https://baliobserver.com/The Bali Observer covers Bali for an international audience: news, tourism and hospitality, travel advisories, business and investment, culture, the environment and eastern Indonesia.en© 2026 PT. Kabar Delapan Belashttps://baliobserver.com/assets/site/brand/icon-144.pnghttps://baliobserver.com/144144Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:53:15 +080015 https://baliobserver.com/ntb-orders-administrative-sanctions-for-businesses-on-lombok-and-sumbawahttps://baliobserver.com/ntb-orders-administrative-sanctions-for-businesses-on-lombok-and-sumbawaThu, 05 Nov 2026 10:53:15 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskWest Nusa Tenggara found permit and certification violations at three businesses on Lombok and Sumbawa. Fines were being calculated while Labangka water samples awaited laboratory results. https://baliobserver.com/ntb-sanctions-three-businesses-over-wastewater-violationshttps://baliobserver.com/ntb-sanctions-three-businesses-over-wastewater-violationsWed, 04 Nov 2026 20:54:07 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskWest Nusa Tenggara officials said three businesses on Lombok and Sumbawa faced administrative sanctions and financial penalties. Testing of Labangka water samples continued. https://baliobserver.com/bmkg-flags-rain-and-strong-wind-risk-across-east-nusa-tenggarahttps://baliobserver.com/bmkg-flags-rain-and-strong-wind-risk-across-east-nusa-tenggaraWed, 04 Nov 2026 17:22:54 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBMKG’s El Tari station forecasts light to moderate rain on Flores and lighter rain across several other NTT islands from Nov. 3 to Nov. 9, with brief strong winds and thunderstorms possible. https://baliobserver.com/bmkg-warns-of-coastal-flooding-in-lembar-sumbawa-and-bimahttps://baliobserver.com/bmkg-warns-of-coastal-flooding-in-lembar-sumbawa-and-bimaWed, 04 Nov 2026 16:32:49 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBMKG warned of possible tidal flooding along the coasts of Lembar, Sumbawa and Bima from Nov. 4 through Nov. 16, 2026, amid higher sea levels linked to the Nov. 9 new moon. https://baliobserver.com/bangli-agency-urges-preparedness-after-storms-damage-four-kioskshttps://baliobserver.com/bangli-agency-urges-preparedness-after-storms-damage-four-kiosksWed, 04 Nov 2026 06:11:58 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBangli’s disaster agency recorded landslides, fallen trees and other storm damage in three districts after heavy rain and strong winds on November 1, with four kiosks hit near Pura Kehen and no deaths reported. https://baliobserver.com/landslides-block-four-wheel-access-to-sepang-kelod-in-northern-balihttps://baliobserver.com/landslides-block-four-wheel-access-to-sepang-kelod-in-northern-baliTue, 03 Nov 2026 06:12:57 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskHeavy rain triggered three landslides in Sepang, Buleleng, on November 1, damaging homes and retaining walls and cutting four-wheel access to Sepang Kelod, reports say. https://baliobserver.com/heavy-rain-delays-wings-air-landing-at-labuan-bajo-airporthttps://baliobserver.com/heavy-rain-delays-wings-air-landing-at-labuan-bajo-airportSun, 01 Nov 2026 20:55:49 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskA Wings Air flight from Lombok circled above Komodo International Airport for 25 minutes on Nov. 1 after heavy rain reduced visibility, then landed safely. https://baliobserver.com/two-arrested-with-107-grams-of-suspected-meth-in-sumbawahttps://baliobserver.com/two-arrested-with-107-grams-of-suspected-meth-in-sumbawaSun, 01 Nov 2026 17:23:36 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBNNP West Nusa Tenggara arrested two people in Alas, Sumbawa, and seized 107 grams gross of suspected crystal methamphetamine. Investigators said the alleged supply came from Mataram. https://baliobserver.com/asdp-waives-port-fees-at-five-eastern-indonesia-portshttps://baliobserver.com/asdp-waives-port-fees-at-five-eastern-indonesia-portsSat, 31 Oct 2026 20:56:38 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskASDP will waive 100 percent of port-service fees at 14 ports for eligible foot passengers and vehicles during the 2026–27 Christmas and New Year travel period. https://baliobserver.com/lombok-barat-agencies-hesitate-over-rp-82-billion-programhttps://baliobserver.com/lombok-barat-agencies-hesitate-over-rp-82-billion-programSat, 