Indonesia's capital Jakarta and some neighbouring provinces on Java island have been hit by a major electricity outage after problems at a number of power stations on Java, the country's state power company PLN said in a statement on Sunday.

The mass rapid transit system has also had to evacuate passengers from trains after the power outage, the company that operates the system said in a statement. It wasn't immediately clear how long the disruption might last, though it appeared to have affected most areas of Jakarta prompting the use of generators in some offices and apartments.

The city of Jakarta is the centre for government and business in Indonesia and is home to more than 10 million people, with around three times that many people living in the surrounding towns in the provinces and West Java and Banten.

The outage caused traffic lights to go out in some areas of the capital as well as disrupting train networks and leaving some passengers stranded.

Indonesia's capital Jakarta and some neighbouring provinces on Java island have been hit by a major electricity outage after problems at a number of power stations on Java, the country's state power company PLN said in a statement on Sunday.

Indonesia's capital Jakarta and some neighbouring provinces on Java island have been hit by a major electricity outage after problems at a number of power stations on Java, the country's state power company PLN said in a statement on Sunday. The mass rapid transit system has also had to evacuate passengers from trains after the power outage, the company that operates the system said in a statement. It wasn't immediately clear how long the disruption might last, though it appeared to have affected most areas of Jakarta prompting the use of generators in some offices and apartments. The city of Jakarta is the centre for government and business in Indonesia and is home to more than 10 million people, with around three times that many people living in the surrounding towns in the provinces and West Java and Banten. The outage caused traffic lights to go out in some areas of the capital as well as disrupting train networks and leaving some passengers stranded.

Indonesia capital hit by major power blackout

A powerful undersea earthquake that struck off the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java has killed four people and damaged hundreds of buildings, the nation's disaster agency said on Saturday (August 3). Four people died, some of heart attack or fatigue, as people rushed away from the coastline, Agus Wibowo, spokesman of the disaster mitigation agency told a news briefing. Four others were injured, and more than 200 buildings were damaged by the quake, he said. Wibowo urged people stay in the coastal area to be alert as he warned that a study by Indonesia's geophysics agency showed there is a potential quake of 8.8 magnitude in the area that would trigger a 20-metre high tsunami, though he added that no one can predict when it would happen. He also urged people to fix houses that had bad foundations. Indonesia is situated on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is frequently hit by earthquakes that are sometimes accompanied by tsunamis.

Indonesians assess damage after quake kills four

At least four people have died and dozens more are missing after an Indonesian fishing boat sunk off the coast of Borneo island, according to media reports citing a local official.

Rescuers have deployed several boats and an aeroplane to search the waters for 31 still missing crew after the sinking, local media said, which reportedly happened on Wednesday.

The vessel lost radio contact and officials only became aware of the accident Friday after another boat found four bodies and two survivors near Matasiri island in the Java Sea, local port master Mugen Suprihatin Sartoto said.

"We think that the boat's distress radio beacon was broken," Sartoto told Metro TV.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by high waves and bad weather, he said, adding that that the search would continue for a week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourteen-sailors-killed-in-russia-submersible-fire-ministry-232527">Marine accidents</a> are common in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quake-with-73-magnitude-strikes-in-eastern-indonesia-usgs-235741">Indonesia</a>, an archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands, where many use <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-ferry-sinking-leaves-at-least-15-dead-228184">ferries</a> and other boats to travel despite poor safety standards.

Some 160 people died when an Indonesian ferry sunk into the depths of one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island last year.

More than 300 people are estimated to have drowned in 2009 when a ferry sank between Sulawesi and Borneo.

At least four people have died and dozens more are missing after an Indonesian fishing boat sunk off the coast of Borneo island, according to media reports citing a local official.

At least four people have died and dozens more are missing after an Indonesian fishing boat sunk off the coast of Borneo island, according to media reports citing a local official. Rescuers have deployed several boats and an aeroplane to search the waters for 31 still missing crew after the sinking, local media said, which reportedly happened on Wednesday. The vessel lost radio contact and officials only became aware of the accident Friday after another boat found four bodies and two survivors near Matasiri island in the Java Sea, local port master Mugen Suprihatin Sartoto said. "We think that the boat's distress radio beacon was broken," Sartoto told Metro TV. Rescue efforts have been hampered by high waves and bad weather, he said, adding that that the search would continue for a week. Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, an archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands, where many use ferries and other boats to travel despite poor safety standards. Some 160 people died when an Indonesian ferry sunk into the depths of one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island last year. More than 300 people are estimated to have drowned in 2009 when a ferry sank between Sulawesi and Borneo.

Four dead, dozens missing in Indonesian boat sinking: Report

Asian countries turning back wealthy world's waste

Philippines' Jollibee Foods is training its sights on Indonesia, with newly acquired U.S. chain Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf its entry point in the economically expanding and densely populated Southeast Asian neighbour, its top officials said on Tuesday (July 30).

Philippines' Jollibee eyes Indonesia for expansion, following acquisition of Coffee Bean

ASEAN hopes to generate tangible and concrete deliverables. Listen in to Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in India, @suryodipuro's thoughts on #WIONWorldOrder.

WION World Order: ASEAN hopes to generate tangible, concrete deliverables says Indonesian Ambassador

Indonesia said the famous Komodo island will be closed to the public for one year starting on the first day of 2020 in a bid to conserve the endangered Komodo dragon and its ecosystem.

Indonesia will close Komodo island in 2020 for rehabilitation

Indonesia&nbsp;plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday.

The island is part of Komodo National Park, a conservation area between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores visited by more than 176,000 tourists from all over the world in 2018.

As well as the beautiful beaches and scenery, many visitors came to see the dragons, only found in the wild in eastern&nbsp;Indonesia.

"We have to save Komodo dragons from extinction, that's the point," Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters.

Even after the closure of the island, where about 1,700 of the animals are estimated to live, others in the national park that are home to Komodo dragons, such as the islands of Rinca and Padar, will stay open, he said.

Closing the island to tourists aims to avert interference and cut the risk of poaching to allow a recovery in the numbers of the animals' preferred prey, such as deer, buffalo and wild boar.

"People come wanting to see... how (the dragons) mate, how they lay their eggs, how they hatch, and how the young Komodos fight for their life," Soi said.

The island could reopen a year later, but it was planned to be a premium tourist destination, he said.

Media had previously suggested the province planned to charge tourists an entrance fee of $500, but Soi said no fee had been decided.

Plans to limit visitors have sparked controversy in the island's tourism industry as well as among residents who depend on visitors for their livelihood.

Soi acknowledged some resistance but said President Joko Widodo approved the plan and authorities were holding talks with local leaders on how best to relocate residents.

"We want Komodo island to be intended for conservation," Widodo was quoted on the website of the cabinet secretary as saying after a visit to the nearby island of Rinca last week. "If you can't afford it, you don't need to go there."

Indonesia plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday.

Indonesia plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday. The island is part of Komodo National Park, a conservation area between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores visited by more than 176,000 tourists from all over the world in 2018. As well as the beautiful beaches and scenery, many visitors came to see the dragons, only found in the wild in eastern Indonesia. "We have to save Komodo dragons from extinction, that's the point," Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters. Even after the closure of the island, where about 1,700 of the animals are estimated to live, others in the national park that are home to Komodo dragons, such as the islands of Rinca and Padar, will stay open, he said. Closing the island to tourists aims to avert interference and cut the risk of poaching to allow a recovery in the numbers of the animals' preferred prey, such as deer, buffalo and wild boar. "People come wanting to see... how (the dragons) mate, how they lay their eggs, how they hatch, and how the young Komodos fight for their life," Soi said. The island could reopen a year later, but it was planned to be a premium tourist destination, he said. Media had previously suggested the province planned to charge tourists an entrance fee of $500, but Soi said no fee had been decided. Plans to limit visitors have sparked controversy in the island's tourism industry as well as among residents who depend on visitors for their livelihood. Soi acknowledged some resistance but said President Joko Widodo approved the plan and authorities were holding talks with local leaders on how best to relocate residents. "We want Komodo island to be intended for conservation," Widodo was quoted on the website of the cabinet secretary as saying after a visit to the nearby island of Rinca last week. "If you can't afford it, you don't need to go there."

