A Boeing 737 passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air that went missing on Saturday&nbsp;is&nbsp;'suspected' to have crashed as per Indonesia's transport minister. The plane went missing soon after losing contact with ATC&nbsp;post&nbsp;take-off from Jakarta airport.&nbsp;Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 took off from &nbsp;Soekarno-Hatta International Airport&nbsp;in Indonesian capital and was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan province. The aircraft has a capacity of 130 passengers and flight time from Jakarta to Pontianak is usually 90 minutes. It is now being feared that the plane has crashed into the sea.

Indonesia's transport minister said that 62 people including the crew were onboard. This included 10 children. As per the ministry, last contact with the plane was made at 0740 GMT on Saturday.

Local broadcaster Kompas TV quoted local fishermen as saying they had found debris near islands just off the coast of the capital Jakarta, but it could not be immediately confirmed as having belonged to the missing jet.

Sriwijaya Air CEO Jefferson Irwin Jauwena told reporters that the plane was in good condition.

Indonesia's detik.com web site has quoted&nbsp;Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya as saying that the plane has crashed near Laki islands.

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As per flight tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft lost more than 3000 metres in less than a minute soon after its take off from the airport in Jakarta.

"Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta," the tracking agency said on its official Twitter account.

Indonesia's transport ministry is probing the incident.

&nbsp;

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The image above shows worried relatives of those onboard waiting at the airport in&nbsp;Pontianak where the plane was supposed to land.

Sriwijaya Air, a&nbsp;budget airline,&nbsp;has about 19 Boeing jets that fly to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

Indonesia sets up crisis centre

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Crisis centre being set up at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta

A crisis centre has been set up at Jakarta's&nbsp;Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in order to deal with the incident and the aftermath. Indonesian transport&nbsp;ministry is probing the matter and Sriwijaya Air has said that it was gathering more information before releasing a fuller statement.

The Sriwijaya Air&nbsp;plane was not a Boeing 737 Max which has hit headlines in recent years&nbsp;due to major crashes.

A Boeing 737 Max had crashed in Indonesia in October 2018 leaving 189 people dead. The aircraft belonging to Indonesian Lion Air had crashed into the sea.

Another Boeing 737 Max had crashed later on in Ethiopia. Boeing then had to shell out USD 2.5 billion in fines and 737 Max aircrafts were grounded.

(With agency inputs)

A Boeing 737 passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air that went missing on Saturday is 'suspected' to have crashed as per Indonesia's transport minister. The plane went missing soon after losing contact with ATC post take-off from Jakarta airport.

A Boeing 737 passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air that went missing on Saturday is 'suspected' to have crashed as per Indonesia's transport minister. The plane went missing soon after losing contact with ATC post take-off from Jakarta airport. Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 took off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesian capital and was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan province. The aircraft has a capacity of 130 passengers and flight time from Jakarta to Pontianak is usually 90 minutes. It is now being feared that the plane has crashed into the sea. Indonesia's transport minister said that 62 people including the crew were onboard. This included 10 children. As per the ministry, last contact with the plane was made at 0740 GMT on Saturday. Local broadcaster Kompas TV quoted local fishermen as saying they had found debris near islands just off the coast of the capital Jakarta, but it could not be immediately confirmed as having belonged to the missing jet. Sriwijaya Air CEO Jefferson Irwin Jauwena told reporters that the plane was in good condition. Indonesia's detik.com web site has quoted Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya as saying that the plane has crashed near Laki islands. × As per flight tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft lost more than 3000 metres in less than a minute soon after its take off from the airport in Jakarta. "Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta," the tracking agency said on its official Twitter account. Indonesia's transport ministry is probing the incident. The image above shows worried relatives of those onboard waiting at the airport in Pontianak where the plane was supposed to land. Sriwijaya Air, a budget airline, has about 19 Boeing jets that fly to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Indonesia sets up crisis centre Crisis centre being set up at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta A crisis centre has been set up at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in order to deal with the incident and the aftermath. Indonesian transport ministry is probing the matter and Sriwijaya Air has said that it was gathering more information before releasing a fuller statement. The Sriwijaya Air plane was not a Boeing 737 Max which has hit headlines in recent years due to major crashes. A Boeing 737 Max had crashed in Indonesia in October 2018 leaving 189 people dead. The aircraft belonging to Indonesian Lion Air had crashed into the sea. Another Boeing 737 Max had crashed later on in Ethiopia. Boeing then had to shell out USD 2.5 billion in fines and 737 Max aircrafts were grounded. (With agency inputs)

Indonesia: Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737 goes missing, feared to have crashed

An Indonesian passenger plane has lost contact after taking off from the capital Jakarta. The flight has more than 50 people on board.

News Alert: Indonesian passenger plane goes missing after take-off

Indonesia's top Islamic body has given religious approval to China's Sinovac vaccine just days before the country is set to start its inoculation programme.

Indonesian clerics declare Sinovac's vaccine 'Halal'

In 2002, a terrorist attack had shaken the world. It was a bombing in Bali that had killed more than 200 people. Many of them --- were foreign tourists. Today, Abu Bakar Bashir, &nbsp;the mastermind behind the attack has been released.

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Bashir was a radical cleric who led a local Al-Qaeda affiliate is now a free man. Many fear --- his release could make matters worse.&nbsp;

But, for the government of Indonesia Abu Bakar Bashir has suffered enough which is why-- he has now been released.

Bashir was escorted away by an elite anti-terrorism squad. Local officials say special measures were necessary. Due to Bashir's frail health and the pandemic. An explanation -- that's bound to anger the victims of the bombing. Abu Bakar Bashir is the former head of Jemaah Islamiyah. A group linked to the Al Qaeda. Accused of carrying out the Bali bombings in 2002.&nbsp;

An attack --- that had killed 22 British and 88 Australian citizens. Bashir has denied all links to the incident. While Indonesia --- struggled to prove his involvement. He was imprisoned in 2011 on completely different charges. A 15-year jail sentence for funding a training camp for terrorists.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo wanted to release Bashir two years back. Just before the 2019 election, in a move that many saw as an attempt to appease the ultraconservatives.

But the decision was reversed after pushback from the Australian government. Now, Australia says Bashir's release was consistent with Indonesia's justice system.

Bashir has been released into the care of his family in central Java. Authorities say --- he will now enter a de-radicalisation program. While Bashir doesn't exercise the same kind influence over Jemaah Islamiyah as he used to. The victims are concerned --- about his ability to radicalise more people, as an ideologue.

In 2002, a terrorist attack had shaken the world. It was a bombing in Bali that had killed more than 200 people. Many of them --- were foreign tourists. Today, Abu Bakar Bashir, the mastermind behind the attack has been released.

In 2002, a terrorist attack had shaken the world. It was a bombing in Bali that had killed more than 200 people. Many of them --- were foreign tourists. Today, Abu Bakar Bashir, the mastermind behind the attack has been released. Bashir was a radical cleric who led a local Al-Qaeda affiliate is now a free man. Many fear --- his release could make matters worse. But, for the government of Indonesia Abu Bakar Bashir has suffered enough which is why-- he has now been released. Bashir was escorted away by an elite anti-terrorism squad. Local officials say special measures were necessary. Due to Bashir's frail health and the pandemic. An explanation -- that's bound to anger the victims of the bombing. Abu Bakar Bashir is the former head of Jemaah Islamiyah. A group linked to the Al Qaeda. Accused of carrying out the Bali bombings in 2002. An attack --- that had killed 22 British and 88 Australian citizens. Bashir has denied all links to the incident. While Indonesia --- struggled to prove his involvement. He was imprisoned in 2011 on completely different charges. A 15-year jail sentence for funding a training camp for terrorists. Indonesia's President Joko Widodo wanted to release Bashir two years back. Just before the 2019 election, in a move that many saw as an attempt to appease the ultraconservatives. But the decision was reversed after pushback from the Australian government. Now, Australia says Bashir's release was consistent with Indonesia's justice system. Bashir has been released into the care of his family in central Java. Authorities say --- he will now enter a de-radicalisation program. While Bashir doesn't exercise the same kind influence over Jemaah Islamiyah as he used to. The victims are concerned --- about his ability to radicalise more people, as an ideologue.

Explained: Why mastermind of 2002 Bali bombing is released

A radical cleric linked to the Bali nightclub bombings was freed from prison Friday.

The bombings in Bali, which came just a year after the 9/11 attacks on the United States, nearly two decades ago killed more than 200 people, mostly foreign tourists.

Abu Bakar Bashir is seen as the spiritual leader of Islamist terror network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which was responsible for the massive blasts that ripped through a pair of packed bars in October 2002.

Sentenced to 15 years in 2011, his term was later cut due to sentencing reductions handed to most prisoners in Indonesia.

According to AFP, a van with Bashir inside left Gunung Sindur prison near the capital Jakarta at around 5:30 am Friday (2230&nbsp;GMT Thursday), accompanied by members of Indonesia's elite counter-terror squad.

Bashir was expected to return to his hometown, Solo city.

He had been previously jailed over the Bali bombings, but that conviction was quashed on appeal.&nbsp;He has repeatedly denied involvement and his exact role remains unclear.

 
Al-Qaeda-linked JI -- founded by exiled Indonesian militants in neighbouring Malaysia in the 1980s -- was largely dismantled by security forces after the 2002 attacks, and a 2005 bombing on the holiday island.

There have been signs of the network's resurgence in recent years, although Bashir's influence has waned, said Jakarta-based security analyst Sidney Jones.

The Bali bombings back then prompted Jakarta to strengthen cooperation with the US and Australia on counter-terrorism.

Notably, Bashir's lawyers had appealed for his release citing his age and risk of contracting Covid-19 in the Southeast Asian nation's notoriously overcrowded prison system.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Bashir's release as "gut-wrenching".

"I still remember that day, very vividly like I'm sure many Australians do," he said Friday, adding that Bashir had served his time for another crime.

"(But) that doesn't make it any easier for any Australian to accept, ultimately that those who are responsible for the murder of Australians would now be free." 
&nbsp;

A radical cleric linked to the Bali nightclub bombings was freed from prison Friday. The bombings in Bali, which came just a year after the 9/11 attacks on the United States, nearly two decades ago killed more than 200 people, mostly foreign tourists.

