The Bali bombmaker Umar Patek has apologised to the families of the victims killed in 2002 in the Indonesian island of Bali. The attacks killed 202 people mostly foreign tourists including 88 Australians.

Bali bombmaker walks out of prison; visits friend's deradicalisation centre

According to the Indonesian government, visitors to Bali will not be at risk of criminalisation under new Indonesian laws that outlaw sex outside marriage. Indonesia's parliament last week passed the controversial bill that also prohibits cohabitation between unmarried couples.

Ban on sex outside marriage will not affect tourists, says Indonesian government

Indonesia has criminalised sex between unmarried people. This new law is worrying potential tourists. Indonesia is trying to address tourist concerns.

WION Fineprint | New Indonesian sex law worries tourists

The government of Australia declared on Thursday that it was looking for assurances from Indonesia that the man convicted of created explosives used during 2002 Bali terrorist attacks would still be under monitoring after his release from jail. Despite staunch opposition from Australia, the Islamic militant Hisyam bin Alizein, known as Umar Patek, was released from prison on Wednesday after completing roughly half of his initial 20-year sentence. The attacks led to the death of 202, out of which 88 were Australians.&nbsp;

Richard Marles, the deputy prime minister of Australia, said people who lost loved ones in the bombings were having a rough day.

He said&nbsp;to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that his administration had fough against&nbsp;Patek's early release and would urge&nbsp;the Indonesian authorities to keep him&nbsp;under constant observation while on parole. According to Indonesian officials, Patek, 55, was successfully rehabilitated in prison and would be help in&nbsp;persuading&nbsp;other terrorists to abstain from terrorism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-coral-triangle-island-auction-faces-criticism-541257">Indonesia's plan to auction 'Coral Triangle' islands faces criticism from senior officials</a>

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said it was a horrific day for the victims and their families.

“This is a person who was in the Indonesian justice system. My personal view is his actions are inexcusable and completely abhorrent,” O’Neil said at the National Press Club in Canberra. ”We don’t control the Indonesian justice system, and that is the way of the world.”

Patek was an active supporter of Jemaah Islamiah, which was held accountable for the explosions at the two Kuta Beach nightclubs. The West Jakarta District Court found him guilty of aiding in the construction of a car bomb that was set off by another person outside the Sari Club in Kuta on the evening of October 12, 2002. Moments earlier, a suicide bomber at the nearby Paddy's Pub bar detonated a smaller bomb&nbsp;in a rucksack.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government of Australia declared on Thursday that it was looking for assurances from Indonesia that the man convicted of created explosives used during 2002 Bali terrorist attacks would still be under monitoring after his release from jail.

The government of Australia declared on Thursday that it was looking for assurances from Indonesia that the man convicted of created explosives used during 2002 Bali terrorist attacks would still be under monitoring after his release from jail. Despite staunch opposition from Australia, the Islamic militant Hisyam bin Alizein, known as Umar Patek, was released from prison on Wednesday after completing roughly half of his initial 20-year sentence. The attacks led to the death of 202, out of which 88 were Australians. Richard Marles, the deputy prime minister of Australia, said people who lost loved ones in the bombings were having a rough day. He said to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that his administration had fough against Patek's early release and would urge the Indonesian authorities to keep him under constant observation while on parole. According to Indonesian officials, Patek, 55, was successfully rehabilitated in prison and would be help in persuading other terrorists to abstain from terrorism. Also read | Indonesia's plan to auction 'Coral Triangle' islands faces criticism from senior officials Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said it was a horrific day for the victims and their families. “This is a person who was in the Indonesian justice system. My personal view is his actions are inexcusable and completely abhorrent,” O’Neil said at the National Press Club in Canberra. ”We don’t control the Indonesian justice system, and that is the way of the world.” Patek was an active supporter of Jemaah Islamiah, which was held accountable for the explosions at the two Kuta Beach nightclubs. The West Jakarta District Court found him guilty of aiding in the construction of a car bomb that was set off by another person outside the Sari Club in Kuta on the evening of October 12, 2002. Moments earlier, a suicide bomber at the nearby Paddy's Pub bar detonated a smaller bomb in a rucksack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australia urges Indonesian authorities to monitor Bali bombmaker released on parole

At least two people were killed and several injured in a suspected suicide bomb blast at an Indonesian police station on Wednesday. Among those killed is a police officer. According to reports, a man riding a motorcycle and carrying a knife blew himself up after entering a police station in West Java’s Bandung city.&nbsp;As per the&nbsp;Indonesian police head Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the suicide bomber had previously been imprisoned on terrorism-related charges&nbsp;and is allegedly linked with the Islamic State-inspired organisation Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).&nbsp;

The police chief confirmed&nbsp;that the attacker, identified as Agus Sujatno, was released in late 2021 and investigators had found dozens of documents decrying the country's controversial new criminal code at the crime scene. A&nbsp;blue motorbike was found&nbsp;at the scene that they believe was used by the perpetrator, West Java police chief Suntana had earlier told Metro TV.

A note that condemned the new criminal code as "an infidel product" was attached to the bike, according to Suntana.

The incident was allegedly&nbsp;being planned for some time and was likely a result of an ideological opposition to the nation's new laws, according to Todd Elliott, a senior security analyst at Concord Consulting in Jakarta.

Six police officers and a civilian were injured in the attack and rushed to a nearby hospital.

The police suspect this to be a case of terrorism and have sought help from the counter-terrorism unit to investigate the incident, Ahmad Ramadhan, head of the public information bureau for the National Police, said.

Lola media reported damage to the entrance of the Astana Anyar police station, and roads closed in the area and smoke rising from the scene. Videos surfaced on social media showed heavy&nbsp;police presence at the site.

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Terdengar Bunyi Ledakan di Polsek Astana Anyar, Kota Bandung. 
 
🎥 Istimewa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ledakan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ledakan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/breakingnews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#breakingnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bandung?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bandung</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astanaanyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astanaanyar</a> <a href="https://t.co/JxFuiglOmW">pic.twitter.com/JxFuiglOmW</a>
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“It is true that today at 8.20 am (local time), there is a suspected suicide bombing at the Astana Anyar police station, in Bandung,” he said in a YouTube broadcast.

Though no one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, officials believe that the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) terrorist group may have been behind the attack.

Ibnu Suhendra of Indonesia’s counterterrorism agency (BNPT) told Metro TV that the JAD has carried out similar attacks in Indonesia in the past.

Indonesia created a tough new anti-terrorism law in 2019, after suicide bombings linked to JAD.

Last year, two attackers, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, had blown themselves up outside a packed Roman Catholic cathedral during a Palm Sunday Mass on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least two people were killed and several injured in a suspected suicide bomb blast at an Indonesian police station on Wednesday. Among those killed is a police officer.

