The Indonesian government is facing severe criticism for appointing a pop star as its Group of 20 (G-20) spokesperson.

Ayunda Faza Maudya —a 27-year-old singer and actress also known as Maudy Ayunda —was chosen by President Joko Widodo on March 31 to speak on global issues on the country's behalf at the G-20 summit in Washington this week.

According to critics, Ayunda was chosen as the country’s representative despite lacking economic and diplomatic experience.

In response to Bloomberg questions on her role in the G-20 meet, Ayunda said her job is to report the&nbsp;meeting results that are relevant to Indonesia, while sensitive issues will be handled by other representatives.

At her first briefing, the singer ignored questions on Putin's attendance at the G20 meet as the journalists were told to ask about her personality instead.

Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has been accused of making vanity appointments to politically significant roles that include celebrities, start-up founders and children of tycoons.

It is being claimed that Widodo, with the appointment of such millennials, aims to connect with the youths who are battling high unemployment.

Over half of the country's 273 million people are younger than 35 and the unemployment rate for those aged 16 to 30 was hovering at 14 per cent last year, Bloomberg reported.

Experts point out that the government is solely focusing on privileged urban youth,&nbsp;who fit into the establishment’s line of thinking, as role models while leaving out the majority who are middle-to lower-income and live in rural areas.

The critics argue that such cosmetic appointments are part of the government’s efforts to temper criticism from the youth on critical issues, like jobs and public services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indonesian government is facing severe criticism for appointing a pop star as its Group of 20 (G-20) spokesperson. Ayunda Faza Maudya —a 27-year-old singer and actress also known as Maudy Ayunda —was chosen by President Joko Widodo on March 31 to speak on global issues on the country's behalf at the G-20 summit in Washington this week.

The Indonesian government is facing severe criticism for appointing a pop star as its Group of 20 (G-20) spokesperson. Ayunda Faza Maudya —a 27-year-old singer and actress also known as Maudy Ayunda —was chosen by President Joko Widodo on March 31 to speak on global issues on the country's behalf at the G-20 summit in Washington this week. According to critics, Ayunda was chosen as the country’s representative despite lacking economic and diplomatic experience. In response to Bloomberg questions on her role in the G-20 meet, Ayunda said her job is to report the meeting results that are relevant to Indonesia, while sensitive issues will be handled by other representatives. At her first briefing, the singer ignored questions on Putin's attendance at the G20 meet as the journalists were told to ask about her personality instead. Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has been accused of making vanity appointments to politically significant roles that include celebrities, start-up founders and children of tycoons. It is being claimed that Widodo, with the appointment of such millennials, aims to connect with the youths who are battling high unemployment. Over half of the country's 273 million people are younger than 35 and the unemployment rate for those aged 16 to 30 was hovering at 14 per cent last year, Bloomberg reported. Experts point out that the government is solely focusing on privileged urban youth, who fit into the establishment’s line of thinking, as role models while leaving out the majority who are middle-to lower-income and live in rural areas. The critics argue that such cosmetic appointments are part of the government’s efforts to temper criticism from the youth on critical issues, like jobs and public services. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian President Widodo slammed for appointing pop star for G-20 role

In pics: Indonesian police fire tear gas and water canon at students protesting

Indonesia's parliament on Tuesday passed a long-awaited bill to tackle sexual violence.

House speaker Puan Maharani said, "We hope that the implementation of this law will resolve sexual violence cases."

According to &nbsp;Bintang Puspayoga, minister of women empowerment and children protection, "This law is a real manifestation of the country's efforts to prevent any form of sexual violence and to care, protect and rehabilitate the victims as well as to enforce justice."&nbsp;

The bill aims at building stronger cases and helping victims secure justice.&nbsp;In Indonesia,&nbsp;sexual abuse has often been regarded as a private matter.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesian-court-jails-islamic-school-teacher-for-raping-13-students-453608/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The lack of avenues for victims of gender-based and sexual violence have been slammed by Indonesian women's rights activists for several years.

"For years, sexual violence wasn't seen as something important," said Vivi Widyawati from the Perempuan Mahardhika, a civil society organisation that was consulted on the bill.

"What we have now is enough to resolve cases," she added.&nbsp;

As per the bill, physical sexual abuse inside and outside marriage now carries a maximum 12-year prison sentence and forced marriage.

Meanwhile, the non-consensual distribution of sexual content is now punishable by a maximum prison sentence of four years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/married-woman-in-indonesia-flogged-100-times-for-adultery-while-partner-gets-15-lashes-444727">Also read |&nbsp;Married woman in Indonesia flogged 100 times for adultery while partner gets 15 lashes</a>

It stipulates that authorities provide counselling to victims and a court must compel convicted abusers to pay restitution. Many victims have chosen not to report abuse in the past.

In 2021, National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) reported 338,496 gender-based violence against women. This was a 50 percent rise from the previous year.&nbsp;

"The parliament has ignored input from the public who objected to the passing of this bill," Kurniasih Mufidayati, an Islamist Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) member of parliament, told Reuters.

The party said the parliament should regulate extramarital sex and urged a ban on relations involving what it described as "deviant" sexual orientation.

In January, President Joko Widodo called on parliament to accelerate the passing of the bill. It had faced several roadblocks as conservative lawmakers said it promoted promiscuity.

Last year, a high-profile case that sparked outrage after an Islamic boarding school teacher had raped 13 of his students

(With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia's parliament on Tuesday passed a long-awaited bill to tackle sexual violence. House speaker Puan Maharani said, "We hope that the implementation of this law will resolve sexual violence cases.

Indonesia's parliament on Tuesday passed a long-awaited bill to tackle sexual violence. House speaker Puan Maharani said, "We hope that the implementation of this law will resolve sexual violence cases." According to Bintang Puspayoga, minister of women empowerment and children protection, "This law is a real manifestation of the country's efforts to prevent any form of sexual violence and to care, protect and rehabilitate the victims as well as to enforce justice." The bill aims at building stronger cases and helping victims secure justice. In Indonesia, sexual abuse has often been regarded as a private matter. The lack of avenues for victims of gender-based and sexual violence have been slammed by Indonesian women's rights activists for several years. "For years, sexual violence wasn't seen as something important," said Vivi Widyawati from the Perempuan Mahardhika, a civil society organisation that was consulted on the bill. "What we have now is enough to resolve cases," she added. As per the bill, physical sexual abuse inside and outside marriage now carries a maximum 12-year prison sentence and forced marriage. Meanwhile, the non-consensual distribution of sexual content is now punishable by a maximum prison sentence of four years. Also read | Married woman in Indonesia flogged 100 times for adultery while partner gets 15 lashes It stipulates that authorities provide counselling to victims and a court must compel convicted abusers to pay restitution. Many victims have chosen not to report abuse in the past. In 2021, National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) reported 338,496 gender-based violence against women. This was a 50 percent rise from the previous year. "The parliament has ignored input from the public who objected to the passing of this bill," Kurniasih Mufidayati, an Islamist Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) member of parliament, told Reuters. The party said the parliament should regulate extramarital sex and urged a ban on relations involving what it described as "deviant" sexual orientation. In January, President Joko Widodo called on parliament to accelerate the passing of the bill. It had faced several roadblocks as conservative lawmakers said it promoted promiscuity. Last year, a high-profile case that sparked outrage after an Islamic boarding school teacher had raped 13 of his students (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia passes landmark bill that prescribes term of four years for sharing non-consensual sexual content

Last month, SoftBank Group withdrew from a US$34 billion project in Indonesia. After the withdrawal, Indonesia is looking to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, crowdfunding for the capital city in Borneo, reported by South China Morning Post last week.&nbsp;

SoftBank's exit was revealed by Luhut Pandjaitan, the Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs. The reports by SCMP mentioned that he cited a "decline in the share price" and Saudi Arabia's withdrawal of funds from the company's venture capital arm Vision Fund 2 as reasons.&nbsp;

But on the contrary, the company's board director Ken Miyauchi in a statement said: "Return of investment, whether from timing or the amount of ROI itself, is the main reason why we were backing out from the project."&nbsp;

The report mentioned that Luhut, who is the right hand of the country's President Joko Widodo, is putting in efforts to seek funds from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

"When I visited Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman asked to get into [the capital development project]. We are still discussing how big [Saudi Arabia’s] investments will be. We are continuing to have virtual meetings with his team," Luhut told reporters as quoted by SCMP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-story-of-hope-rare-sumatran-rhino-born-in-indonesia-466988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Last month, SoftBank Group withdrew from a US$34 billion project in Indonesia. After the withdrawal, Indonesia is looking to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, crowdfunding for the capital city in Borneo, reported by South China Morning Post last week.

Last month, SoftBank Group withdrew from a US$34 billion project in Indonesia. After the withdrawal, Indonesia is looking to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, crowdfunding for the capital city in Borneo, reported by South China Morning Post last week. SoftBank's exit was revealed by Luhut Pandjaitan, the Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs. The reports by SCMP mentioned that he cited a "decline in the share price" and Saudi Arabia's withdrawal of funds from the company's venture capital arm Vision Fund 2 as reasons. But on the contrary, the company's board director Ken Miyauchi in a statement said: "Return of investment, whether from timing or the amount of ROI itself, is the main reason why we were backing out from the project." The report mentioned that Luhut, who is the right hand of the country's President Joko Widodo, is putting in efforts to seek funds from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "When I visited Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman asked to get into [the capital development project]. We are still discussing how big [Saudi Arabia’s] investments will be. We are continuing to have virtual meetings with his team," Luhut told reporters as quoted by SCMP. Watch | A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia to seek funds from Saudi Arabia, UAE and crowdfunding after SoftBank's withdrawal

India's Lakshya Sen lost in straight games to World No. 24 Shesar Hiren Rhustavito of Indonesia in the second round of men's singles of the Korea Open Badminton Championships 2022 on Thursday in a match that lasted for 33 minutes here at Palma Stadium.

The first game was a closely fought battle between the two as both players were tied at 7-7. The Indian world no.9 Sen won two points to take a 9-7 lead but the Indonesian won six points one trot to race to a 13-9 lead.

Lakshya Sen too fought back winning five consecutive points to make it 15-14 in his favour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korea-open-pv-sindhu-kidambi-srikanth-march-into-second-round-with-easy-wins-468835">Korea Open 2022: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth march into second round with easy wins</a>

At 20-20, the Indonesian World No.24 won two points on the trot to win the opening game 22-20.

In the second game, Lakshya Sen started trailing right from the beginning. Trailing at 5-6 the World Championship medallist lost his plot as Shesar Hiren Rhustavito raced away with the game making it a one-sided affair winning it 21-9.

It was an early exit for the Indian shuttler as he lost 20-22 9-21 to a player ranked much lower than him.

India's Lakshya Sen lost in straight games to World No. 24 Shesar Hiren Rhustavito of Indonesia in the second round of men's singles of the Korea Open Badminton Championships 2022 on Thursday in a match that lasted for 33 minutes here at Palma Stadium.