Indonesia to close island in bid to save Komodo dragons

Humans and wild Sumatran elephants are engaged in a fierce conflict in the Indonesian province of Aceh. To mediate between the two groups, 31 tamed pachyderms have been enlisted in a bid to prevent the species' extinction.

Tame elephants mediate between humans, wild elephants in Indonesia's Aceh

An undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck south of Indonesia's Bali on Tuesday, the European earthquake monitoring agency EMSC said, causing minor damage and prompting residents and visitors on the tourist island to briefly flee buildings.

There were no reports of casualties and no tsunami warning issued by the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center or the Indonesian quake monitoring agency.

The epicentre was 102 km (62 miles) southwest of the island capital Denpasar and was 100 km (60 miles) deep, the EMSC said.

The US&nbsp;Geological Survey recorded the quake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7.

One resident said people in Denpasar ran out of their boarding house in pyjamas after feeling the quake.

A Twitter user with the handle Indounik in the city of Ubud on Bali said the quake was "strong enough to make me adopt the drop, cover &amp; hold approach recommended to survive a quake".

Another Twitter user, Marc van Voorst, described the quake as feeing like "a heavy truck or a train passing by at close range". He said there was no panic, even though his hotel in the Uluwatu area shook quite a bit.

Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency distributed a photograph of damage at the Lokanatha temple in Denpasar, showing smashed masonry lying on the ground. Bali is a predominantly Hindu enclave in overwhelmingly Muslim Indonesia.

Luis Winarto, a sales administrator at the Mercure Hotel Nusa Dua, said by telephone a small part of the building's roof had been damaged.

"We felt the quake quite strongly...but thankfully no one was hurt and there was only minor damage," he said.

"Everything has gone back to normal now."

There was also minor damage at a school, a house and a temple in different areas on the southern side of Bali, according to online portal Balipost.com.

The quake could also be felt in other cities on the neighbouring islands of Lombok and Java, Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency said in a statement.

A roof of a mosque in the city of Banyuwangi in East Java also partially collapsed, another photo from the disaster mitigation agency showed.

The transport ministry said Bali airport was operating normally.

Indonesia suffers frequent earthquakes, sometimes causing tsunamis, because it lies on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

Its Moluccas islands were hit by a powerful 7.2 quake on Sunday that killed at least two people and prompted hundreds to flee their homes.

The most devastating tremor in recent Indonesian history was on Dec. 26, 2004, when a magnitude 9.5 quake triggered a tsunami that killed around 226,000 people along the shorelines of the Indian Ocean, including more than 126,000 in Indonesia.

A tsunami also hit the city of Palu in Sulawesi last year, killing thousands.

An undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck south of Indonesia's Bali on Tuesday, the European earthquake monitoring agency EMSC said, causing minor damage and prompting residents and visitors on the tourist island to briefly flee buildings.

An undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck south of Indonesia's Bali on Tuesday, the European earthquake monitoring agency EMSC said, causing minor damage and prompting residents and visitors on the tourist island to briefly flee buildings. There were no reports of casualties and no tsunami warning issued by the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center or the Indonesian quake monitoring agency. The epicentre was 102 km (62 miles) southwest of the island capital Denpasar and was 100 km (60 miles) deep, the EMSC said. The US Geological Survey recorded the quake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7. One resident said people in Denpasar ran out of their boarding house in pyjamas after feeling the quake. A Twitter user with the handle Indounik in the city of Ubud on Bali said the quake was "strong enough to make me adopt the drop, cover & hold approach recommended to survive a quake". Another Twitter user, Marc van Voorst, described the quake as feeing like "a heavy truck or a train passing by at close range". He said there was no panic, even though his hotel in the Uluwatu area shook quite a bit. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency distributed a photograph of damage at the Lokanatha temple in Denpasar, showing smashed masonry lying on the ground. Bali is a predominantly Hindu enclave in overwhelmingly Muslim Indonesia. Luis Winarto, a sales administrator at the Mercure Hotel Nusa Dua, said by telephone a small part of the building's roof had been damaged. "We felt the quake quite strongly...but thankfully no one was hurt and there was only minor damage," he said. "Everything has gone back to normal now." There was also minor damage at a school, a house and a temple in different areas on the southern side of Bali, according to online portal Balipost.com. The quake could also be felt in other cities on the neighbouring islands of Lombok and Java, Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency said in a statement. A roof of a mosque in the city of Banyuwangi in East Java also partially collapsed, another photo from the disaster mitigation agency showed. The transport ministry said Bali airport was operating normally. Indonesia suffers frequent earthquakes, sometimes causing tsunamis, because it lies on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. Its Moluccas islands were hit by a powerful 7.2 quake on Sunday that killed at least two people and prompted hundreds to flee their homes. The most devastating tremor in recent Indonesian history was on Dec. 26, 2004, when a magnitude 9.5 quake triggered a tsunami that killed around 226,000 people along the shorelines of the Indian Ocean, including more than 126,000 in Indonesia. A tsunami also hit the city of Palu in Sulawesi last year, killing thousands.

Undersea quake near Indonesia's Bali causes panic, minor damage

American Airlines Group Inc said on Sunday it is extending for a fourth time cancellations of about 115 daily flights into early November due to the ongoing grounding of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeings-737-max-aircraft-what-comes-next-203786">Boeing Co 737 MAX jets</a>.

The airline's decision was expected after the Federal Aviation Administration, which must reapprove the jets for flight following two fatal crashes, last month uncovered a new flaw that Boeing estimates will take until at least September to fix.

"American Airlines remains confident that impending software updates to the Boeing 737 MAX, along with the new training elements Boeing is developing in coordination with our union partners, will lead to recertification of the aircraft this year," the airline said in a statement on Sunday.

American, the world's largest airline and the second largest MAX operator in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-shares-muted-as-prospect-of-sharp-united-states-rate-cut-fades-234064">United States</a>, most recently had planned to keep the MAX, which it used on most flights between New York's LaGuardia airport and Miami, off its schedule through Sept. 3. It has been substituting other aircraft for its busiest flights while canceling others and temporarily suspending direct flights between Oakland, California, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Some analysts have said they do not expect the MAX jets to fly again before the end of the year.

American, with 24 737 MAX aircraft and dozens more on order, is scheduling without the jets through Nov. 2.

Among other US MAX carriers, Southwest Airlines Co has removed the aircraft from its scheduling through October 1, and United Airlines Holdings until November 3. Southwest is the world's largest MAX operator.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ryanair-holdings-sees-risk-to-2020-growth-if-737-max-grounded-beyond-november-234886">737 MAX</a>, which had been Boeing's fastest-selling aircraft thanks to its fuel-efficient engines and longer ranger, was grounded worldwide in March after an Ethiopian Airlines plane plunged to the ground soon after take-off, five months after a similar Lion Air fatal crash off the coast of Indonesia.

Boeing hopes a software upgrade and new pilot training will add layers of protection to prevent erroneous data from triggering a system called MCAS, which was activated in both the planes before they crashed.

American, which is also grappling with cancellations related to a labor dispute with its mechanics, is due to report second-quarter results later this month, with an expected rise in unit revenues as capacity constraints mean its planes are flying fuller.

However, the airline cut its annual profit forecast in April, blaming an estimated $350 million hit from the MAX groundings.

