Indian Navy on Thursday pitched in to locate the missing Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402. The submarine went missing on Wednesday, 60 miles off the coast of Bali with 53 people on board.

Indian Navy has sent its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which departed from Visakhapatnam to support the Indonesian Navy in search and rescue efforts for KRI Nanggala.

Equipped with the latest technology and capabilities, DSRV has a Side Scan Sonar to locate the position of any submarine in distress. It can provide immediate relief by posting Emergency Life Support Containers with the help of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

Indian Defence ‌Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with his Indonesian counterpart Gen Prabowo Subianto.

&nbsp;“I am extremely pained to hear about the missing Indonesian Submarine Nanggala with 53 crew on board. As a well wisher and a defence Minister myself I can feel the pain and anguish. At this point I would like to extend the full support of the Indian Armed Forces to the Indonesian Rescue effort,” Singh said, according to a release from the Indian Navy.

“I have also tasked the Indian Air Force to see the feasibility of induction of the DSRV intervention system by air. India is committed to assist our strategic partners during times of necessity. Please accept my concern and best wishes to a successful rescue,” he said.

Gen Subianto acknowledged and appreciated India’s support to Indonesia, the release said.

India is among the few countries in the world capable of undertaking Search and Rescue of a disabled submarine through a DSRV, the Navy release said.

Indian Navy’s DSRV system can locate a submarine upto 1,000 metre depth utilising its state-of-the art Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). After the submarine is successfully located, another sub module of DSRV- the Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) - mates with the submarine to rescue the trapped personnel. The SRV can also be used to provide emergency supplies to the submarine.

Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy share a strong partnership of operational cooperation. The two navies have been exercising regularly in the past and have developed synergy and interoperability which is considered important for the present mission.

The Indian effort comes even as both countries have been engaging on several fronts from defence to maritime collaboration.&nbsp;

Indian Navy has been providing support in the region in several ways, including by providing medicine, food supplies amid the Covid pandemic. Under its Sagar missions 1, 2 and 3, it reached out to more than 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region, Africa and ASEAN with supplies to deal with the Covid crisis.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, other countries in the region, namely Singapore and Malaysia, have dispatched vessels to support Indonesia.&nbsp;

Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a statement said, "The Republic of Singapore Navy’s MV Swift Rescue – our submarine rescue vessel – was dispatched expeditiously...as fast as she could get ready after our navy chief received a request for assistance from his Indonesian counterpart."

Indian Navy on Thursday pitched in to locate the missing Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402. The submarine went missing on Wednesday, 60 miles off the coast of Bali with 53 people on board.

Indian Navy on Thursday pitched in to locate the missing Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402. The submarine went missing on Wednesday, 60 miles off the coast of Bali with 53 people on board. Indian Navy has sent its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which departed from Visakhapatnam to support the Indonesian Navy in search and rescue efforts for KRI Nanggala. Equipped with the latest technology and capabilities, DSRV has a Side Scan Sonar to locate the position of any submarine in distress. It can provide immediate relief by posting Emergency Life Support Containers with the help of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Indian Defence ‌Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with his Indonesian counterpart Gen Prabowo Subianto. “I am extremely pained to hear about the missing Indonesian Submarine Nanggala with 53 crew on board. As a well wisher and a defence Minister myself I can feel the pain and anguish. At this point I would like to extend the full support of the Indian Armed Forces to the Indonesian Rescue effort,” Singh said, according to a release from the Indian Navy. “I have also tasked the Indian Air Force to see the feasibility of induction of the DSRV intervention system by air. India is committed to assist our strategic partners during times of necessity. Please accept my concern and best wishes to a successful rescue,” he said. Gen Subianto acknowledged and appreciated India’s support to Indonesia, the release said. India is among the few countries in the world capable of undertaking Search and Rescue of a disabled submarine through a DSRV, the Navy release said. Indian Navy’s DSRV system can locate a submarine upto 1,000 metre depth utilising its state-of-the art Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). After the submarine is successfully located, another sub module of DSRV- the Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) - mates with the submarine to rescue the trapped personnel. The SRV can also be used to provide emergency supplies to the submarine. Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy share a strong partnership of operational cooperation. The two navies have been exercising regularly in the past and have developed synergy and interoperability which is considered important for the present mission. The Indian effort comes even as both countries have been engaging on several fronts from defence to maritime collaboration. Indian Navy has been providing support in the region in several ways, including by providing medicine, food supplies amid the Covid pandemic. Under its Sagar missions 1, 2 and 3, it reached out to more than 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region, Africa and ASEAN with supplies to deal with the Covid crisis. Meanwhile, other countries in the region, namely Singapore and Malaysia, have dispatched vessels to support Indonesia. Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a statement said, "The Republic of Singapore Navy’s MV Swift Rescue – our submarine rescue vessel – was dispatched expeditiously...as fast as she could get ready after our navy chief received a request for assistance from his Indonesian counterpart."

Indian Navy pitches in to find missing Indonesian submarine

Indonesia has less than 72 hours to rescue 53 crew members aboard a missing submarine. An oil slick - is the only possible sign of the missing vessel. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you more about the rescue effort.

Gravitas: Indonesia has less than 72 hours to save 53 crew members

Several prisoners in Indonesia have been sentenced to death over Zoom and other video apps during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>.&nbsp;

The country resorted to virtual court hearings amid COVID-19 restrictions that closed most in-person trials, including murder and drug trafficking cases, in which the death penalty can be given.&nbsp;

Nearly 100 inmates since early last year have been condemned to death in Indonesia, according to Amnesty International.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-pitches-in-to-find-missing-indonesian-submarine-379237">Indian Navy pitches in to find missing Indonesian submarine</a>

Indonesia has some of the world's strictest laws on drugs in which both Indonesian and foreign traffickers have been executed, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Three Iranians and a Pakistani were amongst the 13 people who through video hearing were told that they would be shot to death for smuggling 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of methamphetamine into Indonesia.&nbsp;

A Jakarta court on Wednesday gave a death sentence to six Islamist militants via a video app for their involvement in a prison riot in 2018 that killed five personnel of Indonesia's counter-terror squad.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/indonesian-president-orders-all-out-effort-to-find-submarine-as-oxygen-runs-low-379368">Indonesian president orders all-out effort to find submarine as oxygen runs low</a>

Indonesia went ahead with the virtual hearings despite the number of death sentences reduced last year globally due to the pandemic, Amnesty, in its annual capital punishment report, said this week.&nbsp;

Critics argue that virtual hearings do not give the accused a fair chance to defend themselves due to poor internet connections, a problem that even Indonesia faces.&nbsp;

"Virtual platforms... can expose the defendant to significant violations of their fair trial rights and impinge on the quality of the defence," NGO Harm Reduction International in a recent report on the death penalty for drug crimes said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Several prisoners in Indonesia have been sentenced to death over Zoom and other video apps during the coronavirus pandemic. The country resorted to virtual court hearings amid COVID-19 restrictions that closed most in-person trials, including murder and drug trafficking cases, in which the death penalty can be given.

Several prisoners in Indonesia have been sentenced to death over Zoom and other video apps during the coronavirus pandemic. The country resorted to virtual court hearings amid COVID-19 restrictions that closed most in-person trials, including murder and drug trafficking cases, in which the death penalty can be given. Nearly 100 inmates since early last year have been condemned to death in Indonesia, according to Amnesty International. Also read | Indian Navy pitches in to find missing Indonesian submarine Indonesia has some of the world's strictest laws on drugs in which both Indonesian and foreign traffickers have been executed, reports news agency AFP. Three Iranians and a Pakistani were amongst the 13 people who through video hearing were told that they would be shot to death for smuggling 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of methamphetamine into Indonesia. A Jakarta court on Wednesday gave a death sentence to six Islamist militants via a video app for their involvement in a prison riot in 2018 that killed five personnel of Indonesia's counter-terror squad. Also read | Indonesian president orders all-out effort to find submarine as oxygen runs low Indonesia went ahead with the virtual hearings despite the number of death sentences reduced last year globally due to the pandemic, Amnesty, in its annual capital punishment report, said this week. Critics argue that virtual hearings do not give the accused a fair chance to defend themselves due to poor internet connections, a problem that even Indonesia faces. "Virtual platforms... can expose the defendant to significant violations of their fair trial rights and impinge on the quality of the defence," NGO Harm Reduction International in a recent report on the death penalty for drug crimes said.