India's Lakshya Sen lost in straight games to World No. 24 Shesar Hiren Rhustavito of Indonesia in the second round of men's singles of the Korea Open Badminton Championships 2022 on Thursday in a match that lasted for 33 minutes here at Palma Stadium. The first game was a closely fought battle between the two as both players were tied at 7-7. The Indian world no.9 Sen won two points to take a 9-7 lead but the Indonesian won six points one trot to race to a 13-9 lead. Lakshya Sen too fought back winning five consecutive points to make it 15-14 in his favour. ALSO READ: Korea Open 2022: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth march into second round with easy wins At 20-20, the Indonesian World No.24 won two points on the trot to win the opening game 22-20. In the second game, Lakshya Sen started trailing right from the beginning. Trailing at 5-6 the World Championship medallist lost his plot as Shesar Hiren Rhustavito raced away with the game making it a one-sided affair winning it 21-9. It was an early exit for the Indian shuttler as he lost 20-22 9-21 to a player ranked much lower than him.

Korea Open: Lakshya Sen bows out after crushing loss to Indonesia's Shesar Hiren Rhustavito

An Indonesian court on Monday sentenced a teacher to death for raping 13 girls at an Islamic school, upholding the prosecutor’s plea for death penalty.

The case of Herry Wirawan has stunned Indonesia and has drawn attention to the need to protect children from sexual violence in religious boarding schools.

Wirawan was initially sentenced to life in prison. However, the prosecutor who had requested the death penalty filed an appeal after Wirawan was sentenced to life in prison by court in Bandung in February.

The judge in a statement on Monday said that&nbsp;the defendant will now be&nbsp;punished with the death penalty. Herry’s lawyer, Ira Mambo, declined to comment on whether an appeal would be filed, citing the need to see the full court judgement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-greets-ramadan-with-mass-prayer-as-covid-curbs-ease-467961">Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as Covid curbs ease</a>

During the&nbsp;February trial, it was revealed that Herry sexually abused 13 girls between the years 2016 and 2021, his victims were between the ages of 12 to 16 and eight of them fell pregnant following the rape.

The uncle of one of Herry's victims, Hidmat Dijaya said that "we initially wanted punishments of life in prison and chemical castration so that he would feel the pain from his crime", but that they feel "the death sentence represents justice."

The rape case in Bandung has also brought attention to the issue of sexual abuse in Indonesian schools, with 14 of the 18 incidents reported to the Child Protection Commission last year occurring in Islamic boarding schools.

Officials in Indonesia, including the country’s child protection minister, have backed calls for the death sentence, despite the fact that the country’s human rights commission thinks the declared death penalty is not appropriate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-hope-rare-sumatran-rhino-born-in-captivity-in-indonesia-467436">A new hope?&nbsp;Rare Sumatran rhino born in captivity in Indonesia</a>

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim majority country, includes tens of thousands of Islamic boarding schools and some other religious schools, which are often the only way for children from poor families to get&nbsp;educated.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indonesian court on Monday sentenced a teacher to death for raping 13 girls at an Islamic school, upholding the prosecutor’s plea for death penalty. The case of Herry Wirawan has stunned Indonesia and has drawn attention to the need to protect children from sexual violence in religious boarding schools.

An Indonesian court on Monday sentenced a teacher to death for raping 13 girls at an Islamic school, upholding the prosecutor’s plea for death penalty. The case of Herry Wirawan has stunned Indonesia and has drawn attention to the need to protect children from sexual violence in religious boarding schools. Wirawan was initially sentenced to life in prison. However, the prosecutor who had requested the death penalty filed an appeal after Wirawan was sentenced to life in prison by court in Bandung in February. The judge in a statement on Monday said that the defendant will now be punished with the death penalty. Herry’s lawyer, Ira Mambo, declined to comment on whether an appeal would be filed, citing the need to see the full court judgement. Also read | Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as Covid curbs ease During the February trial, it was revealed that Herry sexually abused 13 girls between the years 2016 and 2021, his victims were between the ages of 12 to 16 and eight of them fell pregnant following the rape. The uncle of one of Herry's victims, Hidmat Dijaya said that "we initially wanted punishments of life in prison and chemical castration so that he would feel the pain from his crime", but that they feel "the death sentence represents justice." The rape case in Bandung has also brought attention to the issue of sexual abuse in Indonesian schools, with 14 of the 18 incidents reported to the Child Protection Commission last year occurring in Islamic boarding schools. Officials in Indonesia, including the country’s child protection minister, have backed calls for the death sentence, despite the fact that the country’s human rights commission thinks the declared death penalty is not appropriate. Also read | A new hope? Rare Sumatran rhino born in captivity in Indonesia Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim majority country, includes tens of thousands of Islamic boarding schools and some other religious schools, which are often the only way for children from poor families to get educated. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian teacher condemned to death for raping 13 students

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of&nbsp;Ramadan&nbsp;with a&nbsp;mass&nbsp;prayer&nbsp;at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for&nbsp;eased restrictions this year.

Thousands gathered after dusk at Istiqlal mosque in the&nbsp;Indonesian capital to join the Tarawih&nbsp;prayer, special&nbsp;prayers performed only during the month of&nbsp;Ramadan, donning masks and using check-in apps to take part in the event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ukraine-conflict-creates-noodle-crisis-in-indonesia-464590">Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia</a>

For the past two years&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;has grappled with one of the highest rates of&nbsp;COVID-19 in Asia, but this&nbsp;Ramadan, traditionally a time of community, reflection and&nbsp;prayer, cases have&nbsp;eased enough to allow for&nbsp;mass&nbsp;gatherings.

"I feel grateful that we are finally able to gather for the Tarawih&nbsp;prayer, and there are no strict restrictions this time like before," said Tri Haryono, 28.

"I'm very grateful that we can finally pray here together."

Watch |&nbsp;A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia

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Amid the worst spikes in the coronavirus pandemic,&nbsp;Indonesian Muslims have been prohibited from praying at the mosque, and joining the annual mudik or exodus tradition, when millions travel to visit their families across the sprawling archipelago.

President Joko Widodo announced last week that mudik would be permitted this year after pandemic-related travel bans have prevented the practise for the past two years.

"The improving covid&nbsp;situation has brought optimism as the&nbsp;Ramadan&nbsp;holy month is upon us," he told a news conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-cooking-oil-shortage-turns-deadly-two-killed-after-queuing-for-liquid-gold-463809">Indonesia’s cooking oil shortage turns deadly, two killed after queuing for liquid gold</a>

The start of&nbsp;Ramadan, during which observers abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, can fall on different dates due to differences in sightings of the new moon.

This year fasting month began earlier in much of the Middle East and South Asia than in Southeast Asia, which started fasting on Sunday.

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year.

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year. Thousands gathered after dusk at Istiqlal mosque in the Indonesian capital to join the Tarawih prayer, special prayers performed only during the month of Ramadan, donning masks and using check-in apps to take part in the event. Also read | Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia For the past two years Indonesia has grappled with one of the highest rates of COVID-19 in Asia, but this Ramadan, traditionally a time of community, reflection and prayer, cases have eased enough to allow for mass gatherings. "I feel grateful that we are finally able to gather for the Tarawih prayer, and there are no strict restrictions this time like before," said Tri Haryono, 28. "I'm very grateful that we can finally pray here together." Watch | A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia Amid the worst spikes in the coronavirus pandemic, Indonesian Muslims have been prohibited from praying at the mosque, and joining the annual mudik or exodus tradition, when millions travel to visit their families across the sprawling archipelago. President Joko Widodo announced last week that mudik would be permitted this year after pandemic-related travel bans have prevented the practise for the past two years. "The improving covid situation has brought optimism as the Ramadan holy month is upon us," he told a news conference. Also read | Indonesia’s cooking oil shortage turns deadly, two killed after queuing for liquid gold The start of Ramadan, during which observers abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, can fall on different dates due to differences in sightings of the new moon. This year fasting month began earlier in much of the Middle East and South Asia than in Southeast Asia, which started fasting on Sunday.

Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as Covid curbs ease

A new ray of hope is emerging in Indonesia's national park where a rare Sumatran rhino has been born giving hope to the endangered species.

A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy lost to Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 12-21 18-21 in the men's singles final of Swiss Open 2022 which lasted for 48 minutes here at St. Jakobshalle arena.

In the opening game World No.8, Jonatan Christie started off on a positive note taking a 4-1 lead by winning three points on the trot. The Indian fought back winning 4 consecutive points taking a 5-4 lead.

The World No. 26 Indian led 7-5 at one point but from there on lost his way as the Indonesian won four consecutive points to take a 12-8 lead.

At 13-10 lead the World No.8 Christie won seven points consecutively to take a massive 20-10 lead and went on to win the opening game 21-12 to go one game up.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-open-p-v-sindhu-defeats-thailands-busanan-ongbamrungphan-to-clinch-womens-singles-title-465990">Swiss Open: PV Sindhu defeats Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan to clinch women's singles title</a>

In the second game, both the shuttlers fought neck-to-neck as at one point they were both levelled at 7-7 but from there on Jonatan Christie won four consecutive points to take an 11-7 lead.

Trailing 9-13 the Indian made a comeback to make it 13-13. After that, the Indonesian World No.8 made the race away with a 20-15 lead and it all seemed over.

Prannoy fought winning three consecutive points but it was too little too late for him as Jonatan Christie won the second game 21-18 and claim the men's single title of Swiss Open Super 300.

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy lost to Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 12-21 18-21 in the men's singles final of Swiss Open 2022 which lasted for 48 minutes here at St.

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy lost to Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 12-21 18-21 in the men's singles final of Swiss Open 2022 which lasted for 48 minutes here at St. Jakobshalle arena. In the opening game World No.8, Jonatan Christie started off on a positive note taking a 4-1 lead by winning three points on the trot. The Indian fought back winning 4 consecutive points taking a 5-4 lead. The World No. 26 Indian led 7-5 at one point but from there on lost his way as the Indonesian won four consecutive points to take a 12-8 lead. At 13-10 lead the World No.8 Christie won seven points consecutively to take a massive 20-10 lead and went on to win the opening game 21-12 to go one game up. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: PV Sindhu defeats Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan to clinch women's singles title In the second game, both the shuttlers fought neck-to-neck as at one point they were both levelled at 7-7 but from there on Jonatan Christie won four consecutive points to take an 11-7 lead. Trailing 9-13 the Indian made a comeback to make it 13-13. After that, the Indonesian World No.8 made the race away with a 20-15 lead and it all seemed over. Prannoy fought winning three consecutive points but it was too little too late for him as Jonatan Christie won the second game 21-18 and claim the men's single title of Swiss Open Super 300.

