Indonesia said on Saturday that coronavirus cases had topped 2,000 and deaths risen to 191, but doubts have been raised over official figures by data showing a big jump in funerals last month in the capital Jakarta.

Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said there had been 106 new confirmed infections, taking the total number of cases in the Southeast Asian country to 2,092, with 10 new deaths.

"We are still on high alert over infections that are taking place in the community that are caused by positive cases among people who are not showing symptoms," said Yurianto.

Indonesia is relying mainly on social distancing policies to combat the virus since President Joko Widodo has opposed the harsh lockdown measures adopted in many neighbouring countries.

The country reported its first case of the virus a month ago, but epidemiologists say a relatively low level of testing means the number of cases may be vastly under-reported.

Indonesia has almost doubled tests in the past week but has conducted only 7,896 tests in a country of more than 260 million people.

According to a Reuters review of statistics from Jakarta's Department of Parks and Cemeteries, there were nearly 4,400 funerals in the city in March, 40 per cent higher than any month since at least January 2018.

The city has been at the epicentre of COVID-19 infections in Indonesia, accounting for 1,028 cases and around 90 deaths, according to central government data, or roughly half the country's total for both.

Jakarta's governor, Anies Baswedan, and some public health experts suspect the number of infections and deaths in the city has been significantly under-reported due to the low rates of testing.

"It is extremely disturbing," Baswedan told Reuters on Friday, referring to the funeral statistics. "I'm struggling to find another reason than unreported COVID-19 deaths."

Officials at the health ministry and at the presidential office did not respond to requests for comment.

In an interview on Thursday, before Baswedan had made his comments, Yurianto defended the reporting and testing system and said the central government based its data on lab results using the accurate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

Indonesia said on Saturday that coronavirus cases had topped 2,000 and deaths risen to 191, but doubts have been raised over official figures by data showing a big jump in funerals last month in the capital Jakarta.

Indonesia said on Saturday that coronavirus cases had topped 2,000 and deaths risen to 191, but doubts have been raised over official figures by data showing a big jump in funerals last month in the capital Jakarta. Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said there had been 106 new confirmed infections, taking the total number of cases in the Southeast Asian country to 2,092, with 10 new deaths. "We are still on high alert over infections that are taking place in the community that are caused by positive cases among people who are not showing symptoms," said Yurianto. Indonesia is relying mainly on social distancing policies to combat the virus since President Joko Widodo has opposed the harsh lockdown measures adopted in many neighbouring countries. The country reported its first case of the virus a month ago, but epidemiologists say a relatively low level of testing means the number of cases may be vastly under-reported. Indonesia has almost doubled tests in the past week but has conducted only 7,896 tests in a country of more than 260 million people. According to a Reuters review of statistics from Jakarta's Department of Parks and Cemeteries, there were nearly 4,400 funerals in the city in March, 40 per cent higher than any month since at least January 2018. The city has been at the epicentre of COVID-19 infections in Indonesia, accounting for 1,028 cases and around 90 deaths, according to central government data, or roughly half the country's total for both. Jakarta's governor, Anies Baswedan, and some public health experts suspect the number of infections and deaths in the city has been significantly under-reported due to the low rates of testing. "It is extremely disturbing," Baswedan told Reuters on Friday, referring to the funeral statistics. "I'm struggling to find another reason than unreported COVID-19 deaths." Officials at the health ministry and at the presidential office did not respond to requests for comment. In an interview on Thursday, before Baswedan had made his comments, Yurianto defended the reporting and testing system and said the central government based its data on lab results using the accurate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

Indonesia coronavirus cases top 2,000 amid concerns over data

Poaching and habitat loss have decimated Indonesia's orangutan population, but now coronavirus has emerged as another potential deadly threat to the critically endangered species.

While there have been no confirmed cases of transmission from humans to the fuzzy-haired apes, they share 97 per cent of our DNA.

And staff at a rehabilitation centre in jungle-covered Borneo are not taking any chances.

The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has closed its doors to visitors and told staff to step up precautions to avoid passing on infection, including by wearing masks and protective gloves.

"There haven't been any confirmed cases of direct transmission, but it's caused other issues like a shortage of masks and disinfectant supplies for our orangutan caretakers," said foundation veterinarian Agus Irwanto.

For the apes, however, there hasn't been much change in their daily jungle jaunts.

"While the humans at our rehabilitation centres work hard to adjust to these new measures, the orangutans are going about their usual business," the foundation said.

Human-to-primate transmission fears are not limited to Indonesia.

France is taking precautions at its zoos, with caretakers keeping their distance from gorillas and chimpanzees.

Last month the forest-covered African nation of Gabon said it would stop allowing tourists to see its great apes over fears that humans could give them the virus.

The Ebola epidemic killed gorillas and chimpanzees as well as humans.

Poaching and habitat loss have decimated Indonesia's orangutan population, but now coronavirus has emerged as another potential deadly threat to the critically endangered species.

Poaching and habitat loss have decimated Indonesia's orangutan population, but now coronavirus has emerged as another potential deadly threat to the critically endangered species. While there have been no confirmed cases of transmission from humans to the fuzzy-haired apes, they share 97 per cent of our DNA. And staff at a rehabilitation centre in jungle-covered Borneo are not taking any chances. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has closed its doors to visitors and told staff to step up precautions to avoid passing on infection, including by wearing masks and protective gloves. "There haven't been any confirmed cases of direct transmission, but it's caused other issues like a shortage of masks and disinfectant supplies for our orangutan caretakers," said foundation veterinarian Agus Irwanto. For the apes, however, there hasn't been much change in their daily jungle jaunts. "While the humans at our rehabilitation centres work hard to adjust to these new measures, the orangutans are going about their usual business," the foundation said. Human-to-primate transmission fears are not limited to Indonesia. France is taking precautions at its zoos, with caretakers keeping their distance from gorillas and chimpanzees. Last month the forest-covered African nation of Gabon said it would stop allowing tourists to see its great apes over fears that humans could give them the virus. The Ebola epidemic killed gorillas and chimpanzees as well as humans.

Indonesia covers up to protect orangutans from coronavirus threat

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Indonesia on Saturday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Indonesia on Saturday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The quake's epicentre was 105 kilometres (65 miles)south of Palu on the island of Sulawesi, and 40 km (25 miles) below the earth's surface. Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency noted on its website that two subsequent earthquakes struck nearby areas in the Central Sulawesi province. The spokesman for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Indonesia is situated on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is frequently hit by earthquakes that are sometimes accompanied by tsunamis. (With inputs from Reuters)

Magnitude 5.8 quake hits Indonesia, no immediate reports of damage or casualties

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak.

Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited. He urged companies to let staff work from home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-reports-third-coronavirus-death-287658" hreflang="en">Malaysia reports third coronavirus death</a>

"Our medical teams across Jakarta are dealing with a great number of people. Our response capability has a limit because the numbers of hospitals and staff are not in line with the growth of cases," he said.

As of Friday, Indonesia had 369 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, according to a health ministry official. Jakarta, a city of 10 million people, had 215 confirmed infections and 18 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-kills-over-5000-in-europe-number-likely-to-increase-overnight-287648" hreflang="en">Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight</a>

Baswedan said he would provide support for people who relied on a daily salary.

Jakarta has suspended religious activities, such as Islamic Friday prayers and Christian services, for two weeks.

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak. Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited.

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak. Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited. He urged companies to let staff work from home. Also read: Malaysia reports third coronavirus death "Our medical teams across Jakarta are dealing with a great number of people. Our response capability has a limit because the numbers of hospitals and staff are not in line with the growth of cases," he said. As of Friday, Indonesia had 369 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, according to a health ministry official. Jakarta, a city of 10 million people, had 215 confirmed infections and 18 deaths. Also read: Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight Baswedan said he would provide support for people who relied on a daily salary. Jakarta has suspended religious activities, such as Islamic Friday prayers and Christian services, for two weeks.

Indonesian capital declares emergency over coronavirus

Best foot forward: Entrepreneur making shoes from chicken feet to promote waste management

One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi, erupted Tuesday morning, spewing a column of thick ash by up to six kilometers high.

Indonesia's most active volcano Mount Merapi erupts

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Monday two Indonesians had tested positive for coronavirus after being in contact with an infected Japanese national, marking the first confirmed cases in the world's fourth most populous country.

The two had been hospitalized in Jakarta, Widodo told reporters at the presidential palace in the capital.

The president said a 64-year-old woman and her 31-year-old daughter had tested positive after being in contact with a Japanese national who lived in Malaysia and had tested positive after returning from a trip to Indonesia.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-close-to-88000-people-infected-more-than-3000-dead-globally-283606">Coronavirus: Close to 88,000 people infected, more than 3,000 dead globally</a>

Widodo said an Indonesian medical team had traced the movements of the Japanese visitor before uncovering the cases.

"After checks, they were in a sick state. This morning I got a report that the mother and the daughter tested positive for coronavirus," said Widodo, who said they were being treated at Jakarta's Sulianti Saroso infectious diseases hospital.

Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto told reporters the Japanese visitor was a friend of the two women's families and had visited their house. He said authorities were checking who else the Japanese visitor may have come into contact with.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rock-band-green-day-pull-out-of-asia-tour-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-283437">Rock band Green Day pull out of Asia tour due to coronavirus outbreak</a>

The confirmation of the first cases of coronavirus came after authorities had defended their screening processes, with some medical experts raising concerns of a lack of vigilance and risk of undetected cases in the Southeast Asian country of more than 260 million people.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Monday two Indonesians had tested positive for coronavirus after being in contact with an infected Japanese national, marking the first confirmed cases in the world's fourth most populous country.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Monday two Indonesians had tested positive for coronavirus after being in contact with an infected Japanese national, marking the first confirmed cases in the world's fourth most populous country. The two had been hospitalized in Jakarta, Widodo told reporters at the presidential palace in the capital. The president said a 64-year-old woman and her 31-year-old daughter had tested positive after being in contact with a Japanese national who lived in Malaysia and had tested positive after returning from a trip to Indonesia. Also read: Coronavirus: Close to 88,000 people infected, more than 3,000 dead globally Widodo said an Indonesian medical team had traced the movements of the Japanese visitor before uncovering the cases. "After checks, they were in a sick state. This morning I got a report that the mother and the daughter tested positive for coronavirus," said Widodo, who said they were being treated at Jakarta's Sulianti Saroso infectious diseases hospital. Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto told reporters the Japanese visitor was a friend of the two women's families and had visited their house. He said authorities were checking who else the Japanese visitor may have come into contact with. Also see: Rock band Green Day pull out of Asia tour due to coronavirus outbreak The confirmation of the first cases of coronavirus came after authorities had defended their screening processes, with some medical experts raising concerns of a lack of vigilance and risk of undetected cases in the Southeast Asian country of more than 260 million people.