A radical cleric linked to the Bali nightclub bombings was freed from prison Friday. The bombings in Bali, which came just a year after the 9/11 attacks on the United States, nearly two decades ago killed more than 200 people, mostly foreign tourists. Abu Bakar Bashir is seen as the spiritual leader of Islamist terror network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which was responsible for the massive blasts that ripped through a pair of packed bars in October 2002. Sentenced to 15 years in 2011, his term was later cut due to sentencing reductions handed to most prisoners in Indonesia. According to AFP, a van with Bashir inside left Gunung Sindur prison near the capital Jakarta at around 5:30 am Friday (2230 GMT Thursday), accompanied by members of Indonesia's elite counter-terror squad. Bashir was expected to return to his hometown, Solo city. He had been previously jailed over the Bali bombings, but that conviction was quashed on appeal. He has repeatedly denied involvement and his exact role remains unclear. Al-Qaeda-linked JI -- founded by exiled Indonesian militants in neighbouring Malaysia in the 1980s -- was largely dismantled by security forces after the 2002 attacks, and a 2005 bombing on the holiday island. There have been signs of the network's resurgence in recent years, although Bashir's influence has waned, said Jakarta-based security analyst Sidney Jones. The Bali bombings back then prompted Jakarta to strengthen cooperation with the US and Australia on counter-terrorism. Notably, Bashir's lawyers had appealed for his release citing his age and risk of contracting Covid-19 in the Southeast Asian nation's notoriously overcrowded prison system. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Bashir's release as "gut-wrenching". "I still remember that day, very vividly like I'm sure many Australians do," he said Friday, adding that Bashir had served his time for another crime. "(But) that doesn't make it any easier for any Australian to accept, ultimately that those who are responsible for the murder of Australians would now be free."

Radical cleric linked to Bali bombings released from jail

Abu Bakar Bashir, 82, is considered the spiritual leader of militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), the Islamist network responsible for the 2002 Bali terrorist attack.

Indonesia frees suspected mastermind Abu Bakar Bashir

Dozens of palm-sized baby turtles flipped and flopped on a beach as they made their way towards the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, under the watchful gaze of conservationists at a national park in Indonesia.

Indonesia's baby sea turtles make a break for freedom

Indonesian police on Wednesday shot down two Indonesian militants linked to 2019 Philippine church blast, said the authorities. The officers arrested scores of pro-Islamic State radicals. Indonesia's counter-terrorism squad Densus 88, raided a hideout of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an extremist group. The hideout was located in Makassar city on Sulawesi island.

Two suspects were gunned down when they "resisted arrest" and attacked officers, police said, adding that a third suspect suffered gunshot injuries and was being treated in hospital.&nbsp;

Another 17 militants were detained.&nbsp;

The police said later on Wednesday that two dead suspects were linked to financing Philippines's worst terror attack in years. The bombing had killed 21 and injured many in 2019.

The pair were later identified as an Indonesian militant and his wife.&nbsp;

"The two were involved in transferring money to the bombers of the church in Jolo, Philippines," national police spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan told reporters, without elaborating.&nbsp;

In early 2019, two explosions ripped through a Catholic church on the Philippines' Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces -- raising fears about growing links between militants in Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

IS claimed responsibility for the cathedral blast, saying two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts.&nbsp;

The Jolo attack was carried out days after voters approved expanding Muslim self-rule in the south aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion for independence or autonomy for the sizeable Islamic minority of the mainly Catholic Philippines.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Indonesian police on Wednesday shot down two Indonesian militants linked to 2019 Philippine church blast, said the authorities. The officers arrested scores of pro-Islamic State radicals.

Indonesian police on Wednesday shot down two Indonesian militants linked to 2019 Philippine church blast, said the authorities. The officers arrested scores of pro-Islamic State radicals. Indonesia's counter-terrorism squad Densus 88, raided a hideout of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an extremist group. The hideout was located in Makassar city on Sulawesi island. Two suspects were gunned down when they "resisted arrest" and attacked officers, police said, adding that a third suspect suffered gunshot injuries and was being treated in hospital. Another 17 militants were detained. The police said later on Wednesday that two dead suspects were linked to financing Philippines's worst terror attack in years. The bombing had killed 21 and injured many in 2019. The pair were later identified as an Indonesian militant and his wife. "The two were involved in transferring money to the bombers of the church in Jolo, Philippines," national police spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan told reporters, without elaborating. In early 2019, two explosions ripped through a Catholic church on the Philippines' Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces -- raising fears about growing links between militants in Southeast Asia. IS claimed responsibility for the cathedral blast, saying two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts. The Jolo attack was carried out days after voters approved expanding Muslim self-rule in the south aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion for independence or autonomy for the sizeable Islamic minority of the mainly Catholic Philippines. (With AFP inputs)

Indonesian police gun down two militants linked to 2019 Philippine church bombing

Indonesia`s highest Muslim clerical council hopes to issue a ruling on whether a COVID-19 vaccine is halal, or permissible under Islam, before the country is due to start a mass inoculation programme using a Chinese vaccine next week.The world`s largest Muslim-majority country plans to launch vaccinations on Jan. 13 after obtaining 3 million doses from China`s Sinovac Biotech.

Controversy over whether vaccines adhere to Islamic principles has stymied public health responses before, including in 2018, when the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa declaring that a measles vaccine was forbidden under Islam.

"Hopefully the edict can be declared before the government starts its vaccination program," said Muti Arintawati, an official at MUI in charge of analysing food and drugs to assess whether they are halal.

She said data was still being gathered before MUI could make a final edict.

Indonesia is struggling with the worst COVID-19 outbreak in Southeast Asia and authorities are relying on a vaccine to help alleviate dual health and economic crises ravaging the country.

Asked about the risk of public resistance, a health ministry official said the government would wait to see how MUI handled the issue.

In a bid to boost acceptance, President Joko Widodo has said he will be the first to receive a vaccine shot next week.

Dicky Budiman, a researcher at Australia`s Griffith University, said authorities needed to be transparent on the halal certification to reassure the public.

The New York Times reported that Sinovac told Indonesia`s state-owned drugmaker Bio Farma that the vaccines were "manufactured free of porcine materials."

Bambang Heriyanto, Bio Farma`s corporate secretary, confirmed receiving the statement, but said the halal status was decided by MUI. Sinovac did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ahmad Ishomuddin, an official at Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia`s biggest mainstream Muslim organisation, said emergency vaccines that were not halal could be used if there were no other options.

Indonesia`s food and drug agency (BPOM) needs to issue emergency use approval for vaccinations to start.

In neighbouring Malaysia, religious authorities have declared COVID-19 vaccines were permissible for Muslims, and mandatory for those the government has identified to receive them.

Malaysia does not require vaccines to be certified halal, though authorities are planning to introduce a certification framework this year to allay concerns among some Muslims.

Indonesia`s highest Muslim clerical council hopes to issue a ruling on whether a COVID-19 vaccine is halal, or permissible under Islam, before the country is due to start a mass inoculation programme using a Chinese vaccine next week.

Indonesia`s highest Muslim clerical council hopes to issue a ruling on whether a COVID-19 vaccine is halal, or permissible under Islam, before the country is due to start a mass inoculation programme using a Chinese vaccine next week.The world`s largest Muslim-majority country plans to launch vaccinations on Jan. 13 after obtaining 3 million doses from China`s Sinovac Biotech. Controversy over whether vaccines adhere to Islamic principles has stymied public health responses before, including in 2018, when the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa declaring that a measles vaccine was forbidden under Islam. "Hopefully the edict can be declared before the government starts its vaccination program," said Muti Arintawati, an official at MUI in charge of analysing food and drugs to assess whether they are halal. She said data was still being gathered before MUI could make a final edict. Indonesia is struggling with the worst COVID-19 outbreak in Southeast Asia and authorities are relying on a vaccine to help alleviate dual health and economic crises ravaging the country. Asked about the risk of public resistance, a health ministry official said the government would wait to see how MUI handled the issue. In a bid to boost acceptance, President Joko Widodo has said he will be the first to receive a vaccine shot next week. Dicky Budiman, a researcher at Australia`s Griffith University, said authorities needed to be transparent on the halal certification to reassure the public. The New York Times reported that Sinovac told Indonesia`s state-owned drugmaker Bio Farma that the vaccines were "manufactured free of porcine materials." Bambang Heriyanto, Bio Farma`s corporate secretary, confirmed receiving the statement, but said the halal status was decided by MUI. Sinovac did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ahmad Ishomuddin, an official at Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia`s biggest mainstream Muslim organisation, said emergency vaccines that were not halal could be used if there were no other options. Indonesia`s food and drug agency (BPOM) needs to issue emergency use approval for vaccinations to start. In neighbouring Malaysia, religious authorities have declared COVID-19 vaccines were permissible for Muslims, and mandatory for those the government has identified to receive them. Malaysia does not require vaccines to be certified halal, though authorities are planning to introduce a certification framework this year to allay concerns among some Muslims.

Indonesia Islamic council hopes for halal ruling before mass vaccination

Indonesia will inoculate its working population first, and not the elderly. While the United Kingdom has opened the door to 'Mix and Match' vaccinations.

Gravitas: United Kingdom allows 'mix and match' vaccinations

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-imposes-lockdown-similar-to-march-last-year-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-354457">Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases</a> 
 
The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday.

Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world.

But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant.

Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year.

Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours.

"With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said.

"In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown."

The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year.

They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing.

A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson.

Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five.

That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken.

Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet".

But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks.

"With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday. Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world. But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant. Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year. Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours. "With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said. "In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown." The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year. They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing. A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson. Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five. That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken. Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet". But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks. "With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

England goes into lockdown again as new coronavirus strain cases surge

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination </a>campaign that has begun in several countries.

While most countries are immunising frontline workers and the most vulnerable population, some countries are following a different approach. Here's a report that decodes this.