Swiss Open: H S Prannoy goes down against Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in men's singles final

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Saturday bowed out of the ongoing Swiss Open 2022, after losing in the semi-finals of the men's singles clash, here at St. Jakobshalle.

Playing at court 1, Srikanth got defeated by Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 21-18, 7-21, 13-21, in the semi-final clash that lasted for 55 minutes.

Despite losing in the first game, the Indonesian shuttler showed a massive comeback and thrashed Srikanth in the next two games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-open-p-v-sindhu-defeats-thailands-busanan-ongbamrungphan-to-clinch-womens-singles-title-465990">Swiss Open: PV Sindhu defeats Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan to clinch women's singles title</a>

Christie will now be facing India's Prannnoy HS, who had defeated Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 21-19, 19-21, 21-18 in the semi-final match.

Apart from Prannoy, India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu also made her place in the finals after winning against Thailand's Supanida Katethong 21-18, 15-21, 21-19.

Sindhu will now be facing Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in her women`s singles final on Sunday.

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Saturday bowed out of the ongoing Swiss Open 2022, after losing in the semi-finals of the men's singles clash, here at St. Jakobshalle.

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Saturday bowed out of the ongoing Swiss Open 2022, after losing in the semi-finals of the men's singles clash, here at St. Jakobshalle. Playing at court 1, Srikanth got defeated by Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 21-18, 7-21, 13-21, in the semi-final clash that lasted for 55 minutes. Despite losing in the first game, the Indonesian shuttler showed a massive comeback and thrashed Srikanth in the next two games. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: PV Sindhu defeats Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan to clinch women's singles title Christie will now be facing India's Prannnoy HS, who had defeated Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 21-19, 19-21, 21-18 in the semi-final match. Apart from Prannoy, India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu also made her place in the finals after winning against Thailand's Supanida Katethong 21-18, 15-21, 21-19. Sindhu will now be facing Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in her women`s singles final on Sunday.

Swiss Open: Kidambi Srikanth bows out after loss to Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in men's singles semi-final

Continuing his impressive run, India's H S Prannoy stormed into the men's singles final at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament with a hard-fought win over Indonesia's world number 5 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting here on Saturday.

The 29-year-old eked out a 21-19 19-21 21-18 win over Ginting in a thrilling semifinal that lasted an hour and 11 minutes.

It was Prannoy's first final in five years, having won the US Open in 2017.

He will take on either compatriot Kidambi Srikanth or Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in the summit clash on Sunday.

A former top 10 player, Prannoy came into the match with a 1-1 head-to-head count against Ginting, who is currently ranked 21 places higher than him at world no. 5.

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The Indian looked in good touch as he grabbed the initiative early and held a 6-3 lead which was quickly erased by Ginting to move to a 12-19 advantage at one stage.

A five-point burst gave Prannoy a slender two-point lead and he maintained it till 18-16 before a net error and a service fault helped his rival to level par.

Ginting, however, went to net twice himself to hand over Prannoy a game point and the Indian sealed it with a precise return on his rival's front court.

After a tight battle in the second game, it was Ginting who grabbed a three-point lead at the interval following a couple of errors from the Indian at the net and front court.

Prannoy tried to send his rival to the corners with his diagonal shots but Ginting responded with a body return. The duo tried to go close to the lines and force errors on one another.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-suspends-three-month-ban-to-four-chinese-mens-doubles-players-for-failing-to-use-best-efforts-to-win-465440">BWF imposes three-month ban to four Chinese men's doubles players for 'failing to use best efforts to win'</a>

The Indian fought his way back to 18-19 but a judgement error at the backline gave one game point to Ginting, who squandered one with a net error before Prannoy smashed out to allow his rival to make a comeback.

In the decider, Prannoy took a 8-5 lead and went into the break with a three-point advantage after Ginting's backhand return went to net.

The Indian increased his lead to 14-8 but he stumbled to a series of errors to allow Ginting make it 15-19.

Prannoy unleashed a smash to grab four match points. He squandered two before entering the finals with another precise return.

Continuing his impressive run, India's H S Prannoy stormed into the men's singles final at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament with a hard-fought win over Indonesia's world number 5 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting here on Saturday.

Continuing his impressive run, India's H S Prannoy stormed into the men's singles final at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament with a hard-fought win over Indonesia's world number 5 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting here on Saturday. The 29-year-old eked out a 21-19 19-21 21-18 win over Ginting in a thrilling semifinal that lasted an hour and 11 minutes. It was Prannoy's first final in five years, having won the US Open in 2017. He will take on either compatriot Kidambi Srikanth or Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in the summit clash on Sunday. A former top 10 player, Prannoy came into the match with a 1-1 head-to-head count against Ginting, who is currently ranked 21 places higher than him at world no. 5. ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open The Indian looked in good touch as he grabbed the initiative early and held a 6-3 lead which was quickly erased by Ginting to move to a 12-19 advantage at one stage. A five-point burst gave Prannoy a slender two-point lead and he maintained it till 18-16 before a net error and a service fault helped his rival to level par. Ginting, however, went to net twice himself to hand over Prannoy a game point and the Indian sealed it with a precise return on his rival's front court. After a tight battle in the second game, it was Ginting who grabbed a three-point lead at the interval following a couple of errors from the Indian at the net and front court. Prannoy tried to send his rival to the corners with his diagonal shots but Ginting responded with a body return. The duo tried to go close to the lines and force errors on one another. ALSO READ: BWF imposes three-month ban to four Chinese men's doubles players for 'failing to use best efforts to win' The Indian fought his way back to 18-19 but a judgement error at the backline gave one game point to Ginting, who squandered one with a net error before Prannoy smashed out to allow his rival to make a comeback. In the decider, Prannoy took a 8-5 lead and went into the break with a three-point advantage after Ginting's backhand return went to net. The Indian increased his lead to 14-8 but he stumbled to a series of errors to allow Ginting make it 15-19. Prannoy unleashed a smash to grab four match points. He squandered two before entering the finals with another precise return.

Swiss Open: H S Prannoy beats Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting to enter men's singles final

Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the first-round clash of the ongoing Swiss Open 2022 at St. Jakobshalle, Basel on Wednesday.

Playing in court 1, the Indian duo defeated the Indonesian pair of Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana 17-21, 21-11, 21-18, in a match that lasted for 57 minutes.

Despite losing in the first game, Satwiksairaj and Chirag made a promising comeback and thrashed the Indonesian duo to clinch victory in the first round.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cummins-starc-put-australia-in-prime-position-after-pakistans-batting-collapse-on-day-3-of-3rd-test-464917">Cummins, Starc put Australia in prime position after Pakistan's batting collapse on Day 3 of 3rd Test</a>

Earlier, mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sumeeth Reddy got defeated by fifth seeds Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France in straight-sets 13-21, 9-21, in a match that lasted 33 minutes.

Apart from them, Indian shuttler Aakarshi Kashyap lost against Yvonne Li of Germany 5-21, 17-21 in the second match of the day.

Later in the day, Kidambi Shrikant will be going against Mads Christophersen of Denmark in his men's singles clash. Indian pair of Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand will be facing Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai.

Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the first-round clash of the ongoing Swiss Open 2022 at St. Jakobshalle, Basel on Wednesday.

Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the first-round clash of the ongoing Swiss Open 2022 at St. Jakobshalle, Basel on Wednesday. Playing in court 1, the Indian duo defeated the Indonesian pair of Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana 17-21, 21-11, 21-18, in a match that lasted for 57 minutes. Despite losing in the first game, Satwiksairaj and Chirag made a promising comeback and thrashed the Indonesian duo to clinch victory in the first round. ALSO READ: Cummins, Starc put Australia in prime position after Pakistan's batting collapse on Day 3 of 3rd Test Earlier, mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sumeeth Reddy got defeated by fifth seeds Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France in straight-sets 13-21, 9-21, in a match that lasted 33 minutes. Apart from them, Indian shuttler Aakarshi Kashyap lost against Yvonne Li of Germany 5-21, 17-21 in the second match of the day. Later in the day, Kidambi Shrikant will be going against Mads Christophersen of Denmark in his men's singles clash. Indian pair of Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand will be facing Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai.

Swiss Open: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty win first round of men's doubles clash

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world.

Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone.

Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-sanctions-might-impact-69-year-old-vladimir-putins-youthful-looks-heres-how-464508">Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how</a>

The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution.

Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen.

According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain.

“When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).&nbsp;

“Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.”

Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting.

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world. Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone. Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit. Also Read | Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution. Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen. According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.” Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.

Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia

Two people in Indonesia have died while queuing to buy cooking oil, as stocks run low in part due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The tragedies occurred in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, which is one of the largest producers of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) and fresh palm oil fruit in Indonesia.

Indonesia requires exporters to set aside 30 per cent of palm oil products for domestic use, up from the previous 20 per cent, to tackle the shortage.

Massive price spikes for food and energy sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine will push over 40 million people into extreme poverty, the Centre for Global Development (CGDEV) said on Friday, warning against export curbs and sanctions on Russian food production.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-the-bouncing-oil-prices-461092/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The researchers said the most immediate concern was for direct wheat customers of Ukraine and Russia, which together account for more than a quarter of world wheat exports. These include Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey, but prices will rise worldwide as importers compete for alternative supplies.

The Indonesian Finance Ministry issued on Friday a regulation that raises the progressive levy up to US$375 per ton of CPO when international prices are above $1,500 per ton.

Local suppliers are exporting more palm oil amid the commodity’s surging price in the international market, as well as diverting their output to the production of biodiesel - an alternative fuel for vehicles - by combining palm oil and diesel fuel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-passes-law-to-shift-capital-from-jakarta-to-nusantara-445773">Also read |&nbsp;Indonesia passes law to shift capital from Jakarta to Nusantara</a>

Introduced in 2008, the biodiesel programme seeks to cut the country’s imports of crude oil and refined petroleum and boost the domestic consumption of palm oil, thus stabilising its price. To entice palm oil producers to supply biodiesel companies, the government has provided annual subsidies, which last year totalled nearly 52 trillion rupiah.

India has asked Indonesia to increase palm oil shipments to the country to compensate for a loss of sunflower oil supplies from the Black Sea region due to the Ukraine crisis.

India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oil, relies on top producer Indonesia for more than half of its palm oil imports, but has been worried by restrictions Jakarta put on its exports in January to calm local prices.

Limited palm supplies, followed by the halt in exports of sunflower oil from the Black Sea region - which accounts for 60 per cent&nbsp;of world sunoil output and 76&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of exports - have sent global vegetable oil prices to record highs.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Two people in Indonesia have died while queuing to buy cooking oil, as stocks run low in part due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The tragedies occurred in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, which is one of the largest producers of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) and fresh palm oil fruit in Indonesia.