Death via Zoom: Several in Indonesia given capital punishment via virtual hearings

Indonesia's navy is searching for a missing submarine with 53 people on board that went missing on Wednesday and is seeking help from neighbouring Australia and Singapore in the hunt, the Indonesian military chief said.&nbsp;

The German-made submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters north of the island of Bali but failed to relay the results as expected, a navy spokesman said.&nbsp;

"We are still searching in the waters of Bali, 60 miles (96 km) from Bali, (for) 53 people," military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said in a text message.&nbsp;

The military chief confirmed that assistance in the search for the submarine and missing crew members had been sought from Australia and Singapore. He said that contact with the vessel was lost at 4:30 am on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Representatives of the defence departments of Australia and Singapore did not immediately respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

The 1,395-tonne KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1978, according to the Indonesian cabinet secretariat's website, and underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012.&nbsp;

Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines purchased from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of its sprawling archipelago. &nbsp;

But now, it has a fleet of only five including two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels. &nbsp;

Indonesia has been seeking to upgrade its defence capabilities but some of its equipment still in service is old and there have been deadly accidents involving in particular ageing military transport planes in recent years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indonesia's navy is searching for a missing submarine with 53 people on board that went missing on Wednesday and is seeking help from neighbouring Australia and Singapore in the hunt, the Indonesian military chief said.

Indonesia's navy is searching for a missing submarine with 53 people on board that went missing on Wednesday and is seeking help from neighbouring Australia and Singapore in the hunt, the Indonesian military chief said. The German-made submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters north of the island of Bali but failed to relay the results as expected, a navy spokesman said. "We are still searching in the waters of Bali, 60 miles (96 km) from Bali, (for) 53 people," military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said in a text message. The military chief confirmed that assistance in the search for the submarine and missing crew members had been sought from Australia and Singapore. He said that contact with the vessel was lost at 4:30 am on Wednesday. Representatives of the defence departments of Australia and Singapore did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The 1,395-tonne KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1978, according to the Indonesian cabinet secretariat's website, and underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012. Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines purchased from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of its sprawling archipelago. But now, it has a fleet of only five including two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels. Indonesia has been seeking to upgrade its defence capabilities but some of its equipment still in service is old and there have been deadly accidents involving in particular ageing military transport planes in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia searches for missing submarine with 53 on board, seeks help from Australia, Singapore  

Indonesia's Java island was hit with a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Saturday. The media reports say that the strong earthquake has damaged buildings in several cities. Country's disaster agency said that 6 people had been killed. The quake struck at the depth of 96 km. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre has put the intensity of the quake at 5.9

"The agency has recorded six dead and one person who sustained serious injuries," said National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Raditya Jati, adding that several villages in East Java had been evacuated.

The quake was felt in cities and towns across East Java, home to 40.7 million people, and nearby provinces, including the resort island of Bali, Indonesian media reported.

Reports of damage included parliamentary buildings, a school, a hospital and houses in several cities, while a large gorilla statue in an amusement park in the town of Batu lost its head.

Video shared by social media users showed people running out of a shopping mall in Malang city amid the strong tremor.

"I felt the earthquake twice, the first time for two seconds and then it stopped, but then it shook again for five seconds," Edo Afizal, a receptionist at a hotel in Blitar, told Reuters by phone.

Indonesia was struck last week by tropical cyclone Seroja, which triggered landslides and flash floods killing more than 160 people on islands in East Nusa Tenggara province.

(With agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

Indonesia's Java island was hit with a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Saturday. The media reports say that the strong earthquake has damaged buildings in several cities.

Indonesia's Java island was hit with a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Saturday. The media reports say that the strong earthquake has damaged buildings in several cities. Country's disaster agency said that 6 people had been killed. The quake struck at the depth of 96 km. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre has put the intensity of the quake at 5.9 "The agency has recorded six dead and one person who sustained serious injuries," said National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Raditya Jati, adding that several villages in East Java had been evacuated. The quake was felt in cities and towns across East Java, home to 40.7 million people, and nearby provinces, including the resort island of Bali, Indonesian media reported. Reports of damage included parliamentary buildings, a school, a hospital and houses in several cities, while a large gorilla statue in an amusement park in the town of Batu lost its head. Video shared by social media users showed people running out of a shopping mall in Malang city amid the strong tremor. "I felt the earthquake twice, the first time for two seconds and then it stopped, but then it shook again for five seconds," Edo Afizal, a receptionist at a hotel in Blitar, told Reuters by phone. Indonesia was struck last week by tropical cyclone Seroja, which triggered landslides and flash floods killing more than 160 people on islands in East Nusa Tenggara province. (With agency inputs)

Indonesia: Java island jolted by magnitude 6.0 earthquake

An Indonesian environmentalist is using fairy tales, puppet shows and mangrove saplings to teach children about coastal erosion and how mangrove trees can help preserve the environment.

Indonesia: Environmentalist fights coastal erosion with fairy tales and puppet shows

More than 50 people have been killed after floods and landslides swept through eastern Indonesia and the neighbouring island nation Timor-Leste. The floods were sparked by torrential rain which led to destruction.

More than 50 killed in flash floods in Indonesia

The death toll from floods and landslides triggered by the tropical cyclone Seroja in a cluster of islands in southeast Indonesia rose to at least 55, with 40 still missing, the disaster agency BNPB said on Monday.

At least 400 people in the East Nusa Tenggara province, which comprises of several islands, were evacuated after their homes were hit by flash floods, landslides and strong winds amid heavy rain brought by the cyclone, the agency said.

Several bridges collapsed, trees fell and blocked some roads and at least one ship sank as the cyclone also triggered high waves, complicating search and rescue operations, the BNPB said.

"We're sending basic logistical needs such as food, blankets and others," Raditya Jati, the agency spokesman said.

President Joko Widodo offered his condolences and urged residents to follow the direction from field officers during extreme weather.

"I have ordered for disaster relief efforts to be conducted quickly and well, for example for health service assistance, availability of logistics and basic needs for the displaced and the reparation of infrastructure," he said in remarks streamed online.

Local officials said the death toll had risen to over 100, but BNPB said it was unable to confirm that.

On Sunday, a Reuters witness reported three deaths in neighbouring East Timor from a landslide on the outskirts of its capital, Dili. There was no official toll of casualties on Sunday.

The Seroja cyclone hit the Savu sea southwest of Timor island in the early hours of Monday, Indonesia's weather agency said, warning that it could bring yet more rain, waves and winds.

Extreme weather in the Nusa Tenggara area has obstructed distribution of oil fuel there, state energy firm Pertamina said, with a filling stations, a kerosene shop and four tank cars flooded.

Pertamina has alerted fuel terminals in nearby islands to support the supply of fuel to the impacted region, it said.

The death toll from floods and landslides triggered by the tropical cyclone Seroja in a cluster of islands in southeast Indonesia rose to at least 55, with 40 still missing, the disaster agency BNPB said on Monday.

The death toll from floods and landslides triggered by the tropical cyclone Seroja in a cluster of islands in southeast Indonesia rose to at least 55, with 40 still missing, the disaster agency BNPB said on Monday. At least 400 people in the East Nusa Tenggara province, which comprises of several islands, were evacuated after their homes were hit by flash floods, landslides and strong winds amid heavy rain brought by the cyclone, the agency said. Several bridges collapsed, trees fell and blocked some roads and at least one ship sank as the cyclone also triggered high waves, complicating search and rescue operations, the BNPB said. "We're sending basic logistical needs such as food, blankets and others," Raditya Jati, the agency spokesman said. President Joko Widodo offered his condolences and urged residents to follow the direction from field officers during extreme weather. "I have ordered for disaster relief efforts to be conducted quickly and well, for example for health service assistance, availability of logistics and basic needs for the displaced and the reparation of infrastructure," he said in remarks streamed online. Local officials said the death toll had risen to over 100, but BNPB said it was unable to confirm that. On Sunday, a Reuters witness reported three deaths in neighbouring East Timor from a landslide on the outskirts of its capital, Dili. There was no official toll of casualties on Sunday. The Seroja cyclone hit the Savu sea southwest of Timor island in the early hours of Monday, Indonesia's weather agency said, warning that it could bring yet more rain, waves and winds. Extreme weather in the Nusa Tenggara area has obstructed distribution of oil fuel there, state energy firm Pertamina said, with a filling stations, a kerosene shop and four tank cars flooded. Pertamina has alerted fuel terminals in nearby islands to support the supply of fuel to the impacted region, it said.