Indonesian President Widodo confirms first cases of coronavirus

Floods have crippled much of Indonesia's capital Jakarta. Experts say that Jakarta is now sinking at an alarming rate. This report has more details.

Gravitas: Indonesia's sinking capital, thousands caught in floods in Jakarta

Torrential rain brought floods to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta paralysing large parts of the city as rescue workers used boats to navigate streets.

Indonesia's Capital Jakarta could be under water by 2050

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-sends-more-police-to-papua-curbs-internet-speed-amid-tension-244505">Indonesia's </a>military shot dead four students in the country's restive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-sends-more-police-to-papua-curbs-internet-speed-amid-tension-244505">Papua </a>region during 2014 protests and carried out "gross human rights violations", a commission investigating the uprising concluded Monday.

Komnas HAM issued its findings five years after the high-school students were gunned down in Paniai, a central area of insurgency-wracked Papua province, which shares a border with independent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-sends-more-police-to-papua-curbs-internet-speed-amid-tension-244505">Papua New Guinea</a>.

"This incident constitutes crimes against humanity," the commission's chief investigator Muhammad Choirul Anam told AFP in a statement Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violent-protest-erupts-in-capital-of-indonesias-papua-246614">Violent protest erupts in capital of Indonesia's Papua</a>

The military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Komnas HAM said it had forwarded its dossier on the unrest to the country's attorney general for possible prosecution.

The probe was hampered by long delays due to attempts by unnamed individuals to hide evidence, the human rights commission said.

Rank-and-file soldiers and their superiors should shoulder the blame for the deaths of the students, aged 17 and 18, as well as "torturing" another 21 demonstrating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-restores-internet-access-in-parts-of-restive-papua-region-247695">Papuans</a>, it said, without elaborating.

The protests were sparked by the alleged beatings of other Papuan youths by the army.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-restores-internet-access-in-parts-of-restive-papua-region-247695">Indonesia restores internet access in parts of restive Papua region</a>

Security forces eventually opened fire on a crowd after demonstrators threw stones at a military office.

The commission interviewed two dozen witnesses, analysed documents and visited the scene to determine whether the military was involved in the deaths.

So far no-one has been charged.

Indonesia's military has been accused of committing atrocities against Papuan civilians during a decades-long rebel movement aimed at gaining independence for the province.

The Southeast Asian nation took control of mineral-rich <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-restores-internet-access-in-parts-of-restive-papua-region-247695">Papua </a>in the 1960s following a vote to stay within the archipelago that was widely viewed as rigged.

Papua has seen several spasms of deadly violence in recent months, including unrest partly linked to a fresh push for independence and ethnic tensions.

Ethnically Melanesian, most Papuans are Christians who have few cultural links to Muslim-majority Indonesia.

Indonesia's military shot dead four students in the country's restive Papua region during 2014 protests and carried out "gross human rights violations", a commission investigating the uprising concluded Monday.

Indonesia's military shot dead four students in the country's restive Papua region during 2014 protests and carried out "gross human rights violations", a commission investigating the uprising concluded Monday. Komnas HAM issued its findings five years after the high-school students were gunned down in Paniai, a central area of insurgency-wracked Papua province, which shares a border with independent Papua New Guinea. "This incident constitutes crimes against humanity," the commission's chief investigator Muhammad Choirul Anam told AFP in a statement Monday. Also read: Violent protest erupts in capital of Indonesia's Papua The military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Komnas HAM said it had forwarded its dossier on the unrest to the country's attorney general for possible prosecution. The probe was hampered by long delays due to attempts by unnamed individuals to hide evidence, the human rights commission said. Rank-and-file soldiers and their superiors should shoulder the blame for the deaths of the students, aged 17 and 18, as well as "torturing" another 21 demonstrating Papuans, it said, without elaborating. The protests were sparked by the alleged beatings of other Papuan youths by the army. Also read: Indonesia restores internet access in parts of restive Papua region Security forces eventually opened fire on a crowd after demonstrators threw stones at a military office. The commission interviewed two dozen witnesses, analysed documents and visited the scene to determine whether the military was involved in the deaths. So far no-one has been charged. Indonesia's military has been accused of committing atrocities against Papuan civilians during a decades-long rebel movement aimed at gaining independence for the province. The Southeast Asian nation took control of mineral-rich Papua in the 1960s following a vote to stay within the archipelago that was widely viewed as rigged. Papua has seen several spasms of deadly violence in recent months, including unrest partly linked to a fresh push for independence and ethnic tensions. Ethnically Melanesian, most Papuans are Christians who have few cultural links to Muslim-majority Indonesia.

Indonesia military to blame for 2014 Papua killings: rights commission

More than 2,600 new cases from the coronavirus outbreak were confirmed in mainland China. A day later, people returning to the capital from the holiday were ordered to quarantine themselves for 14 days to try to stop its spread. But how Pakistan & Indonesia are still Coronavirus free?

Pakistan & Indonesia hasn't reported any Coronavirus case yet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-eruption-in-indonesias-java-prompts-flight-cancellations-evacuation-136072">Indonesia</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-eruption-in-indonesias-java-prompts-flight-cancellations-evacuation-136072">Mount Merapi</a>, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky.

Authorities have advised commercial planes to take caution in the area.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-eruption-in-indonesias-java-prompts-flight-cancellations-evacuation-136072">Volcano eruption in Indonesia's Java prompts flight cancellations, evacuation</a>

But any activity at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-eruption-in-indonesias-java-prompts-flight-cancellations-evacuation-136072">Merapi </a>raises concern and local residents were ordered to stay outside a three-kilometre no-go zone around the rumbling crater near Indonesia's cultural capital Yogyakarta.&nbsp;

Volcanic ash rained down on a 10-square kilometre area, according to the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-destructive-volcanic-flare-ups-in-the-last-25-years-267419#2018-anak-krakatoa-volcano-(indonesia)-267404">Most destructive volcanic flare-ups in the last 25 years</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-eruption-in-indonesias-java-prompts-flight-cancellations-evacuation-136072">Mount Merapi</a>'s last major eruption in 2010 killed more than 300 people and forced the evacuation of some 280,000 residents.

It was Merapi's most powerful eruption since 1930, which killed around 1,300 people, while another explosion in 1994 took about 60 lives.

The Southeast Asian archipelago has more than 17,000 islands and islets and nearly 130 active volcanoes.

It sits on the Pacific "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-destructive-volcanic-flare-ups-in-the-last-25-years-267419#2018-anak-krakatoa-volcano-(indonesia)-267404">Ring of Fire</a>", a vast zone of geological instability where the collision of tectonic plates causes frequent quakes and major volcanic activity.

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky.

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky. Authorities have advised commercial planes to take caution in the area. Also read: Volcano eruption in Indonesia's Java prompts flight cancellations, evacuation But any activity at Merapi raises concern and local residents were ordered to stay outside a three-kilometre no-go zone around the rumbling crater near Indonesia's cultural capital Yogyakarta. Volcanic ash rained down on a 10-square kilometre area, according to the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre. Also see: Most destructive volcanic flare-ups in the last 25 years Mount Merapi's last major eruption in 2010 killed more than 300 people and forced the evacuation of some 280,000 residents. It was Merapi's most powerful eruption since 1930, which killed around 1,300 people, while another explosion in 1994 took about 60 lives. The Southeast Asian archipelago has more than 17,000 islands and islets and nearly 130 active volcanoes. It sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", a vast zone of geological instability where the collision of tectonic plates causes frequent quakes and major volcanic activity.

Indonesia: Caution advisory issued as Mount Merapi erupts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-bats-could-be-behind-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-277877">Bats</a>, rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings, despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus.

Vendors at the Tomohon Extreme Meat market on Sulawesi island say business is booming and curious tourists keep arriving to check out exotic fare that enrages animal rights activists.

But scientists are debating how the new virus, which has killed more than 1,100 people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-bats-could-be-behind-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-277877">China </a>and spread to dozens of countries around the world, was transmitted to humans

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-bats-could-be-behind-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-277877">Experts say bats could be behind deadly coronavirus outbreak</a>

A wildlife market in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-right-to-freedom-of-speech-gathers-momentum-as-china-fights-coronavirus-280264">Wuhan</a>, the epicentre of the virus, is thought to be ground zero and there is suspicion it could have originated in bats.&nbsp;

The possible link wasn't on many radar screens at the Indonesian market, however.

Its grubby stalls feature a dizzying array of animals including giant snakes, rats impaled on sticks and charred dogs with their hair seared off by blowtorches a gory scene described by some critics as "like walking through hell".

Bat seller Stenly Timbuleng says he's still moving his fare for as much as 60,000 rupiah&nbsp;a kilogram to buyers in the area, where bats are a speciality in local cuisine.

"I'm selling between 40 and 60 kilograms every day," the 45-year-old told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-indonesian-evacuees-return-from-wuhan-locals-protest-against-the-move-to-quarantine-them-278396">As Indonesian evacuees return from Wuhan, locals protest against the move to quarantine them</a>

"The virus hasn't affected sales. My customers still keep coming."

Restaurateur Lince Rengkuan who serves bats including their heads and wings stewed in coconut milk and spices says the secret is preparation.

"If you don't cook the bat well then of course it can be dangerous," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-coronavirus-faqs-myths-vs-facts-279896">Coronavirus FAQs: Myths vs facts</a>

"We cook it thoroughly and so far the number of customers hasn't gone down at all."

This despite a request from the local government and the health agency to take bats and other wildlife out of circulation -- a call that has been all but ignored.

"We're also urging people not to consume meat from animals suspected to be carriers of a fatal disease," said Ruddy Lengkong, head of the area's government trade and industry agency.

Indonesia has not yet reported a confirmed case of the virus.

In the capital Jakarta, vendors selling skinned snakes and cobra blood&nbsp;on a recent Saturday night didn't have any trouble finding takers.

"It's good for you, sir," said one vendor of his slithering fare.

"Cures and prevents all diseases."

Bats, rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings, despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus.