Two people in Indonesia have died while queuing to buy cooking oil, as stocks run low in part due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The tragedies occurred in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, which is one of the largest producers of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) and fresh palm oil fruit in Indonesia. Indonesia requires exporters to set aside 30 per cent of palm oil products for domestic use, up from the previous 20 per cent, to tackle the shortage. Massive price spikes for food and energy sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine will push over 40 million people into extreme poverty, the Centre for Global Development (CGDEV) said on Friday, warning against export curbs and sanctions on Russian food production. The researchers said the most immediate concern was for direct wheat customers of Ukraine and Russia, which together account for more than a quarter of world wheat exports. These include Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey, but prices will rise worldwide as importers compete for alternative supplies. The Indonesian Finance Ministry issued on Friday a regulation that raises the progressive levy up to US$375 per ton of CPO when international prices are above $1,500 per ton. Local suppliers are exporting more palm oil amid the commodity’s surging price in the international market, as well as diverting their output to the production of biodiesel - an alternative fuel for vehicles - by combining palm oil and diesel fuel. Also read | Indonesia passes law to shift capital from Jakarta to Nusantara Introduced in 2008, the biodiesel programme seeks to cut the country’s imports of crude oil and refined petroleum and boost the domestic consumption of palm oil, thus stabilising its price. To entice palm oil producers to supply biodiesel companies, the government has provided annual subsidies, which last year totalled nearly 52 trillion rupiah. India has asked Indonesia to increase palm oil shipments to the country to compensate for a loss of sunflower oil supplies from the Black Sea region due to the Ukraine crisis. India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oil, relies on top producer Indonesia for more than half of its palm oil imports, but has been worried by restrictions Jakarta put on its exports in January to calm local prices. Limited palm supplies, followed by the halt in exports of sunflower oil from the Black Sea region - which accounts for 60 per cent of world sunoil output and 76 per cent of exports - have sent global vegetable oil prices to record highs. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia’s cooking oil shortage turns deadly, two killed after queuing for liquid gold

A boat carrying more than one hundred Rohingya refugees, including dozens of children, landed on the coast of Indonesia's westernmost province Aceh early Sunday, police said.

The vessel, which sailed from a Rohingya camp in Bangladesh, arrived shortly after 3:00 am on a beach in Bireun district.&nbsp;

It was carrying 114 people, including 58 men, 21 women and 35 children aged under 15 years old, police said.&nbsp;

"We will conduct a general health check up and Covid-19 rapid antigen tests for these foreigners," local police chief Mike Hardy Wirapraja told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-be-a-war-crime-ukraine-warns-russia-preparing-to-shell-port-city-odessa-459585">'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa</a>

He said they would later be transferred to neighbouring Lhokseumawe district which has a shelter for refugees.

Police found out about the arrival after some local fishermen reported that a boat filled with Rohingya people had landed on the beach.

The boat appeared to be in good condition and the refugees had sufficient food and supplies during the journey.

"We are originally from Myanmar but we fled to Bangladesh and we started our journey from Bangladesh," one of the refugees, Omar Faruk, told an AFP journalist, adding that the group had been at sea for 25 days.

"We left Bangladesh because the Rohingya situation at the camp is not good, it's getting very bad at the moment," the 11-year-old said in English.

Faruk said he left his mother in Bangladesh and followed his uncle to start a new life, preferably in a Muslim majority country like Indonesia or Malaysia.

"We left Bangladesh to this country to make a beautiful future... I have no father, only one uncle and my mom is still in Bangladesh. I came here because I want to improve my education," he added.

It is the second arrival by the persecuted minority in Muslim-majority Indonesia in the recent months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/saudi-arabia-and-indonesia-clashing-visions-of-moderate-islam-458950">Saudi Arabia and Indonesia: Clashing visions of 'moderate Islam'</a>

More than 100 Rohingya also arrived in Bireun in late December after drifting for days before the Indonesian government eventually allowed them to land and dragged their stricken boat to shore.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar since 2017 after a military crackdown that refugees said included mass killings and rape.&nbsp;

Most live in cramped camps in Bangladesh, where human traffickers run lucrative operations promising to find them sanctuary abroad.

Each year hundreds of Rohingya make perilous, months-long journeys from refugee camps in Bangladesh to Southeast Asia. Relatively affluent Malaysia is usually the favoured destination, but they also end up in Indonesia.

A boat carrying more than one hundred Rohingya refugees, including dozens of children, landed on the coast of Indonesia's westernmost province Aceh early Sunday, police said.

A boat carrying more than one hundred Rohingya refugees, including dozens of children, landed on the coast of Indonesia's westernmost province Aceh early Sunday, police said. The vessel, which sailed from a Rohingya camp in Bangladesh, arrived shortly after 3:00 am on a beach in Bireun district. It was carrying 114 people, including 58 men, 21 women and 35 children aged under 15 years old, police said. "We will conduct a general health check up and Covid-19 rapid antigen tests for these foreigners," local police chief Mike Hardy Wirapraja told AFP. Also read | 'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa He said they would later be transferred to neighbouring Lhokseumawe district which has a shelter for refugees. Police found out about the arrival after some local fishermen reported that a boat filled with Rohingya people had landed on the beach. The boat appeared to be in good condition and the refugees had sufficient food and supplies during the journey. "We are originally from Myanmar but we fled to Bangladesh and we started our journey from Bangladesh," one of the refugees, Omar Faruk, told an AFP journalist, adding that the group had been at sea for 25 days. "We left Bangladesh because the Rohingya situation at the camp is not good, it's getting very bad at the moment," the 11-year-old said in English. Faruk said he left his mother in Bangladesh and followed his uncle to start a new life, preferably in a Muslim majority country like Indonesia or Malaysia. "We left Bangladesh to this country to make a beautiful future... I have no father, only one uncle and my mom is still in Bangladesh. I came here because I want to improve my education," he added. It is the second arrival by the persecuted minority in Muslim-majority Indonesia in the recent months. Also read | Saudi Arabia and Indonesia: Clashing visions of 'moderate Islam' More than 100 Rohingya also arrived in Bireun in late December after drifting for days before the Indonesian government eventually allowed them to land and dragged their stricken boat to shore. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar since 2017 after a military crackdown that refugees said included mass killings and rape. Most live in cramped camps in Bangladesh, where human traffickers run lucrative operations promising to find them sanctuary abroad. Each year hundreds of Rohingya make perilous, months-long journeys from refugee camps in Bangladesh to Southeast Asia. Relatively affluent Malaysia is usually the favoured destination, but they also end up in Indonesia.

Rohingya boat with dozens of children lands in Indonesia's Aceh

Two diametrically opposed visions of moderate Islam have emerged as major Muslim powers battle to define the soul of their faith in the 21st century in a struggle that is as much about geopolitics as it is about autocratic survival and visualisations of a future civilisation and world order.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Yahya Cholil Staquf, the newly elected chairman of the central board of Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama, the world’s largest Muslim civil society movement, expressed their duelling visions in separate but almost simultaneously published interviews.

While the timing of the interviews was coincidental, they neatly laid out the parameters of a rivalry among major Middle Eastern and Asian Muslim-majority powers to dominate the discourse of Islam’s place as the world transits into an as yet undefined new world order.

Unsurprisingly, the visions expressed by the two leaders mirror the struggle epitomised by the Russian invasion of Ukraine between an autocratic, civilisationalist, and a more democratic and pluralistic vision of the world in the 21st century.

At the heart of the differences between Messrs. Bin Salman and Staquf lie questions about whether Islam needs reform or a return to basics, who has the authority to interpret or reinterpret the faith, and what constitutes proper Islamic governance.

Speaking to The Atlantic, Mr. Bin Salman left no doubt that the authority to interpret Islam was his and his alone.

A law graduate from King Saud University who prides himself as a student of Islamic jurisprudence who bent Saud Arabia’s religious establishment to his will, Mr. Bin Salman laid out the principle of the autocrats’ notion of moderate Islam: absolute obedience to the ruler.

“In Islamic law, the head of the Islamic establishment is wali al-amr, the ruler,” Mr. Bin Salman said.

For good order, Mr. Bin Salman added that “Saudi Arabia is based on pure monarchy,” and he, as crown prince, would preserve the system. To remove himself from it would amount to a betrayal of all the monarchies and Saudis beneath him. “I can’t stage a coup d’état against 14 million citizens,” Mr. Bin Salman said. He was asserting that most Saudis supported not only the monarchy but also one-man monarchical rule.

Mr. Bin Salman was also insisting that he decided what implementation of Islamic law entailed and that he had the authority and power to interpret the faith as he saw fit.

In line with accepted dogma, Mr. Bin Salman said he could not change rules enshrined in the Qur’an, viewed as God’s word, but was free to reinterpret the majority of Islamic legal provisions derived from reported sayings and deeds of the Prophet Mohammed.

“He’s short-circuiting the tradition,” Middle East scholar Bernard Haykel told The Atlantic. “But he’s doing it in an Islamic way. He’s saying that there are very few things that are fixed beyond dispute in Islam. That leaves him to determine what is in the interest of the Muslim community. If that means opening movie theatres, allowing tourists, or women on the beaches on the Red Sea, then so be it.”

Mr. Bin Salman has no doubt given tradition short shrift. He has introduced social rather than religious changes of traditions that were tribal, not religious in origin, even if they were religiously packaged.

The crown prince‘s views clashed with an opposed vision of what Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama calls the need to "recontextualise” Islam to bring its legal concepts and philosophy into line with the 21st century.

Recontextualisation would involve revising “obsolete” elements of Islamic jurisprudence that are supremacist or discriminatory. These include concepts such as the kafir or infidel and dhimmi or people of the book like Jews and Christians who enjoy protected but second-class status under Islamic law; and slavery which has been abolished across the Muslim world in secular law but has yet to be removed from the Sharia.

The clash of visions was evident in Mr. Bin Salman's definition of authority and his rejection of the notion of a 'moderate Islam.' Mr. Bin Salman insisted “that the term would make terrorists and extremists happy.”

In the crown prince's mind, it suggests that "we in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries are changing Islam into something new, which is not true," he said. "We are going back to the core, back to pure Islam," as practiced by the Prophet Muhammed and his four successors. “These teachings of the Prophet and the four caliphs—they were amazing. They were perfect.”

Mr. Bin Salman’s insistence that 7th century Islam was perfect explains why he has not anchored his wide-ranging social reforms that have lifted major but not all restrictions on women and modern-day entertainment in religious rather than only secular law.

Yet, it is religious, not Saudi law, that pious Muslims beyond the realm of Saudi jurisdiction will look at.

It’s a void that Nahdlatul Ulama hopes to fill. The group says it has started to do so when in 2019, a gathering of 20,000 Islamic scholars declared the legal category of the kafir or the infidel to be obsolete and no longer operable under Muslim law.

The term was replaced with the word muwathinun or citizen to emphasise that Muslims and non-Muslims were equal before the law. “The word ‘kafir’ hurts some non-Muslims and is perceived to be theologically violent,” Nahdlatul Ulama cleric Abdul Moqsith Ghazali said at the time.