At least two people were killed and several injured in a suspected suicide bomb blast at an Indonesian police station on Wednesday. Among those killed is a police officer. According to reports, a man riding a motorcycle and carrying a knife blew himself up after entering a police station in West Java’s Bandung city. As per the Indonesian police head Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the suicide bomber had previously been imprisoned on terrorism-related charges and is allegedly linked with the Islamic State-inspired organisation Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). The police chief confirmed that the attacker, identified as Agus Sujatno, was released in late 2021 and investigators had found dozens of documents decrying the country's controversial new criminal code at the crime scene. A blue motorbike was found at the scene that they believe was used by the perpetrator, West Java police chief Suntana had earlier told Metro TV. A note that condemned the new criminal code as "an infidel product" was attached to the bike, according to Suntana. The incident was allegedly being planned for some time and was likely a result of an ideological opposition to the nation's new laws, according to Todd Elliott, a senior security analyst at Concord Consulting in Jakarta. Six police officers and a civilian were injured in the attack and rushed to a nearby hospital. The police suspect this to be a case of terrorism and have sought help from the counter-terrorism unit to investigate the incident, Ahmad Ramadhan, head of the public information bureau for the National Police, said. Lola media reported damage to the entrance of the Astana Anyar police station, and roads closed in the area and smoke rising from the scene. Videos surfaced on social media showed heavy police presence at the site. Terdengar Bunyi Ledakan di Polsek Astana Anyar, Kota Bandung. 🎥 Istimewa #ledakan #breakingnews #bandung #astanaanyar pic.twitter.com/JxFuiglOmW — Digo Indonesia (@digoindo) December 7, 2022 × “It is true that today at 8.20 am (local time), there is a suspected suicide bombing at the Astana Anyar police station, in Bandung,” he said in a YouTube broadcast. Though no one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, officials believe that the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) terrorist group may have been behind the attack. Ibnu Suhendra of Indonesia’s counterterrorism agency (BNPT) told Metro TV that the JAD has carried out similar attacks in Indonesia in the past. Indonesia created a tough new anti-terrorism law in 2019, after suicide bombings linked to JAD. Last year, two attackers, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, had blown themselves up outside a packed Roman Catholic cathedral during a Palm Sunday Mass on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Suicide bombing at Indonesian police station kills two; note condemning new criminal code found

Indonesia has criminalised sex outside of marriage. Those found guilty can face imprisonment for a year. What does it spell for the right to privacy?

Gravitas: Indonesia criminalises sex outside marriage

Suicide bombing at Indonesian police station kills two, several injured

On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment.

The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code. However, rights groups have labelled the amendment as a crackdown on civil liberties.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage

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"We have tried our best to accommodate the important issues and different opinions which were debated. However, it is time for us to make a historical decision on the penal code amendment and to leave the colonial criminal code we inherited behind," Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, told parliament as the new controversial criminal code received a majority of votes during the plenary session.

The new legislation also criminalises extra-marital sex and unmarried couples living together.

Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns over how this may impact same-sex couples. In Indonesia gay marriage is illegal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-penalise-sex-outside-marriage-as-part-of-criminal-code-revision-539475">Indonesia to make sex outside marriage punishable as part of criminal code revision</a>

However, Albert Aries, the spokesperson of the Law and Human Rights Ministry's criminal code bill dissemination team, defended the amendments and said the law would protect marriage institutions.&nbsp;

Rights groups slammed it as moral policing and a crackdown on civil, and political freedoms. They say that in a country boasting the world's most populous Muslim majority and long hailed for religious tolerance, &nbsp;the law is a shift towards fundamentalism. On Monday, citizens too took to the streets in protest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-to-update-rape-definition-lawmakers-clash-over-no-means-no-and-only-yes-means-yes-approaches-540413">Switzerland to update rape definition; lawmakers clash over 'no means no' and 'only yes means yes' approaches</a>

As per Aries, the amendment cannot be misused as acts of pre-marital and extra-marital sex can only be reported by a spouse, parents or children.

"We are going backward... repressive laws should have been abolished but the bill shows that the arguments of scholars abroad are true, that our democracy is indisputably in decline," said Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid while talking to AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment. The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code.

On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment. The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code. However, rights groups have labelled the amendment as a crackdown on civil liberties. Watch | WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage "We have tried our best to accommodate the important issues and different opinions which were debated. However, it is time for us to make a historical decision on the penal code amendment and to leave the colonial criminal code we inherited behind," Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, told parliament as the new controversial criminal code received a majority of votes during the plenary session. The new legislation also criminalises extra-marital sex and unmarried couples living together. Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns over how this may impact same-sex couples. In Indonesia gay marriage is illegal. Also read | Indonesia to make sex outside marriage punishable as part of criminal code revision However, Albert Aries, the spokesperson of the Law and Human Rights Ministry's criminal code bill dissemination team, defended the amendments and said the law would protect marriage institutions. Rights groups slammed it as moral policing and a crackdown on civil, and political freedoms. They say that in a country boasting the world's most populous Muslim majority and long hailed for religious tolerance, the law is a shift towards fundamentalism. On Monday, citizens too took to the streets in protest. Also read | Switzerland to update rape definition; lawmakers clash over 'no means no' and 'only yes means yes' approaches As per Aries, the amendment cannot be misused as acts of pre-marital and extra-marital sex can only be reported by a spouse, parents or children. "We are going backward... repressive laws should have been abolished but the bill shows that the arguments of scholars abroad are true, that our democracy is indisputably in decline," said Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid while talking to AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indonesia's new criminal code makes sex outside marriage a criminal offence, punishable with one year in jail

Indonesia's parliament has approved a new criminal code that will make sex outside of marriage punishable by up to a year in prison.

Sex outside marriage - A crime in Indonesia

Indonesia's parliament on Tuesday approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment.

Indonesia passes new criminal code, bans sex outside marriage

Indonesia’s highest volcano on its most densely populated island of Java erupted, spewing large gas clouds and a river of lava, on early Sunday. This prompted the authorities to issue the highest level warning and begin the evacuation of at least 93 residents of East Java province to shelters, said the country’s disaster mitigation agency (BNPB).&nbsp;

According to the BNPB, the Mount Semeru volcano&nbsp;began erupting at 2:46 am (local time). Subsequently, the lava flowed from Semeru’s slopes, while the thick column of smoke reached at least 1.5 km in height and ash blanketed the nearby areas blocking out the sun, said reports.&nbsp;

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Gunungapi Semeru kembali muntahkan Awan Panas Guguran (APG) pada hari Minggu (4/12) sejak pukul 02.46 WIB, dengan kolom abu teramati berwarna kelabu dengan intensitas sedang hingga tebal ke arah tenggara dan selatan setinggi kurang lebih 1.500 meter di atas puncak. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Semeru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Semeru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APG</a> <a href="https://t.co/v3mtSR4ILW">pic.twitter.com/v3mtSR4ILW</a>
— BNPB Indonesia (@BNPB_Indonesia) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPB_Indonesia/status/1599232889014874112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Several hundred people have been moved to temporary shelters and safe areas, said Joko Sambang, head of the disaster management agency in Lumajang, East Java province.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-mount-semeru-volcano-erupts-hundreds-evacuated-539905">Indonesia: Mount Semeru volcano erupts; hundreds evacuated</a>

The increased activity, on Sunday afternoon, led the authorities to widen the danger zone from 5 km to 8 km from the mouth of the crater, said Hendra Gunawan, the head of Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre (PVMBG).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/57-magnitude-earthquake-hits-indonesias-java-island-one-injured-539775">5.7 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia's Java island, one injured</a>

He added that people have also been asked to stay away from the southeastern part of the Besuk Kobokan River at the risk of encountering the path of the lava flow. Furthermore, the level of volcanic activity in the area was raised from level III to level IV, said the PVMBG chief. He also said that the hot ash clouds reached as far as 19 km from the site of the eruption.

