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Arlina Arshad

Indonesia Bureau Chief

Arlina is The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief. A journalist since 2000, she has covered various issues, from politics and the economy to culture and religion, across South-east Asia. Previously, she was ST’s regional correspondent and Agence-France Presse’s correspondent for Indonesia and Timor-Leste. She considers Indonesia her second home, and the warm people there her family.

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Latest articles

From ‘glass cars’ to dollar remarks, Prabowo’s quips draw laughs – but at what political cost?

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's jocular remarks have sparked memes, but analysts warned they can breed discontent.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's jocular remarks have sparked memes, but analysts warned they can breed discontent.

A teen noticed sacrifices of Indonesian helpers. His initiative to help now reaches beyond Singapore

Nathan Alexandro Tjhe (in white) with Indonesian domestic workers during a Peduli Initiative event.
Nathan Alexandro Tjhe (in white) with Indonesian domestic workers during a Peduli Initiative event.

Range Rover, ‘Dutch Lady’, public protests: A political dynasty rising in Indonesia’s new capital

East Kalimantan governor Rudy Mas'ud and his wife, Sarifah Suraidah, who is an MP for East Kalimantan, have a reputation for being flamboyant.
East Kalimantan governor Rudy Mas'ud and his wife, Sarifah Suraidah, who is an MP for East Kalimantan, have a reputation for being flamboyant.

Hidden danger behind beauty: Why Indonesia’s volcano safety measures are uneven

A rescuer looks on Mount Dukono Volcano during its eruption in North Halmahera, Indonesia, on May 9.
A rescuer looks on Mount Dukono Volcano during its eruption in North Halmahera, Indonesia, on May 9.

Singapore thanks Indonesia for Mount Dukono recovery as both countries hold talks to deepen ties

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (left) meeting his Indonesian counterpart, Mr Sugiono, in Jakarta on May 12.
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (left) meeting his Indonesian counterpart, Mr Sugiono, in Jakarta on May 12.

Family of late Singaporean hiker: He died trying to help others

Mr Timothy Heng is one of the two Singaporean hikers who died during the Mount Dukono volcano eruption in North Halmahera, Indonesia.
Mr Timothy Heng is one of the two Singaporean hikers who died during the Mount Dukono volcano eruption in North Halmahera, Indonesia.

Two missing S’porean hikers confirmed dead in Indonesian volcano eruption

The bodies of the two Singaporeans who died climbing Mount Dukono being transferred to an ambulance to be brought to Tobelo Public General Hospital.
The bodies of the two Singaporeans who died climbing Mount Dukono being transferred to an ambulance to be brought to Tobelo Public General Hospital.

‘I could only stand and watch’: Indonesian guide recalls trying to save S’poreans on Mount Dukono

Mr Reza Selang, 35, the head guide that brought the nine Singaporeans up Mount Dukono in Indonesia.
Mr Reza Selang, 35, the head guide that brought the nine Singaporeans up Mount Dukono in Indonesia.

Rescuers locate body of Indonesian hiker, probable site of missing S’poreans on Mount Dukono

Indonesian search teams are resuming the search for three hikers, including two Singaporeans, after a powerful eruption a day earlier at Mount Dukono in Indonesia.
Indonesian search teams are resuming the search for three hikers, including two Singaporeans, after a powerful eruption a day earlier at Mount Dukono in Indonesia.

Will fatal Indonesia train crash put brakes on its high-speed rail ambitions?

People watch as a technician works at the site after a deadly collision between a commuter line train and a long-distance train, in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, April 28, 2026. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan
People watch as a technician works at the site after a deadly collision between a commuter line train and a long-distance train, in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, April 28, 2026. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.