&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter&nbsp;security&nbsp;for state officials a day&nbsp;after&nbsp;a suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-islamic-state-terrorist-stabs-indonesian-security-minister-254936">Islamist militant stabbed the chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister</a> as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019.

Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many&nbsp;Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta&nbsp;after&nbsp;sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;after&nbsp;he opened a university building in Pandeglang town.

He was the first senior politician to be&nbsp;attacked in recent years and the&nbsp;president&nbsp;said he should be the last.

"Even when we already have&nbsp;security&nbsp;measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital&nbsp;after&nbsp;visiting the minister.

"He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister had asked to take part in government meetings.

Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors.

The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws&nbsp;after&nbsp;a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year.

The&nbsp;attack&nbsp;came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20.

Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;would not have an impact on the inauguration.

Wiranto has served as chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016.

A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents.

His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor.

Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town. Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019. Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta after sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the attack after he opened a university building in Pandeglang town. He was the first senior politician to be attacked in recent years and the president said he should be the last. "Even when we already have security measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital after visiting the minister. "He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the security minister had asked to take part in government meetings. Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors. The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws after a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year. The attack came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20. Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the attack would not have an impact on the inauguration. Wiranto has served as chief security minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016. A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents. His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor. Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President tightens security for ministers after attack

An attacker allegedly "exposed to IS radicalism" stabbed Indonesian security minister Wiranto as he was stepping into a vehicle Thursday, leaving two deep wounds, police said.

"Someone approached and attacked him. The local police chief and Pak (Mr) Wiranto were injured," National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said of the attack in Pandeglang on Java island, adding that a man and a woman had been arrested.

Television images showed security officers wrestling the couple to the ground outside a local university after the attack on the 72-year-old Wiranto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Berkah Hospital spokesman Firmansyah said the former military general suffered "two deep wounds", but was conscious and in stable condition, adding that he would be rushed to the capital Jakarta and may need surgery.

An attacker allegedly "exposed to IS radicalism" stabbed Indonesian security minister Wiranto as he was stepping into a vehicle Thursday, leaving two deep wounds, police said.

An attacker allegedly "exposed to IS radicalism" stabbed Indonesian security minister Wiranto as he was stepping into a vehicle Thursday, leaving two deep wounds, police said. "Someone approached and attacked him. The local police chief and Pak (Mr) Wiranto were injured," National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said of the attack in Pandeglang on Java island, adding that a man and a woman had been arrested. Television images showed security officers wrestling the couple to the ground outside a local university after the attack on the 72-year-old Wiranto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Berkah Hospital spokesman Firmansyah said the former military general suffered "two deep wounds", but was conscious and in stable condition, adding that he would be rushed to the capital Jakarta and may need surgery.

Suspected Islamic State terrorist stabs Indonesian security minister

Southeast Asia's Internet economy was forecast to grow 39 per cent this year to $100 billion as millions of people in the region went online to shop for the first time and ride-share firms grew in popularity, an industry report showed on Thursday.

The annual report by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-offers-incognito-mode-for-maps-in-privacy-push-253314">Google</a>, Singapore's state investor Temasek Holdings and global business consultants Bain &amp; Company also lifted its forecast for the region's growth through 2025 to $300 billion, from $240 billion previously.

The region's online industry has more than tripled in the past four years alone as young users turn to their phones to do everything from banking, playing games and purchasing plane tickets.

"This pace of growth has exceeded all expectations," the 64-page report, which was first produced in 2016, said. "Internet access is now affordable for large segments of the population and consumer trust in digital services has improved significantly."

More than $37 billion has been invested in Southeast Asian online companies over the last four years with the majority going into e-Commerce firms like Zilingo and ride-hailing Unicorns such as Grab and Gojek, the report found.

Ride-hailing alone was worth $13 billion, quadrupling in value since 2015, and expected to reach $40 billion by 2025 when food delivery will be worth as much as transport.

Southeast Asia's average growth rate of 5 per cent per year since 2014 puts it far ahead of the global average and makes it an attractive investment destination as the Chinese economy is hobbled by the Sino-United States trade war.

There are 360 million Internet users across the countries covered in the report - Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapores-fake-news-law-takes-effect-as-critics-sound-alarm-253218">Singapore</a>, and the Philippines - up from 260 million four years earlier.

Southeast Asia's Internet economy was forecast to grow 39 per cent this year to $100 billion as millions of people in the region went online to shop for the first time and ride-share firms grew in popularity, an industry report showed on Thursday.

Southeast Asia's Internet economy was forecast to grow 39 per cent this year to $100 billion as millions of people in the region went online to shop for the first time and ride-share firms grew in popularity, an industry report showed on Thursday. The annual report by Google, Singapore's state investor Temasek Holdings and global business consultants Bain & Company also lifted its forecast for the region's growth through 2025 to $300 billion, from $240 billion previously. The region's online industry has more than tripled in the past four years alone as young users turn to their phones to do everything from banking, playing games and purchasing plane tickets. "This pace of growth has exceeded all expectations," the 64-page report, which was first produced in 2016, said. "Internet access is now affordable for large segments of the population and consumer trust in digital services has improved significantly." More than $37 billion has been invested in Southeast Asian online companies over the last four years with the majority going into e-Commerce firms like Zilingo and ride-hailing Unicorns such as Grab and Gojek, the report found. Ride-hailing alone was worth $13 billion, quadrupling in value since 2015, and expected to reach $40 billion by 2025 when food delivery will be worth as much as transport. Southeast Asia's average growth rate of 5 per cent per year since 2014 puts it far ahead of the global average and makes it an attractive investment destination as the Chinese economy is hobbled by the Sino-United States trade war. There are 360 million Internet users across the countries covered in the report - Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines - up from 260 million four years earlier.

Southeast Asia's internet economy to hit $300 billion by 2025: Report

More than 500 people were&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;after&nbsp;clashes in&nbsp;Indonesia's capital amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-across-indonesia-in-fresh-legal-reform-protests-252836">nationwide&nbsp;protests</a>&nbsp;against a raft of divisive reforms, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">banning pre-marital sex</a> and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

The arrests came&nbsp;after&nbsp;a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students,&nbsp;in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests

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Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building.

Since last week, at least two students have died and&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship.

"So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday.

"We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added.

The government has sought to portray the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May.

National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's&nbsp;protests.

Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said.

The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes&nbsp;from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law.

Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of&nbsp;Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency.

Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week.

Police have previously denied responsibility.

Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesia</a>'s restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia.

Updating&nbsp;Indonesia's criminal code,&nbsp;which dates back to the Dutch colonial era&nbsp;has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups.

The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday. The arrests came after a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students, in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core. Watch Video: Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests × Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building. Since last week, at least two students have died and hundreds more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy. The protests are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship. "So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday. "We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added. The government has sought to portray the protests as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May. National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's protests. Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said. The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law. Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency. Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week. Police have previously denied responsibility. Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from Indonesia's restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia. Updating Indonesia's criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch colonial era has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups. The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

Hundreds arrested in Indonesia after fresh protests over legal-reforms

Thousands rallied across Indonesia Monday in fresh demonstrations sparked by a raft of divisive legal reforms, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">banning pre-marital sex </a>and weakening the anti-graft agency.

At least two students have died and hundreds more were injured as unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off a second term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy.

In the capital Jakarta, some 26,000 police and soldiers were deployed while large crowds -- including placard-carrying students and factory workers -- chanted for change near parliament, which was barricaded with barbed wire.

The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes -- from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law.

The protests are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship.

Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, while Widodo has said he would consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency, known as the KPK.

"Why is this law being revised?" said Lukmanul Hakim Ahbr, a 24-year-old Indonesian who said he returned from his studies in neighbouring Malaysia to join the protests.

"We students... reject any revision that will weaken the KPK," he added.

Some held banners that read: "Cancel regulations that threaten people's rights and the environment."

Protesters have also demanded troops be pulled from Indonesia's restive Papua region, where fresh violence killed more than 30 people this month.

They are also demanding a probe on the deaths of two university students on Sulawesi island last week, including one who was shot during the anti-government protests. The police have denied responsibility.

On Monday, scuffles broke out between authorities and some 2,000 university students on Lombok, an island next to Bali where hundreds also rallied.

More than a thousand demonstrators gathered in the city of Bandung on Java island.

Ahead of Tuesday's inauguration of MPs, Indonesia's chief security minister Wiranto -- who goes by one name -- warned that any bloodshed would not be tolerated.

"I'm reminding protesters not to engage in violence or disrupt the inauguration of new lawmakers," the minister told a press briefing.

Officials have portrayed the protests as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt government -- and suggested they were similar to May's deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta.

Updating Indonesia's criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch colonial era, has been debated for decades but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups.

Thousands rallied across Indonesia Monday in fresh demonstrations sparked by a raft of divisive legal reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency.

Thousands rallied across Indonesia Monday in fresh demonstrations sparked by a raft of divisive legal reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency. At least two students have died and hundreds more were injured as unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off a second term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy. In the capital Jakarta, some 26,000 police and soldiers were deployed while large crowds -- including placard-carrying students and factory workers -- chanted for change near parliament, which was barricaded with barbed wire. The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes -- from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law. The protests are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship. Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, while Widodo has said he would consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency, known as the KPK. "Why is this law being revised?" said Lukmanul Hakim Ahbr, a 24-year-old Indonesian who said he returned from his studies in neighbouring Malaysia to join the protests. "We students... reject any revision that will weaken the KPK," he added. Some held banners that read: "Cancel regulations that threaten people's rights and the environment." Protesters have also demanded troops be pulled from Indonesia's restive Papua region, where fresh violence killed more than 30 people this month. They are also demanding a probe on the deaths of two university students on Sulawesi island last week, including one who was shot during the anti-government protests. The police have denied responsibility. On Monday, scuffles broke out between authorities and some 2,000 university students on Lombok, an island next to Bali where hundreds also rallied. More than a thousand demonstrators gathered in the city of Bandung on Java island. Ahead of Tuesday's inauguration of MPs, Indonesia's chief security minister Wiranto -- who goes by one name -- warned that any bloodshed would not be tolerated. "I'm reminding protesters not to engage in violence or disrupt the inauguration of new lawmakers," the minister told a press briefing. Officials have portrayed the protests as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt government -- and suggested they were similar to May's deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta. Updating Indonesia's criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch colonial era, has been debated for decades but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups.