In Indonesia, inoculation drive is centred around young and healthy and the reason is Chinese vaccines.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-administers-first-shot-of-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine-354357">UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine</a>

The country has a deal as per which they will get around 125 million shots of China-based Sinovac.&nbsp;

The first batch of three million doses has arrived, but the country does not know whether the shot would work on the elderly.&nbsp;

The shot has been tested on people in the age group of 18 to 59 years in Indonesia.&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo will get the first shot and he has promised that there will be free shots for every citizen.&nbsp;

"After recalculating our state financial status, I'd like to announce that Covid-19 vaccinations for the people are free of charge," said Widodo.&nbsp;

Other than Indonesia, the UK is also taking a different route despite concerns raised by some experts.&nbsp;

The UK will allow mix and match vaccinations, allowing doctors to administer two different vaccines to a person.&nbsp;

If there is a shortage of doses, this could be a gamble.&nbsp;

Regulators in the US have specifically asked doctors not to mix the shots, saying their safety has not been tested yet.&nbsp;

Also, Britain has changed its earlier approach of giving two doses to giving the first shot to as many people as possible.&nbsp;

As the cases rise in Britain, the focus is to administer as many shots as possible.&nbsp;

Over concerns of a shortage of vaccines in Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has clarified that there are enough shots to cover all citizens.&nbsp;

"We do have the capacity, the issue is to do with the supply of the vaccine and there you've got to, it's not so much a manufacturing issue, though that is is part of it, it's also that each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled," said Johnson. &nbsp;

Another major problem by both these countries is anti-vaxxers who are opposing in large numbers in these countries.&nbsp;

Amid the challenges on various fronts, the two leaders of these countries are hoping a quick roll-out to silence misinformation. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the vaccination campaign that has begun in several countries.

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the vaccination campaign that has begun in several countries. While most countries are immunising frontline workers and the most vulnerable population, some countries are following a different approach. Here's a report that decodes this. In Indonesia, inoculation drive is centred around young and healthy and the reason is Chinese vaccines. Also read | UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine The country has a deal as per which they will get around 125 million shots of China-based Sinovac. The first batch of three million doses has arrived, but the country does not know whether the shot would work on the elderly. The shot has been tested on people in the age group of 18 to 59 years in Indonesia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will get the first shot and he has promised that there will be free shots for every citizen. "After recalculating our state financial status, I'd like to announce that Covid-19 vaccinations for the people are free of charge," said Widodo. Other than Indonesia, the UK is also taking a different route despite concerns raised by some experts. The UK will allow mix and match vaccinations, allowing doctors to administer two different vaccines to a person. If there is a shortage of doses, this could be a gamble. Regulators in the US have specifically asked doctors not to mix the shots, saying their safety has not been tested yet. Also, Britain has changed its earlier approach of giving two doses to giving the first shot to as many people as possible. As the cases rise in Britain, the focus is to administer as many shots as possible. Over concerns of a shortage of vaccines in Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has clarified that there are enough shots to cover all citizens. "We do have the capacity, the issue is to do with the supply of the vaccine and there you've got to, it's not so much a manufacturing issue, though that is is part of it, it's also that each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled," said Johnson. Another major problem by both these countries is anti-vaxxers who are opposing in large numbers in these countries. Amid the challenges on various fronts, the two leaders of these countries are hoping a quick roll-out to silence misinformation.

As vaccination drive begins, Indonesia, UK following different approaches to tackle pandemic

President Joko Widodo’s recent cabinet reshuffle suggests that Indonesia may adopt a more critical attitude towards China and reinforce government support for efforts by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world’s largest Muslim movement, to reform Islam and position the Southeast Asian state as a key player in a battle with Middle Eastern rivals for the soul of Islam.

Mr Widodo signalled his potential policy moves with the appointment of an ambassador to the United States Muhammad Lutfi as trade minister and prominent Nahdlatul Ulama official Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as minister of religious affairs.

Mr Lutfi’s appointment came two months after a visit by Mike Pompeo to Jakarta in October at the invitation of Nahdlatul Ulama during which the Secretary of State extended Indonesia’s access to a preferential tariff arrangement and opened the door to a free trade agreement with the United States.

Mr Pompeo emphasized in talks with Mr. Widodo and in an address to a Nahdlatul Ulama conference the need to challenge China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea as well as its brutal crackdown on Turkic Muslims in the People’s Republic’s north-western province of Xinjiang.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy, extradited to China three Uighurs, the dominant Turkic ethnic group in Xinjiang, just days before Mr Pompeo’s arrival.

Mr Qoumas’ appointment is significant not only because of his prominent Nahdlatul Ulama background but also given the fact that he is one of the leaders of the movement’s most influential wing that has adopted a tough position on China’s repression of the Uighurs.

Indonesia has to date sought to walk a fine line in escalating tensions between the United States and China, including its refusal to speak out on the plight of the Uighurs. Indonesia has further sought to balance rejection of Chinese maritime claims in Indonesian waters with a desire to attract Chinese investment.

An Islamic scholar and leader of Nahdlatul Ulama’s GP Ansor Youth Movement, Mr. Qoumas, alongside his brother, Yahya Cholil Staquf, NU’s secretary-general, has been a driving force in the promotion of the movement’s concept of Humanitarian Islam, based on principles of tolerance, pluralism and the embrace of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Nahdlatul Ulama’s government-backed promotion of the concept has put it in direct competition with major efforts by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iran to garner religious soft power by propagating a statist interpretation of the faith.

It is an interpretation that in the case of the kingdom and the UAE professes adherence to tolerance and inter-faith dialogue but demands absolute obedience to the ruler. Turkey and Iran push interpretations of the faith that embrace elements of political Islam as well as authoritarian governance.

In one of his early statements as a minister, Mr Qoumas appeared to be challenging more traditional wings of Nahdlatul Ulama by declaring in remarks during a visit to a Protestant church that he would protect the rights of Shiites and Ahmadis, two minorities that have been on the defensive amid concerns of mounting intolerance in Indonesia.

Senior figures within Nahdlatul Ulama continue to view Shi'ites, who constitute a mere 1.2 per cent of the Indonesian population, as one of the foremost domestic threats to Indonesian national security and an Iranian fifth wheel. Similarly, many in Nahdlatul Ulama reject Ahmadis identifying themselves as Muslims because the sect refuses to acknowledge the finality of the Prophet Mohammed.

"I don't want members of Shia and Ahmadiyya displaced from their homes because of their beliefs. They are citizens (whose rights) must be protected. The Religious Ministry will facilitate a more intensive dialogue to bridge differences,” Mr Qoumas said, referring to attacks on minorities.

Mr Qoumas’ Nahdlatul Ulama youth wing, together with its five-million strong militia, has played a key role in confronting militant Islamic groups, like Hizb ut-Tahrir and the Islamic Defenders Front (FDI).

GP Ansor officials take pride in have engineered situations that in 2017 led to the banning of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a controversial global movement that calls for the restoration of the Caliphate.

The government last month banned FDI, established as a vigilante group that was a major organizer of mass protests in 2016 that led to the defeat of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent better known as Ahok, in mayoral elections in Jakarta and his subsequent sentencing on blasphemy charges.

The ban came weeks after the return to Indonesia from self-exile in Saudi Arabia of FDI leader Rizieq Shahib. Mr Shahib was arrested for allegedly violating coronavirus restrictions.

The outlawing of Hizb ut-Tahrir and FDI on the basis of a presidential decree that enables the government to bypass legal procedures and fast-track the banning of groups it considers security threats prompted human rights groups to warn that Indonesia was undermining rights of freedom of association and expression.

Deputy justice minister, Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, told reporters that FPI was outlawed because some 30 members of the group had been convicted on terrorism charges and because the group defied Indonesia’s state ideology, Pancasila, which stresses unity and diversity.

The banning of FDI followed the election in November of Miftachul Akhyar, a Nahdlatul Ulama cleric, as head of the influential Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) to replace Ma’ruf Amin, Mr Widodo’s vice-president who in the past took a hardline against minorities and advocated Orthodox Sunni Muslim positions. Mr. Akhyar is Nahdlatul Ulama’s spiritual guide.

The election further removed from the council’s leadership several clerics who had backed the anti-Ahok demonstrations. They were replaced by at least one supporter of Humanitarian Islam, Masdar Masudi, as well as scholars from Muhamadiyya, Indonesia’s second-largest Muslim movement, viewed as progressives.

Nonetheless, some analysts suggest that the council, in apparent contradiction to Mr Qoumas, will not break its discriminatory attitude towards minorities.

Said Alexander R Arifianto, an Indonesia scholar at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies: “When it comes to marginalized minorities, we can expect the new MUI leadership to retain their conservative standing. Mainstream Islamic clerics — including those within MUI — tend to share a conservative orthodoxy in their religious interpretation toward these groups.”

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

President Joko Widodo’s recent cabinet reshuffle suggests that Indonesia may adopt a more critical attitude towards China and reinforce government support for efforts by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world’s largest Muslim movement, to reform Islam and position the Southeast Asian state as a key player in a battle with Middle Eastern rivals for the soul of Islam.

