Expat Resort Manager Sparks Row With Politicians
On March 9–10, officials from the Mentawai Islands chapter of the National Democratic (Nasdem) Party held a working meeting on...
Designer Bag Deceit
Let’s be honest. A handbag is just something in which to carry makeup, car keys, tampons, sunglasses, perfume and a...
Online Arisan Exposed
A simple Facebook page lured hundreds of Indonesians, mostly housewives, into investing their savings in a scheme offering unfeasibly high...
Swipers Still Swiping
Despite the ongoing efforts of Islamic political parties to criminalize sex outside of marriage, Indonesians are still flocking to online...
Humanitarian Who Swam For Indonesia
Monte Few foreign athletes have devoted themselves to humanitarian and environmental causes in Indonesia as much as Montgomery Monfore, an...
From Trader to Moderator: Olivier Rula
If you’ve ever searched online for advice about Indonesia, chances are you have already encountered Olivier Rula, better known as...
Delving into the Dark Web
Much has been written in Indonesia about the ‘deep web’ and the ‘dark web’ – much of it ill-informed scaremongering....
Sexploitation, Lies and Video
Amid the almost daily allegations of sexual abuse by Hollywood celebrities, there is an understandable response of condemnation and moral...
How to Get Poor Fast
One of the most popular ways to get rich in Indonesia is through politics. There are endless possibilities for self-enrichment...
Phony Document & Sweepstakes Hustles
Imagine finding a cheque for US$350,000, or picking up a winning sweepstakes ticket on the street. Too good to be...
The Superstition Inquisition
From ghosts to talismans and black magic, irrational beliefs remain widespread in Indonesia despite rapid advances in science, technology and...
The Online Virginity Auctioneer
A man who auctioned virgins online claims he merely wanted to fund a sexual revolution to free Indonesia from corruption,...
Manufacturing Hatred
Punishing those who propagate radical hate-speech is not enough. Their ultimate paymasters must be named and brought to justice. President...
Police Bust Bogus Bruneian Businessman Scam
Beware of helping friendly strangers wanting to use your bank account for business or charitable purposes, especially if they try...
The Root of All Evil
A travel agency has scammed millions of dollars from Muslims who wanted to visit Mecca. Victims are now clamouring for...
King Con Gets 18 Years for Murders
Notorious conman and cult leader Taat Pribadi, who gave himself the noble-sounding title of Dimas Kanjeng, has been sentenced to...
In the Name of the Fraudster
Indonesian media recently seized on the story of a gang that forged letters from President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo to request...
Fool’ Gold Fever
If you want to invest in gold, a 1 kilogram bar will set you back about US$40,000 at today’s prices...
Bandung Zoo Accuses Fundraiser of Fraud
Indonesian zoos do not enjoy a sterling reputation for animal care. When foreigners try to intervene, officials become upset –...
Don’t Show, Do Tell
Beware of sharing a nude selfie in Indonesia. You could be extorted or even criminalized. There’s an old internet joke...
Beware of the Men in Uniform
Posing as policemen and pilots, con men are able to steal women’s hearts and then their money. It is often...