Thousands rally across Indonesia in fresh legal-reform protests

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands rose to 30 on Sunday, including several toddlers, the disaster agency said.

On Thursday, terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude tremor struck, sparking landslides that buried at least one of the victims.

Among the confirmed dead were three young children, with many people killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city.

The region's governor has declared a state of emergency until October 9, the agency said.

"As of Sunday morning, 30 people died and 156 were injured," said national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo.

On Friday, the agency had revised down the official death toll of 23 to 19 after officials realised some of the deceased has been double-counted.

At least 25,000 people had to flee because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said previously.

Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities were also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchens for the evacuees in several districts.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth.

It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands rose to 30 on Sunday, including several toddlers, the disaster agency said.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands rose to 30 on Sunday, including several toddlers, the disaster agency said. On Thursday, terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude tremor struck, sparking landslides that buried at least one of the victims. Among the confirmed dead were three young children, with many people killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city. The region's governor has declared a state of emergency until October 9, the agency said. "As of Sunday morning, 30 people died and 156 were injured," said national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo. On Friday, the agency had revised down the official death toll of 23 to 19 after officials realised some of the deceased has been double-counted. At least 25,000 people had to flee because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said previously. Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities were also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchens for the evacuees in several districts. The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Indonesia quake death toll rises to 30: Government

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters.

Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them with the 6.5-magnitude tremor sparking landslides that buried at least one victim on Thursday.

Among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/infant-among-at-least-20-killed-in-indonesian-quake-officials-252221">confirmed dead was an infant</a>, with many killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city.

"The total number of people who died is 23," national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement.&nbsp;

More than 100 people were also injured and at least 15,000 people had to evacuate because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said.

Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities have also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchen for the evacuees in several districts.&nbsp;

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth.&nbsp;

It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.&nbsp;

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.&nbsp;

Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week.&nbsp;

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters. Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them with the 6.5-magnitude tremor sparking landslides that buried at least one victim on Thursday. Among the confirmed dead was an infant, with many killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city. "The total number of people who died is 23," national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement. More than 100 people were also injured and at least 15,000 people had to evacuate because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said. Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities have also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchen for the evacuees in several districts. The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Indonesia earthquake toll rises to 23

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured Thursday in a strong earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands, triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims, the disaster agency said.

Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude quake hit in the morning.

"At least 100 people were injured and more than 2,000 evacuated," said national disaster mitigation spokesman Agus Wibowo who gave the latest death toll in statement.

Among those killed was an infant, he said.

Earlier, local disaster agency officials said some victims had been killed by falling debris while one person was buried in a landslide.

Another victim died of a heart attack as the tremor hit, while one woman died after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, officials said.

Residents of Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground.

Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said.

"The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).

"Many people were woken up by the shaking it felt like a truck was passing by."

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitude, Triyono said.

An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck.

Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor.

"It was a really hard shock," he said.

"Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds."

'No need to panic'

Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency.

Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm.

"People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island.

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction -a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand.

Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week.

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured Thursday in a strong earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands, triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims, the disaster agency said.

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured Thursday in a strong earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands, triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims, the disaster agency said. Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude quake hit in the morning. "At least 100 people were injured and more than 2,000 evacuated," said national disaster mitigation spokesman Agus Wibowo who gave the latest death toll in statement. Among those killed was an infant, he said. Earlier, local disaster agency officials said some victims had been killed by falling debris while one person was buried in a landslide. Another victim died of a heart attack as the tremor hit, while one woman died after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, officials said. Residents of Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground. Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said. "The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). "Many people were woken up by the shaking it felt like a truck was passing by." The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitude, Triyono said. An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck. Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor. "It was a really hard shock," he said. "Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds." 'No need to panic' Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency. Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm. "People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction -a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand. Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Infant among at least 20 killed in Indonesian quake: Officials

Four people have died after a strong earthquake struck Indonesia's remote Maluku islands Thursday, destroying homes and triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims.

Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them after the 6.5-magnitude quake hit at around 8:45 local time (0045 GMT).

Two people were killed by falling debris, another died after being buried in a landslide while a woman was killed after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency and the local search and rescue office.

People in Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground.

Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said.

"The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

"Many people were woken up by the shaking, it felt like a truck was passing by."

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitudes, Triyono said.

An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck.

Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor.

"It was a really hard shock," he told AFP.

"Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds."

'No need to panic'

Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency.

Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm.

"People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth.

It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island.

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction, a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand.

Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week.

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.&nbsp;

Four people have died after a strong earthquake struck Indonesia's remote Maluku islands Thursday, destroying homes and triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims.

Four people have died after a strong earthquake struck Indonesia's remote Maluku islands Thursday, destroying homes and triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims. Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them after the 6.5-magnitude quake hit at around 8:45 local time (0045 GMT). Two people were killed by falling debris, another died after being buried in a landslide while a woman was killed after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency and the local search and rescue office. People in Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground. Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said. "The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). "Many people were woken up by the shaking, it felt like a truck was passing by." The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitudes, Triyono said. An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck. Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor. "It was a really hard shock," he told AFP. "Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds." 'No need to panic' Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency. Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm. "People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction, a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand. Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Four dead after strong quake rocks eastern Indonesia

Indonesian police officer, Toha, who goes by one name, has been putting out forest fires since 2015. This year, with the return of hot spots in Kalimantan, he has had a hectic schedule, running around with just a face mask on, carrying buckets of water and directing his colleagues to hose down areas burning.

'My soul's calling': Indonesian police officer tirelessly puts out haze-causing fires

The bodies of four passengers on an Indonesian cargo plane that went missing in the jungles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-blocks-internet-in-papua-to-help-curb-violent-protests-244734">Papua</a> a week ago have been recovered, the Search and Rescue Agency said Wednesday.

The DHC-6 Twin Otter took off from the city of Timika for a short flight to Ilaga, a mountainous region in the remote eastern province of Papua.

Local authorities declared the plane&nbsp;missing after it failed to land hours after taking off.&nbsp;It was carrying three crew members, a police officer, and 1.7 tonnes of rice -&nbsp;missing after it failed to land hours after taking off.

On Wednesday, the Search and Rescue Agency said that four bodies were discovered near the wreckage of the small plane.

"The location was difficult to reach because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-sends-more-police-to-papua-curbs-internet-speed-amid-tension-244505">dangerous terrain</a>, but thankfully we managed to recover the victims' bodies," Budi Purnomo of the national search and rescue agency told reporters.

Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands but mountainous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violent-protest-erupts-in-capital-of-indonesias-papua-246614">Papua</a> is a particularly difficult area to reach.

The Southeast Asian archipelago has a poor aviation safety record and Papua is covered in mountainous terrain with frequent poor weather.

In June, a military helicopter with 12 people on board lost contact just minutes after it took off from a remote part of Papua. The remains of the aircraft have yet to be found.

The bodies of four passengers on an Indonesian cargo plane that went missing in the jungles of Papua a week ago have been recovered, the Search and Rescue Agency said Wednesday.

The bodies of four passengers on an Indonesian cargo plane that went missing in the jungles of Papua a week ago have been recovered, the Search and Rescue Agency said Wednesday. The DHC-6 Twin Otter took off from the city of Timika for a short flight to Ilaga, a mountainous region in the remote eastern province of Papua. Local authorities declared the plane missing after it failed to land hours after taking off. It was carrying three crew members, a police officer, and 1.7 tonnes of rice - missing after it failed to land hours after taking off. On Wednesday, the Search and Rescue Agency said that four bodies were discovered near the wreckage of the small plane. "The location was difficult to reach because of the dangerous terrain, but thankfully we managed to recover the victims' bodies," Budi Purnomo of the national search and rescue agency told reporters. Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands but mountainous Papua is a particularly difficult area to reach. The Southeast Asian archipelago has a poor aviation safety record and Papua is covered in mountainous terrain with frequent poor weather. In June, a military helicopter with 12 people on board lost contact just minutes after it took off from a remote part of Papua. The remains of the aircraft have yet to be found.

Four bodies recovered from crashed Indonesian cargo plane

At least 26 people have been killed in unrest in Indonesia's restive Papua region, authorities said on Tuesday, as thousands fled to shelters following a day of violence that saw victims being burned alive in buildings set ablaze by protesters.

Papua, on the western half of New Guinea island, has been gripped by weeks of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-six-dead-200-injured-after-unrest-following-indonesia-election-result-220555"> violent protests</a> fuelled by anger over racism, as well as fresh calls for self-rule in the impoverished territory.

Some 22 people died in Wamena city where hundreds had demonstrated and burned down a&nbsp;government office and other buildings on Monday, with some victims perishing in deliberately set fires, authorities said, as they upped the death toll from a previous 20 with more than 70 injured.

Some 700 people had been rounded up for questioning over the deadly riots, the military said.

"Some were burned, some were hacked to death... some were trapped in fires," local military commander Chandra Dianto told AFP.

"(We're) going to scour the debris to look for more possible victims in shops and stalls that were set on fire," he added.

Most victims in Wamena were non-Papuans, authorities said, threatening an escalation in violence against migrants from other parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago.&nbsp;

Most of the recent clashes have been between separatist protesters and Indonesian security forces.