President Joko Widodo’s recent cabinet reshuffle suggests that Indonesia may adopt a more critical attitude towards China and reinforce government support for efforts by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world’s largest Muslim movement, to reform Islam and position the Southeast Asian state as a key player in a battle with Middle Eastern rivals for the soul of Islam. Mr Widodo signalled his potential policy moves with the appointment of an ambassador to the United States Muhammad Lutfi as trade minister and prominent Nahdlatul Ulama official Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as minister of religious affairs. Mr Lutfi’s appointment came two months after a visit by Mike Pompeo to Jakarta in October at the invitation of Nahdlatul Ulama during which the Secretary of State extended Indonesia’s access to a preferential tariff arrangement and opened the door to a free trade agreement with the United States. Mr Pompeo emphasized in talks with Mr. Widodo and in an address to a Nahdlatul Ulama conference the need to challenge China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea as well as its brutal crackdown on Turkic Muslims in the People’s Republic’s north-western province of Xinjiang. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy, extradited to China three Uighurs, the dominant Turkic ethnic group in Xinjiang, just days before Mr Pompeo’s arrival. Mr Qoumas’ appointment is significant not only because of his prominent Nahdlatul Ulama background but also given the fact that he is one of the leaders of the movement’s most influential wing that has adopted a tough position on China’s repression of the Uighurs. Indonesia has to date sought to walk a fine line in escalating tensions between the United States and China, including its refusal to speak out on the plight of the Uighurs. Indonesia has further sought to balance rejection of Chinese maritime claims in Indonesian waters with a desire to attract Chinese investment. An Islamic scholar and leader of Nahdlatul Ulama’s GP Ansor Youth Movement, Mr. Qoumas, alongside his brother, Yahya Cholil Staquf, NU’s secretary-general, has been a driving force in the promotion of the movement’s concept of Humanitarian Islam, based on principles of tolerance, pluralism and the embrace of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Nahdlatul Ulama’s government-backed promotion of the concept has put it in direct competition with major efforts by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iran to garner religious soft power by propagating a statist interpretation of the faith. It is an interpretation that in the case of the kingdom and the UAE professes adherence to tolerance and inter-faith dialogue but demands absolute obedience to the ruler. Turkey and Iran push interpretations of the faith that embrace elements of political Islam as well as authoritarian governance. In one of his early statements as a minister, Mr Qoumas appeared to be challenging more traditional wings of Nahdlatul Ulama by declaring in remarks during a visit to a Protestant church that he would protect the rights of Shiites and Ahmadis, two minorities that have been on the defensive amid concerns of mounting intolerance in Indonesia. Senior figures within Nahdlatul Ulama continue to view Shi'ites, who constitute a mere 1.2 per cent of the Indonesian population, as one of the foremost domestic threats to Indonesian national security and an Iranian fifth wheel. Similarly, many in Nahdlatul Ulama reject Ahmadis identifying themselves as Muslims because the sect refuses to acknowledge the finality of the Prophet Mohammed. "I don't want members of Shia and Ahmadiyya displaced from their homes because of their beliefs. They are citizens (whose rights) must be protected. The Religious Ministry will facilitate a more intensive dialogue to bridge differences,” Mr Qoumas said, referring to attacks on minorities. Mr Qoumas’ Nahdlatul Ulama youth wing, together with its five-million strong militia, has played a key role in confronting militant Islamic groups, like Hizb ut-Tahrir and the Islamic Defenders Front (FDI). GP Ansor officials take pride in have engineered situations that in 2017 led to the banning of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a controversial global movement that calls for the restoration of the Caliphate. The government last month banned FDI, established as a vigilante group that was a major organizer of mass protests in 2016 that led to the defeat of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent better known as Ahok, in mayoral elections in Jakarta and his subsequent sentencing on blasphemy charges. The ban came weeks after the return to Indonesia from self-exile in Saudi Arabia of FDI leader Rizieq Shahib. Mr Shahib was arrested for allegedly violating coronavirus restrictions. The outlawing of Hizb ut-Tahrir and FDI on the basis of a presidential decree that enables the government to bypass legal procedures and fast-track the banning of groups it considers security threats prompted human rights groups to warn that Indonesia was undermining rights of freedom of association and expression. Deputy justice minister, Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, told reporters that FPI was outlawed because some 30 members of the group had been convicted on terrorism charges and because the group defied Indonesia’s state ideology, Pancasila, which stresses unity and diversity. The banning of FDI followed the election in November of Miftachul Akhyar, a Nahdlatul Ulama cleric, as head of the influential Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) to replace Ma’ruf Amin, Mr Widodo’s vice-president who in the past took a hardline against minorities and advocated Orthodox Sunni Muslim positions. Mr. Akhyar is Nahdlatul Ulama’s spiritual guide. The election further removed from the council’s leadership several clerics who had backed the anti-Ahok demonstrations. They were replaced by at least one supporter of Humanitarian Islam, Masdar Masudi, as well as scholars from Muhamadiyya, Indonesia’s second-largest Muslim movement, viewed as progressives. Nonetheless, some analysts suggest that the council, in apparent contradiction to Mr Qoumas, will not break its discriminatory attitude towards minorities. Said Alexander R Arifianto, an Indonesia scholar at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies: “When it comes to marginalized minorities, we can expect the new MUI leadership to retain their conservative standing. Mainstream Islamic clerics — including those within MUI — tend to share a conservative orthodoxy in their religious interpretation toward these groups.” (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Indonesia potentially set to take on China and claim leadership of ‘moderate’ Islam

An Indonesian fisherman recently found what is believed to be a Chinese submarine drone in waters on a strategic maritime route from the South China Sea to Australia.

According to Indonesian media, the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) was found on December 20 near Selayar Island in South Sulawesi. It was later handed over to police and then transferred to the Indonesian military.

Observers have said the drone appears to be a Chinese Sea Wing (or Haiyi) UUV. The underwater glider is publically described as collecting data including seawater temperature, salinity, turbidity and oxygen levels.

China has been accused of expansionist activities in the disputed South China Sea and has conducted widespread oceanographic research in regions believed to be militarily significant.

A security analyst has said the drone was most likely mapping future submarine routes, given it was found far from Chinese waters and in a significant maritime route between China and Australia’s northernmost city of Darwin.

A different variant of the Sea Wing UUV was discovered by Indonesian fishers in March 2019 in the Riau Islands nearer the South China Sea, and another in January this year in East Java.&nbsp;

Also, in December 2016, a Chinese navy ship found and seized a US underwater drone in international waters near its coastline that the US navy was in the process of recovering.

In February 2020 China’s ministry of natural resources said China had deployed 12 Sea Wing UUVs in the Indian Ocean for scientific research.

(with inputs)

An Indonesian fisherman recently found what is believed to be a Chinese submarine drone in waters on a strategic maritime route from the South China Sea to Australia.

An Indonesian fisherman recently found what is believed to be a Chinese submarine drone in waters on a strategic maritime route from the South China Sea to Australia. According to Indonesian media, the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) was found on December 20 near Selayar Island in South Sulawesi. It was later handed over to police and then transferred to the Indonesian military. Observers have said the drone appears to be a Chinese Sea Wing (or Haiyi) UUV. The underwater glider is publically described as collecting data including seawater temperature, salinity, turbidity and oxygen levels. China has been accused of expansionist activities in the disputed South China Sea and has conducted widespread oceanographic research in regions believed to be militarily significant. A security analyst has said the drone was most likely mapping future submarine routes, given it was found far from Chinese waters and in a significant maritime route between China and Australia’s northernmost city of Darwin. A different variant of the Sea Wing UUV was discovered by Indonesian fishers in March 2019 in the Riau Islands nearer the South China Sea, and another in January this year in East Java. Also, in December 2016, a Chinese navy ship found and seized a US underwater drone in international waters near its coastline that the US navy was in the process of recovering. In February 2020 China’s ministry of natural resources said China had deployed 12 Sea Wing UUVs in the Indian Ocean for scientific research. (with inputs)

Indonesian fisherman finds Chinese drone submarine on possible mission

Indonesia on Wednesday banned the hardline religious group the Islamic Defender`s Front, raising the prospect of rising political tension in the world`s largest Muslim-majority nation.

The ban came after last month`s return of the group`s spiritual figurehead, Rizieq Shihab, from self-exile in Saudi Arabia, leading to concern in government that he could be seeking to harness opposition forces against President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, using Islam as a rallying cry.

WHAT IS THE ISLAMIC DEFENDER`S FRONT?

Formed in the late 1990s, the Islamic Defender`s Front, widely known by its Indonesian initials FPI, advocates a strict interpretation of Islam and developed a reputation for raiding bars and brothels, intimidating religious minorities. It once forced the cancellation of a Lady Gaga concert.

It has also been involved in humanitarian work after natural disasters.

Its political sway has risen in recent years, and in 2016 the FPI played a role in mass protests against Jakarta`s Christian former governor, who was jailed for insulting Islam.

WHO IS ITS LEADER?

Cleric Rizieq Shihab, 55, has for years been a controversial figure in Indonesia.

He was jailed in 2008 for inciting violence and left the country in 2017 after facing charges of pornography, and insulting the state ideology, which were later dropped. This week a court ordered police to reopen the pornography case.

His role in 2016 mass rallies raised concern about the rise of identity politics and political Islam.

Last month, thousands of people rallied to greet Rizieq`s return to Indonesia.

Rizieq was arrested this month on charges of violating health protocols. He remains in custody.

HOW BIG A FORCE IS ISLAM IN INDONESIAN POLITICS?

With nearly 90% of Indonesia`s population Muslim, Islam has always been important in politics.

However, the 2016 rallies spearheaded by the FPI and other Islamic groups saw the religion take on an increasingly prominent political role.

In a move widely seen as an attempt to appeal to Islamic voters, the president, Jokowi, chose senior cleric Ma’ruf Amin as his vice presidential running mate in 2019.

While Rizieq was overseas, hardline Islamic groups such as the FPI were relatively quiet.

On his return, Rizieq began meeting several key opposition figures and promising a "moral revolution", a potential challenge to Jokowi ahead of elections scheduled for 2024.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT?

While the decision to ban the FPI is legally sound, analysts say the move may backfire and only lead to new iterations. 
Hours after the chief security minister announced the ban, a senior FPI member in Jakarta, Novel Bamukmin, told Reuters the group would fight for their beliefs and "defend the country from traitors". The government could ban the FPI, he said, but they would only reform anew.

Security analysts have said the ban, based on historical precedents in what appears to be a politically motivated decision, would do little to address the views of a sidelined minority.

Indonesia on Wednesday banned the hardline religious group the Islamic Defender`s Front, raising the prospect of rising political tension in the world`s largest Muslim-majority nation.