This comes after the island of Java witnessed a series of earthquakes&nbsp;on the west of the island. Semeru’s eruption in December last year had killed more than 50 people, left several missing, and thousands displaced.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Indonesia’s highest volcano on its most densely populated island of Java erupted, spewing large gas clouds and a river of lava, on early Sunday. This prompted the authorities to issue the highest level warning and begin the evacuation of at least 93 residents of East Java province to shelters, said the country’s disaster mitigation agency (BNPB).

Indonesia’s highest volcano on its most densely populated island of Java erupted, spewing large gas clouds and a river of lava, on early Sunday. This prompted the authorities to issue the highest level warning and begin the evacuation of at least 93 residents of East Java province to shelters, said the country’s disaster mitigation agency (BNPB). According to the BNPB, the Mount Semeru volcano began erupting at 2:46 am (local time). Subsequently, the lava flowed from Semeru’s slopes, while the thick column of smoke reached at least 1.5 km in height and ash blanketed the nearby areas blocking out the sun, said reports. Gunungapi Semeru kembali muntahkan Awan Panas Guguran (APG) pada hari Minggu (4/12) sejak pukul 02.46 WIB, dengan kolom abu teramati berwarna kelabu dengan intensitas sedang hingga tebal ke arah tenggara dan selatan setinggi kurang lebih 1.500 meter di atas puncak. #Semeru #APG pic.twitter.com/v3mtSR4ILW — BNPB Indonesia (@BNPB_Indonesia) December 4, 2022 × Several hundred people have been moved to temporary shelters and safe areas, said Joko Sambang, head of the disaster management agency in Lumajang, East Java province. ALSO WATCH | Indonesia: Mount Semeru volcano erupts; hundreds evacuated The increased activity, on Sunday afternoon, led the authorities to widen the danger zone from 5 km to 8 km from the mouth of the crater, said Hendra Gunawan, the head of Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre (PVMBG). ALSO READ | 5.7 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia's Java island, one injured He added that people have also been asked to stay away from the southeastern part of the Besuk Kobokan River at the risk of encountering the path of the lava flow. Furthermore, the level of volcanic activity in the area was raised from level III to level IV, said the PVMBG chief. He also said that the hot ash clouds reached as far as 19 km from the site of the eruption. This comes after the island of Java witnessed a series of earthquakes on the west of the island. Semeru’s eruption in December last year had killed more than 50 people, left several missing, and thousands displaced. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mount Semeru volcano erupts, Indonesia issue warning of highest level, evacuates people

Another volcanic eruption around the Pacific is making headlines, triggering concerns all across Indonesia. Mount Semeru erupted on its most densely populated island, Java, spewing a column of ash 1.5 kms into the air and prompting the authorities to raise the volcano alert status to the highest level.

Indonesia: Mount Semeru volcano erupts; hundreds evacuated

Indonesia's proposed criminal code bans sex outside marriage, cohabitation before marriage. The code applies to Indonesian citizens and foreign visitors. Where does it leave the Right to privacy and Indonesia's tourism industry? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Indonesia set to ban sex outside marriage and live-in relationships

Indonesian officials have confirmed that a new criminal code that would penalise having sex outside of marriage with up to a year in jail is scheduled to be passed by Indonesia's parliament this month. In addition, criticising the president or state institutions, as well as expressing any opinions at odds with Indonesia's official ideology, will be prohibited by the legislative revision.&nbsp;The new criminal code, which has been in the works for decades, is anticipated to be approved on 15th December, according to Indonesia's deputy justice minister, Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej.&nbsp;

“We’re proud to have a criminal code that’s in line with Indonesian values,” he told Reuters in an interview.

In a nation where conservatism is on the upswing, some Islamic organisations favour the draft, but its detractors claim that it rolls back liberal freedoms that were implemented after authoritarian leader Suharto was overthrown in 1998.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Indonesia selling over 100 islands

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2019 was the planned passing date for an earlier draft of the code, but it was met with widespread opposition. At the time, tens of thousands of people protested a variety of regulations they believed would restrict civil freedoms, notably those that were viewed as regulating morals and free expression.

The administration has recently hosted public consultations around the nation to offer information about the modifications, but critics claim that little has changed with regard to the code since that time.

According to the most recent draft, dated Nov. 24, which was seen by Reuters, sex outside of marriage carries a potential one-year prison penalty and can only be reported by specific parties such as close relatives.

The maximum sentence for insulting the president, a charge that may only be brought by the president, is three years.

The country with the largest proportion of Muslims in the world, Indonesia, has several local laws that discriminate against LGBT people, women, and religious minorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indonesian officials have confirmed that a new criminal code that would penalise having sex outside of marriage with up to a year in jail is scheduled to be passed by Indonesia's parliament this month.

Indonesian officials have confirmed that a new criminal code that would penalise having sex outside of marriage with up to a year in jail is scheduled to be passed by Indonesia's parliament this month. In addition, criticising the president or state institutions, as well as expressing any opinions at odds with Indonesia's official ideology, will be prohibited by the legislative revision. The new criminal code, which has been in the works for decades, is anticipated to be approved on 15th December, according to Indonesia's deputy justice minister, Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej. “We’re proud to have a criminal code that’s in line with Indonesian values,” he told Reuters in an interview. In a nation where conservatism is on the upswing, some Islamic organisations favour the draft, but its detractors claim that it rolls back liberal freedoms that were implemented after authoritarian leader Suharto was overthrown in 1998. WATCH | Gravitas: Indonesia selling over 100 islands 2019 was the planned passing date for an earlier draft of the code, but it was met with widespread opposition. At the time, tens of thousands of people protested a variety of regulations they believed would restrict civil freedoms, notably those that were viewed as regulating morals and free expression. The administration has recently hosted public consultations around the nation to offer information about the modifications, but critics claim that little has changed with regard to the code since that time. According to the most recent draft, dated Nov. 24, which was seen by Reuters, sex outside of marriage carries a potential one-year prison penalty and can only be reported by specific parties such as close relatives. The maximum sentence for insulting the president, a charge that may only be brought by the president, is three years. The country with the largest proportion of Muslims in the world, Indonesia, has several local laws that discriminate against LGBT people, women, and religious minorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indonesia to make sex outside marriage punishable as part of criminal code revision

Indonesia's Java island was hit by a strong earthquake on Saturday, injuring one person and rocking the same town which suffered devastation due to a tremor last month, leaving more than 330 people dead. 
 
The earthquake's magnitude was 5.7 with a depth of 112 kilometres (70 miles) and the epicentre was 18 kilometres southeast of the West Java city of Banjar, the United States Geological Survey reported.

However, the meteorological agency of Indonesia, known as BMKG, claimed that the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.4, which shook the capital's buildings.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-earthquake-jolts-indonesias-capital-jakarta-535980">Indonesia earthquake: Death toll jumps to 162, officials warn toll may rise</a>

The chief of Indonesia's national disaster mitigation said that one person was injured and taken to hospital. No reports surfaced of any other casualties or damage.