American's chief executive, Doug Parker, has been among the most vocal supporters of the MAX aircraft, saying on June 12 that it was "highly likely" flights would resume by mid-August.

American Airlines Group Inc said on Sunday it is extending for a fourth time cancellations of about 115 daily flights into early November due to the ongoing grounding of the Boeing Co 737 MAX jets.

American Airlines Group Inc said on Sunday it is extending for a fourth time cancellations of about 115 daily flights into early November due to the ongoing grounding of the Boeing Co 737 MAX jets. The airline's decision was expected after the Federal Aviation Administration, which must reapprove the jets for flight following two fatal crashes, last month uncovered a new flaw that Boeing estimates will take until at least September to fix. "American Airlines remains confident that impending software updates to the Boeing 737 MAX, along with the new training elements Boeing is developing in coordination with our union partners, will lead to recertification of the aircraft this year," the airline said in a statement on Sunday. American, the world's largest airline and the second largest MAX operator in the United States, most recently had planned to keep the MAX, which it used on most flights between New York's LaGuardia airport and Miami, off its schedule through Sept. 3. It has been substituting other aircraft for its busiest flights while canceling others and temporarily suspending direct flights between Oakland, California, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Some analysts have said they do not expect the MAX jets to fly again before the end of the year. American, with 24 737 MAX aircraft and dozens more on order, is scheduling without the jets through Nov. 2. Among other US MAX carriers, Southwest Airlines Co has removed the aircraft from its scheduling through October 1, and United Airlines Holdings until November 3. Southwest is the world's largest MAX operator. The 737 MAX, which had been Boeing's fastest-selling aircraft thanks to its fuel-efficient engines and longer ranger, was grounded worldwide in March after an Ethiopian Airlines plane plunged to the ground soon after take-off, five months after a similar Lion Air fatal crash off the coast of Indonesia. Boeing hopes a software upgrade and new pilot training will add layers of protection to prevent erroneous data from triggering a system called MCAS, which was activated in both the planes before they crashed. American, which is also grappling with cancellations related to a labor dispute with its mechanics, is due to report second-quarter results later this month, with an expected rise in unit revenues as capacity constraints mean its planes are flying fuller. However, the airline cut its annual profit forecast in April, blaming an estimated $350 million hit from the MAX groundings. American's chief executive, Doug Parker, has been among the most vocal supporters of the MAX aircraft, saying on June 12 that it was "highly likely" flights would resume by mid-August.

American Airlines extends Boeing 737 MAX cancellations for fourth time

Watch this segment of WION, to know about the Indonesia's civil servant, Sutopo Nugroho who is hero to the humanity.

Face of Indonesia's relief efforts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-to-tackle-ocean-plastic-waste-as-petrochemical-producers-expand-in-asia-226838">Indonesia</a> said Tuesday it would send more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-returns-five-containers-of-waste-to-the-us-227333">210 tonnes of garbage</a> back to Australia, as Southeast Asian nations push back against serving as dumping grounds for foreign trash.

The eight containers seized in Surabaya city should have contained only waste paper, but authorities also found hazardous material and household trash including plastic bottles and packaging, used diapers, electronic waste and cans, a spokesman for the East Java customs agency told AFP.

Following the inspection the Indonesian environment ministry recommended "the items be re-exported," the agency said in a separate statement Monday.&nbsp;

"This is done to protect the public and Indonesian environment, especially in East Java, from B3 waste," it added, referring to hazardous and toxic materials.

Australian company Oceanic Multitrading sent the waste to Indonesia with help from Indonesian firm PT. MDI, authorities said.

China's decision in 2018 to ban imports of foreign plastic waste threw global recycling into chaos, leaving developed nations struggling to find places to send their waste.

Huge quantities of rubbish have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, but opposition to handling exported trash is growing in the region.

Indonesia announced last week it was sending back 49 containers full of waste to France and other developed nations.

In May, neighbouring Malaysia announced it was shipping 450 tonnes of imported plastic waste back to its sources, including Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

The Philippines, meanwhile, returned about 69 containers of rubbish to Canada last month, putting an end to a diplomatic row between the two countries.

Global concern over plastic pollution has been spurred by shocking images of waste-clogged rivers in Southeast Asia and accounts of dead sea creatures found with kilos of refuse in their stomachs.

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), with much of it ending up in landfills or polluting the seas, in what has become a growing international crisis.

Indonesia said Tuesday it would send more than 210 tonnes of garbage back to Australia, as Southeast Asian nations push back against serving as dumping grounds for foreign trash.

Indonesia said Tuesday it would send more than 210 tonnes of garbage back to Australia, as Southeast Asian nations push back against serving as dumping grounds for foreign trash. The eight containers seized in Surabaya city should have contained only waste paper, but authorities also found hazardous material and household trash including plastic bottles and packaging, used diapers, electronic waste and cans, a spokesman for the East Java customs agency told AFP. Following the inspection the Indonesian environment ministry recommended "the items be re-exported," the agency said in a separate statement Monday. "This is done to protect the public and Indonesian environment, especially in East Java, from B3 waste," it added, referring to hazardous and toxic materials. Australian company Oceanic Multitrading sent the waste to Indonesia with help from Indonesian firm PT. MDI, authorities said. China's decision in 2018 to ban imports of foreign plastic waste threw global recycling into chaos, leaving developed nations struggling to find places to send their waste. Huge quantities of rubbish have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, but opposition to handling exported trash is growing in the region. Indonesia announced last week it was sending back 49 containers full of waste to France and other developed nations. In May, neighbouring Malaysia announced it was shipping 450 tonnes of imported plastic waste back to its sources, including Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The Philippines, meanwhile, returned about 69 containers of rubbish to Canada last month, putting an end to a diplomatic row between the two countries. Global concern over plastic pollution has been spurred by shocking images of waste-clogged rivers in Southeast Asia and accounts of dead sea creatures found with kilos of refuse in their stomachs. Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), with much of it ending up in landfills or polluting the seas, in what has become a growing international crisis.

Indonesia to send 210 tonnes of waste back to Australia

Indonesia was hit by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/69-magnitude-quake-strikes-off-indonesia-tsunami-warning-issued-233827">powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sunday</a>, the US Geological Survey reported, which triggered a tsunami warning for coastal communities nearby.

However, that warning was later lifted by Indonesia's geophysics agency.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The quake struck at a depth of 24 kilometres in the Molucca Sea, 185 kilometres southeast of Manado, between Sulawesi and Maluku islands.

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.

It has been hit by a string of deadly quakes including a devastating 2004 tremor measuring 9.1 magnitude that struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third-biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres.

Indonesia was hit by a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sunday, the US Geological Survey reported, which triggered a tsunami warning for coastal communities nearby.

Indonesia was hit by a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sunday, the US Geological Survey reported, which triggered a tsunami warning for coastal communities nearby. However, that warning was later lifted by Indonesia's geophysics agency. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The quake struck at a depth of 24 kilometres in the Molucca Sea, 185 kilometres southeast of Manado, between Sulawesi and Maluku islands. Indonesia is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. It has been hit by a string of deadly quakes including a devastating 2004 tremor measuring 9.1 magnitude that struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia. The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third-biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres.

Indonesia lifts tsunami warning after strong earthquake

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-calls-to-end-internet-blackout-in-myanmars-two-states-231612">Myanmar's Rakhine state</a>, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-kill-three-suspected-rohingya-traffickers-rescue-15-refugees-230535">Rohingya Muslims</a>, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea.

But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season.

Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/systemic-failure-of-un-ahead-of-myanmar-military-crackdown-review-228223">Maungdaw</a> township.

"We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya.

Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state.

Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand.

But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages.

Rohingya remaining in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-84-rohingyas-from-perilous-sea-journey-219586">Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers</a>.

Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools.

Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters.

A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya.

On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said.

Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions.

United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide".&nbsp;

Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. 
&nbsp;

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown. Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea. But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season. Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's Maungdaw township. "We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya. Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state. Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand. But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages. Rohingya remaining in Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers. Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools. Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters. A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya. On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said. Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions. United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide". Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

Dozens of people found stranded in Myanmar's Rakhine: Official

A 6.9 magnitude quake struck off the northeastern coast of Indonesia's Sulawesi island late on Sunday, triggering a tsunami warning, reported news agency AFP.

The quake struck out at sea at a depth of 10 kilometres according to Indonesia's geophysics agency, the report added.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) put the magnitude at 6.9.&nbsp;

The shallow quake struck at a depth of 24 kilometres and was centred in the Molucca Sea between north Sulawesi and north Maluku, AFP report said quoting USGS.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but residents in the city of Ternate in North Maluku province described the panic when the quake hit.

"I was getting ready to sleep when the window started rattling," resident Budi Nurgianto told AFP.

"It was very strong -- I ran from my house and all my neighbours fled too."

According to the USGS, considerable damage was possible in poorly built or badly designed structures.&nbsp;

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.

It has been hit by a string of deadly quakes including a devastating 2004 tremor measuring 9.1 magnitude that struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres (50 feet).&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

A 6.9 magnitude quake struck off the northeastern coast of Indonesia's Sulawesi island late on Sunday, triggering a tsunami warning, reported news agency AFP. The quake struck out at sea at a depth of 10 kilometres according to Indonesia's geophysics agency, the report added.

A 6.9 magnitude quake struck off the northeastern coast of Indonesia's Sulawesi island late on Sunday, triggering a tsunami warning, reported news agency AFP. The quake struck out at sea at a depth of 10 kilometres according to Indonesia's geophysics agency, the report added. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) put the magnitude at 6.9. The shallow quake struck at a depth of 24 kilometres and was centred in the Molucca Sea between north Sulawesi and north Maluku, AFP report said quoting USGS. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but residents in the city of Ternate in North Maluku province described the panic when the quake hit. "I was getting ready to sleep when the window started rattling," resident Budi Nurgianto told AFP. "It was very strong -- I ran from my house and all my neighbours fled too." According to the USGS, considerable damage was possible in poorly built or badly designed structures. Indonesia is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. It has been hit by a string of deadly quakes including a devastating 2004 tremor measuring 9.1 magnitude that struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia. The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres (50 feet). (With inputs from AFP)

6.9 magnitude quake strikes off Indonesia, tsunami warning issued

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-troops-flood-jakarta-streets-after-post-election-riots-220989">Jakarta</a> is consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to Air Visual, a Swiss-based group that monitors air quality.

Pollution levels in the city of over 10 million have spiked in recent weeks to nearly five times the level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"We are suing the government so they will investigate where the pollution comes from and take actions based on their findings," climate campaigner Bondan Andriyanu told journalists at a central Jakarta district court.&nbsp;

Greenpeace and Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation are suing President Joko Widodo, the environment minister and home minister and three governors on Java island, including that of Jakarta.

Representatives for Widodo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were not immediately available for comment.

In recent weeks, Jakarta's PM2.5 levels - the amount of tiny particulate matter under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic meter of air - have reached as high as 152. Anything above 35 is considered "unhealthy" by the EPA.

Some residents have complained of respiratory problems.

"I can see so much haze at night," said 23-year-old Cintya Ladyana who lives on the 25th floor of an apartment building in western Jakarta. "I have also caught the flu and cough."

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities.

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities. Jakarta is consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to Air Visual, a Swiss-based group that monitors air quality. Pollution levels in the city of over 10 million have spiked in recent weeks to nearly five times the level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "We are suing the government so they will investigate where the pollution comes from and take actions based on their findings," climate campaigner Bondan Andriyanu told journalists at a central Jakarta district court. Greenpeace and Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation are suing President Joko Widodo, the environment minister and home minister and three governors on Java island, including that of Jakarta. Representatives for Widodo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were not immediately available for comment. In recent weeks, Jakarta's PM2.5 levels - the amount of tiny particulate matter under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic meter of air - have reached as high as 152. Anything above 35 is considered "unhealthy" by the EPA. Some residents have complained of respiratory problems. "I can see so much haze at night," said 23-year-old Cintya Ladyana who lives on the 25th floor of an apartment building in western Jakarta. "I have also caught the flu and cough."

Indonesian president sued over congested capital's air pollution

After riding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-china-of-serious-consequences-if-hong-kong-rights-not-honoured-232315">China</a>'s demand train for nearly two decades, Asia's coal industry is looking to a future of smaller markets and slimmer pickings, as buying declines in the world's second-biggest economy and climate change concerns blunt demand.

By far the biggest user of coal-fired power, China is buying less thermal coal from global markets, said delegates to Asia's premier coal conference last month in Bali, both as renewables gain market share and as it digs up more of its own supply.

A backlash against coal is also growing in the West. Last week, investors managing nearly half the world's invested capital demanded ahead of a Group of 20 summits in Osaka that governments take urgent action on climate change.

Delegates to Coaltrans in Bali, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-troops-flood-jakarta-streets-after-post-election-riots-220989">Indonesia</a>, however, said that while coal's glory days are done, reports of its imminent demise have been greatly exaggerated.

"Coal will continue to provide low-cost energy. We are looking at increasing demand in Southeast Asia, so we are still positive," said Hendri Tan, marketing director at PT Adaro Indonesia, a unit of PT Adaro Energy, Indonesia's second-biggest coal producer.

Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of thermal coal, used primarily for power generation, shipping out 429 million tonnes last year and accounting for 43% of the 1 billion-tonne-a-year seaborne market, according to Australian government data.

Around 124 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity is under development in Southeast and South Asia, both key markets for Indonesia, and that is expected to offset declining demand from China, said the chairman of Indonesia Coal Mining Association, Pandu Sjahrir.

Indonesia itself is expected to add some 50 million tonnes a year of coal-fired power demand by 2023, he said, a rise of 55% that would make it one of Asia's biggest consumers.

As China takes less, economies like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines are also expected to pick up the slack, delegates said.

Between 2014 and 2018, China's coal demand fell by 2.4%, while India's swelled by 16.7%, according to BP's Statistical Review of World Energy report this year. Over the same period, Vietnam's coal use grew by 65% and Indonesia's by 36%, helping to offset falls in the United States, Japan and Germany as well.

 
Beach parties end, belly dancers, stay home

Indonesia shot to prominence as a coal producer last decade as it dug out and shipped the fuel to meet power demand from China, eventually outstripping then leader Australia.

As China's manufacturing might grow, so too did its hunger for electricity, turning it into a net thermal coal importer around 2004. That was a bonanza for miners and helped establish Coaltrans in Bali as the industry's main event in Asia.

 
During the boom years, companies would battle to outdo each other at Coaltrans with lavish beach parties. One Uzbekistan company flew in belly dancers to entertain potential customers drinking free-flow vodka and eating caviar, delegates said.

"People were throwing money at everything," said SMG Consultants' Alistair MacDonald, who has attended Coaltrans since 2000. But times have changed, he said.

"The bankers aren't here. A lot of the services like insurers aren't here any more," he said. "It's a lot more domestic (Indonesian) players, and they want to be perceived as energy companies, not as coal companies."

Staring at prospects of tougher conditions ahead, Indonesia's large thermal coal miners are diversifying into other geographies and other industries, Sacha Winzenried, a partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, told Reuters.

"They are looking into renewables, other infrastructure, supply chain support such as water, utilities, shipping and logistics," Winzenried said.