Indonesia on Wednesday banned the hardline religious group the Islamic Defender`s Front, raising the prospect of rising political tension in the world`s largest Muslim-majority nation. The ban came after last month`s return of the group`s spiritual figurehead, Rizieq Shihab, from self-exile in Saudi Arabia, leading to concern in government that he could be seeking to harness opposition forces against President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, using Islam as a rallying cry. WHAT IS THE ISLAMIC DEFENDER`S FRONT? Formed in the late 1990s, the Islamic Defender`s Front, widely known by its Indonesian initials FPI, advocates a strict interpretation of Islam and developed a reputation for raiding bars and brothels, intimidating religious minorities. It once forced the cancellation of a Lady Gaga concert. It has also been involved in humanitarian work after natural disasters. Its political sway has risen in recent years, and in 2016 the FPI played a role in mass protests against Jakarta`s Christian former governor, who was jailed for insulting Islam. WHO IS ITS LEADER? Cleric Rizieq Shihab, 55, has for years been a controversial figure in Indonesia. He was jailed in 2008 for inciting violence and left the country in 2017 after facing charges of pornography, and insulting the state ideology, which were later dropped. This week a court ordered police to reopen the pornography case. His role in 2016 mass rallies raised concern about the rise of identity politics and political Islam. Last month, thousands of people rallied to greet Rizieq`s return to Indonesia. Rizieq was arrested this month on charges of violating health protocols. He remains in custody. HOW BIG A FORCE IS ISLAM IN INDONESIAN POLITICS? With nearly 90% of Indonesia`s population Muslim, Islam has always been important in politics. However, the 2016 rallies spearheaded by the FPI and other Islamic groups saw the religion take on an increasingly prominent political role. In a move widely seen as an attempt to appeal to Islamic voters, the president, Jokowi, chose senior cleric Ma’ruf Amin as his vice presidential running mate in 2019. While Rizieq was overseas, hardline Islamic groups such as the FPI were relatively quiet. On his return, Rizieq began meeting several key opposition figures and promising a "moral revolution", a potential challenge to Jokowi ahead of elections scheduled for 2024. WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT? While the decision to ban the FPI is legally sound, analysts say the move may backfire and only lead to new iterations. Hours after the chief security minister announced the ban, a senior FPI member in Jakarta, Novel Bamukmin, told Reuters the group would fight for their beliefs and "defend the country from traitors". The government could ban the FPI, he said, but they would only reform anew. Security analysts have said the ban, based on historical precedents in what appears to be a politically motivated decision, would do little to address the views of a sidelined minority.

Indonesia's banned Islamic group has seen its influence rising

Robots help students in Manila, Philippines attend graduation remotely. Watch this video to know more.

Robots help students attend graduation remotely

The illegal hunters in Indonesia are threatening Sumatra's tigers and other endangered species so a unique team of female rangers in the country are on the mission they are battling and protecting the wildlife of Sumatra Island

Indonesia's female rangers protect wildlife in Sumatra Island

Sumini gets up at dawn to do her household chores -- then leads a team of women into the jungles of Indonesia's Sumatra island, on a mission to battle rampant deforestation and wildlife poaching.

The 45-year-old mother of five heads a unique team of female rangers taking on illegal loggers and hunters threatening Sumatran tigers, pangolins and other at-risk wildlife.

The culprits are mostly men, including neighbours or even the husbands of team members, who live together in Damaran Baru village in the north of Sumatra.

Along the way, the 30-member team grapples with sexist stereotypes in ultra-conservative Aceh province, and authorities who are indifferent to the environmental destruction wrought by illegal logging and land clearance for the region's many coffee plantations.

Deforestation and habitat loss have long been a problem across the vast Southeast Asian archipelago, which is among the most biodiverse nations on Earth.

"The forest has always been associated with men," said Sumini, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

"But we want to change that and say it's also about women. Women who are angry about environmental destruction and who are taking action to fix the problem."

- 'So angry'-

The group, which now includes one of Sumini's sons and his wife, got its start in 2015 after a flash flood destroyed a dozen houses in the community of about 1,000 residents.

Sumini's husband relented after repeated demands that he show her why so much wood and debris was mixed in with the floodwaters barrelling down from a nearby volcano.

"When we got there, I saw the mountain had been deforested," she said.

"I said to my husband 'Well, so this is the reason. The forest has been destroyed by men.' I was so angry that, from that moment on, I told myself I'd take on the role of protecting the forest."

The fledgling squad got no help from authorities when they complained about hillsides scarred by tree loss.

"They thought we made it up. That is why we established the team," Sumini said.

Twice a month, the hijab-clad women strap on floppy hats and rubber boots before setting off for about five days at a time, navigating the steep, mountainous terrain.

They search for signs of poaching and logging, remove animal traps, document endemic wildlife and plant species and post signs warning against illegal activity, which they report to government authorities.

The group also tracks evidence of deforestation and replants trees by the thousands, with the help of more volunteers.

But initially, they didn't get a warm welcome in Aceh.

It is the only region in Muslim-majority Indonesia to impose sharia law, violations of which can be punished by public flogging.

"People had this image that women might engage in immoral acts in the forest because we usually have a man with us as a guide," Sumini said.

"And some asked: 'Why do we have women protecting the forest? It's none of their business'."

- 'Mistakes of the past' -

But now some former poachers and loggers have become volunteers themselves.

Among them was Bustami, 54, who spent years hunting pangolins, scaly mammals poached for their meat and scales which are prized in traditional Chinese medicine.

"I can't even count the number of pangolins I killed," he said.

"I made a lot of money but it didn't last long.

"Now, I'm protecting the environment as payback for the mistakes of the past."

Joining the team as a guide -- and encouraging other hunters and loggers to quit the trade -- drew ridicule from some men in the village.

"But I'm no longer shy about being led by a team of women because what they are doing for the environment is noble," Bustami said. "I have to support them to fight for the cause."

Squad member Annisa said she's determined to end the sins of the past, including those of her husband who was once jailed for illegal logging.

"Our village would be facing more disasters if the rangers didn't exist," the 40-year-old told AFP.

Annisa's husband Muhammad Saleh, also now part of the group, said he has given up illegal activities.

"I was ashamed that my wife was working to protect the environment and I was destroying it," he said.

"My biggest regret is that some of the wildlife I once hunted can't even be seen in the forest any more."

And villager Aliman's once-sceptical view has evolved too.

"At first I found it weird that women were protecting the forest," he said.

"But that's changed after seeing all the positive contributions that they've made."

The team isn't perfect, however, and arguments do break out.

"Usually we do a mediation to solve any problems," Sumini said.

"But often it's the men arguing with each other on patrol. So if they can't work it out, then the women step in to fix things."

Sumini gets up at dawn to do her household chores -- then leads a team of women into the jungles of Indonesia's Sumatra island, on a mission to battle rampant deforestation and wildlife poaching.

Sumini gets up at dawn to do her household chores -- then leads a team of women into the jungles of Indonesia's Sumatra island, on a mission to battle rampant deforestation and wildlife poaching. The 45-year-old mother of five heads a unique team of female rangers taking on illegal loggers and hunters threatening Sumatran tigers, pangolins and other at-risk wildlife. The culprits are mostly men, including neighbours or even the husbands of team members, who live together in Damaran Baru village in the north of Sumatra. Along the way, the 30-member team grapples with sexist stereotypes in ultra-conservative Aceh province, and authorities who are indifferent to the environmental destruction wrought by illegal logging and land clearance for the region's many coffee plantations. Deforestation and habitat loss have long been a problem across the vast Southeast Asian archipelago, which is among the most biodiverse nations on Earth. "The forest has always been associated with men," said Sumini, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. "But we want to change that and say it's also about women. Women who are angry about environmental destruction and who are taking action to fix the problem." - 'So angry'- The group, which now includes one of Sumini's sons and his wife, got its start in 2015 after a flash flood destroyed a dozen houses in the community of about 1,000 residents. Sumini's husband relented after repeated demands that he show her why so much wood and debris was mixed in with the floodwaters barrelling down from a nearby volcano. "When we got there, I saw the mountain had been deforested," she said. "I said to my husband 'Well, so this is the reason. The forest has been destroyed by men.' I was so angry that, from that moment on, I told myself I'd take on the role of protecting the forest." The fledgling squad got no help from authorities when they complained about hillsides scarred by tree loss. "They thought we made it up. That is why we established the team," Sumini said. Twice a month, the hijab-clad women strap on floppy hats and rubber boots before setting off for about five days at a time, navigating the steep, mountainous terrain. They search for signs of poaching and logging, remove animal traps, document endemic wildlife and plant species and post signs warning against illegal activity, which they report to government authorities. The group also tracks evidence of deforestation and replants trees by the thousands, with the help of more volunteers. But initially, they didn't get a warm welcome in Aceh. It is the only region in Muslim-majority Indonesia to impose sharia law, violations of which can be punished by public flogging. "People had this image that women might engage in immoral acts in the forest because we usually have a man with us as a guide," Sumini said. "And some asked: 'Why do we have women protecting the forest? It's none of their business'." - 'Mistakes of the past' - But now some former poachers and loggers have become volunteers themselves. Among them was Bustami, 54, who spent years hunting pangolins, scaly mammals poached for their meat and scales which are prized in traditional Chinese medicine. "I can't even count the number of pangolins I killed," he said. "I made a lot of money but it didn't last long. "Now, I'm protecting the environment as payback for the mistakes of the past." Joining the team as a guide -- and encouraging other hunters and loggers to quit the trade -- drew ridicule from some men in the village. "But I'm no longer shy about being led by a team of women because what they are doing for the environment is noble," Bustami said. "I have to support them to fight for the cause." Squad member Annisa said she's determined to end the sins of the past, including those of her husband who was once jailed for illegal logging. "Our village would be facing more disasters if the rangers didn't exist," the 40-year-old told AFP. Annisa's husband Muhammad Saleh, also now part of the group, said he has given up illegal activities. "I was ashamed that my wife was working to protect the environment and I was destroying it," he said. "My biggest regret is that some of the wildlife I once hunted can't even be seen in the forest any more." And villager Aliman's once-sceptical view has evolved too. "At first I found it weird that women were protecting the forest," he said. "But that's changed after seeing all the positive contributions that they've made." The team isn't perfect, however, and arguments do break out. "Usually we do a mediation to solve any problems," Sumini said. "But often it's the men arguing with each other on patrol. So if they can't work it out, then the women step in to fix things."

Indonesia's female forest guardians fight for the environment

Eating fruit and drinking from plastic bottles, two Sumatran orangutans stared from their cages at Bangkok airport on Thursday before flying home to Indonesia, years after being smuggled into Thailand.

Poachers in Southeast Asia frequently capture the critically endangered orangutans to sell as pets, and police said four-year-olds Ung Aing and Natalee were supposed to be sold to a tourism business.&nbsp;

Wildlife traffickers tried to smuggle the two in via Malaysia in June 2017, but they were intercepted at the border -- along with 39 Hamilton tortoises, 12 Indian turtles and six raccoons -- after police received a tip-off about the vehicle they were in.