A soldier and three civilians also died in provincial capital Jayapura, where security forces and stone-throwing protesters clashed Monday.

The soldier was stabbed to death, while three students died from rubber bullet wounds, authorities said, without elaborating.

'Racist Comments'

Monday's protests in Wamena -- mostly involving high-schoolers -- were reportedly sparked by racist comments made by a teacher, but police have disputed that account as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-lifts-social-media-curbs-targeting-hoaxes-during-recent-unrest-221576">"hoax"</a>.

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua, which is pushing for independence, described Monday's violence as a "massacre" and said that 17 Papuan high school students had been gunned down by Indonesian security forces.

Neither the military nor the independence movement's claims could be independently verified. Conflicting accounts are common in Papua.

More than 4,000 residents, including mothers and their children, have fled to military and police posts, government buildings and a local church to seek shelter, according to authorities.

A low-level separatist insurgency has simmered for decades in the former Dutch colony after Jakarta took over the mineral-rich region in the 1960s. A vote to stay within the archipelago was widely viewed as rigged.

Weeks of protests broke out across Papua and in other parts of Indonesia after the mid-August arrest and tear-gassing of dozens of Papuan students, who were also racially abused, in the country's second-biggest city, Surabaya.

At least 26 people have been killed in unrest in Indonesia's restive Papua region, authorities said on Tuesday, as thousands fled to shelters following a day of violence that saw victims being burned alive in buildings set ablaze by protesters.

At least 26 people have been killed in unrest in Indonesia's restive Papua region, authorities said on Tuesday, as thousands fled to shelters following a day of violence that saw victims being burned alive in buildings set ablaze by protesters. Papua, on the western half of New Guinea island, has been gripped by weeks of violent protests fuelled by anger over racism, as well as fresh calls for self-rule in the impoverished territory. Some 22 people died in Wamena city where hundreds had demonstrated and burned down a government office and other buildings on Monday, with some victims perishing in deliberately set fires, authorities said, as they upped the death toll from a previous 20 with more than 70 injured. Some 700 people had been rounded up for questioning over the deadly riots, the military said. "Some were burned, some were hacked to death... some were trapped in fires," local military commander Chandra Dianto told AFP. "(We're) going to scour the debris to look for more possible victims in shops and stalls that were set on fire," he added. Most victims in Wamena were non-Papuans, authorities said, threatening an escalation in violence against migrants from other parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago. Most of the recent clashes have been between separatist protesters and Indonesian security forces. A soldier and three civilians also died in provincial capital Jayapura, where security forces and stone-throwing protesters clashed Monday. The soldier was stabbed to death, while three students died from rubber bullet wounds, authorities said, without elaborating. 'Racist Comments' Monday's protests in Wamena -- mostly involving high-schoolers -- were reportedly sparked by racist comments made by a teacher, but police have disputed that account as a "hoax". The United Liberation Movement for West Papua, which is pushing for independence, described Monday's violence as a "massacre" and said that 17 Papuan high school students had been gunned down by Indonesian security forces. Neither the military nor the independence movement's claims could be independently verified. Conflicting accounts are common in Papua. More than 4,000 residents, including mothers and their children, have fled to military and police posts, government buildings and a local church to seek shelter, according to authorities. A low-level separatist insurgency has simmered for decades in the former Dutch colony after Jakarta took over the mineral-rich region in the 1960s. A vote to stay within the archipelago was widely viewed as rigged. Weeks of protests broke out across Papua and in other parts of Indonesia after the mid-August arrest and tear-gassing of dozens of Papuan students, who were also racially abused, in the country's second-biggest city, Surabaya.

Papua unrest death toll hits 26: Indonesian police

Smoke from forest fire turns skies red in Indonesia

While smoke from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">forest fires</a> in Indonesia often simply obscures visibility with a choking haze, parts of Sumatra island recently witnessed blood-red skies due to the interaction of sunlight on particles from smoke in the air.

The Southeast Asian country has spent months battling fires, often caused by slash-and-burn farming practices, as an El Nino weather pattern exacerbates the annual dry season and helps create a haze across the region.

Yunita, a resident who filmed the crimson sky on Saturday, said there had been "strong winds, and the smog was thick. The event lasted from noon until evening, breathing was quite hard on that day".

The event quickly went viral on social media, with one video notching up over 600,000 views on Instagram in three days.

In order for a red sky to occur aerosols must be present in the air, A. R. Ravishankara, a U.S.-based scientist was cited in an article posted on the website of Scientific American.

Aerosols are solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that can originate from both natural processes and human activity.

The natural form can come from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesians-choked-by-forest-fire-haze-pray-for-rain-249464"> forest fires,</a> dust kicked up by sandstorms, sea spray or volcanic eruptions, among other things.

Indonesia's meteorology agency said the sky had turned red in parts of Sumatra due to the "scattering of sunlight by particles floating in the air, also known as Mie scattering".

The agency said that there had been very thick smoke in the Muaro Jambi area of Sumatra last weekend with satellite analysis revealing many hot spots.

"The smoke from the forest fire was different than other areas experiencing forest fires," the agency said.

The satellite showed some areas appeared brown but Jambi appeared white, indicating the smoke to be very thick," the agency said, noting the fires were likely from highly flammable peat.

For some Indonesians, it was as mysterious as it was concerning.

"This is the earth, not Mars. This is Jambi, not outer space... We are humans who need to breathe clean air, not smoke," said one Twitter user @zunishofiyn.

While smoke from forest fires in Indonesia often simply obscures visibility with a choking haze, parts of Sumatra island recently witnessed blood-red skies due to the interaction of sunlight on particles from smoke in the air.

While smoke from forest fires in Indonesia often simply obscures visibility with a choking haze, parts of Sumatra island recently witnessed blood-red skies due to the interaction of sunlight on particles from smoke in the air. The Southeast Asian country has spent months battling fires, often caused by slash-and-burn farming practices, as an El Nino weather pattern exacerbates the annual dry season and helps create a haze across the region. Yunita, a resident who filmed the crimson sky on Saturday, said there had been "strong winds, and the smog was thick. The event lasted from noon until evening, breathing was quite hard on that day". The event quickly went viral on social media, with one video notching up over 600,000 views on Instagram in three days. In order for a red sky to occur aerosols must be present in the air, A. R. Ravishankara, a U.S.-based scientist was cited in an article posted on the website of Scientific American. Aerosols are solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that can originate from both natural processes and human activity. The natural form can come from forest fires, dust kicked up by sandstorms, sea spray or volcanic eruptions, among other things. Indonesia's meteorology agency said the sky had turned red in parts of Sumatra due to the "scattering of sunlight by particles floating in the air, also known as Mie scattering". The agency said that there had been very thick smoke in the Muaro Jambi area of Sumatra last weekend with satellite analysis revealing many hot spots. "The smoke from the forest fire was different than other areas experiencing forest fires," the agency said. The satellite showed some areas appeared brown but Jambi appeared white, indicating the smoke to be very thick," the agency said, noting the fires were likely from highly flammable peat. For some Indonesians, it was as mysterious as it was concerning. "This is the earth, not Mars. This is Jambi, not outer space... We are humans who need to breathe clean air, not smoke," said one Twitter user @zunishofiyn.

Smoke from forest fires turns skies red in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities have cited failures in the Boeing 737 MAX design and oversight as contributing to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lion-air-crash-cockpit-voice-recorder-describes-pilots-frantic-search-for-fix-say-sources-204511">2018 Lion Air plane crash</a>, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

The report into the crash, which will be formally released in early November, also blames pilot error and maintenance issues for the crash that killed 189 people shortly after the flight departed from Jakarta last October, the newspaper said.

The Boeing plane model was later grounded worldwide after an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-boeing-737-plane-crashes-on-way-to-kenya-with-149-passengers-on-board-202327">Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crashed</a> after taking off from Addis Ababa in March, killing 157 people.

Preliminary investigations into both accidents have implicated the MCAS anti-stall system, designed specifically for the 737 MAX.

Indonesian investigators could still change their findings, which have been shared with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Wall Street Journal says.

US officials are scheduled to visit Indonesia at the end of September to discuss the report, in which Indonesian investigators list some 100 factors in the crash.

While the NTSB is unlikely to object to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-ethiopian-airlines-chief-rejects-pilot-error-claim-in-us-227998">findings</a>, Boeing and the FAA are worried that the report "will unduly emphasize design and FAA certification missteps," the newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

"Boeing continues to support the investigation as the accident report is being completed," a spokesman for the company told AFP.

The FAA and NTSB declined to comment, referring questions to the Indonesian authorities.

The NTSB is preparing to announce "around the end of the month" recommendations to improve pilot and crew training, and to the FAA's certification process for new airplane models, according to the newspaper.

A panel of international regulators set up by the FAA is also expected in the coming weeks to submit a report critical of the relationship between Boeing and the agency.

New FAA head Steve Dickson is to meet with his international counterparts on Monday ahead of an International Civil Aviation Organisation meeting in Montreal to discuss Boeing's proposed changes to the 737 MAX and its eventual return to service.