The movement has since yet to tackle other legal concepts that it has identified as “obsolete.”

Nonetheless, Mr. Staquf, who was elected chairman in December noted that Nahdlatul Ulama’s founder, Haji Hasyim Asy’ari, had conceived the movement as a vehicle for “consolidating the universe.”

At the time, that meant a vehicle to fill the void created by the abolition of the caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the general-turned-statemen who carved modern Turkey out of the ruins of the Ottoman empire.

For many Muslims, the caliphate underpinned Islamic civilization. “From the existing records, Nahdlatul Ulama was established to forge a new path for future civilisation, to replace the old civilisational construct that was lost,” Mr. Staquf told Indonesia’s Kompas magazine.

Rooted in the history of Indonesian Islam and Nahdlatul Ulama, Mr. Staquf branded the group’s religious precepts as 'humanitarian Islam.' The group projects it as an alternative to state-backed, less developed, less tolerant, and less pluralistic notions of moderate Islam as propagated by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well expressions of political Islam represented by Turkey, Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Mr. Staquf has one advantage few other Muslim religious reformers have. Indonesia and Nahdlatul Ulama have their own religious authorities that they believe rival those of the Middle East. As a result, Nahdlatul Ulama scholars feel no need to take their cue from seats of Islamic learning like Al Azhar in Cairo or the Islamic University of Medina.

Unlike Mr. Bin Salman, Mr. Staquf sees his role as returning to the vision of Abdurrahman Wahid, a widely respected and visionary former leader of Nahdlatul Ulama and onetime Indonesian president.

Affectionately known as Gus Dur, Mr. Wahid sought to forge “a new path towards the development of a new civilization,” said Mr. Staquf, a prominent Islamic scholar in his own right and disciple of Mr. Wahid. “We must strive to establish a universal consensus that respects the equal rights and dignity of every human being.”

Mr. Bin Salman may have more drama to show in his efforts to define ‘moderate Islam’ and control its narrative than does Mr. Staquf in the opening salvos of what amounts to a battle for the soul of Islam.

However, in the ultimate analysis, it may be Mr. Staquf as part of a broader endeavour that has a more significant impact on the reform of Islam as such rather than the reform of only one Muslim-majority state.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two diametrically opposed visions of moderate Islam have emerged as major Muslim powers battle to define the soul of their faith in the 21st century in a struggle that is as much about geopolitics as it is about autocratic survival and visualisations of a future civilisation and world order.

Two diametrically opposed visions of moderate Islam have emerged as major Muslim powers battle to define the soul of their faith in the 21st century in a struggle that is as much about geopolitics as it is about autocratic survival and visualisations of a future civilisation and world order. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Yahya Cholil Staquf, the newly elected chairman of the central board of Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama, the world’s largest Muslim civil society movement, expressed their duelling visions in separate but almost simultaneously published interviews. While the timing of the interviews was coincidental, they neatly laid out the parameters of a rivalry among major Middle Eastern and Asian Muslim-majority powers to dominate the discourse of Islam’s place as the world transits into an as yet undefined new world order. Unsurprisingly, the visions expressed by the two leaders mirror the struggle epitomised by the Russian invasion of Ukraine between an autocratic, civilisationalist, and a more democratic and pluralistic vision of the world in the 21st century. At the heart of the differences between Messrs. Bin Salman and Staquf lie questions about whether Islam needs reform or a return to basics, who has the authority to interpret or reinterpret the faith, and what constitutes proper Islamic governance. Speaking to The Atlantic, Mr. Bin Salman left no doubt that the authority to interpret Islam was his and his alone. A law graduate from King Saud University who prides himself as a student of Islamic jurisprudence who bent Saud Arabia’s religious establishment to his will, Mr. Bin Salman laid out the principle of the autocrats’ notion of moderate Islam: absolute obedience to the ruler. “In Islamic law, the head of the Islamic establishment is wali al-amr, the ruler,” Mr. Bin Salman said. For good order, Mr. Bin Salman added that “Saudi Arabia is based on pure monarchy,” and he, as crown prince, would preserve the system. To remove himself from it would amount to a betrayal of all the monarchies and Saudis beneath him. “I can’t stage a coup d’état against 14 million citizens,” Mr. Bin Salman said. He was asserting that most Saudis supported not only the monarchy but also one-man monarchical rule. Mr. Bin Salman was also insisting that he decided what implementation of Islamic law entailed and that he had the authority and power to interpret the faith as he saw fit. In line with accepted dogma, Mr. Bin Salman said he could not change rules enshrined in the Qur’an, viewed as God’s word, but was free to reinterpret the majority of Islamic legal provisions derived from reported sayings and deeds of the Prophet Mohammed. “He’s short-circuiting the tradition,” Middle East scholar Bernard Haykel told The Atlantic. “But he’s doing it in an Islamic way. He’s saying that there are very few things that are fixed beyond dispute in Islam. That leaves him to determine what is in the interest of the Muslim community. If that means opening movie theatres, allowing tourists, or women on the beaches on the Red Sea, then so be it.” Mr. Bin Salman has no doubt given tradition short shrift. He has introduced social rather than religious changes of traditions that were tribal, not religious in origin, even if they were religiously packaged. The crown prince‘s views clashed with an opposed vision of what Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama calls the need to "recontextualise” Islam to bring its legal concepts and philosophy into line with the 21st century. Recontextualisation would involve revising “obsolete” elements of Islamic jurisprudence that are supremacist or discriminatory. These include concepts such as the kafir or infidel and dhimmi or people of the book like Jews and Christians who enjoy protected but second-class status under Islamic law; and slavery which has been abolished across the Muslim world in secular law but has yet to be removed from the Sharia. The clash of visions was evident in Mr. Bin Salman's definition of authority and his rejection of the notion of a 'moderate Islam.' Mr. Bin Salman insisted “that the term would make terrorists and extremists happy.” In the crown prince's mind, it suggests that "we in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries are changing Islam into something new, which is not true," he said. "We are going back to the core, back to pure Islam," as practiced by the Prophet Muhammed and his four successors. “These teachings of the Prophet and the four caliphs—they were amazing. They were perfect.” Mr. Bin Salman’s insistence that 7th century Islam was perfect explains why he has not anchored his wide-ranging social reforms that have lifted major but not all restrictions on women and modern-day entertainment in religious rather than only secular law. Yet, it is religious, not Saudi law, that pious Muslims beyond the realm of Saudi jurisdiction will look at. It’s a void that Nahdlatul Ulama hopes to fill. The group says it has started to do so when in 2019, a gathering of 20,000 Islamic scholars declared the legal category of the kafir or the infidel to be obsolete and no longer operable under Muslim law. The term was replaced with the word muwathinun or citizen to emphasise that Muslims and non-Muslims were equal before the law. “The word ‘kafir’ hurts some non-Muslims and is perceived to be theologically violent,” Nahdlatul Ulama cleric Abdul Moqsith Ghazali said at the time. The movement has since yet to tackle other legal concepts that it has identified as “obsolete.” Nonetheless, Mr. Staquf, who was elected chairman in December noted that Nahdlatul Ulama’s founder, Haji Hasyim Asy’ari, had conceived the movement as a vehicle for “consolidating the universe.” At the time, that meant a vehicle to fill the void created by the abolition of the caliphate by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the general-turned-statemen who carved modern Turkey out of the ruins of the Ottoman empire. For many Muslims, the caliphate underpinned Islamic civilization. “From the existing records, Nahdlatul Ulama was established to forge a new path for future civilisation, to replace the old civilisational construct that was lost,” Mr. Staquf told Indonesia’s Kompas magazine. Rooted in the history of Indonesian Islam and Nahdlatul Ulama, Mr. Staquf branded the group’s religious precepts as 'humanitarian Islam.' The group projects it as an alternative to state-backed, less developed, less tolerant, and less pluralistic notions of moderate Islam as propagated by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well expressions of political Islam represented by Turkey, Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Mr. Staquf has one advantage few other Muslim religious reformers have. Indonesia and Nahdlatul Ulama have their own religious authorities that they believe rival those of the Middle East. As a result, Nahdlatul Ulama scholars feel no need to take their cue from seats of Islamic learning like Al Azhar in Cairo or the Islamic University of Medina. Unlike Mr. Bin Salman, Mr. Staquf sees his role as returning to the vision of Abdurrahman Wahid, a widely respected and visionary former leader of Nahdlatul Ulama and onetime Indonesian president. Affectionately known as Gus Dur, Mr. Wahid sought to forge “a new path towards the development of a new civilization,” said Mr. Staquf, a prominent Islamic scholar in his own right and disciple of Mr. Wahid. “We must strive to establish a universal consensus that respects the equal rights and dignity of every human being.” Mr. Bin Salman may have more drama to show in his efforts to define ‘moderate Islam’ and control its narrative than does Mr. Staquf in the opening salvos of what amounts to a battle for the soul of Islam. However, in the ultimate analysis, it may be Mr. Staquf as part of a broader endeavour that has a more significant impact on the reform of Islam as such rather than the reform of only one Muslim-majority state. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia: Clashing visions of 'moderate Islam'

Seven people died and dozens more were injured when a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked Indonesia's Sumatra island on Friday, with residents shuttling loved ones to safety as buildings crumbled around them.

The quake came just minutes after a less violent tremor, as terrified residents had begun evacuating their houses.

"We all fled our home (after the first quake)," Yudi Prama Agustino, 36, told AFP. "I have a one-year-old baby, so in panic, I pushed the stroller out of the house."

The quake hit the island's north at a depth of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles), about 70 km from the town of Bukittinggi in West Sumatra province, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Agustino's hometown in Agam district is another 40 km from Bukittinggi.

"I noticed there was an earthquake because my kids' toys fell over. I panicked because my in-laws were also in the house and they are quite old and sick," Agustino said of the first tremor that was recorded at 5.0 by the USGS.

"Once we were outside, a much stronger 6.2 quake happened and everybody panicked," he added.

Seven people died and 85 were injured in West Pasaman and Pasaman -- about 17 and 20 km respectively from the epicentre -- according to Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

&nbsp;At least 5,000 people in the two districts have been evacuated.

Indonesian meteorological agency BMKG warned people to stay away from slopes over fears of landslides at the peak of the rainy season.

The quake was felt in the neighbouring provinces of Riau and North Sumatra and as far away as Malaysia and Singapore. No tsunami warning has been issued.

Collapsed homes

Images shared with AFP from Pasaman city, near the quake's epicentre, showed partially collapsed houses with bricks lying on the ground and holes in the walls.

The town mayor's residence also suffered damage, with shattered glass all over the floor, according to BNPB head Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Television footage showed patients being wheeled out of a hospital in West Sumatra's provincial capital Padang.

&nbsp;Alim Bazar, head of Pasaman's disaster mitigation agency, told AFP some buildings suffered cracks.

"The mayor called and ordered that all second and third floors in every building should be vacated," he said.