31 Oct 2026 17:23:31 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskLombok Barat agencies hesitated over Rp 82 billion (about US$4.7 million) in programs flagged as anomalous after a corruption case involving inactive regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini. The KPK reviewed the programs. https://baliobserver.com/dredging-begins-after-low-tides-disrupt-gilimanuk-pierhttps://baliobserver.com/dredging-begins-after-low-tides-disrupt-gilimanuk-pierSat, 31 Oct 2026 10:52:37 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskLow tides disrupted vessel berthing at Gilimanuk’s LCM pier for two days. ASDP began dredging sediment around the Gilimanuk and Ketapang piers to reduce further disruption. https://baliobserver.com/tabanan-council-seeks-clearer-jatiluwih-fee-rules-after-resident-complaintshttps://baliobserver.com/tabanan-council-seeks-clearer-jatiluwih-fee-rules-after-resident-complaintsSat, 31 Oct 2026 06:12:28 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskTabanan council chairman I Nyoman Arnawa urged a review of Jatiluwih fee procedures after complaints about vehicle checks, while the attraction manager said people merely passing through are not charged. https://baliobserver.com/police-investigate-alleged-land-encroachment-in-sumbawas-samota-areahttps://baliobserver.com/police-investigate-alleged-land-encroachment-in-sumbawas-samota-areaFri, 30 Oct 2026 20:53:46 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskWest Nusa Tenggara police said the Samota land case had entered the investigation stage, involving competing ownership certificates and alleged encroachment rather than forgery. https://baliobserver.com/bali-police-delay-padangbai-sailings-during-high-wave-warningshttps://baliobserver.com/bali-police-delay-padangbai-sailings-during-high-wave-warningsFri, 30 Oct 2026 13:55:38 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBali maritime police raised preparedness status after forecasts of 2,5-to-4-metre waves. Padangbai departures must be postponed under BMKG high-wave warnings and winds above 15 knots. https://baliobserver.com/sumbawa-lombok-ferry-service-continues-after-truck-nearly-toppleshttps://baliobserver.com/sumbawa-lombok-ferry-service-continues-after-truck-nearly-topplesThu, 29 Oct 2026 20:55:28 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskA truck nearly toppled on the Sumbawa-Lombok ferry route on Oct. 26 as waves reached 1.5 meters. ASDP reported no injuries or damage and said service remained normal. https://baliobserver.com/east-lombok-village-chief-and-treasurer-face-corruption-chargeshttps://baliobserver.com/east-lombok-village-chief-and-treasurer-face-corruption-chargesFri, 23 Oct 2026 20:58:46 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskLalu Supiandi and Masran were named suspects in an alleged Kotaraja Village fund corruption case in East Lombok. Investigators examined 55 witnesses and seized 193 items. https://baliobserver.com/basarnas-to-review-km-feronia-search-in-labuan-bajohttps://baliobserver.com/basarnas-to-review-km-feronia-search-in-labuan-bajoFri, 23 Oct 2026 17:22:48 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskThe search for Veronica Beatrix Jessica entered its 10th day after the KM Feronia sinking in Komodo National Park waters. Basarnas planned an evaluation in three days. https://baliobserver.com/six-fishermen-rescued-after-boat-hits-reef-in-komodo-national-parkhttps://baliobserver.com/six-fishermen-rescued-after-boat-hits-reef-in-komodo-national-parkFri, 23 Oct 2026 13:53:44 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskMori Sama 02 sank after striking a reef south of Siaba Kecil Island in Komodo National Park. A joint rescue team evacuated all six fishermen safely. https://baliobserver.com/sumbawa-customs-seizes-2278815-illegal-cigaretteshttps://baliobserver.com/sumbawa-customs-seizes-2278815-illegal-cigarettesThu, 22 Oct 2026 20:54:12 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBea Cukai Sumbawa reported seizures of 2.278.815 illegal cigarettes across Sumbawa Island through the third week of October 2026, with potential lost state revenue of Rp2,21 billion (about