The BMKG reported the buildings in the West Java town of Garut shook due to the quake and hence, the residents staying near the epicentre were warned about potential aftershocks.

However, it said that the earthquake did not indicate any threat of a tsunami in the future. Garut's local rescue chief Budi Satria said no significant damage took place due to the earthquake.

"Some people ran outside when the earthquake happened but when it calmed down, they went back to their activities. Thank God, so far everything is safe," he added.

&nbsp;ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-earthquake-hits-off-coast-of-indonesias-south-sumatra-no-casualties-reported-509561">Powerful earthquake hits off coast of Indonesia's South Sumatra, no casualties reported</a>

Indonesia is prone to frequent volcanic and seismic activity because of its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where there is a collision of tectonic plates.&nbsp;

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Indonesia's Java island was hit by a strong earthquake on Saturday, injuring one person and rocking the same town which suffered devastation due to a tremor last month, leaving more than 330 people dead.

Indonesia's Java island was hit by a strong earthquake on Saturday, injuring one person and rocking the same town which suffered devastation due to a tremor last month, leaving more than 330 people dead. The earthquake's magnitude was 5.7 with a depth of 112 kilometres (70 miles) and the epicentre was 18 kilometres southeast of the West Java city of Banjar, the United States Geological Survey reported. However, the meteorological agency of Indonesia, known as BMKG, claimed that the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.4, which shook the capital's buildings. ALSO READ | Indonesia earthquake: Death toll jumps to 162, officials warn toll may rise The chief of Indonesia's national disaster mitigation said that one person was injured and taken to hospital. No reports surfaced of any other casualties or damage. The BMKG reported the buildings in the West Java town of Garut shook due to the quake and hence, the residents staying near the epicentre were warned about potential aftershocks. However, it said that the earthquake did not indicate any threat of a tsunami in the future. Garut's local rescue chief Budi Satria said no significant damage took place due to the earthquake. "Some people ran outside when the earthquake happened but when it calmed down, they went back to their activities. Thank God, so far everything is safe," he added. ALSO READ | Powerful earthquake hits off coast of Indonesia's South Sumatra, no casualties reported Indonesia is prone to frequent volcanic and seismic activity because of its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where there is a collision of tectonic plates. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

5.7 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia's Java island, one injured

Indonesia's parliament is expected to pass a new criminal law this month that will punish sex outside marriage with imprisonment of up to a year. The law, if passed, would apply to Indonesian citizens and foreigners alike.

WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage

Indonesia wants to develop an uninhabited island chain in a sustainable manner. So, what has the country decided to do? Auction them to the highest bidder! Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Indonesia selling over 100 islands

At the recently concluded 4th Indian Ocean conference, Maldives’s foreign minister Abdulla Shahid aptly said, “To think of the Maldives is to think of the Indian Ocean. More than 99 per cent&nbsp;of Maldives is water…” The nation of islands played host to over 200 delegates and representatives from over 40 countries during the conference, with significant ministerial and secretarial presence from as many as twenty countries. In addition to the host country’s president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, also addressed the participants. The Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar.

A garland of islands — or Maladvipa in Sanskrit and Malaitheevu in Tamil — what could be a better description of the tiny tropical nation, Maldives? With less than half a million people inhabiting only a few of the 1192 beautiful coral islands spread across some 90,000 square kilometres, Maldives is one of the most dispersed nations in the world. It is also the lowest, with an average height of just 1.5 metres above the sea, its tallest natural point only 5 metres or less than 15 feet high.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-need-to-rethink-our-role-on-planet-if-corals-cannot-be-saved-538687">'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved'</a>

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With Male as its capital, this sparsely inhabited country of islands was a Sultanate for nearly 850 years. Before their conversion in the 12th century C.E. which created the Islamic kingdom, Maldivians were largely Hindu-Buddhist for centuries. Three years after its independence from the British on July 26, 1965, Maldives declared itself a democratic Republic. Almost equidistant from Africa to its West and Indonesia to its East, Maldives occupies a strategic place bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

The island nation is not only remote and sparsely populated, it is also breathtakingly beautiful. The shallow circular coral atolls in the middle of the clean aquamarine waters give it an extraordinary natural environment, which is also immensely fragile and delicate. The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of December 2004 devastated the Maldives. Of the 1,000 islands, less than ten escaped flooding or destruction. Six islands were totally lost, while nearly sixty had to be fully evacuated. Several island resorts had to be closed. Tourism accounting for nearly 30 per cent&nbsp;of Maldives’ GDP was severely affected. Indeed, global warming and climate change could totally submerge the nation if the sea levels rise by just a few metres.

Given that its theme was “Securing the Indian Ocean Region: Tradition and Non-Traditional Challenges,” such environmental concerns, in addition to the usual political issues, came in for repeated discussions in this year’s Indian Ocean conference. In addition, several speakers addressed the imperative to maintain the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace and prosperity. What sort of regional and security architecture can be put into place to protect the region from piracy, human and drugs trafficking, not to mention the threat of terrorism? The near-consensus was that the rule of law on the high seas could only be guaranteed by the collective responsibility of a consortium of Indian ocean states. The undisputed, if often unspoken, fact that India would have to be the fulcrum in such as an arrangement was also underscored.

The strategic and economic importance of the Indian Ocean region can hardly be overestimated. With China and India alone accounting for 2.5 billion people, nearly half of the world’s population lives in the continental and littoral areas of the region. Each year, trillions of dollars of goods, especially a huge percentage of the world’s energy resources, pass through its waters in over 60,000 ships. No wonder, Ram Madhav, the brain behind the conference, called the Indian Ocean “the world’s most happening place.” In an op-ed published to coincide with the conference, he predicted that the “global axis of power is shifting eastwards” and unequivocally asserted that “the Indian Ocean is where India’s future lies.”

Organised by the India Foundation, the Indian Ocean conference has become an important forum to consolidate India’s natural, geo-political, and historical advantages. Given its plural democratic polity lead by a dynamic elected leadership plus growing economic and military clout, India must play a more decisive role in the region. This was emphasised by foreign minister Jaishankar in his presentation urging India to widen its horizons from the Indian Ocean to the larger Indo-Pacific ecumene. Jaishankar was sending a message to Indian strategic thinkers as well as to the diplomatic establishment that without quite challenging, or competing with, China, India need to take on more responsibilities.

Thinking, then acting East, helping to contribute to the blue ocean economy and increase its strategic influence is the way ahead for India. Given our deep civilizational and historical ties with countries and communities of the region, India is best suited to play such a pivotal role in the decades to come. For this strategizing our capabilities and working with reliable partners is crucial.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-maldives-garland-of-coral-atolls-2787986">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At the recently concluded 4th Indian Ocean conference, Maldives’s foreign minister Abdulla Shahid aptly said, “To think of the Maldives is to think of the Indian Ocean.