Indonesian authorities have cited failures in the Boeing 737 MAX design and oversight as contributing to the 2018 Lion Air plane crash, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

Indonesian authorities have cited failures in the Boeing 737 MAX design and oversight as contributing to the 2018 Lion Air plane crash, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. The report into the crash, which will be formally released in early November, also blames pilot error and maintenance issues for the crash that killed 189 people shortly after the flight departed from Jakarta last October, the newspaper said. The Boeing plane model was later grounded worldwide after an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crashed after taking off from Addis Ababa in March, killing 157 people. Preliminary investigations into both accidents have implicated the MCAS anti-stall system, designed specifically for the 737 MAX. Indonesian investigators could still change their findings, which have been shared with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Wall Street Journal says. US officials are scheduled to visit Indonesia at the end of September to discuss the report, in which Indonesian investigators list some 100 factors in the crash. While the NTSB is unlikely to object to the findings, Boeing and the FAA are worried that the report "will unduly emphasize design and FAA certification missteps," the newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. "Boeing continues to support the investigation as the accident report is being completed," a spokesman for the company told AFP. The FAA and NTSB declined to comment, referring questions to the Indonesian authorities. The NTSB is preparing to announce "around the end of the month" recommendations to improve pilot and crew training, and to the FAA's certification process for new airplane models, according to the newspaper. A panel of international regulators set up by the FAA is also expected in the coming weeks to submit a report critical of the relationship between Boeing and the agency. New FAA head Steve Dickson is to meet with his international counterparts on Monday ahead of an International Civil Aviation Organisation meeting in Montreal to discuss Boeing's proposed changes to the 737 MAX and its eventual return to service.

Indonesia blames aeroplane design for 2018 Lion Air crash: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesian</a> President Joko Widodo's decision to&nbsp;delay&nbsp;a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">criminalise&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and gay&nbsp;sex</a>&nbsp;was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new&nbsp;bill.

The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote&nbsp;delayed.

Critics warn the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape.

However, the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam.

"Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone.

He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;or same-sex&nbsp;relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect.

Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia.

The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation".

Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking.

Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just&nbsp;sex.

Rights groups welcomed the&nbsp;delay&nbsp;and urged the president to block the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;altogether.

An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd"&nbsp;bill&nbsp;had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening.

Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation.

Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said.

"Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill. The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote delayed. Critics warn the bill violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people. The bill also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape. However, the bill still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam. "Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone. He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from sex outside marriage or same-sex relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect. Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia. The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation". Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking. Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just sex. Rights groups welcomed the delay and urged the president to block the bill altogether. An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd" bill had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening. Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation. Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said. "Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Delay in bill criminalising sex outside marriage divides Indonesians

The Forest Fires In Indonesia Have Triggered A Major Health Crisis In South East Asia.

Gravitas: Four countries, one story:  Poisonous smog puts lives in danger in Southeast Asia

For Several Days Now, Major Cities In SouthEast Asia Have Been Covered By Toxic Smog, The Reason: The Indonesia Forest Fires.

Gravitas: Indonesia fires choke Southeast Asia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry.

The proposed criminal code overhaul should get a closer look given the backlash, Widodo said, as he asked that parliament scrap a planned vote on the revisions before its session ends next week.

The mooted changes could affect millions in the world's biggest Muslim majority country, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock, or having an affair.

On Friday, the Australian embassy in Jakarta issued a fresh travel advisory for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308"> Indonesia</a>, warning that the legislation could put unmarried foreign tourists in the crosshairs.

"After hearing from various groups with objections to aspects of the law, I've decided that some of it needs further deliberation," the recently re-elected Widodo said in a televised press briefing.

"The justice minister has been told to convey my views to parliament and that ratification of the criminal code should be postponed and not passed" in the current session, he added.

Updating Indonesia's criminal code -- which stretches back to the Dutch colonial era -- has been debated for decades and appeared set to pass in 2018 before it fizzled.

A renewed push this year, backed by conservative Islamic groups, was met with a tidal wave of criticism from rights groups and ordinary citizens furious over what many saw as a draconian law that invaded the bedrooms of a nation with some 260 million people -- the fourth most populous on Earth.

An online petition calling for the bill to be scrapped garnered half a million signatures while hundreds of thousands took to social media to vent their frustration.

"It's crazy if this bill is passed, crazy! What is this country turning into?" movie director Joko Anwar tweeted to his 1.7 million followers.

The sweeping proposals call for a wider interpretation of Indonesia's blasphemy law, which has seen members of religious minority groups, including Christians and Buddhists, prosecuted in the past.

They also sought to criminalise "insulting" the president or vice president, which critics said would be a blow to free speech.

People who have pre-marital or extramarital sex could face between six months and one year in jail, as well as fines, under the mooted changes.

There were also penalties for anyone "showing or offering" contraception to minors under 18.

The revisions appeared to bar parents from teaching their children about sex or contraception in favour of authorised government workers.

"Sex education is important. Period," one woman wrote on Twitter.

"I'd rather go to jail than see my daughter raped by her boyfriend just because she doesn't know that sex has to be consensual." 
&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry. The proposed criminal code overhaul should get a closer look given the backlash, Widodo said, as he asked that parliament scrap a planned vote on the revisions before its session ends next week. The mooted changes could affect millions in the world's biggest Muslim majority country, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock, or having an affair. On Friday, the Australian embassy in Jakarta issued a fresh travel advisory for Indonesia, warning that the legislation could put unmarried foreign tourists in the crosshairs. "After hearing from various groups with objections to aspects of the law, I've decided that some of it needs further deliberation," the recently re-elected Widodo said in a televised press briefing. "The justice minister has been told to convey my views to parliament and that ratification of the criminal code should be postponed and not passed" in the current session, he added. Updating Indonesia's criminal code -- which stretches back to the Dutch colonial era -- has been debated for decades and appeared set to pass in 2018 before it fizzled. A renewed push this year, backed by conservative Islamic groups, was met with a tidal wave of criticism from rights groups and ordinary citizens furious over what many saw as a draconian law that invaded the bedrooms of a nation with some 260 million people -- the fourth most populous on Earth. An online petition calling for the bill to be scrapped garnered half a million signatures while hundreds of thousands took to social media to vent their frustration. "It's crazy if this bill is passed, crazy! What is this country turning into?" movie director Joko Anwar tweeted to his 1.7 million followers. The sweeping proposals call for a wider interpretation of Indonesia's blasphemy law, which has seen members of religious minority groups, including Christians and Buddhists, prosecuted in the past. They also sought to criminalise "insulting" the president or vice president, which critics said would be a blow to free speech. People who have pre-marital or extramarital sex could face between six months and one year in jail, as well as fines, under the mooted changes. There were also penalties for anyone "showing or offering" contraception to minors under 18. The revisions appeared to bar parents from teaching their children about sex or contraception in favour of authorised government workers. "Sex education is important. Period," one woman wrote on Twitter. "I'd rather go to jail than see my daughter raped by her boyfriend just because she doesn't know that sex has to be consensual."

Indonesia president delays law criminalising sex outside of marriage

From Amazon to Indonesia to Malaysia to Singapore to Thailand - it's one story. It's a climate emergency.

And the rally to tackle climate change must be global and concerted because the effects are global.

The raging forest fires in the Amazon wild forests, as well as Indonesia, are two snapshots of our future which must concern all of us.

The most important problem is the global ineptitude in preventing such climate disasters from happening.

This is because these fires have become annual events. Every year, Indonesia sets late-summer fires to clear forests.

The smoke from the fires has been disastrous for several neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Malaysia, for instance, is paying the price for Indonesian fires.

The 1997 fires in Indonesia alone burnt nearly 20 thousand square miles of forest cover.

In 2015, &nbsp;the fires caused premature deaths of nearly one lakh people.

Yet, the apathy continues.

The sad truth is, countries view offers of help as external interference. For instance, Indonesia has declined offers of assistance from Malaysia and Singapore to tackle forest fires&nbsp;

Just like Amazon fires, in Indonesia too, there is zero accountability. Even after the order from the country's top court, the Joko Widodo government has not released data on plantation ownership, boundaries and licenses.

Such data would help the government identify the origin of fires.

But countries are not willing to fix the problem. Their focus has been damage control but knee-jerk reactions and stop-gap solutions will not work anymore.&nbsp;

The effects of climate change are being felt by the people. Air is polluted, the forest cover is dwindling at a rapid rate, and it has become a public health crisis.

Rampaging fires are slowly making life difficult in this planet and failure to act against global warming will accelerate the extinction of life as we know it.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

From Amazon to Indonesia to Malaysia to Singapore to Thailand - it's one story. It's a climate emergency. And the rally to tackle climate change must be global and concerted because the effects are global.

From Amazon to Indonesia to Malaysia to Singapore to Thailand - it's one story. It's a climate emergency. And the rally to tackle climate change must be global and concerted because the effects are global. The raging forest fires in the Amazon wild forests, as well as Indonesia, are two snapshots of our future which must concern all of us. The most important problem is the global ineptitude in preventing such climate disasters from happening. This is because these fires have become annual events. Every year, Indonesia sets late-summer fires to clear forests. The smoke from the fires has been disastrous for several neighbouring countries. Malaysia, for instance, is paying the price for Indonesian fires. The 1997 fires in Indonesia alone burnt nearly 20 thousand square miles of forest cover. In 2015, the fires caused premature deaths of nearly one lakh people. Yet, the apathy continues. The sad truth is, countries view offers of help as external interference. For instance, Indonesia has declined offers of assistance from Malaysia and Singapore to tackle forest fires Just like Amazon fires, in Indonesia too, there is zero accountability. Even after the order from the country's top court, the Joko Widodo government has not released data on plantation ownership, boundaries and licenses. Such data would help the government identify the origin of fires. But countries are not willing to fix the problem. Their focus has been damage control but knee-jerk reactions and stop-gap solutions will not work anymore. The effects of climate change are being felt by the people. Air is polluted, the forest cover is dwindling at a rapid rate, and it has become a public health crisis. Rampaging fires are slowly making life difficult in this planet and failure to act against global warming will accelerate the extinction of life as we know it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

WION Edit: Global warming threat continues to grow

Indonesia is facing a backlash over an online campaign backing palm oil at a time when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesians-choked-by-forest-fire-haze-pray-for-rain-249464">forest fires</a>, often linked to slash-and-burn land clearance, have spread choking smoke across the region, raising a growing concern about damage to health.

The Southeast Asian country is the world's biggest producer of the edible oil and is often vilified abroad for the destruction of forests to make way for plantations, and for the fires that are often started to clear the land.

