At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia.&nbsp

The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city.&nbsp

AFP quoted police as saying there were three attacks on three churches. And that one of them was a suicide blast.&nbsp

Police added that the three blasts occurred within 10 minutes of each other.&nbsp

The first blast took place at 7.30 am local time.&nbsp

There were three attacks on three churches, all within 10 minutes of each other. One of the attacks was reportedly a suicide blast

At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia. The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city. AFP quoted police as saying there were three attacks on three churches. And that one of them was a suicide blast. Police added that the three blasts occurred within 10 minutes of each other. The first blast took place at 7.30 am local time.

Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday condemned the suicide attacks on churches carried out Islamist militants.

He called the attacks "barbaric" and ordered police to track down the perpetrators.

"I have instructed police to look into and break up networks of perpetrators," said Widodo.

Widodo was speaking at a news briefing and shared that one of the attacks had used two children in the bombing.

A family of six launched suicide attacks on Christians attending Sunday prayers&nbsp;at three churches in Indonesia's second-largest city, Surabaya.

At least 13 people lost their lives while nearly 40 were wounded.

According to the police, the family who carried out the attacks were Islamic sympathizers who had returned from Syria.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

According to the police, the family who carried out the attacks were Islamic sympathizers who had returned from Syria

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday condemned the suicide attacks on churches carried out Islamist militants. He called the attacks "barbaric" and ordered police to track down the perpetrators. "I have instructed police to look into and break up networks of perpetrators," said Widodo. Widodo was speaking at a news briefing and shared that one of the attacks had used two children in the bombing. A family of six launched suicide attacks on Christians attending Sunday prayers at three churches in Indonesia's second-largest city, Surabaya. At least 13 people lost their lives while nearly 40 were wounded. According to the police, the family who carried out the attacks were Islamic sympathizers who had returned from Syria. (With inputs from Reuters)

Indonesian president calls attacks on churches 'barbaric'

A family of six launched suicide attacks on Christians attending Sunday services at three churches in Indonesia's second-largest city of Surabaya, killing at least 13 people and wounding 40, officials said.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, has seen a recent resurgence in homegrown militancy and police said the family who carried out Sunday's attacks were among 500 Islamic sympathizers who had returned from Syria.

"The husband drove the car, an Avanza, that contained explosives and rammed it into the gate in front of that church," East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera told reporters at the regional police headquarters in Surabaya.

The wife and two daughters were involved in an attack on a second church and at the third church "two other children rode the motorbike and had the bomb across their laps", Mangera said.

The two daughters were aged 12 and 9 while the other two, thought to be the man's sons, were 18 and 16, police said.

They blamed the bombings on the Islamic State-inspired group Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

JAD is an umbrella organization on a US&nbspState Department “terrorist” list that is estimated to have drawn hundreds of Islamic State sympathizers in Indonesia.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, in a message carried on its Amaq news agency.

"This act is barbaric and beyond the limits of humanity, causing victims among members of society, the police and even innocent children," President Joko Widodo said during a visit to the scene of the attacks.

East Java police spokesman Mangera said the attacks had killed at least 13 people and 40 had been taken to hospital, including two police officers. He called on people to remain calm.

Streets around the bombed churches were blocked by checkpoints and heavily armed police stood guard as forensic and bomb squad officers combined the area for clues.

Television footage showed one church where the yard in front appeared engulfed in fire, with thick, black smoke billowing up. A large blast was heard hours after the attacks, which Mangera said was a bomb disposal squad dealing with a device.

The attacks come days after militant Islamist prisoners killed five members of an elite counter-terrorism force during a 36-hour standoff at a high security jail on the outskirts of the capital, Jakarta.

The church attacks were likely linked to the prison hostage standoff, said Wawan Purwanto, communication director at Indonesia's intelligence agency.

"The main target is still security authorities, but we can say that there are alternative (targets) if the main targets are blocked," he said.

Suicide attack used motorbike

At St Mary's catholic church, the first place of worship to be attacked, the bombing happened after an earlier mass was over and when the church was getting ready to hold another service.

A witness interviewed by CNN Indonesia said shortly before the explosion he saw a person on a motorbike drive in carrying a cardboard box.

Separately, an internal police report reviewed by Reuters said a suspected bomb exploded in a car in the parking lot of a Pentacostal church, setting alight dozens of motorbikes.

In the third location, the Indonesian Christian Church, veiled women entered the church's yard where they were stopped by a security guard before an explosion occurred at the same spot, according to the police report.

Television images showed toppled and burnt motorcycles and debris scattered around the entrance of one church and police cordoning off areas as crowds gathered.

A spokesman for Indonesia's church association (PGI) called on the government for more help on security at churches.

"PGI is concerned because this had happened many times and often taken place around the time of Sunday services," said Jeirry Sumampow, a spokesman for the Indonesia's Communion of Churches.

Pope Francis offered his prayer to the victims during his Sunday prayer in Rome.

"I am particularly close to the dear people of Indonesia, especially to the communities of Christians of the city of Surabaya, which were hit hard by the serious attack on places of worship," he said.

"Together we invoke the God of peace (asking him) to cease these violent actions and (to make sure) that in the heart of all there could be a space not feelings of hatred and violence, but of reconciliation and fraternity."

Nearly 90 percent of Indonesians are Muslim, but the country is also home to sizeable communities of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and people who adhere to traditional beliefs.

Indonesia has had some major successes tackling militancy inspired by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States in 2001. But there has been a resurgence of Islamist activity in recent years, some of it linked to the rise of Islamic State.

The most serious incident was in January 2016 when four suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a shopping area in central Jakarta.

Churches have also been targeted previously, including near-simultaneous attacks on churches there at Christmas in 2000 that killed about 20 people.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, has seen a recent resurgence in homegrown militancy

A family of six launched suicide attacks on Christians attending Sunday services at three churches in Indonesia's second-largest city of Surabaya, killing at least 13 people and wounding 40, officials said. Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, has seen a recent resurgence in homegrown militancy and police said the family who carried out Sunday's attacks were among 500 Islamic sympathizers who had returned from Syria. "The husband drove the car, an Avanza, that contained explosives and rammed it into the gate in front of that church," East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera told reporters at the regional police headquarters in Surabaya. The wife and two daughters were involved in an attack on a second church and at the third church "two other children rode the motorbike and had the bomb across their laps", Mangera said. The two daughters were aged 12 and 9 while the other two, thought to be the man's sons, were 18 and 16, police said. They blamed the bombings on the Islamic State-inspired group Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). JAD is an umbrella organization on a US&nbspState Department “terrorist” list that is estimated to have drawn hundreds of Islamic State sympathizers in Indonesia. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, in a message carried on its Amaq news agency. "This act is barbaric and beyond the limits of humanity, causing victims among members of society, the police and even innocent children," President Joko Widodo said during a visit to the scene of the attacks. East Java police spokesman Mangera said the attacks had killed at least 13 people and 40 had been taken to hospital, including two police officers. He called on people to remain calm. Streets around the bombed churches were blocked by checkpoints and heavily armed police stood guard as forensic and bomb squad officers combined the area for clues. Television footage showed one church where the yard in front appeared engulfed in fire, with thick, black smoke billowing up. A large blast was heard hours after the attacks, which Mangera said was a bomb disposal squad dealing with a device. The attacks come days after militant Islamist prisoners killed five members of an elite counter-terrorism force during a 36-hour standoff at a high security jail on the outskirts of the capital, Jakarta. The church attacks were likely linked to the prison hostage standoff, said Wawan Purwanto, communication director at Indonesia's intelligence agency. "The main target is still security authorities, but we can say that there are alternative (targets) if the main targets are blocked," he said. Suicide attack used motorbike At St Mary's catholic church, the first place of worship to be attacked, the bombing happened after an earlier mass was over and when the church was getting ready to hold another service. A witness interviewed by CNN Indonesia said shortly before the explosion he saw a person on a motorbike drive in carrying a cardboard box. Separately, an internal police report reviewed by Reuters said a suspected bomb exploded in a car in the parking lot of a Pentacostal church, setting alight dozens of motorbikes. In the third location, the Indonesian Christian Church, veiled women entered the church's yard where they were stopped by a security guard before an explosion occurred at the same spot, according to the police report. Television images showed toppled and burnt motorcycles and debris scattered around the entrance of one church and police cordoning off areas as crowds gathered. A spokesman for Indonesia's church association (PGI) called on the government for more help on security at churches. "PGI is concerned because this had happened many times and often taken place around the time of Sunday services," said Jeirry Sumampow, a spokesman for the Indonesia's Communion of Churches. Pope Francis offered his prayer to the victims during his Sunday prayer in Rome. "I am particularly close to the dear people of Indonesia, especially to the communities of Christians of the city of Surabaya, which were hit hard by the serious attack on places of worship," he said. "Together we invoke the God of peace (asking him) to cease these violent actions and (to make sure) that in the heart of all there could be a space not feelings of hatred and violence, but of reconciliation and fraternity." Nearly 90 percent of Indonesians are Muslim, but the country is also home to sizeable communities of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and people who adhere to traditional beliefs. Indonesia has had some major successes tackling militancy inspired by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States in 2001. But there has been a resurgence of Islamist activity in recent years, some of it linked to the rise of Islamic State. The most serious incident was in January 2016 when four suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a shopping area in central Jakarta. Churches have also been targeted previously, including near-simultaneous attacks on churches there at Christmas in 2000 that killed about 20 people.