At the recently concluded 4th Indian Ocean conference, Maldives’s foreign minister Abdulla Shahid aptly said, “To think of the Maldives is to think of the Indian Ocean. More than 99 per cent of Maldives is water…” The nation of islands played host to over 200 delegates and representatives from over 40 countries during the conference, with significant ministerial and secretarial presence from as many as twenty countries. In addition to the host country’s president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, also addressed the participants. The Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar. A garland of islands — or Maladvipa in Sanskrit and Malaitheevu in Tamil — what could be a better description of the tiny tropical nation, Maldives? With less than half a million people inhabiting only a few of the 1192 beautiful coral islands spread across some 90,000 square kilometres, Maldives is one of the most dispersed nations in the world. It is also the lowest, with an average height of just 1.5 metres above the sea, its tallest natural point only 5 metres or less than 15 feet high. WATCH | 'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved' × With Male as its capital, this sparsely inhabited country of islands was a Sultanate for nearly 850 years. Before their conversion in the 12th century C.E. which created the Islamic kingdom, Maldivians were largely Hindu-Buddhist for centuries. Three years after its independence from the British on July 26, 1965, Maldives declared itself a democratic Republic. Almost equidistant from Africa to its West and Indonesia to its East, Maldives occupies a strategic place bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The island nation is not only remote and sparsely populated, it is also breathtakingly beautiful. The shallow circular coral atolls in the middle of the clean aquamarine waters give it an extraordinary natural environment, which is also immensely fragile and delicate. The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of December 2004 devastated the Maldives. Of the 1,000 islands, less than ten escaped flooding or destruction. Six islands were totally lost, while nearly sixty had to be fully evacuated. Several island resorts had to be closed. Tourism accounting for nearly 30 per cent of Maldives’ GDP was severely affected. Indeed, global warming and climate change could totally submerge the nation if the sea levels rise by just a few metres. Given that its theme was “Securing the Indian Ocean Region: Tradition and Non-Traditional Challenges,” such environmental concerns, in addition to the usual political issues, came in for repeated discussions in this year’s Indian Ocean conference. In addition, several speakers addressed the imperative to maintain the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace and prosperity. What sort of regional and security architecture can be put into place to protect the region from piracy, human and drugs trafficking, not to mention the threat of terrorism? The near-consensus was that the rule of law on the high seas could only be guaranteed by the collective responsibility of a consortium of Indian ocean states. The undisputed, if often unspoken, fact that India would have to be the fulcrum in such as an arrangement was also underscored. The strategic and economic importance of the Indian Ocean region can hardly be overestimated. With China and India alone accounting for 2.5 billion people, nearly half of the world’s population lives in the continental and littoral areas of the region. Each year, trillions of dollars of goods, especially a huge percentage of the world’s energy resources, pass through its waters in over 60,000 ships. No wonder, Ram Madhav, the brain behind the conference, called the Indian Ocean “the world’s most happening place.” In an op-ed published to coincide with the conference, he predicted that the “global axis of power is shifting eastwards” and unequivocally asserted that “the Indian Ocean is where India’s future lies.” Organised by the India Foundation, the Indian Ocean conference has become an important forum to consolidate India’s natural, geo-political, and historical advantages. Given its plural democratic polity lead by a dynamic elected leadership plus growing economic and military clout, India must play a more decisive role in the region. This was emphasised by foreign minister Jaishankar in his presentation urging India to widen its horizons from the Indian Ocean to the larger Indo-Pacific ecumene. Jaishankar was sending a message to Indian strategic thinkers as well as to the diplomatic establishment that without quite challenging, or competing with, China, India need to take on more responsibilities. Thinking, then acting East, helping to contribute to the blue ocean economy and increase its strategic influence is the way ahead for India. Given our deep civilizational and historical ties with countries and communities of the region, India is best suited to play such a pivotal role in the decades to come. For this strategizing our capabilities and working with reliable partners is crucial. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Maldives: Garland of Coral Atolls

In China, the districts of Haizhu, Baiyun, Fanyu, Tianhe, Conghua, Huadu and Liwan saw the end of temporary lockdowns. The district of Conghua also announced that it will allow the reopening of schools and people in most areas will be able to visit restaurants and other commercial locations. In other news, Eurozone&nbsp;inflation is expected to be somewhere around 10.4 per cent but the fall in inflation has given rise to hope among the economies that the prices can stabilise before the new year.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-relaxes-covid-19-rules-in-several-districts-in-guangzhou-538833">Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts in Guangzhou</a>
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The authorities in the Chinese city of Guangzhou have decided to abruptly put an end to COVID-19 restrictions in the aftermath of a scuffle between the police and protestors. The protestors have been holding demonstrations against the lockdowns imposed as part of the Zero-Covid initiative and even the top security body of China has called for a crackdown on the “hostile forces”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eurozone-inflation-slows-to-10-per-cent-in-november-but-rate-rises-expected-538803">Eurozone inflation slows to 10 per cent in November but rate rises expected</a>
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The inflation in the Euro zone has dropped to 10 per cent for the first time since November and in the process, it has also exceeded the expectations of most experts. The 19 countries which recognise Euro as their currency grew by just 10 per cent after a 10.6 per cent rise in October.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removed-from-uk-nuclear-project-a-day-after-sunaks-golden-era-over-statement-538678">China removed from UK nuclear project, a day after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement</a>
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A day after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the country's 'golden era' with China was over, the latter has been removed from the construction of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/at-least-16-killed-and-24-injured-at-madrassa-in-afghanistans-aybak-538859">At least 16 killed and 24 injured in bomb blast in Afghanistan's Aybak</a>
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At least 16 people were killed while 24 were wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently going through treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-set-up-tribunal-backed-by-un-to-investigate-possible-russian-war-crimes-in-ukraine-538797">EU to set up tribunal backed by UN to investigate possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine</a>
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The European Union would attempt to establish a specialised court, supported by the United Nations, to look into and prosecute any potential war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-court-rules-current-definition-of-marriage-constitutional-but-creates-an-unconstitutional-situation-538840">Tokyo court rules current definition of marriage constitutional but creates an 'unconstitutional situation'&nbsp;</a>
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A Japanese court has ruled that the country's decades-old constitution's definition of marriage as something based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" is legal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/half-of-european-democracies-suffer-erosion-africa-shows-resilience-watchdog-report-538812">Half of European democracies suffer erosion, Africa shows resilience: Watchdog report</a>
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Half of the world’s democracies are in a state of decline amid worsening civil liberties and rule of law while already authoritarian governments are becoming more oppressive, Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Wednesday. In Europe, almost half of all democracies have suffered erosion in the last five years, it said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-scrambles-jets-after-eight-chinese-russian-warplanes-entered-its-air-defence-zone-538785">South Korea scrambles jets after eight Chinese, Russian warplanes entered its air defence zone</a>
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At least two Chinese bombers and six Russian bombers and fighter jets entered the Korean air defence zone on Wednesday prompting South Korea to scramble its fighter jets, said Seoul’s military. However, the planes did not violate the airspace, while China and Russia had previously said that they are conducting joint exercises.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-wales-no-longer-a-majority-christian-leicester-and-birmingham-are-minority-majorities-ons-538850">England, Wales no longer majority Christian; Leicester, Birmingham now ‘minority majorities’: Census</a>
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Census results published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Tuesday, show that less than half of people in the two British nations, England and Wales, identify themselves as Christian. The announcement has also reportedly renewed calls to end the Church of England’s role in parliament and schools.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-disparity-in-news-women-especially-those-of-colour-grossly-underrepresented-in-leadership-and-coverage-538864">Gender disparity in news: Women especially of colour grossly under-represented in leadership and coverage</a>
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Whether it's editorial leadership or roles in news coverage women continue to be severely under-represented in the media industry and taking the brunt of this are women of colour, shows a new report.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In China, the districts of Haizhu, Baiyun, Fanyu, Tianhe, Conghua, Huadu and Liwan saw the end of temporary lockdowns. The district of Conghua also announced that it will allow the reopening of schools and people in most areas will be able to visit restaurants and other commercial locations.