The pair have been living in a wildlife rescue centre in Thailand and, once back in Indonesia, will undergo a rehabilitation program before being released back into the wild in Sumatra.

Ung Aing and Natalee had to take coronavirus tests before their departure, conducted by animal experts from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

Officials fed the duo bananas, coconuts and electrolytes through a small opening in their cages; hiding in hessian sacks, the animals were shy at first but eventually accepted their treats.

Thai Department of National Parks and Wildlife deputy director general Prakit Vongsrivattanakul said 69 confiscated orangutans have been sent back to Indonesia since 2006, and many have been able to return to the wild.

Even though the two orangutans are now on their way home, their future is still precarious.&nbsp;

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and their population is estimated to be fewer than 15,000.

Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations and mining.

Plantation workers and villagers sometimes attack the animals for being pests.

Eating fruit and drinking from plastic bottles, two Sumatran orangutans stared from their cages at Bangkok airport on Thursday before flying home to Indonesia, years after being smuggled into Thailand.

Eating fruit and drinking from plastic bottles, two Sumatran orangutans stared from their cages at Bangkok airport on Thursday before flying home to Indonesia, years after being smuggled into Thailand. Poachers in Southeast Asia frequently capture the critically endangered orangutans to sell as pets, and police said four-year-olds Ung Aing and Natalee were supposed to be sold to a tourism business. Wildlife traffickers tried to smuggle the two in via Malaysia in June 2017, but they were intercepted at the border -- along with 39 Hamilton tortoises, 12 Indian turtles and six raccoons -- after police received a tip-off about the vehicle they were in. The pair have been living in a wildlife rescue centre in Thailand and, once back in Indonesia, will undergo a rehabilitation program before being released back into the wild in Sumatra. Ung Aing and Natalee had to take coronavirus tests before their departure, conducted by animal experts from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. Officials fed the duo bananas, coconuts and electrolytes through a small opening in their cages; hiding in hessian sacks, the animals were shy at first but eventually accepted their treats. Thai Department of National Parks and Wildlife deputy director general Prakit Vongsrivattanakul said 69 confiscated orangutans have been sent back to Indonesia since 2006, and many have been able to return to the wild. Even though the two orangutans are now on their way home, their future is still precarious. Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and their population is estimated to be fewer than 15,000. Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations and mining. Plantation workers and villagers sometimes attack the animals for being pests.

Two smuggled Indonesian orangutans fly home from Thailand

Indonesia will provide free coronavirus vaccines to its citizens when the world’s fourth most populous nation starts its inoculation programme, President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday, adding he would get the first shot to reassure people on safety.

The sprawling, developing country received its first shipment of vaccines, 1.2 million doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech in early December, but is awaiting emergency use authorisation from its food and drug agency.

Another 1.8 million doses are expected to be delivered in January with the government previously saying that healthcare workers in Java and Bali would be prioritised.

"After receiving many people’s suggestions and after recalculating state financial calculations, I can say that COVID-19 vaccines for citizens will be free," the president said in a video statement from the state palace in Jakarta.

The decision comes as the country of 270 million faces an escalating coronavirus outbreak and also after social media campaigns urging authorities to provide vaccines free of charge.

The president said he had instructed the finance minister to reallocate spending to fund the programme.

Amid concens over vaccine safety and whether shots would be halal, an issue for many in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, the president said he would be the first recipient.

"This to provide assurance and trust to people that the vaccine is safe," he said.

He did not specify which vaccine he would receive but a phase III trial of Sinovac`s CoronaVac is being conducted on 1,620 volunteers in the Indonesian city of Bandung in West Java but the results are yet to be released.

Ten months after officially recording its first case of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, Indonesia has now recorded more than 629,000 confirmed infections and 19,000 deaths, the highest caseload and death toll in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is looking to secure 246.6 million vaccine doses and has also been in negotiations with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and global vaccine programme COVAX.

Indonesia will provide free coronavirus vaccines to its citizens when the world’s fourth most populous nation starts its inoculation programme, President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday, adding he would get the first shot to reassure people on safety.

Indonesia will provide free coronavirus vaccines to its citizens when the world’s fourth most populous nation starts its inoculation programme, President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday, adding he would get the first shot to reassure people on safety. The sprawling, developing country received its first shipment of vaccines, 1.2 million doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech in early December, but is awaiting emergency use authorisation from its food and drug agency. Another 1.8 million doses are expected to be delivered in January with the government previously saying that healthcare workers in Java and Bali would be prioritised. "After receiving many people’s suggestions and after recalculating state financial calculations, I can say that COVID-19 vaccines for citizens will be free," the president said in a video statement from the state palace in Jakarta. The decision comes as the country of 270 million faces an escalating coronavirus outbreak and also after social media campaigns urging authorities to provide vaccines free of charge. The president said he had instructed the finance minister to reallocate spending to fund the programme. Amid concens over vaccine safety and whether shots would be halal, an issue for many in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, the president said he would be the first recipient. "This to provide assurance and trust to people that the vaccine is safe," he said. He did not specify which vaccine he would receive but a phase III trial of Sinovac`s CoronaVac is being conducted on 1,620 volunteers in the Indonesian city of Bandung in West Java but the results are yet to be released. Ten months after officially recording its first case of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, Indonesia has now recorded more than 629,000 confirmed infections and 19,000 deaths, the highest caseload and death toll in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is looking to secure 246.6 million vaccine doses and has also been in negotiations with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and global vaccine programme COVAX.

Indonesia pledges free COVID-19 vaccines, with president first in line

Indonesia has arrested one of the seniormost members of the Al Qaeda-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiah. He is said to be behind the 2002 bombings on the resort island of Bali that killed over 200 people.

National Police spokesperson Argo Yuwono said Zulkarnaen&nbsp;was arrested in Lampung on Sumatra island on Thursday after spending nearly 18 years at large.

Zulkarnaen "is now being interrogated" and anti-terror investigators were searching his residence. He has been on Indonesia's most-wanted list since the bombings.

His cell is also believed to have helped carry out the suicide bombing at Jakarta’s Marriott Hotel in 2003 that killed 12 people. He was the only Indonesian listed on Washington's "Rewards for Justice" program, with a bounty of up to five million dollars.

The former Afghan war veteran established a special unit within JI tasked with planning deadly attacks.

The unit was also mandated to incite ethnic and religious violence in Sulawesi and Molucca islands, where thousands died between 1998 and 2002.

JI was founded by a handful of Indonesian militants exiled in Malaysia in the 1980s and grew to include cells across Southeast Asia.

Jemaah Islamiah's stated aim is to build an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia.

According to a UN Security Council report, he also goes by the name Aris Sumarsono.

Stanislaus Riyanta, a security analyst, said that Zulkarnaen's arrest could either weaken Jemaah Islamiah's operations or "spur them into action to prove their existence or seek revenge".

(with inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

Indonesia has arrested one of the seniormost members of the Al Qaeda-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiah. He is said to be behind the 2002 bombings on the resort island of Bali that killed over 200 people.

Indonesia has arrested one of the seniormost members of the Al Qaeda-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiah. He is said to be behind the 2002 bombings on the resort island of Bali that killed over 200 people. National Police spokesperson Argo Yuwono said Zulkarnaen was arrested in Lampung on Sumatra island on Thursday after spending nearly 18 years at large. Zulkarnaen "is now being interrogated" and anti-terror investigators were searching his residence. He has been on Indonesia's most-wanted list since the bombings. His cell is also believed to have helped carry out the suicide bombing at Jakarta’s Marriott Hotel in 2003 that killed 12 people. He was the only Indonesian listed on Washington's "Rewards for Justice" program, with a bounty of up to five million dollars. The former Afghan war veteran established a special unit within JI tasked with planning deadly attacks. The unit was also mandated to incite ethnic and religious violence in Sulawesi and Molucca islands, where thousands died between 1998 and 2002. JI was founded by a handful of Indonesian militants exiled in Malaysia in the 1980s and grew to include cells across Southeast Asia. Jemaah Islamiah's stated aim is to build an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia. According to a UN Security Council report, he also goes by the name Aris Sumarsono. Stanislaus Riyanta, a security analyst, said that Zulkarnaen's arrest could either weaken Jemaah Islamiah's operations or "spur them into action to prove their existence or seek revenge". (with inputs from agencies)

Indonesia arrests senior JI leader linked to Bali bombings

Dressed in a white robe, turban and a face mask, the Indonesian cleric and&nbsp;leader of the Islamic Defenders Front,&nbsp;Rizieq Shihab, turned himself in following accusations of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

Shihab walked to the&nbsp;Jakarta police without any hesitations for questioning of accusations of bypassing all restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus by holding mega rallies with huge crowds. "With God’s permission, I can come to the Jakarta Police for an investigation according to the laws and regulations," he said.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-expects-halal-certificate-for-an-experimental-vaccine-348330">&nbsp;Indonesia expects halal certificate for an experimental vaccine</a>

The Jakarta Police has accused&nbsp;him of this crime after he hosted a gathering to celebrate&nbsp;Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and also celebrated his daughter's wedding — attracting huge crowds in both the events,&nbsp;Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus reported.

These two events are not the only ones in which health regulations were ignored. There have been several other events in Jakarta and West Java where large crowds of his supporters gathered to greet the leader who has recently returned from a three-year exile in Saudi Arabia. He was charged in&nbsp;pornography case and with insulting the official state ideology in 2017 when he had visited Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-holds-nationwide-poll-despite-virus-warnings-348525">Indonesia holds nationwide poll despite virus warnings</a>

If proven guilty, Shihab can face a jail time of up to six years for consciously violating health regulations and&nbsp;obstructing law enforcement amid a pandemic.

Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan and West Java Gov. Ridwan Kamil are also being questioned in the matter for allowing Shihab to organise these events amid a pandemic.

As of now, Indonesia has reported a tally of more than 600,000 cases of the deadly virus — making it the first affected&nbsp;country in Southeast Asia and second in Asia, after India's tally of nearly 9.8 million cases.

