The year was marked with the government's COVID-19 vaccination program across Indonesia, which commenced since the vaccination of President Joko Widodo on a live televised event. Due to the outbreak of the more contagious COVID-19 Delta variant, a second wave of COVID-19 cases occurred on June - August, causing hospitals to be filled at near full capacity. The outbreak led the government to impose more restrictions on social activities in public.
During that year, Indonesia was also struck by multiple notable disasters. In January, more than one hundred were killed after an earthquake struck West Sulawesi. In early April, hundreds of people were killed after Cyclone Seroja struck the province of East Nusa Tenggara. On that same month, The Indonesian Navy suffered one of its deadliest accident following the sinking of Nanggala II off the coast of Bali. In December, dozens of people were killed after Mount Semeruerupted.
1 January – A fisherman from Sulawesi recovered a Chinese seaglider off the coast of South Sulawesi, raising questions on the security of Indonesian airspace and waters.[1]
3 January – At least 20 people were injured after a tornado struck a residential area in Cirebon Regency, West Java.[2]
Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) declared Chinese Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine as halal, ending a longstanding perception conflict among anti-vaccine believers which states that the vaccine is haram.[4]
Investigation by National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) revealed that there were indications of human rights violations on the shooting of 6 FPI members.[5]
COVID-19 cases number in Indonesia reached the 800,000 mark.[6]
At least 40 people were killed after a landslide struck residential homes in Sumedang, West Java
9 January
A massive landslide struck a residential area in Cihanjuang, Sumedang, West Java. At least 40 people were killed and 25 people were Injured.[7]
12 January – A massive flood swept South Kalimantan after two rivers burst its banks. More than 6,000 homes were submerged and more than 20,000 people were evacuated.[12] At least 5 bodies were recovered from the flood.[13]
13 January
The first vaccine administration in Indonesia took place in Jakarta. President Joko Widodo was vaccinated with Sinovac vaccine on a live televised event.[14]
14 January – National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) announced that the commission didn't find any indications of severe human rights violation during the shooting of 6 FPI members in December 2020.[16]
15 January
Indonesia recorded its highest daily increase of COVID-19 to date, with nearly 13,000 positive cases.[17]
A magnitude 6.2earthquake struck Majene, West Sulawesi. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10km, with its epicentre located at least 6km from Majene Regency. Dozens of structures, including a hotel and West Sulawesi's gubernatorial building, were destroyed. At least 105 people died and more than 800 wounded.[18][19]
17 January
At least 5 people were killed and 500 were displaced after a flash flood and landslide struck Manado, North Sulawesi.[20]
COVID-19 cases number in Indonesia reached the 900,000 mark.[21]
20 January – A Twitter thread made by two American citizens living in Bali caused heavy backlash among Indonesians due to a perceived exploitation of the loopholes of Indonesian immigration policy. Both of them were later deported.[22]
21 January – A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Talaud Islands Regency, North Sulawesi at a depth of more than 100km. Structural damage were reported in several districts.[23]
23 January
Controversy and public outcry after an alleged enforcement of hijab to non-Muslim students in Padang, West Sumatra.[24]
Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem Makarrim threatened "serious consequences" for people who were involved in the incident.[25]
25 January
Indonesian coastguard seized an Iranian and a Panamanian tankers off the coast of Borneo.[26]
Indonesia reached a new grim milestone as number of COVID-19 cases pass 1 million, the highest in Southeast Asia.[28]
A politician from People's Conscience Party, Ambroncius Nababan, was accused of racism after allegedly posted a photo of Papuan members of National Human Rights Commission Natalius Pigai and comparing it to a gorilla. Ambroncius was then summoned by the Indonesian National Police and was later declared as a suspect.[29]
27 January – Listyo Sigit Prabowo was chosen as the new Chief of the Indonesian National Police.[30]
February
1 February – Leader of Indonesia's Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, claimed that one of the senior officials with close ties to Joko Widodo had planned for a "coup d'état" within the party, with a goal of deposing him from his position as the party's leader.[31]
3 February – Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, announced a provincial level partial-lockdown for two days.[32]
4 February – Authorities transferred 26 suspected terrorists from Makassar and Gorontalo to an exclusive penitentiary in Cikeas for tighter surveillance.[33]
6 February
Two Sumatran tigers escaped from a zoo in Singkawang after a landslide struck the enclosure. At least one zookeeper was killed. One of the tiger was later shot dead.[34]
At least 3 people were killed after a massive flood and landslide swept through Semarang, Central Java.[35]
7 February – Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) approved the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine for use in the elderly.[36]
8 February
Banyuwangi Airport was closed due to ashfall from Mount Raung eruption.[37]
As of 8 February, more than 1,000 residents had evacuated after a massive flood swept parts of Jakarta.[38]
Hundreds of residents were evacuated due to floods in Indramayu, West Java.[39]
9 February – More than 35,000 people were evacuated after a massive flood swept through 11 districts in Subang Regency, West Java. A total of 5 people were killed due to the flood.[40]
A landslide in Nganjuk Regency, East Java buried dozens of homes and residents. At least 23 people were killed in the disaster.