Indonesia's Adaro Energy bought an Australian coal mine from Rio Tinto last year. And Indonesian state coal miner Bukit Asam is targeting commercial operation of four coal processing plants in South Sumatra that would extract gas from, as well as burn, coal.

Financing dries up

Delegates also noted the difficulty of getting financing for their businesses, working capital and further investments, and some were pessimistic on the coal industry's longevity.

One mining engineer in his fifties, who had spent most of his career in coal at a major miner and also had an MBA, saw his career options as limited.

"I've spent twenty years in coal. Where can I go next?" he said. "I would not recommend any young people join this industry."

Still, renewables are not expected to make the same inroads in emerging Asian economies as in developed nations, because Asian governments are working to provide cheap baseload power from coal, and renewables can't compete on scale or price, said an industry analyst, declining to be named due to his listed company's policy.

"Less coal will mean a less polluted world," he said. "But if you don't want (coal) to exist, then you have to come up with a realistic alternative."

After riding China's demand train for nearly two decades, Asia's coal industry is looking to a future of smaller markets and slimmer pickings, as buying declines in the world's second-biggest economy and climate change concerns blunt demand.

After riding China's demand train for nearly two decades, Asia's coal industry is looking to a future of smaller markets and slimmer pickings, as buying declines in the world's second-biggest economy and climate change concerns blunt demand. By far the biggest user of coal-fired power, China is buying less thermal coal from global markets, said delegates to Asia's premier coal conference last month in Bali, both as renewables gain market share and as it digs up more of its own supply. A backlash against coal is also growing in the West. Last week, investors managing nearly half the world's invested capital demanded ahead of a Group of 20 summits in Osaka that governments take urgent action on climate change. Delegates to Coaltrans in Bali, Indonesia, however, said that while coal's glory days are done, reports of its imminent demise have been greatly exaggerated. "Coal will continue to provide low-cost energy. We are looking at increasing demand in Southeast Asia, so we are still positive," said Hendri Tan, marketing director at PT Adaro Indonesia, a unit of PT Adaro Energy, Indonesia's second-biggest coal producer. Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of thermal coal, used primarily for power generation, shipping out 429 million tonnes last year and accounting for 43% of the 1 billion-tonne-a-year seaborne market, according to Australian government data. Around 124 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity is under development in Southeast and South Asia, both key markets for Indonesia, and that is expected to offset declining demand from China, said the chairman of Indonesia Coal Mining Association, Pandu Sjahrir. Indonesia itself is expected to add some 50 million tonnes a year of coal-fired power demand by 2023, he said, a rise of 55% that would make it one of Asia's biggest consumers. As China takes less, economies like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines are also expected to pick up the slack, delegates said. Between 2014 and 2018, China's coal demand fell by 2.4%, while India's swelled by 16.7%, according to BP's Statistical Review of World Energy report this year. Over the same period, Vietnam's coal use grew by 65% and Indonesia's by 36%, helping to offset falls in the United States, Japan and Germany as well. Beach parties end, belly dancers, stay home Indonesia shot to prominence as a coal producer last decade as it dug out and shipped the fuel to meet power demand from China, eventually outstripping then leader Australia. As China's manufacturing might grow, so too did its hunger for electricity, turning it into a net thermal coal importer around 2004. That was a bonanza for miners and helped establish Coaltrans in Bali as the industry's main event in Asia. During the boom years, companies would battle to outdo each other at Coaltrans with lavish beach parties. One Uzbekistan company flew in belly dancers to entertain potential customers drinking free-flow vodka and eating caviar, delegates said. "People were throwing money at everything," said SMG Consultants' Alistair MacDonald, who has attended Coaltrans since 2000. But times have changed, he said. "The bankers aren't here. A lot of the services like insurers aren't here any more," he said. "It's a lot more domestic (Indonesian) players, and they want to be perceived as energy companies, not as coal companies." Staring at prospects of tougher conditions ahead, Indonesia's large thermal coal miners are diversifying into other geographies and other industries, Sacha Winzenried, a partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, told Reuters. "They are looking into renewables, other infrastructure, supply chain support such as water, utilities, shipping and logistics," Winzenried said. Indonesia's Adaro Energy bought an Australian coal mine from Rio Tinto last year. And Indonesian state coal miner Bukit Asam is targeting commercial operation of four coal processing plants in South Sumatra that would extract gas from, as well as burn, coal. Financing dries up Delegates also noted the difficulty of getting financing for their businesses, working capital and further investments, and some were pessimistic on the coal industry's longevity. One mining engineer in his fifties, who had spent most of his career in coal at a major miner and also had an MBA, saw his career options as limited. "I've spent twenty years in coal. Where can I go next?" he said. "I would not recommend any young people join this industry." Still, renewables are not expected to make the same inroads in emerging Asian economies as in developed nations, because Asian governments are working to provide cheap baseload power from coal, and renewables can't compete on scale or price, said an industry analyst, declining to be named due to his listed company's policy. "Less coal will mean a less polluted world," he said. "But if you don't want (coal) to exist, then you have to come up with a realistic alternative."

Future tense: Fastest-growing market Asia rethinks coal's prospects

India and Indonesia on Saturday set an ambitious $50 billion target for bilateral trade over the next six years as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-indonesian-presdient-joko-widodo-brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231351">Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo</a> discussed ways to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas including economy, defence and maritime security.

The two leaders, who are in Osaka, Japan for the G20 Summit, met in the morning and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in trade and investment.

According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, India and Indonesia set a $50 billion target for bilateral trade by 2025.

Trade between the two countries in 2016 was $12.9 billion. It rose 28.7 per cent to $18.13 billion in 2017 with Indonesia's exports to India reaching $14.08 billion and its imports from India standing at $4.05 billion, according to Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency.

During his meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Indonesian President Widodo, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, defence and maritime fronts.

This was Modi's first official engagement on the second day of the June 28-29 Summit.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi's 4 Bilaterals &amp; 4 Pull-Asides

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-day-2-pm-modis-4-bilaterals-4-pull-asides-231362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Beginning Day 2 of the #G20 Summit by meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi holds talks with President @jokowi on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation," the prime minister's office tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Beginning Day 2 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit by meeting a valued friend. 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> holds talks with President <a href="https://twitter.com/jokowi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jokowi</a> on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/lEF3uIFPAJ">pic.twitter.com/lEF3uIFPAJ</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1144766583950041089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, Kumar said, "Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit. Discussed expanding cooperation in trade &amp; investment, defence, maritime, space &amp; exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision".

On Friday, Modi held bilateral and plurilateral meetings with many leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

India and Indonesia on Saturday set an ambitious $50 billion target for bilateral trade over the next six years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo discussed ways to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas including economy, defence and maritime security.

India and Indonesia on Saturday set an ambitious $50 billion target for bilateral trade over the next six years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo discussed ways to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas including economy, defence and maritime security. The two leaders, who are in Osaka, Japan for the G20 Summit, met in the morning and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in trade and investment. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, India and Indonesia set a $50 billion target for bilateral trade by 2025. Trade between the two countries in 2016 was $12.9 billion. It rose 28.7 per cent to $18.13 billion in 2017 with Indonesia's exports to India reaching $14.08 billion and its imports from India standing at $4.05 billion, according to Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency. During his meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Indonesian President Widodo, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, defence and maritime fronts. This was Modi's first official engagement on the second day of the June 28-29 Summit. Watch: PM Modi's 4 Bilaterals & 4 Pull-Asides "Beginning Day 2 of the #G20 Summit by meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi holds talks with President @jokowi on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation," the prime minister's office tweeted. Beginning Day 2 of the #G20 Summit by meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi holds talks with President @jokowi on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation. pic.twitter.com/lEF3uIFPAJ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2019 × In a tweet, Kumar said, "Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit. Discussed expanding cooperation in trade & investment, defence, maritime, space & exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision". On Friday, Modi held bilateral and plurilateral meetings with many leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping.