In China, the districts of Haizhu, Baiyun, Fanyu, Tianhe, Conghua, Huadu and Liwan saw the end of temporary lockdowns. The district of Conghua also announced that it will allow the reopening of schools and people in most areas will be able to visit restaurants and other commercial locations. In other news, Eurozone inflation is expected to be somewhere around 10.4 per cent but the fall in inflation has given rise to hope among the economies that the prices can stabilise before the new year. Click on the headlines to read more: Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts in Guangzhou The authorities in the Chinese city of Guangzhou have decided to abruptly put an end to COVID-19 restrictions in the aftermath of a scuffle between the police and protestors. The protestors have been holding demonstrations against the lockdowns imposed as part of the Zero-Covid initiative and even the top security body of China has called for a crackdown on the “hostile forces”. Eurozone inflation slows to 10 per cent in November but rate rises expected The inflation in the Euro zone has dropped to 10 per cent for the first time since November and in the process, it has also exceeded the expectations of most experts. The 19 countries which recognise Euro as their currency grew by just 10 per cent after a 10.6 per cent rise in October. China removed from UK nuclear project, a day after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement A day after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the country's 'golden era' with China was over, the latter has been removed from the construction of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station. At least 16 killed and 24 injured in bomb blast in Afghanistan's Aybak At least 16 people were killed while 24 were wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently going through treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa. EU to set up tribunal backed by UN to investigate possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine The European Union would attempt to establish a specialised court, supported by the United Nations, to look into and prosecute any potential war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Tokyo court rules current definition of marriage constitutional but creates an 'unconstitutional situation' A Japanese court has ruled that the country's decades-old constitution's definition of marriage as something based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" is legal. Half of European democracies suffer erosion, Africa shows resilience: Watchdog report Half of the world’s democracies are in a state of decline amid worsening civil liberties and rule of law while already authoritarian governments are becoming more oppressive, Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Wednesday. In Europe, almost half of all democracies have suffered erosion in the last five years, it said. South Korea scrambles jets after eight Chinese, Russian warplanes entered its air defence zone At least two Chinese bombers and six Russian bombers and fighter jets entered the Korean air defence zone on Wednesday prompting South Korea to scramble its fighter jets, said Seoul’s military. However, the planes did not violate the airspace, while China and Russia had previously said that they are conducting joint exercises. England, Wales no longer majority Christian; Leicester, Birmingham now ‘minority majorities’: Census Census results published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Tuesday, show that less than half of people in the two British nations, England and Wales, identify themselves as Christian. The announcement has also reportedly renewed calls to end the Church of England’s role in parliament and schools. Gender disparity in news: Women especially of colour grossly under-represented in leadership and coverage Whether it's editorial leadership or roles in news coverage women continue to be severely under-represented in the media industry and taking the brunt of this are women of colour, shows a new report.

Top 10 world news: China relaxes Covid rules, Eurozone inflation slows to 10%, and more

India's national security adviser Ajit Doval says that there is no space for hate speech in any democracy. Doval made the statement while addressing a meeting of Muslims scholars in New Delhi where Indonesia's Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Dr Mohammed M. Mahmodin was also present.

Doval: No space for hate speech in a democracy | Ulema Meet

WION Dispatch | Doval: Both India, Indonesia have been victims of terrorism | Ulema Meet

Maritime cooperation and Ulemas meet will be the key focus as India's national security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Indonesian counterpart Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mahfud sit down for talks on Tuesday in Delhi. Dr Mahfud is the coordinating minister for Political, Legal and security affairs for Indonesia and begins his India visit from Monday night.&nbsp;

The visit is a reciprocal visit and comes after NSA Doval visited the ASEAN country earlier this year for the 2nd India Indonesia Security Dialogue. During the visit, minister Mahfud agreed to visit India and proposed a joint Ulemas dialogue between the 2 countries. His is accompanied by 24-member delegation, including representatives from senior most Ulemas, and representatives from other faiths like Hindus, Christians as well.&nbsp;

The Ulema meet will be the key focus during his visit as Indian and Indonesian Ulemas hold day long talks in the Indian national capital. The meet is chaired by NSA Doval and Minister Mahfud.&nbsp;Sources told WION that the meet will increase "familiarity" between the Ulemas of the 2 sides and "introduce people from both sides in a structured manner".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-civilians-killed-in-al-shabaabs-latest-attack-on-mogadishu-hotel-siege-ends-after-21-hours-538276">8 civilians killed in latest Al-Shabaab attack on Mogadishu, hotel siege ends</a>

The Ulemas meet will have 3 key sessions, Islam: Continuity and change, Harmonizing interfaith society: practice and experience, and countering radicalisation and extremism in India and Indonesia. Asked about how both sides will use the meet with emphasis on de radicalisation, sources said that issue will be discussed, pointing out that Delhi, Jakarta already have engagement in law enforcement space.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian side will be represented by&nbsp;Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Muslim Student's Organization, Bohra community among others.

Ulemas are seen as influential figures in Islamic society and the meeting is seen as a way to take forward the cooperation to promote tolerance, harmony and counter violent extremism and radicalisation. A joint press release will also be issued at the end of the event by the 2 sides.

The meet is also expected to discuss growing defence cooperation between the 2 sides. While no official announcement has been made, Indonesia could be the 2nd&nbsp;country in ASEAN to get&nbsp;Brahmos missiles from India. Indo Pacific has been other areas of conversation with Jakarta being seen as a thought leader behind ASEAN's outlook on Indo Pacific strategy.&nbsp;

The Indonesian Minister concludes his visit on 1st&nbsp;December. On Wednesday, the Indonesian delegation will be traveling to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

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Maritime cooperation and Ulemas meet will be the key focus as India's national security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Indonesian counterpart Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mahfud sit down for talks on Tuesday in Delhi.