While Indonesia's neighbours complain about the impact of the smoke drifting in, the criticism at home, where the smoke is usually much more severe, has been more muted.

But that might be changing if the reaction to a government campaign launched to support the palm oil industry is anything to go by.

"We plant palm to fulfil Indonesia's needs, including to develop biodiesel and to lift Indonesia's hopes," the cheery Good Palm campaign said on its Twitter account - @SawitBaikID.

But the campaign, launched by the government and the state Palm Crop Estate Fund agency, could not have come at a worse time.

Fires, at their most serious since 2015 because of an El Nino weather pattern causing an extended dry spell, have been sending clouds of acrid smoke up over Sumatra, parts of Borneo islands and beyond for more than a month.

The government, once again trying to deflect the anger of its neighbours, has sent in more than 9,000 workers to try to beat down and douse the flames.

The smoke, or haze as it is known, has forced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-airports-closed-as-indonesia-fires-spark-fears-for-singapore-f1-250388">schools and airports to shut</a>, while tens of thousands of people have suffered from respiratory problems.

In one widely reported case, a four-month-old girl from a haze-hit village on Sumatra island died this week.

Doctors said she bore signs of lung infection, though they have yet to give the official cause of death.

"The government should stop using the 'palm oil is a very productive crop' card to justify their negligence on the poor management of existing palm oil plantations," wrote one Twitter user - @agnarendra.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SawitBaik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SawitBaik</a> is definitely a misplaced campaign amidst the forest fires in Indonesia and the government should stop using the 'palm oil is a very productive crop' card to justify their negligence on the poor management of existing palm oil plantations <a href="https://t.co/RUieFY0Z6M">https://t.co/RUieFY0Z6M</a>
— Ariq (@agnarendra) <a href="https://twitter.com/agnarendra/status/1173809736090652672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Put out the fire

Sheany, a journalist based in Bali, who uses only one name, said it was "bizarre" that the authorities were launching their campaign to make palm oil look good at this time.

"So many Indonesians living in those areas are choking," she said.

In another sign of changing attitudes towards palm oil, some supermarkets in the capital, Jakarta, have begun displaying products with "palm oil-free" labels, to the anger of government officials.

Dono Boestami, head of the Palm Crop Estate Fund, defended the campaign to support palm oil, noting the "huge contribution" it makes to the economy.

Authorities say the fire has scorched 328,000 hectares (810,000 acres) of land since January but it is not clear how much of that has been to make way for palm plantations.

Greenpeace Indonesia said 80% of cleared forests had been turned into becoming palm and pulpwood plantations.

Referring to the Good Palm campaign, Greenpeace called for tighter controls of the palm oil industry.

Environmentalists say poor farmers are often blamed for the fires when the plantation companies egg them on, knowing they can expand later into the land that has been cleared.

Police say many of the fires are started in the forest and scrub next to plantations, which are often untouched.

The chairman of Indonesia's palm oil association, Joko Supriyono, said the companies should not be blamed for fires they do not start.

"There are reports from our members that fires on their concessions were because of widespread fires outside of the concessions," he told foreign correspondents on Tuesday.

President Joko Widodo has not responded directly to the backlash. This week, he attended Islamic prayers for rain in an area shrouded in heavy haze.

"We have done everything we can, but the correct way is to prevent this from ever happening. Whenever there's a fire, it should be put out," Widodo said in a statement.

Indonesia is facing a backlash over an online campaign backing palm oil at a time when forest fires, often linked to slash-and-burn land clearance, have spread choking smoke across the region, raising a growing concern about damage to health.

Indonesia is facing a backlash over an online campaign backing palm oil at a time when forest fires, often linked to slash-and-burn land clearance, have spread choking smoke across the region, raising a growing concern about damage to health. The Southeast Asian country is the world's biggest producer of the edible oil and is often vilified abroad for the destruction of forests to make way for plantations, and for the fires that are often started to clear the land. While Indonesia's neighbours complain about the impact of the smoke drifting in, the criticism at home, where the smoke is usually much more severe, has been more muted. But that might be changing if the reaction to a government campaign launched to support the palm oil industry is anything to go by. "We plant palm to fulfil Indonesia's needs, including to develop biodiesel and to lift Indonesia's hopes," the cheery Good Palm campaign said on its Twitter account - @SawitBaikID. But the campaign, launched by the government and the state Palm Crop Estate Fund agency, could not have come at a worse time. Fires, at their most serious since 2015 because of an El Nino weather pattern causing an extended dry spell, have been sending clouds of acrid smoke up over Sumatra, parts of Borneo islands and beyond for more than a month. The government, once again trying to deflect the anger of its neighbours, has sent in more than 9,000 workers to try to beat down and douse the flames. The smoke, or haze as it is known, has forced schools and airports to shut, while tens of thousands of people have suffered from respiratory problems. In one widely reported case, a four-month-old girl from a haze-hit village on Sumatra island died this week. Doctors said she bore signs of lung infection, though they have yet to give the official cause of death. "The government should stop using the 'palm oil is a very productive crop' card to justify their negligence on the poor management of existing palm oil plantations," wrote one Twitter user - @agnarendra. #SawitBaik is definitely a misplaced campaign amidst the forest fires in Indonesia and the government should stop using the 'palm oil is a very productive crop' card to justify their negligence on the poor management of existing palm oil plantations https://t.co/RUieFY0Z6M — Ariq (@agnarendra) September 17, 2019 × Put out the fire Sheany, a journalist based in Bali, who uses only one name, said it was "bizarre" that the authorities were launching their campaign to make palm oil look good at this time. "So many Indonesians living in those areas are choking," she said. In another sign of changing attitudes towards palm oil, some supermarkets in the capital, Jakarta, have begun displaying products with "palm oil-free" labels, to the anger of government officials. Dono Boestami, head of the Palm Crop Estate Fund, defended the campaign to support palm oil, noting the "huge contribution" it makes to the economy. Authorities say the fire has scorched 328,000 hectares (810,000 acres) of land since January but it is not clear how much of that has been to make way for palm plantations. Greenpeace Indonesia said 80% of cleared forests had been turned into becoming palm and pulpwood plantations. Referring to the Good Palm campaign, Greenpeace called for tighter controls of the palm oil industry. Environmentalists say poor farmers are often blamed for the fires when the plantation companies egg them on, knowing they can expand later into the land that has been cleared. Police say many of the fires are started in the forest and scrub next to plantations, which are often untouched. The chairman of Indonesia's palm oil association, Joko Supriyono, said the companies should not be blamed for fires they do not start. "There are reports from our members that fires on their concessions were because of widespread fires outside of the concessions," he told foreign correspondents on Tuesday. President Joko Widodo has not responded directly to the backlash. This week, he attended Islamic prayers for rain in an area shrouded in heavy haze. "We have done everything we can, but the correct way is to prevent this from ever happening. Whenever there's a fire, it should be put out," Widodo said in a statement.

Indonesia's 'Good Palm' drive enflames anger as smoke clouds skies

The palm oil industry was responsible for at least 39 per cent&nbsp;of forest loss on the biodiversity-rich island of Borneo between 2000 and 2018, data from a research firm based in Indonesia shows.

The data comes as forest clearance <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">fires in Borneo and parts of Indonesia</a> spread smog across Southeast Asia, causing air quality to drop to unhealthy levels in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia.

Some palm oil farmers have been accused of using slash-and-burn methods to clear land for planting.

The palm oil industry has long been blamed for encroaching on rain forests in Borneo, endangering wildlife such as orangutans and pygmy elephants.

Borneo, shared by Brunei and top palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia, lost 6.3 million hectares (15 million acres) of forest cover between 2000 and 2018, the data from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), shows.

"This is a conservative number," David Gaveau, a climate scientist at CIFOR, told Reuters of the data, published this month via the centre's Borneo Atlas tool. "It does not include all forest areas impacted by plantation development."

Palm oil companies accounted for about 2.4 million hectares (6 million acres) of the loss while pulpwood firms accounted for 461,319 hectares (1.1 million acres).

Palm oil was responsible for 35 per cent of forest loss in the Indonesian part of Borneo, and 46 per cent on the Malaysian side.

Indonesia and Malaysia produce about 85 per cent of the world's palm oil, which is used in everything from soaps, lipstick to pizza and biodiesel.

CIFOR determined the amount of deforestation caused by companies by calculating the area of forest cleared and converted to industrial plantations within the same year.

The data does not include plantations farmed by smallholders, who account for 40 per cent of palm oil production globally, industry estimates show.

Gaveau said the conversion from forest area to plantations has slowed since 2012, because of lower prices for palm oil and Indonesia's bans on new plantations.

The forest loss from the expansion of palm oil plantations fell to 22 per cent last year, from 28.5 per cent the previous year, the data showed.

A spokeswoman for Malaysia's ministry in charge of palm oil said the government had adopted policies to cap oil palm cultivation area at 6.5 million hectares (16 million acres).

The country's total area planted with oil palm amounted to about 5.8 million hectares (14 million acres) by 2018.

The government also plans to end conversion of forest reserves to palm oil plantations, the spokeswoman said.

A spokesman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), said palm plantations were developed in areas outside forests but pointed to differences in the areas provinces set aside for development and those reserved for forest.

"Uncertainty of spatial planning at the province level is a source of legal uncertainty in palm plantation business," said Tofan Mahdi, the spokesman.

Officials of Indonesia's agriculture ministry declined to comment, while forestry officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The palm oil industry was responsible for at least 39 per cent of forest loss on the biodiversity-rich island of Borneo between 2000 and 2018, data from a research firm based in Indonesia shows.

