Seven people were killed in a landslide triggered by torrential storms on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said, as they warned continuing rainfall could cause further ground movement on Friday.

A day after the landslide hit two adjacent houses in Padang Pariaman district on Wednesday, seven bodies were pulled out of the mud, while another person was rescued alive with broken bones.&nbsp;

"All victims have been found after we were able to use heavy equipment yesterday afternoon," local disaster mitigation agency official Rumainur, who like many Indonesians only has one name, told AFP Friday.

Authorities warned residents to stay vigilant because heavy rains in the area will continue until Saturday.&nbsp;

"Please beware of the danger of ground movement triggered by the rainfall," spokesman for National Disaster Mitigation Agency Abdul Muhari said in a Friday statement.

More than 300 houses and 80 hectares of rice field in Padang Pariaman have been inundated.&nbsp;

Strong winds also damaged houses, kiosks and vehicles, and knocked down trees. &nbsp;

One person died and four others were injured when one fell on them as they were visiting a graveyard on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Local authorities have announced a state of emergency for 14 days and opened public kitchens.&nbsp;

In the West Sumatran provincial capital Padang, more than 400 people have been evacuated after heavy rain caused flooding in the city.&nbsp;

Fatal landslides and flash floods are common across Indonesia during the rainy season, which started in September in Sumatra.

The disasters are often caused by deforestation and poor mitigation planning, according to environmentalists.

In April this year more than 200 people were killed in a cluster of far-eastern islands in Indonesia and neighbouring Timor Leste as Tropical Cyclone Seroja turned small communities into wastelands of mud and uprooted trees.

Seven people were killed in a landslide triggered by torrential storms on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said, as they warned continuing rainfall could cause further ground movement on Friday.

Seven people were killed in a landslide triggered by torrential storms on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said, as they warned continuing rainfall could cause further ground movement on Friday. A day after the landslide hit two adjacent houses in Padang Pariaman district on Wednesday, seven bodies were pulled out of the mud, while another person was rescued alive with broken bones. "All victims have been found after we were able to use heavy equipment yesterday afternoon," local disaster mitigation agency official Rumainur, who like many Indonesians only has one name, told AFP Friday. Authorities warned residents to stay vigilant because heavy rains in the area will continue until Saturday. "Please beware of the danger of ground movement triggered by the rainfall," spokesman for National Disaster Mitigation Agency Abdul Muhari said in a Friday statement. More than 300 houses and 80 hectares of rice field in Padang Pariaman have been inundated. Strong winds also damaged houses, kiosks and vehicles, and knocked down trees. One person died and four others were injured when one fell on them as they were visiting a graveyard on Wednesday. Local authorities have announced a state of emergency for 14 days and opened public kitchens. In the West Sumatran provincial capital Padang, more than 400 people have been evacuated after heavy rain caused flooding in the city. Fatal landslides and flash floods are common across Indonesia during the rainy season, which started in September in Sumatra. The disasters are often caused by deforestation and poor mitigation planning, according to environmentalists. In April this year more than 200 people were killed in a cluster of far-eastern islands in Indonesia and neighbouring Timor Leste as Tropical Cyclone Seroja turned small communities into wastelands of mud and uprooted trees.

Seven killed in Indonesia landslide

Pushed on the brink due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the tourism industry, the governments of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, are mulling to open their borders and public spaces for foreign tourists.

According to Reuters, Vietnam plans to reopen the resort island of Phu Quoc to foreign tourists starting next month. The tourism minister, Nguyen Van Hung, said the pandemic had “seriously hurt” the tourism industry.

The decision comes as only 6.3 per cent of Vietnam’s 98 million people have received at least two shots.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-downgrades-2021-outlook-as-covid-19-hampers-recovery-405958">Thailand downgrades 2021 outlook as COVID-19 hampers recovery</a>

Foreign arrivals to Vietnam slumped from 18 million in 2019, when tourism revenue was $31 billion, or nearly 12% of its gross domestic product, to 3.8 million last year.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conceded that Vietnam was facing a lengthy battle against the coronavirus, which has infected over 5,70,000 people and killed 14,400, so could not just rely on lockdowns and quarantine.

Neighbouring Thailand has also announced its intentions to reopen Bangkok and other major destinations to foreign tourists by October, while hoping to revive its tourism industry, which accounted for more than 11% of the country's GDP in 2019,&nbsp;according to Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243">'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new variant of coronavirus</a>

So far, only 22% of the estimated 72 million people living in Thailand have been fully vaccinated, according to local media reports.

Indonesia, which has inoculated more than 16% of its population, has also eased its restrictions, allowing public spaces to reopen, and permitting factories to return to its full capacity.

Foreign tourists might be allowed into certain parts of the country, including the resort island Bali, by October, according to&nbsp;Reuters.

Watch

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There are many Southeast Asian nations who have been planning to open their borders as Covid-induced lockdown continue to cripple their economies.

However, there have been concerns among the health activities as the island nations have been struggling to inoculate their population owing to short supply of Covid vaccines, and their over-reliance on Chinese-made vaccines—which showed lower efficacy than those made by Western and Indian companies.

Brazilian trials have shown that Sinovac has about 50% efficacy&nbsp;against symptomatic Covid-19, and 100% effectiveness against severe disease, according to trial data submitted to WHO.

Sinopharm, another vaccine from China, has an efficacy of about 79% for symptomatic and hospitalized disease,&nbsp;according to WHO.

According to&nbsp;Duke University,&nbsp;Thailand has bought more than 40 million doses of the Sinovac drug, while the Philippines and Malaysia have around 20 million each. Cambodia has bought another 16 million.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has bought 15 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, while Malaysia has got another 5 million.

Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the US-based Council on Foreign Relations think tank, told CNN that if vaccination rates aren’t high enough with high-efficacy vaccines before restrictions are lifted, health care systems in Southeast Asia could quickly become overwhelmed.

“You're going to see this spike of severe cases then it's going to overwhelm the ICU ... beds, ventilators, there's going to be a shortage capacity challenge,” he was said quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pushed on the brink due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the tourism industry, the governments of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, are mulling to open their borders and public spaces for foreign tourists.

Pushed on the brink due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the tourism industry, the governments of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, are mulling to open their borders and public spaces for foreign tourists. According to Reuters, Vietnam plans to reopen the resort island of Phu Quoc to foreign tourists starting next month. The tourism minister, Nguyen Van Hung, said the pandemic had “seriously hurt” the tourism industry. The decision comes as only 6.3 per cent of Vietnam’s 98 million people have received at least two shots. Also read | Thailand downgrades 2021 outlook as COVID-19 hampers recovery Foreign arrivals to Vietnam slumped from 18 million in 2019, when tourism revenue was $31 billion, or nearly 12% of its gross domestic product, to 3.8 million last year. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conceded that Vietnam was facing a lengthy battle against the coronavirus, which has infected over 5,70,000 people and killed 14,400, so could not just rely on lockdowns and quarantine. Neighbouring Thailand has also announced its intentions to reopen Bangkok and other major destinations to foreign tourists by October, while hoping to revive its tourism industry, which accounted for more than 11% of the country's GDP in 2019, according to Reuters. Also read | 'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new variant of coronavirus So far, only 22% of the estimated 72 million people living in Thailand have been fully vaccinated, according to local media reports. Indonesia, which has inoculated more than 16% of its population, has also eased its restrictions, allowing public spaces to reopen, and permitting factories to return to its full capacity. Foreign tourists might be allowed into certain parts of the country, including the resort island Bali, by October, according to Reuters. Watch There are many Southeast Asian nations who have been planning to open their borders as Covid-induced lockdown continue to cripple their economies. However, there have been concerns among the health activities as the island nations have been struggling to inoculate their population owing to short supply of Covid vaccines, and their over-reliance on Chinese-made vaccines—which showed lower efficacy than those made by Western and Indian companies. Brazilian trials have shown that Sinovac has about 50% efficacy against symptomatic Covid-19, and 100% effectiveness against severe disease, according to trial data submitted to WHO. Sinopharm, another vaccine from China, has an efficacy of about 79% for symptomatic and hospitalized disease, according to WHO. According to Duke University, Thailand has bought more than 40 million doses of the Sinovac drug, while the Philippines and Malaysia have around 20 million each. Cambodia has bought another 16 million. Meanwhile, Indonesia has bought 15 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, while Malaysia has got another 5 million. Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the US-based Council on Foreign Relations think tank, told CNN that if vaccination rates aren’t high enough with high-efficacy vaccines before restrictions are lifted, health care systems in Southeast Asia could quickly become overwhelmed. “You're going to see this spike of severe cases then it's going to overwhelm the ICU ... beds, ventilators, there's going to be a shortage capacity challenge,” he was said quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Economies on the brink due to Covid, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam mulling to reopen borders

In a gun battle with security forces, Indonesia’s most wanted militant with ties to the Islamic State (IS) group has been killed, said the military. It is being seen as a victory for the counter-terrorism campaign against extremists in the jungles of Sulawesi island. &nbsp;

