Mount Ibu Eruption in North Maluku
On March 26, Indonesia's Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island in North Maluku erupted at 9:45 PM local time. The volcano spewed hot lava around 300 meters above the summit and sent out a column of smoke and ash 1,000 meters high. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation to assess potential dangers to nearby communities.
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Bali Cocaine Smuggling Arrests
Indonesian authorities arrested a British man and an Argentinian woman in Bali for cocaine smuggling. Acting on a tip from intelligence, the woman was arrested and 324 grams of cocaine were seized when she arrived at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport from Dubai. The woman was reported to have been promised $3,000 to ship the drugs, which originated in Mexico, to the British man, who was subsequently arrested at a guest house in the Kerobokan area. The investigations into the smuggling ring are ongoing. Read more
Government Reassures Investors Amid Market Fluctuations
Indonesian authorities are working to reassure investors following the recent falls in the stock market as well as the rupiah.
President Prabowo Subianto will meet with investors after Eid al-Fitr to address misunderstandings about government policies. The rupiah touched its 1998 low recently, while the benchmark stock index fell 7.1% due to concerns about fiscal stability and policy communication. The government aims to maintain the fiscal deficit at 3% of GDP and will intervene if needed to balance the currency. Read more ### Environmental Impact of Patchouli Oil Industry
Patchouli oil industry in Simboro, Indonesia, is thriving as a result of high demand driven by social media trends.
Patchouli oil, which has an earthy aroma, is used in high-end perfumes and wellness products.
The boom has, however, seen more cultivation, deforestation, and environmental degradation. Expansion of patchouli plantations poses a threat to critical ecosystems and raises the threat of landslides. Agencies are encouraging eco-friendly alternatives to reverse long-term environmental damage. Read more
Journalist Intimidation Worrying for Press Freedom
Investigative journalist Francisca Christy Rosana received a pig's head and six beheaded rats, a sign of increased intimidation against journalists in Indonesia.
The intimidation was targeted at Tempo media, which has a reputation for its critical reporting.
The incident has triggered condemnation of President Prabowo Subianto and concerns over freedom of the press in the country.
The attacks have been condemned by organizations like the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which call for a free press is fundamental in a democratic state. Read more