Maritime cooperation and Ulemas meet will be the key focus as India's national security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Indonesian counterpart Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mahfud sit down for talks on Tuesday in Delhi. Dr Mahfud is the coordinating minister for Political, Legal and security affairs for Indonesia and begins his India visit from Monday night. The visit is a reciprocal visit and comes after NSA Doval visited the ASEAN country earlier this year for the 2nd India Indonesia Security Dialogue. During the visit, minister Mahfud agreed to visit India and proposed a joint Ulemas dialogue between the 2 countries. His is accompanied by 24-member delegation, including representatives from senior most Ulemas, and representatives from other faiths like Hindus, Christians as well. The Ulema meet will be the key focus during his visit as Indian and Indonesian Ulemas hold day long talks in the Indian national capital. The meet is chaired by NSA Doval and Minister Mahfud. Sources told WION that the meet will increase "familiarity" between the Ulemas of the 2 sides and "introduce people from both sides in a structured manner". Also read | 8 civilians killed in latest Al-Shabaab attack on Mogadishu, hotel siege ends The Ulemas meet will have 3 key sessions, Islam: Continuity and change, Harmonizing interfaith society: practice and experience, and countering radicalisation and extremism in India and Indonesia. Asked about how both sides will use the meet with emphasis on de radicalisation, sources said that issue will be discussed, pointing out that Delhi, Jakarta already have engagement in law enforcement space. Indian side will be represented by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Muslim Student's Organization, Bohra community among others. Ulemas are seen as influential figures in Islamic society and the meeting is seen as a way to take forward the cooperation to promote tolerance, harmony and counter violent extremism and radicalisation. A joint press release will also be issued at the end of the event by the 2 sides. The meet is also expected to discuss growing defence cooperation between the 2 sides. While no official announcement has been made, Indonesia could be the 2nd country in ASEAN to get Brahmos missiles from India. Indo Pacific has been other areas of conversation with Jakarta being seen as a thought leader behind ASEAN's outlook on Indo Pacific strategy. The Indonesian Minister concludes his visit on 1st December. On Wednesday, the Indonesian delegation will be traveling to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Maritime cooperation, Ulema's meet key focus during Indian NSA, Indonesian counterpart meet

Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals continue to inspire many across the world and Indonesia is one of the nations that is greatly inspired by the father of the Indian nation. Many Indonesian Presidents over the years have paid visits to the Gandhi Ashram in Bali.

Indonesia: Gandhi Ashram is run by Agus Indra Udayana, located in Bali’s Klungkung region

The people of China vented&nbsp;their anger against the strict Covid curbs through widespread protests,&nbsp;which some social media posts said hampered the rescue efforts. China's extremely strict 'Zero-Covid policy' is increasingly resulting in public fatigue and anger. In other news,&nbsp;ISRO&nbsp;successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse PSLV&nbsp;from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-after-deadly-fire-that-killed-10-huge-covid-protests-erupt-in-xinjiang-537661">China: Huge protests erupt in Xinjiang, locals blame strict Covid curbs for 10 casualties in blaze</a>
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Huge protests erupted in China's restive Xinjiang region on Saturday after 10 people got killed in a&nbsp;fire at&nbsp;an apartment block two days ago followed by allegations that&nbsp;people living in the fire-hit compound had been largely prevented from leaving their homes.&nbsp;Ten people were killed and nine injured when the blaze ripped through a residential building in the regional capital Urumqi on Thursday night, according to state news agency Xinhua.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-its-final-pslv-mission-of-the-year-with-nine-satellites-537608">ISRO successfully launches its PSLV mission with nine satellites; Oceansat-3 placed in orbit</a>
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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C54 (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;This was the 56th PSLV flight of ISRO and the last one for the year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulator-bans-huawei-zte-from-selling-their-equipment-heres-why-537562">US regulator bans Huawei, ZTE from selling their equipment in country. Here's why.</a>
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The US Federal Communications Commission on Friday announced that all telecommunication equipment produced by Chinese companies Huawei Technologies and the ZTE Corporation was banned from being sold on the United States soil.&nbsp;The regulator said the two companies posed an 'unacceptable' security risk and that the decision was aimed at protecting the American public.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-firing-cruise-missiles-with-nuclear-warheads-removed-claims-uk-537672">Stock depleted, Russia firing cruise missiles with nuclear warheads removed, claims UK</a>
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Russia is reported to be removing nuclear warheads from ageing nuclear cruise missiles and firing unarmed munitions at Ukraine, Britain's military intelligence said on Saturday. The development comes a day after President Vladimir Putin of Russia assured bereaved families of Russian soldiers that Moscow's goals will be achieved soon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-eight-killed-in-landslide-on-italian-holiday-island-several-others-missing-537686">Ischia tragedy: No deaths in Italy landslide despite earlier reports, says interior minister</a>
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Italy's interior minister said there had been no confirmed deaths in a landslide on Saturday on the holiday island of Ischia, despite earlier reports of eight deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-first-private-space-company-plans-to-launch-satellite-at-half-the-cost-in-2023-537740">India: First private space company plans to launch satellite at half the cost in 2023</a>
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The creators of Skyroot Aerospace, the company responsible for India's first private space launch, told Reuters in an interview that they aim to be able to launch a satellite into orbit in 2023 for half the price of more experienced launch companies, as reported by Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-opposition-leads-in-local-elections-in-blow-to-presidents-strategy-537712">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen quits as ruling party chief after poor poll performance</a>
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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down from the post of ruling party chief on Saturday (November 26) after her party's poor performance in Taiwan's local elections.&nbsp;The president had projected local elections as being about showing defiance to China. The approach failed to resonate with the voters. Latest reports said that main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), was taking the lead or claimed victory in 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-khameini-lauds-basij-forces-for-restraining-rioters-keeping-islamic-revolution-alive-537692">Iran: Khameini lauds Basij forces for restraining 'rioters', keeping 'Islamic Revolution' alive</a>
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on Saturday praised the&nbsp;Basij militia members and said they had given their lives during the wave of protests that had been prompted by the death in prison of a young Iranian Kurdish lady in September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-war-ukraine-marks-soviet-era-famine-that-killed-millions-537754">Amid ongoing war, Ukraine marks Soviet-era famine that killed millions​​​​​​​</a>
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Ukraine held memorial day for a Soviet-era famine that had left millions of Ukrainians dead. The famine had struck Ukraine, then part of Soviet Union in the wingter of 1932-33. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the same tactics today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-accuses-china-of-violating-pact-on-appointment-of-bishops-537717">Vatican accuses China of violating pact on appointment of bishops​​​​​​​</a>
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The Vatican charged Chinese authorities on Saturday with breaking a bilateral agreement on bishop appointments by installing a bishop in a diocese that was not recognised by the Holy See.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The people of China vented their anger against the strict Covid curbs through widespread protests, which some social media posts said hampered the rescue efforts.