More than 50 killed in Indonesian floods; many still missing

Indonesia is home to over a fifth of the world's mangrove forests, which naturally help keep out high tidal waters.

Environmentalist battles to save Indonesia's mangroves

A collision between a cargo ship and a fishing boat left 17 people missing off Indonesia's main island of Java, officials said Sunday.

The fishing boat with 32 aboard capsised after hitting the Indonesian bulk carrier MV Habco Pioneer late Saturday off Indramayu district, said the head of the Search and Rescue Agency, Deden Ridwansyah.

Divers have, meanwhile, been scouring the waters of the Java Sea. Fifteen crew of the fishing boat were evacuated after Saturday's crash, but five divers are searching for the remaining 17, Yusuf Latif, the spokesman of the agency, Basarnas, said in a statement.

The cargo ship, which was loaded with crude oil from Borneo island, was moored after its propeller got caught in the fishing net.

The crash happened at 0930 GMT, Yusuf said. The other vessel was the bulk carrier Habco Pioneer, which has a capacity of nearly 30,000 tonnes. Both vessels are Indonesia-flagged.

There were no reports of casualties or missing crew on the Habco Pioneer, owned by tugboats and barges company PT Habco Primatama.

A collision between a cargo ship and a fishing boat left 17 people missing off Indonesia's main island of Java, officials said Sunday. The fishing boat with 32 aboard capsised after hitting the Indonesian bulk carrier MV Habco Pioneer late Saturday off Indramayu district, said the head of the Search and Rescue Agency, Deden Ridwansyah.

A collision between a cargo ship and a fishing boat left 17 people missing off Indonesia's main island of Java, officials said Sunday. The fishing boat with 32 aboard capsised after hitting the Indonesian bulk carrier MV Habco Pioneer late Saturday off Indramayu district, said the head of the Search and Rescue Agency, Deden Ridwansyah. Divers have, meanwhile, been scouring the waters of the Java Sea. Fifteen crew of the fishing boat were evacuated after Saturday's crash, but five divers are searching for the remaining 17, Yusuf Latif, the spokesman of the agency, Basarnas, said in a statement. The cargo ship, which was loaded with crude oil from Borneo island, was moored after its propeller got caught in the fishing net. The crash happened at 0930 GMT, Yusuf said. The other vessel was the bulk carrier Habco Pioneer, which has a capacity of nearly 30,000 tonnes. Both vessels are Indonesia-flagged. There were no reports of casualties or missing crew on the Habco Pioneer, owned by tugboats and barges company PT Habco Primatama.

Seventeen missing in Indonesia fishing boat, cargo ship collision

At least 44 people were killed after flash floods and landslides swept an island in Indonesia's easternmost province Sunday morning, rescue officials said, adding they expected the toll to rise.

"There are 44 people dead with nine injured" in East Flores regency, and "many (...) are still under the mud", National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Raditya Jati told AFP.

Hours before people woke to celebrate Easter, torrential rain unleashed flash floods in the Catholic-majority Flores Island.

Mud inundated homes, while bridges and roads in the eastern end of the island were destroyed, according to National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Raditya Jati.

Rescuers are struggling to reach the remote and worst-hit area in East Flores regency.

"The only access there is by the sea from Adonara Island, but the rains -- as well as strong waves -- have prevented any crossing," Jati told AFP on Sunday.

Extreme weather is expected to continue in the coming week, he added.

Separately on Sunday, major floods also killed two people in Bima city in the neighbouring province of West Nusa Tenggara, according to the disaster agency.

Dams in four subdistricts also overflowed, submerging nearly 10,000 houses in Bima following a nine-hour downpour, said Jati.

Fatal landslides and flash floods are common across the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season when downpours are frequent and relentless.

In January, flash floods damaged the Indonesian town of Sumedang in West Java, killing 40 people.

Last September, at least 11 people were killed in landslides on Borneo while a few months earlier, dozens died in landslides in Sulawesi.

Indonesia's disaster agency has estimated that 125 million Indonesians -- nearly half of the country's population -- live in areas at risk of landslides.

At least 44 people were killed after flash floods and landslides swept an island in Indonesia's easternmost province Sunday morning, rescue officials said, adding they expected the toll to rise.

At least 44 people were killed after flash floods and landslides swept an island in Indonesia's easternmost province Sunday morning, rescue officials said, adding they expected the toll to rise. "There are 44 people dead with nine injured" in East Flores regency, and "many (...) are still under the mud", National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Raditya Jati told AFP. Hours before people woke to celebrate Easter, torrential rain unleashed flash floods in the Catholic-majority Flores Island. Mud inundated homes, while bridges and roads in the eastern end of the island were destroyed, according to National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Raditya Jati. Rescuers are struggling to reach the remote and worst-hit area in East Flores regency. "The only access there is by the sea from Adonara Island, but the rains -- as well as strong waves -- have prevented any crossing," Jati told AFP on Sunday. Extreme weather is expected to continue in the coming week, he added. Separately on Sunday, major floods also killed two people in Bima city in the neighbouring province of West Nusa Tenggara, according to the disaster agency. Dams in four subdistricts also overflowed, submerging nearly 10,000 houses in Bima following a nine-hour downpour, said Jati. Fatal landslides and flash floods are common across the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season when downpours are frequent and relentless. In January, flash floods damaged the Indonesian town of Sumedang in West Java, killing 40 people. Last September, at least 11 people were killed in landslides on Borneo while a few months earlier, dozens died in landslides in Sulawesi. Indonesia's disaster agency has estimated that 125 million Indonesians -- nearly half of the country's population -- live in areas at risk of landslides.

Indonesia flash floods kill 44, toll expected to rise

United Nations (UN) human rights experts have said that a tourism mega-project on Indonesia's Lombok island has uprooted local and indigenous people. The experts said that this project has destroyed homes, fields, rivers and religious sites.

The Mandalika, located in Lombok’s West Nusa Tenggara province, includes a Grand Prix motorcycle circuit, hotels and a golf course, and is part of the “10 New Balis” strategy proposed by President Joko Widodo in 2016 to boost tourism revenues.

In developing the 2-hectare (5-acre) site, “local residents were subjected to threats and intimidations, and forcibly evicted from their land without compensation”, said Olivier De Schutter, U.N. special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights.

He said that businesses and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) that funded the ongoing project, failed to do due diligence "to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address adverse human rights impacts”, he said in a statement.

The AIIB said its operations adhered to its environmental and social guidelines, and that it had responded “swiftly” to complaints related to the project and commissioned an independent consultant to engage with the Indonesian government, businesses and local residents.

“The final report found no evidence of the alleged coercion, direct use of force, and intimidation relating to land acquisition and resettlement,” it said in a statement late on Thursday.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations (UN) human rights experts have said that a tourism mega-project on Indonesia's Lombok island has uprooted local and indigenous people. The experts said that this project has destroyed homes, fields, rivers and religious sites.

United Nations (UN) human rights experts have said that a tourism mega-project on Indonesia's Lombok island has uprooted local and indigenous people. The experts said that this project has destroyed homes, fields, rivers and religious sites. The Mandalika, located in Lombok’s West Nusa Tenggara province, includes a Grand Prix motorcycle circuit, hotels and a golf course, and is part of the “10 New Balis” strategy proposed by President Joko Widodo in 2016 to boost tourism revenues. In developing the 2-hectare (5-acre) site, “local residents were subjected to threats and intimidations, and forcibly evicted from their land without compensation”, said Olivier De Schutter, U.N. special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. He said that businesses and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) that funded the ongoing project, failed to do due diligence "to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address adverse human rights impacts”, he said in a statement. The AIIB said its operations adhered to its environmental and social guidelines, and that it had responded “swiftly” to complaints related to the project and commissioned an independent consultant to engage with the Indonesian government, businesses and local residents. “The final report found no evidence of the alleged coercion, direct use of force, and intimidation relating to land acquisition and resettlement,” it said in a statement late on Thursday. (With AFP inputs)

UN displeased with Indonesia tourism project for trampling human rights

An ambitious&nbsp;Indonesian project to create a single database of the country's land area and stop conflicts is destined to flounder unless it includes maps created by indigenous communities, advocates said on Friday.