The palm oil industry was responsible for at least 39 per cent of forest loss on the biodiversity-rich island of Borneo between 2000 and 2018, data from a research firm based in Indonesia shows. The data comes as forest clearance fires in Borneo and parts of Indonesia spread smog across Southeast Asia, causing air quality to drop to unhealthy levels in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia. Some palm oil farmers have been accused of using slash-and-burn methods to clear land for planting. The palm oil industry has long been blamed for encroaching on rain forests in Borneo, endangering wildlife such as orangutans and pygmy elephants. Borneo, shared by Brunei and top palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia, lost 6.3 million hectares (15 million acres) of forest cover between 2000 and 2018, the data from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), shows. "This is a conservative number," David Gaveau, a climate scientist at CIFOR, told Reuters of the data, published this month via the centre's Borneo Atlas tool. "It does not include all forest areas impacted by plantation development." Palm oil companies accounted for about 2.4 million hectares (6 million acres) of the loss while pulpwood firms accounted for 461,319 hectares (1.1 million acres). Palm oil was responsible for 35 per cent of forest loss in the Indonesian part of Borneo, and 46 per cent on the Malaysian side. Indonesia and Malaysia produce about 85 per cent of the world's palm oil, which is used in everything from soaps, lipstick to pizza and biodiesel. CIFOR determined the amount of deforestation caused by companies by calculating the area of forest cleared and converted to industrial plantations within the same year. The data does not include plantations farmed by smallholders, who account for 40 per cent of palm oil production globally, industry estimates show. Gaveau said the conversion from forest area to plantations has slowed since 2012, because of lower prices for palm oil and Indonesia's bans on new plantations. The forest loss from the expansion of palm oil plantations fell to 22 per cent last year, from 28.5 per cent the previous year, the data showed. A spokeswoman for Malaysia's ministry in charge of palm oil said the government had adopted policies to cap oil palm cultivation area at 6.5 million hectares (16 million acres). The country's total area planted with oil palm amounted to about 5.8 million hectares (14 million acres) by 2018. The government also plans to end conversion of forest reserves to palm oil plantations, the spokeswoman said. A spokesman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), said palm plantations were developed in areas outside forests but pointed to differences in the areas provinces set aside for development and those reserved for forest. "Uncertainty of spatial planning at the province level is a source of legal uncertainty in palm plantation business," said Tofan Mahdi, the spokesman. Officials of Indonesia's agriculture ministry declined to comment, while forestry officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Palm oil to blame for 39 per cent of forest loss in Borneo since 2000: Study

An Indonesian cargo plane with four people on board lost contact with air traffic control on Wednesday, an official said, the latest incident to hit the country's poor aviation record.

The Twin Otter DHC6-400 set off from the city of Timika on Wednesday at 10:39am&nbsp;and was headed to Ilaga, a mountainous region in the remote eastern province of Papua and was scheduled to arrive 50 minutes after taking off.

"After 2.5 hours, there has been no information from the nearest airport on the plane's whereabouts, we decided to announce the plane has lost contact," local transportation agency head, Yan Purba told Metro TV.

The aircraft was carrying three crew members and one passenger as well as 1.7 tonnes of rice.

Search and rescue have been assembled for the missing plane which was flying in a good weather condition, Purba said.

Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands, but mountainous Papua is a particularly difficult area to reach.

The country has a poor aviation safety record and Papua is a particularly problematic place to fly due to its mountainous terrain and frequent poor weather.

In June, a military helicopter with 12 people on board lost contact just minutes after it took off from a remote Papua district Oksibil, to Sentani, also in Papua.

The remains of the aircraft have not been found to this day.

Earlier in 2016, a cargo plane carrying construction materials crashed in Ilaga, killing all four people on board.

An Indonesian cargo plane with four people on board lost contact with air traffic control on Wednesday, an official said, the latest incident to hit the country's poor aviation record.

An Indonesian cargo plane with four people on board lost contact with air traffic control on Wednesday, an official said, the latest incident to hit the country's poor aviation record. The Twin Otter DHC6-400 set off from the city of Timika on Wednesday at 10:39am and was headed to Ilaga, a mountainous region in the remote eastern province of Papua and was scheduled to arrive 50 minutes after taking off. "After 2.5 hours, there has been no information from the nearest airport on the plane's whereabouts, we decided to announce the plane has lost contact," local transportation agency head, Yan Purba told Metro TV. The aircraft was carrying three crew members and one passenger as well as 1.7 tonnes of rice. Search and rescue have been assembled for the missing plane which was flying in a good weather condition, Purba said. Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands, but mountainous Papua is a particularly difficult area to reach. The country has a poor aviation safety record and Papua is a particularly problematic place to fly due to its mountainous terrain and frequent poor weather. In June, a military helicopter with 12 people on board lost contact just minutes after it took off from a remote Papua district Oksibil, to Sentani, also in Papua. The remains of the aircraft have not been found to this day. Earlier in 2016, a cargo plane carrying construction materials crashed in Ilaga, killing all four people on board.

Cargo plane carrying four missing in eastern Indonesia

President Joko Widodo said Tuesday that prevention must be absolute in handling Indonesia's forest and land fires. Widodo said in Pekanbaru during a meeting with staff that the nation has all the resources for prevention of the noxious haze, but that they are not activated properly.

Efforts ongoing to tackle Indonesia fires, haze

Indonesia's parliament has revised the country's marriage law to lift the minimum age at which women can marry by three years to 19, a move welcomed by campaigners as a step towards curbing child marriage in the world's biggest Muslim majority country.

All factions in parliament agreed on the revision at a plenary session on Monday, according to a statement on its website.

Indonesia is among the 10 countries in the world with the highest number of child brides, according to campaign group Girls Not Brides.

One in four girls in Indonesia is married before they turn 18, according to a 2016 report by Indonesia's Statistics Agency and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF.

"The society still encourages girls to get married in their teenage years, otherwise they will be considered spinsters," said Masruchah of the National Commission on Violence Against Women.

Masruchah, who uses one name, said the commission would have preferred 21 as the minimum age for marriage for men and women when both are considered mature in terms of reproduction and economic stability.

Indonesia previously allowed girls of 16 to get married or younger with no minimum age if their parents requested it.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court ruled in December that it was discriminatory to have a lower marriage age for women than for men, who could legally marry at 19.

Child marriage in Indonesia has been blamed for causing maternal and infant deaths, as well as encouraging child labour, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise said in a statement.

"Finally, after 45 years (of the existing marriage law). This is a present for Indonesian children," she said.

Indonesia's parliament has revised the country's marriage law to lift the minimum age at which women can marry by three years to 19, a move welcomed by campaigners as a step towards curbing child marriage in the world's biggest Muslim majority country.

Indonesia's parliament has revised the country's marriage law to lift the minimum age at which women can marry by three years to 19, a move welcomed by campaigners as a step towards curbing child marriage in the world's biggest Muslim majority country. All factions in parliament agreed on the revision at a plenary session on Monday, according to a statement on its website. Indonesia is among the 10 countries in the world with the highest number of child brides, according to campaign group Girls Not Brides. One in four girls in Indonesia is married before they turn 18, according to a 2016 report by Indonesia's Statistics Agency and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF. "The society still encourages girls to get married in their teenage years, otherwise they will be considered spinsters," said Masruchah of the National Commission on Violence Against Women. Masruchah, who uses one name, said the commission would have preferred 21 as the minimum age for marriage for men and women when both are considered mature in terms of reproduction and economic stability. Indonesia previously allowed girls of 16 to get married or younger with no minimum age if their parents requested it. Indonesia's Constitutional Court ruled in December that it was discriminatory to have a lower marriage age for women than for men, who could legally marry at 19. Child marriage in Indonesia has been blamed for causing maternal and infant deaths, as well as encouraging child labour, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise said in a statement. "Finally, after 45 years (of the existing marriage law). This is a present for Indonesian children," she said.

Indonesia raises the minimum age for brides to end child marriage

Indonesia has arrested nearly 200 people over vast <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-shuts-schools-as-forest-fires-choke-borneo-sumatra-islands-250025">forest fires</a> ripping across the archipelago, police said Monday, as toxic haze sends air quality levels plummeting and sparks flight cancellations.

Jakarta has deployed thousands of personnel to battle blazes that are turning land into charred landscapes and consuming forests in Sumatra and Borneo islands, where thousands of schools have been shut over health fears.

The fires -- usually started by illegal burning to clear land for farming -- have unleashed choking haze across Southeast Asia, triggering diplomatic tensions with Indonesia's neighbours.

On Monday, authorities said they had arrested some 185 people suspected of being involved in activities that led to out-of-control fires sweeping the country.

"Indonesian Police will enforce the law against anyone who is proven to have carried out forest and land burning, whether it was done intentionally or through negligence," National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told reporters in Jakarta.

"This is a last resort. The most important thing is prevention."

Four corporations were also being investigated, he added.

Last week, Indonesia sealed off dozens of plantations where smog-belching fires were blazing, and warned that owners -- including Malaysia and Singapore-based firms -- could face criminal charges if there was evidence of illegal burning.

Some of the most serious fires occur in peatlands, which are highly combustible when drained of water to be converted into agricultural plantations.

Thick haze in Borneo -- where air quality levels have plummeted to "dangerous" levels in some areas -- caused the cancellation of about a dozen flights Sunday, national airline Garuda said.

Rival Lion Air said about 160 Borneo flights had been affected at the weekend.

Meanwhile, nearly 150,000 people have been treated for acute respiratory infections linked to the haze in recent months, according to Indonesian health authorities.

While forest fires are an annual problem, the situation this year has been worsened by drier weather in Indonesia, with diplomatic tensions soaring as toxic smog drifts over to neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore.

The haze pushed Singapore's air quality to unhealthy levels for the first time in three years at the weekend.

In 2015, Indonesia suffered its worst forest fires for almost two decades, which dramatically increased its greenhouse gas emissions.

Huge fires tearing through the Amazon are also compounding concerns about the long-term impact of such blazes on keeping global temperature levels stable.