India, Indonesia set $50 billion trade target by 2025

Indonesia's constitutional court Thursday rejected a bid to overturn President Joko Widodo's re-election victory and dismissed his defeated challenger's claims of widespread voter fraud as groundless.

The court threw out the case lodged by ex-general Prabowo Subianto, saying he did not prove he lost the April vote because of widespread cheating and voter fraud -- allegations that sparked deadly rioting in the capital of the world's third-biggest democracy.

"The plaintiff's case is legally groundless," said chief Justice Anwar Usman. "We reject (his) demand in its entirety."

The ruling paves the way for Widodo and vice-presidential running mate Ma'ruf Amin to be inaugurated later this year.

"Thank you to the Constutional Court which has settled the election dispute openly and transparently," the 58-year-old Widodo said in a televised address.

"I'm calling on all Indonesians to come together to develop our nation."

In the course of a hearing that stretched over nine hours, the panel painstakingly described many of the allegations -- including vote buying and that biased civil servants favoured Widodo -- as baseless.

The court, which questioned the quality of the evidence and credibility of witnesses, said voter-fraud claims were the responsibility of Indonesia's elections supervisory agency and beyond its jurisdiction.

Subianto claimed the vote was plagued by "systematic, structured and massive" electoral fraud that cost him victory.

His lawyers sought to overturn the official results that declared Widodo the winner with 55.5 per cent of votes, against Subianto's 44.5 per cent.

After the ruling, Subianto said he would consider his options.

"This ruling is very disappointing for us and our supporters but as agreed we will comply with and follow the constitution," he said in a televised address.

"I will consult with my legal team," he added.

- 'Game over' -

But Subianto, who lost a similar court battle in 2014 when Widodo defeated him, has little recourse, according to constitutional law expert Refly Harun.

"If the claim is rejected then it's game over," he said before the ruling.

Subianto supporter Daeng Wahidin was among a few thousand people gathered outside the court for the verdict, but police barricades prevented them getting near the building.

"The state can make its decision, but I won't accept Jokowi as president," the 45-year-old Wahidin told AFP, referring to Widodo by his nickname.

"I think he was elected through a fraudulent system."

Some 47,000 police and army personnel were deployed around the court and other parts of central Jakarta amid fears of more unrest, but there was little sign of violent demonstrations Thursday.

Last month, peaceful protests against the official result by Subianto supporters erupted into two nights of street battles between police and rioters, leaving nine people dead and hundreds injured in the city's worst violence in years.

Indonesian police have been in the spotlight after videos surfaced that appeared to show officers beating protesters.

There are also questions about how the demonstrators -- including a 15-year-old high school student -- died.

This week, Amnesty International called for an independent probe into what it called "grave human rights violations" by police against protesters -- including beatings and "torture" -- and allegations that they were behind the killings of demonstrators.

Some of the dead were reported to have gunshot wounds. Police have insisted they did not shoot live rounds, but instead used rubber bullets, water cannon and tear gas to push back the crowds.

Indonesia's constitutional court Thursday rejected a bid to overturn President Joko Widodo's re-election victory and dismissed his defeated challenger's claims of widespread voter fraud as groundless.

Indonesia's constitutional court Thursday rejected a bid to overturn President Joko Widodo's re-election victory and dismissed his defeated challenger's claims of widespread voter fraud as groundless. The court threw out the case lodged by ex-general Prabowo Subianto, saying he did not prove he lost the April vote because of widespread cheating and voter fraud -- allegations that sparked deadly rioting in the capital of the world's third-biggest democracy. "The plaintiff's case is legally groundless," said chief Justice Anwar Usman. "We reject (his) demand in its entirety." The ruling paves the way for Widodo and vice-presidential running mate Ma'ruf Amin to be inaugurated later this year. "Thank you to the Constutional Court which has settled the election dispute openly and transparently," the 58-year-old Widodo said in a televised address. "I'm calling on all Indonesians to come together to develop our nation." In the course of a hearing that stretched over nine hours, the panel painstakingly described many of the allegations -- including vote buying and that biased civil servants favoured Widodo -- as baseless. The court, which questioned the quality of the evidence and credibility of witnesses, said voter-fraud claims were the responsibility of Indonesia's elections supervisory agency and beyond its jurisdiction. Subianto claimed the vote was plagued by "systematic, structured and massive" electoral fraud that cost him victory. His lawyers sought to overturn the official results that declared Widodo the winner with 55.5 per cent of votes, against Subianto's 44.5 per cent. After the ruling, Subianto said he would consider his options. "This ruling is very disappointing for us and our supporters but as agreed we will comply with and follow the constitution," he said in a televised address. "I will consult with my legal team," he added. - 'Game over' - But Subianto, who lost a similar court battle in 2014 when Widodo defeated him, has little recourse, according to constitutional law expert Refly Harun. "If the claim is rejected then it's game over," he said before the ruling. Subianto supporter Daeng Wahidin was among a few thousand people gathered outside the court for the verdict, but police barricades prevented them getting near the building. "The state can make its decision, but I won't accept Jokowi as president," the 45-year-old Wahidin told AFP, referring to Widodo by his nickname. "I think he was elected through a fraudulent system." Some 47,000 police and army personnel were deployed around the court and other parts of central Jakarta amid fears of more unrest, but there was little sign of violent demonstrations Thursday. Last month, peaceful protests against the official result by Subianto supporters erupted into two nights of street battles between police and rioters, leaving nine people dead and hundreds injured in the city's worst violence in years. Indonesian police have been in the spotlight after videos surfaced that appeared to show officers beating protesters. There are also questions about how the demonstrators -- including a 15-year-old high school student -- died. This week, Amnesty International called for an independent probe into what it called "grave human rights violations" by police against protesters -- including beatings and "torture" -- and allegations that they were behind the killings of demonstrators. Some of the dead were reported to have gunshot wounds. Police have insisted they did not shoot live rounds, but instead used rubber bullets, water cannon and tear gas to push back the crowds.

Indonesia court rejects bid to overturn President Widodo's victory

An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck in a remote area of Indonesia in the Banda Sea on Monday, says USGS, but there were no initial tsunami warnings.

Earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hits remote area of Indonesia

A powerful, deep <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earthquake-of-75-magnitude-hits-remote-area-of-indonesia-229871">7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coasts of East Timor and Indonesia</a> on Monday and was felt as far away as Australia, but authorities said it did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

Strong shaking caused alarm in the East Timor capital of Dili prompting people to run out of their houses, a Reuters witness said, but there were no immediate reports of damage, injuries or deaths.

The quake struck in the Banda Sea in Indonesia and was felt across northern Australia. In Darwin, around 700km (435 miles) away from the epicentre, it hit at lunchtime and office workers sought safety outside. No damage or injuries were reported.

"It's probably one of the strongest I've felt in my time here in Darwin," Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Chris Kent told ABC Radio Darwin.

"We ended up wandering outside for about 15 minutes to let things settle down," he said.

ConocoPhillips, operator of the Darwin LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant, and Inpex, operator of Ichthys LNG onshore facilities, both said their sites were operating normally following the tremor.

The quake, initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.2, was at a depth 220 km (136 miles), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. Due to the quake's depth, there was no tsunami threat, said the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The Indonesian geophysics agency recorded at least one aftershock measuring over magnitude four on the Richter scale.

The quake was also felt on Indonesia's holiday island of Bali, several people said on social media. But there were no immediate reports of damage or injury in Indonesia, said Rita Rosita, an official of the national disaster mitigation agency.

Earlier on Monday, a strong quake of magnitude 6.1 struck the eastern province of Papua but no deaths were reported.