The people of China vented their anger against the strict Covid curbs through widespread protests, which some social media posts said hampered the rescue efforts. China's extremely strict 'Zero-Covid policy' is increasingly resulting in public fatigue and anger. In other news, ISRO successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse PSLV from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Click on the headlines to read more: China: Huge protests erupt in Xinjiang, locals blame strict Covid curbs for 10 casualties in blaze Huge protests erupted in China's restive Xinjiang region on Saturday after 10 people got killed in a fire at an apartment block two days ago followed by allegations that people living in the fire-hit compound had been largely prevented from leaving their homes. Ten people were killed and nine injured when the blaze ripped through a residential building in the regional capital Urumqi on Thursday night, according to state news agency Xinhua. ISRO successfully launches its PSLV mission with nine satellites; Oceansat-3 placed in orbit Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C54 (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh. This was the 56th PSLV flight of ISRO and the last one for the year. US regulator bans Huawei, ZTE from selling their equipment in country. Here's why. The US Federal Communications Commission on Friday announced that all telecommunication equipment produced by Chinese companies Huawei Technologies and the ZTE Corporation was banned from being sold on the United States soil. The regulator said the two companies posed an 'unacceptable' security risk and that the decision was aimed at protecting the American public. Stock depleted, Russia firing cruise missiles with nuclear warheads removed, claims UK Russia is reported to be removing nuclear warheads from ageing nuclear cruise missiles and firing unarmed munitions at Ukraine, Britain's military intelligence said on Saturday. The development comes a day after President Vladimir Putin of Russia assured bereaved families of Russian soldiers that Moscow's goals will be achieved soon. Ischia tragedy: No deaths in Italy landslide despite earlier reports, says interior minister Italy's interior minister said there had been no confirmed deaths in a landslide on Saturday on the holiday island of Ischia, despite earlier reports of eight deaths. India: First private space company plans to launch satellite at half the cost in 2023 The creators of Skyroot Aerospace, the company responsible for India's first private space launch, told Reuters in an interview that they aim to be able to launch a satellite into orbit in 2023 for half the price of more experienced launch companies, as reported by Reuters. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen quits as ruling party chief after poor poll performance Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down from the post of ruling party chief on Saturday (November 26) after her party's poor performance in Taiwan's local elections. The president had projected local elections as being about showing defiance to China. The approach failed to resonate with the voters. Latest reports said that main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), was taking the lead or claimed victory in 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei. Iran: Khameini lauds Basij forces for restraining 'rioters', keeping 'Islamic Revolution' alive Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on Saturday praised the Basij militia members and said they had given their lives during the wave of protests that had been prompted by the death in prison of a young Iranian Kurdish lady in September. Amid ongoing war, Ukraine marks Soviet-era famine that killed millions Ukraine held memorial day for a Soviet-era famine that had left millions of Ukrainians dead. The famine had struck Ukraine, then part of Soviet Union in the wingter of 1932-33. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the same tactics today. Vatican accuses China of violating pact on appointment of bishops The Vatican charged Chinese authorities on Saturday with breaking a bilateral agreement on bishop appointments by installing a bishop in a diocese that was not recognised by the Holy See.

Top 10 world news: Protests against Covid curbs in China, 56th PSLV flight of ISRO, and more

In a miracle rescue, a six-year-old boy named Azka, was pulled out of rubble of the deadly earthquake. For two days, he was trapped without food or water.

Indonesia quake aftermath: Six-year-old boy saved in 'miracle rescue'

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels. In today's video, we cover a wide range of stories like Miracle rescue of a six-year-old in Indonesia. Watch here.

Trending on WION | Indonesia Earthquake aftermath: Six year-old boy miraculously rescued

In a miracle rescue, a six-year-old boy named Azka, was pulled out of rubble of the deadly earthquake for two days. He was trapped without food or water, the dramatic rescue was captured on camera. He was pulled out by the rescue workers which gave hope to people that there might be a possibility to rescue more victims stuck under the rubble.

Indonesia Earthquake Aftermath: Six-year-old boy saved in 'miracle rescue'

The death toll in Indonesia earthquake has risen to 268, many of which are children who were at school when the quake struck. Rescuers are still searching under the debris before the 72-hours golden window to find the survivors closes.

Indonesia Earthquake: At least 268 dead, over 151 still missing two days after disaster

In one of Asia's most captivating real estate sales, a group of serene islands in the northeast of Indonesia's Bali, are up for sale. Known as Widi Reserve, the 100-plus islands in east Indonesia's "Coral Triangle" are spread out over 85,000 hectares, roughly two-thirds the size of India's capital New Delhi.&nbsp;

Indonesian law does not permit for private ownership of islands, however, shares in a business with development rights can be sold to anyone.

Charlie Smith, executive vice president for EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) at Sotheby's Concierge Auctions, clearly expects the bids for this archipelago to be significant.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bali-offers-second-home-to-tourists-with-130000-in-bank-account-528470">Bali offers 'second home' to tourists with $130,000 in bank account</a>

"Every billionaire can own a private island, but only one can own this exclusive opportunity spread across 100-plus islands," he said in a press statement.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-can-deep-sea-research-revive-coral-reefs-524455">Maldives: Can deep-sea research revive coral reefs?</a>

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Reflecting the concerns to protect ecologically sensitive aquatic habitats, the auction portal said that the Widi Reserve’s Conservation centre "will lead cutting-edge research programmes including tagging, tracking and monitoring of iconic and critically endangered species".

About Widi Reserve

Widi Reserve forms a pristine chain of tropical islands surrounded by 150 kilometres of powder white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, and private, deep-sea, nutrient-rich waters.&nbsp;

This island chain is reportedly one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems left on earth and is home to hundreds of rare and endangered species including Blue Whales, Whale Sharks, 600 documented species of marine mammals, fish, birds, insects and lizards, and species yet to be discovered.&nbsp;

The Reserve is only accessible by private plane. Bali's Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour flight away.

The auction kicks off on December 8 and will last until December 14. There is no reserve price, but bidders are asked to put down a $100,000 deposit to prove they are&nbsp;serious.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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In one of Asia's most captivating real estate sales, a group of serene islands in the northeast of Indonesia's Bali, are up for sale. Known as Widi Reserve, the 100-plus islands in east Indonesia's "Coral Triangle" are spread out over 85,000 hectares, roughly two-thirds the size of India's capital New Delhi.

In one of Asia's most captivating real estate sales, a group of serene islands in the northeast of Indonesia's Bali, are up for sale. Known as Widi Reserve, the 100-plus islands in east Indonesia's "Coral Triangle" are spread out over 85,000 hectares, roughly two-thirds the size of India's capital New Delhi. Indonesian law does not permit for private ownership of islands, however, shares in a business with development rights can be sold to anyone. Charlie Smith, executive vice president for EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) at Sotheby's Concierge Auctions, clearly expects the bids for this archipelago to be significant. ALSO READ | Bali offers 'second home' to tourists with $130,000 in bank account "Every billionaire can own a private island, but only one can own this exclusive opportunity spread across 100-plus islands," he said in a press statement. WATCH | Maldives: Can deep-sea research revive coral reefs? × Reflecting the concerns to protect ecologically sensitive aquatic habitats, the auction portal said that the Widi Reserve’s Conservation centre "will lead cutting-edge research programmes including tagging, tracking and monitoring of iconic and critically endangered species". About Widi Reserve Widi Reserve forms a pristine chain of tropical islands surrounded by 150 kilometres of powder white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, and private, deep-sea, nutrient-rich waters. This island chain is reportedly one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems left on earth and is home to hundreds of rare and endangered species including Blue Whales, Whale Sharks, 600 documented species of marine mammals, fish, birds, insects and lizards, and species yet to be discovered. The Reserve is only accessible by private plane. Bali's Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour flight away. The auction kicks off on December 8 and will last until December 14. There is no reserve price, but bidders are asked to put down a $100,000 deposit to prove they are serious. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Over 100 pristine islands in east Indonesia’s ‘coral triangle’ up for auction

Hundreds have died and over 58,000 people have been displaced after the earthquake in Indonesia. Rescue work is still underway. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | Indonesia: Earthquake death toll crosses 260

A 5.6 magnitude Earthquake jolted Indonesia on Monday afternoon. The tremors injured over 700 people. It has also raised questions on whether Earthquakes are slowly becoming more frequent.

Indonesia earthquake kills over 160

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