15 February – At least 23 people were listed as missing after a massive landslide struck a village in Nganjuk Regency, East Java.[42]
16 February – Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered the Indonesian People's Representatives Council to revise the controversial Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) law.[43]
20 February – At least 5 people were killed and hundreds evacuated after massive flood swept the Indonesian capital Jakarta.[44]
24 February
At least 1 person was injured and 170 houses were damaged after a tornado struck a village in Demak, Central Java.[45]
Five santriwati were killed after a landslide struck a pesantren in Pamekasan.[46]
Dozens missing after a landslide struck a gold mine in Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi.[47]
25 February – A shootout at a cafe in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, killed at least 3 people including one member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.[48]
26 February – At least 400 houses were damaged or destroyed after a tornado struck villages in Demak, Central Java.[49]
27 February – KPK arrested the governor of South SulawesiNurdin Abdullah for an alleged corruption case. A total of Rp1 billion rupiah was seized.[50]
Numerous condemnations came from Democratic Party members. Incumbent General Chairman of Democrat Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono described the declaration as illegitimate and unconstitutional.[54]
6 March – Ministry of Health announced tighter screenings in multiple airports and seaports after the discovery of COVID-19 variant in West Java.[55]
10 March
A tourist bus carrying 66 people, including pilgrims, teachers and high school students, plunged into a ravine in Subang, West Java, killing 27 people and injuring 39.[56]
The Ministry of Law and Human Rights dismissed the outcome of the Democratic Party's 2021 Extraordinary Congress.[70]
A terrorist attacked the Indonesian National Police headquarters in Jakarta and was later shot dead by police. The perpetrator was the sole fatality in the incident.[71]
18 April – Aceh officially adopts a qanun on sharia' banking. Banks that do not implement sharia law within their branches in Aceh are forced to close.[80]
20 April – Indonesian government decided to approve the research of Nusantara COVID-19 vaccine.[81]
President Joko Widodo during a press conference on the disappearance of KRI Nanggala (402) off the coast of Bali on 21 April 2021
The wreckage of the KRI Nanggala (402) submarine was found on the sea floor off Bali. Indonesian Navy later confirmed that all 53 crewmen had died in the disaster.[84]
Papua's Chief of Indonesian National Intelligence Agency was assassinated by armed groups (KKB) in Papua.[85]
28 April – President Joko Widodo inaugurated Nadiem Makarim as Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture – Research and Technology and Bahlil Lahadalia as Minister of Investment.[87]
29 April
In response to the growing number of violence in Papua, the Indonesian government declared Papuan rebels as terrorists.[88]
5 May – Criticisms after questionable civil exam questions caused 75 KPK employees to fail, including prominent KPK investigator Novel Baswedan, who is also an acid attack survivor.[92]
6 May – 17 May – In response to Indonesian government's decision to ban mudik, authorities deployed multiple personnel throughout Indonesia.[93]
7 May
Supreme Court of Indonesia decided not to implement the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) on school uniforms and ordered to recall the issuance of the SKB.[94]
Mount Sinabung erupted, sending ash as high as 2,800 meters into the sky.[95]
10 May
Regent of Nganjuk Regency Novi Rahman Hidayat was arrested by KPK for a suspected bribery case.[96]
At least 8 people were killed after a landslide struck an illegal gold mine in South Solok Regency, West Sumatra.[97]
3 June – Government confirms that it will not embark Hajj pilgrims for this year's Hajj due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.[106]
11 June – Indonesian Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) asked authorities to investigate the death of Vice Regent of Sangihe Islands RegencyHelmud Hontong after dubbing his death as suspicious.[107]
14 June – North Sulawesi forensic analyst reported that preliminary findings from the autopsy of Helmud Hontong didn't indicate signs of intentional poisoning.[108]
16 June – A 0.5 meter tall tsunami struck Central Maluku Regency after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake caused an undersea landslide. No injuries were reported.[109]
17 June
Bank Indonesia bans cryptocurrency as legal payment.[110]
WHO warned the government of Indonesia of a possible COVID-19 surge caused by Delta variant of the virus.[111]
21 June
COVID-19 cases reached 2 million, highest in Southeast Asia.[112]
Government announced harsher restrictions in several regions after surge in COVID-19 cases across Indonesia.[113]
24 June
Clashes in the street after controversial hardline cleric Rizieq Shihab was sentenced to 4 years in prison for "lying on his COVID-19 test result".[114]
Indonesia recorded its highest daily increase of COVID-19 to date, with 20,574 positive cases.[116]
28 June – Regent of Mamberamo Raya Dorinus Dasinapa was arrested for alleged embezzlement of COVID-19 aid and funds.[117]
MV Yunicee capsized off the coast of Bali on 29 June while carrying 76 passengers and crews.