A powerful, deep 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coasts of East Timor and Indonesia on Monday and was felt as far away as Australia, but authorities said it did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

A powerful, deep 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coasts of East Timor and Indonesia on Monday and was felt as far away as Australia, but authorities said it did not have the potential to cause a tsunami. Strong shaking caused alarm in the East Timor capital of Dili prompting people to run out of their houses, a Reuters witness said, but there were no immediate reports of damage, injuries or deaths. The quake struck in the Banda Sea in Indonesia and was felt across northern Australia. In Darwin, around 700km (435 miles) away from the epicentre, it hit at lunchtime and office workers sought safety outside. No damage or injuries were reported. "It's probably one of the strongest I've felt in my time here in Darwin," Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Chris Kent told ABC Radio Darwin. "We ended up wandering outside for about 15 minutes to let things settle down," he said. ConocoPhillips, operator of the Darwin LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant, and Inpex, operator of Ichthys LNG onshore facilities, both said their sites were operating normally following the tremor. The quake, initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.2, was at a depth 220 km (136 miles), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. Due to the quake's depth, there was no tsunami threat, said the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The Indonesian geophysics agency recorded at least one aftershock measuring over magnitude four on the Richter scale. The quake was also felt on Indonesia's holiday island of Bali, several people said on social media. But there were no immediate reports of damage or injury in Indonesia, said Rita Rosita, an official of the national disaster mitigation agency. Earlier on Monday, a strong quake of magnitude 6.1 struck the eastern province of Papua but no deaths were reported.

Quake of magnitude 7.5 shakes East Timor, Australia; no tsunami feared

At least 15 people have died after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-13-dead-in-indonesia-ferry-accident-165805">passenger ferry sank off the Indonesian</a> island of Java, police said Tuesday, the latest maritime accident to hit the archipelago nation.

The overloaded boat was carrying around 50 people when it overturned Monday in rough seas near Madura island, East Java Police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera said.

Search and rescue teams found 13 bodies Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of dead to 15, with 31 survivors.

Rescuers are searching for at least three people officially listed as still missing. But local reports have suggested that there could be more victims not on the official manifest.

"It's suspected that the boat was overloaded," Mangera said in a statement.

"The boat was hit by a large wave, overturned and sank."

The 10-metre (32 foot) long traditional vessel was found by fishermen shortly after it was swamped, he added.

Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, an archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands, where many use ferries and other boats to travel despite poor safety standards.

More than 160 people died when a passenger ferry sunk into the depths of one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island last year.

At least 15 people have died after a passenger ferry sank off the Indonesian island of Java, police said Tuesday, the latest maritime accident to hit the archipelago nation.

At least 15 people have died after a passenger ferry sank off the Indonesian island of Java, police said Tuesday, the latest maritime accident to hit the archipelago nation. The overloaded boat was carrying around 50 people when it overturned Monday in rough seas near Madura island, East Java Police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera said. Search and rescue teams found 13 bodies Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of dead to 15, with 31 survivors. Rescuers are searching for at least three people officially listed as still missing. But local reports have suggested that there could be more victims not on the official manifest. "It's suspected that the boat was overloaded," Mangera said in a statement. "The boat was hit by a large wave, overturned and sank." The 10-metre (32 foot) long traditional vessel was found by fishermen shortly after it was swamped, he added. Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, an archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands, where many use ferries and other boats to travel despite poor safety standards. More than 160 people died when a passenger ferry sunk into the depths of one of the world's deepest lakes on Sumatra island last year.

Indonesia ferry sinking leaves at least 15 dead

Environmental groups called on Tuesday for Southeast Asian countries to ban <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-trash-import-ban-upturns-global-recycling-industry-151391">waste imports</a> from developed countries to help tackle a pollution crisis, as regional leaders prepare to meet this week in Bangkok.

Southeast Asia has seen a staggering spike in imports of plastic and electronic waste from developed countries after the world's top recycler, China, banned imports, causing millions of tonnes of the trash to be diverted to less regulated countries.

Thailand will from Thursday host four days of meetings for leaders of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the region's most pressing issues.

"Greenpeace Southeast Asia demands that ASEAN leaders put this issue on the agenda during their summits this year and make a united declaration to address the region's plastic waste crisis," the group said in a statement.

"Declare an immediate ban on all imports of plastic waste," Greenpeace urged.

It was in the interests of ASEAN, whose meetings are being held under the theme of sustainability this year, to ban waste trading, said a Thai environmental group.

"Welcoming plastics and electronic waste from abroad in the name of development must urgently end," said Penchom Saetang, director of Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand (EARTH) Foundation.

Some Southeast Asian countries have in recent months been taking action to stem the flow of trash.

Indonesia was the latest to reject trash imports from Canada, following similar moves by Malaysia and the Philippines.

Thailand does not ban plastic waste imports, but it aims to end them by 2020. It imposes partial bans on electronic scrap.

Environmental groups called on Tuesday for Southeast Asian countries to ban waste imports from developed countries to help tackle a pollution crisis, as regional leaders prepare to meet this week in Bangkok.

Environmental groups called on Tuesday for Southeast Asian countries to ban waste imports from developed countries to help tackle a pollution crisis, as regional leaders prepare to meet this week in Bangkok. Southeast Asia has seen a staggering spike in imports of plastic and electronic waste from developed countries after the world's top recycler, China, banned imports, causing millions of tonnes of the trash to be diverted to less regulated countries. Thailand will from Thursday host four days of meetings for leaders of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the region's most pressing issues. "Greenpeace Southeast Asia demands that ASEAN leaders put this issue on the agenda during their summits this year and make a united declaration to address the region's plastic waste crisis," the group said in a statement. "Declare an immediate ban on all imports of plastic waste," Greenpeace urged. It was in the interests of ASEAN, whose meetings are being held under the theme of sustainability this year, to ban waste trading, said a Thai environmental group. "Welcoming plastics and electronic waste from abroad in the name of development must urgently end," said Penchom Saetang, director of Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand (EARTH) Foundation. Some Southeast Asian countries have in recent months been taking action to stem the flow of trash. Indonesia was the latest to reject trash imports from Canada, following similar moves by Malaysia and the Philippines. Thailand does not ban plastic waste imports, but it aims to end them by 2020. It imposes partial bans on electronic scrap.

Southeast Asia should ban foreign trash imports: Environmentalists

An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck in eastern Indonesia on Monday, the European monitoring agency said, but there were no immediate report of any casualties or damage.

The epicentre was 133 km (83 miles) northwest of the city of Kupang on Timor island, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said. 
&nbsp;

An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck in eastern Indonesia on Monday, the European monitoring agency said, but there were no immediate report of any casualties or damage.

An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck in eastern Indonesia on Monday, the European monitoring agency said, but there were no immediate report of any casualties or damage. The epicentre was 133 km (83 miles) northwest of the city of Kupang on Timor island, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.

Earthquake of 6.2 magnitude strikes in eastern Indonesia

Twelve people were killed and dozens more injured in an Indonesian traffic accident on Monday after a bus passenger tried to wrest control of the steering wheel following an argument with the driver, police said.

The accident happened at around 1:00 am Monday (1800 GMT Sunday) when the coach swerved into oncoming traffic on a toll road in West Java, smashing into two cars and causing a truck to roll.

Some 43 people were injured in the multi-vehicle accident and rushed to hospital, police said.

"In the middle of the journey, a passenger attempted to forcibly take control of the steering wheel... and the bus then lost control," Atik Suswanti, the head of the Majalengka police traffic unit, told news agency AFP.

The 29-year-old passenger was severely injured, according to authorities. It was not immediately clear if the bus driver survived.

Traffic accidents are common in the Southeast Asian archipelago, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules regularly flouted.