Family of IS-inspired suicide bombers attack Indonesian churches, at least 13 dead

A wave of blasts, including a suicide bombing, struck churches in Indonesia on Sunday, killing at least nine and wounding dozens of others in the deadliest attack in years to strike the world's biggest Muslim-majority country.

The Southeast Asian nation, which will begin the holy fasting month Ramadan this week, has been on high alert over attacks by homegrown militants, including some incidents claimed by the Islamic State group.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the Sunday bombings in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya.

"Nine people are dead and 40 are in hospital," East Java Police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera told reporters, adding that two police officers were among the injured.

The official death toll climbed from an initial two killed and may include those who succumbed to injuries in hospital.

Three separate locations were hit by the bombings around 7:30 am (0030 GMT) in what appeared to be coordinated attacks that included suicide and possibly vehicle bombings.

Television footage broadcast by major networks appeared to show a motorcycle driver entering the grounds of a church before a bomb was detonated.&nbsp;

Other images displayed a vehicle engulfed in flames at one location.

Police bomb experts were called in to disarm still active explosives at the Gereja Pantekosta Pusat Surabaya (Surabaya Centre Pentacostal Church), with an AFP reporter at the scene hearing two loud explosions.

Images from one scene showed a body lying outside the gate of Santa Maria catholic church and members of Indonesia's bomb squad poring over the rubble.

At least one of the attackers was killed when they detonated their bomb at Santa Maria. It was not clear if any other perpetrators were among those killed or injured.

"I was frightened... many people were screaming," 23-year-old witness Roman told AFP after the blast at Santa Maria church.

Police guarded a Sunday mass at another church in the city of Bandung, between the capital Jakarta and Surabaya where the bombings happened.

The attacks come several days after five Indonesian police officers and a prisoner were killed in clashes that saw Islamist inmates take a guard hostage at a high-security jail on the outskirts of Jakarta.

The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for that incident although police rejected its involvement.

Indonesia's 260 million people includes significant numbers of minority Christians, Hindus and Buddhists but there are concerns over rising sectarian intolerance and militancy.

Indonesian police shot and wounded a man who attacked a church congregation in the town of Sleman with a sword during a Sunday mass in February.

The radical Islamist, who had wanted to fight with the Islamic State group in Syria, injured four people.

High alert 
The archipelago nation of some 17,000 islands has long struggled with Islamic militancy and has suffered a series of attacks in the past 15 years -- including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists, in the country's worst-ever terror attack.

A sustained crackdown weakened the most dangerous networks but the emergence of IS has proved a potent new rallying cry for radicals.

Hundreds of Indonesians have flocked to fight with IS, sparking fears that extremist outfits back home could get a new lease on life.

A gun and suicide attack in the capital Jakarta left four attackers and four civilians dead in January 2016, and was the first assault claimed by IS in Southeast Asia.

The attack on a district packed with malls, embassies and United Nations offices left around 20 others injured.

Previous incidents have included a 2004 suicide car bomb that killed 10 outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta, twin bomb blasts that killed 22 in a market in the Central Sulawesi town of Tentena, and a suicide bombing in 2005 that left 20 dead in Bali.

Seven people were killed, six of them foreigners, and more than 40 were injured when suicide bombers targeted the luxury Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in Jakarta in July 2009.

Three separate locations were hit by the bombings around 7:30 am in what appeared to be coordinated attacks that included suicide and possibly vehicle bombings

A wave of blasts, including a suicide bombing, struck churches in Indonesia on Sunday, killing at least nine and wounding dozens of others in the deadliest attack in years to strike the world's biggest Muslim-majority country. The Southeast Asian nation, which will begin the holy fasting month Ramadan this week, has been on high alert over attacks by homegrown militants, including some incidents claimed by the Islamic State group. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the Sunday bombings in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya. "Nine people are dead and 40 are in hospital," East Java Police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera told reporters, adding that two police officers were among the injured. The official death toll climbed from an initial two killed and may include those who succumbed to injuries in hospital. Three separate locations were hit by the bombings around 7:30 am (0030 GMT) in what appeared to be coordinated attacks that included suicide and possibly vehicle bombings. Television footage broadcast by major networks appeared to show a motorcycle driver entering the grounds of a church before a bomb was detonated. Other images displayed a vehicle engulfed in flames at one location. Police bomb experts were called in to disarm still active explosives at the Gereja Pantekosta Pusat Surabaya (Surabaya Centre Pentacostal Church), with an AFP reporter at the scene hearing two loud explosions. Images from one scene showed a body lying outside the gate of Santa Maria catholic church and members of Indonesia's bomb squad poring over the rubble. At least one of the attackers was killed when they detonated their bomb at Santa Maria. It was not clear if any other perpetrators were among those killed or injured. "I was frightened... many people were screaming," 23-year-old witness Roman told AFP after the blast at Santa Maria church. Police guarded a Sunday mass at another church in the city of Bandung, between the capital Jakarta and Surabaya where the bombings happened. The attacks come several days after five Indonesian police officers and a prisoner were killed in clashes that saw Islamist inmates take a guard hostage at a high-security jail on the outskirts of Jakarta. The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for that incident although police rejected its involvement. Indonesia's 260 million people includes significant numbers of minority Christians, Hindus and Buddhists but there are concerns over rising sectarian intolerance and militancy. Indonesian police shot and wounded a man who attacked a church congregation in the town of Sleman with a sword during a Sunday mass in February. The radical Islamist, who had wanted to fight with the Islamic State group in Syria, injured four people. High alert The archipelago nation of some 17,000 islands has long struggled with Islamic militancy and has suffered a series of attacks in the past 15 years -- including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists, in the country's worst-ever terror attack. A sustained crackdown weakened the most dangerous networks but the emergence of IS has proved a potent new rallying cry for radicals. Hundreds of Indonesians have flocked to fight with IS, sparking fears that extremist outfits back home could get a new lease on life. A gun and suicide attack in the capital Jakarta left four attackers and four civilians dead in January 2016, and was the first assault claimed by IS in Southeast Asia. The attack on a district packed with malls, embassies and United Nations offices left around 20 others injured. Previous incidents have included a 2004 suicide car bomb that killed 10 outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta, twin bomb blasts that killed 22 in a market in the Central Sulawesi town of Tentena, and a suicide bombing in 2005 that left 20 dead in Bali. Seven people were killed, six of them foreigners, and more than 40 were injured when suicide bombers targeted the luxury Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in Jakarta in July 2009.

Indonesia: Nine dead, 40 injured after bomb attacks on churches

A series of attacks in Indonesia by suicide bombers on churches in the city of Surabaya were suspected to be carried out by the Islamic state-inspired group Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), a spokesman for the country's intelligence agency said&nbsp;on Sunday.

Wawan Purwanto, communication director at the agency, also told Metro TV that the attacks were likely to be linked to a deadly prison hostage incident involving Islamist militants at a jail near Jakarta last week.

Asked who he thought were the brains behind the attacks, Purwano said: "Still the old group, JAD, who has planned this for some time."

Wawan Purwanto, a spokesman for the country's intelligence agency, also told Metro TV that the attacks were likely to be linked to a deadly prison hostage incident involving Islamist militants at a jail near Jakarta last week

A series of attacks in Indonesia by suicide bombers on churches in the city of Surabaya were suspected to be carried out by the Islamic state-inspired group Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), a spokesman for the country's intelligence agency said on Sunday. Wawan Purwanto, communication director at the agency, also told Metro TV that the attacks were likely to be linked to a deadly prison hostage incident involving Islamist militants at a jail near Jakarta last week. Asked who he thought were the brains behind the attacks, Purwano said: "Still the old group, JAD, who has planned this for some time."

Indonesia links church attacks to local Islamic State-inspired group

Muslim scholars from three countries issued an edict on Saturday saying that violent extremism and terrorism, including suicide attacks, are against Islamic principles, in an effort to convince the Taliban to end their violence.

Seventy prominent scholars from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia issued the fatwa, or edict, at a conference in Indonesia on ways to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Taliban urged Islamic clerics to boycott the Bogor conference and warned Afghan clerics, "Do not afford an opportunity to the invading infidels in Afghanistan to misuse your name and participation in this conference as means of attaining their malicious objective."&nbsp

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who opened the one-day meeting, stressed Indonesia's commitment to helping build peace in the country. Jokowi said the conference was part of Indonesia's efforts to encourage the role of Islamic clerics, or ulema, in promoting peace in Afghanistan.

"Through the voice of ulema, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia, presumably the spirit of brotherhood for peace in Afghanistan can be strengthened," Jokowi said.