The One Map policy, rolled out a decade ago and meant to be completed by late 2020, aimed to merge 85 thematic maps of the sprawling archipelago's 34 provinces into one map, with local communities involved to help settle conflicting claims.

But to date, the One Map portal is only accessible to government authorities and does not include maps created by indigenous groups, said Rukka Sombolinggi, secretary general of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN).

"The process was meant to be participatory but we haven't been consulted at all," she said, adding that AMAN had submitted maps covering about 11 million hectares (27 million acres) of indigenous land.

"We have been campaigning for decades to have our customary lands recognised and to include indigenous land on government maps ... the failure to include our land in One Map is very frustrating and makes us even more fearful of losing our land."

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has introduced legislation to issue titles for the landless, and pledged to return nearly 13 million hectares of land to indigenous people after a 2013 court ruling that removed customary forests from state control.

But progress has been slow, and indigenous groups have criticised the government's recognition of only "clean and clear" land that excludes areas that are disputed.

Jokowi, as the president is popularly known, has ordered government officials to resolve land conflicts quickly, and to favour communities with prior claims on land that was given to palm oil concessions and mining developers.

Authorities are identifying all indigenous land under dispute and will resolve any conflicts, said Dodi Slamet Riyadi, a senior government official leading the One Map policy.

While "urgently needed", the One Map policy has been delayed by the identification of more than 77 million hectares of land under dispute, the addition of 72 new thematic maps, and movement restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, he added.

"All of the spatial data is not accessible by the public now because we cannot guarantee the quality ... we are focusing on data quality improvements and hope to make it accessible to the public," he said.

In addition to the lack of indigenous maps, the so-called "omnibus" job creation bill passed in October to boost investment but criticised by labour unions and environmentalists for diluting protections, may worsen land disputes, said Adi Pradana at the World Resources Institute&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;(WRI).

"The One Map, as well as the Omnibus law, could overlook the participatory maps and participatory conflict resolution process, thus exacerbating conflicts on the ground," said Pradana, whose thinktank is compiling data for the One Map in four provinces.

WRI works with local authorities, civil society groups and communities to help resolve disputes and recognise customary land, said Pradana, WRI's One Map initiative governance manager.

A similar approach is needed for the One Map project, he added.

"The process is not transparent and inclusive now," Pradana said. "The government needs to be more transparent on One Map to get more public support and reduce conflict."

An ambitious Indonesian project to create a single database of the country's land area and stop conflicts is destined to flounder unless it includes maps created by indigenous communities, advocates said on Friday.

An ambitious Indonesian project to create a single database of the country's land area and stop conflicts is destined to flounder unless it includes maps created by indigenous communities, advocates said on Friday. The One Map policy, rolled out a decade ago and meant to be completed by late 2020, aimed to merge 85 thematic maps of the sprawling archipelago's 34 provinces into one map, with local communities involved to help settle conflicting claims. But to date, the One Map portal is only accessible to government authorities and does not include maps created by indigenous groups, said Rukka Sombolinggi, secretary general of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN). "The process was meant to be participatory but we haven't been consulted at all," she said, adding that AMAN had submitted maps covering about 11 million hectares (27 million acres) of indigenous land. "We have been campaigning for decades to have our customary lands recognised and to include indigenous land on government maps ... the failure to include our land in One Map is very frustrating and makes us even more fearful of losing our land." Indonesian President Joko Widodo has introduced legislation to issue titles for the landless, and pledged to return nearly 13 million hectares of land to indigenous people after a 2013 court ruling that removed customary forests from state control. But progress has been slow, and indigenous groups have criticised the government's recognition of only "clean and clear" land that excludes areas that are disputed. Jokowi, as the president is popularly known, has ordered government officials to resolve land conflicts quickly, and to favour communities with prior claims on land that was given to palm oil concessions and mining developers. Authorities are identifying all indigenous land under dispute and will resolve any conflicts, said Dodi Slamet Riyadi, a senior government official leading the One Map policy. While "urgently needed", the One Map policy has been delayed by the identification of more than 77 million hectares of land under dispute, the addition of 72 new thematic maps, and movement restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, he added. "All of the spatial data is not accessible by the public now because we cannot guarantee the quality ... we are focusing on data quality improvements and hope to make it accessible to the public," he said. In addition to the lack of indigenous maps, the so-called "omnibus" job creation bill passed in October to boost investment but criticised by labour unions and environmentalists for diluting protections, may worsen land disputes, said Adi Pradana at the World Resources Institute Indonesia (WRI). "The One Map, as well as the Omnibus law, could overlook the participatory maps and participatory conflict resolution process, thus exacerbating conflicts on the ground," said Pradana, whose thinktank is compiling data for the One Map in four provinces. WRI works with local authorities, civil society groups and communities to help resolve disputes and recognise customary land, said Pradana, WRI's One Map initiative governance manager. A similar approach is needed for the One Map project, he added. "The process is not transparent and inclusive now," Pradana said. "The government needs to be more transparent on One Map to get more public support and reduce conflict."

Indonesia's 'One Map' initiative risks conflicts by ignoring indigenous land

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.&nbsp;

On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar.

Watch |&nbsp;

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In January, their wedding host was shot dead by counter-terrorism forces.&nbsp;

The couple was the only fatalities in the suicide blast, but it tells about the dangerous legacy that Islamic State has brought into Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

This was the third attack in Indonesia in recent years when a husband and wife were the suicide bombers.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/newlywed-militant-suspects-blamed-in-indonesia-church-attack-374128">Newlywed militant suspects blamed in Indonesia church attack</a> &nbsp;

As many as 28 people were killed in May 2018 when six people from an Indonesian family, including four children, detonated explosives at many churches in Surabaya.&nbsp;

Less than a year later, Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfa Handayani Saleh, launched attacks at a cathedral in Jolo in the southern Philippines in which 23 people lost their lives and over 100 others received injuries.&nbsp;

"This is the unique legacy of ISIS promoting the rise of familial terrorism," Noor Huda Ismail, a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"A number of Indonesians joined ISIS as family members."

Over 1,100 Indonesians left the nation to recruit into ISIS, sometimes taking their entire families, including infants, Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) said.

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar.

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar. Watch | In January, their wedding host was shot dead by counter-terrorism forces. The couple was the only fatalities in the suicide blast, but it tells about the dangerous legacy that Islamic State has brought into Southeast Asia. This was the third attack in Indonesia in recent years when a husband and wife were the suicide bombers. Also read | Newlywed militant suspects blamed in Indonesia church attack As many as 28 people were killed in May 2018 when six people from an Indonesian family, including four children, detonated explosives at many churches in Surabaya. Less than a year later, Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfa Handayani Saleh, launched attacks at a cathedral in Jolo in the southern Philippines in which 23 people lost their lives and over 100 others received injuries. "This is the unique legacy of ISIS promoting the rise of familial terrorism," Noor Huda Ismail, a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. "A number of Indonesians joined ISIS as family members." Over 1,100 Indonesians left the nation to recruit into ISIS, sometimes taking their entire families, including infants, Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) said.

How suicide bombing families are giving Indonesia nightmares

After two days, huge fire in Indonesian oil refinery doused

Indonesian police discovered powerful explosives and arrested more suspected Islamist militants on Monday, after a series of raids following a suicide attack a day earlier outside a cathedral on the first day of the Easter Holy Week.

The two bombers were the only fatalities in Sunday`s attack in the city of Makassar on Sulawesi island, which wounded 19 people and took place as mass was finishing.

Police said the bombers were a married couple who belonged to Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an Islamic State-inspired group suspected of suicide attacks on churches and a police post that killed at least 30 people in the city of Surabaya in 2018.

National police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said 13 people in Greater Jakarta, West Nusa Tenggara and Makassar had been arrested since the attack and had different roles in its execution, from making the explosives to detonating them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-president-slams-suicide-attack-at-church-as-an-act-of-terror-373921">Also read |&nbsp;Indonesian president slams suicide attack at church as an 'act of terror'&nbsp;</a>

Listyo said 5.5 kg (12.13 lb) of explosives and several ingredients from the raids, including triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a powerful but unstable mixture often used by Islamist militant groups.