According to Central Sulawesi province’s military chief Brig Gen Farid Makruf, Ali Kalora was one of two militants killed in the shootout. The chief identified the other suspected extremist as Jaka Ramadan. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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During a raid on Saturday, the two men were shot by a joint team of military and police officers in Central Sulawesi’s mountainous Parigi Moutong district, said Makruf. It borders Poso district, which is considered an extremist hotbed in the province. &nbsp;

“Ali Kalora was the most wanted terrorist and leader of MIT,” Makruf said, while referring to the East Indonesia Mujahideen militant group, which claims allegiance to IS.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suicide-bomber-who-carried-out-kabul-airport-attack-was-arrested-in-delhi-earlier-claims-isis-k-414143" hreflang="en">Suicide bomber who carried out Kabul airport attack was arrested in Delhi earlier, claims ISIS-K</a> &nbsp;

The security forces are searching for the four remaining members of the group. &nbsp;

For several killings of police officers and Christians, the East Indonesia Mujahideen has claimed responsibility. &nbsp;

In Central Sulawesi, security operations have been intensified over recent months to capture members of the network. The group had pledged allegiance to IS in 2014.&nbsp;

In a gun battle with security forces, Indonesia’s most wanted militant with ties to the Islamic State (IS) group has been killed, said the military. It is being seen as a victory for the counter-terrorism campaign against extremists in the jungles of Sulawesi island.

In a gun battle with security forces, Indonesia’s most wanted militant with ties to the Islamic State (IS) group has been killed, said the military. It is being seen as a victory for the counter-terrorism campaign against extremists in the jungles of Sulawesi island. According to Central Sulawesi province’s military chief Brig Gen Farid Makruf, Ali Kalora was one of two militants killed in the shootout. The chief identified the other suspected extremist as Jaka Ramadan. Watch: × During a raid on Saturday, the two men were shot by a joint team of military and police officers in Central Sulawesi’s mountainous Parigi Moutong district, said Makruf. It borders Poso district, which is considered an extremist hotbed in the province. “Ali Kalora was the most wanted terrorist and leader of MIT,” Makruf said, while referring to the East Indonesia Mujahideen militant group, which claims allegiance to IS. Also Read | Suicide bomber who carried out Kabul airport attack was arrested in Delhi earlier, claims ISIS-K The security forces are searching for the four remaining members of the group. For several killings of police officers and Christians, the East Indonesia Mujahideen has claimed responsibility. In Central Sulawesi, security operations have been intensified over recent months to capture members of the network. The group had pledged allegiance to IS in 2014.

Indonesia’s most wanted militant with ties to IS killed in gun battle

32 Indonesians have won a lawsuit against their President Joko Widodo. A court in Jakarta has found Widodo & 7 other govt officials guilty of negligence over air pollution. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: 32 Indonesians win lawsuit against Joko Widodo

In a first, a Jakarta court has ruled that the Indonesian government has failed to uphold citizens’ right to clean air.<o:p></o:p>

The landmark judgment has held the Indonesian government responsible for the smog that has been covering the blue skies of the city recently.<o:p></o:p>

This decision has come two years after 32 citizens of the capital city Jakarta filed a legal lawsuit against the Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Jakarta governor, three cabinet minister and two provincial leaders.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-ozone-day-ozone-layer-critical-for-survival-of-life-on-earth-413579">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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In its ruling, the court said the Indonesian government is guilty of committing ‘unlawful acts’ and have failed to impose measures to control rising air pollution in the capital city.<o:p></o:p>

"We hope all defendants accept this verdict, because they also live here," Alghiffari Aqsa, the lawyer for the plaintiffs said. "We hope that they abide by this verdict by executing all points through their action and strategic planning."<o:p></o:p>

Citizens have accused the government of being negligent in managing Jakarta’s air pollution. This negligence, citizens claim, have resulted in people struggling with asthma, skin allergies and many other problems.<o:p></o:p>

"Not all of us have the same sensitivities, but there are those experiencing health problems related to the dirty air we breathe," Leonard Simanjuntak, country director for Greenpeace Indonesia said.<o:p></o:p>

In a first, a Jakarta court has ruled that the Indonesian government has failed to uphold citizens’ right to clean air. The landmark judgment has held the Indonesian government responsible for the smog that has been covering the blue skies of the city recently.

In a first, a Jakarta court has ruled that the Indonesian government has failed to uphold citizens’ right to clean air. The landmark judgment has held the Indonesian government responsible for the smog that has been covering the blue skies of the city recently. This decision has come two years after 32 citizens of the capital city Jakarta filed a legal lawsuit against the Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Jakarta governor, three cabinet minister and two provincial leaders. WATCH | In its ruling, the court said the Indonesian government is guilty of committing ‘unlawful acts’ and have failed to impose measures to control rising air pollution in the capital city. "We hope all defendants accept this verdict, because they also live here," Alghiffari Aqsa, the lawyer for the plaintiffs said. "We hope that they abide by this verdict by executing all points through their action and strategic planning." Citizens have accused the government of being negligent in managing Jakarta’s air pollution. This negligence, citizens claim, have resulted in people struggling with asthma, skin allergies and many other problems. "Not all of us have the same sensitivities, but there are those experiencing health problems related to the dirty air we breathe," Leonard Simanjuntak, country director for Greenpeace Indonesia said.

Right to breathe: Jakarta locals win battle against Indonesia government for clean air

An Indonesian singer, who was convicted of child molestation, triggered a national outrage after he appeared on a number of TV shows following his release from prison earlier this month.

A petition asking to keep Saipul Jamil off TV stations has been signed by nearly 500,000 people.

Complaints posted on social media said the media channels who were inviting Jamil to celebrate his release were ignoring the suffering of Jamil’s victim.

A news channel<a href="https://en.tempo.co/read/1503066/trans-tv-apologizes-for-inviting-saipul-jamil-to-talk-show">,</a>&nbsp;Trans TV,&nbsp;which was the first to invite the singer, has apologised after facing intense backlash.

Following the public outcry, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission has instructed state broadcasters not to carry news items that celebrate the singer’s release.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginity-check-for-female-recruits-indonesian-army-ends-the-abusive-two-finger-test-404687">Virginity check for female recruits: Indonesian army ends the abusive two-finger test</a>

Film director Angga Sasongko said he is dropping talks on distribution contracts for two of his shows with Trans TV because of the station’s decision to feature the singer.

He wrote on Twitter that the decision was in response to the TV station’s move to “present Saipul Jamil on television in a disrespectful way for the victim”, adding that Trans TV “doesn't share the same values with our works which are kid-friendly”.

Jamil was charged in an obscenity case on February 18, 2016, after he was caught molesting a 17-year-old boy.

Following his confession, the singer was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison in July 2017. On his appeal to the Jakarta High Court, the judicial panel increased his sentence to five years.

He was sentenced to an additional three years in prison in a separate case, which found him guilty of offering a 50 million Indonesia rupee ( around $3504.33) bribe to a clerk at the North Jakarta District Court.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indonesian singer, who was convicted of child molestation, triggered a national outrage after he appeared on a number of TV shows following his release from prison earlier this month.

An Indonesian singer, who was convicted of child molestation, triggered a national outrage after he appeared on a number of TV shows following his release from prison earlier this month. A petition asking to keep Saipul Jamil off TV stations has been signed by nearly 500,000 people. Complaints posted on social media said the media channels who were inviting Jamil to celebrate his release were ignoring the suffering of Jamil’s victim. A news channel, Trans TV, which was the first to invite the singer, has apologised after facing intense backlash. Following the public outcry, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission has instructed state broadcasters not to carry news items that celebrate the singer’s release. Also read | Virginity check for female recruits: Indonesian army ends the abusive two-finger test Film director Angga Sasongko said he is dropping talks on distribution contracts for two of his shows with Trans TV because of the station’s decision to feature the singer. He wrote on Twitter that the decision was in response to the TV station’s move to “present Saipul Jamil on television in a disrespectful way for the victim”, adding that Trans TV “doesn't share the same values with our works which are kid-friendly”. Jamil was charged in an obscenity case on February 18, 2016, after he was caught molesting a 17-year-old boy. Following his confession, the singer was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison in July 2017. On his appeal to the Jakarta High Court, the judicial panel increased his sentence to five years. He was sentenced to an additional three years in prison in a separate case, which found him guilty of offering a 50 million Indonesia rupee ( around $3504.33) bribe to a clerk at the North Jakarta District Court. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian singer convicted of child abuse sparks row after appearing on TV channel

Forty-one inmates have died and more than 70 others have sustained injuries after a fire swept through an overcrowded jail in Indonesia. The blaze at Tangerang prison broke out on Wednesday as most of the inmates slept.

Fire in Indonesian prison kills 41 inmates, 80 others sustain injuries

A fire at a prison at Indonesia's Java island on Wednesday killed 41 inmates&nbsp;and injured dozens of others as per an official. The prison is located just outside Indonesian capital Jakarta. The fire broke out in the early hours when most inmates were asleep.