US$140,000). https://baliobserver.com/dutch-tourist-airlifted-after-leg-injury-on-mount-rinjanihttps://baliobserver.com/dutch-tourist-airlifted-after-leg-injury-on-mount-rinjaniThu, 22 Oct 2026 17:23:41 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskA 28-year-old Dutch tourist injured her leg near Batu Beleq on Mount Rinjani was airlifted to Benoa and referred to a hospital on Oct. 22, 2026. https://baliobserver.com/jakarta-exhibition-showcases-sumba-textiles-and-cultural-livelihoodshttps://baliobserver.com/jakarta-exhibition-showcases-sumba-textiles-and-cultural-livelihoodsThu, 22 Oct 2026 10:53:32 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskA Jakarta exhibition presented handwoven Sumba textiles whose motifs embody local beliefs and wisdom. Umaratu Foundation links heritage preservation with sustainable livelihoods. https://baliobserver.com/east-nusa-tenggara-spends-rp28-billion-on-flores-earthquake-aidhttps://baliobserver.com/east-nusa-tenggara-spends-rp28-billion-on-flores-earthquake-aidWed, 21 Oct 2026 20:52:42 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskEast Nusa Tenggara has spent about Rp28 billion (about US$1.7 million) of the Rp40 billion (about US$2.4 million) allocated by President Prabowo Subianto for the Flores earthquake response. Agencies are preparing accountability reports. https://baliobserver.com/haze-returns-to-labuan-bajo-as-visibility-fallshttps://baliobserver.com/haze-returns-to-labuan-bajo-as-visibility-fallsWed, 21 Oct 2026 17:25:52 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskHaze returned to Labuan Bajo on Oct. 19, reducing visibility to about four kilometres. The Komodo Meteorological Station urged sensitive groups to limit strenuous outdoor activity. https://baliobserver.com/police-arrest-labuan-bajo-travel-agent-owner-over-alleged-tourist-fraudhttps://baliobserver.com/police-arrest-labuan-bajo-travel-agent-owner-over-alleged-tourist-fraudTue, 20 Oct 2026 20:52:10 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskPolice arrested Kristoforus Aman, owner of Labuan Bajo Top, in Manggarai Timur on Oct. 19, 2026, over alleged repeated fraud involving tourists from several countries. https://baliobserver.com/komodo-search-for-jessica-ends-without-result-in-labuan-bajohttps://baliobserver.com/komodo-search-for-jessica-ends-without-result-in-labuan-bajoTue, 20 Oct 2026 13:52:47 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskThe final scheduled search for Veronica Beatrix Jessica ended in Komodo National Park without finding her or the Feronia wreck. Tourist vessels faced daytime restrictions in five waters. https://baliobserver.com/badung-schools-resume-classroom-teaching-after-online-measure-endshttps://baliobserver.com/badung-schools-resume-classroom-teaching-after-online-measure-endsTue, 20 Oct 2026 06:13:50 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBadung schools were due to resume classroom teaching on 19 October 2026 after the regency’s temporary online-learning measure was not extended amid Bali’s fuel-supply disruption. https://baliobserver.com/magnitude-53-earthquake-hits-northwest-of-manggaraihttps://baliobserver.com/magnitude-53-earthquake-hits-northwest-of-manggaraiMon, 19 Oct 2026 17:29:30 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBMKG said the offshore earthquake was felt across parts of West Manggarai and Manggarai, including Labuan Bajo and Ruteng. Its updated analysis put the epicenter 53 kilometers northwest of Ruteng. https://baliobserver.com/flores-sets-70-kilometre-camino-de-flores-pilot-routehttps://baliobserver.com/flores-sets-70-kilometre-camino-de-flores-pilot-routeMon, 19 Oct 2026 13:53:16 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskA central Flores walking pilgrimage will run from Bajawa through Nagekeo to Ende on Oct. 23–27, 2026, with about 70 participants covering roughly 70 kilometers. https://baliobserver.com/indonesia-keeps-mandalika-motogp-extension-pendinghttps://baliobserver.com/indonesia-keeps-mandalika-motogp-extension-pendingMon, 19 Oct 2026 10:53:31 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskIndonesia had not formally approved a Mandalika MotoGP extension beyond 2026, while Dorna said it planned to continue in Lombok at least through 2031. https://baliobserver.com/navy-warship-joins-fifth-day-search-in-komodo-watershttps://baliobserver.com/navy-warship-joins-fifth-day-search-in-komodo-watersSat, 