Indonesia has arrested nearly 200 people over vast forest fires ripping across the archipelago, police said Monday, as toxic haze sends air quality levels plummeting and sparks flight cancellations.

Indonesia has arrested nearly 200 people over vast forest fires ripping across the archipelago, police said Monday, as toxic haze sends air quality levels plummeting and sparks flight cancellations. Jakarta has deployed thousands of personnel to battle blazes that are turning land into charred landscapes and consuming forests in Sumatra and Borneo islands, where thousands of schools have been shut over health fears. The fires -- usually started by illegal burning to clear land for farming -- have unleashed choking haze across Southeast Asia, triggering diplomatic tensions with Indonesia's neighbours. On Monday, authorities said they had arrested some 185 people suspected of being involved in activities that led to out-of-control fires sweeping the country. "Indonesian Police will enforce the law against anyone who is proven to have carried out forest and land burning, whether it was done intentionally or through negligence," National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told reporters in Jakarta. "This is a last resort. The most important thing is prevention." Four corporations were also being investigated, he added. Last week, Indonesia sealed off dozens of plantations where smog-belching fires were blazing, and warned that owners -- including Malaysia and Singapore-based firms -- could face criminal charges if there was evidence of illegal burning. Some of the most serious fires occur in peatlands, which are highly combustible when drained of water to be converted into agricultural plantations. Thick haze in Borneo -- where air quality levels have plummeted to "dangerous" levels in some areas -- caused the cancellation of about a dozen flights Sunday, national airline Garuda said. Rival Lion Air said about 160 Borneo flights had been affected at the weekend. Meanwhile, nearly 150,000 people have been treated for acute respiratory infections linked to the haze in recent months, according to Indonesian health authorities. While forest fires are an annual problem, the situation this year has been worsened by drier weather in Indonesia, with diplomatic tensions soaring as toxic smog drifts over to neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore. The haze pushed Singapore's air quality to unhealthy levels for the first time in three years at the weekend. In 2015, Indonesia suffered its worst forest fires for almost two decades, which dramatically increased its greenhouse gas emissions. Huge fires tearing through the Amazon are also compounding concerns about the long-term impact of such blazes on keeping global temperature levels stable.

Indonesia arrests nearly 200 over raging forest fires

Indonesia closed more schools on Monday in parts of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, as well as providing oxygen at health centres to help treat some of the thousands suffering<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesians-choked-by-forest-fire-haze-pray-for-rain-249464"> respiratory infections</a> due to choking smoke from forest fires.

Indonesia and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are regularly hit by smoky haze from slash-and-burn clearances of forests for timber and palm oil plantations, but conditions this year have been the worst since 2015 due to an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">El Nino weather pattern</a> causing an extended dry spell.

In recent days, thick smog from fires has been drifting across cities in Borneo and Sumatra. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency says more than 328,000 hectares of forests and peatlands have been burnt since January.

The air pollution index in Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province on Borneo, has been at "dangerous" levels for days, data from Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Ministry showed. The air quality in other areas, such as Jambi and Riau provinces in Sumatra, also hit "unhealthy" levels.

Schools in two cities in Central Kalimantan have been closed this week due to concerns over the pollution, while schools in Riau have also been shut.

West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji had extended school closures in his province until Wednesday, according to a circular issued on Monday.

Mimi Nazir, the head of Riau's health agency, said the Sumatran province had opened 12 temporary centres in the capital Pekanbaru to treat people suffering respiratory infections.

"If people need fresh air, they can come to the houses. There's oxygen, medical staff, and basic and emergency medicines," Nazir said by telephone, adding that if people needed further treatment they could be referred to hospital.

Acute respiratory infections have affected 11,758 people in Palangka Raya, 15,346 in Riau and 15,047 in Jambi, according to data from Indonesia's Health Ministry.

The ministry distributed more than 1.2 million masks in impacted areas as well as 1,000 vials of respiratory medicine.

Poor visibility due to the smoke affected 11 airports across Sumatra and Indonesian parts of Borneo on Monday, causing 10 flight to be cancelled, 50 delayed and two diverted, air traffic control provider AirNav said in a statement.

Indonesia's flag carrier Garuda said in a statement on Monday it had cancelled at least 15 domestic flights to cities in Indonesian parts of Borneo until Thursday due to concerns over limited visibility.

Indonesia closed more schools on Monday in parts of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, as well as providing oxygen at health centres to help treat some of the thousands suffering respiratory infections due to choking smoke from forest fires.

Indonesia closed more schools on Monday in parts of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, as well as providing oxygen at health centres to help treat some of the thousands suffering respiratory infections due to choking smoke from forest fires. Indonesia and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are regularly hit by smoky haze from slash-and-burn clearances of forests for timber and palm oil plantations, but conditions this year have been the worst since 2015 due to an El Nino weather pattern causing an extended dry spell. In recent days, thick smog from fires has been drifting across cities in Borneo and Sumatra. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency says more than 328,000 hectares of forests and peatlands have been burnt since January. The air pollution index in Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province on Borneo, has been at "dangerous" levels for days, data from Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Ministry showed. The air quality in other areas, such as Jambi and Riau provinces in Sumatra, also hit "unhealthy" levels. Schools in two cities in Central Kalimantan have been closed this week due to concerns over the pollution, while schools in Riau have also been shut. West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji had extended school closures in his province until Wednesday, according to a circular issued on Monday. Mimi Nazir, the head of Riau's health agency, said the Sumatran province had opened 12 temporary centres in the capital Pekanbaru to treat people suffering respiratory infections. "If people need fresh air, they can come to the houses. There's oxygen, medical staff, and basic and emergency medicines," Nazir said by telephone, adding that if people needed further treatment they could be referred to hospital. Acute respiratory infections have affected 11,758 people in Palangka Raya, 15,346 in Riau and 15,047 in Jambi, according to data from Indonesia's Health Ministry. The ministry distributed more than 1.2 million masks in impacted areas as well as 1,000 vials of respiratory medicine. Poor visibility due to the smoke affected 11 airports across Sumatra and Indonesian parts of Borneo on Monday, causing 10 flight to be cancelled, 50 delayed and two diverted, air traffic control provider AirNav said in a statement. Indonesia's flag carrier Garuda said in a statement on Monday it had cancelled at least 15 domestic flights to cities in Indonesian parts of Borneo until Thursday due to concerns over limited visibility.

Indonesia shuts schools as forest fires choke Borneo, Sumatra islands

In Indonesia, Smog from the forest fires came over the cities and covers it up. This forces Airport to shut and cancel flights.

Indonesia: Smog over the cities disrupts flights, forces Airport to shut

Hundreds held a mass prayer for rain in a smoke-filled Indonesian city on Friday, desperately hoping that downpours will extinguish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">forest fires</a> and wash away toxic haze covering wide swathes of the country that has forced mass school closures.

Illegal fires to clear land for farming are raging on Indonesia's Sumatra and Borneo islands with firefighters battling round the clock through charred forests, and water-bombing helicopters deployed to douse the flames.

Dense smoke has blanketed Pekanbaru, a provincial capital on Sumatra, leaving the sky dark even at midday and residents fearing for their health.

Around 1,000 Pekanbaru residents, many dressed in white Muslim robes with rudimentary face masks held a prayer Friday in an open field as a thick, acrid fog drifted around them.

"I'm praying so that the rain will come immediately and this smog will be gone soon," said retired 57-year-old civil servant Rahmad, who goes by one name.

"It's been really bad for the past month &nbsp; I can't breathe if I don't wear a mask. Some of my neighbours have gotten really sick," he AFP.

Friday is a holy day in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, where forest fires are an annual problem but have been worsened this year by particularly dry weather.

Fatimah El-Kareem, a 26-year-mother, fled Pekanbaru with her baby over health fears.

"I was so worried. My child is only one year old and still so vulnerable," she told AFP by telephone from hometown in another part of Sumatra.

"The smog isn't only suffocating, but it smells terrible. Every morning it was just getting worse and worse you couldn't get any fresh air," she added.

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&nbsp;

International concern has been mounting about the long-term impact of such blazes, as rainforests play a vital role in protecting the planet against global warming.

'Never been this tired' 

The haze really affects me tremendously. I can't breathe or do things outside as I normally do," elementary school teacher Yulinar said at the mass prayer, coughing and squinting her bloodshot eyes.

The 45-year-old, who also uses one name, said she hoped she and her students could soon return to their shuttered school.

The governor of smog-hit Central Kalimantan on Borneo island which Indonesia shares with Malaysia and Brunei said Friday nearly 3,900 schools would be closed temporarily to protect students, with more than 9,000 shuttered in Sumatra.

Officials across the border in Malaysia said dozens of schools would be closed on Friday in the region surrounding its haze-hit capital Kuala Lumpur.

Back in Sumatra, Hendri Kusnardi was among thousands of firefighters deployed to battle the blazes."We're working non-stop," said the 25-year-old, dirty and drenched in sweat.

"I've never been this tired. But I'm not the only one &nbsp; everyone's exhausted."

The fires in Indonesia have sent toxic smoke floating over Malaysia, triggering a diplomatic row, as nearby Singapore has also warned residents to reduce outdoor activities.

Frictions spiked after Malaysian Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin this week accused her Indonesian counterpart of being "in denial" after Jakarta insisted fires in Malaysia had caused the smog there.

On Friday, Indonesia said it had sealed off dozens of plantations where smog-belching fires are blazing, and warned that owners including Malaysia and Singapore-based firms could face criminal charges if the investigation turns up evidence of illegal burning.

Jakarta is struggling to tame the blazes as many burn underground in carbon-rich peat, which has been cleared across vast areas of the country for plantations.

"I hope farmers and companies stop starting these fires," Rahmad said in Pekanbaru. "It's a man-made disaster."