Rescue teams were able to put out the fire, which was mostly contained in one block that housed prisoners jailed over drug charges, at around 3:00 am (2000 GMT Tuesday) and evacuated the victims.&nbsp;

"Forty-one inmates died, eight were badly injured and 72 others sustained minor injuries," Jakarta police chief Fadil Imran told a press conference.

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BREAKING 🚨 A massive fire at a prison in Western Java, Indonesia has killed at least 41 inmates and injured 39 others <a href="https://t.co/JH14fbvwRj">pic.twitter.com/JH14fbvwRj</a>
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheInsiderPaper/status/1435436428482207748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Inmates with serious injuries were rushed to general hospitals in Tagarang for treatment. Prisoners with minor wounds were treated in a health clinic.

"Forty died on the scene and one died on his way to the hospital," said Yasonna Laoly, Indonesia's justice minister, adding that eight were seriously injured and 31 sustained minor injuries.&nbsp;

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident, but suspected an electrical fault may be behind the fire.

"I have checked the scene, based on early observation, it is suspected (the fire) happened because of a short circuit," Imran said.

The prison was overcrowded. It was designed to house 1225 inmates but has more than 2000. Block C where the fire originated was stuffed full of 122 convicts at the time of the fire.

(The video in the tweet has not been independently verified by WION))

A fire at a prison at Indonesia's Java island on Wednesday killed 41 inmates and injured dozens of others as per an official. The prison is located just outside Indonesian capital Jakarta.

A fire at a prison at Indonesia's Java island on Wednesday killed 41 inmates and injured dozens of others as per an official. The prison is located just outside Indonesian capital Jakarta. The fire broke out in the early hours when most inmates were asleep. Rescue teams were able to put out the fire, which was mostly contained in one block that housed prisoners jailed over drug charges, at around 3:00 am (2000 GMT Tuesday) and evacuated the victims. "Forty-one inmates died, eight were badly injured and 72 others sustained minor injuries," Jakarta police chief Fadil Imran told a press conference. BREAKING 🚨 A massive fire at a prison in Western Java, Indonesia has killed at least 41 inmates and injured 39 others pic.twitter.com/JH14fbvwRj — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 8, 2021 × Inmates with serious injuries were rushed to general hospitals in Tagarang for treatment. Prisoners with minor wounds were treated in a health clinic. "Forty died on the scene and one died on his way to the hospital," said Yasonna Laoly, Indonesia's justice minister, adding that eight were seriously injured and 31 sustained minor injuries. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident, but suspected an electrical fault may be behind the fire. "I have checked the scene, based on early observation, it is suspected (the fire) happened because of a short circuit," Imran said. The prison was overcrowded. It was designed to house 1225 inmates but has more than 2000. Block C where the fire originated was stuffed full of 122 convicts at the time of the fire. (The video in the tweet has not been independently verified by WION))

Prison fire in Indonesia kills 41 inmates

The Covid certificate of Indonesia’s President was leaked online, highlighting the poor state of cybersecurity in the country.

Owing to a poor literacy rate, classified documents have been leaked in the past too. This time, Joko Widodo’s leaked vaccine certificate, has raised alarms. His certificate was leaked online as it showed his censored ID number and the date and time when he got vaccinated.

This data was accessed by hackers through the official vaccine monitoring app called PeduliLindungi, government reported.

“Certain people have accessed the vaccine certificate of Mr. Joko Widodo by using a vaccine check feature available in Pedulilindungi,” a statement from the government read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-long-covid-be-linked-to-dementia-410574">WATCH |</a>

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As the locals looked at the Communication and Information Ministry for explanation, the ministry shifted the blame to General Commission of Elections as they claimed the data was accessed via their website.

This incident has highlighted the failure of the government in keeping sensitive documents and information safe. This has happened a few days after encryption provider vpnMentor reported that data of more than 1.3 million users of government’s test-and-trace app has been hacked. This also informed personal information and Covid test results of several passengers.

"Data breaches happen more frequently in Indonesia because of the very high digital penetration in Indonesia which unfortunately is not followed by proper digital awareness from those who are managing the data," cyber-security analyst Alfons Tanujaya in Jakarta tol news agency AFP.

The Covid certificate of Indonesia’s President was leaked online, highlighting the poor state of cybersecurity in the country. Owing to a poor literacy rate, classified documents have been leaked in the past too.

The Covid certificate of Indonesia’s President was leaked online, highlighting the poor state of cybersecurity in the country. Owing to a poor literacy rate, classified documents have been leaked in the past too. This time, Joko Widodo’s leaked vaccine certificate, has raised alarms. His certificate was leaked online as it showed his censored ID number and the date and time when he got vaccinated. This data was accessed by hackers through the official vaccine monitoring app called PeduliLindungi, government reported. “Certain people have accessed the vaccine certificate of Mr. Joko Widodo by using a vaccine check feature available in Pedulilindungi,” a statement from the government read. WATCH | As the locals looked at the Communication and Information Ministry for explanation, the ministry shifted the blame to General Commission of Elections as they claimed the data was accessed via their website. This incident has highlighted the failure of the government in keeping sensitive documents and information safe. This has happened a few days after encryption provider vpnMentor reported that data of more than 1.3 million users of government’s test-and-trace app has been hacked. This also informed personal information and Covid test results of several passengers. "Data breaches happen more frequently in Indonesia because of the very high digital penetration in Indonesia which unfortunately is not followed by proper digital awareness from those who are managing the data," cyber-security analyst Alfons Tanujaya in Jakarta tol news agency AFP.

Lack of cybersecurity: Indonesian President's vaccine certificate leaked online

Hundreds of schools in Jakarta threw their doors open to students Monday, as some parents resisted the return to in-person learning weeks after&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;overtook India and Brazil as the pandemic's global epicentre.

In Jakarta, the preliminary reopening applies to students from just 610 of more than 10,000 schools, from pre-school through high school.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-becomes-epicentre-of-asias-covid-19-outbreak-second-in-region-to-top-100000-deaths-402911">Indonesia becomes epicentre of Asia's COVID-19 outbreak, second in region to top 100000 deaths</a>

Elsewhere, in-person learning has resumed in less badly hit areas at the local government's discretion. But most classrooms across the vast archipelago nation remain shut and a work from home order for non-essential sectors is in effect in the worst-hit areas.

Some parents in the capital have opted to keep their children home, even after a year and a half of online classes.

"My daughter has not been vaccinated and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a> is spreading like crazy," Asmara Wreksono, the mother of a third-grader attending one of the reopened schools told AFP.&nbsp;

"I feel bad because my daughter misses her friends, but my priority is to keep my child alive and healthy," she added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-ex-minister-sentenced-for-12-years-over-covid-aid-fraud-407822">Indonesia ex-minister sentenced for 12 years over Covid aid fraud</a>

Indonesia&nbsp;reported its worst coronavirus surge in July when the highly infectious Delta variant ripped through the country, prompting lockdowns.

Cases have since tapered, but in the past week, an average of more than 13,000 new cases have been registered daily.&nbsp;

Attempting to reassure nervous families, officials have pointed to strict health protocols, a cap of only 50 per cent capacity and high vaccination rates in the education sector.

Over 90 per cent of students aged 12 and older and 85 per cent of teachers and educators in the capital have been vaccinated, according to Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

"We didn't decide to reopen the schools suddenly, there was an assessment," he told TVOne on Sunday.&nbsp;

He said the schools partaking in the reopening were selected because the teachers had all been vaccinated and the campuses had enough seats to facilitate social distancing.

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Since the pandemic began,&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;has registered more than four million virus cases and 132,000 deaths.

Just over 35 million of the country's 270 million people are fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">inoculated</a>.

Hundreds of schools in Jakarta threw their doors open to students Monday, as some parents resisted the return to in-person learning weeks after Indonesia overtook India and Brazil as the pandemic's global epicentre.

Hundreds of schools in Jakarta threw their doors open to students Monday, as some parents resisted the return to in-person learning weeks after Indonesia overtook India and Brazil as the pandemic's global epicentre. In Jakarta, the preliminary reopening applies to students from just 610 of more than 10,000 schools, from pre-school through high school. Also read | Indonesia becomes epicentre of Asia's COVID-19 outbreak, second in region to top 100000 deaths Elsewhere, in-person learning has resumed in less badly hit areas at the local government's discretion. But most classrooms across the vast archipelago nation remain shut and a work from home order for non-essential sectors is in effect in the worst-hit areas. Some parents in the capital have opted to keep their children home, even after a year and a half of online classes. "My daughter has not been vaccinated and the Delta variant is spreading like crazy," Asmara Wreksono, the mother of a third-grader attending one of the reopened schools told AFP. "I feel bad because my daughter misses her friends, but my priority is to keep my child alive and healthy," she added. Also read | Indonesia ex-minister sentenced for 12 years over Covid aid fraud Indonesia reported its worst coronavirus surge in July when the highly infectious Delta variant ripped through the country, prompting lockdowns. Cases have since tapered, but in the past week, an average of more than 13,000 new cases have been registered daily. Attempting to reassure nervous families, officials have pointed to strict health protocols, a cap of only 50 per cent capacity and high vaccination rates in the education sector. Over 90 per cent of students aged 12 and older and 85 per cent of teachers and educators in the capital have been vaccinated, according to Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan. "We didn't decide to reopen the schools suddenly, there was an assessment," he told TVOne on Sunday. He said the schools partaking in the reopening were selected because the teachers had all been vaccinated and the campuses had enough seats to facilitate social distancing. Since the pandemic began, Indonesia has registered more than four million virus cases and 132,000 deaths. Just over 35 million of the country's 270 million people are fully inoculated.