Bats, rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings, despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus. Vendors at the Tomohon Extreme Meat market on Sulawesi island say business is booming and curious tourists keep arriving to check out exotic fare that enrages animal rights activists. But scientists are debating how the new virus, which has killed more than 1,100 people in China and spread to dozens of countries around the world, was transmitted to humans Also read: Experts say bats could be behind deadly coronavirus outbreak A wildlife market in Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, is thought to be ground zero and there is suspicion it could have originated in bats. The possible link wasn't on many radar screens at the Indonesian market, however. Its grubby stalls feature a dizzying array of animals including giant snakes, rats impaled on sticks and charred dogs with their hair seared off by blowtorches a gory scene described by some critics as "like walking through hell". Bat seller Stenly Timbuleng says he's still moving his fare for as much as 60,000 rupiah a kilogram to buyers in the area, where bats are a speciality in local cuisine. "I'm selling between 40 and 60 kilograms every day," the 45-year-old told AFP. Also read: As Indonesian evacuees return from Wuhan, locals protest against the move to quarantine them "The virus hasn't affected sales. My customers still keep coming." Restaurateur Lince Rengkuan who serves bats including their heads and wings stewed in coconut milk and spices says the secret is preparation. "If you don't cook the bat well then of course it can be dangerous," she said. Also read: Coronavirus FAQs: Myths vs facts "We cook it thoroughly and so far the number of customers hasn't gone down at all." This despite a request from the local government and the health agency to take bats and other wildlife out of circulation -- a call that has been all but ignored. "We're also urging people not to consume meat from animals suspected to be carriers of a fatal disease," said Ruddy Lengkong, head of the area's government trade and industry agency. Indonesia has not yet reported a confirmed case of the virus. In the capital Jakarta, vendors selling skinned snakes and cobra blood on a recent Saturday night didn't have any trouble finding takers. "It's good for you, sir," said one vendor of his slithering fare. "Cures and prevents all diseases."

Coronavirus: Bats being sold in Indonesia's wildlife market despite warning

In a bold move, Indonesia has barred the return of more than 600 of its citizens as they are believed to be fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;

The suspected militants are currently stranded in Syrian refugee camps and have remained there since US-led coalition forces defeated ISIS in March 2019.

After meeting President Joko Widodo, the coordinating Political, Legal and Security Minister Mahfud MD stated that they do not intend to take back foreign terrorists for Indonesia, but they are willing to consider making an exception for orphaned minors, depending on their case.

Per data from the US Central Intelligence Agency, Mahfud stated that 689 Indonesians were stranded in Syria, but they had only been able to confirm identities of around 288. Indonesians who travelled to Syria to join ISIS reportedly burned their Indonesian passports and all forms of identification.

Head of Indonesia's counter-terrorism agency, Inspector-General Suhardi Alius stated that the government had set up a task force under Mr Mahfud to evaluate and come up with proposed options for Mr Joko to deal with the issue.

Preceding the recent announcement is heated debates among the masses of Indonesia over allowing countrymen and their families to return home.

Mr Mahfud's adviser Dr Sri Yunanto stated that security concerns of neighbouring countries would be among the factors Indonesia would consider before deciding on the matter.

In a bold move, Indonesia has barred the return of more than 600 of its citizens as they are believed to be fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The suspected militants are currently stranded in Syrian refugee camps and have remained there since US-led coalition forces defeated ISIS in March 2019.

In a bold move, Indonesia has barred the return of more than 600 of its citizens as they are believed to be fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The suspected militants are currently stranded in Syrian refugee camps and have remained there since US-led coalition forces defeated ISIS in March 2019. After meeting President Joko Widodo, the coordinating Political, Legal and Security Minister Mahfud MD stated that they do not intend to take back foreign terrorists for Indonesia, but they are willing to consider making an exception for orphaned minors, depending on their case. Per data from the US Central Intelligence Agency, Mahfud stated that 689 Indonesians were stranded in Syria, but they had only been able to confirm identities of around 288. Indonesians who travelled to Syria to join ISIS reportedly burned their Indonesian passports and all forms of identification. Head of Indonesia's counter-terrorism agency, Inspector-General Suhardi Alius stated that the government had set up a task force under Mr Mahfud to evaluate and come up with proposed options for Mr Joko to deal with the issue. Preceding the recent announcement is heated debates among the masses of Indonesia over allowing countrymen and their families to return home. Mr Mahfud's adviser Dr Sri Yunanto stated that security concerns of neighbouring countries would be among the factors Indonesia would consider before deciding on the matter.

Indonesia bans 600 nationals from returning home due to connections with ISIS

"With great power comes great responsibility": a proverb popularised by the fictional superhero character Peter Parker who doubles as Spider-Man, takes on a twist in Indonesia by a 36-year-old citizen who is harnessing its "power" to encourage his countrymen to take responsibility for his city's problem with waste.

With great power comes great responsibility: Indonesian 'Spiderman' clears rubbish

Indonesians have begun to brew cannabis coffee at home despite the nation having one of the world's strictest drug laws. The brew, which is inherently contraband, became a hit in the Aceh region first, after which the trend spread to different parts of the country.

A kilogram of this special brew costs nearly $75.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cannabis-legalised-in-australian-capital-territory-251966">Cannabis legalised in Australian Capital Territory</a>

However, the business may not survive for long in Aceh, where even drinking alcohol or showing public affection could result in extreme punishment as part of the Sharia Law.

Indonesia has strict laws that prohibit drug trafficking with provisions to award death sentences to offenders. In addition, the military and police officers have begun a crackdown. They are arresting weed farmers, imprisoning users, and torching mountains of confiscated marijuana.

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f7986bf-62f2-4fe2-ab16-97f280c38119" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_80.jpg" /> 
This photo taken on December 10, 2019 shows coffee roasted with marijuana brewing in Banda Aceh, Aceh province. The contraband mixture of cannabis and coffee is a hit with locals and buyers in other parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago, who pay 1.0 million rupiah (75 USD) for a kilo of it | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

More than 100 tonnes of the contraband produce was seized last year alone. The region of Aceh was at the forefront of a separatist insurgency in the early 2000s. &nbsp;

The bloody conflict came to an end after a peace treaty was signed between the government and the rebels.

Fauzan, one of the farmers in the region, now grows chillies to support his family. He also works with the government to convince farmers to switch to vegetables and other crops.&nbsp;

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1dac71d-a40e-496e-9db0-74269d20f06d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_60.jpg" />

"Why did people here grow marijuana? Because growing marijuana was easy, unlike growing chilli. Just clear your land, throw the seeds, leave it then come back for the harvest. But sometimes, we found hard times selling it because the way you distribute marijuana is nothing like selling chilli", Fauzan, former marijuana farmer.

While the government is striving to put to end to marijuana production and the sale of the contraband drug, a lawmaker from Aceh proposed in the Parliament that the drug is legalised.

However, his proposal was shot down not only by his fellow members but also by the National Narcotics Agency.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Indonesians have begun to brew cannabis coffee at home despite the nation having one of the world's strictest drug laws. The brew, which is inherently contraband, became a hit in the Aceh region first, after which the trend spread to different parts of the country.

Indonesians have begun to brew cannabis coffee at home despite the nation having one of the world's strictest drug laws. The brew, which is inherently contraband, became a hit in the Aceh region first, after which the trend spread to different parts of the country. A kilogram of this special brew costs nearly $75. Also read: Cannabis legalised in Australian Capital Territory However, the business may not survive for long in Aceh, where even drinking alcohol or showing public affection could result in extreme punishment as part of the Sharia Law. Indonesia has strict laws that prohibit drug trafficking with provisions to award death sentences to offenders. In addition, the military and police officers have begun a crackdown. They are arresting weed farmers, imprisoning users, and torching mountains of confiscated marijuana. This photo taken on December 10, 2019 shows coffee roasted with marijuana brewing in Banda Aceh, Aceh province. The contraband mixture of cannabis and coffee is a hit with locals and buyers in other parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago, who pay 1.0 million rupiah (75 USD) for a kilo of it | AFP More than 100 tonnes of the contraband produce was seized last year alone. The region of Aceh was at the forefront of a separatist insurgency in the early 2000s. The bloody conflict came to an end after a peace treaty was signed between the government and the rebels. Fauzan, one of the farmers in the region, now grows chillies to support his family. He also works with the government to convince farmers to switch to vegetables and other crops. "Why did people here grow marijuana? Because growing marijuana was easy, unlike growing chilli. Just clear your land, throw the seeds, leave it then come back for the harvest. But sometimes, we found hard times selling it because the way you distribute marijuana is nothing like selling chilli", Fauzan, former marijuana farmer. While the government is striving to put to end to marijuana production and the sale of the contraband drug, a lawmaker from Aceh proposed in the Parliament that the drug is legalised. However, his proposal was shot down not only by his fellow members but also by the National Narcotics Agency. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Indonesia: Even with strict preventive laws in place, people are brewing cannabis coffee

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">China </a>have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said.

The delay in shipments could pressure local prices and force the state-run <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/indias-cotton-exports-could-hit-four-year-high-on-price-rally-weak-rupee-139689?amp">Cotton Corporation of India</a> (CCI) to increase purchases from farmers to ensure domestic prices stay above government-mandated levels.

"As the holiday is extended in China, shipments are getting delayed," said Chirag Patel, chief executive at Jaydeep Cotton Fibers Pvt Ltd, an exporter.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-january-manufacturing-activity-hits-nearly-8-year-high-278375">India's January manufacturing activity hits nearly 8-year high&nbsp;</a>

Most Chinese firms scale back operations or close for long periods around the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Lunar New Year</a> holidays, which began on January&nbsp;24 this year.

But China's government has extended the holidays, announced widespread transport restrictions and told many businesses to stay closed longer to limit the spread of the virus. It is not clear when millions of migrant workers will be able to return to factories or when ports will resume normal operations.

The epidemic has killed nearly 500 people in China and infected more than 24,000 so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study</a>

Indian sellers had contracted around 650,000 bales to China for prompt shipment.

Around 400,000 bales have already been shipped, but the remaining 250,000 bales have been delayed, three exporters and two dealers with global trading houses told Reuters.

"Exporters are a bit worried. So far buyers haven't cancelled contracts, but some might be if this virus outbreak remains there for few more weeks," said Vinay Kotak, a director at Kotak Commodities, a Mumbai-based brokerage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">China</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">Bangladesh</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-trump-visits-vietnam-melania-walks-alone-at-great-wall-543">Vietnam </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-indonesias-mt-sinabung-erupts-696">Indonesia </a>are among key buyers of India cotton.

