. Julius Baer economists analyze the implications for the markets. Also: leadership changes at the Central Bank of Indonesia.

Beijing announced it will hold a joint navigation exercise with an Indonesian warship in mid-August east of Taiwan. Taipei claims this is a provocation designed to create an appearance of Chinese authority in the region.

A Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested last July in Indonesia after being caught smuggling a massive quantity of hard drugs. It is suspected that the 39-year-old pilot used drugs while flying a plane with 170 passengers on board, putting their lives at risk.

At least five people were killed and 41 are missing following a fire on a ferry carrying approximately 250 passengers and crew. Rescue operations are ongoing.

A civilian pilot for "Malaysia Airlines" was arrested at Jakarta airport after 26 kg of drugs were discovered in his suitcase. Indonesian authorities were stunned to discover that the pilot had flown the plane under the influence of cocaine and ecstasy. He now faces a possible death penalty after admitting he exploited lenient screening procedures.

Human rights organizations in West Sumatra are launching a struggle following the closure of the case with "puzzling excuses." The complainant, a police officer subordinate to the suspect, reported threats and heavy pressure to reach a compromise, even though the country's law absolutely prohibits mediation in sexual offenses.

Armed military forces arrived at police headquarters following the raid, leading to unprecedented tension between security branches. The President intervened in the crisis, deciding that the official would be investigated by his own office rather than the police.