Indonesia's capital reopens some schools despite parent fears

Former social affairs minister of Indonesia was sentenced to 12 years on Monday after he was convicted of taking USD 1.2 million in bribes. The money was linked to food aid for poor families affected by coronavirus pandemic.

The sentence was handed to Juliari Batubara, the minister by a court in Jakarta. Batubara was arrested in December. A sting operation had turned up suitcases, backpacks and envelopes stuffed with cash.

"The court sentences the defendant to 12 years in prison and orders him to pay 500 million rupiah ($35,000) in fines or serve six more months in prison," presiding judge Muhammad Damis told the hearing, which was held virtually for virus safety reasons.

The former politician was also ordered to pay the equivalent of about $1 million in restitution, or face an additional two years in prison, the court said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginity-check-for-female-recruits-indonesian-army-ends-the-abusive-two-finger-test-404687">Virginity check for female recruits: Indonesian army ends the abusive two-finger test</a>

Batubara would take cash from two contractors hired to supply basic food packages for Indonesians hit hard by the health crisis, the court heard earlier.

President Joko Widodo vowed not to protect corrupt officials in the wake of Batubara's arrest and described the stolen funds as "the people's money".

Graft remains a big problem in Indonesia, where politicians are widely seen as among the most corrupt.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former social affairs minister of Indonesia was sentenced to 12 years on Monday after he was convicted of taking USD 1.2 million in bribes. The money was linked to food aid for poor families affected by coronavirus pandemic.

Former social affairs minister of Indonesia was sentenced to 12 years on Monday after he was convicted of taking USD 1.2 million in bribes. The money was linked to food aid for poor families affected by coronavirus pandemic. The sentence was handed to Juliari Batubara, the minister by a court in Jakarta. Batubara was arrested in December. A sting operation had turned up suitcases, backpacks and envelopes stuffed with cash. "The court sentences the defendant to 12 years in prison and orders him to pay 500 million rupiah ($35,000) in fines or serve six more months in prison," presiding judge Muhammad Damis told the hearing, which was held virtually for virus safety reasons. The former politician was also ordered to pay the equivalent of about $1 million in restitution, or face an additional two years in prison, the court said. Also Read: Virginity check for female recruits: Indonesian army ends the abusive two-finger test Batubara would take cash from two contractors hired to supply basic food packages for Indonesians hit hard by the health crisis, the court heard earlier. President Joko Widodo vowed not to protect corrupt officials in the wake of Batubara's arrest and described the stolen funds as "the people's money". Graft remains a big problem in Indonesia, where politicians are widely seen as among the most corrupt. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia ex-minister sentenced for 12 years over Covid aid fraud

Afghan karate champion Meena Asadi pounds the heavy bag as part of her training routine, but she fears female athletes still in her homeland may have already lost their fight to compete now that the Taliban are back in power.

Afghan karate champion fears it is game over for female athletes

Four-year-old Indonesian pitbull Gledis was home alone for two days without food when a group of volunteers found her. She is among many pets left behind when their owners tested positive for COVID-19 and were hospitalised or placed in isolation.

Indonesia animal-lovers help pets left behind by coronavirus

Indonesia's most active&nbsp;volcano&nbsp;Mount Merapi erupted Monday, belching a cloud of&nbsp;ash&nbsp;into the air as red lava flowed down its&nbsp;crater.

The early morning explosions spewed clouds as far as 3.5 kilometres (2 miles) from the rumbling&nbsp;volcano, blanketing local communities in grey&nbsp;ash.

There were no evacuation orders or reports of casualties.

Merapi, close to&nbsp;Indonesia's cultural capital Yogyakarta on Java island, has been particularly active in recent months and authorities raised its danger level late last year.

Residents were told to avoid the area within a five-kilometre radius of the rumbling&nbsp;volcano,&nbsp;Indonesia's geological agency said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-kabul-descended-in-chaos-india-was-ready-for-unsc-meet-on-afghanistan-on-sunday-405889">Also read |&nbsp;As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday</a>

"Residents should avoid volcanic&nbsp;ash&nbsp;and they've been warned about potential lava flows in the area surrounding Merapi," it added.

Mount Merapi's last major eruption in 2010 killed more than 300 people and forced the evacuation of around 280,000 residents from surrounding areas.

That was its most powerful eruption since 1930, when around 1,300 people were killed, while another explosion in 1994 took about 60 lives.

The Southeast Asian archipelago nation has nearly 130 active volcanoes.

Indonesia&nbsp;experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

Indonesia's most active volcano Mount Merapi erupted Monday, belching a cloud of ash into the air as red lava flowed down its crater. The early morning explosions spewed clouds as far as 3.

Indonesia's most active volcano Mount Merapi erupted Monday, belching a cloud of ash into the air as red lava flowed down its crater. The early morning explosions spewed clouds as far as 3.5 kilometres (2 miles) from the rumbling volcano, blanketing local communities in grey ash. There were no evacuation orders or reports of casualties. Merapi, close to Indonesia's cultural capital Yogyakarta on Java island, has been particularly active in recent months and authorities raised its danger level late last year. Residents were told to avoid the area within a five-kilometre radius of the rumbling volcano, Indonesia's geological agency said. Also read | As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday "Residents should avoid volcanic ash and they've been warned about potential lava flows in the area surrounding Merapi," it added. Mount Merapi's last major eruption in 2010 killed more than 300 people and forced the evacuation of around 280,000 residents from surrounding areas. That was its most powerful eruption since 1930, when around 1,300 people were killed, while another explosion in 1994 took about 60 lives. The Southeast Asian archipelago nation has nearly 130 active volcanoes. Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

Indonesia volcano erupts, blankets villages in ash

A viral video shows a Nigerian diplomat getting 'manhandled' by Indonesia's immigration officials. The video has now triggered a diplomatic face-off between the two countries. Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Nigeria-Indonesia spar over diplomat's 'mistreatment'

The Indonesian Army has decided to abolish 'virginity tests' for female recruits. Palki Sharma tells you the barbaric procedure female recruits had to go through for decades & why the obsession with female virginity must end globally.

Gravitas: Indonesian Army scraps 'virginity tests' for female recruits

Designed with the help of a group of Indonesian university lecturers to entertain a village, a homemade robot has found a new use during the pandemic - bringing food, and hopefully a smile, to self-isolating residents who have contracted COVID-19.

Robot delivers food, "get well soon" messages to Indonesians in COVID-19 isolation

The Indonesian army's chief of staff has said that women wanting to join the troops will no longer be subjected to virginity tests.

Human rights organisations have long denounced the practice, calling it humiliating and traumatic.&nbsp;

The procedure is known in Indonesia as the "two-finger test," since doctors would put two fingers into the woman's vagina during the examination to see if the hymen was still intact.

Those who were not deemed virgins were not eligible for recruitment.&nbsp;

"Two-finger tests" was systematic, abusive and cruel, according to the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), which conducted investigations in 2014 into the practice and in 2017 renewed calls for it to end.

The military previously stated that the exams were crucial in assessing the morals of recruits.

They have "no scientific value," according to the World Health Organization, and the presence of a hymen is not a reliable sign on intercourse.

On Tuesday, Indonesian army chief of staff Andika Perkasa informed reporters that such exams were no longer conducted in the army.&nbsp;

"Whether the hymen was ruptured or partially ruptured was part of the examination ... now there`s no more of that," he said, in comments that were confirmed by a military spokesman.

Andika last week said that the army selection process for male and female recruits must be equal.

Rights activists welcomed the move, reiterating that such tests were a form of violence against women.&nbsp;

It's unclear if the restriction has been lifted for Indonesia's navy and air force as well.

In 2015, the national police force abolished the policy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indonesian army's chief of staff has said that women wanting to join the troops will no longer be subjected to virginity tests. Human rights organisations have long denounced the practice, calling it humiliating and traumatic.