He said "ulema are the agent of peace ... They have the power to form the face of peaceful people." In a declaration, the scholars said Islam was a religion of peace and denounced all kinds of violent extremism and terrorism.

"We reaffirm that violence and terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, as violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestation including violence against civilians and suicide attacks are against the holy principles of Islam," the declaration said.

The conference at the presidential palace in Bogor, a West Java town on the outskirts of Jakarta, was organized by the Indonesian Ulema Council.

Seventy prominent scholars from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia issued the fatwa, or edict, at a conference in Indonesia on ways to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan

Muslim scholars from three countries issued an edict on Saturday saying that violent extremism and terrorism, including suicide attacks, are against Islamic principles, in an effort to convince the Taliban to end their violence. Seventy prominent scholars from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia issued the fatwa, or edict, at a conference in Indonesia on ways to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Taliban urged Islamic clerics to boycott the Bogor conference and warned Afghan clerics, "Do not afford an opportunity to the invading infidels in Afghanistan to misuse your name and participation in this conference as means of attaining their malicious objective." Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who opened the one-day meeting, stressed Indonesia's commitment to helping build peace in the country. Jokowi said the conference was part of Indonesia's efforts to encourage the role of Islamic clerics, or ulema, in promoting peace in Afghanistan. "Through the voice of ulema, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia, presumably the spirit of brotherhood for peace in Afghanistan can be strengthened," Jokowi said. He said "ulema are the agent of peace ... They have the power to form the face of peaceful people." In a declaration, the scholars said Islam was a religion of peace and denounced all kinds of violent extremism and terrorism. "We reaffirm that violence and terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, as violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestation including violence against civilians and suicide attacks are against the holy principles of Islam," the declaration said. The conference at the presidential palace in Bogor, a West Java town on the outskirts of Jakarta, was organized by the Indonesian Ulema Council.

Violent extremism, terrorism is against Islamic principles: Muslim scholars

Indonesia authorities ordered people living near the volcano to leave their homes after its eruption spewed steam and ash to as high as 5,500 metre (18,000 ft) on Friday (May 11)

Video shared with Reuters showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the peak of the volcano. The eruption caused ash and debris to spread across Yogyakarta.

A disaster mitigation agency told residents living within a 5 km (3 mile) radius of the mountain to move to shelters, agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement. The airport in Yogyakarta, the nearest big city to the volcano, shut because of the threat from the ash, the state-owned aviation agency AirNav said in a statement.

The disaster agency described Merapi's latest eruption as phreatic, which means magma heats up ground water and vapour is released under pressure.

A disaster mitigation agency told residents living within a 5 km (3 mile) radius of the mountain to move to shelters

Indonesia authorities ordered people living near the volcano to leave their homes after its eruption spewed steam and ash to as high as 5,500 metre (18,000 ft) on Friday (May 11) Video shared with Reuters showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the peak of the volcano. The eruption caused ash and debris to spread across Yogyakarta. A disaster mitigation agency told residents living within a 5 km (3 mile) radius of the mountain to move to shelters, agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement. The airport in Yogyakarta, the nearest big city to the volcano, shut because of the threat from the ash, the state-owned aviation agency AirNav said in a statement. The disaster agency described Merapi's latest eruption as phreatic, which means magma heats up ground water and vapour is released under pressure.

Volcano eruption in Indonesia's Java prompts flight cancellations, evacuation

India's B.Sai Praneeth defeated Indonesia's Maulana Panji Ahmad in straight games in a one-sided men's singles clash at the Australian Open badminton tournament on Thursday.

The second-seeded Indian took just 32 minutes to register a comfortable 21-12, 21-14 victory against his unseeded opponent from Indonesia.

This was the second win on the trot for Praneeth in this tournament.

In another men's singles match on the day, India's Sameer Verma defeated Takuma Ueda of Japan in straight games.

The fourth-seeded Indian beat the unseeded Japanese 21-16, 21-12 in 37 minutes.

Praneeth defeated Indonesia's Maulana Panji Ahmad in straight games

India's B.Sai Praneeth defeated Indonesia's Maulana Panji Ahmad in straight games in a one-sided men's singles clash at the Australian Open badminton tournament on Thursday. The second-seeded Indian took just 32 minutes to register a comfortable 21-12, 21-14 victory against his unseeded opponent from Indonesia. This was the second win on the trot for Praneeth in this tournament. In another men's singles match on the day, India's Sameer Verma defeated Takuma Ueda of Japan in straight games. The fourth-seeded Indian beat the unseeded Japanese 21-16, 21-12 in 37 minutes.

Shuttler Sai Praneeth wins at Australian Open

With business sentiment at the "weakest" in four years, India slipped to the 6th position globally in the business optimism index for the first quarter of this year, says a survey.

Business optimism is however at an "all-time high" globally with the index at net 61 per cent, the highest figure recorded in 15 years of research, as per Grant Thornton's quarterly global business survey released today.

Noting that business sentiment in India has been the weakest since 2014 in the first quarter, the advisory firm said the confidence has been shaken since the third quarter of 2017 with weakening currency and a surge in oil prices.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ease-of-doing-business-indias-rankings-zooms-to-100-in-world-bank-report-up-30-places-23243">India's ranking&nbsp;zooms to 100 in Ease of Doing&nbsp;Business index, up 30 places</a>

"While entering the last year of the current regime, the business optimism in India has deteriorated with the country ranking 6th globally on the optimism index in the first quarter of 2018... India has been topping the chart since the new government came into power in 2014," Grant Thornton's International Business Report said.

With a score of 89, India is at the sixth place in the index. The top five nations are Austria, Finland, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the US.

The conclusions are based on a quarterly global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 37 economies.

With regard to India, Grant Thornton said the underlying pessimism is reflected in other parameters as well including revenue, selling prices, profitability, employment and exports expectations.

Indian businesses have been citing regulations and red tape, availability of skilled workforce, lack of ICT infrastructure and shortage of finance as the biggest growth constraints.

Even after India's significant jump in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking, the country still continues to rank 1st or 2nd in quoting these reasons as the key hurdles for growth, it noted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power in May 2014.

Grant Thornton India LLP CEO Vishesh C Chandiok said the reversal in sentiment amongst mid- sized business in India in the last three quarters is startling and hoped that policy makers would sit up and take note.

"With oil climbing, and India firmly in an election year, we ought to brace for a volatile economic environment in the days ahead. Export oriented businesses should see better days, finally," he added. PTI

Business optimism however is at an 'all-time high' globally. The index is at a net 61 per cent, the highest figure recorded in 15 years of research.

With business sentiment at the "weakest" in four years, India slipped to the 6th position globally in the business optimism index for the first quarter of this year, says a survey. Business optimism is however at an "all-time high" globally with the index at net 61 per cent, the highest figure recorded in 15 years of research, as per Grant Thornton's quarterly global business survey released today. Noting that business sentiment in India has been the weakest since 2014 in the first quarter, the advisory firm said the confidence has been shaken since the third quarter of 2017 with weakening currency and a surge in oil prices. Also read: India's ranking zooms to 100 in Ease of Doing Business index, up 30 places "While entering the last year of the current regime, the business optimism in India has deteriorated with the country ranking 6th globally on the optimism index in the first quarter of 2018... India has been topping the chart since the new government came into power in 2014," Grant Thornton's International Business Report said. With a score of 89, India is at the sixth place in the index. The top five nations are Austria, Finland, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the US. The conclusions are based on a quarterly global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 37 economies. With regard to India, Grant Thornton said the underlying pessimism is reflected in other parameters as well including revenue, selling prices, profitability, employment and exports expectations. Indian businesses have been citing regulations and red tape, availability of skilled workforce, lack of ICT infrastructure and shortage of finance as the biggest growth constraints. Even after India's significant jump in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking, the country still continues to rank 1st or 2nd in quoting these reasons as the key hurdles for growth, it noted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power in May 2014. Grant Thornton India LLP CEO Vishesh C Chandiok said the reversal in sentiment amongst mid- sized business in India in the last three quarters is startling and hoped that policy makers would sit up and take note. "With oil climbing, and India firmly in an election year, we ought to brace for a volatile economic environment in the days ahead. Export oriented businesses should see better days, finally," he added. PTI

India slips to 6th spot on business optimism index, sentiment weakest since 2014

An Indonesia hospital in Aceh struggled to treat dozens of burn victims from a fire at an illegal oil well that killed at least 18 on Wednesday (April 25) as they scrambled to collect oil after the well overflowed, authorities said.

Firefighters struggled all day to put out the blaze in the northwestern province of Aceh and were still working as darkness fell.

Dozens of people suffering from burns were taken to hospital in the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, several hours away from where the accident happened.

Pertamina, which has operations in the area, was providing equipment to help fight the fire. At least eight fire trucks had been deployed to try to douse the blaze. The head of police in the area said the fire might have been sparked by a careless smoker.

Flames towered over houses and trees as firefighters hosed down the area while villagers watched, in pictures posted on social media by Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency.

"There was panic among the public because the fire is in a residential area," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.&nbsp

The fire broke out in the east Aceh district in the early hours of Wednesday, after a well of depth 250 metres (820 ft) overflowed and residents gathered to collect the oil, the agency added.