Listyo told a news conference the male bomber wrote a letter to family expressing his intentions to die for his beliefs.

About 20 suspected JAD members were arrested in January, and authorities believe JAD was involved in the twin suicide attack on a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people and wounded more than 100.

Makassar, the biggest city on Sulawesi island, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, which is the world`s largest Muslim-majority country and has a substantial Christian minority, among other faiths.

Indonesian police discovered powerful explosives and arrested more suspected Islamist militants on Monday, after a series of raids following a suicide attack a day earlier outside a cathedral on the first day of the Easter Holy Week.

Indonesian police discovered powerful explosives and arrested more suspected Islamist militants on Monday, after a series of raids following a suicide attack a day earlier outside a cathedral on the first day of the Easter Holy Week. The two bombers were the only fatalities in Sunday`s attack in the city of Makassar on Sulawesi island, which wounded 19 people and took place as mass was finishing. Police said the bombers were a married couple who belonged to Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an Islamic State-inspired group suspected of suicide attacks on churches and a police post that killed at least 30 people in the city of Surabaya in 2018. National police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said 13 people in Greater Jakarta, West Nusa Tenggara and Makassar had been arrested since the attack and had different roles in its execution, from making the explosives to detonating them. Also read | Indonesian president slams suicide attack at church as an 'act of terror' Listyo said 5.5 kg (12.13 lb) of explosives and several ingredients from the raids, including triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a powerful but unstable mixture often used by Islamist militant groups. Listyo told a news conference the male bomber wrote a letter to family expressing his intentions to die for his beliefs. About 20 suspected JAD members were arrested in January, and authorities believe JAD was involved in the twin suicide attack on a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people and wounded more than 100. Makassar, the biggest city on Sulawesi island, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, which is the world`s largest Muslim-majority country and has a substantial Christian minority, among other faiths.

Indonesia raids find explosives, militant suspects after church attack

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said.

The congregation had been inside the church on the island of Sulawesi at the time of the explosion, police said, just as the mass was ending.

Local police had previously said the bomber had acted alone.

Authorities were looking into which radical networks the bombers came from and whether the attack was linked to recent arrests of suspected militants, national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said.

In January, a counter-terrorism unit raided a militant hideout in Makassar and killed two men suspected by police of involvement in twin bombings at a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people.

Father Wilhemus Tulak, a priest at the church, told Indonesian media that a suspected bomber tried to enter the church grounds on a motorbike, but had been stopped by a security guard.

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A Bomb just exploded in cathedral church ,Makassar,Indonesia<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bomakassar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bomakassar</a> <a href="https://t.co/7lDyxSoPmu">pic.twitter.com/7lDyxSoPmu</a>
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Security camera footage showed a blast that blew flame, smoke and debris into the middle of the road.

Police did not say who might be responsible for the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Police blamed the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah group for suicide attacks in 2018 on churches and a police post in the city of Surabaya that killed over 30 people.

Boy Rafli Amar, the head of the country's National Counterterrorism Agency, described Sunday's attack as an act of terrorism.

Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto said the blast could have caused far more casualties if it had taken place at the church's main gate instead of a side entrance.

Makassar, Sulawesi's biggest city, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a substantial Christian minority and followers of other religions.

"Whatever the motive is, this act isn't justified by any religion because it harms not just one person but others, too," Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said in a statement.

Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches, described the attack as a "cruel incident" as Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, and urged people to remain calm and trust the authorities.

Indonesia's deadliest Islamist militant attack took place on the tourist island of Bali in 2002, when bombers killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists.

In subsequent years, security forces in Indonesia scored some major successes in tackling militancy, but more recently there has been a resurgence of militant violence.

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said.

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said. The congregation had been inside the church on the island of Sulawesi at the time of the explosion, police said, just as the mass was ending. Local police had previously said the bomber had acted alone. Authorities were looking into which radical networks the bombers came from and whether the attack was linked to recent arrests of suspected militants, national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said. In January, a counter-terrorism unit raided a militant hideout in Makassar and killed two men suspected by police of involvement in twin bombings at a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people. Father Wilhemus Tulak, a priest at the church, told Indonesian media that a suspected bomber tried to enter the church grounds on a motorbike, but had been stopped by a security guard. A Bomb just exploded in cathedral church ,Makassar,Indonesia#Bomakassar pic.twitter.com/7lDyxSoPmu — Anarchy1412 (@Dannyk717273) March 28, 2021 × Security camera footage showed a blast that blew flame, smoke and debris into the middle of the road. Police did not say who might be responsible for the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility. Police blamed the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah group for suicide attacks in 2018 on churches and a police post in the city of Surabaya that killed over 30 people. Boy Rafli Amar, the head of the country's National Counterterrorism Agency, described Sunday's attack as an act of terrorism. Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto said the blast could have caused far more casualties if it had taken place at the church's main gate instead of a side entrance. Makassar, Sulawesi's biggest city, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a substantial Christian minority and followers of other religions. "Whatever the motive is, this act isn't justified by any religion because it harms not just one person but others, too," Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said in a statement. Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches, described the attack as a "cruel incident" as Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, and urged people to remain calm and trust the authorities. Indonesia's deadliest Islamist militant attack took place on the tourist island of Bali in 2002, when bombers killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists. In subsequent years, security forces in Indonesia scored some major successes in tackling militancy, but more recently there has been a resurgence of militant violence.

Suspected suicide bombers injure many at Indonesian church as Easter week begins

An Indonesian cathedral was rocked by a suicide bombing on Sunday that wounded 20 as worshippers celebrated the start of Holy Week, an attack slammed by the country's president as an 'act of terror'.&nbsp;

Two suspects behind the powerful blast were killed as they rode a motorbike into the compound of the church in Makassar city on Sulawesi island, authorities said.&nbsp;

"A suicide bombing occurred at the cathedral in Makassar," Indonesia's chief security minister Mahfud MD told reporters in the capital Jakarta.&nbsp;

"The two (bombers) died."&nbsp;

Authorities had not previously confirmed that the bombing, which happened around 10:30 am local time (0330 GMT), was a suicide attack. &nbsp;

Twenty church officials, congregants and security staff were injured by debris from the blast, authorities said.&nbsp;

A church security guard tried to prevent the two perpetrators, who have not been identified, from entering when the explosion occurred, they added.&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he 'strongly condemned this act of terror'. "Terrorism is a crime against humanity," he said. "I call on everyone to fight against terror and radicalism, which go against religious values."&nbsp;

One witness described hearing two 'very strong' blasts and then seeing plumes of smoke.&nbsp;

"There were several injured people on the street. I helped one woman... who was wounded and covered in blood," Yosi said.&nbsp;

"Her grandchild was also injured. There were body parts everywhere."&nbsp;

It was not clear if the victims' wounds were life-threatening.&nbsp;

"We were finishing the service and people were going home when it happened," Pastor Wilhelmus Tulak told reporters.&nbsp;

Forensic investigators have been poring over body parts scattered at the scene in a bid to determine the attackers' identities.&nbsp;

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

Churches have been targeted in the past by extremists in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation and home to several religious minorities including Christians, Buddhists and Hindus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An Indonesian cathedral was rocked by a suicide bombing on Sunday that wounded 20 as worshippers celebrated the start of Holy Week, an attack slammed by the country's president as an 'act of terror'.