17 Oct 2026 20:53:45 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskThe Indonesian Navy sent KRI Pulau Fani-731 to search underwater for Veronica Beatrix Jessica, still missing after Feronia sank in Komodo National Park. https://baliobserver.com/three-tourists-dead-after-sumbawa-beach-incidenthttps://baliobserver.com/three-tourists-dead-after-sumbawa-beach-incidentSat, 17 Oct 2026 10:52:35 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskThree tourists were found dead after four were swept away at Batu Pampang Beach in Sumbawa. A 19-year-old tourist from Ponorogo remained missing on Oct. 15. https://baliobserver.com/pertamina-says-19-million-litres-of-fuel-reached-bali-terminalshttps://baliobserver.com/pertamina-says-19-million-litres-of-fuel-reached-bali-terminalsSat, 17 Oct 2026 06:15:53 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskPertamina Patra Niaga said 19 million litres of additional Pertalite and Pertamax had reached Bali terminals by 16 October, with 57.9 million litres planned for delivery during 14–17 October. https://baliobserver.com/koni-may-move-unfit-pon-2028-venues-in-east-nusa-tenggarahttps://baliobserver.com/koni-may-move-unfit-pon-2028-venues-in-east-nusa-tenggaraFri, 16 Oct 2026 20:54:11 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskKONI Pusat is assessing proposed PON 2028 venues in Kupang and other East Nusa Tenggara districts. Locations that fail required standards may be replaced. https://baliobserver.com/chinese-investor-explores-mining-projects-in-lombok-and-sumbawahttps://baliobserver.com/chinese-investor-explores-mining-projects-in-lombok-and-sumbawaFri, 16 Oct 2026 13:55:44 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskLu Keming of PT Star Bright International Investment met Gov. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal to discuss mining and volcanic-ash opportunities in West Nusa Tenggara, including Lombok and Sumbawa. https://baliobserver.com/flores-residents-demand-accountability-over-earthquake-recoveryhttps://baliobserver.com/flores-residents-demand-accountability-over-earthquake-recoveryFri, 16 Oct 2026 10:57:44 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskFlores residents and civil-society groups issued a legal notice accusing the government of negligence as shelters continued to report shortages two months after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake. https://baliobserver.com/search-for-south-korean-tourist-ends-at-gili-trawanganhttps://baliobserver.com/search-for-south-korean-tourist-ends-at-gili-trawanganThu, 15 Oct 2026 20:52:27 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskThe Mataram Search and Rescue Office ended its eighth-day search for Cheon Yuri, a South Korean tourist who disappeared while snorkeling at Gili Trawangan. No trace was found. https://baliobserver.com/tourist-boat-sinks-in-komodo-national-park-one-missinghttps://baliobserver.com/tourist-boat-sinks-in-komodo-national-park-one-missingThu, 15 Oct 2026 17:24:41 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskKM Feronia sank near Pulau Tatawa in Komodo National Park after encountering strong currents. Twenty-nine people were evacuated, while one passenger remained missing. https://baliobserver.com/bmkg-warns-of-four-metre-waves-near-sumbawahttps://baliobserver.com/bmkg-warns-of-four-metre-waves-near-sumbawaThu, 15 Oct 2026 13:51:54 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBMKG warned of waves up to 4 metres in parts of Indonesian waters from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18, 2026, including the Bali Sea and Sumbawa Sea in its wider maritime alert. https://baliobserver.com/sixteen-divers-search-for-passenger-missing-in-komodo-parkhttps://baliobserver.com/sixteen-divers-search-for-passenger-missing-in-komodo-parkWed, 14 Oct 2026 10:55:32 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskSixteen divers searched for a 23-year-old passenger missing after the pinisi Feronia sank in Komodo National Park. Twenty-four passengers and five crew members survived. https://baliobserver.com/unidentified-body-found-in-north-lombok-hillshttps://baliobserver.com/unidentified-body-found-in-north-lombok-hillsTue, 13 Oct 2026 20:54:12 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskAn unidentified body was found by a resident looking for birds