Exporters have an option of diverting cotton meant for China to other destinations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam if shipments are delayed further, Kotak said.

India has shipped 2 million cotton bales since the 2019-20 marketing year started on October&nbsp;1 and another 1 million bales have been contracted for shipment in February and March, said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India.

"We are hopeful that very soon Chinese buying will return to normal," said Ganatra.

Local cotton prices are already under pressure due to surplus production, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

"Chinese buying was supporting local prices. In the absence of China, Cotton Corporation of India will have to raise purchases," the dealer said.

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to China have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said.

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to China have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said. The delay in shipments could pressure local prices and force the state-run Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to increase purchases from farmers to ensure domestic prices stay above government-mandated levels. "As the holiday is extended in China, shipments are getting delayed," said Chirag Patel, chief executive at Jaydeep Cotton Fibers Pvt Ltd, an exporter. Also read: India's January manufacturing activity hits nearly 8-year high Most Chinese firms scale back operations or close for long periods around the Lunar New Year holidays, which began on January 24 this year. But China's government has extended the holidays, announced widespread transport restrictions and told many businesses to stay closed longer to limit the spread of the virus. It is not clear when millions of migrant workers will be able to return to factories or when ports will resume normal operations. The epidemic has killed nearly 500 people in China and infected more than 24,000 so far. Also read: India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study Indian sellers had contracted around 650,000 bales to China for prompt shipment. Around 400,000 bales have already been shipped, but the remaining 250,000 bales have been delayed, three exporters and two dealers with global trading houses told Reuters. "Exporters are a bit worried. So far buyers haven't cancelled contracts, but some might be if this virus outbreak remains there for few more weeks," said Vinay Kotak, a director at Kotak Commodities, a Mumbai-based brokerage. China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia are among key buyers of India cotton. Exporters have an option of diverting cotton meant for China to other destinations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam if shipments are delayed further, Kotak said. India has shipped 2 million cotton bales since the 2019-20 marketing year started on October 1 and another 1 million bales have been contracted for shipment in February and March, said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India. "We are hopeful that very soon Chinese buying will return to normal," said Ganatra. Local cotton prices are already under pressure due to surplus production, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. "Chinese buying was supporting local prices. In the absence of China, Cotton Corporation of India will have to raise purchases," the dealer said.

Virus outbreak delays India's cotton exports to China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/latest-south-east-asia-news-reward-offered-by-indonesia-to-whoever-can-remove-a-tire-stuck-on-a-crocodiles-neck-277740">Indonesia </a>needs to sign a new renewable energy contract in the next three years to counter its massive demographic shift, according to a report in 'Indonesia&nbsp;Clean Energy Outlook'.

The country&nbsp;is Southeast Asia's largest economy and democracy and is rapidly&nbsp;approaching a demographic shift in the next ten years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/latest-south-east-asia-news-reward-offered-by-indonesia-to-whoever-can-remove-a-tire-stuck-on-a-crocodiles-neck-277740">Reward offered by Indonesia to whoever can remove a tire stuck on a crocodile's neck</a>

Experts claim that Asia's next clean energy battle will not be in India or China but in Indonesia.&nbsp;In a decade, almost half of its population will enter the workforce and 7 out of 10 people will be working by 2030, the report said. 
&nbsp; 
The country's conventional poverty rate has declined and it is experiencing enormous urban migration.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-indonesias-mt-sinabung-erupts-696#mt-sinabung-spews-massive-smoke-117135">Indonesia's Mt Sinabung erupts</a>

Although the situation is similar to that of other countries in Southeast Asia, it has not negotiated a new renewable energy contract in three years. &nbsp;

According to the report, it will become the largest contributor to the region's ballooning energy demand over a short period of time due to rapid growth and will soon&nbsp;join both India and China as a global hotspot for power needs.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indonesia-to-increase-imports-from-india-amid-new-delhi-malaysia-spat-report-276398">Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat</a>

Indonesia's&nbsp;electricity needs are reportedly set to almost double in the next 10 years. Without immediate measures, it can offset the region's positive growth due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the report claimed.

However, Indonesia expects to put an end to stalled clean energy growth in March.

According to sources, a ministry regulation has been&nbsp;aiming to attract investment in the sphere of renewable energy.&nbsp;Malaysia and Vietnam have supported Indonesia in its endeavour.

Indonesian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-presidential-election-prabowo-subianto-vs-joko-widodo-209329">Joko Widodo</a> implied in a speech last year that reducing coal will become a national policy.

However, to meet the goal of 23 per cent renewables from 12 per cent in its energy mix by 2025 it will need to cancel coal projects which already exist in the construction pipeline.&nbsp;

Indonesia needs to sign a new renewable energy contract in the next three years to counter its massive demographic shift, according to a report in 'Indonesia Clean Energy Outlook'.

Indonesia needs to sign a new renewable energy contract in the next three years to counter its massive demographic shift, according to a report in 'Indonesia Clean Energy Outlook'. The country is Southeast Asia's largest economy and democracy and is rapidly approaching a demographic shift in the next ten years. Also read: Reward offered by Indonesia to whoever can remove a tire stuck on a crocodile's neck Experts claim that Asia's next clean energy battle will not be in India or China but in Indonesia. In a decade, almost half of its population will enter the workforce and 7 out of 10 people will be working by 2030, the report said. The country's conventional poverty rate has declined and it is experiencing enormous urban migration. Also see: Indonesia's Mt Sinabung erupts Although the situation is similar to that of other countries in Southeast Asia, it has not negotiated a new renewable energy contract in three years. According to the report, it will become the largest contributor to the region's ballooning energy demand over a short period of time due to rapid growth and will soon join both India and China as a global hotspot for power needs. Also read: Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat Indonesia's electricity needs are reportedly set to almost double in the next 10 years. Without immediate measures, it can offset the region's positive growth due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the report claimed. However, Indonesia expects to put an end to stalled clean energy growth in March. According to sources, a ministry regulation has been aiming to attract investment in the sphere of renewable energy. Malaysia and Vietnam have supported Indonesia in its endeavour. Indonesian President Joko Widodo implied in a speech last year that reducing coal will become a national policy. However, to meet the goal of 23 per cent renewables from 12 per cent in its energy mix by 2025 it will need to cancel coal projects which already exist in the construction pipeline.

To combat Asia's energy battle, Indonesia needs to sign new renewable energy contract: Report

Indonesian authorities are offering a reward to anyone who can rescue a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crocodile-named-merry-mauls-woman-to-death-in-indonesia-190985">saltwater crocodile</a> with a motorbike tyre stuck around its neck -&nbsp;and survive. 
The contest will see one brave croc hunter land an unspecified amount of cash, but it will mean coming face to face with the 13-foot (4-metre) reptile in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.

Local conservation authorities have been trying -&nbsp;and failing - for several years to find a way to untangle the croc after video showed it gasping for air.&nbsp;That sparked worries the tire was slowly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-villagers-kill-nearly-300-crocodiles-in-a-revenge-attack-152071">killing the beast</a>. After a recent sighting, the province's governor instructed his resource-strapped conservation agency to figure out how to end years of fruitless attempts.

<img alt="Saltwater Crocodile" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7790ee6c-cd3f-4811-91de-7e73d365ef0f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2822%29_6.jpg" /> 
[ The crocodile can be seen here slowly dying as the tire continues to hamper its breathing&nbsp;(Courtesy: AFP) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-human-limbs-found-inside-20-foot-long-crocodile-34515">Indonesia: Human limbs found inside 20-foot long crocodile</a>

The agency offered few details on the reward, or how outsiders might pull off the task. But its chief -&nbsp;who said the cash would come out of his own pocket -&nbsp;warned that he was not calling on amateurs to hunt down the reptile, but rather addressing people with a background in wildlife rescue and a thirst for conservation.

"We're asking the general public not to get close to the crocodile or disturb its habitat," said Hasmuni Hasmar, head of the Central Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency.

Indonesian authorities are offering a reward to anyone who can rescue a saltwater crocodile with a motorbike tyre stuck around its neck - and survive. The contest will see one brave croc hunter land an unspecified amount of cash, but it will mean coming face to face with the 13-foot (4-metre) reptile in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.

Indonesian authorities are offering a reward to anyone who can rescue a saltwater crocodile with a motorbike tyre stuck around its neck - and survive. The contest will see one brave croc hunter land an unspecified amount of cash, but it will mean coming face to face with the 13-foot (4-metre) reptile in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi. Local conservation authorities have been trying - and failing - for several years to find a way to untangle the croc after video showed it gasping for air. That sparked worries the tire was slowly killing the beast. After a recent sighting, the province's governor instructed his resource-strapped conservation agency to figure out how to end years of fruitless attempts. [ The crocodile can be seen here slowly dying as the tire continues to hamper its breathing (Courtesy: AFP) ] Also Read: Indonesia: Human limbs found inside 20-foot long crocodile The agency offered few details on the reward, or how outsiders might pull off the task. But its chief - who said the cash would come out of his own pocket - warned that he was not calling on amateurs to hunt down the reptile, but rather addressing people with a background in wildlife rescue and a thirst for conservation. "We're asking the general public not to get close to the crocodile or disturb its habitat," said Hasmuni Hasmar, head of the Central Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency.

Reward offered by Indonesia to whoever can remove a tire stuck on a crocodile's neck

The masked woman nervously approaches her target, shuffles into position and then unleashes a flurry of lashes -- proving herself as the newest member of the first female flogging squad in Indonesia's Aceh province.

The new recruit initially needed some coaxing to punish the offender -- an unmarried woman caught in a hotel room with a man.

Such behaviour constitutes a morality crime in Aceh, the only region in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation that imposes Islamic law -- known as Sharia. Those found guilty of breaches are often publicly whipped with a rattan cane.

But despite her reticence, she persevered and delivered her first flogging.

"I think she did a good job. Her technique was nice," Banda Aceh Sharia police chief investigator Zakwan, who uses one name, told AFP.

The controversial punishment enrages rights activists and generates heated media debate, as well as amongst politicians.&nbsp;

Indonesia's president has issued a call for the public floggings to stop but he has little say over what happens in Aceh, a deeply conservative region on Sumatra island.