The head of police in east Aceh said the oil well might have been drilled illegally and the fire might have been started when someone was smoking a cigarette.

"This is illegal drilling," said Roberth MV Dumatubun, a spokesman for at PT Pertamina EP, a subsidiary of state oil firm Pertamina.

"It was a well made and managed by the residents there. Incidents like these are likely to happen because they don't pay attention to elements like safety."

&nbsp

Firefighters struggled all day to put out the blaze in the northwestern province of Aceh and were still working as darkness fell

An Indonesia hospital in Aceh struggled to treat dozens of burn victims from a fire at an illegal oil well that killed at least 18 on Wednesday (April 25) as they scrambled to collect oil after the well overflowed, authorities said. Firefighters struggled all day to put out the blaze in the northwestern province of Aceh and were still working as darkness fell. Dozens of people suffering from burns were taken to hospital in the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, several hours away from where the accident happened. Pertamina, which has operations in the area, was providing equipment to help fight the fire. At least eight fire trucks had been deployed to try to douse the blaze. The head of police in the area said the fire might have been sparked by a careless smoker. Flames towered over houses and trees as firefighters hosed down the area while villagers watched, in pictures posted on social media by Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency. "There was panic among the public because the fire is in a residential area," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. The fire broke out in the east Aceh district in the early hours of Wednesday, after a well of depth 250 metres (820 ft) overflowed and residents gathered to collect the oil, the agency added. The head of police in east Aceh said the oil well might have been drilled illegally and the fire might have been started when someone was smoking a cigarette. "This is illegal drilling," said Roberth MV Dumatubun, a spokesman for at PT Pertamina EP, a subsidiary of state oil firm Pertamina. "It was a well made and managed by the residents there. Incidents like these are likely to happen because they don't pay attention to elements like safety."

Watch: Indonesian hospital struggles to treat victims of deadly oil well blaze

Firefighters in Indonesia are struggling to contain a blaze at an oil well in the northwestern province of Aceh that killed ten people and injured as many as 40, authorities said on Wednesday.

Flames towered over houses and trees as firefighters hosed down the area while villagers watched, in pictures posted on social media by Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency.

"We are still collecting data on the number of victims because the fire has not been extinguished yet," the agency said in a statement.

The fire broke out in the east Aceh district in the early hours of Wednesday, after a well of depth 250 metres (820 ft) overflowed and residents gathered to collect the oil, the agency added.

Dozens of people were being rushed to hospital in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh, it said, adding that state oil firm Pertamina was providing equipment to help control the fire.

The head of police in east Aceh said the oil well might have been drilled illegally and the fire might have been started when someone was smoking a cigarette.

"We suspect this is a well drilled by the community...and we suspect there was someone smoking in the area at the time," said police official Wahyu Kuncoro. The number of injured stood at 40, he added.

Such illegal drilling is common in Aceh, where Pertamina operates an oil field.

Flames towered over houses and trees as firefighters hosed down the area while villagers watched, in pictures posted on social media by Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency.

Firefighters in Indonesia are struggling to contain a blaze at an oil well in the northwestern province of Aceh that killed ten people and injured as many as 40, authorities said on Wednesday. Flames towered over houses and trees as firefighters hosed down the area while villagers watched, in pictures posted on social media by Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency. "We are still collecting data on the number of victims because the fire has not been extinguished yet," the agency said in a statement. The fire broke out in the east Aceh district in the early hours of Wednesday, after a well of depth 250 metres (820 ft) overflowed and residents gathered to collect the oil, the agency added. Dozens of people were being rushed to hospital in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh, it said, adding that state oil firm Pertamina was providing equipment to help control the fire. The head of police in east Aceh said the oil well might have been drilled illegally and the fire might have been started when someone was smoking a cigarette. "We suspect this is a well drilled by the community...and we suspect there was someone smoking in the area at the time," said police official Wahyu Kuncoro. The number of injured stood at 40, he added. Such illegal drilling is common in Aceh, where Pertamina operates an oil field.

Fire at oil well in Indonesia's Aceh kills 10, injures 40

A group of 76 Rohingyas, which was rescued from Indonesian waters on Friday, was at the sea for nearly nine days. According to reports, a Rohingya Muslim man, among the rescued, claimed that the group kept drifting in a wooden boat for nine days after leaving Myanmar.

The group is reported to have faced intense persecution in Myanmar. As many as 8 children, 25 women and 43 men were brought ashore on Friday afternoon in Aceh province of Sumatra in Indonesia.&nbsp

This was the third such attempt in a month by the Rohingyas to escape Myanmar by the sea.

According to the local authorities, many from the rescued group suffered dehydration and exhaustion and required medical attention. &nbsp

A man called Fariq Muhammad shared that he had paid a sum equivalent to around $150 to secure&nbspa place on the boat.&nbsp

Myanmar's Rakhine state grapples with a violent military crackdown that triggered an exodus of nearly 700,000 refugees into neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp

The group is reported to have faced intense persecution in Myanmar

A group of 76 Rohingyas, which was rescued from Indonesian waters on Friday, was at the sea for nearly nine days. According to reports, a Rohingya Muslim man, among the rescued, claimed that the group kept drifting in a wooden boat for nine days after leaving Myanmar. The group is reported to have faced intense persecution in Myanmar. As many as 8 children, 25 women and 43 men were brought ashore on Friday afternoon in Aceh province of Sumatra in Indonesia. This was the third such attempt in a month by the Rohingyas to escape Myanmar by the sea. According to the local authorities, many from the rescued group suffered dehydration and exhaustion and required medical attention. A man called Fariq Muhammad shared that he had paid a sum equivalent to around $150 to secure&nbspa place on the boat. Myanmar's Rakhine state grapples with a violent military crackdown that triggered an exodus of nearly 700,000 refugees into neighbouring Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees rescued after drifting at sea for over a week

Two people were killed and more than 20 injured as a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Banjarnegara district of Central Java late on Wednesday.

“Victims were killed or injured by falling buildings,” the national rescue agency said in a statement. "People are being treated in hospital or have been evacuated to temporary shelters."

The shallow earthquake brought down hundreds of poorly built buildings in Indonesia, forcing more than 2,000 people to flee their homes, rescue officials said.

Quakes are common in Indonesia, which straddles the Pacific "Ring of Fire", a hot spot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. 
&nbsp;

The shallow earthquake brought down hundreds of poorly built buildings in Indonesia, forcing more than 2,000 people to flee their homes, rescue officials said

Two people were killed and more than 20 injured as a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Banjarnegara district of Central Java late on Wednesday. “Victims were killed or injured by falling buildings,” the national rescue agency said in a statement. "People are being treated in hospital or have been evacuated to temporary shelters." The shallow earthquake brought down hundreds of poorly built buildings in Indonesia, forcing more than 2,000 people to flee their homes, rescue officials said. Quakes are common in Indonesia, which straddles the Pacific "Ring of Fire", a hot spot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.

2 killed as 4.4 magnitude quake strikes Indonesia

A magnitude 5.9 quake struck off Indonesia in the Moluccas on Monday, the US&nbspGeological Survey said.

The quake, which struck at 2:30 am&nbsp(1930 GMT), was centered 53 miles (85.3 km) northwest of Ternate at a depth of 22.7 miles (36.5 km) below the seabed. The USGS originally reported the quake had a 6.1 magnitude.

A magnitude 5.9 is considered moderate and can cause considerable damage when on land.

Indonesia is in the so-called "Ring of Fire"&nbspand is&nbspearthquake-prone.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat.

A magnitude 5.9 is considered moderate and can cause considerable damage when on land.

A magnitude 5.9 quake struck off Indonesia in the Moluccas on Monday, the US&nbspGeological Survey said. The quake, which struck at 2:30 am (1930 GMT), was centered 53 miles (85.3 km) northwest of Ternate at a depth of 22.7 miles (36.5 km) below the seabed. The USGS originally reported the quake had a 6.1 magnitude. A magnitude 5.9 is considered moderate and can cause considerable damage when on land. Indonesia is in the so-called "Ring of Fire"&nbspand is&nbspearthquake-prone. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat.

5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes off Indonesia, no tsunami warning

Sixty Indonesians died and several others are critically ill after drinking bootleg liquor, police said on Monday, with the toll steadily climbing.

The victims were among people admitted to hospital after sampling homemade alcoholic drinks in Cicalengka district in West Java province, provincial police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said.&nbsp;

"We are investigating the shop that sold the illegal liquor," he said, adding no one had yet been arrested.

The seller, who has been arrested, admitted he had mixed pure alcohol with Coca-Cola and an energy drink, police said.

Police conducted raids in cities across the world's biggest Muslim majority country to arrest vendors selling the cheap homebrew.

Most Indonesians practise a moderate form of Islam and alcohol is available in big cities.

But high taxes make it expensive so poorly paid workers sometimes turn to potentially dangerous homemade alcohol.