The Indonesian army's chief of staff has said that women wanting to join the troops will no longer be subjected to virginity tests. Human rights organisations have long denounced the practice, calling it humiliating and traumatic. The procedure is known in Indonesia as the "two-finger test," since doctors would put two fingers into the woman's vagina during the examination to see if the hymen was still intact. Those who were not deemed virgins were not eligible for recruitment. "Two-finger tests" was systematic, abusive and cruel, according to the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), which conducted investigations in 2014 into the practice and in 2017 renewed calls for it to end. The military previously stated that the exams were crucial in assessing the morals of recruits. They have "no scientific value," according to the World Health Organization, and the presence of a hymen is not a reliable sign on intercourse. On Tuesday, Indonesian army chief of staff Andika Perkasa informed reporters that such exams were no longer conducted in the army. "Whether the hymen was ruptured or partially ruptured was part of the examination ... now there`s no more of that," he said, in comments that were confirmed by a military spokesman. Andika last week said that the army selection process for male and female recruits must be equal. Rights activists welcomed the move, reiterating that such tests were a form of violence against women. It's unclear if the restriction has been lifted for Indonesia's navy and air force as well. In 2015, the national police force abolished the policy. (With inputs from agencies)

Virginity check for female recruits: Indonesian army ends the abusive two-finger test

Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu won badminton women's doubles gold on Monday, breaking a Chinese stranglehold and claiming Indonesia's first title of the Tokyo Olympics.

The pair beat China's Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan 21-19, 21-15 to pick up Indonesia's first Olympic medal in women's doubles.

"Twenty years ago, when I was 13 years old, I knew that Indonesia hadn't made any history in women's doubles," said Polii.

"I knew that I was born to be a badminton player, and I had that faith when I was 13 years old that I wanted to make history for Indonesia."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-winning-for-my-country-was-important-says-indian-badminton-star-pv-sindhu-on-her-olympics-bronze-402342" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze</a>

China had won every women's doubles gold but two since badminton's debut at the 1992 Games, but the Indonesians came flying out of the blocks and never let up until the final point.

Jia sent the last shot of the match wide, but a challenge from the Chinese pair put Indonesian celebrations on ice until a replay confirmed the victory.

"I'm speechless right now," said Polii.

"This is how it feels to get a gold medal. You cannot describe it in words."

Polii had been on the brink of retiring after the 2016 Rio Games, when she reached the quarter-finals with Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, but was persuaded to continue after teaming up with Rahayu -- 10 years her junior.

South Korea's Kim So-Yeong and Kong Hee-yong won the bronze, beating compatriots Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-10, 21-17.

Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu won badminton women's doubles gold on Monday, breaking a Chinese stranglehold and claiming Indonesia's first title of the Tokyo Olympics.

Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu won badminton women's doubles gold on Monday, breaking a Chinese stranglehold and claiming Indonesia's first title of the Tokyo Olympics. The pair beat China's Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan 21-19, 21-15 to pick up Indonesia's first Olympic medal in women's doubles. "Twenty years ago, when I was 13 years old, I knew that Indonesia hadn't made any history in women's doubles," said Polii. "I knew that I was born to be a badminton player, and I had that faith when I was 13 years old that I wanted to make history for Indonesia." ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze China had won every women's doubles gold but two since badminton's debut at the 1992 Games, but the Indonesians came flying out of the blocks and never let up until the final point. Jia sent the last shot of the match wide, but a challenge from the Chinese pair put Indonesian celebrations on ice until a replay confirmed the victory. "I'm speechless right now," said Polii. "This is how it feels to get a gold medal. You cannot describe it in words." Polii had been on the brink of retiring after the 2016 Rio Games, when she reached the quarter-finals with Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, but was persuaded to continue after teaming up with Rahayu -- 10 years her junior. South Korea's Kim So-Yeong and Kong Hee-yong won the bronze, beating compatriots Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-10, 21-17.

Tokyo Olympics: Indonesia break Chinese stranglehold in women's doubles badminton

In a significant move, India has sent covid relief assistance to Bangladesh &amp; Indonesia. The development shows India's comeback as a supplier of medical products as impact of 2nd wave of covid crisis subsides.

For the first time Indian Railways' "Oxygen Express" will cross international border and supply 200 MTs of liquid oxygen in 10 containers to neighbouring Bangladesh. The operation is being undertaken by South Eastern Railway with the train leaving Tatanagar and reaching Benapole in Bangladesh on Sunday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/United?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#United</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a>'s fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a>,🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RailMinIndia</a> enabling supply of 200 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen through the 1st cross-border <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OxygenExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OxygenExpress</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. Reaching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Benapole?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Benapole</a> 🇧🇩 tomorrow.<a href="https://twitter.com/BDMOFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BDMOFA</a><a href="https://twitter.com/albd1971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@albd1971</a><a href="https://twitter.com/shah_farhad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shah_farhad</a><a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@meaindia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AshwiniVaishnaw</a> <a href="https://t.co/3zP9JSMGD7">pic.twitter.com/3zP9JSMGD7</a>
— India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ihcdhaka/status/1418870755249594371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A release by Indian Railways said,"This is the first time ever that the Oxygen Express is put into operation to neighbouring country."

Domestically, Indian Railways started Oxygen Express on April 24th when the country was struck by devastating Covid crisis earlier this year. According to railways, more than 35000 MTs of liquid oxygen was transported to 15 states &amp; around 480 Oxygen Expresses were operationalised.

Meanwhile, Indian Naval Ship Airavat reached Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. The ship has brought five cryogenic containers containing 100 MTs of liquid oxygen and 300 concentraters to support the Southeast Asian country's fight against Covid.

Indian envoy to Indonesia Manoj Kumar Bharti handed over essential medicines and relief materials to Bapak Eka Jusup Singka, Head of Crisis Centre, Indonesian Ministry of Health.

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INS Airavat carrying 100 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen &amp; 300 Oxygen concentrators arrives at Tanjung Priok port as a part of operation Samudra Setu-II of <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a>. A friend in need is a friend indeed. 🇮🇳🇮🇩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indiaindonesia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indiaindonesia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>
— India in Indonesia (@IndianEmbJkt) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbJkt/status/1418825367935139840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Currently the country has been struck by a devastating Covid crisis, similar to what India saw in April. In fact the famous tourist destination of Bali is running out of oxygen as cases surge.

A navy release said, "India and Indonesia enjoy close cultural and commercial ties. Both countries have been working together in the maritime domain towards a safer Indo-Pacific."

The naval ship Airavat whose primary role is to carry out amphibious operations had been deployed for relief operations across the Indian Ocean Region in the past as well. Both Indian and Indonesian navies have been carrying out bilateral exercises and coordinated patrols regularly.

Remember, both Bangladesh and Indonesia had reached out to India when it was stuck by Covid crisis. Bangladesh sent Remdisivir Injection, medicines and protective equipment. A large quantity of Remdisivir was used in Northeastern states of India bordering Bangladesh.

Indonesia had sent India oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders. All in all, India got relief from 52 countries which included various items from foreign governments, private companies, Indian associations abroad among other sources. Last year, New Delhi had sent HCQ to many countries and this year 95 countries got India-made vaccines. The vaccine export initative, called Vaccine Maitri initiative is currently on pause as India focuses on its domestic vaccination programme.

In a significant move, India has sent covid relief assistance to Bangladesh & Indonesia. The development shows India's comeback as a supplier of medical products as impact of 2nd wave of covid crisis subsides.

In a significant move, India has sent covid relief assistance to Bangladesh & Indonesia. The development shows India's comeback as a supplier of medical products as impact of 2nd wave of covid crisis subsides. For the first time Indian Railways' "Oxygen Express" will cross international border and supply 200 MTs of liquid oxygen in 10 containers to neighbouring Bangladesh. The operation is being undertaken by South Eastern Railway with the train leaving Tatanagar and reaching Benapole in Bangladesh on Sunday. #United in #Bangladesh's fight against #Covid19,🇮🇳 @RailMinIndia enabling supply of 200 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen through the 1st cross-border #OxygenExpress from #India. Reaching #Benapole 🇧🇩 tomorrow.@BDMOFA@albd1971@shah_farhad@meaindia@IndianDiplomacy@AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/3zP9JSMGD7 — India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) July 24, 2021 × A release by Indian Railways said,"This is the first time ever that the Oxygen Express is put into operation to neighbouring country." Domestically, Indian Railways started Oxygen Express on April 24th when the country was struck by devastating Covid crisis earlier this year. According to railways, more than 35000 MTs of liquid oxygen was transported to 15 states & around 480 Oxygen Expresses were operationalised. Meanwhile, Indian Naval Ship Airavat reached Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. The ship has brought five cryogenic containers containing 100 MTs of liquid oxygen and 300 concentraters to support the Southeast Asian country's fight against Covid. Indian envoy to Indonesia Manoj Kumar Bharti handed over essential medicines and relief materials to Bapak Eka Jusup Singka, Head of Crisis Centre, Indonesian Ministry of Health. INS Airavat carrying 100 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen & 300 Oxygen concentrators arrives at Tanjung Priok port as a part of operation Samudra Setu-II of @indiannavy. A friend in need is a friend indeed. 🇮🇳🇮🇩 #indiaindonesia @MEAIndia — India in Indonesia (@IndianEmbJkt) July 24, 2021 × Currently the country has been struck by a devastating Covid crisis, similar to what India saw in April. In fact the famous tourist destination of Bali is running out of oxygen as cases surge. A navy release said, "India and Indonesia enjoy close cultural and commercial ties. Both countries have been working together in the maritime domain towards a safer Indo-Pacific." The naval ship Airavat whose primary role is to carry out amphibious operations had been deployed for relief operations across the Indian Ocean Region in the past as well. Both Indian and Indonesian navies have been carrying out bilateral exercises and coordinated patrols regularly. Remember, both Bangladesh and Indonesia had reached out to India when it was stuck by Covid crisis. Bangladesh sent Remdisivir Injection, medicines and protective equipment. A large quantity of Remdisivir was used in Northeastern states of India bordering Bangladesh. Indonesia had sent India oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders. All in all, India got relief from 52 countries which included various items from foreign governments, private companies, Indian associations abroad among other sources. Last year, New Delhi had sent HCQ to many countries and this year 95 countries got India-made vaccines. The vaccine export initative, called Vaccine Maitri initiative is currently on pause as India focuses on its domestic vaccination programme.