in North Lombok on Oct. 13, 2026. SAR personnel took it to NTB Provincial Hospital for examination and identification. https://baliobserver.com/bali-fuel-distribution-begins-recovery-after-20500-kilolitre-tanker-arrivalhttps://baliobserver.com/bali-fuel-distribution-begins-recovery-after-20500-kilolitre-tanker-arrivalTue, 13 Oct 2026 06:11:04 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBali’s governor met Pertamina after fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations. A vessel delivered 20,500 kilolitres on 11 October, with more shipments scheduled through 16 October. https://baliobserver.com/traffic-backs-up-across-central-lombok-before-mandalika-racehttps://baliobserver.com/traffic-backs-up-across-central-lombok-before-mandalika-raceMon, 12 Oct 2026 20:56:21 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskTraffic queued from Lombok International Airport through the bypass and Songgong roundabout to Mandalika’s eastern parking area before the Oct. 11 main race. https://baliobserver.com/police-identify-two-suspects-in-kupang-newborn-death-casehttps://baliobserver.com/police-identify-two-suspects-in-kupang-newborn-death-caseMon, 12 Oct 2026 13:51:39 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskPolice identified YTM and NEL, both 23, as alleged perpetrators in the death and burial of a newborn whose body was found in Oesena, Kupang Regency, on Oct. 6. https://baliobserver.com/mandalika-motogp-sets-attendance-record-with-157875-spectatorshttps://baliobserver.com/mandalika-motogp-sets-attendance-record-with-157875-spectatorsSun, 11 Oct 2026 20:53:20 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskThe 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia drew 157,875 spectators at Mandalika over three days, setting a record since Indonesia returned to the calendar in 2022. Sunday recorded the highest daily attendance, with 65,069 spectators. https://baliobserver.com/agnez-mo-and-tipe-x-set-for-sunday-motogp-shows-in-lombokhttps://baliobserver.com/agnez-mo-and-tipe-x-set-for-sunday-motogp-shows-in-lombokSun, 11 Oct 2026 10:53:55 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskAgnez Mo and Tipe-X are scheduled for the Sunday night program at Mandalika in Lombok Tengah. Their published set times are 19.40 and 20.50 WITA. https://baliobserver.com/bnpb-activates-emergency-post-after-southwest-sumba-earthquakehttps://baliobserver.com/bnpb-activates-emergency-post-after-southwest-sumba-earthquakeSat, 10 Oct 2026 13:56:01 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBNPB’s Oct. 5 update said Southwest Sumba had 95 damaged homes and an emergency command post coordinated by the local government after the earthquake. https://baliobserver.com/west-lombok-police-open-investigation-into-alleged-teacher-abuse-casehttps://baliobserver.com/west-lombok-police-open-investigation-into-alleged-teacher-abuse-caseSat, 10 Oct 2026 10:54:51 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskPolresta Mataram opened an investigation into allegations involving a teacher identified as F at an Islamic boarding school in Lombok Barat. Police have not named him a suspect. https://baliobserver.com/free-shuttle-buses-serve-mandalika-motogp-visitors-in-lombokhttps://baliobserver.com/free-shuttle-buses-serve-mandalika-motogp-visitors-in-lombokFri, 09 Oct 2026 13:52:05 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskFree shuttle buses are serving ticket holders at the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11. DAMRI’s service runs from 07.00 to 23.00 WITA. https://baliobserver.com/earthquake-rattles-west-sumba-near-waikabubakhttps://baliobserver.com/earthquake-rattles-west-sumba-near-waikabubakThu, 08 Oct 2026 20:55:04 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBMKG data recorded an earthquake 6 kilometres northeast of Waikabubak on Oct. 8. Shaking reached IV–V in West Sumba and III–IV in Central Sumba. https://baliobserver.com/bmkg-revises-lombok-barat-earthquake-to-magnitude-50https://baliobserver.com/bmkg-revises-lombok-barat-earthquake-to-magnitude-50Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:52:56 +0800Kevin Mikael JanuarEast Indonesia DeskBMKG revised the Oct. 7 Lombok Barat earthquake to magnitude 5.0 and a depth of 82 kilometres. One magnitude-1.3 aftershock was recorded, with no tsunami threat.