&nbsp;Irpanda, a resident of Pasaman, told Metro TV he felt both the first and second tremors.

"At first, the quake only lasted for a few seconds. People fled their homes and buildings nearby were swaying," he said.

"But then another quake happened and it was so strong. More people fled their houses," he said, adding patients at a local hospital were also moved outside.

Singapore, Malaysia tremors

Tremors were also felt in Singapore, witnesses and police said.

"Earth tremors were... felt in certain parts of Singapore at about 9:45 am," the police said in a statement.

The police and emergency services "have received several calls from the public reporting these tremors", they added.

One Singapore resident told AFP he felt a slight shake at home that left him dizzy, while state broadcaster CNA showed a video of ceiling lamps swaying at a highrise apartment.

Malaysia's meteorological department said in a tweet that "vibrations" were felt on the peninsula's western states.

"Wow #earthquake in Kuala Lumpur," wrote one Twitter user. "Building is swaying!!"

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", causing it to experience frequent earthquakes.

In 2004, a 9.1-magnitude quake struck the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 people throughout the region, including about 170,000 in Indonesia.

Seven people died and dozens more were injured when a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked Indonesia's Sumatra island on Friday, with residents shuttling loved ones to safety as buildings crumbled around them.

Seven people died and dozens more were injured when a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked Indonesia's Sumatra island on Friday, with residents shuttling loved ones to safety as buildings crumbled around them. The quake came just minutes after a less violent tremor, as terrified residents had begun evacuating their houses. "We all fled our home (after the first quake)," Yudi Prama Agustino, 36, told AFP. "I have a one-year-old baby, so in panic, I pushed the stroller out of the house." The quake hit the island's north at a depth of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles), about 70 km from the town of Bukittinggi in West Sumatra province, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Agustino's hometown in Agam district is another 40 km from Bukittinggi. "I noticed there was an earthquake because my kids' toys fell over. I panicked because my in-laws were also in the house and they are quite old and sick," Agustino said of the first tremor that was recorded at 5.0 by the USGS. "Once we were outside, a much stronger 6.2 quake happened and everybody panicked," he added. Seven people died and 85 were injured in West Pasaman and Pasaman -- about 17 and 20 km respectively from the epicentre -- according to Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). At least 5,000 people in the two districts have been evacuated. Indonesian meteorological agency BMKG warned people to stay away from slopes over fears of landslides at the peak of the rainy season. The quake was felt in the neighbouring provinces of Riau and North Sumatra and as far away as Malaysia and Singapore. No tsunami warning has been issued. Collapsed homes Images shared with AFP from Pasaman city, near the quake's epicentre, showed partially collapsed houses with bricks lying on the ground and holes in the walls. The town mayor's residence also suffered damage, with shattered glass all over the floor, according to BNPB head Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Television footage showed patients being wheeled out of a hospital in West Sumatra's provincial capital Padang. Alim Bazar, head of Pasaman's disaster mitigation agency, told AFP some buildings suffered cracks. "The mayor called and ordered that all second and third floors in every building should be vacated," he said. Irpanda, a resident of Pasaman, told Metro TV he felt both the first and second tremors. "At first, the quake only lasted for a few seconds. People fled their homes and buildings nearby were swaying," he said. "But then another quake happened and it was so strong. More people fled their houses," he said, adding patients at a local hospital were also moved outside. Singapore, Malaysia tremors Tremors were also felt in Singapore, witnesses and police said. "Earth tremors were... felt in certain parts of Singapore at about 9:45 am," the police said in a statement. The police and emergency services "have received several calls from the public reporting these tremors", they added. One Singapore resident told AFP he felt a slight shake at home that left him dizzy, while state broadcaster CNA showed a video of ceiling lamps swaying at a highrise apartment. Malaysia's meteorological department said in a tweet that "vibrations" were felt on the peninsula's western states. "Wow #earthquake in Kuala Lumpur," wrote one Twitter user. "Building is swaying!!" Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", causing it to experience frequent earthquakes. In 2004, a 9.1-magnitude quake struck the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 people throughout the region, including about 170,000 in Indonesia.

Indonesia: Seven dead as 6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Sumatra

A&nbsp;6.2- magnitude&nbsp;earthquake&nbsp;struck&nbsp;Indonesia's&nbsp;Sumatra&nbsp;island&nbsp;on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said, with residents sent fleeing from their homes.

According to news agency Reuters, at least seven people were killed and dozens injured.

The quake hit the&nbsp;island's north at a depth of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles), about 70 kilometres from the town of Bukittinggi in West&nbsp;Sumatra&nbsp;province, according to USGS.

No tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of serious damage, but the quake was felt in the neighbouring provinces of Riau and North&nbsp;Sumatra&nbsp;and as far away as Malaysia and Singapore.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fears-for-orangutans-future-heightens-amid-shift-in-indonesias-capital-455067">Fears for orangutans' future heightens amid shift in Indonesia's capital</a>

Residents said the 6.2 quake -- which struck just after 8:30 am -- came minutes after a less violent quake recorded by USGS as 5.0 magnitude.

Alim Bazar, head of the disaster mitigation agency of Pasaman city near the quake's epicentre, told AFP some buildings suffered cracks.

"The mayor called and ordered all second and third floors in every building should be vacated," he said.

Bazar said there were reports of some injuries, but did not have any details.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/magnitude-66-earthquake-strikes-off-indonesias-java-island-444695">Magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes off Indonesia's Java island</a>

Irpanda, a resident of Pasaman city who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told Metro TV that he felt both the first and second tremors.

"At first, the quake only lasted for a few seconds. People fled their homes and buildings nearby were swaying," he said.

"But then another quake happened and it was so strong. More people fled their houses," he said, adding patients at a local hospital were moved outside.

Tremors were also felt in Singapore, witnesses and police said.

"Earth tremors were... felt in certain parts of Singapore at about 9:45 am," the police said in a statement.

The police and emergency services "have received several calls from the public reporting these tremors", the statement added.

Malaysia's meteorological department said in a tweet that "vibrations" were felt on the peninsula's western states.

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesia names new capital Nusantara, replacing Jakarta

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-names-new-capital-nusantara-replacing-jakarta-446407/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Vibrations felt in the western Peninsular area especially in Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor," the department said in the tweet.

Indonesia&nbsp;sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", causing it to experience frequent earthquakes.

In 2004, a 9.1-magnitude quake&nbsp;struck the coast of&nbsp;Sumatra&nbsp;and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 people throughout the region, including about 170,000 in&nbsp;Indonesia.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 6.2- magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sumatra island on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said, with residents sent fleeing from their homes. According to news agency Reuters, at least seven people were killed and dozens injured.

A 6.2- magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sumatra island on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said, with residents sent fleeing from their homes. According to news agency Reuters, at least seven people were killed and dozens injured. The quake hit the island's north at a depth of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles), about 70 kilometres from the town of Bukittinggi in West Sumatra province, according to USGS. No tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of serious damage, but the quake was felt in the neighbouring provinces of Riau and North Sumatra and as far away as Malaysia and Singapore. Also read | Fears for orangutans' future heightens amid shift in Indonesia's capital Residents said the 6.2 quake -- which struck just after 8:30 am -- came minutes after a less violent quake recorded by USGS as 5.0 magnitude. Alim Bazar, head of the disaster mitigation agency of Pasaman city near the quake's epicentre, told AFP some buildings suffered cracks. "The mayor called and ordered all second and third floors in every building should be vacated," he said. Bazar said there were reports of some injuries, but did not have any details. Also read | Magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes off Indonesia's Java island Irpanda, a resident of Pasaman city who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told Metro TV that he felt both the first and second tremors. "At first, the quake only lasted for a few seconds. People fled their homes and buildings nearby were swaying," he said. "But then another quake happened and it was so strong. More people fled their houses," he said, adding patients at a local hospital were moved outside. Tremors were also felt in Singapore, witnesses and police said. "Earth tremors were... felt in certain parts of Singapore at about 9:45 am," the police said in a statement. The police and emergency services "have received several calls from the public reporting these tremors", the statement added. Malaysia's meteorological department said in a tweet that "vibrations" were felt on the peninsula's western states. Watch | Indonesia names new capital Nusantara, replacing Jakarta "Vibrations felt in the western Peninsular area especially in Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor," the department said in the tweet. Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", causing it to experience frequent earthquakes. In 2004, a 9.1-magnitude quake struck the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 people throughout the region, including about 170,000 in Indonesia. (With inputs from agencies)

6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia's Sumatra island, at least 7 killed

The Indonesian government's move to relocate the country's capital to the dense but dwindling jungles of East Kalimantan province has increased fears for the future of orangutans.

Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations, and mining.

Indonesia has designated several areas in Kalimantan as safe havens for Borneo orangutans, which are on the World Wildlife Fund's endangered list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-orangutan-parenting-the-kids-can-get-their-own-dinner-437873">Also read |&nbsp;In Orangutan parenting, the kids can get their own dinner</a>

"The move will bring a large population but also big demands for changes to land-use to accommodate new housing and office complexes, even food production centers," says Anton Nurcahyo, deputy CEO of the Indonesian non-profit Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS).

"This inevitably will create huge changes to the surrounding habitats."

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However, east Kalimantan Governor Isran Noor said, "Of course, there will be a few sacrifices, but ultimately, we aim to achieve forest revitalisation. When finished it will boast at least 70 per cent open green space."

Survey results and habitat feasibility studies have deemed Tanagupa forest a suitable area to resettle orangutans, as it is far from human settlements, has an abundance of foraging plants, and has a low density of resident orangutans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-smuggled-indonesian-orangutans-fly-home-from-thailand-350420">Also read |&nbsp;Two smuggled Indonesian orangutans fly home from Thailand</a>

"The neighboring Sepaku and Samboja districts (earmarked for Nusantara) do not have wild orangutan populations," Nurcahyo says.

"But the orangutan rehabilitation center is located here, on 1,850 hectares of forest, which needs to be preserved in its current condition."

Conservationists hope the dedicated habitats will help sustain Indonesia’s orangutans. There are an estimated 104,700 Bornean orangutans, less than half the 230,000 a century ago, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

"With the unique ecosystems in East Kalimantan, it is vital to have a mitigation plan in place tailored to these specific environmental needs," Nurcahyo insists.

"That plan is still being developed. The first step will be to evaluate and map the impact of the move."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Indonesian government's move to relocate the country's capital to the dense but dwindling jungles of East Kalimantan province has increased fears for the future of orangutans.