India sends Covid relief to Indonesia, Bangladesh

A Covid-positive man in Indonesia boarded a flight in niqab, disguised as his Covid-negative wife. His cover was blown when a cabin crew saw him change at the plane's lavatory.

Gravitas: Indonesia man boards flight disguised as his wife

Today, we bring you a bizarre news story about a man posing as a woman in order to board a plane.

With fake identification documents and a negative PCR test result, an Indonesian man infected with coronavirus disguised himself as his wife and boarded a domestic flight.

Wearing a niqab that covered his face, this man boarded the plane.

However, the cover did not last very long.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-rover-preparing-to-take-first-mars-rock-samples-399659">NASA rover preparing to take first Mars rock samples</a>

According to police, a flight attendant noticed the man change his clothes in the lavatory aboard the Citilink aircraft on Sunday while travelling from Jakarta to Ternate in North Maluku province.

His wife's name was on the plane ticket, the PCR test result, and the vaccination card. Aditya Laksimada, the chief of the Ternate police department, told reporters after arresting the man at the airport that all his documents are in his wife's name and that the only way to identify him was by his initials.

Following arrest, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> test was conducted on him, and it came back positive.

In the meantime, police are continuing their investigation, as the man has been kept in home isolation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reporter-amin-hafeez-interviews-a-buffalo-on-eid-ul-zuha-and-even-gets-a-response-399668">Pakistan reporter Amin Hafeez interviews a buffalo on Eid-ul-Zuha and even gets a response</a>

With 33,772 new confirmed cases and 1,383 deaths in the last 24 hours, Indonesia is experiencing the worst coronavirus outbreak in Asia. Overall, there have been almost 2.9 million reported cases with 77,583 deaths.

As part of toughened precautions for this week's Eid al-Adha holiday, the government has implemented strict travel restrictions, including mandatory coronavirus tests.

Today, we bring you a bizarre news story about a man posing as a woman in order to board a plane. With fake identification documents and a negative PCR test result, an Indonesian man infected with coronavirus disguised himself as his wife and boarded a domestic flight.

Today, we bring you a bizarre news story about a man posing as a woman in order to board a plane. With fake identification documents and a negative PCR test result, an Indonesian man infected with coronavirus disguised himself as his wife and boarded a domestic flight. Wearing a niqab that covered his face, this man boarded the plane. However, the cover did not last very long. Also read | NASA rover preparing to take first Mars rock samples According to police, a flight attendant noticed the man change his clothes in the lavatory aboard the Citilink aircraft on Sunday while travelling from Jakarta to Ternate in North Maluku province. His wife's name was on the plane ticket, the PCR test result, and the vaccination card. Aditya Laksimada, the chief of the Ternate police department, told reporters after arresting the man at the airport that all his documents are in his wife's name and that the only way to identify him was by his initials. Following arrest, a COVID-19 test was conducted on him, and it came back positive. In the meantime, police are continuing their investigation, as the man has been kept in home isolation. Also read | Pakistan reporter Amin Hafeez interviews a buffalo on Eid-ul-Zuha and even gets a response With 33,772 new confirmed cases and 1,383 deaths in the last 24 hours, Indonesia is experiencing the worst coronavirus outbreak in Asia. Overall, there have been almost 2.9 million reported cases with 77,583 deaths. As part of toughened precautions for this week's Eid al-Adha holiday, the government has implemented strict travel restrictions, including mandatory coronavirus tests.

Indonesian man dresses up as wife to escape coronavirus detection

By the thousands, they sleep in hallways, tents and cars, gasping for air as they wait for beds in overcrowded hospitals that may not have oxygen to give them. Others see hospitals as hopeless, even dangerous, and take their chances at home.

Wherever they lie, as COVID-19 steals their breath away, their families engage in a frantic, daily hunt for scarce supplies of life-giving oxygen.

Indonesia has become the new epicenter of the pandemic, surpassing India and Brazil to become the country with the world’s highest count of new infections. The surge is part of a wave across Southeast Asia, where vaccination rates are low but countries had, until recently, contained the virus relatively well​. Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand are also facing their largest outbreaks yet and have imposed new restrictions, including lockdowns and stay-at-home orders.

In Indonesia, cases and deaths have skyrocketed in the past month as the highly contagious delta variant sweeps through densely populated Java island, as well as Bali. In some regions, the coronavirus has pushed the medical system past its limits, although hospitals are taking emergency steps to expand capacity.

Bekasi Regional Public Hospital, where some COVID patients have waited days for treatment, has erected large tents on its grounds, with beds for up to 150 people. Nearby in Jakarta, the capital, a long line of people waited for hours outside a small dispensary, hoping to fill their portable tanks with oxygen.

Among them was Nyimas Siti Nadia, 28, who had been searching for oxygen for her aunt’s family, all sick with COVID.

“She is a doctor and she is afraid to go to a hospital because she knows the situation,” Nyimas said. “There are many instances where patients do not get beds or oxygen. If we go to the hospital, we have to bring our own oxygen.”

On Thursday, Indonesian authorities reported nearly 57,000 new cases, the highest daily total yet — seven times as many as a month earlier. On Friday, they reported a record 1,205 deaths, bringing the country’s official toll from the pandemic to more than 71,000.

But some health experts say those figures vastly understate the spread in Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most-populous nation, because testing has been limited. Dicky Budiman, an Indonesian public health researcher at Griffith University in Australia, estimates that the true number of cases is three to six times higher.

In India, where the delta variant was first identified, daily cases peaked at more than 414,000 in May, but they have since dropped to about 40,000.

Despite Indonesia’s mushrooming caseload, officials say they have the situation under control.

“If we talk about the worst-case scenario, 60,000 or slightly more, we are pretty OK,” said Luhut Pandjaitan, a senior minister assigned by President Joko Widodo to handle the crisis. “We are hoping that it will not reach 100,000, but even so, we are preparing now for if we ever get there.”

Many Indonesians, however, have been facing their worst-case scenarios for weeks.

Family members describe nightmare scenes of trying to get a hospital to admit their sick relatives. Some hospitals were accepting only patients who brought their own oxygen, they said. At others, patients waited wherever they could find space to lie down.

In Bekasi, a city of 2.5 million that adjoins Jakarta, patients have flocked to the regional public hospital. To accommodate the surge, 10 large tents were set up on the grounds, equipped with beds for as many as 150 people.

Lisa Wiliana’s husband had been in one of the tents since the previous day, waiting for space in a ward. After nine days of sickness, she said, his oxygen saturation level had dropped to 84, well below the range of 95-100 that is considered healthy. The hospital was giving him some oxygen, but she had to arrange to get more.

“We are waiting for an available room because it is full,” she said. “What else can we do? The important thing is to get the oxygen, because he already had trouble breathing. It was scary.”

Even being admitted does not make getting oxygen a certainty. At Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, in the city of Yogyakarta, 33 patients died this month after the central oxygen supply ran out. The staff switched to tanks donated by the police, but it was too late for many patients.

Overwhelmed hospitals have added thousands of beds, but on average, 10% of their health care workers are in isolation after exposure to the virus, said Dr. Lia G. Partakusuma, secretary-general of the Indonesian Hospital Association. Some hospitals are using five times as much liquid oxygen as normal, and distributors are having difficulty keeping up with the demand, she said.

“Some hospitals have said, ‘If you brought your own oxygen tank, please use it first because we have a limited oxygen supply,’” she said. “But it is not a requirement for them to bring their own oxygen.”

With hospitals so overcrowded, many people choose to stay home — and many die there. Lapor COVID, a nonprofit group that is tracking deaths from the disease, reports that at least 40 COVID patients a day are now dying at home.

The president has stopped short of a nationwide lockdown but ordered restrictions in Java and Bali, including closing places of worship, schools, shopping malls and sports facilities, reducing public-transit capacity and limiting restaurants to takeout. The restrictions are set to expire Tuesday, but officials are weighing whether to extend them.