Hundreds held a mass prayer for rain in a smoke-filled Indonesian city on Friday, desperately hoping that downpours will extinguish forest fires and wash away toxic haze covering wide swathes of the country that has forced mass school closures.

Hundreds held a mass prayer for rain in a smoke-filled Indonesian city on Friday, desperately hoping that downpours will extinguish forest fires and wash away toxic haze covering wide swathes of the country that has forced mass school closures. Illegal fires to clear land for farming are raging on Indonesia's Sumatra and Borneo islands with firefighters battling round the clock through charred forests, and water-bombing helicopters deployed to douse the flames. Dense smoke has blanketed Pekanbaru, a provincial capital on Sumatra, leaving the sky dark even at midday and residents fearing for their health. Around 1,000 Pekanbaru residents, many dressed in white Muslim robes with rudimentary face masks held a prayer Friday in an open field as a thick, acrid fog drifted around them. "I'm praying so that the rain will come immediately and this smog will be gone soon," said retired 57-year-old civil servant Rahmad, who goes by one name. "It's been really bad for the past month I can't breathe if I don't wear a mask. Some of my neighbours have gotten really sick," he AFP. Friday is a holy day in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, where forest fires are an annual problem but have been worsened this year by particularly dry weather. Fatimah El-Kareem, a 26-year-mother, fled Pekanbaru with her baby over health fears. "I was so worried. My child is only one year old and still so vulnerable," she told AFP by telephone from hometown in another part of Sumatra. "The smog isn't only suffocating, but it smells terrible. Every morning it was just getting worse and worse you couldn't get any fresh air," she added. Watch Video: × International concern has been mounting about the long-term impact of such blazes, as rainforests play a vital role in protecting the planet against global warming. 'Never been this tired' The haze really affects me tremendously. I can't breathe or do things outside as I normally do," elementary school teacher Yulinar said at the mass prayer, coughing and squinting her bloodshot eyes. The 45-year-old, who also uses one name, said she hoped she and her students could soon return to their shuttered school. The governor of smog-hit Central Kalimantan on Borneo island which Indonesia shares with Malaysia and Brunei said Friday nearly 3,900 schools would be closed temporarily to protect students, with more than 9,000 shuttered in Sumatra. Officials across the border in Malaysia said dozens of schools would be closed on Friday in the region surrounding its haze-hit capital Kuala Lumpur. Back in Sumatra, Hendri Kusnardi was among thousands of firefighters deployed to battle the blazes."We're working non-stop," said the 25-year-old, dirty and drenched in sweat. "I've never been this tired. But I'm not the only one everyone's exhausted." The fires in Indonesia have sent toxic smoke floating over Malaysia, triggering a diplomatic row, as nearby Singapore has also warned residents to reduce outdoor activities. Frictions spiked after Malaysian Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin this week accused her Indonesian counterpart of being "in denial" after Jakarta insisted fires in Malaysia had caused the smog there. On Friday, Indonesia said it had sealed off dozens of plantations where smog-belching fires are blazing, and warned that owners including Malaysia and Singapore-based firms could face criminal charges if the investigation turns up evidence of illegal burning. Jakarta is struggling to tame the blazes as many burn underground in carbon-rich peat, which has been cleared across vast areas of the country for plantations. "I hope farmers and companies stop starting these fires," Rahmad said in Pekanbaru. "It's a man-made disaster."

Indonesians choked by forest fire haze pray for rain

Indonesia: Smog from forests fires blankets cities. Watch video to know more.

Indonesia: Smog from forests fires blankets cities

The number of blazes in Indonesia's rainforests has jumped sharply, satellite data showed Thursday, spreading smog across Southeast Asia and adding to concerns about the impact of increasing wildfire outbreaks worldwide on global warming.

Illegal blazes to clear land for agricultural plantations have been raging on Sumatra and Borneo islands, with Indonesia deploying water-bombing helicopters and thousands of security forces to tackle them.

It is just the latest such outbreak globally -- huge blazes have torn through the Amazon in South America while bushfires are sweeping across eastern Australia in an unusually ferocious and early start to the wildfire season.

Indonesia's forest fires are an annual problem but have been worsened this year by particularly dry weather, and in recent days sent toxic smog floating over Malaysia and triggered a diplomatic row.

The number of "hotspots" -- areas of intense heat detected by satellite which indicate a high chance of fire -- jumped sharply in Indonesia on Wednesday, according to the Singapore-based ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre.

There were 1,619 hotspots detected on the Indonesian part of Borneo and Sumatra up from 861 a day earlier, according to a tally from the centre, which monitors forest fires and smog outbreaks.

In hard-hit Riau province on Sumatra, firefighters were battling round the clock through charred forests as they sought to extinguish blazes belching thick white smog, AFP reporters said.

Provincial capital Pekanbaru was blanketed in dense smoke, leaving the sky dark even at midday. Residents sought to go about their daily lives as usual, with many wearing only rudimentary face masks.

Kiki Taufik, a forests campaigner with Greenpeace in Indonesia, told AFP there has been little rain in the past fortnight, particularly on Indonesian Borneo which saw the sharpest increase in hotspots.

Borneo is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Burning issue

Taufik saw similarities between the blazes in Indonesia and those in the Amazon, where farmers also start fires to clear land for agriculture.&nbsp;

"This should remind people we are facing a climate crisis," he said of the recent fires around the world.

"Industries are looking to expand plantations using fires."

And he warned Indonesia's blazes would add to the sprawling archipelago's climate-damaging emissions, already among the highest in the world.

In 2015 Indonesia suffered its worst forest fires for about two decades, which dramatically increased its greenhouse gas emissions.

Diplomatic tensions were also rising as Malaysian Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin accused her Indonesian counterpart of being "in denial", after Jakarta insisted fires in Malaysia had caused the smog there.

"Let the data speak for itself," she said in a Facebook post, indicating figures from the ASEAN centre which showed only a handful of hotspots in Malaysia compared to the hundreds in Indonesia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will write to Indonesian President Joko Widodo raising concerns about the haze, she said.

Indonesian Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar hit back Wednesday, telling AFP that "hotspots are not only found in Indonesia, but also in Sarawak (on Malaysian Borneo) and peninsular Malaysia".

"We are not standing idly by," she added.

Indonesian personnel have been struggling to tame the blazes as many burn underground in carbon-rich peat, which has been cleared across vast areas of the country for plantations.

After being cleared and drained of water, peat is highly combustible and hard to extinguish once ablaze.

There have been some outbreaks of fire in the Malaysian part of Borneo. Drone footage taken by AFP in the area showed smoke rising from charcoal grey patches of smouldering earth, surrounded by pristine forest.

The number of blazes in Indonesia's rainforests has jumped sharply, satellite data showed Thursday, spreading smog across Southeast Asia and adding to concerns about the impact of increasing wildfire outbreaks worldwide on global warming.

The number of blazes in Indonesia's rainforests has jumped sharply, satellite data showed Thursday, spreading smog across Southeast Asia and adding to concerns about the impact of increasing wildfire outbreaks worldwide on global warming. Illegal blazes to clear land for agricultural plantations have been raging on Sumatra and Borneo islands, with Indonesia deploying water-bombing helicopters and thousands of security forces to tackle them. It is just the latest such outbreak globally -- huge blazes have torn through the Amazon in South America while bushfires are sweeping across eastern Australia in an unusually ferocious and early start to the wildfire season. Indonesia's forest fires are an annual problem but have been worsened this year by particularly dry weather, and in recent days sent toxic smog floating over Malaysia and triggered a diplomatic row. The number of "hotspots" -- areas of intense heat detected by satellite which indicate a high chance of fire -- jumped sharply in Indonesia on Wednesday, according to the Singapore-based ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre. There were 1,619 hotspots detected on the Indonesian part of Borneo and Sumatra up from 861 a day earlier, according to a tally from the centre, which monitors forest fires and smog outbreaks. In hard-hit Riau province on Sumatra, firefighters were battling round the clock through charred forests as they sought to extinguish blazes belching thick white smog, AFP reporters said. Provincial capital Pekanbaru was blanketed in dense smoke, leaving the sky dark even at midday. Residents sought to go about their daily lives as usual, with many wearing only rudimentary face masks. Kiki Taufik, a forests campaigner with Greenpeace in Indonesia, told AFP there has been little rain in the past fortnight, particularly on Indonesian Borneo which saw the sharpest increase in hotspots. Borneo is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Burning issue Taufik saw similarities between the blazes in Indonesia and those in the Amazon, where farmers also start fires to clear land for agriculture. "This should remind people we are facing a climate crisis," he said of the recent fires around the world. "Industries are looking to expand plantations using fires." And he warned Indonesia's blazes would add to the sprawling archipelago's climate-damaging emissions, already among the highest in the world. In 2015 Indonesia suffered its worst forest fires for about two decades, which dramatically increased its greenhouse gas emissions. Diplomatic tensions were also rising as Malaysian Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin accused her Indonesian counterpart of being "in denial", after Jakarta insisted fires in Malaysia had caused the smog there. "Let the data speak for itself," she said in a Facebook post, indicating figures from the ASEAN centre which showed only a handful of hotspots in Malaysia compared to the hundreds in Indonesia. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will write to Indonesian President Joko Widodo raising concerns about the haze, she said. Indonesian Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar hit back Wednesday, telling AFP that "hotspots are not only found in Indonesia, but also in Sarawak (on Malaysian Borneo) and peninsular Malaysia". "We are not standing idly by," she added. Indonesian personnel have been struggling to tame the blazes as many burn underground in carbon-rich peat, which has been cleared across vast areas of the country for plantations. After being cleared and drained of water, peat is highly combustible and hard to extinguish once ablaze. There have been some outbreaks of fire in the Malaysian part of Borneo. Drone footage taken by AFP in the area showed smoke rising from charcoal grey patches of smouldering earth, surrounded by pristine forest.

Indonesia forest fires surge, stoking global warming fears

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