An Indonesian cathedral was rocked by a suicide bombing on Sunday that wounded 20 as worshippers celebrated the start of Holy Week, an attack slammed by the country's president as an 'act of terror'. Two suspects behind the powerful blast were killed as they rode a motorbike into the compound of the church in Makassar city on Sulawesi island, authorities said. "A suicide bombing occurred at the cathedral in Makassar," Indonesia's chief security minister Mahfud MD told reporters in the capital Jakarta. "The two (bombers) died." Authorities had not previously confirmed that the bombing, which happened around 10:30 am local time (0330 GMT), was a suicide attack. Twenty church officials, congregants and security staff were injured by debris from the blast, authorities said. A church security guard tried to prevent the two perpetrators, who have not been identified, from entering when the explosion occurred, they added. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he 'strongly condemned this act of terror'. "Terrorism is a crime against humanity," he said. "I call on everyone to fight against terror and radicalism, which go against religious values." One witness described hearing two 'very strong' blasts and then seeing plumes of smoke. "There were several injured people on the street. I helped one woman... who was wounded and covered in blood," Yosi said. "Her grandchild was also injured. There were body parts everywhere." It was not clear if the victims' wounds were life-threatening. "We were finishing the service and people were going home when it happened," Pastor Wilhelmus Tulak told reporters. Forensic investigators have been poring over body parts scattered at the scene in a bid to determine the attackers' identities. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Churches have been targeted in the past by extremists in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation and home to several religious minorities including Christians, Buddhists and Hindus. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian president slams suicide attack at church as an 'act of terror' 

Indonesian officials suspect two suicide bombers may have been involved in an attack outside the Catholic church in Makassar. At least one suicide bomber was killed in the attack while several others were injured

Suicide attack at a church in Indonesia

Hinting at the possibility of Israel signing more peace accords with other nations, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, said, "There is a lot of talk about different countries. I would guesstimate Oman, who also has a young leader interested in peaceful relations with Israel."&nbsp;

Speaking at the WION Global summit in Dubai on Wednesday, she said there have been "incredible overtures" and "'under the radar cooperation'' in the context of normalisation with Indonesia, which has one of the largest Muslim population in the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The countries doing under the radar normalisation with Israel will be the countries who will be going for official normalisation in a year or so, according to the politician. "About 200 Israeli companies were trading with UAE under the radar for years before official normalisation of ties,” added Hassan-Nahoum.&nbsp;

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Speaking at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONGlobalSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONGlobalSummit</a> in Dubai, Israeli politician <a href="https://twitter.com/FleurHassanN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FleurHassanN</a> shed light on what Abraham Accords meant for Israelis on the ground<a href="https://t.co/vHVsUAkxzx">https://t.co/vHVsUAkxzx</a>
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Israel also wants normalisation of ties with Saudi Arabia. "There is a desire to begin under the radar engagement with Saudi Arabia in the form of exchange in innovation through Bahrain," she revealed.&nbsp; 
The deputy mayor expressed hope that these initiatives will continue to accelerate and said Israel has always been ready for peace with all the neighbours, including Palestinians with open hands.&nbsp;

"Israel wants peace and is always ready to make painful compromises to get it. Every parent has to send their sons to army at the age of 18. I am sending my son in six months. No parent would want to if there is a choice." &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Hassan-Nahoum, there is only one way forward, which is peace and co-existence. &nbsp;Israel looks to bring peace to the whole region and wants a peaceful Palestine, she added. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hinting at the possibility of Israel signing more peace accords with other nations, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, said, "There is a lot of talk about different countries.

Hinting at the possibility of Israel signing more peace accords with other nations, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, said, "There is a lot of talk about different countries. I would guesstimate Oman, who also has a young leader interested in peaceful relations with Israel." Speaking at the WION Global summit in Dubai on Wednesday, she said there have been "incredible overtures" and "'under the radar cooperation'' in the context of normalisation with Indonesia, which has one of the largest Muslim population in the world. The countries doing under the radar normalisation with Israel will be the countries who will be going for official normalisation in a year or so, according to the politician. "About 200 Israeli companies were trading with UAE under the radar for years before official normalisation of ties,” added Hassan-Nahoum. Speaking at #WIONGlobalSummit in Dubai, Israeli politician @FleurHassanN shed light on what Abraham Accords meant for Israelis on the groundhttps://t.co/vHVsUAkxzx — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × Israel also wants normalisation of ties with Saudi Arabia. "There is a desire to begin under the radar engagement with Saudi Arabia in the form of exchange in innovation through Bahrain," she revealed. The deputy mayor expressed hope that these initiatives will continue to accelerate and said Israel has always been ready for peace with all the neighbours, including Palestinians with open hands. "Israel wants peace and is always ready to make painful compromises to get it. Every parent has to send their sons to army at the age of 18. I am sending my son in six months. No parent would want to if there is a choice." According to Hassan-Nahoum, there is only one way forward, which is peace and co-existence. Israel looks to bring peace to the whole region and wants a peaceful Palestine, she added.

Israeli politician hints at peace accords with Oman, Indonesia at WION Global Summit

The World Water Day initiative is part of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) set by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in the year 2015.

This eco warrior turns arid hills green

Protesters in Myanmar fear they are being tracked with Chinese facial recognition technology, sparking fears of a "digital dictatorship" to replace ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Human rights groups say the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to check on citizens' movements poses a "serious threat" to their liberty.

More than 200 people have been killed since Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi was overthrown in a February 1 coup, triggering mass protests that security forces have struggled to suppress with increasingly violent tactics.

Security forces have focussed on stamping out dissent in cities including the capital Naypyitaw, Yangon and Mandalay, where hundreds of CCTV cameras had been installed as part of a drive to improve governance and curb crime.

Also, Human Rights Watch has expressed its "heightened concern" over cameras armed with AI technology that can scan faces and vehicle licence plates in public places, and alert authorities to those on a wanted list.

Most of the equipment used in Safe City, a project to curb crime in big cities, is from Chinese technology firm Huawei, the Myanmar Now publication had reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-faces-growing-isolation-as-military-tightens-grip-371427">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar faces growing isolation as military tightens grip</a>

Huawei told Human Rights Watch it was providing "standard ICT infrastructure equipment" - information and communications technology, and that the facial and licence-plate recognition technology on the cameras was not from Huawei.

Suu Kyi is now detained at an undisclosed location while facing accusations of bribery and other crimes which could see her banned from politics and jailed if convicted. Her lawyer says the charges are trumped up.

Western countries have condemned the military coup and called for an end to the violence and for Suu Kyi's release. Asian neighbours have offered to help find a solution, but Myanmar's military has shown no sign of seeking reconciliation.

Coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing took part in a video conference with other Southeast Asian defence chiefs on Thursday, his first international engagement since seizing power, state television showed.

During the meeting, the head of Indonesia's armed forces, Hadi Tjahjanto, expressed concern over the situation in Myanmar, the Indonesian military said on its website. Indonesia's army ruled for years but later completely withdrew from politics.

Indonesia had led diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia to resolve the crisis but a March 3 regional meeting it helped coordinate failed to make headway.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo also on Friday called for democracy to be restored and violence to be halted in Myanmar and for Southeast Asian leaders to hold a high-level meeting to discuss the situation there.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyi-faces-new-charges-amid-anti-military-protests-in-myanmar-371266">Also read |&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi faces new charges amid anti-military protests in Myanmar</a>

"I will immediately call the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam as head of ASEAN to as soon as possible hold a high-level ASEAN meeting to discuss the crisis in Myanmar," he said in a virtual address.&nbsp;

Brunei is currently chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

All this has instigatd ousted Myanmar lawmakers into exploring whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) can investigate any crimes against humanity committed since the military coup, as an activist group said three more people had died in clashes with security forces.

The total number killed in weeks of unrest has risen to at least 224, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group said, noting another death in the commercial hub of Yangon and two in the cities of Monywa and Bago on Thursday.

Myanmar's UN envoy, who publically broke with the junta, said a committee of ousted lawmakers was looking at ways people can be held accountable for violence following the coup.

In Geneva, United Nations human rights experts denounced forced evictions, arbitrary detentions and the killings of pro-democracy protesters. They said foreign governments should consider pursuing those responsible for crimes against humanity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-too-kneel-says-pope-francis-about-myanmar-nun-who-tried-to-stop-violence-371131">Also read |&nbsp;'I too kneel,' says Pope Francis about Myanmar nun who tried to stop violence</a>

Police in Yangon were forcing people to clear protesters' barricades on Friday, residents said, while demonstrators were out in the second city of Mandalay, the central towns of Aungban and Myingyan and the eastern town of Myawaddy, posts on social media showed.

Police fired tear gas in Aungban and there was also a confrontation in Myawaddy but no reports of any casualties.

Hundreds have fled towns and cities since the coup and are sheltering in areas controlled by ethnic minority militias on the Thai border, an official from one group said.

People have also crossed the western border into India.