Only about 15% of Indonesia’s 270 million people have received a dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and just 6% are fully inoculated. Indonesia has relied heavily on the vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech, a Chinese company, which has proved less effective than other shots. At least 20 Indonesian doctors who were fully vaccinated with Sinovac have died from the virus.

This past week, the United States donated 4.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine to Indonesia. Officials said the first priority would be to give booster shots to nearly 1.5 million health workers.

Budiman, the Indonesian public health researcher in Australia, predicted more than a year ago that Indonesia would become a pandemic epicenter because of its dense population and weak health care system. He has urged more testing, contact tracing and isolation of infected individuals.

Indonesia’s health minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, said Friday that the country had increased testing to about 230,000 people a day, from about 30,000 in December. His target is 400,000 a day.

But Budiman contends that testing is still woefully limited, noting that in recent days, the share of tests that came up positive had risen to more than 30%. Health experts say a high rate is a sign of too little testing.

“For more than a year, our test positivity rate has almost never been below 10%, which means we are missing many cases and we cannot identify the majority of infections and the clusters,” he said.

Outside the small CV Rintis Usaha Bersama oxygen shop in South Jakarta, more than 100 customers lined up in the street with their oxygen tanks and waited hours for the chance to refill them.

Alif Akhirul Ramadan, 27, said he was getting oxygen for his 77-year-old grandmother, who was being cared for by family members at home. He said that her condition had suddenly worsened and that her tank was running low.

“Now it has to be refilled,” said Alif, who has had COVID twice. “There is no backup at home. That is why we need to refill it quickly.”

By the thousands, they sleep in hallways, tents and cars, gasping for air as they wait for beds in overcrowded hospitals that may not have oxygen to give them. Others see hospitals as hopeless, even dangerous, and take their chances at home.

By the thousands, they sleep in hallways, tents and cars, gasping for air as they wait for beds in overcrowded hospitals that may not have oxygen to give them. Others see hospitals as hopeless, even dangerous, and take their chances at home. Wherever they lie, as COVID-19 steals their breath away, their families engage in a frantic, daily hunt for scarce supplies of life-giving oxygen. Indonesia has become the new epicenter of the pandemic, surpassing India and Brazil to become the country with the world’s highest count of new infections. The surge is part of a wave across Southeast Asia, where vaccination rates are low but countries had, until recently, contained the virus relatively well. Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand are also facing their largest outbreaks yet and have imposed new restrictions, including lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. In Indonesia, cases and deaths have skyrocketed in the past month as the highly contagious delta variant sweeps through densely populated Java island, as well as Bali. In some regions, the coronavirus has pushed the medical system past its limits, although hospitals are taking emergency steps to expand capacity. Bekasi Regional Public Hospital, where some COVID patients have waited days for treatment, has erected large tents on its grounds, with beds for up to 150 people. Nearby in Jakarta, the capital, a long line of people waited for hours outside a small dispensary, hoping to fill their portable tanks with oxygen. Among them was Nyimas Siti Nadia, 28, who had been searching for oxygen for her aunt’s family, all sick with COVID. “She is a doctor and she is afraid to go to a hospital because she knows the situation,” Nyimas said. “There are many instances where patients do not get beds or oxygen. If we go to the hospital, we have to bring our own oxygen.” On Thursday, Indonesian authorities reported nearly 57,000 new cases, the highest daily total yet — seven times as many as a month earlier. On Friday, they reported a record 1,205 deaths, bringing the country’s official toll from the pandemic to more than 71,000. But some health experts say those figures vastly understate the spread in Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most-populous nation, because testing has been limited. Dicky Budiman, an Indonesian public health researcher at Griffith University in Australia, estimates that the true number of cases is three to six times higher. In India, where the delta variant was first identified, daily cases peaked at more than 414,000 in May, but they have since dropped to about 40,000. Despite Indonesia’s mushrooming caseload, officials say they have the situation under control. “If we talk about the worst-case scenario, 60,000 or slightly more, we are pretty OK,” said Luhut Pandjaitan, a senior minister assigned by President Joko Widodo to handle the crisis. “We are hoping that it will not reach 100,000, but even so, we are preparing now for if we ever get there.” Many Indonesians, however, have been facing their worst-case scenarios for weeks. Family members describe nightmare scenes of trying to get a hospital to admit their sick relatives. Some hospitals were accepting only patients who brought their own oxygen, they said. At others, patients waited wherever they could find space to lie down. In Bekasi, a city of 2.5 million that adjoins Jakarta, patients have flocked to the regional public hospital. To accommodate the surge, 10 large tents were set up on the grounds, equipped with beds for as many as 150 people. Lisa Wiliana’s husband had been in one of the tents since the previous day, waiting for space in a ward. After nine days of sickness, she said, his oxygen saturation level had dropped to 84, well below the range of 95-100 that is considered healthy. The hospital was giving him some oxygen, but she had to arrange to get more. “We are waiting for an available room because it is full,” she said. “What else can we do? The important thing is to get the oxygen, because he already had trouble breathing. It was scary.” Even being admitted does not make getting oxygen a certainty. At Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, in the city of Yogyakarta, 33 patients died this month after the central oxygen supply ran out. The staff switched to tanks donated by the police, but it was too late for many patients. Overwhelmed hospitals have added thousands of beds, but on average, 10% of their health care workers are in isolation after exposure to the virus, said Dr. Lia G. Partakusuma, secretary-general of the Indonesian Hospital Association. Some hospitals are using five times as much liquid oxygen as normal, and distributors are having difficulty keeping up with the demand, she said. “Some hospitals have said, ‘If you brought your own oxygen tank, please use it first because we have a limited oxygen supply,’” she said. “But it is not a requirement for them to bring their own oxygen.” With hospitals so overcrowded, many people choose to stay home — and many die there. Lapor COVID, a nonprofit group that is tracking deaths from the disease, reports that at least 40 COVID patients a day are now dying at home. The president has stopped short of a nationwide lockdown but ordered restrictions in Java and Bali, including closing places of worship, schools, shopping malls and sports facilities, reducing public-transit capacity and limiting restaurants to takeout. The restrictions are set to expire Tuesday, but officials are weighing whether to extend them. Only about 15% of Indonesia’s 270 million people have received a dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and just 6% are fully inoculated. Indonesia has relied heavily on the vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech, a Chinese company, which has proved less effective than other shots. At least 20 Indonesian doctors who were fully vaccinated with Sinovac have died from the virus. This past week, the United States donated 4.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine to Indonesia. Officials said the first priority would be to give booster shots to nearly 1.5 million health workers. Budiman, the Indonesian public health researcher in Australia, predicted more than a year ago that Indonesia would become a pandemic epicenter because of its dense population and weak health care system. He has urged more testing, contact tracing and isolation of infected individuals. Indonesia’s health minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, said Friday that the country had increased testing to about 230,000 people a day, from about 30,000 in December. His target is 400,000 a day. But Budiman contends that testing is still woefully limited, noting that in recent days, the share of tests that came up positive had risen to more than 30%. Health experts say a high rate is a sign of too little testing. “For more than a year, our test positivity rate has almost never been below 10%, which means we are missing many cases and we cannot identify the majority of infections and the clusters,” he said. Outside the small CV Rintis Usaha Bersama oxygen shop in South Jakarta, more than 100 customers lined up in the street with their oxygen tanks and waited hours for the chance to refill them. Alif Akhirul Ramadan, 27, said he was getting oxygen for his 77-year-old grandmother, who was being cared for by family members at home. He said that her condition had suddenly worsened and that her tank was running low. “Now it has to be refilled,” said Alif, who has had COVID twice. “There is no backup at home. That is why we need to refill it quickly.”

The pandemic has a new epicenter: Indonesia

The country’s hospitals are rapidly running out of essentials including oxygen cylinders. Hospital beds are rapidly running short too.

India extends help to Indonesia amid rising covid-19 cases

At least nine people were killed and dozens more are missing after a string of boats capsized in a storm that battered&nbsp;Indonesia's section of Borneo island, a local rescue agency said Friday.

The accident happened early Wednesday in waters off the coast of West Kalimantan where waves as high as five metres (16 feet) swamped a dozen fishing vessels and pair of tugboats.

It was first reported by search-and-rescue authorities on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-grapples-with-worst-case-scenario-as-covid-19-cases-surge-398324">Indonesia grapples with 'worst-case scenario' as COVID-19 cases surge</a>

Nine people have been confirmed dead with another 46 still missing, said Yopi Haryadi, head of the Pontianak rescue agency, who added that 81 people on the vessels had been rescued alive.

The storm inundated nearly 50 villages on land, destroying homes and other buildings with nearly 15,000 residents affected.

"The 14 boats actually tried to escape from the storm but it was too strong and they capsized," Haryadi told AFP.