Unlike the rest of the nation, Aceh follows religious law as part of a 2005 autonomy deal agreed with the central government that ended a decades-long separatist insurgency.

Here, public whipping remains a common punishment for scores of offenders for a range of charges including gambling, adultery, drinking alcohol, and having gay or pre-marital sex.&nbsp;

But the job has always been done by men. Until now.

'No mercy'

More and more women are being charged for morality crimes such as public affection or premarital sex, experts say, as greater internet access and globalisation bring clashes with local cultural and religious norms.&nbsp;

Enforcement too has increased and now Aceh says it's trying to follow Islamic law, which calls for women to whip female perpetrators. This is already what happens in neighbouring Malaysia.&nbsp;

But convincing women to participate has been no easy task, and it's taken years to assemble the first female squad, according to Safriadi, who heads provincial capital Banda Aceh's Sharia Implementation Unit.

Eight women -- all Sharia officers -- agreed to be floggers and were trained in the appropriate technique and advised how to limit injury.&nbsp;

Previously, a dozen men performed all the whippings in the city for an unspecified fee.

For security reasons, Aceh officials declined to let AFP speak with the floggers, who are outfitted in cloth masks and loose-fitting brown uniforms to hide their identities.

"We train them to make sure they're physically fit and teach them how to do a proper whipping," Zakwan said.

But the secret for any whipping is getting past the mental hurdle of lashing fellow citizens.&nbsp;

For that, you need to look to God, Zakwan said.

"It's kind of an indoctrination that we give to them so they have a better understanding of their role -- have no mercy for those who violate God's law', he added.

'Too lenient'

Aceh officials insist caning deters crime, with patrols often scouring public places and establishments -- or acting on tip-offs -- to monitor behaviour.

Sharia police in Banda Aceh, a city of some 220,000 people, are on the streets round-the-clock in three shifts.

On a recent patrol, a couple sitting close to each other on the beach escaped with a reprimand.

But a group of men and women spotted at a coffee shop around 3:00 am weren't so lucky and were arrested on suspicion of breaking strict codes about unmarried men and women interacting.

<img alt="Sharia law" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1096f324-388a-42ce-969b-62f010a3ef8e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NN8X7.jpg" />

[A woman, 21, who was caught in proximity with her boyfriend, is caned in Banda Aceh on October 29, 2018. (Photo: AFP)] 
 
"This shows that we never sleep looking for violations of Sharia (Islamic law)," Safriadi said.

From behind bars, one of the men said that there was nothing romantic happening at the coffee shop.

"We don't even know the women and were sitting at different tables," he told AFP.

The women were later released with a reprimand as were the men, but police said the trio may be charged for a new offence, after it was determined they were gay.

Same-sex relations can earn residents a whipping in front of jeering crowds, which can number in the hundreds.

"Sharia in Aceh is still lenient," said resident Saiful Tengkuh.

"Aceh needs harsher punishments like stoning, not just whipping. Someone committing adultery should be stoned 100 times," he added.

'Don't do it again'

Aceh, home to about 5 million people, once mulled beheading for serious crimes, but the central government ruled it out.

This summer, it made headlines over a fatwa, or religious edict, against online game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) and opposing a national women's football league because it didn't have a stadium where only female players, match officials and spectators would be present.

But whipping is often what gets Aceh in the news -- unwanted attention local officials say is Islamophobic.

Advocates say many people caught breaking religious law choose to whip as an efficient if painful, way to avoid a stiff jail term.

But this rough justice can take a toll.&nbsp;

Floggings can be so severe that people pass out or are hospitalised, with the most serious crimes -- including gay sex and having relations with a minor -- earning as many as 150 lashes.

Many offenders have fled the area out of shame or because customers deserted their businesses. Few are keen to discuss their experience.

For women, arrest for even a minor violation can lead to victimisation, including sexual harassment and rape during the arrest, according to research by the Network for Civil Society Concerned with Sharia.&nbsp;

Reporting these assaults without proof can even open up victims to flogging for making a false accusation, it added.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned such punishments as "barbaric", "inhumane", and tantamount to torture.&nbsp;

But Aceh officials insist they're "far more lenient" than ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia and some other Muslim nations.

"We're not aiming to hurt people by whipping them," Safriadi said.

"The most important thing is the shaming effect on violators and spectators so they don't do it again."

The masked woman nervously approaches her target, shuffles into position and then unleashes a flurry of lashes -- proving herself as the newest member of the first female flogging squad in Indonesia's Aceh province.

The masked woman nervously approaches her target, shuffles into position and then unleashes a flurry of lashes -- proving herself as the newest member of the first female flogging squad in Indonesia's Aceh province. The new recruit initially needed some coaxing to punish the offender -- an unmarried woman caught in a hotel room with a man. Such behaviour constitutes a morality crime in Aceh, the only region in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation that imposes Islamic law -- known as Sharia. Those found guilty of breaches are often publicly whipped with a rattan cane. But despite her reticence, she persevered and delivered her first flogging. "I think she did a good job. Her technique was nice," Banda Aceh Sharia police chief investigator Zakwan, who uses one name, told AFP. The controversial punishment enrages rights activists and generates heated media debate, as well as amongst politicians. Indonesia's president has issued a call for the public floggings to stop but he has little say over what happens in Aceh, a deeply conservative region on Sumatra island. Unlike the rest of the nation, Aceh follows religious law as part of a 2005 autonomy deal agreed with the central government that ended a decades-long separatist insurgency. Here, public whipping remains a common punishment for scores of offenders for a range of charges including gambling, adultery, drinking alcohol, and having gay or pre-marital sex. But the job has always been done by men. Until now. 'No mercy' More and more women are being charged for morality crimes such as public affection or premarital sex, experts say, as greater internet access and globalisation bring clashes with local cultural and religious norms. Enforcement too has increased and now Aceh says it's trying to follow Islamic law, which calls for women to whip female perpetrators. This is already what happens in neighbouring Malaysia. But convincing women to participate has been no easy task, and it's taken years to assemble the first female squad, according to Safriadi, who heads provincial capital Banda Aceh's Sharia Implementation Unit. Eight women -- all Sharia officers -- agreed to be floggers and were trained in the appropriate technique and advised how to limit injury. Previously, a dozen men performed all the whippings in the city for an unspecified fee. For security reasons, Aceh officials declined to let AFP speak with the floggers, who are outfitted in cloth masks and loose-fitting brown uniforms to hide their identities. "We train them to make sure they're physically fit and teach them how to do a proper whipping," Zakwan said. But the secret for any whipping is getting past the mental hurdle of lashing fellow citizens. For that, you need to look to God, Zakwan said. "It's kind of an indoctrination that we give to them so they have a better understanding of their role -- have no mercy for those who violate God's law', he added. 'Too lenient' Aceh officials insist caning deters crime, with patrols often scouring public places and establishments -- or acting on tip-offs -- to monitor behaviour. Sharia police in Banda Aceh, a city of some 220,000 people, are on the streets round-the-clock in three shifts. On a recent patrol, a couple sitting close to each other on the beach escaped with a reprimand. But a group of men and women spotted at a coffee shop around 3:00 am weren't so lucky and were arrested on suspicion of breaking strict codes about unmarried men and women interacting. [A woman, 21, who was caught in proximity with her boyfriend, is caned in Banda Aceh on October 29, 2018. (Photo: AFP)] "This shows that we never sleep looking for violations of Sharia (Islamic law)," Safriadi said. From behind bars, one of the men said that there was nothing romantic happening at the coffee shop. "We don't even know the women and were sitting at different tables," he told AFP. The women were later released with a reprimand as were the men, but police said the trio may be charged for a new offence, after it was determined they were gay. Same-sex relations can earn residents a whipping in front of jeering crowds, which can number in the hundreds. "Sharia in Aceh is still lenient," said resident Saiful Tengkuh. "Aceh needs harsher punishments like stoning, not just whipping. Someone committing adultery should be stoned 100 times," he added. 'Don't do it again' Aceh, home to about 5 million people, once mulled beheading for serious crimes, but the central government ruled it out. This summer, it made headlines over a fatwa, or religious edict, against online game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) and opposing a national women's football league because it didn't have a stadium where only female players, match officials and spectators would be present. But whipping is often what gets Aceh in the news -- unwanted attention local officials say is Islamophobic. Advocates say many people caught breaking religious law choose to whip as an efficient if painful, way to avoid a stiff jail term. But this rough justice can take a toll. Floggings can be so severe that people pass out or are hospitalised, with the most serious crimes -- including gay sex and having relations with a minor -- earning as many as 150 lashes. Many offenders have fled the area out of shame or because customers deserted their businesses. Few are keen to discuss their experience. For women, arrest for even a minor violation can lead to victimisation, including sexual harassment and rape during the arrest, according to research by the Network for Civil Society Concerned with Sharia. Reporting these assaults without proof can even open up victims to flogging for making a false accusation, it added. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned such punishments as "barbaric", "inhumane", and tantamount to torture. But Aceh officials insist they're "far more lenient" than ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia and some other Muslim nations. "We're not aiming to hurt people by whipping them," Safriadi said. "The most important thing is the shaming effect on violators and spectators so they don't do it again."

Sharia law in Indonesia: Now, female floggers to whip women for premarital sex, cuddling in public

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Indonesia and Malaysia account for 85 per cent of the world's palm oil output while India is the biggest buyer of edible oil. India has effectively halted imports of refined palm oil from Malaysia since early January in retaliation for Malaysia's accusation that recent Indian policies discriminate against Muslims.

Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of India's row with Malaysia. Indonesian crude palm oil has sold at a premium to Malaysian oil since India this month placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil.

The trade ministers of India and Indonesia, which want to more than double their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2025, met in Davos on Thursday and agreed to fast-forward trade between them, one of the informed sources said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-palm-import-curbs-to-start-malaysia-indonesia-price-war-souces-273149">India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war</a>

"This is a goal we agreed upon earlier, now the process accelerates," said the Indian source. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media.

"Starting now, they have promised that they will buy a lot more meat, a lot more sugar and autos/auto parts. Palm oil imports from Indonesia will increase and there are many areas where we will export more."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-india-restricts-imports-of-refined-palm-oil-after-malaysias-criticism-over-caa-273241/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The sources declined to give figures.

An Indian government document, reviewed by Reuters, said that Indonesia had "informally agreed" to double the annual quota for Indian bovine meat exports to 200,000 tonnes.