In 2016, 36 people died in Central Java after drinking locally-bought homebrew.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Police conducted raids in cities across the world's biggest Muslim majority country to arrest vendors selling the cheap homebrew.

Sixty Indonesians died and several others are critically ill after drinking bootleg liquor, police said on Monday, with the toll steadily climbing. The victims were among people admitted to hospital after sampling homemade alcoholic drinks in Cicalengka district in West Java province, provincial police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said. "We are investigating the shop that sold the illegal liquor," he said, adding no one had yet been arrested. The seller, who has been arrested, admitted he had mixed pure alcohol with Coca-Cola and an energy drink, police said. Police conducted raids in cities across the world's biggest Muslim majority country to arrest vendors selling the cheap homebrew. Most Indonesians practise a moderate form of Islam and alcohol is available in big cities. But high taxes make it expensive so poorly paid workers sometimes turn to potentially dangerous homemade alcohol. In 2016, 36 people died in Central Java after drinking locally-bought homebrew. (With inputs from Agencies)

Over 60 dead in Indonesia from drinking bootleg alcohol

A debate has been triggered on social media over whether 'Rendangate' dish should be 'crispy' &nbsp;or not after a judge of MasterChef UK called traditional Malaysian dish 'Rendangate' not 'crispy' enough.

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Masterchef contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin, a Malaysian born woman cooked a spicy chicken with nasi lemak chicken rendangate which is a traditional dish of Malaysia.

But the judge John Torode and Gregg Wallace turned down the dish saying that ''it was not crispy''.

However,&nbsp;after the outrage Judge Torode, defending his comment said that what he was misunderstood and what he meant was that it was "not well cooked."

"What I meant was it wasn’t cooked. It simply wasn't cooked. It was white and flabby," Wallace told a British daily.

"She (Zaleha Kadir Olpin) didn’t go out because her (chicken) skin wasn't crispy. She went out because the other cooks were better," he added.

However, Malaysian were enraged as they criticised&nbsp;Torode for saying that chicken rendance is not meant to be crispy and it is a dish which stewed in coconut milk.&nbsp;

Nasi lemak chicken rendangate is a rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. As the dish is commonly found in Malaysia, and is considered a national dish.

The dish is also popular in neighbouring countries namely Singapore, Brunei, and southern Thailand.

A debate has been triggered on social media over whether 'Rendangate' dish should be 'crispy' or not after a judge of Master chef UK called traditional Malaysian dish 'Rendangate' not 'crispy' enough

A debate has been triggered on social media over whether 'Rendangate' dish should be 'crispy' or not after a judge of MasterChef UK called traditional Malaysian dish 'Rendangate' not 'crispy' enough. × Masterchef contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin, a Malaysian born woman cooked a spicy chicken with nasi lemak chicken rendangate which is a traditional dish of Malaysia. But the judge John Torode and Gregg Wallace turned down the dish saying that ''it was not crispy''. However, after the outrage Judge Torode, defending his comment said that what he was misunderstood and what he meant was that it was "not well cooked." "What I meant was it wasn’t cooked. It simply wasn't cooked. It was white and flabby," Wallace told a British daily. "She (Zaleha Kadir Olpin) didn’t go out because her (chicken) skin wasn't crispy. She went out because the other cooks were better," he added. However, Malaysian were enraged as they criticised Torode for saying that chicken rendance is not meant to be crispy and it is a dish which stewed in coconut milk. Nasi lemak chicken rendangate is a rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. As the dish is commonly found in Malaysia, and is considered a national dish. The dish is also popular in neighbouring countries namely Singapore, Brunei, and southern Thailand.

Watch: How MasterChef UK judge enraged Malaysians over chicken rendangate

Hardline Islamic groups on Wednesday filed a blasphemy complaint against a daughter of Indonesia's first president, accusing her of reciting a poem insulting Islam and prompting fresh concerns over intolerance in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

Sukmawati Sukarnoputri, a politician, is the third daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno and the younger sister of Megawati Sukarnoputri, who leads President Joko Widodo's ruling party.

Indonesia is a secular country with significant Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and other religious minorities, but a rise of hardline, politicised Islam and stricter interpretations of the religion have undermined its reputation for tolerance in recent years.

The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) was among an alliance of hardline groups that reported Sukmawati, as she is usually known, to police over the poem. The same alliance last year accused Jakarta's former Christian governor of blasphemy and spearheaded mass rallies that led to his ouster and jailing, a ruling that many believed was politicised and unjust.

"It's clear there is an insult toward the teachings of Islam in the poem," said Eggi Sudjana, a lawyer and an adviser to the alliance.

"We hoped that Ahok's case would be the last one, but now there are others who dare to insult Islam again," he said, referring to the ex-Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama by his nickname.

Sukmawati apologised for reading the poem, which appeared to favour traditional Indonesian culture and beliefs over conservative Islamic customs like the full veil, in public.

"The poem is a reflection of my concern about the sense of nationalism...and to honour our motherland's rich cultural traditions and diversity," a tearful Sukmawati told a news conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

"I apologise to Islamic people in Indonesia, especially to those who feel offended by the poem," said Sukmawati, whose family remains highly influential in Indonesia.

FPI's Novel Bamukmin said the alliance appreciated the apology but would not withdraw its complaint.

"There will be no mercy for those who blaspheme," he said.

Rights activists feared the controversy was a sign that religious tolerance and freedom of expression are being eroded in the world's third-largest democracy.

"It's creating an atmosphere of fear," said Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch. "People never know when someone could report them to the police for blasphemy against Islam."

Suspects can be jailed for up to five years under the blasphemy laws, which have been criticised by rights groups as draconian and vulnerable to abuse.

Sukmawati's family issued a statement distancing itself from the issue, saying the poem only reflected the writer's personal opinion. A spokesman for President Widodo said the palace "did not want to be associated with the issue".

"It's clear there is an insult toward the teachings of Islam in the poem," said Eggi Sudjana, a lawyer and an adviser to the alliance

Hardline Islamic groups on Wednesday filed a blasphemy complaint against a daughter of Indonesia's first president, accusing her of reciting a poem insulting Islam and prompting fresh concerns over intolerance in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. Sukmawati Sukarnoputri, a politician, is the third daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno and the younger sister of Megawati Sukarnoputri, who leads President Joko Widodo's ruling party. Indonesia is a secular country with significant Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and other religious minorities, but a rise of hardline, politicised Islam and stricter interpretations of the religion have undermined its reputation for tolerance in recent years. The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) was among an alliance of hardline groups that reported Sukmawati, as she is usually known, to police over the poem. The same alliance last year accused Jakarta's former Christian governor of blasphemy and spearheaded mass rallies that led to his ouster and jailing, a ruling that many believed was politicised and unjust. "It's clear there is an insult toward the teachings of Islam in the poem," said Eggi Sudjana, a lawyer and an adviser to the alliance. "We hoped that Ahok's case would be the last one, but now there are others who dare to insult Islam again," he said, referring to the ex-Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama by his nickname. Sukmawati apologised for reading the poem, which appeared to favour traditional Indonesian culture and beliefs over conservative Islamic customs like the full veil, in public. "The poem is a reflection of my concern about the sense of nationalism...and to honour our motherland's rich cultural traditions and diversity," a tearful Sukmawati told a news conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. "I apologise to Islamic people in Indonesia, especially to those who feel offended by the poem," said Sukmawati, whose family remains highly influential in Indonesia. FPI's Novel Bamukmin said the alliance appreciated the apology but would not withdraw its complaint. "There will be no mercy for those who blaspheme," he said. Rights activists feared the controversy was a sign that religious tolerance and freedom of expression are being eroded in the world's third-largest democracy. "It's creating an atmosphere of fear," said Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch. "People never know when someone could report them to the police for blasphemy against Islam." Suspects can be jailed for up to five years under the blasphemy laws, which have been criticised by rights groups as draconian and vulnerable to abuse. Sukmawati's family issued a statement distancing itself from the issue, saying the poem only reflected the writer's personal opinion. A spokesman for President Widodo said the palace "did not want to be associated with the issue".

Islamic groups report Indonesian politician for reciting 'blasphemous' poem

As tension between the US and China continues the South China Sea, the US embassy in Hanoi said the Trump administration has delivered six patrol boats and equipment worth $20 million to Vietnam.

The embassy said it "will serve to deter bad actors from committing crimes against or near Vietnam".

Recently, the USS Carl Vinson entered Vietnam for first time since the end of the war in 1975. Both the US and Vietnam have rebuilt defence and bilateral ties even as China's clout in the region as grown in the past decade.

The move demonstrates US support for a "strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law", the embassy statement added.

However China's presence in the region continues to grow. Barely three weeks after the Vinson’s visit, the Vietnamese government bowed to Chinese pressure and canceled a major oil drilling project in disputed South China waters, Reuters reported.

China is reportedly conducting military drills in the area including sending aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait and flying jets between Japan’s southernmost islands, a move which has alarmed neighbours in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

As a result, the US has increased its presence and sent in fighter jets and its Naval feet in the area. In a bid to push back the US, China said it plans to conduct monthly military exercises in the South China Sea.