29 June – A passenger ferry, MV Yunicee, carrying 76 passengers and crew members sank while docking at Gilimanuk at Bali. At least seven people were killed and 18 people missing.[118]
July
1 July – President Joko Widodo announced two weeks island-wide lockdown in Java and Bali after record surge of COVID-19 cases throughout the country.[119]
3 July
LaporCovid19 reports that Indonesian healthcare facility has collapsed as surge in COVID-19 cases causes high BOR across multiple healthcare facilities.[120]
Spokeswoman of the Indonesian Ministry of Health denied reports that multiple healthcare facilities across Indonesia had collapsed due to surging COVID-19 patients.[121]
4 July
Oxygen shortages were reported across 5 provinces in Indonesia.[122]
Official at Yogyakarta's Dr. Sardjito Hospital reported the death of 33 patients, including non-COVID-19 patients, due to oxygen shortage.[123]
Government to bar unvaccinated arrivals after COVID-19 cases skyrocketed across Indonesia.[124]
8 July – Number of deaths due to COVID-19 passed 1,000 cases, first time since the pandemic began in the country.[125]
12 July – At least 8 were killed after a bus crash in Pemalang, Central Java.[126]
13 July – Government postponed plan to sell private COVID-19 vaccine after harsh criticisms from parliamentarians and public.[127]
14 July – Indonesia becomes the epicentre of COVID-19 outbreak in Asia as the country's newest daily infections overtakes India.[128]
15 July – Search and rescue personnel were deployed after 14 vessels carrying fishermen capsized during a storm off the coast of Pontianak, West Kalimantan. At least 9 were killed and more than 40 people were missing.[129]
Indonesian government enforces strict social restrictions in multiple public settings after massive surge of COVID-19 cases
16 July – Government decided to extend emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat) for an additional 11 days after surge in COVID-19 cases.[130]
22 July – Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 3 million, the highest in Southeast Asia.[131]
25 July – Indonesia to extend PPKM until 2 August after rise in COVID-19 cases.[132]
27 July – Number of daily COVID-19 deaths in Indonesia reached 2,000 for the first time since the start of the pandemic.[133]
Government of Nigeria threatens to sever ties following a viral video of a possible assault on one of its diplomat in Jakarta.[138]
Immigration officials gave clarification on the video, citing that the diplomat was being aggressive and had attacked officials prior to the video. The aftermath of the incident was later resolved in the Nigerian Embassy.[139]
23 August – Former Minister of Social Affairs Juliari Batubara, who was convicted for embezzlement of COVID-19 aids, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.[143]
24 August
Protests held by Afghan refugees turned violent in Central Jakarta.[144]
30 August – PPKM to be extended until 6 September. Social restrictions were slightly eased following decreasing number of COVID-19 infections.[146]
September
2 September – Indonesia launched a probe following massive data breach of electronic Health Alert Card (eHAC) users.[147]
3 September
Calls for greater personal data protection and regulation following leak of Joko Widodo's personal information on social media.[148]
Indonesian Broadcasting Commission was under fire after a Twitter thread of alleged sexual harassment and bullying on a male employee went viral. Police decided to investigate the case following public outcry.[149]
MV Henri, a fishing vessel carrying 32 crew members was caught on fire near Tanimbar Islands, Maluku. At least 2 people were killed and 18 people were missing.[151]
PPKM to be extended until 13 September with further relaxations on social restrictions.[153]
7 September – More than 500,000 people signed a petition to bar Indonesian dangdut performer Saipul Jamil from appearing on TV following his release from prison. He had served 3 years in prison for sexual assault on a minor.[154]
8-16 September – The Central Kalimantan floods affected 11 regencies and cities in Kalimantan province, resulting in a state of emergency and the deaths of 2 people.[156]
11 September – Bombs used for blast fishing exploded in a residential area in Pasuruan Regency, East Java. A total of 2 people were killed 2 others were wounded by the explosion.[157]
15 September – A DHC-6-300 operated by Rimbun Air crashed onto a heavily forested area in Papua, killing all three crew members on board.[158]
17 September – President Joko Widodo along with 6 other top officials were ruled against the Jakarta High Court for failing to ensure clean air in Jakarta, in what environmentalists called as a "landmark case".[159]