Indian-Indonesian trade was worth $21.2 billion in the last fiscal year that ended in March, $15.84 billion of which comprised Indian purchases.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysia-too-small-to-respond-to-indias-boycott-of-palm-oil-with-trade-retaliation-mahathir-mohamad-275346">Malaysia too small to respond to India's boycott of palm oil with trade retaliation - Mahathir Mohamad</a>

Indonesian Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto will visit India next month to hold further talks on enhancing trade, according to one of the Indian government sources.

A spokeswoman for Indonesia's trade ministry had no immediate comment. An Indian trade ministry spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Indonesia imported 94,500 tonnes of Indian buffalo meat worth $323 million in the 2018/19 fiscal year. It is the third biggest buyer of Indian buffalo meat after Vietnam and Malaysia.

Indonesia, however, bought only 555 tonnes of sugar from India last fiscal year.

"They have now changed some of their norms to let more Indian sugar come in," said one of the sources. "In other areas, there's an ongoing process of discussion on easing regulations or standards, or increasing quotas in these areas."

Malaysia's top sugar refiner told Reuters on Thursday that it would increase purchases of sugar from India, a move that two sources in Malaysia said was part of efforts to placate New Delhi amid the palm spat.

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday. Indonesia and Malaysia account for 85 per cent of the world's palm oil output while India is the biggest buyer of edible oil. India has effectively halted imports of refined palm oil from Malaysia since early January in retaliation for Malaysia's accusation that recent Indian policies discriminate against Muslims. Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of India's row with Malaysia. Indonesian crude palm oil has sold at a premium to Malaysian oil since India this month placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil. The trade ministers of India and Indonesia, which want to more than double their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2025, met in Davos on Thursday and agreed to fast-forward trade between them, one of the informed sources said. Also read: India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war "This is a goal we agreed upon earlier, now the process accelerates," said the Indian source. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media. "Starting now, they have promised that they will buy a lot more meat, a lot more sugar and autos/auto parts. Palm oil imports from Indonesia will increase and there are many areas where we will export more." × The sources declined to give figures. An Indian government document, reviewed by Reuters, said that Indonesia had "informally agreed" to double the annual quota for Indian bovine meat exports to 200,000 tonnes. Indian-Indonesian trade was worth $21.2 billion in the last fiscal year that ended in March, $15.84 billion of which comprised Indian purchases. Also read: Malaysia too small to respond to India's boycott of palm oil with trade retaliation - Mahathir Mohamad Indonesian Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto will visit India next month to hold further talks on enhancing trade, according to one of the Indian government sources. A spokeswoman for Indonesia's trade ministry had no immediate comment. An Indian trade ministry spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Indonesia imported 94,500 tonnes of Indian buffalo meat worth $323 million in the 2018/19 fiscal year. It is the third biggest buyer of Indian buffalo meat after Vietnam and Malaysia. Indonesia, however, bought only 555 tonnes of sugar from India last fiscal year. "They have now changed some of their norms to let more Indian sugar come in," said one of the sources. "In other areas, there's an ongoing process of discussion on easing regulations or standards, or increasing quotas in these areas." Malaysia's top sugar refiner told Reuters on Thursday that it would increase purchases of sugar from India, a move that two sources in Malaysia said was part of efforts to placate New Delhi amid the palm spat.

Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat: Report

Amidst the crisis in West Asia, the maritime stand-off in South China sea has largely been ignored in the media. In the last week, Indonesia gathered naval troops near Natuna islands & forced China to retreat after Chinese vessels intruded into Indonesia's naval boundaries. WION's Palki Sharma explains. #Gravitas #China #SouthChinaSea #Indonesia

Gravitas: Stand-off in South China sea: Indonesia's stern message to China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-from-malaysia-following-pm-mahathir-mohamad-caa-remark-273134">India's restrictions on imports of refined palm oil</a> will lead to a loss of market share for Malaysia and spark a price war with rival suppliers, Indonesia, a Malaysian industry association said on Thursday.

India, the world's biggest edible oil buyer, issued a notification on Wednesday amending imports of refined palm oil to "restricted", a move that industry sources said amounted to an effective ban.

The move was seen as punishing Malaysia, India's main supplier of refined palm oil, for criticism of its policies by Mahathir Mohamad, the 94-year-old outspoken prime minister of Muslim-majority Malaysia. Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of crude palm oil.

The Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM) said the move meant Malaysia would now have to compete on crude palm sales to India, where Indonesia has traditionally been more cost-competitive.

"This puts Indonesia and Malaysia at loggerheads. There will be a price war between Indonesia and Malaysia, and we are at the losing end," said PORAM Chairman Jamil Haron told Reuters.

"We can still sell crude palm oil, but now we need to compete with Indonesia."

Haron said the restrictions on refined palm oil could be in the form of quotas and more regulations.

Malaysia last year overtook Indonesia as India's biggest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-cuts-tax-on-crude-refined-palm-oil-imports-from-asean-countries-187685">palm oil</a> supplier after it won a lower duty for refined palm oil imports.

The Southeast Asian neighbours account for 85 per cent&nbsp;of global palm oil production. Palm oil is Malaysia's biggest agricultural export, accounting for 2.8 per cent&nbsp;of its gross domestic product and 4.5 per cent&nbsp;of total exports.

A Kuala Lumpur-based trader, who did not want to be named citing company policy, said Malaysia's exports would start falling from end-January after current contracts end.

Malaysia exported an estimated 3.9 million tonnes of palm oil to India in 2019. Of this 2.04 million tonnes was palm olein which is used as a cooking agent, according to Refinitiv data.

PORAM members include top industry players including Sime Darby Plantation, Cargill Palm Products, FGV Refineries, IOI Edible Oils, and Wilmar Edible Oils.

Malaysian Palm Oil Association Chief Executive Nageeb Wahab said the curbs on refined palm oil exports would benefit Indian refiners.

Mahathir said in October India "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed mainly Muslim region also claimed by Pakistan. Last month, he said India was stoking unrest with its new religion-based citizenship law that excludes Muslims.

India's restrictions on imports of refined palm oil will lead to a loss of market share for Malaysia and spark a price war with rival suppliers, Indonesia, a Malaysian industry association said on Thursday.

India's restrictions on imports of refined palm oil will lead to a loss of market share for Malaysia and spark a price war with rival suppliers, Indonesia, a Malaysian industry association said on Thursday. India, the world's biggest edible oil buyer, issued a notification on Wednesday amending imports of refined palm oil to "restricted", a move that industry sources said amounted to an effective ban. The move was seen as punishing Malaysia, India's main supplier of refined palm oil, for criticism of its policies by Mahathir Mohamad, the 94-year-old outspoken prime minister of Muslim-majority Malaysia. Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of crude palm oil. The Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM) said the move meant Malaysia would now have to compete on crude palm sales to India, where Indonesia has traditionally been more cost-competitive. "This puts Indonesia and Malaysia at loggerheads. There will be a price war between Indonesia and Malaysia, and we are at the losing end," said PORAM Chairman Jamil Haron told Reuters. "We can still sell crude palm oil, but now we need to compete with Indonesia." Haron said the restrictions on refined palm oil could be in the form of quotas and more regulations. Malaysia last year overtook Indonesia as India's biggest palm oil supplier after it won a lower duty for refined palm oil imports. The Southeast Asian neighbours account for 85 per cent of global palm oil production. Palm oil is Malaysia's biggest agricultural export, accounting for 2.8 per cent of its gross domestic product and 4.5 per cent of total exports. A Kuala Lumpur-based trader, who did not want to be named citing company policy, said Malaysia's exports would start falling from end-January after current contracts end. Malaysia exported an estimated 3.9 million tonnes of palm oil to India in 2019. Of this 2.04 million tonnes was palm olein which is used as a cooking agent, according to Refinitiv data. PORAM members include top industry players including Sime Darby Plantation, Cargill Palm Products, FGV Refineries, IOI Edible Oils, and Wilmar Edible Oils. Malaysian Palm Oil Association Chief Executive Nageeb Wahab said the curbs on refined palm oil exports would benefit Indian refiners. Mahathir said in October India "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed mainly Muslim region also claimed by Pakistan. Last month, he said India was stoking unrest with its new religion-based citizenship law that excludes Muslims.

India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war: Report

A student from Indonesia was named as Britain's worst ever rapist on Monday (January 6) after being convicted of more than 150 offences over more than two and a half years.

Indonesian student jailed as Britain's worst rapist

Tens of thousands of Indonesians were still unable to return to their waterlogged homes Saturday after flooding hit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-floods-nearly-30-people-dead-several-missing-271670">Jakarta</a> capital region, killing at least 53 people, authorities said.

More than 170,000 people took refuge in shelters across the massive urban conglomeration home to some 30 million after whole neighbourhoods were submerged.

Torrential rains that started on New Year's Eve unleashed flash floods and landslides in the region and neighbouring Lebak at the south end of Java island.

On Saturday, Indonesia's disaster agency said the death toll had climbed to 53 with one person still missing.

"We've discovered more dead bodies," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-floods-cloud-seeding-to-halt-rain-floods-death-toll-rises-to-43-271874">National Disaster Mitigation Agency</a> spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-indonesia-flood-rises-to-21-thousands-displaced-271513">Agus Wibowo</a>.

Officials would be visiting the homeless Saturday in the hardest-hit areas, he added.

Shelters filled up with refugees, including infants, resting on thin mats as food and drinking water ran low.

Some had been reduced to using floodwaters to clean themselves and dishes.

"We badly need clean water in this shelter," Trima Kanti said from one refuge in Jakarta's western edges.

"We're cleaning ourselves in a nearby church but the timing has been limited since it uses an electric generator for power," the 39-year-old added.

In hard-hit Bekasi, on the eastern outskirts of Jakarta, swampy streets were littered with debris and crushed cars lying on top of each other&nbsp;with waterline marks reaching as high as the second floors of buildings.

The government said Friday it would start cloud seeding to the west of the capital inducing rain using chemicals sprayed from planes to prevent approaching rainfall from pounding the region.

Waters had receded in many areas and power was being restored after being cut off in hundreds of districts.

The health ministry has said it deployed some 11,000 health workers and soldiers to distribute medicine, disinfectant hygiene kits and food in a bid to stave off outbreaks of Hepatitis A, mosquito-borne Dengue fever and other illnesses, including infections linked to contact with dead animals.

Around Jakarta, a family including a four- and nine-year-old died of suspected gas poisoning from a portable power generator, while an eight-year-old boy was killed in a landslide.