"The storm also battered the mainland in West Kalimantan where villages were inundated by floods. But there are no casualties or people missing so far on the mainland."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-rejects-chinas-claims-in-the-south-china-sea-says-not-bound-by-claims-contravening-international-law-301513">Indonesia rejects China's claims in the South China Sea; says not bound by claims contravening international law</a>

The local search and rescue agency said a military helicopter was deployed to help in the hunt for any survivors, but the operation was being hampered by bad weather.&nbsp;

"Hopefully the weather today will be good so we can find other victims," said Eryk Subarianto, chief of emergency operations at the Pontianak rescue agency.

Marine&nbsp;accidents&nbsp;are common in&nbsp;Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where many use ferries and other&nbsp;boats&nbsp;to travel despite poor safety standards.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-plane-crash-family-sues-boeing-for-flying-faulty-airplane-360438">Indonesia plane crash: Family sues Boeing for flying 'faulty' airplane</a>

Last month, a passenger ferry sank off the coast of holiday island Bali in rough seas, leaving 10 people dead with another still missing.

In 2018, about 160 people drowned when a ferry sank in one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island.&nbsp;

And more than 300 people are estimated to have drowned in 2009 when a ferry sank between Sulawesi and Borneo.

At least nine people were killed and dozens more are missing after a string of boats capsized in a storm that battered Indonesia's section of Borneo island, a local rescue agency said Friday.

At least nine people were killed and dozens more are missing after a string of boats capsized in a storm that battered Indonesia's section of Borneo island, a local rescue agency said Friday. The accident happened early Wednesday in waters off the coast of West Kalimantan where waves as high as five metres (16 feet) swamped a dozen fishing vessels and pair of tugboats. It was first reported by search-and-rescue authorities on Friday. Also read | Indonesia grapples with 'worst-case scenario' as COVID-19 cases surge Nine people have been confirmed dead with another 46 still missing, said Yopi Haryadi, head of the Pontianak rescue agency, who added that 81 people on the vessels had been rescued alive. The storm inundated nearly 50 villages on land, destroying homes and other buildings with nearly 15,000 residents affected. "The 14 boats actually tried to escape from the storm but it was too strong and they capsized," Haryadi told AFP. "The storm also battered the mainland in West Kalimantan where villages were inundated by floods. But there are no casualties or people missing so far on the mainland." Also read | Indonesia rejects China's claims in the South China Sea; says not bound by claims contravening international law The local search and rescue agency said a military helicopter was deployed to help in the hunt for any survivors, but the operation was being hampered by bad weather. "Hopefully the weather today will be good so we can find other victims," said Eryk Subarianto, chief of emergency operations at the Pontianak rescue agency. Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where many use ferries and other boats to travel despite poor safety standards. Also read | Indonesia plane crash: Family sues Boeing for flying 'faulty' airplane Last month, a passenger ferry sank off the coast of holiday island Bali in rough seas, leaving 10 people dead with another still missing. In 2018, about 160 people drowned when a ferry sank in one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island. And more than 300 people are estimated to have drowned in 2009 when a ferry sank between Sulawesi and Borneo.

Nine killed, dozens missing after boats capsize in Indonesia storm

Indonesia reported over 56,000 cases on Thursday becoming the epicentre of the virus in Asia as it fights the "worst-case scenario".

Government minister Luhut Pandjaitan while describing the situation said: "We're already in our worst-case scenario, if we're talking about 60,000 (daily cases) or slightly more than that, we're okay. We are hoping not for 100,000, but even if we get there, we are preparing for that."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indonesia-scientist-leading-sinovac-trial-dies-of-suspected-covid-19-397083/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country had reported over 54,000 cases on Wednesday as people hunted for oxygen cylinders. The virus has spread despite the government orders to shut malls and restaurants in capital Jakarta as reports said the Delta variant has spread to remote areas.

Strict restrictions have also been put in place in Sumatra island as the country fights&nbsp;the virus.

Reports say hospitals have been running to full capacity with Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan being hit hard with the virus as Luhut added that vaccine efficacy was weaker against the Delta variant.

The country has vaccinated just 5.8 per cent of the population as the virus continues to spread in the country.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank said it was approving loan worth $500 million to Indonesia. The country approved the Pfizer-BioNTech jab for emergency use today as Japan and the United States sent vaccines to the country.

According to Indonesia's medical association, at least 1,000&nbsp;health workers have died due to the virus with most being inoculated with China's Sinovac vaccine.

Authorities said medical workers would be given a third booster jab made of the&nbsp;Moderna vaccine to provide extra protection.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization(WHO) warned today that more dangerous variants could come up as cases continue to rise&nbsp;worldwide.&nbsp;

"The pandemic is nowhere near finished," the WHO said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Indonesia reported over 56,000 cases on Thursday becoming the epicentre of the virus in Asia as it fights the "worst-case scenario". Government minister Luhut Pandjaitan while describing the situation said: "We're already in our worst-case scenario, if we're talking about 60,000 (daily cases) or slightly more than that, we're okay.

Indonesia reported over 56,000 cases on Thursday becoming the epicentre of the virus in Asia as it fights the "worst-case scenario". Government minister Luhut Pandjaitan while describing the situation said: "We're already in our worst-case scenario, if we're talking about 60,000 (daily cases) or slightly more than that, we're okay. We are hoping not for 100,000, but even if we get there, we are preparing for that." Watch: The country had reported over 54,000 cases on Wednesday as people hunted for oxygen cylinders. The virus has spread despite the government orders to shut malls and restaurants in capital Jakarta as reports said the Delta variant has spread to remote areas. Strict restrictions have also been put in place in Sumatra island as the country fights the virus. Reports say hospitals have been running to full capacity with Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan being hit hard with the virus as Luhut added that vaccine efficacy was weaker against the Delta variant. The country has vaccinated just 5.8 per cent of the population as the virus continues to spread in the country. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank said it was approving loan worth $500 million to Indonesia. The country approved the Pfizer-BioNTech jab for emergency use today as Japan and the United States sent vaccines to the country. According to Indonesia's medical association, at least 1,000 health workers have died due to the virus with most being inoculated with China's Sinovac vaccine. Authorities said medical workers would be given a third booster jab made of the Moderna vaccine to provide extra protection. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization(WHO) warned today that more dangerous variants could come up as cases continue to rise worldwide. "The pandemic is nowhere near finished," the WHO said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Indonesia grapples with 'worst-case scenario' as COVID-19 cases surge

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of&nbsp;Indonesia's Sulawesi island Saturday, the United States Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.

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4.6 magnitude <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a>. 196 km from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tobelo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tobelo</a>, Maluku Utara, Indonesia <a href="https://t.co/lVptgfjSrc">https://t.co/lVptgfjSrc</a>
— Earthquake Alerts (@QuakesToday) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuakesToday/status/1413691210191892481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The strong quake hit 258 kilometers (160 miles) northeast of the city of Manado in North Sulawesi at a depth of 68 kilometers.

Indonesia&nbsp;experiences frequent quakes due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/minor-earthquake-tremors-felt-in-delhi-ncr-396063">Also read |&nbsp;Minor earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR</a>

In January, more than 100 people were killed and thousands left homeless by a 6.2-magnitude quake that struck Sulawesi, reducing buildings to a tangled mass of twisted metal and chunks of concrete in the seaside city of Mamuju.

A powerful quake shook the island of Lombok in 2018 and several more tremors followed over the next couple of weeks, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighboring Sumbawa.

Later that year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Sulawesi island Saturday, the United States Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Sulawesi island Saturday, the United States Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage. 4.6 magnitude #earthquake. 196 km from #Tobelo, Maluku Utara, Indonesia https://t.co/lVptgfjSrc — Earthquake Alerts (@QuakesToday) July 10, 2021 × The strong quake hit 258 kilometers (160 miles) northeast of the city of Manado in North Sulawesi at a depth of 68 kilometers. Indonesia experiences frequent quakes due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. Also read | Minor earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR In January, more than 100 people were killed and thousands left homeless by a 6.2-magnitude quake that struck Sulawesi, reducing buildings to a tangled mass of twisted metal and chunks of concrete in the seaside city of Mamuju. A powerful quake shook the island of Lombok in 2018 and several more tremors followed over the next couple of weeks, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighboring Sumbawa. Later that year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

6.1-magnitude quake strikes eastern Indonesia: USGS

In Indonesia, the scientist who led the Sinovac vaccine trials has died after contracting the Wuhan virus. In Thailand, medics have fallen ill, even after taking the Sinovac vaccine. Are Chinese vaccines failing in Southeast Asia?

Gravitas: Indonesia: Scientist leading Sinovac trial dies of suspected Covid-19

In Pics | Increased cases of COVID-19 victims in Indonesia in 10 days

Indonesia is battling the oxygen shortage as the country grapples with a massive surge in Coronavirus cases. The country recorded 1,040 deaths, a high single-day rise since the beginning of the pandemic.

Indonesia records highest single-day spike in COVID-19 deaths

Hospitals in Indonesia are running out of oxygen at a time when the country is recording at least 25,000 COVID-19 cases on a daily basis. The government is asking oxygen producers to dedicate their full supply to medical needs.

Indonesia seeks more oxygen for COVID-19 patients amid shortage

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