(with inputs from agencies)

Protesters in Myanmar fear they are being tracked with Chinese facial recognition technology, sparking fears of a "digital dictatorship" to replace ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Protesters in Myanmar fear they are being tracked with Chinese facial recognition technology, sparking fears of a "digital dictatorship" to replace ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Human rights groups say the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to check on citizens' movements poses a "serious threat" to their liberty. More than 200 people have been killed since Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi was overthrown in a February 1 coup, triggering mass protests that security forces have struggled to suppress with increasingly violent tactics. Security forces have focussed on stamping out dissent in cities including the capital Naypyitaw, Yangon and Mandalay, where hundreds of CCTV cameras had been installed as part of a drive to improve governance and curb crime. Also, Human Rights Watch has expressed its "heightened concern" over cameras armed with AI technology that can scan faces and vehicle licence plates in public places, and alert authorities to those on a wanted list. Most of the equipment used in Safe City, a project to curb crime in big cities, is from Chinese technology firm Huawei, the Myanmar Now publication had reported. Also read | Myanmar faces growing isolation as military tightens grip Huawei told Human Rights Watch it was providing "standard ICT infrastructure equipment" - information and communications technology, and that the facial and licence-plate recognition technology on the cameras was not from Huawei. Suu Kyi is now detained at an undisclosed location while facing accusations of bribery and other crimes which could see her banned from politics and jailed if convicted. Her lawyer says the charges are trumped up. Western countries have condemned the military coup and called for an end to the violence and for Suu Kyi's release. Asian neighbours have offered to help find a solution, but Myanmar's military has shown no sign of seeking reconciliation. Coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing took part in a video conference with other Southeast Asian defence chiefs on Thursday, his first international engagement since seizing power, state television showed. During the meeting, the head of Indonesia's armed forces, Hadi Tjahjanto, expressed concern over the situation in Myanmar, the Indonesian military said on its website. Indonesia's army ruled for years but later completely withdrew from politics. Indonesia had led diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia to resolve the crisis but a March 3 regional meeting it helped coordinate failed to make headway. Indonesian President Joko Widodo also on Friday called for democracy to be restored and violence to be halted in Myanmar and for Southeast Asian leaders to hold a high-level meeting to discuss the situation there. Also read | Aung San Suu Kyi faces new charges amid anti-military protests in Myanmar "I will immediately call the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam as head of ASEAN to as soon as possible hold a high-level ASEAN meeting to discuss the crisis in Myanmar," he said in a virtual address. Brunei is currently chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). All this has instigatd ousted Myanmar lawmakers into exploring whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) can investigate any crimes against humanity committed since the military coup, as an activist group said three more people had died in clashes with security forces. The total number killed in weeks of unrest has risen to at least 224, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group said, noting another death in the commercial hub of Yangon and two in the cities of Monywa and Bago on Thursday. Myanmar's UN envoy, who publically broke with the junta, said a committee of ousted lawmakers was looking at ways people can be held accountable for violence following the coup. In Geneva, United Nations human rights experts denounced forced evictions, arbitrary detentions and the killings of pro-democracy protesters. They said foreign governments should consider pursuing those responsible for crimes against humanity. Also read | 'I too kneel,' says Pope Francis about Myanmar nun who tried to stop violence Police in Yangon were forcing people to clear protesters' barricades on Friday, residents said, while demonstrators were out in the second city of Mandalay, the central towns of Aungban and Myingyan and the eastern town of Myawaddy, posts on social media showed. Police fired tear gas in Aungban and there was also a confrontation in Myawaddy but no reports of any casualties. Hundreds have fled towns and cities since the coup and are sheltering in areas controlled by ethnic minority militias on the Thai border, an official from one group said. People have also crossed the western border into India. (with inputs from agencies)

Myanmar deploys AI; Indonesian president calls for ASEAN meeting on coup crisis

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers At least 27 people were killed in a bus accident on Thursday. Those dead included junior high school students, authorities said. The bus plunged down a steep ravine on Java island in Sumedand district. The bus carrying 66 passengers was travelling on a winding, poorly lit road when it plunged down the 20-metre (65 foot) ravine, authorities said.

Rescuers worked through the night to rescue people from the wreckage. 39 have survived the bus accident. The cause of the accident is still being probed.

"The fatalities are a mix of children and adults," Bandung rescue agency official Mamang Fatmono told AFP.

Traffic accidents are common in the Southeast Asian archipelago, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules regularly flouted. In late 2019, at least 35 people were killed when a bus plunged into a ravine on the island of Sumatra.

(With AFP inputs)

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers At least 27 people were killed in a bus accident on Thursday. Those dead included junior high school students, authorities said.

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers At least 27 people were killed in a bus accident on Thursday. Those dead included junior high school students, authorities said. The bus plunged down a steep ravine on Java island in Sumedand district. The bus carrying 66 passengers was travelling on a winding, poorly lit road when it plunged down the 20-metre (65 foot) ravine, authorities said. Rescuers worked through the night to rescue people from the wreckage. 39 have survived the bus accident. The cause of the accident is still being probed. "The fatalities are a mix of children and adults," Bandung rescue agency official Mamang Fatmono told AFP. Traffic accidents are common in the Southeast Asian archipelago, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules regularly flouted. In late 2019, at least 35 people were killed when a bus plunged into a ravine on the island of Sumatra. (With AFP inputs)

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers

Indonesia has taken the lead within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in efforts to resolve Myanmar's turmoil.

'Held intensive talks with both sides': Indonesia

Myanmar military junta's foreign minister on Wednesday visited Thailand as efforts were on by the regional countries to broker end to three weeks of deadly unrest that has&nbsp;been triggered by military coup. Indonesia is in talks with the military junta as well.

Foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin held talks with his counterparts from Thailand and Indonesia in what was the first known face-to-face meetings between a senior junta member and foreign government officials.

The international condemnation over the coup has not deterred military junta so far. Daily nationwide protests have rocked Myanmar ever since government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi was removed by the military in February 1 coup.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said she expressed concerns about the safety and welfare of Myanmar citizens and reiterated a need for an "inclusive democratic transition process".

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"We ask all parties to exercise restraint and not use violence to avoid casualties and bloodshed," she told reporters in Jakarta.

Marsudi has been on a "shuttle diplomacy" mission over the past two weeks discussing the Myanmar crisis during visits to Brunei and Singapore as well as phone calls with other Southeast Asian counterparts.

She had hoped to travel to Naypyidaw after her visit to Bangkok to directly convey messages from Indonesia and other countries but confirmed the visit had to be postponed.

<h1>'Stop negotiating with them'</h1>

For second consecutive day on Wednesday, Indonesian embassy in Yangon saw gathering of protesters that decriedn Indonesian efforts to have a dialogue with military junta.

Angered that Jakarta was talking with the junta government -- officially named the State Administration Council -- demonstrators carried signs reading: "Stop negotiating with them" and "Indonesia, don't support dictator".

"The Military's State Administration Council is not our legitimate government," said participant Seinn Lae Maung, who had a Myanmar flag painted on her face.

"Please respect our votes and do hear our voices."

Marsudi later hit back at the criticism, warning: "To do nothing is not an option."

(With AFP inputs)

Myanmar military junta's foreign minister on Wednesday visited Thailand as efforts were on by the regional countries to broker end to three weeks of deadly unrest that has been triggered by military coup.

Myanmar military junta's foreign minister on Wednesday visited Thailand as efforts were on by the regional countries to broker end to three weeks of deadly unrest that has been triggered by military coup. Indonesia is in talks with the military junta as well. Foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin held talks with his counterparts from Thailand and Indonesia in what was the first known face-to-face meetings between a senior junta member and foreign government officials. The international condemnation over the coup has not deterred military junta so far. Daily nationwide protests have rocked Myanmar ever since government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi was removed by the military in February 1 coup. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said she expressed concerns about the safety and welfare of Myanmar citizens and reiterated a need for an "inclusive democratic transition process". × "We ask all parties to exercise restraint and not use violence to avoid casualties and bloodshed," she told reporters in Jakarta. Marsudi has been on a "shuttle diplomacy" mission over the past two weeks discussing the Myanmar crisis during visits to Brunei and Singapore as well as phone calls with other Southeast Asian counterparts. She had hoped to travel to Naypyidaw after her visit to Bangkok to directly convey messages from Indonesia and other countries but confirmed the visit had to be postponed. 'Stop negotiating with them' For second consecutive day on Wednesday, Indonesian embassy in Yangon saw gathering of protesters that decriedn Indonesian efforts to have a dialogue with military junta. Angered that Jakarta was talking with the junta government -- officially named the State Administration Council -- demonstrators carried signs reading: "Stop negotiating with them" and "Indonesia, don't support dictator". "The Military's State Administration Council is not our legitimate government," said participant Seinn Lae Maung, who had a Myanmar flag painted on her face. "Please respect our votes and do hear our voices." Marsudi later hit back at the criticism, warning: "To do nothing is not an option." (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar military junta's foreign minister in talks with Indonesia, Thailand

23 people are believed to be trapped after an illegal gold mine in Indonesia's Sulawesi Island collapsed. A gruelling search and rescue operation has been launched, 15 people have been rescued so far.