Others died from drowning or hypothermia, while one 16-year-old boy was electrocuted by a power line.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-floods-nearly-30-people-dead-several-missing-271670">Jakarta</a> is regularly hit by floods during the rainy season, which started in late November.

But this week's disaster marked Jakarta's worst flooding since 2013 when dozens were killed after the city was inundated by monsoon rains.

Urban planning experts said the disaster was partly due to record rainfall.

But Jakarta's myriad infrastructure problems, including poor drainage and rampant overdevelopment, worsened the situation, they said.

Indonesian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-two-hurt-in-suspected-grenade-blast-near-presidential-palace-265828">Joko Widodo</a> has announced a plan to move the country's capital to Borneo island to take the pressure off Jakarta, which suffers from some of the world's worst traffic jams and is fast sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction.

Tens of thousands of Indonesians were still unable to return to their waterlogged homes Saturday after flooding hit the Jakarta capital region, killing at least 53 people, authorities said.

Tens of thousands of Indonesians were still unable to return to their waterlogged homes Saturday after flooding hit the Jakarta capital region, killing at least 53 people, authorities said. More than 170,000 people took refuge in shelters across the massive urban conglomeration home to some 30 million after whole neighbourhoods were submerged. Torrential rains that started on New Year's Eve unleashed flash floods and landslides in the region and neighbouring Lebak at the south end of Java island. On Saturday, Indonesia's disaster agency said the death toll had climbed to 53 with one person still missing. "We've discovered more dead bodies," said National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Agus Wibowo. Officials would be visiting the homeless Saturday in the hardest-hit areas, he added. Shelters filled up with refugees, including infants, resting on thin mats as food and drinking water ran low. Some had been reduced to using floodwaters to clean themselves and dishes. "We badly need clean water in this shelter," Trima Kanti said from one refuge in Jakarta's western edges. "We're cleaning ourselves in a nearby church but the timing has been limited since it uses an electric generator for power," the 39-year-old added. In hard-hit Bekasi, on the eastern outskirts of Jakarta, swampy streets were littered with debris and crushed cars lying on top of each other with waterline marks reaching as high as the second floors of buildings. The government said Friday it would start cloud seeding to the west of the capital inducing rain using chemicals sprayed from planes to prevent approaching rainfall from pounding the region. Waters had receded in many areas and power was being restored after being cut off in hundreds of districts. The health ministry has said it deployed some 11,000 health workers and soldiers to distribute medicine, disinfectant hygiene kits and food in a bid to stave off outbreaks of Hepatitis A, mosquito-borne Dengue fever and other illnesses, including infections linked to contact with dead animals. Around Jakarta, a family including a four- and nine-year-old died of suspected gas poisoning from a portable power generator, while an eight-year-old boy was killed in a landslide. Others died from drowning or hypothermia, while one 16-year-old boy was electrocuted by a power line. Jakarta is regularly hit by floods during the rainy season, which started in late November. But this week's disaster marked Jakarta's worst flooding since 2013 when dozens were killed after the city was inundated by monsoon rains. Urban planning experts said the disaster was partly due to record rainfall. But Jakarta's myriad infrastructure problems, including poor drainage and rampant overdevelopment, worsened the situation, they said. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has announced a plan to move the country's capital to Borneo island to take the pressure off Jakarta, which suffers from some of the world's worst traffic jams and is fast sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction.

Indonesia Floods: Thousands take refuge in shelters, death toll climbs to 53

Heavy torrential rains lead to heavy floods & natural disaster in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. #JakartaFloods #Indonesia #Floods

Gravitas: Nature's fury: Jakarta flooded, 43 dead

Indonesia will carry out cloud seeding on Friday in a bid to prevent further rainfall over the capital Jakarta, after deadly flash floods and landslides following some of the heaviest rains in more than 20 years.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-floods-nearly-30-people-dead-several-missing-271670">death toll</a> in Jakarta and surrounding areas rose to 30 as of Thursday night, according to the country's disaster mitigation agency, while tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

The floods followed torrential rains on December&nbsp;31 and into the early hours of New Year's day and inundated swathes of Jakarta and nearby towns.

With more deluges forecast, two small planes have been readied to break up potential rain clouds in the skies above the Sunda Strait, while a bigger plane will be on standby, Indonesia's technology agency BPPT said in a statement.

"All clouds moving towards the Greater Jakarta area, which are&nbsp;estimated to lead to precipitation there, will be shot with NaCl (sodium chloride) material," the agency said.

"Hopefully they will break before they reach the Greater <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-dead-after-flooding-in-jakarta-271461">Jakarta</a> area."

&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indonesia floods -&nbsp;21 killed in Jakarta since new year eve

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-floods-21-killed-in-jakarta-since-new-year-eve-271644/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Cloud seeding, or shooting salt flares into clouds in an attempt to trigger rainfall, is often used in Indonesia to put out forest fires during the dry season.

The Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysics Agency has warned that "extreme weather" may continue until January&nbsp;7, while heavy rainfall could last through to mid-February.

Television footage on Friday showed floodwaters still inundating some areas of Southeast Asia's largest city.

Authorities on Thursday used hundreds of pumps to suck water out of residential areas and public infrastructure, like railways.

President Joko Widodo blamed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-indonesia-flood-rises-to-21-thousands-displaced-271513">delays in flood control infrastructure</a> projects for the disaster, including the construction of a canal that has been delayed since 2017 due to land acquisition problems.

Widodo last year announced he will move Indonesia's capital to East Kalimantan province on Borneo island, to reduce the burden on Jakarta, which is overpopulated and sinking.

Jakarta and its surroundings are home to more than 30 million people. More than 50 people died in one of the capital's deadliest floods in 2007 and five years ago much of the centre of the city was inundated after canals overflowed.

Indonesia will carry out cloud seeding on Friday in a bid to prevent further rainfall over the capital Jakarta, after deadly flash floods and landslides following some of the heaviest rains in more than 20 years.

Indonesia will carry out cloud seeding on Friday in a bid to prevent further rainfall over the capital Jakarta, after deadly flash floods and landslides following some of the heaviest rains in more than 20 years. The death toll in Jakarta and surrounding areas rose to 30 as of Thursday night, according to the country's disaster mitigation agency, while tens of thousands of people have been displaced. The floods followed torrential rains on December 31 and into the early hours of New Year's day and inundated swathes of Jakarta and nearby towns. With more deluges forecast, two small planes have been readied to break up potential rain clouds in the skies above the Sunda Strait, while a bigger plane will be on standby, Indonesia's technology agency BPPT said in a statement. "All clouds moving towards the Greater Jakarta area, which are estimated to lead to precipitation there, will be shot with NaCl (sodium chloride) material," the agency said. "Hopefully they will break before they reach the Greater Jakarta area." Watch: Indonesia floods - 21 killed in Jakarta since new year eve × Cloud seeding, or shooting salt flares into clouds in an attempt to trigger rainfall, is often used in Indonesia to put out forest fires during the dry season. The Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysics Agency has warned that "extreme weather" may continue until January 7, while heavy rainfall could last through to mid-February. Television footage on Friday showed floodwaters still inundating some areas of Southeast Asia's largest city. Authorities on Thursday used hundreds of pumps to suck water out of residential areas and public infrastructure, like railways. President Joko Widodo blamed delays in flood control infrastructure projects for the disaster, including the construction of a canal that has been delayed since 2017 due to land acquisition problems. Widodo last year announced he will move Indonesia's capital to East Kalimantan province on Borneo island, to reduce the burden on Jakarta, which is overpopulated and sinking. Jakarta and its surroundings are home to more than 30 million people. More than 50 people died in one of the capital's deadliest floods in 2007 and five years ago much of the centre of the city was inundated after canals overflowed.

Indonesia plans cloud seeding to halt rain as floods death toll hits 30

Indonesia will carry out cloud seeding on Friday in a bid to prevent further rainfall over the capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-indonesia-flood-rises-to-21-thousands-displaced-271513">Jakarta</a>, after deadly flash floods and landslides following some of the heaviest rains ever recorded.

The death toll in Jakarta and surrounding areas rose to 43 as of Friday, the country's disaster mitigation agency said, while tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

Watch: Severe floods hit Indonesia

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-floods-21-killed-in-jakarta-since-new-year-eve-271644/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The toll <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-floods-nearly-30-people-dead-several-missing-271670">increased</a> from 30 on Thursday night.

The floods followed torrential rains on December 31 and into the early hours of New Year's day that inundated swathes of Jakarta and nearby towns, home to about 30 million people.

The deluge at the start of 2020 was "one of the most extreme rainfall" events since records began in 1866, the country's Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said in a statement on Friday.

<img alt="Indonesia Floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e77aa948-d52e-4bbf-a82e-316fc981cb9d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2820%29_1.jpg" />

The agency said climate change has increased risk of extreme weather.

With more rain forecast, two small planes have been readied to break up potential rain clouds in the skies above the Sunda Strait, while a bigger plane will be on standby, Indonesia's technology agency BPPT said in a statement.

"All clouds moving towards the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-indonesia-flood-rises-to-21-thousands-displaced-271513">Greater Jakarta</a> area, which is estimated to lead to precipitation there, will be shot with NaCl (sodium chloride) material," the agency said.

"Hopefully they will break before they reach the Greater Jakarta area."

Cloud Seeding, or shooting salt flares into clouds in an attempt to trigger rainfall, is often used in Indonesia to put out forest fires during the dry season.

The BMKG has warned that "extreme weather" may continue until January&nbsp;7, while heavy rainfall could last through to mid-February.

<img alt="Indonesia Floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3d69011-b185-4b94-a287-fe3645a3c6fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2819%29_0.jpg" />

Television footage on Friday showed floodwaters still inundating some areas of Southeast Asia's largest city.

Authorities on Thursday used hundreds of pumps to suck water out of residential areas and public infrastructure, like railways.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-two-hurt-in-suspected-grenade-blast-near-presidential-palace-265828">Joko Widodo</a> blamed delays in flood control infrastructure projects for the disaster, including the construction of a canal that has been delayed since 2017 due to land acquisition problems.

Widodo last year announced he will move Indonesia's capital to East Kalimantan province on Borneo island, to reduce the burden on Jakarta, which is overpopulated and sinking.

More than 50 people died in one of the capital's deadliest floods in 2007 and five years ago much of the centre of the city was inundated after canals overflowed.