China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot.

&nbspMischief Reef is now a well-armed Chinese military base.

China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot.

As tension between the US and China continues the South China Sea, the US embassy in Hanoi said the Trump administration has delivered six patrol boats and equipment worth $20 million to Vietnam. The embassy said it "will serve to deter bad actors from committing crimes against or near Vietnam". Recently, the USS Carl Vinson entered Vietnam for first time since the end of the war in 1975. Both the US and Vietnam have rebuilt defence and bilateral ties even as China's clout in the region as grown in the past decade. The move demonstrates US support for a "strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law", the embassy statement added. However China's presence in the region continues to grow. Barely three weeks after the Vinson’s visit, the Vietnamese government bowed to Chinese pressure and canceled a major oil drilling project in disputed South China waters, Reuters reported. China is reportedly conducting military drills in the area including sending aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait and flying jets between Japan’s southernmost islands, a move which has alarmed neighbours in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. As a result, the US has increased its presence and sent in fighter jets and its Naval feet in the area. In a bid to push back the US, China said it plans to conduct monthly military exercises in the South China Sea. China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot. &nbspMischief Reef is now a well-armed Chinese military base.

Amid tensions over South China Sea, US delivers patrol boats to Vietnam

A brief tsunami alert was triggered in eastern Indonesia earlier on Monday after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the region. The tsunami alert was lifted after the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) ruled out the possibility of any "threat to countries in the Indian Ocean"

The epicentre of the quake was located in a sparsely inhabited part of the Banda Sea, 380 kilometres from Ambon, the capital of Maluku province.

No loss of life or property has been reported so far.

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6.4 magnitude quake in sea off eastern Indonesia triggers tsunami alert, reports AFP.
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"The tremor was felt mildly for two to three seconds by the locals, there was no panic and no tsunami threat," disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told AFP.

A similar 6.1-magnitude quake hit close to Monday's epicentre on 26 February and caused no damage.&nbsp;

Indonesia sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismic activity hotspot and is frequently hit by quakes, most of them harmless.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

No loss of life or property has been reported so far.

A brief tsunami alert was triggered in eastern Indonesia earlier on Monday after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the region. The tsunami alert was lifted after the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) ruled out the possibility of any "threat to countries in the Indian Ocean" The epicentre of the quake was located in a sparsely inhabited part of the Banda Sea, 380 kilometres from Ambon, the capital of Maluku province. No loss of life or property has been reported so far. 6.4 magnitude quake in sea off eastern Indonesia triggers tsunami alert, reports AFP. — ANI (@ANI) 25 March 2018 × "The tremor was felt mildly for two to three seconds by the locals, there was no panic and no tsunami threat," disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told AFP. A similar 6.1-magnitude quake hit close to Monday's epicentre on 26 February and caused no damage. Indonesia sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismic activity hotspot and is frequently hit by quakes, most of them harmless. (With inputs from AFP)

Indonesia: 6.4 quake rattles eastern Indonesia, tsunami alert lifted

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may be seeking to revert his kingdom to an unspecified form of moderate Islam but erasing the impact of 40 years of global funding of ultra-conservative, intolerant strands of the faith is unlikely to be eradicated by decree.

Not only because ultra-conservatism has taken root in numerous Muslim countries and communities, but also because it has given opportunistic politicians a framework to pursue policies that appeal to bigoted and biased sentiments in bids to strengthen their grip on power. Nowhere is that more evident than in Asia, home to several of the Islamic world&#39;s most populous countries.

Examples of the fallout abound among recipients of Saudi largess. They include institutionalised discrimination in Pakistan against Ahmadis, a sect considered heretic by orthodox Muslims, as well as biased policies towards non-Muslims and Shiites in Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Basic freedoms in Bangladesh are being officially and unofficially curtailed in various forms as a result of domestic struggles originally enabled by successful Saudi pressure to amend the country&#39;s constitution in 1975 to recognise Islam as its official religion. The amendment was a condition for Saudi recognition of the young republic and the promise of substantial financial support.

Reports that Prince Mohammed in a dramatic gesture to Shiites, who have been discriminated against for years in the kingdom and demonised by its religious and political leaders as part of Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s public affairs war with Iran, plans to visit the Shiite religious citadel of Najaf in Iraq is likely to do little to change things on the ground in Muslim majority nations in Asia.

Neither will his meetings with Christian religious luminaries in Egypt and elsewhere even if they demonstrate that Saudi Arabia, the custodian of Islam&rsquo;s two most holy cities, is, under Prince Mohammed&rsquo;s guidance, embracing principles of inter-faith dialogue and religious tolerance.

Reporting on a visit to the ultra-conservative Indonesian region of Aceh, Islam scholar Kamaruzzaman Bustamam-Ahmad noted that &quot;supporters for anti-Shi&rsquo;ah in Aceh are Wahabism, an Islamic political party, a group of young Acehnese who finished their study in the Middle East....They play their role in urban areas. After the Tsunami (in 2004), many of pesantrens (religious seminaries) from Wahabism were built in Aceh. They received funding from &#39;outside&#39; Aceh.&quot;

Bangladeshi journalist Ahmedur Rashid Chowdhury, who fled his country after a failed assassination attempt by religious militants, recently sketched Bangladesh&#39;s migration from a nation founded with aspirations of &quot;economic, political and intellectual emancipation&quot; to one in which the &quot;will of the military and its leadership was key in shaping politics towards selfishness and subornation&rdquo; and &ldquo;political parties are willing to go to any length to hold on to power.&quot;

It was a process abetted by Saudi Arabia. Chowdhury noted that &quot;the healthy trend of democratic and progressive politics was never able to regain a footing in Bangladesh&quot; with freedom of speech and the press as one of its major casualties. Unlike human rights lawyer and writer Ikhtisad Ahmed, Chowdhury shied away from referring to the role of Saudi Arabia and Saudi-inspired ultra-conservatism in his country&rsquo;s political development.

One strand of ultra-conservatism, Salafism, that Saudi interior minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz wanted to elevate to an official Islamic school of thought shortly before his death in 2012, gained, according to&nbsp; Ahmed, currency under the coalition government in the first years of the 21st century formed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, a controversial group that opposed the country&#39;s independence.

Like in Pakistan, of which Bangladesh was part until, 1971, the military as well as political parties maintained opportunistic ties to militants such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jihad that were often as opposed to secularism as they were to Saudi-style monarchy.

As a result, Bangladesh, the world&rsquo;s fourth largest Muslim nation, is at the heart of a struggle between liberalism and ultra-conservatism that questions Saudi Arabia&#39;s legacy and is about reforms that go beyond anything envisioned by Prince Mohammed. It is a battle in which free-thinking, journalists, writers and intellectuals have paid a heavy price.

In the latest incident earlier this month, prominent scholar, award-winning science fiction author and outspoken critic of religious militants, Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was stabbed and seriously injured in a knife attack in the north-eastern town of Sylhet.

Iqbal was the latest victim of more than 30 machete attacks, shootouts, and bombings in Bangladesh in the past three years, including last year&#39;s assault on the Holy Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in which 22 hostages were killed.

The country&#39;s battle was fuelled by a 2010 Bangladesh Supreme Court decision to roll back the Saudi-inspired amendment of the constitution and restore secularism as its basic tenant as well as the execution of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for war crimes during the 1971 Pakistani-Indian war that gave birth to Bangladesh.

In response, ultra-conservatives and militants demanded death for &quot;atheists and apostates&quot; who had demonstrated in favour of the death penalties, stricter anti-blasphemy legislation and a crackdown on alleged un-Islamic cultural practices.

To be sure, Saudi Arabia, a country that is itself in transition, is unlikely to be backing the ultra-conservatives and militants. Yet, their struggle and deep-seated polarisation in Bangladesh are offshoots of the kingdom&rsquo;s past ultra-conservative support and the creation of an environment in which politicians and state organs can opportunistically exploit religious sentiment.