21 September – Search and rescue team ended their search operation for 25 missing crew members following a fire aboard the fishing vessel MV Henri.[161]
4 October – Violent clash ensued following the death of former regent of Yahukimo Regency, Abock Busup. The riot killed 6 while 41 people were injured. At least 52 rioters were arrested.[164]
8 October
Toxic gas inside a sewer in Tangerang killed 5 people.[165]
World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) sanctioned Indonesia for the country's non-compliance with the anti-doping code. The flag of Indonesia will not be able to be hoisted during medal ceremony. Indonesia will also not be able to host regional, continental or international sports competition due to the sanction.[166]
15 October
Sudden flash flood struck a group of students who were exploring a river in Ciamis, West Java, drowning 11.[167]
17 October – Indonesia won the 2020 Thomas Cup, the first title since 2002.[169]
23 October – President Joko Widodo ordered total overhaul on the country's anti-doping agency LADI following sanction from WADA and outrage from Indonesians.[170]
26 October – Two trains of Jakarta light rail transit collided in Cibubur, Jakarta during a test run. No one was killed in the incident however a conductor was wounded.[171]
27 October – Team of Indonesian archeologists discovered the wreckage of the Dutch-era passenger ship Van der Wijck in Lamongan Regency, 85 years after its sinking.[172]
November
4 November – At least 9 people were killed and 1 other was missing after flash flood swept the city of Batu, East Java.[173]
6 November – Dean of Sriwijaya University's Social and Political Studies was accused of harassing students. The accused later threatened a Rp10 million lawsuit for defamation to the victim.[174]
9 November – Islamic factions accused newly published Ministry of Education and Culture's Anti-Sexual Violence Bill as "legalizing premarital sex".[175]
11 November – Police arrested Tubagus Joddy, Vanessa Angel's personal driver, following the deadly crash in Jombang-Mojokerto toll road which killed the famed actress.[176]
1 December – Rocky Gerung and three other opposition figures were officially reported to the police for hate speech.[180]
2 December – China issued protest to the Indonesian government after Indonesian authorities deployed vessels for oil and gas exploration in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone in Natuna.[181]
8 December – President Joko Widodo visited Sintang Regency in West Kalimantan following massive flood that had been sweeping the area for weeks.[184]
11 December – Outrage following the discovery of a serial rapist inside an Islamic boarding school in Bandung.[185]
14 December - More than 800 houses were destroyed and another 1,200 were damaged following a major 7.3 earthquake off the coast of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. At least one person was killed and dozens injured.[186]
15 December – Authorities confirmed the first case of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Omicron variant.[187]
16 December - At least 4 people were injured and dozens of homes were damaged following a shallow 5.1 earthquake in Jember, East Java.[188]
27 December – Three members of the Indonesian Armed Forces were arrested following the death of a couple in Nagreg. The bodies of both lovers had been discovered by authorities in Serayu River in Central Java.[189]
28 December – Health ministry confirmed the first locally transmitted case of the Omicron variant in Indonesia.[190]
30 December - At least 2 houses were destroyed following a deep 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Maluku.[191]
31 December - Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources issued a ban on coal export due to fears of a supply crisis. The ban is set no6 take effect on 1 January and will stay for at least a month.[192]
2 December - Poedjono Pranyoto, Governor of Lampung (1988 - 1997), Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (1997 - 1999) (b.1936).[262]
Yulisman, Linda (January 9, 2021). "Indonesia's top terrorist convict Abu Bakar Bashir released from prison". The Straits Times. Indonesia's top terrorist convict Abu Bakar Bashir, the spiritual leader of South-east Asia's terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI), was released from prison early yesterday. [...] Ms Rika Apriyanti, the Law and Human Rights Ministry spokes-man for prisons, said that Mr Bashir's family and lawyers picked him up at the Gunung Sindur prison in Bogor, West Java.