Indonesia will carry out cloud seeding on Friday in a bid to prevent further rainfall over the capital Jakarta, after deadly flash floods and landslides following some of the heaviest rains ever recorded.

Indonesia will carry out cloud seeding on Friday in a bid to prevent further rainfall over the capital Jakarta, after deadly flash floods and landslides following some of the heaviest rains ever recorded. The death toll in Jakarta and surrounding areas rose to 43 as of Friday, the country's disaster mitigation agency said, while tens of thousands of people have been displaced. Watch: Severe floods hit Indonesia × The toll increased from 30 on Thursday night. The floods followed torrential rains on December 31 and into the early hours of New Year's day that inundated swathes of Jakarta and nearby towns, home to about 30 million people. The deluge at the start of 2020 was "one of the most extreme rainfall" events since records began in 1866, the country's Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said in a statement on Friday. The agency said climate change has increased risk of extreme weather. With more rain forecast, two small planes have been readied to break up potential rain clouds in the skies above the Sunda Strait, while a bigger plane will be on standby, Indonesia's technology agency BPPT said in a statement. "All clouds moving towards the Greater Jakarta area, which is estimated to lead to precipitation there, will be shot with NaCl (sodium chloride) material," the agency said. "Hopefully they will break before they reach the Greater Jakarta area." Cloud Seeding, or shooting salt flares into clouds in an attempt to trigger rainfall, is often used in Indonesia to put out forest fires during the dry season. The BMKG has warned that "extreme weather" may continue until January 7, while heavy rainfall could last through to mid-February. Television footage on Friday showed floodwaters still inundating some areas of Southeast Asia's largest city. Authorities on Thursday used hundreds of pumps to suck water out of residential areas and public infrastructure, like railways. President Joko Widodo blamed delays in flood control infrastructure projects for the disaster, including the construction of a canal that has been delayed since 2017 due to land acquisition problems. Widodo last year announced he will move Indonesia's capital to East Kalimantan province on Borneo island, to reduce the burden on Jakarta, which is overpopulated and sinking. More than 50 people died in one of the capital's deadliest floods in 2007 and five years ago much of the centre of the city was inundated after canals overflowed.

Indonesia Floods: 'Cloud Seeding' to halt rain, floods death toll rises to 43

At least 21 people were confirmed dead on Thursday and thousands were forced to evacuate, after severe flooding hit Indonesia's capital as residents were celebrating the New Year.

Indonesia floods: 21 killed in Jakarta since new year eve

Nine people died after Indonesia's capital was hit by its deadliest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catastrophic-floods-could-provoke-famine-in-south-sudan-world-food-programme-267961">flooding</a> in years, authorities said Wednesday, as torrential rains on New Year's Eve left vast swathes of the megalopolis submerged.

Thousands were evacuated to temporary shelters as electricity was switched off in scores of waterlogged neighbourhoods across greater Jakarta, home to about 30 million people, with some train lines and one of the city's airports also shut.

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency called on residents to leave flood-hit areas.

"The first priority is saving lives," said agency head Doni Monardo.

A 16-year-old was electrocuted by a power line, while three more people died of hypothermia, according to the disaster agency.

"My son's body was covered with newspaper when my two other children passed by," said Fadrid, who identified himself as the dead teen's father.

"People asked them whether they knew the victim. If they hadn't been passing by, we wouldn't have known my son had been killed," he told AFP.

Among the victims was an elderly couple trapped inside their home in a district where floodwaters reached as high as four metres (13 feet) after a river burst its banks.

Another victim drowned while four people were killed after the Tuesday evening downpour triggered landslides in the city's outskirts.&nbsp;

"We have shut down power (in many areas) to avoid more electrical shocks," Ikhsan Asaad, an official at state&nbsp;firm PLN, told AFP.

Asaad said he could not estimate how many residents had been affected by the power shutdown.

"We're currently focusing on taking measures to ensure people's safety," he added.

Angelina Widiyanti was among scores of residents whose houses were flooded with their possessions ruined by the disaster.

"We've had flooding several times before but it was never this high," she said from her home, where the power had been cut.

"We weren't prepared for this."

Authorities said about 19,000 people were evacuated, but that figure did not include residents in Jakarta's satellite cities.

"We're evacuating people right now," Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan told reporters.

"Everyone living near rivers should anticipate (more) flooding," he added.

Images from across the region showed waterlogged homes and cars submerged in muddy floodwaters, while some people took to paddling in small rubber lifeboats or tyre inner-tubes to get around.

The disaster marked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-protests-to-china-over-border-intrusion-near-south-china-sea-271269">Jakarta's worst flooding</a> since 2013 when several dozen people were killed when the city was inundated by monsoon rains.

Jakarta is regularly hit by floods during Indonesia's rainy season, which started in late November.

On Wednesday, service at Halim Perdanakusuma airport, which handles commercial and military planes, was temporarily shut due to severe flooding on its runways, according to the transport ministry.

Many flights were transferred to Jakarta's main Soekarno–Hatta International Airport.

Nine people died after Indonesia's capital was hit by its deadliest flooding in years, authorities said Wednesday, as torrential rains on New Year's Eve left vast swathes of the megalopolis submerged.

Nine people died after Indonesia's capital was hit by its deadliest flooding in years, authorities said Wednesday, as torrential rains on New Year's Eve left vast swathes of the megalopolis submerged. Thousands were evacuated to temporary shelters as electricity was switched off in scores of waterlogged neighbourhoods across greater Jakarta, home to about 30 million people, with some train lines and one of the city's airports also shut. Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency called on residents to leave flood-hit areas. "The first priority is saving lives," said agency head Doni Monardo. A 16-year-old was electrocuted by a power line, while three more people died of hypothermia, according to the disaster agency. "My son's body was covered with newspaper when my two other children passed by," said Fadrid, who identified himself as the dead teen's father. "People asked them whether they knew the victim. If they hadn't been passing by, we wouldn't have known my son had been killed," he told AFP. Among the victims was an elderly couple trapped inside their home in a district where floodwaters reached as high as four metres (13 feet) after a river burst its banks. Another victim drowned while four people were killed after the Tuesday evening downpour triggered landslides in the city's outskirts. "We have shut down power (in many areas) to avoid more electrical shocks," Ikhsan Asaad, an official at state firm PLN, told AFP. Asaad said he could not estimate how many residents had been affected by the power shutdown. "We're currently focusing on taking measures to ensure people's safety," he added. Angelina Widiyanti was among scores of residents whose houses were flooded with their possessions ruined by the disaster. "We've had flooding several times before but it was never this high," she said from her home, where the power had been cut. "We weren't prepared for this." Authorities said about 19,000 people were evacuated, but that figure did not include residents in Jakarta's satellite cities. "We're evacuating people right now," Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan told reporters. "Everyone living near rivers should anticipate (more) flooding," he added. Images from across the region showed waterlogged homes and cars submerged in muddy floodwaters, while some people took to paddling in small rubber lifeboats or tyre inner-tubes to get around. The disaster marked Jakarta's worst flooding since 2013 when several dozen people were killed when the city was inundated by monsoon rains. Jakarta is regularly hit by floods during Indonesia's rainy season, which started in late November. On Wednesday, service at Halim Perdanakusuma airport, which handles commercial and military planes, was temporarily shut due to severe flooding on its runways, according to the transport ministry. Many flights were transferred to Jakarta's main Soekarno–Hatta International Airport.

Nine dead after flooding in Jakarta

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-indonesia-bus-plunge-rises-to-35-as-more-victims-found-270295">Indonesia</a> said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty".

The boat trespassed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands of Natuna, Indonesia's foreign ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the incident occurred.

"The foreign affairs ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta and conveyed a strong protest regarding this incident. A diplomatic note of protest has also been sent," it said.

The ambassador will report back to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-army-in-hong-kong-carries-out-air-sea-exercises-report-271138">Beijing</a>, but both sides have decided to maintain good bilateral relations, it said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;

Local fishermen saw a Chinese coastguard vessel escorting fishing boats several times in recent days and then reported what they had seen to the Maritime Security Agency, media reports said.

Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their waters and that both China and Indonesia have "normal" fishing activities there.

China's coastguard also carries out regular patrols there, he told a daily news briefing, without directly mentioning the Natuna Islands.

China's ambassador to Indonesia has already explained these points to the Indonesian government, Geng added.

Indonesia has no claims over the Spratly Islands, which lie to the northeast of the Natuna Islands.

Indonesia's foreign ministry reiterated its stance that the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and that it has no overlapping jurisdiction with China.

However, Jakarta has clashed with Beijing before over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and has also expanded its military presence in the area.

China claims most of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/south-china-sea-standoff-can-quad-check-chinas-encroachment-270414">South China Sea</a>, an important trade route which is believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas.

Beijing has been building artificial islands in the area, developments that have irked members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines - all members of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-pointless-for-kim-to-attend-south-korea-asean-summit-263634">ASEAN</a> - and also Taiwan also have claims in the sea.

Indonesia said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty".

Indonesia said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty". The boat trespassed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands of Natuna, Indonesia's foreign ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the incident occurred. "The foreign affairs ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta and conveyed a strong protest regarding this incident. A diplomatic note of protest has also been sent," it said. The ambassador will report back to Beijing, but both sides have decided to maintain good bilateral relations, it said. Also Watch: Local fishermen saw a Chinese coastguard vessel escorting fishing boats several times in recent days and then reported what they had seen to the Maritime Security Agency, media reports said. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their waters and that both China and Indonesia have "normal" fishing activities there. China's coastguard also carries out regular patrols there, he told a daily news briefing, without directly mentioning the Natuna Islands. China's ambassador to Indonesia has already explained these points to the Indonesian government, Geng added. Indonesia has no claims over the Spratly Islands, which lie to the northeast of the Natuna Islands. Indonesia's foreign ministry reiterated its stance that the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and that it has no overlapping jurisdiction with China. However, Jakarta has clashed with Beijing before over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and has also expanded its military presence in the area. China claims most of the South China Sea, an important trade route which is believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas. Beijing has been building artificial islands in the area, developments that have irked members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines - all members of ASEAN - and also Taiwan also have claims in the sea.

Indonesia protests to China over border intrusion near South China Sea

indonesia

Indonesia, News on Indonesia, stories on Indonesia, articles on Indonesia, Indonesia stories at Wion, Indonesia news, Indonesia latest news