Dressed in a white robe, turban and a face mask, the Indonesian cleric and leader of the Islamic Defenders Front, Rizieq Shihab, turned himself in following accusations of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

Dressed in a white robe, turban and a face mask, the Indonesian cleric and leader of the Islamic Defenders Front, Rizieq Shihab, turned himself in following accusations of flouting COVID-19 restrictions. Shihab walked to the Jakarta police without any hesitations for questioning of accusations of bypassing all restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus by holding mega rallies with huge crowds. "With God’s permission, I can come to the Jakarta Police for an investigation according to the laws and regulations," he said. Also read| Indonesia expects halal certificate for an experimental vaccine The Jakarta Police has accused him of this crime after he hosted a gathering to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and also celebrated his daughter's wedding — attracting huge crowds in both the events, Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus reported. These two events are not the only ones in which health regulations were ignored. There have been several other events in Jakarta and West Java where large crowds of his supporters gathered to greet the leader who has recently returned from a three-year exile in Saudi Arabia. He was charged in pornography case and with insulting the official state ideology in 2017 when he had visited Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage to Mecca. Also read| Indonesia holds nationwide poll despite virus warnings If proven guilty, Shihab can face a jail time of up to six years for consciously violating health regulations and obstructing law enforcement amid a pandemic. Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan and West Java Gov. Ridwan Kamil are also being questioned in the matter for allowing Shihab to organise these events amid a pandemic. As of now, Indonesia has reported a tally of more than 600,000 cases of the deadly virus — making it the first affected country in Southeast Asia and second in Asia, after India's tally of nearly 9.8 million cases.

Indonesian leader, Rizieq Shihab, turns himself in for violating COVID-19 restrictions

Tesla, the U.S. automaker, will send delegations to Indonesia next month to discuss potential investment in a supply chain for its electric vehicles, the government said on Saturday in a statement.

President Joko Widodo has touted Indonesia`s nickel reserves on a number of occasions, telling Reuters last month that "it’s very important because we have a great plan to make Indonesia the biggest producer of lithium batteries and we have the biggest nickel (reserves)."

The president and Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for maritime and investment, were on a call with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Friday to discuss "investment opportunities from electric vehicles company Tesla in Indonesia," the ministry said.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Luhut told Reuters last month that "there is a really good chance" that companies will want to invest in Indonesian nickel processing to cut costs.

Musk has said he is planning to offer a `giant contract for a long period of time" so long as the nickel is mined “efficiently and in an environmentally sensitive way".

Indonesia is keen to develop a full supply chain for nickel at home, especially for extracting battery chemicals, making batteries and eventually building EVs.

Tesla, the U.S. automaker, will send delegations to Indonesia next month to discuss potential investment in a supply chain for its electric vehicles, the government said on Saturday in a statement.

Tesla, the U.S. automaker, will send delegations to Indonesia next month to discuss potential investment in a supply chain for its electric vehicles, the government said on Saturday in a statement. President Joko Widodo has touted Indonesia`s nickel reserves on a number of occasions, telling Reuters last month that "it’s very important because we have a great plan to make Indonesia the biggest producer of lithium batteries and we have the biggest nickel (reserves)." The president and Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for maritime and investment, were on a call with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Friday to discuss "investment opportunities from electric vehicles company Tesla in Indonesia," the ministry said. Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Luhut told Reuters last month that "there is a really good chance" that companies will want to invest in Indonesian nickel processing to cut costs. Musk has said he is planning to offer a `giant contract for a long period of time" so long as the nickel is mined “efficiently and in an environmentally sensitive way". Indonesia is keen to develop a full supply chain for nickel at home, especially for extracting battery chemicals, making batteries and eventually building EVs.

Tesla teams to visit Indonesia to check on investment in EV components-government

Indonesia wants a 'Halal vaccine', Malaysian clerics want one too. Are Halal certificates more important than saving lives?

Gravitas: The debate over 'Halal Vaccine'

Indonesia has a unique demand from vaccine makers. Joko Widodo's govt wants Wuhan virus vaccines to be halal certified.

Gravitas: Indonesia wants a halal-certified vaccine

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis.

The archipelago of nearly 270 million -- the world's third-biggest democracy and fourth most populous nation -- delayed the vote originally set for September as it struggled to contain soaring infection rates.

From the capital, Jakarta to the holiday island of Bali, polling station staff in full protective gear enforced social distancing and took voters' temperatures before polls closed at 1:00 pm local time (0600 GMT).

Abdul Rahman Wahab, 24, admitted he was nervous about turning up to vote on Sulawesi island.

"Health is my priority for sure, but voting is also an important part of our life in a democratic country," he said. &nbsp;

Islamist parties are looking to score big gains in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation as they ride a tide of rising religious conservatism.

In the second-biggest city, Surabaya workers followed the tradition of donning superhero costumes, dressing as Spiderman to lure voters in.&nbsp;

Others were tasked with taking ballot boxes into hospitals so that Covid patients could vote from their sickbeds.&nbsp;

"All polling stations were disinfected," said Suprianto, head of a polling station committee in Jakarta's Ciputat district, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

"We made spaces as wide as possible to allow for social distancing. Voters were also required to wear masks. If you don't, then you won't be allowed in the polling station."

Voter Nur Oktaviani said the precautions had put her at ease.

"I'm not worried," the 24-year-old told AFP.

"Here, they're complying with health protocols."&nbsp;

- 'High risk' - 
 
Hundreds of hopefuls -- including President Joko Widodo's eldest son -- are vying for 270 positions, including regional governors, district heads and mayors.&nbsp;

Official results are not expected for several weeks.

At least four election candidates have died so far, according to independent research group Laporcovid, and more than 1,000 election agency staff were infected ahead of voting day.

Over 580,000 Indonesians have contracted the illness while the death toll stands at 18,000.&nbsp;

But the true scale of the crisis is widely believed to be much bigger, as testing rates are low.

Infections could skyrocket above one million after polling day, warned Hermawan Saputra at the Indonesian Public Health Experts' Association.&nbsp;

"The most worrying thing is that it won't be just young, healthy people casting their votes, but also the elderly, pregnant women and sick people -- they're all at high risk," he said.

"The public service announcements and health protocols aren't enough. Health is being trumped by political demands and that's very concerning. It's not worth it."

- Dynastic ambitions - 
 
In the midst of the pandemic, voters had little chance to interact with candidates or understand their platforms, dealing a blow to a democracy that rose from the ashes of the Suharto dictatorship two decades ago.

"Holding regional elections during the pandemic is highly risky and costs a lot of money," said Titi Anggraini, an analyst at the Association for Elections and Democracy.

"It's such a waste."

Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 33, is running for mayor of Solo city in Central Java, where his father, a former furniture seller better known as Jokowi, started in politics.

Jokowi's son-in-law is also vying for office, stirring questions about whether Indonesia's leader is trying to create a political dynasty more than a year into his second and final term.&nbsp;

Vice-president Ma'ruf Amin's daughter and defense minister Prabowo Subianto's niece are also running for elected positions.

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis.

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis. The archipelago of nearly 270 million -- the world's third-biggest democracy and fourth most populous nation -- delayed the vote originally set for September as it struggled to contain soaring infection rates. From the capital, Jakarta to the holiday island of Bali, polling station staff in full protective gear enforced social distancing and took voters' temperatures before polls closed at 1:00 pm local time (0600 GMT). Abdul Rahman Wahab, 24, admitted he was nervous about turning up to vote on Sulawesi island. "Health is my priority for sure, but voting is also an important part of our life in a democratic country," he said. Islamist parties are looking to score big gains in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation as they ride a tide of rising religious conservatism. In the second-biggest city, Surabaya workers followed the tradition of donning superhero costumes, dressing as Spiderman to lure voters in. Others were tasked with taking ballot boxes into hospitals so that Covid patients could vote from their sickbeds. "All polling stations were disinfected," said Suprianto, head of a polling station committee in Jakarta's Ciputat district, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. "We made spaces as wide as possible to allow for social distancing. Voters were also required to wear masks. If you don't, then you won't be allowed in the polling station." Voter Nur Oktaviani said the precautions had put her at ease. "I'm not worried," the 24-year-old told AFP. "Here, they're complying with health protocols." - 'High risk' - Hundreds of hopefuls -- including President Joko Widodo's eldest son -- are vying for 270 positions, including regional governors, district heads and mayors. Official results are not expected for several weeks. At least four election candidates have died so far, according to independent research group Laporcovid, and more than 1,000 election agency staff were infected ahead of voting day. Over 580,000 Indonesians have contracted the illness while the death toll stands at 18,000. But the true scale of the crisis is widely believed to be much bigger, as testing rates are low. Infections could skyrocket above one million after polling day, warned Hermawan Saputra at the Indonesian Public Health Experts' Association. "The most worrying thing is that it won't be just young, healthy people casting their votes, but also the elderly, pregnant women and sick people -- they're all at high risk," he said. "The public service announcements and health protocols aren't enough. Health is being trumped by political demands and that's very concerning. It's not worth it." - Dynastic ambitions - In the midst of the pandemic, voters had little chance to interact with candidates or understand their platforms, dealing a blow to a democracy that rose from the ashes of the Suharto dictatorship two decades ago. "Holding regional elections during the pandemic is highly risky and costs a lot of money," said Titi Anggraini, an analyst at the Association for Elections and Democracy. "It's such a waste." Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 33, is running for mayor of Solo city in Central Java, where his father, a former furniture seller better known as Jokowi, started in politics. Jokowi's son-in-law is also vying for office, stirring questions about whether Indonesia's leader is trying to create a political dynasty more than a year into his second and final term. Vice-president Ma'ruf Amin's daughter and defense minister Prabowo Subianto's niece are also running for elected positions.

Indonesia holds nationwide poll despite virus warnings

A 12-year-old boy in Indonesia was swept high into the sky by a giant kite after he became entangled in its tail. He then plummetted head-first more than 30ft to the ground in front of horrified onlookers in Pringsewu regency, Lampung.

A now-viral video shows the boy being lifted off the ground, tangled in the strings of the kite. It then snaps, sending him plunging downwards in a field full of people.

The child fortunately survived the fall. He, however, broke multiple bones and is recovering in hospital following two surgeries.

Locals rushed to the boy's aide, taking him to a nearby clinic from where he was referred to a hospital for treatment.

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A similar incident happened in September this year -- where a 14-year-old boy was injured after becoming entangled in a kite string and being lifted some 11 feet into the air in Yogyakarta's Bantul regency.