The Indonesian government's move to relocate the country's capital to the dense but dwindling jungles of East Kalimantan province has increased fears for the future of orangutans. Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations, and mining. Indonesia has designated several areas in Kalimantan as safe havens for Borneo orangutans, which are on the World Wildlife Fund's endangered list. Also read | In Orangutan parenting, the kids can get their own dinner "The move will bring a large population but also big demands for changes to land-use to accommodate new housing and office complexes, even food production centers," says Anton Nurcahyo, deputy CEO of the Indonesian non-profit Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS). "This inevitably will create huge changes to the surrounding habitats." However, east Kalimantan Governor Isran Noor said, "Of course, there will be a few sacrifices, but ultimately, we aim to achieve forest revitalisation. When finished it will boast at least 70 per cent open green space." Survey results and habitat feasibility studies have deemed Tanagupa forest a suitable area to resettle orangutans, as it is far from human settlements, has an abundance of foraging plants, and has a low density of resident orangutans. Also read | Two smuggled Indonesian orangutans fly home from Thailand "The neighboring Sepaku and Samboja districts (earmarked for Nusantara) do not have wild orangutan populations," Nurcahyo says. "But the orangutan rehabilitation center is located here, on 1,850 hectares of forest, which needs to be preserved in its current condition." Conservationists hope the dedicated habitats will help sustain Indonesia’s orangutans. There are an estimated 104,700 Bornean orangutans, less than half the 230,000 a century ago, according to the World Wildlife Fund. "With the unique ecosystems in East Kalimantan, it is vital to have a mitigation plan in place tailored to these specific environmental needs," Nurcahyo insists. "That plan is still being developed. The first step will be to evaluate and map the impact of the move." (With inputs from agencies)

Fears for orangutans' future heightens amid shift in Indonesia's capital

Indonesian court on Tuesday sentenced an Islamic school teacher to life in prison for raping 13 student. The case has drawn national attention to sexual abuse that has spotlighted the need to protect children from sexual violence in the country's religious boarding schools.

Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students

A court in Indonesia handed a life imprisonment sentence to a teacher found guilty of rape of 13 students. The case had drawn national attention to sexual abuse is some of Indonesia's religious boarding schools.

Herry Wirawan, 36, was found guilty of raping 13 female students -- all minors -- and impregnating at least eight of them by Bandung district court in West Java.

The revelations sparked national outrage, with a senior government official saying President Joko Widodo has paid special attention to the case.

A family of a female student reported Wirawan to the police last year for raping and impregnating their teenage daughter. The pattern of sexual abuse committed by Wirawan soon emerged.

During the trial, it was revealed he had raped the children -- many from poor families attending the school on scholarships -- over five years.

Prosecutors requested chemical castration and the death penalty for the accused, who asked the judge for leniency to allow him to raise his children.&nbsp; 
Wirawan arrived in court in handcuffs and kept his head down as judge Yohannes Purnomo Suryo Adi sentenced him to life in prison.

The court said restitution for the victims will be paid by the government.

The chairman of Indonesia's Child Protection Commission said Tuesday's verdict meant "justice for the victims has been served".

'There will be more'

But a family member of one of the victims told AFP he was "very disappointed" that Wirawan did not receive a harsher sentence and warned that leniency would embolden other abusers.

"This wound will never be healed as long as we live, maybe until we die. The pain we are feeling is indescribable. We don't feel heard," said Hidmat Dijaya, an uncle of one of the 13 victims.

"If the sentence is lenient like this, there will be more Islamic teachers who will abuse children," he added.

"We will let God as the highest judge punish him. We can only pray because those judges failed to represent our hurt and pain."

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Indonesia handed a life imprisonment sentence to a teacher found guilty of rape of 13 students. The case had drawn national attention to sexual abuse is some of Indonesia's religious boarding schools.

A court in Indonesia handed a life imprisonment sentence to a teacher found guilty of rape of 13 students. The case had drawn national attention to sexual abuse is some of Indonesia's religious boarding schools. Herry Wirawan, 36, was found guilty of raping 13 female students -- all minors -- and impregnating at least eight of them by Bandung district court in West Java. The revelations sparked national outrage, with a senior government official saying President Joko Widodo has paid special attention to the case. A family of a female student reported Wirawan to the police last year for raping and impregnating their teenage daughter. The pattern of sexual abuse committed by Wirawan soon emerged. During the trial, it was revealed he had raped the children -- many from poor families attending the school on scholarships -- over five years. Prosecutors requested chemical castration and the death penalty for the accused, who asked the judge for leniency to allow him to raise his children. Wirawan arrived in court in handcuffs and kept his head down as judge Yohannes Purnomo Suryo Adi sentenced him to life in prison. The court said restitution for the victims will be paid by the government. The chairman of Indonesia's Child Protection Commission said Tuesday's verdict meant "justice for the victims has been served". 'There will be more' But a family member of one of the victims told AFP he was "very disappointed" that Wirawan did not receive a harsher sentence and warned that leniency would embolden other abusers. "This wound will never be healed as long as we live, maybe until we die. The pain we are feeling is indescribable. We don't feel heard," said Hidmat Dijaya, an uncle of one of the 13 victims. "If the sentence is lenient like this, there will be more Islamic teachers who will abuse children," he added. "We will let God as the highest judge punish him. We can only pray because those judges failed to represent our hurt and pain." (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian teacher gets life in jail for raping 13 students

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. 
 
However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. 
 
With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta.

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The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. 
 
"If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. 
 
To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. 
 
On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year.

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More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. 
 
The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. 
 
Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose.

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesian-court-jails-islamic-school-teacher-for-raping-13-students-453608/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. 
 
Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.</div>

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents.

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta. Also read | Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. "If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year. Also read | In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose. Watch | Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.

Vaccinated kids allowed to enter shopping centres in Jakarta

Indonesia signed a deal with France on Thursday to buy six Rafale warplanes as part of an anticipated total order of 42, as Paris bolsters military ties in the Asia-Pacific.

The agreement was announced as Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto met his French counterpart Florence Parly in Jakarta.&nbsp;

"We agreed on the purchase of 42 Rafale. The contract signed today is for the first six, which will be followed by 36 others," said Subianto.

It is the latest sign of warming ties between Jakarta and Paris, as France rethinks its alliances in the region following the collapse in September of a multibillion-dollar Australian submarine deal.

Paris was left furious by the debacle, saying it had been given no warning that Canberra was negotiating a new defence pact with the United States and Britain.

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Australia is now obtaining nuclear-powered submarines as part of the new defence alliance, named AUKUS, with Washington and London to counter a rising China.

In November, France and Indonesia strengthened a strategic partnership agreement during a two-day visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to the vast Southeast Asian archipelago.

Indonesia's first order for French warplanes comes as Jakarta replaces an ageing fleet -- consisting mainly of American F-16s and Russian Sukhois --&nbsp;as concerns grow about rising US-China tensions in Asia.

'Technical excellence'&nbsp;

In Jakarta, Parly told reporters that Indonesia had chosen a warplane known for its "technical excellence", which had demonstrated its "operational capabilities on numerous occasions".

Indonesia is also reportedly&nbsp;in negotiations to buy about 30 American F-15s, and is participating in a South Korean programme to develop a warplane.

Since the Australian submarine deal collapsed, France has been bolstering ties with long-time partners including Japan and India, as well as turning to Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-munich-paris-india-australia-france-fms-trilateral-on-anvil-452012">EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil</a>

Indonesia is one of several Asian countries that expressed concerns about the AUKUS pact, with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi warning it could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.&nbsp;

The Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft, which entered service in 2004, has proved popular in the international market despite&nbsp;competition from American and other&nbsp;European manufacturers.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates signed the biggest ever order for the jets in December, with a deal to buy 80 for 14 billion euros.&nbsp;

Other foreign clients include Qatar, India, Egypt, Greece and Croatia.

Indonesia signed a deal with France on Thursday to buy six Rafale warplanes as part of an anticipated total order of 42, as Paris bolsters military ties in the Asia-Pacific.

Indonesia signed a deal with France on Thursday to buy six Rafale warplanes as part of an anticipated total order of 42, as Paris bolsters military ties in the Asia-Pacific. The agreement was announced as Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto met his French counterpart Florence Parly in Jakarta. "We agreed on the purchase of 42 Rafale. The contract signed today is for the first six, which will be followed by 36 others," said Subianto. It is the latest sign of warming ties between Jakarta and Paris, as France rethinks its alliances in the region following the collapse in September of a multibillion-dollar Australian submarine deal. Paris was left furious by the debacle, saying it had been given no warning that Canberra was negotiating a new defence pact with the United States and Britain. Also read | In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years Australia is now obtaining nuclear-powered submarines as part of the new defence alliance, named AUKUS, with Washington and London to counter a rising China. In November, France and Indonesia strengthened a strategic partnership agreement during a two-day visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to the vast Southeast Asian archipelago. Indonesia's first order for French warplanes comes as Jakarta replaces an ageing fleet -- consisting mainly of American F-16s and Russian Sukhois -- as concerns grow about rising US-China tensions in Asia. 'Technical excellence' In Jakarta, Parly told reporters that Indonesia had chosen a warplane known for its "technical excellence", which had demonstrated its "operational capabilities on numerous occasions". Indonesia is also reportedly in negotiations to buy about 30 American F-15s, and is participating in a South Korean programme to develop a warplane. Since the Australian submarine deal collapsed, France has been bolstering ties with long-time partners including Japan and India, as well as turning to Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia. Also read | EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil Indonesia is one of several Asian countries that expressed concerns about the AUKUS pact, with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi warning it could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region. The Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft, which entered service in 2004, has proved popular in the international market despite competition from American and other European manufacturers. The United Arab Emirates signed the biggest ever order for the jets in December, with a deal to buy 80 for 14 billion euros. Other foreign clients include Qatar, India, Egypt, Greece and Croatia.

Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances

A crocodile in Indonesia has finally been freed after nearly six years, the crocodile was trapped in a rubber tire since 2016. A self-taught reptile rescuer snipped the rubber and released it back into the wild conservation. Workers were trying to lure the crocodile from the river over fears that the rubber would choke and kill the reptile as it grew inside.

Indonesia: Crocodile with tire around its neck for six years finally freed

Indonesia crocodile freed from tire after six years

In clashes between two groups, at least 19 people have been killed in the town of Sorong in Indonesia's West Papua province, police officials said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

The conflict had begun inside a nightclub, which has got burnt.&nbsp;

"One of the dead was a member of the groups that clashed on Monday night at the club in Sorong city and 18 bodies were found after the fire," Adam Erwindi, spokesperson, West Papua Police, said on Metro TV.

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In a statement, Sorong police chief Ary Nyoto Setiawan earlier said, "The clash broke out last night (Monday) at 11 pm. It was a prolonged conflict from a clash on Saturday."&nbsp;

The police are still investigating the incident and looking to find out what caused the clash and whether the fire was set intentionally or was it accidental.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-so-desperate-that-health-workers-now-taking-swab-tests-of-garlic-plants-report-447095" hreflang="en">China is so desperate that health workers now taking swab tests of garlic plants: Report</a>

Erwindi added that along with the probe, police officers were also meeting the main figures of the two groups to make for more conducive conditions.

