Malaysia Pulse delivers breaking news, politics, business, sports and lifestyle coverage from Malaysia and Southeast Asia — trusted, timely and independent.
An Indonesian passenger ferry caught fire near Bali on Wednesday, killing one woman and prompting the rescue of 211 people. The Putri Yasmin was travelling from Bali to Lombok when flames erupted at around 4:15 a.m., triggering a coordinated emergency response.
Indonesia's anti-corruption watchdog has resumed investigating Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni over suspected incomplete return of bribes allegedly received from a Riau regent connected to forest land reclassification requests.
Indonesia has called for a unified international coalition to support Palestine, arguing that fragmented responses play into Israel's hands. Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir proposed five concrete measures at a ministerial meeting in Amman.
Indonesia's badminton federation has withdrawn two mixed doubles pairs from the upcoming World Championships in New Delhi, stepping back from competition as the Badminton World Federation investigates match-fixing allegations.
A Malaysian has been arrested at Surabaya airport in Indonesia with nearly 1kg of methamphetamine and over 1,000 ecstasy pills hidden beneath a corset, marking another drug trafficking case involving Malaysian citizens.
Indonesia's badminton association has withdrawn two mixed doubles pairs from the World Championships following an ongoing Badminton World Federation investigation into alleged match-fixing involving Indonesian players.
A fire aboard the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry off Madura has reignited concerns over Indonesia's maritime safety standards, with regulators and industry figures pointing to systemic failures in vessel operations, emergency procedures, and oversight mechanisms.
Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency has not yet determined whether counter-setting was involved in the drug smuggling case of a Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Indonesia.
A passenger ferry carrying 232 people caught fire off northern Madura, Indonesia, killing at least five and leaving 41 missing. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate survivors.
Mixed-marriage advocates in Indonesia are criticizing the government's plan to grant dual citizenship only to skilled adults, arguing that children of mixed-nationality parents should receive priority under existing legal principles.
A Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 70,000 ecstasy pills had maintained a clean record with no prior criminal or drug-related offences in Malaysia, authorities confirmed.
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has implemented stricter baggage screening protocols for airline crew members following the arrest of a Malaysian pilot accused of attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of ecstasy valued at RM13.51 million into the country.
Authorities in Indonesia arrested a Malaysian pilot for attempting to smuggle more than 70,000 ecstasy pills weighing 25kg into the country, in what highlights the ongoing transnational drug trafficking challenges facing the region.
Hundreds of Indonesian students have suffered suspected food poisoning from meals distributed under President Prabowo Subianto's flagship Free Meals Programme, exposing persistent safety failures even as new leadership implements sweeping reforms.
A 39-year-old Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested at Jakarta airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle approximately 70,000 ecstasy pills worth around RM14 million. The national carrier says it takes the allegations seriously and is conducting an internal investigation.
Thousands of Indonesian workers are joining the Playing Community, a weekly gathering in Jakarta and beyond where adults play traditional children's games to manage stress and improve mental wellbeing in an increasingly pressured urban environment.
Cambodia and Indonesia have committed to intensifying their fight against online fraud, recognising the threat as a transnational challenge requiring coordinated regional action and capacity building.
Indonesia has justified its deportation of Palestinian national Abdul Karim Raed Miqdad by confirming he was subject to a valid Interpol Red Notice issued by Cyprus for terrorism charges.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has called on Asean to convert its regional commitments into concrete outcomes, warning that mounting geopolitical tensions pose a critical test of the bloc's credibility and effectiveness.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasised Beijing's prioritised relationship with Cambodia while the kingdom signed a landmark AI governance accord. Across the region, Indonesia announced ambitious green transport initiatives, Myanmar pursued sustainable coastal development, and nations grappled with pressing economic and environmental challenges.
A multi-vehicle collision in Indonesia's North Sumatra province on Friday claimed four lives and left eight others hospitalised. The pile-up involved three trucks, five minibuses and a motorcycle near Deli Serdang.
The United States has repatriated two eighth-century bronze Buddhist statues to Indonesia following their recovery in an investigation into the illicit antiquities trafficking network of dealer Douglas Latchford, who trafficked looted Southeast Asian artefacts for decades.
A 17-year-old student in West Sumatra detonated a homemade bomb at his Islamic high school in what police suspect was retaliation for prolonged bullying. The incident revives urgent questions about Indonesia's mounting school violence epidemic.
Across Southeast Asia, governments are ramping up enforcement against online scams and illegal gambling while addressing humanitarian crises and planning major infrastructure. Japan backs Cambodia's crackdown as ASEAN monitors displaced populations.
Jakarta police have arrested a 34-year-old resident near SD Srengseng Sawah 15 Pagi in South Jakarta for allegedly sending a WhatsApp bomb threat claiming explosives were planted at 11 locations. No bombs were found after searches.
Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia's Sunda Strait erupted on July 7, ejecting ash 100 metres into the air. Authorities elevated the volcano's alert status to Level III and established a three-kilometre exclusion zone around the crater.
Indonesian police raids targeting corruption have exposed tensions between security agencies, with military deployment to a prosecutor's home raising concerns about institutional friction and rule of law.
Indonesia has broken ground on its inaugural waste-to-energy plant in Bali, a flagship project designed to transform municipal waste into electricity while tackling the nation's escalating waste crisis under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
Indonesia confronts an escalating drought crisis as El Niño conditions intensify, with over 7,800 households now lacking clean water access. Authorities warn of potential crop failures and food security threats without swift intervention.