Criticism of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed&rsquo;s weak response to the violence, if not inaction, coupled with the battle for the soul of Bangladesh serves as evidence that reversing the fallout of four decades of Saudi promotion of ultra-conservatism as an anti-dote to Iranian revolutionary zeal will take time and often be volatile. The same is true for efforts to counter creeping ultra-conservatism in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

In fact, what the struggles in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia suggest is that today&#39;s culprits are not Saudi Arabia, even if it bears a responsibility, but politicians and/or national governments. Said Chowdhury: &quot;The failure to bring culprits to justice in many of the recent attacks in Bangladesh has &#39;been the deliberate goal of the government. It supports their ambition to continue holding on to power by silencing critics and pandering to the religious right&#39;.&quot;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Reports that Prince Mohammed in a dramatic gesture to Shiites, plans to visit the Shiite religious citadel of Najaf in Iraq is likely to do little to change things on the ground in Muslim majority nations in Asia.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may be seeking to revert his kingdom to an unspecified form of moderate Islam but erasing the impact of 40 years of global funding of ultra-conservative, intolerant strands of the faith is unlikely to be eradicated by decree. Not only because ultra-conservatism has taken root in numerous Muslim countries and communities, but also because it has given opportunistic politicians a framework to pursue policies that appeal to bigoted and biased sentiments in bids to strengthen their grip on power. Nowhere is that more evident than in Asia, home to several of the Islamic world's most populous countries. Examples of the fallout abound among recipients of Saudi largess. They include institutionalised discrimination in Pakistan against Ahmadis, a sect considered heretic by orthodox Muslims, as well as biased policies towards non-Muslims and Shiites in Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Basic freedoms in Bangladesh are being officially and unofficially curtailed in various forms as a result of domestic struggles originally enabled by successful Saudi pressure to amend the country's constitution in 1975 to recognise Islam as its official religion. The amendment was a condition for Saudi recognition of the young republic and the promise of substantial financial support. Reports that Prince Mohammed in a dramatic gesture to Shiites, who have been discriminated against for years in the kingdom and demonised by its religious and political leaders as part of Saudi Arabia’s public affairs war with Iran, plans to visit the Shiite religious citadel of Najaf in Iraq is likely to do little to change things on the ground in Muslim majority nations in Asia. Neither will his meetings with Christian religious luminaries in Egypt and elsewhere even if they demonstrate that Saudi Arabia, the custodian of Islam’s two most holy cities, is, under Prince Mohammed’s guidance, embracing principles of inter-faith dialogue and religious tolerance. Reporting on a visit to the ultra-conservative Indonesian region of Aceh, Islam scholar Kamaruzzaman Bustamam-Ahmad noted that "supporters for anti-Shi’ah in Aceh are Wahabism, an Islamic political party, a group of young Acehnese who finished their study in the Middle East....They play their role in urban areas. After the Tsunami (in 2004), many of pesantrens (religious seminaries) from Wahabism were built in Aceh. They received funding from 'outside' Aceh." Bangladeshi journalist Ahmedur Rashid Chowdhury, who fled his country after a failed assassination attempt by religious militants, recently sketched Bangladesh's migration from a nation founded with aspirations of "economic, political and intellectual emancipation" to one in which the "will of the military and its leadership was key in shaping politics towards selfishness and subornation” and “political parties are willing to go to any length to hold on to power." It was a process abetted by Saudi Arabia. Chowdhury noted that "the healthy trend of democratic and progressive politics was never able to regain a footing in Bangladesh" with freedom of speech and the press as one of its major casualties. Unlike human rights lawyer and writer Ikhtisad Ahmed, Chowdhury shied away from referring to the role of Saudi Arabia and Saudi-inspired ultra-conservatism in his country’s political development. One strand of ultra-conservatism, Salafism, that Saudi interior minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz wanted to elevate to an official Islamic school of thought shortly before his death in 2012, gained, according to Ahmed, currency under the coalition government in the first years of the 21st century formed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, a controversial group that opposed the country's independence. Like in Pakistan, of which Bangladesh was part until, 1971, the military as well as political parties maintained opportunistic ties to militants such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jihad that were often as opposed to secularism as they were to Saudi-style monarchy. As a result, Bangladesh, the world’s fourth largest Muslim nation, is at the heart of a struggle between liberalism and ultra-conservatism that questions Saudi Arabia's legacy and is about reforms that go beyond anything envisioned by Prince Mohammed. It is a battle in which free-thinking, journalists, writers and intellectuals have paid a heavy price. In the latest incident earlier this month, prominent scholar, award-winning science fiction author and outspoken critic of religious militants, Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was stabbed and seriously injured in a knife attack in the north-eastern town of Sylhet. Iqbal was the latest victim of more than 30 machete attacks, shootouts, and bombings in Bangladesh in the past three years, including last year's assault on the Holy Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in which 22 hostages were killed. The country's battle was fuelled by a 2010 Bangladesh Supreme Court decision to roll back the Saudi-inspired amendment of the constitution and restore secularism as its basic tenant as well as the execution of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for war crimes during the 1971 Pakistani-Indian war that gave birth to Bangladesh. In response, ultra-conservatives and militants demanded death for "atheists and apostates" who had demonstrated in favour of the death penalties, stricter anti-blasphemy legislation and a crackdown on alleged un-Islamic cultural practices. To be sure, Saudi Arabia, a country that is itself in transition, is unlikely to be backing the ultra-conservatives and militants. Yet, their struggle and deep-seated polarisation in Bangladesh are offshoots of the kingdom’s past ultra-conservative support and the creation of an environment in which politicians and state organs can opportunistically exploit religious sentiment. Criticism of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed’s weak response to the violence, if not inaction, coupled with the battle for the soul of Bangladesh serves as evidence that reversing the fallout of four decades of Saudi promotion of ultra-conservatism as an anti-dote to Iranian revolutionary zeal will take time and often be volatile. The same is true for efforts to counter creeping ultra-conservatism in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. In fact, what the struggles in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia suggest is that today's culprits are not Saudi Arabia, even if it bears a responsibility, but politicians and/or national governments. Said Chowdhury: "The failure to bring culprits to justice in many of the recent attacks in Bangladesh has 'been the deliberate goal of the government. It supports their ambition to continue holding on to power by silencing critics and pandering to the religious right'." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Saudi Prince Mohammed's religious moderation unlikely to change Asian realities

Indonesians could be jailed for criticising national politicians under a new law which came into force on Thursday, in what critics slammed as a major step back for the world&#39;s third-biggest democracy.

The vaguely worded bill passed the 560-member house last month but has just become official, over the objections of President Joko Widodo who refused to sign off on the controversial legislation.

Widodo does not have veto power over the bill, although it can be challenged at the Constitutional Court.

The so-called MD3 law opens to the door to press charges against anyone who &quot;disrespects parliament or its members&quot; but does not set out possible minimum or maximum jail terms.

Indonesia is the third biggest democracy globally behind India and the United States.

Protesters across the Southeast Asian archipelago who blasted the bill could potentially see themselves jailed for such demonstrations in the future, critics said.

&quot;How does the law define disrespect?&quot; said Sebastian Salang from the monitoring group Indonesian Parliament Watchdog.

&quot;It is not clearly explained and could be loosely interpreted as long as it fits the lawmakers&#39; interest to silence critics.&quot;

Hundreds of protesters staged a rally outside the Constitutional Court in Jakarta Thursday, calling on it to revoke the legislation.

A spokesman for the court said it had already received three petitions challenging the law, but it could take months before it renders a decision.

Any investigation of a parliamentarian would have to be approved by the House Ethics Council under the new law, which could block probes by Indonesia&#39;s powerful Corruption Eradication Commission.

Some observers say the new law would criminalise criticism of the endemic corruption and poor performance among some members of Indonesia&#39;s political system.

At least eight lawmakers have been arrested for corruption in recent years, including former house speaker Setya Novanto who is on trial in one of the country&#39;s biggest-ever graft scandals.

There have been growing concerns about freedom of speech and human rights during Widodo&#39;s tenure.

Indonesia is pushing to clamp down on gay and pre-marital sex as part of a sweeping criminal law overhaul, while the government has used sweeping Internet legislation to arrest people accused of defaming the president and other high-ranking officials online.

Last year, the government issued a decree allowing the country to ban groups that oppose its official state ideology.

Widodo has called for drug dealers to be shot if they resist arrest as the country wrestles with what he has called a drug &quot;emergency&quot;.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Under a new law Indonesians could be jailed for criticising national politicians

Indonesians could be jailed for criticising national politicians under a new law which came into force on Thursday, in what critics slammed as a major step back for the world's third-biggest democracy. The vaguely worded bill passed the 560-member house last month but has just become official, over the objections of President Joko Widodo who refused to sign off on the controversial legislation. Widodo does not have veto power over the bill, although it can be challenged at the Constitutional Court. The so-called MD3 law opens to the door to press charges against anyone who "disrespects parliament or its members" but does not set out possible minimum or maximum jail terms. Indonesia is the third biggest democracy globally behind India and the United States. Protesters across the Southeast Asian archipelago who blasted the bill could potentially see themselves jailed for such demonstrations in the future, critics said. "How does the law define disrespect?" said Sebastian Salang from the monitoring group Indonesian Parliament Watchdog. "It is not clearly explained and could be loosely interpreted as long as it fits the lawmakers' interest to silence critics." Hundreds of protesters staged a rally outside the Constitutional Court in Jakarta Thursday, calling on it to revoke the legislation. A spokesman for the court said it had already received three petitions challenging the law, but it could take months before it renders a decision. Any investigation of a parliamentarian would have to be approved by the House Ethics Council under the new law, which could block probes by Indonesia's powerful Corruption Eradication Commission. Some observers say the new law would criminalise criticism of the endemic corruption and poor performance among some members of Indonesia's political system. At least eight lawmakers have been arrested for corruption in recent years, including former house speaker Setya Novanto who is on trial in one of the country's biggest-ever graft scandals. There have been growing concerns about freedom of speech and human rights during Widodo's tenure. Indonesia is pushing to clamp down on gay and pre-marital sex as part of a sweeping criminal law overhaul, while the government has used sweeping Internet legislation to arrest people accused of defaming the president and other high-ranking officials online. Last year, the government issued a decree allowing the country to ban groups that oppose its official state ideology. Widodo has called for drug dealers to be shot if they resist arrest as the country wrestles with what he has called a drug "emergency".