The police and Indonesian military officers were controlling the area now.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In clashes between two groups, at least 19 people have been killed in the town of Sorong in Indonesia's West Papua province, police officials said on Tuesday. The conflict had begun inside a nightclub, which has got burnt.

In clashes between two groups, at least 19 people have been killed in the town of Sorong in Indonesia's West Papua province, police officials said on Tuesday. The conflict had begun inside a nightclub, which has got burnt. "One of the dead was a member of the groups that clashed on Monday night at the club in Sorong city and 18 bodies were found after the fire," Adam Erwindi, spokesperson, West Papua Police, said on Metro TV. Also Read: Seven injured in US fighter jet landing mishap in South China Sea, Navy pilot ejects safely In a statement, Sorong police chief Ary Nyoto Setiawan earlier said, "The clash broke out last night (Monday) at 11 pm. It was a prolonged conflict from a clash on Saturday." The police are still investigating the incident and looking to find out what caused the clash and whether the fire was set intentionally or was it accidental. Also Read: China is so desperate that health workers now taking swab tests of garlic plants: Report Erwindi added that along with the probe, police officers were also meeting the main figures of the two groups to make for more conducive conditions. The police and Indonesian military officers were controlling the area now. (With inputs from agencies)

19 people killed in fire, clash at nightclub in Indonesia, say cops

Indonesia has named its new capital Nusantara, as lawmakers approve the shift from Jakarta to Kalimantan. The new name translates to "archipelago" in the Indonesian language.

Indonesia names new capital Nusantara, replacing Jakarta

Indonesian parliament on Tuesday formally approved a bill giving go-ahead to shifting the national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan on Borneo. New name of the capital will be Nusantara.

First article of the bill formalised the name of the new capital Nusantara and defined the status of the city, which will become the new political center of the country with all embassies and representative offices of foreign organizations transferred there.&nbsp;

Nusantara was declared a city of regional significance. Administration of Nusantara would become the state body responsible for managing the new capital. The president will appoint and dismiss the head of administration and his deputy, whose term of office is limited to five years.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced the planned relocation of the Indonesian capital from the Jakarta metropolitan area to East Kalimantan in 2019. The authorities said a new capital was needed due to the congestion of the current capital, as well as in order to accelerate the economic development of Kalimantan. The project, estimated to cost over $30 billion, has been put on hold due to COVID-19 epidemic.&nbsp;

Shifting of Indonesian capital was necessitated due to rising concerns over the sustainability of the city due to congestion. Jakarta is also sinking very fast.

"The relocation of the capital city to Kalimantan is based on several considerations, regional advantages, and welfare. With the vision of the birth of a new economic center of gravity in the middle of the archipelago," said Suharso Monoarfa, the country's Minister of National Development Planning. The minister was quoted by Indonesia Parliament TV.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian parliament on Tuesday formally approved a bill giving go-ahead to shifting the national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan on Borneo. New name of the capital will be Nusantara.

Indonesian parliament on Tuesday formally approved a bill giving go-ahead to shifting the national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan on Borneo. New name of the capital will be Nusantara. First article of the bill formalised the name of the new capital Nusantara and defined the status of the city, which will become the new political center of the country with all embassies and representative offices of foreign organizations transferred there. Nusantara was declared a city of regional significance. Administration of Nusantara would become the state body responsible for managing the new capital. The president will appoint and dismiss the head of administration and his deputy, whose term of office is limited to five years. Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced the planned relocation of the Indonesian capital from the Jakarta metropolitan area to East Kalimantan in 2019. The authorities said a new capital was needed due to the congestion of the current capital, as well as in order to accelerate the economic development of Kalimantan. The project, estimated to cost over $30 billion, has been put on hold due to COVID-19 epidemic. Shifting of Indonesian capital was necessitated due to rising concerns over the sustainability of the city due to congestion. Jakarta is also sinking very fast. "The relocation of the capital city to Kalimantan is based on several considerations, regional advantages, and welfare. With the vision of the birth of a new economic center of gravity in the middle of the archipelago," said Suharso Monoarfa, the country's Minister of National Development Planning. The minister was quoted by Indonesia Parliament TV. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia passes law to shift capital from Jakarta to Nusantara

A married woman in Indonesia was flogged 100 times after she confessed to adultery in the conservative Aceh province of the country. On the other hand, her male partner received just 15 lashes after he denied the accusations.&nbsp;

As per an AFP reporter, the incident happened on Thursday and the flogging was paused for a brief moment because she couldn't bear the pain.&nbsp;

The head of general investigation division at East Aceh prosecutors office Ivan Najjar Alavi said the court handed down a sentence for the married woman, who has not been named. The sentence was issued after she confessed that she had sex out of her marriage.&nbsp;

While talking about why the man was flogged for a lesser number of times than the woman, Alavi said that the judges found it difficult to convict the man after because he denied all wrongdoings.&nbsp;

"During the trial, he admitted nothing, denying all accusations. Thus, [judges] are not able to prove whether he is guilty," Alavi told reporters after a public flogging for Sharia law offenders in East Aceh on Thursday.

Aceh follows religious law as part of a 2005 autonomy deal agreed with the central government that ended a decades-long separatist insurgency.

Aceh is the only region in Muslim-majority Indonesia to impose Islamic law, which allows whipping for charges including gambling, adultery, drinking alcohol, and gay sex.

The incident was watched by dozens who recorded a video and posted it on social media forums.&nbsp;

After the video went viral, public flogging has been criticised by human rights groups that slammed public caning as cruel, and Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has called for it to end.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A married woman in Indonesia was flogged 100 times after she confessed to adultery in the conservative Aceh province of the country. On the other hand, her male partner received just 15 lashes after he denied the accusations.

A married woman in Indonesia was flogged 100 times after she confessed to adultery in the conservative Aceh province of the country. On the other hand, her male partner received just 15 lashes after he denied the accusations. As per an AFP reporter, the incident happened on Thursday and the flogging was paused for a brief moment because she couldn't bear the pain. The head of general investigation division at East Aceh prosecutors office Ivan Najjar Alavi said the court handed down a sentence for the married woman, who has not been named. The sentence was issued after she confessed that she had sex out of her marriage. While talking about why the man was flogged for a lesser number of times than the woman, Alavi said that the judges found it difficult to convict the man after because he denied all wrongdoings. "During the trial, he admitted nothing, denying all accusations. Thus, [judges] are not able to prove whether he is guilty," Alavi told reporters after a public flogging for Sharia law offenders in East Aceh on Thursday. Aceh follows religious law as part of a 2005 autonomy deal agreed with the central government that ended a decades-long separatist insurgency. Aceh is the only region in Muslim-majority Indonesia to impose Islamic law, which allows whipping for charges including gambling, adultery, drinking alcohol, and gay sex. The incident was watched by dozens who recorded a video and posted it on social media forums. After the video went viral, public flogging has been criticised by human rights groups that slammed public caning as cruel, and Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has called for it to end. (With inputs from agencies)

Married woman in Indonesia flogged 100 times for adultery while partner gets 15 lashes

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi on Wednesday in the new year conversation discussed a range of issues including the Aceh and Andaman Nicobar island connectivity. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 visit to Indonesia, among several agreements, both sides decided to cooperate in connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar island and Aceh province of Indonesia.&nbsp;

Sabang port in Aceh is around 90 nautical miles from the Indian islands of Andaman and Nicobar. During the 2018 visit, it was also decided to set up a joint task force to undertake projects for port-related infrastructure in and around Sabang by both the neighbouring countries. Important to note, Sabang sits at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca, which is considered to be a key global choke point.&nbsp;

Being one of the most important shipping lanes, any stoppage of traffic here can impact countries like China, whose major chunk of energy and trade passes via the strait.

During the conversation, both sides also discussed the Covid crisis, the situation in Myanmar and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Indonesia, as an ASEAN member has been concerned about the developments in Myanmar, just like New Delhi.&nbsp;

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Myanmar saw a coup in February of last year with several political leaders being detained. There were also reports of large-scale violence happening in the country.&nbsp;

In Afghanistan, like India, Indonesia has been a key stakeholder. In fact, the Indonesian foreign minister was the only women foreign minister during last month's Organization of Islamic cooperation foreign ministers meeting in Islamabad on Afghanistan.

Discussions were also made on the Covid crisis. Indonesia had reached out to India during the second wave of the crisis last year. After this, &nbsp;India had sent support to the country when it was hit by the pandemic. Indian Navy had delivered Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) containers to the country as part of mission Sagar.&nbsp;

Both countries are part of the G20 Troika as well. Indonesia will hold the G20 summit this year and hand over the baton to India who will be chairing the grouping next year.

India will be hosting the G20 summit for the first time in 2023 with the construction of the venue centres taking place at a rapid pace in the national capital New Delhi.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi on Wednesday in the new year conversation discussed a range of issues including the Aceh and Andaman Nicobar island connectivity.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi on Wednesday in the new year conversation discussed a range of issues including the Aceh and Andaman Nicobar island connectivity. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 visit to Indonesia, among several agreements, both sides decided to cooperate in connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar island and Aceh province of Indonesia. Sabang port in Aceh is around 90 nautical miles from the Indian islands of Andaman and Nicobar. During the 2018 visit, it was also decided to set up a joint task force to undertake projects for port-related infrastructure in and around Sabang by both the neighbouring countries. Important to note, Sabang sits at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca, which is considered to be a key global choke point. Being one of the most important shipping lanes, any stoppage of traffic here can impact countries like China, whose major chunk of energy and trade passes via the strait. During the conversation, both sides also discussed the Covid crisis, the situation in Myanmar and Afghanistan. Indonesia, as an ASEAN member has been concerned about the developments in Myanmar, just like New Delhi. Also read | This Indian airport featured in top 10 global list for on-time performance Myanmar saw a coup in February of last year with several political leaders being detained. There were also reports of large-scale violence happening in the country. In Afghanistan, like India, Indonesia has been a key stakeholder. In fact, the Indonesian foreign minister was the only women foreign minister during last month's Organization of Islamic cooperation foreign ministers meeting in Islamabad on Afghanistan. Discussions were also made on the Covid crisis. Indonesia had reached out to India during the second wave of the crisis last year. After this, India had sent support to the country when it was hit by the pandemic. Indian Navy had delivered Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) containers to the country as part of mission Sagar. Both countries are part of the G20 Troika as well. Indonesia will hold the G20 summit this year and hand over the baton to India who will be chairing the grouping next year. India will be hosting the G20 summit for the first time in 2023 with the construction of the venue centres taking place at a rapid pace in the national capital New Delhi.

India, Indonesia FMs discuss Aceh-Andaman-Nicobar connectivity, Myanmar and Afghanistan

Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc as the Indonesian city submerges. Around 24,000 people have been evacuated whereas, two children are dead so far.

Flooding submerges Indonesian city with 24,000 people evacuated & 2 children dead

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