The kite then snapped, sending the boy back to earth with an impact that fractured his groin.&nbsp;

A 12-year-old boy in Indonesia was swept high into the sky by a giant kite after he became entangled in its tail. He then plummetted head-first more than 30ft to the ground in front of horrified onlookers in Pringsewu regency, Lampung.

A 12-year-old boy in Indonesia was swept high into the sky by a giant kite after he became entangled in its tail. He then plummetted head-first more than 30ft to the ground in front of horrified onlookers in Pringsewu regency, Lampung. A now-viral video shows the boy being lifted off the ground, tangled in the strings of the kite. It then snaps, sending him plunging downwards in a field full of people. The child fortunately survived the fall. He, however, broke multiple bones and is recovering in hospital following two surgeries. Locals rushed to the boy's aide, taking him to a nearby clinic from where he was referred to a hospital for treatment. × A similar incident happened in September this year -- where a 14-year-old boy was injured after becoming entangled in a kite string and being lifted some 11 feet into the air in Yogyakarta's Bantul regency. The kite then snapped, sending the boy back to earth with an impact that fractured his groin.

Video shows boy tangled in kite lifted high into the air in Indonesia

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis.

The archipelago of nearly 270 million -- the world's third-biggest democracy and fourth most populous nation -- delayed the vote originally set for September as it struggled to contain soaring infection rates.

From the capital Jakarta to the holiday island of Bali, polling station staff in full protective gear enforced social distancing and took voters' temperatures before polls closed at 1:00 pm local time (0600 GMT).

Abdul Rahman Wahab, 24, admitted he was nervous about turning up to vote on Sulawesi island.

"Health is my priority for sure, but voting is also an important part of our life in a democratic country," he said. &nbsp;

Islamist parties are looking to score big gains in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation as they ride a tide of rising religious conservatism.

In the second-biggest city Surabaya workers followed the tradition of donning superhero costumes, dressing as Spiderman to lure voters in.&nbsp;

Others were tasked with taking ballot boxes into hospitals so that Covid patients could vote from their sickbeds.&nbsp;

Polling stations were disinfected," said Suprianto, head of a polling station committee in Jakarta's Ciputat district, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

"We made spaces as wide as possible to allow for social distancing. Voters were also required to wear masks. If you don't, then you won't be allowed in the polling station."

Voter Nur Oktaviani said the precautions had put her at ease.

"I'm not worried," the 24-year-old told AFP.

"Here, they're complying with health protocols."&nbsp;

- 'High risk' -

Hundreds of hopefuls -- including President Joko Widodo's eldest son -- are vying for 270 positions, including regional governors, district heads and mayors.&nbsp;

Official results are not expected for several weeks.

At least four election candidates have died so far, according to independent research group Laporcovid, and more than 1,000 election agency staff were infected ahead of voting day.

Over 580,000 Indonesians have contracted the illness while the death toll stands at 18,000.&nbsp;

But the true scale of the crisis is widely believed to be much bigger, as testing rates are low.

Infections could skyrocket above one million after polling day, warned Hermawan Saputra at the Indonesian Public Health Experts' Association.&nbsp;

"The most worrying thing is that it won't be just young, healthy people casting their votes, but also the elderly, pregnant women and sick people -- they're all at high risk," he said.

"The public service announcements and health protocols aren't enough. Health is being trumped by political demands and that's very concerning. It's not worth it."

- Dynastic ambitions -

In the midst of the pandemic, voters had little chance to interact with candidates or understand their platforms, dealing a blow to a democracy that rose from the ashes of the Suharto dictatorship two decades ago.

"Holding regional elections during the pandemic is highly risky and costs a lot of money," said Titi Anggraini, an analyst at the Association for&nbsp;Elections&nbsp;and Democracy.

"It's such a waste."

Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 33, is running for mayor of Solo city in Central Java, where his father, a former furniture seller better known as Jokowi, started in politics.

Jokowi's son-in-law is also vying for office, stirring questions about whether Indonesia's leader is trying to create a political dynasty more than a year into his second and final term.&nbsp;

Vice-president Ma'ruf Amin's daughter and defense minister Prabowo Subianto's niece are also running for elected positions.&nbsp;

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis. The archipelago of nearly 270 million -- the world's third-biggest democracy and fourth most populous nation -- delayed the vote originally set for September as it struggled to contain soaring infection rates. From the capital Jakarta to the holiday island of Bali, polling station staff in full protective gear enforced social distancing and took voters' temperatures before polls closed at 1:00 pm local time (0600 GMT). Abdul Rahman Wahab, 24, admitted he was nervous about turning up to vote on Sulawesi island. "Health is my priority for sure, but voting is also an important part of our life in a democratic country," he said. Islamist parties are looking to score big gains in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation as they ride a tide of rising religious conservatism. In the second-biggest city Surabaya workers followed the tradition of donning superhero costumes, dressing as Spiderman to lure voters in. Others were tasked with taking ballot boxes into hospitals so that Covid patients could vote from their sickbeds. Polling stations were disinfected," said Suprianto, head of a polling station committee in Jakarta's Ciputat district, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. "We made spaces as wide as possible to allow for social distancing. Voters were also required to wear masks. If you don't, then you won't be allowed in the polling station." Voter Nur Oktaviani said the precautions had put her at ease. "I'm not worried," the 24-year-old told AFP. "Here, they're complying with health protocols." - 'High risk' - Hundreds of hopefuls -- including President Joko Widodo's eldest son -- are vying for 270 positions, including regional governors, district heads and mayors. Official results are not expected for several weeks. At least four election candidates have died so far, according to independent research group Laporcovid, and more than 1,000 election agency staff were infected ahead of voting day. Over 580,000 Indonesians have contracted the illness while the death toll stands at 18,000. But the true scale of the crisis is widely believed to be much bigger, as testing rates are low. Infections could skyrocket above one million after polling day, warned Hermawan Saputra at the Indonesian Public Health Experts' Association. "The most worrying thing is that it won't be just young, healthy people casting their votes, but also the elderly, pregnant women and sick people -- they're all at high risk," he said. "The public service announcements and health protocols aren't enough. Health is being trumped by political demands and that's very concerning. It's not worth it." - Dynastic ambitions - In the midst of the pandemic, voters had little chance to interact with candidates or understand their platforms, dealing a blow to a democracy that rose from the ashes of the Suharto dictatorship two decades ago. "Holding regional elections during the pandemic is highly risky and costs a lot of money," said Titi Anggraini, an analyst at the Association for Elections and Democracy. "It's such a waste." Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 33, is running for mayor of Solo city in Central Java, where his father, a former furniture seller better known as Jokowi, started in politics. Jokowi's son-in-law is also vying for office, stirring questions about whether Indonesia's leader is trying to create a political dynasty more than a year into his second and final term. Vice-president Ma'ruf Amin's daughter and defense minister Prabowo Subianto's niece are also running for elected positions.

Six supporters of hard line Indonesian Islamic cleric Rizieq Shihab are killed in a police shootout near Jakarta. Rizieq was scheduled to appear for police questioning on Monday, after failing to appear last week.

Six supporters of Indonesian Islamic cleric killed in shootout

Indonesia government on Sunday said 1.2 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by China-based biopharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech arrived in the country.

Indonesia gets 1.2 mn doses of China-made COVID-19 vaccine

A shootout in Indonesia left six supporters of an Islamic cleric dead. The shooutout of cleric - Rizieq Shihab’s followers has raised concerns of a potential conflict between Indonesian authorities and Islamist groups in the country.

The police chief of Jakarta - Fadil Imran said that the shootout happened after midnight on a highway. Reportedly, the cleric’s supporters had attacks a police vehicle with firearms, a samurai sword, ans sickles.

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After the shootout, the police displayed the weapons during a news conference. Currently, the police are investigating the cleric for flouting COVID-19 norms, after several gatherings to celebrate the end of his self-exile from Saudi Arabia took place last month.

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After failing to appear for questioning last week, Rizieq was supposed to appear for police questioning on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Islamic Defender’s Front (FPI) - Munarman, who also leads the the group led by Rizieq denied that their supporters were armed, adding that the cleric and his family were en route a prayer event, where they were attacked by “unknown thugs”.

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He also referred to the shootout as “extrajudicial killings”. In a statement, the Indonesian Police Watch said that the conflicting accounts given of the incident should be investigated by an independent fact-checking team.

In 2017, the 55-year-old cleric left Indonesia after facing charges of pornography and insulting state ideology, after which he went on an exile in Saudi Arabia.

A shootout in Indonesia left six supporters of an Islamic cleric dead. The shooutout of cleric - Rizieq Shihab’s followers has raised concerns of a potential conflict between Indonesian authorities and Islamist groups in the country.

A shootout in Indonesia left six supporters of an Islamic cleric dead. The shooutout of cleric - Rizieq Shihab’s followers has raised concerns of a potential conflict between Indonesian authorities and Islamist groups in the country. The police chief of Jakarta - Fadil Imran said that the shootout happened after midnight on a highway. Reportedly, the cleric’s supporters had attacks a police vehicle with firearms, a samurai sword, ans sickles. Also read: Indonesia summons UK envoy over Papua separatist leader After the shootout, the police displayed the weapons during a news conference. Currently, the police are investigating the cleric for flouting COVID-19 norms, after several gatherings to celebrate the end of his self-exile from Saudi Arabia took place last month. Also read: Indonesia receives first COVID vaccine from China's Sinovac After failing to appear for questioning last week, Rizieq was supposed to appear for police questioning on Monday. A spokesperson for the Islamic Defender’s Front (FPI) - Munarman, who also leads the the group led by Rizieq denied that their supporters were armed, adding that the cleric and his family were en route a prayer event, where they were attacked by “unknown thugs”. Also read: Indonesia minister arrested over COVID aid bribes He also referred to the shootout as “extrajudicial killings”. In a statement, the Indonesian Police Watch said that the conflicting accounts given of the incident should be investigated by an independent fact-checking team. In 2017, the 55-year-old cleric left Indonesia after facing charges of pornography and insulting state ideology, after which he went on an exile in Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia: Six supporters of hardline cleric killed in shootout

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