Indonesia: 23 trapped in mine collapse

The Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has cancelled her planned trip to Myanmar amid the military coup and detainment of several senior leaders of the ruling country, which has resulted in constant, violent protests.

Marsudi's trip would have been the first known trip to Myanmar by any foreign envoy since the military coup took place on February 01.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/g7-firmly-condemns-myanmar-coup-use-of-force-against-protesters-365750" hreflang="en">G7 'firmly condemns' Myanmar coup, use of force against protesters</a>

Her trip has been cancelled as the officials feel it was not an ideal time to visit the politically-challenged country.&nbsp;

"After taking into account the current development and the input of other ASEAN countries this is not the ideal time to conduct a visit to Myanmar," Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah told a news briefing.

This decision was taken after Marsudi had "let open an option to visit Naypyitaw to work on a solution at the regional level". However, looking at the ongoing political tensions in the country, the officials decided to cancel her visit altogether.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-junta-chief-urges-quick-economic-reform-amid-global-backlash-365709" hreflang="en">Myanmar's junta chief urges quick economic reform amid global backlash</a>

It is not yet clear if this trip and has been postponed or scrapped completely, and no other details were provided to the media.

Faizasyah, however, assured that Indonesia will keep communicating with all concerned parties of Myanmar and ASEAN countries to assist Myanmar in every possible way.

"Indonesia continues to commit to contribute, Indonesia is also committed to pursuing communication with all parties in Myanmar," he said.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has cancelled her planned trip to Myanmar amid the military coup and detainment of several senior leaders of the ruling country, which has resulted in constant, violent protests.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has cancelled her planned trip to Myanmar amid the military coup and detainment of several senior leaders of the ruling country, which has resulted in constant, violent protests. Marsudi's trip would have been the first known trip to Myanmar by any foreign envoy since the military coup took place on February 01. Also read| G7 'firmly condemns' Myanmar coup, use of force against protesters Her trip has been cancelled as the officials feel it was not an ideal time to visit the politically-challenged country. "After taking into account the current development and the input of other ASEAN countries this is not the ideal time to conduct a visit to Myanmar," Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah told a news briefing. This decision was taken after Marsudi had "let open an option to visit Naypyitaw to work on a solution at the regional level". However, looking at the ongoing political tensions in the country, the officials decided to cancel her visit altogether. Also read| Myanmar's junta chief urges quick economic reform amid global backlash It is not yet clear if this trip and has been postponed or scrapped completely, and no other details were provided to the media. Faizasyah, however, assured that Indonesia will keep communicating with all concerned parties of Myanmar and ASEAN countries to assist Myanmar in every possible way. "Indonesia continues to commit to contribute, Indonesia is also committed to pursuing communication with all parties in Myanmar," he said.

'Not the ideal time': Indonesian foreign minister's trip to Myanmar cancelled

An Indonesian rehabilitation centre on Borneo island said it released 10 critically endangered orangutans into the wild last week with help from a helicopter.

Indonesian rehabilitation centre releases 10 orangutans into wild

A Russian fugitive whose dramatic sprint out of an Indonesian immigration office was captured on CCTV has been caught again after two weeks on the run.

Andrey Kovalenko fled the office on Indonesia's resort island of Bali to avoid deportation, with the surveillance footage showing him keeping pace on foot with a motorcycle as he escaped.

Authorities fanned out across the island in the hunt for Kovalenko, who was nabbed early Wednesday at a villa in tourist hub Kuta along with girlfriend Ekaterina Trubkina, who was wanted for allegedly assisting his escape.

His dash for freedom on February 11 came as officials readied to deport Kovalenko back to Russia on an Interpol warrant.

The 32-year-old had just finished a prison term following a 2019 arrest for selling hashish to tourists in Bali.

The Interpol warrant was linked to a drugs case back in Kovalenko's home country, said Eko Budianto, head of the immigration division at Bali's justice and legal agency.

Trubkina, 31, also Russian, could face up to nine months in prison if convicted of assisting Kovalenko's escape, authorities said.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

A Russian fugitive whose dramatic sprint out of an Indonesian immigration office was captured on CCTV has been caught again after two weeks on the run. Andrey Kovalenko fled the office on Indonesia's resort island of Bali to avoid deportation, with the surveillance footage showing him keeping pace on foot with a motorcycle as he escaped.

A Russian fugitive whose dramatic sprint out of an Indonesian immigration office was captured on CCTV has been caught again after two weeks on the run. Andrey Kovalenko fled the office on Indonesia's resort island of Bali to avoid deportation, with the surveillance footage showing him keeping pace on foot with a motorcycle as he escaped. Authorities fanned out across the island in the hunt for Kovalenko, who was nabbed early Wednesday at a villa in tourist hub Kuta along with girlfriend Ekaterina Trubkina, who was wanted for allegedly assisting his escape. His dash for freedom on February 11 came as officials readied to deport Kovalenko back to Russia on an Interpol warrant. The 32-year-old had just finished a prison term following a 2019 arrest for selling hashish to tourists in Bali. The Interpol warrant was linked to a drugs case back in Kovalenko's home country, said Eko Budianto, head of the immigration division at Bali's justice and legal agency. Trubkina, 31, also Russian, could face up to nine months in prison if convicted of assisting Kovalenko's escape, authorities said. (with inputs from AFP)

Russian fugitive nabbed in Bali after dramatic escape

Five people were killed in the severe floods that submerged entire neighbourhoods in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, authorities said Sunday.

The city was struck by torrential rains over the weekend, which flooded dozens of major roads and forced hundreds of people to rush to emergency shelters.

A 67-year-old man died after he got trapped in his waterlogged house in the badly hit southern part of the capital on Saturday. Three boys died after being swept away by the floods, and one girl drowned.

Indonesia's meteorological agency warned that Greater Jakarta -- a region of around 30 million people that is regularly hit by floods in the rainy season -- can expect more heavy downpours next week.

Floodwaters had hit 200 neighbourhoods in the region, and 40 were still under at least one foot of water on Sunday. Some 1,700 people remained in shelters.

Jakarta saw some of its deadliest floods in years in January last year after downpours that also triggered landslides. At least 67 people in the capital and nearby cities were killed in that disaster.

(with inputs)

Five people were killed in the severe floods that submerged entire neighbourhoods in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, authorities said Sunday. The city was struck by torrential rains over the weekend, which flooded dozens of major roads and forced hundreds of people to rush to emergency shelters.

Five people were killed in the severe floods that submerged entire neighbourhoods in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, authorities said Sunday. The city was struck by torrential rains over the weekend, which flooded dozens of major roads and forced hundreds of people to rush to emergency shelters. A 67-year-old man died after he got trapped in his waterlogged house in the badly hit southern part of the capital on Saturday. Three boys died after being swept away by the floods, and one girl drowned. Indonesia's meteorological agency warned that Greater Jakarta -- a region of around 30 million people that is regularly hit by floods in the rainy season -- can expect more heavy downpours next week. Floodwaters had hit 200 neighbourhoods in the region, and 40 were still under at least one foot of water on Sunday. Some 1,700 people remained in shelters. Jakarta saw some of its deadliest floods in years in January last year after downpours that also triggered landslides. At least 67 people in the capital and nearby cities were killed in that disaster. (with inputs)

Five killed due to severe floods in Indonesia's capital

Severe flooding across several areas in the Indonesian capital forced more than a thousand people to flee their homes on Saturday (February 20), with the country's meteorology agency warning the peak of the monsoon season yet to subside.

Over a thousand evacuated after floods hit Indonesian capital and surrounding areas

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