In September, at least 21 people died when a bus plunged into a ravine in West Java's Sukabumi region. 
&nbsp;

Twelve people were killed and dozens more injured in an Indonesian traffic accident on Monday after a bus passenger tried to wrest control of the steering wheel following an argument with the driver, police said.

Twelve people were killed and dozens more injured in an Indonesian traffic accident on Monday after a bus passenger tried to wrest control of the steering wheel following an argument with the driver, police said. The accident happened at around 1:00 am Monday (1800 GMT Sunday) when the coach swerved into oncoming traffic on a toll road in West Java, smashing into two cars and causing a truck to roll. Some 43 people were injured in the multi-vehicle accident and rushed to hospital, police said. "In the middle of the journey, a passenger attempted to forcibly take control of the steering wheel... and the bus then lost control," Atik Suswanti, the head of the Majalengka police traffic unit, told news agency AFP. The 29-year-old passenger was severely injured, according to authorities. It was not immediately clear if the bus driver survived. Traffic accidents are common in the Southeast Asian archipelago, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules regularly flouted. In September, at least 21 people died when a bus plunged into a ravine in West Java's Sukabumi region.

12 Killed In Indonesia bus crash after argument between passenger, driver

Indonesia has returned five containers of rubbish to the United States and will not become a "dumping ground", officials said Saturday, the latest Southeast Asian country to return imported waste.&nbsp;

The containers were supposed to contain only paper scrap, according to the customs documents. Instead, they were loaded with other waste including bottles, plastic waste, and diapers, said senior environment ministry official Sayid Muhadhar.

"This is not appropriate and we don't want to be a dumping ground," Muhadhar told AFP.&nbsp;

The five containers -- owned by a Canadian company -- were shipped from Seattle in the United States to Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya in late March, Muhadhar said.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear where the rubbish originated from.

Indonesia is currently examining several other containers in Jakarta's port and the city of Batam on the island of Sumatra.&nbsp;

It is the latest country to return imported rubbish after neighbouring Malaysia vowed to ship back hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste last month.&nbsp;

The Philippines has ordered tonnes of garbage dumped in the country to be shipped back to Canada, sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries.

For years China received the bulk of scrap plastic from around the world but closed its doors to foreign refuse last year in an effort to clean up its environment.

Huge quantities of waste have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia and to a lesser degree the Philippines.

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year. Much of that ends up in landfill or in the seas, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Indonesia has returned five containers of rubbish to the United States and will not become a "dumping ground", officials said Saturday, the latest Southeast Asian country to return imported waste.

Indonesia has returned five containers of rubbish to the United States and will not become a "dumping ground", officials said Saturday, the latest Southeast Asian country to return imported waste. The containers were supposed to contain only paper scrap, according to the customs documents. Instead, they were loaded with other waste including bottles, plastic waste, and diapers, said senior environment ministry official Sayid Muhadhar. "This is not appropriate and we don't want to be a dumping ground," Muhadhar told AFP. The five containers -- owned by a Canadian company -- were shipped from Seattle in the United States to Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya in late March, Muhadhar said. It was not immediately clear where the rubbish originated from. Indonesia is currently examining several other containers in Jakarta's port and the city of Batam on the island of Sumatra. It is the latest country to return imported rubbish after neighbouring Malaysia vowed to ship back hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste last month. The Philippines has ordered tonnes of garbage dumped in the country to be shipped back to Canada, sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries. For years China received the bulk of scrap plastic from around the world but closed its doors to foreign refuse last year in an effort to clean up its environment. Huge quantities of waste have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia and to a lesser degree the Philippines. Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year. Much of that ends up in landfill or in the seas, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Indonesia returns five containers of waste to the US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-troops-flood-jakarta-streets-after-post-election-riots-220989">Indonesia</a> on Saturday lifted temporary restrictions on some social media functions aimed at stopping online hoaxes during recent violence linked to the announcement of official election results, a communications ministry official said.

Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the ministry`s information applications director general, told a news conference that social media had returned to normal.

The restrictions came into force on Wednesday after rioting broke out in the Indonesian capital following protests against the victory of President Joko Widodo in last month`s poll. Eight people were killed and more than 900 hurt, with authorities blaming fake stories spread online for inflaming tensions.&nbsp;

Indonesia on Saturday lifted temporary restrictions on some social media functions aimed at stopping online hoaxes during recent violence linked to the announcement of official election results, a communications ministry official said.

Indonesia on Saturday lifted temporary restrictions on some social media functions aimed at stopping online hoaxes during recent violence linked to the announcement of official election results, a communications ministry official said. Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the ministry`s information applications director general, told a news conference that social media had returned to normal. The restrictions came into force on Wednesday after rioting broke out in the Indonesian capital following protests against the victory of President Joko Widodo in last month`s poll. Eight people were killed and more than 900 hurt, with authorities blaming fake stories spread online for inflaming tensions.

Indonesia lifts social media curbs targeting hoaxes during recent unrest

Indonesian police fired tear gas on Wednesday (May 22) to disperse protesters during a standoff on street, following a rally held after official election results showed incumbent President Joko Widodo had been comfortably re-elected.

Indonesian police fire tear gas to disperse protesters

At least six&nbsp;people are dead and 200 injured in civil unrest in the Indonesian capital, its governor, Anies Baswedan, said on Wednesday after the election commission confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-joko-widodo-wins-second-term-as-president-220251">President Joko Widodo had won last month's election</a>.

"As per 9 o'clock this morning, there were 200 people hurt being brought to five hospitals," the governor told broadcaster TVOne.

"The number of people dead was six," he said, adding that hospitals were conducting post mortems to determine the cause of death.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-election-joko-widodo-re-elected-as-indonesian-president-220329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier today, a police spokesman said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-police-arrest-at-least-20-amid-post-election-violence-220535">Indonesian police have arrested at least 20 people</a> accused of provoking riots in Jakarta.

The protests and riots came after the General Election Commission on Tuesday confirmed unofficial counts by private pollsters in the April 17 election, which gave Widodo a 55.5% share of votes against 44.5% for his opponent, former general Prabowo Subianto.

Widodo won more than 85 million votes of a total of 154 million cast in the world's third-largest democracy, but Prabowo told reporters he believed there had been widespread cheating and about 1,000 supporters gathered in Jakarta a day earlier.

(With inputs from Reuters)

At least six people are dead and 200 injured in civil unrest in the Indonesian capital, its governor, Anies Baswedan, said on Wednesday after the election commission confirmed President Joko Widodo had won last month's election.

At least six people are dead and 200 injured in civil unrest in the Indonesian capital, its governor, Anies Baswedan, said on Wednesday after the election commission confirmed President Joko Widodo had won last month's election. "As per 9 o'clock this morning, there were 200 people hurt being brought to five hospitals," the governor told broadcaster TVOne. "The number of people dead was six," he said, adding that hospitals were conducting post mortems to determine the cause of death. Earlier today, a police spokesman said that Indonesian police have arrested at least 20 people accused of provoking riots in Jakarta. The protests and riots came after the General Election Commission on Tuesday confirmed unofficial counts by private pollsters in the April 17 election, which gave Widodo a 55.5% share of votes against 44.5% for his opponent, former general Prabowo Subianto. Widodo won more than 85 million votes of a total of 154 million cast in the world's third-largest democracy, but Prabowo told reporters he believed there had been widespread cheating and about 1,000 supporters gathered in Jakarta a day earlier. (With inputs from Reuters)

At least six dead, 200 injured after unrest following Indonesia election result

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has beaten rival Prabowo Subianto to win a second term in office, the country's elections commission has said, in an announcement that came hours before opposition protesters were set to protest against the final results of last month's vote.

Indonesia election: Joko Widodo re-elected as Indonesian President

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