Indonesia makes criticising politicians a crime

A pair of Indonesian Islamic universities are pushing female students to ditch niqab face veils -- with one threatening expulsion for non-compliance -- as concerns grow over rising fundamentalism in the world&#39;s biggest Muslim-majority nation.

Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University said it issued the edict this week to more than three dozen niqab-wearing students, who will be booted from school if they refuse.

Although niqabs are common in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia and some other Gulf states, they&#39;re rare in secular Indonesia, where around 90 percent of its 260 million people have traditionally followed a moderate form of Islam.

For many Indonesians, the niqab -- a full veil with a small slit for the eyes -- is an unwelcome Arab export and some associate it with radical Islam, which the country has wrestled with for years.

&quot;We are a state university... we&#39;ve been told to spread moderate Islam,&quot; the school&#39;s chancellor Yudian Wahyudi told a press briefing this week.

The school, based in Indonesia&#39;s cultural capital Yogyakarta, has some 10,000 students.

Another Yogyakarta-based institution, Ahmad Dahlan University, has also introduced a new prohibition on the niqab out of fears it might stir up religious radicalism, which has seen a resurgence on many of the nation&#39;s university campuses.

There will be no penalty for those who refuse, it added.

&quot;But during exams, they cannot wear it because officials have to match the photos on their exam ID with them, which is hard if one is wearing the niqab,&quot; university chancellor Kasiyarno, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told reporters Wednesday.

Indonesia&#39;s reputation as a bastion of progressiveness and religious tolerance has recently been tested by a government push to outlaw gay and pre-marital sex. The conservative lurch comes as once-fringe Islamic political parties move into the mainstream.&nbsp;

The niqab has been at the centre of a heated global debate over religious freedom and women&#39;s rights, with France the first European country to ban it in public spaces.

Backers of the schools&#39; new rules said wearing a niqab is not a religious obligation.

&quot;Education should be about dialogue -- open and progressive -- and if you wear a niqab it interferes in that dialogue and the teaching-learning process,&quot; said Zuhairi Misrawi, head of the Jakarta-based Muslim Moderate Society.

But others saw the anti-niqab appeal as trampling on individual rights.

It&#39;s &quot;a matter of personal preference and the university has to respect that&quot;, said Fadlun Amin, a spokesman for the local chapter of the Forum Ukhuwah Islamiyah, part of top clerical body the Indonesian Ulema Council.

Several Indonesian universities have issued niqab bans in the past.

Last year, a private Islamic high school in Java was reprimanded by local officials after images went viral online that showed a classroom of sitting female students wearing niqab, violating a national regulation on acceptable school uniforms.

For many Indonesians, the niqab — a full veil with a small slit for the eyes — is an unwelcome Arab export and some associate it with radical Islam, which the country has wrestled with for years

A pair of Indonesian Islamic universities are pushing female students to ditch niqab face veils -- with one threatening expulsion for non-compliance -- as concerns grow over rising fundamentalism in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation. Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University said it issued the edict this week to more than three dozen niqab-wearing students, who will be booted from school if they refuse. Although niqabs are common in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia and some other Gulf states, they're rare in secular Indonesia, where around 90 percent of its 260 million people have traditionally followed a moderate form of Islam. For many Indonesians, the niqab -- a full veil with a small slit for the eyes -- is an unwelcome Arab export and some associate it with radical Islam, which the country has wrestled with for years. "We are a state university... we've been told to spread moderate Islam," the school's chancellor Yudian Wahyudi told a press briefing this week. The school, based in Indonesia's cultural capital Yogyakarta, has some 10,000 students. Another Yogyakarta-based institution, Ahmad Dahlan University, has also introduced a new prohibition on the niqab out of fears it might stir up religious radicalism, which has seen a resurgence on many of the nation's university campuses. There will be no penalty for those who refuse, it added. "But during exams, they cannot wear it because officials have to match the photos on their exam ID with them, which is hard if one is wearing the niqab," university chancellor Kasiyarno, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told reporters Wednesday. Indonesia's reputation as a bastion of progressiveness and religious tolerance has recently been tested by a government push to outlaw gay and pre-marital sex. The conservative lurch comes as once-fringe Islamic political parties move into the mainstream. The niqab has been at the centre of a heated global debate over religious freedom and women's rights, with France the first European country to ban it in public spaces. Backers of the schools' new rules said wearing a niqab is not a religious obligation. "Education should be about dialogue -- open and progressive -- and if you wear a niqab it interferes in that dialogue and the teaching-learning process," said Zuhairi Misrawi, head of the Jakarta-based Muslim Moderate Society. But others saw the anti-niqab appeal as trampling on individual rights. It's "a matter of personal preference and the university has to respect that", said Fadlun Amin, a spokesman for the local chapter of the Forum Ukhuwah Islamiyah, part of top clerical body the Indonesian Ulema Council. Several Indonesian universities have issued niqab bans in the past. Last year, a private Islamic high school in Java was reprimanded by local officials after images went viral online that showed a classroom of sitting female students wearing niqab, violating a national regulation on acceptable school uniforms.

Indonesian universities 'ban' niqab over fundamentalism fears

Indonesia can now add a smoking orangutan to its roster of nicotine addicts.

A video taken on Sunday shows the beast picking up a cigarette butt that was flicked into its zoo enclosure by a visitor and then puffing away on it like a pro.

The images of 22-year-old Bornean orangutan Ozon at the zoo in Bandung, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of Jakarta, promptly went viral.

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This, not the first that a zoo orangutan has been caught sneaking a smoke in Indonesia, which has an abysmal record of animal protection and one of the world&#39;s highest smoking rates.

In 2012 a great ape at another zoo became a nicotine addict after picking up butts and had to be forced to quit cold turkey.

A Bandung zoo spokesman on Wednesday said that while the incident was regrettable, it has the staff to guard the animal enclosures.

But the officer responsible may have been in the bathroom at the time, he added.

&quot;There&#39;s actually a sign at the location which says visitors are not allowed to give food and cigarettes to the animals,&quot; said spokesman Sulhan, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. &nbsp;

Animal activists condemned the visitor&#39;s actions but said it underlined the poor state of Indonesia&#39;s zoos.

&quot;Weak control by zoo management also needs to be addressed,&quot; said Marion Guciano, founder of the Indonesia Animal Welfare Society.

&quot;But the root of the problem is that we do not have animal welfare standards at zoos. Almost all zoos are in poor condition... from the cages and feeding needs to the animals&#39; health.&quot;

Last year, activists demanded the closure of Bandung zoo after skeletal sun bears were pictured begging for food from visitors and eating their own dung.

The images of 22-year-old Bornean orangutan Ozon at the zoo in Bandung, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of Jakarta, promptly went viral

Indonesia can now add a smoking orangutan to its roster of nicotine addicts. A video taken on Sunday shows the beast picking up a cigarette butt that was flicked into its zoo enclosure by a visitor and then puffing away on it like a pro. The images of 22-year-old Bornean orangutan Ozon at the zoo in Bandung, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of Jakarta, promptly went viral. × This, not the first that a zoo orangutan has been caught sneaking a smoke in Indonesia, which has an abysmal record of animal protection and one of the world's highest smoking rates. In 2012 a great ape at another zoo became a nicotine addict after picking up butts and had to be forced to quit cold turkey. A Bandung zoo spokesman on Wednesday said that while the incident was regrettable, it has the staff to guard the animal enclosures. But the officer responsible may have been in the bathroom at the time, he added. "There's actually a sign at the location which says visitors are not allowed to give food and cigarettes to the animals," said spokesman Sulhan, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Animal activists condemned the visitor's actions but said it underlined the poor state of Indonesia's zoos. "Weak control by zoo management also needs to be addressed," said Marion Guciano, founder of the Indonesia Animal Welfare Society. "But the root of the problem is that we do not have animal welfare standards at zoos. Almost all zoos are in poor condition... from the cages and feeding needs to the animals' health." Last year, activists demanded the closure of Bandung zoo after skeletal sun bears were pictured begging for food from visitors and eating their own dung.

Indonesian orangutan caught puffing on zoo visitor's cigarette

Indonesia plans to keep electricity tariffs and fuel prices unchanged this year and the next by hiking subsidies, two cabinet ministers and a senior official said, in a move aimed at increasing the purchasing power of its citizens.

Southeast Asia`s largest economy grew 5.07 per cent in 2017, its best pace in four years, but consumption - the biggest contributor to the economy - has remained sluggish at around 5 per cent from its pre-financial crisis era rate of 6 per cent.

&quot;The president understands that people`s purchasing power must be kept at its current level, if not increased,&quot; Energy Minister Ignasius Jonan told reporters late on Monday.

The government will request parliament to approve the additional spending soon, he said.

President Joko Widodo won international praise and credit rating upgrades for the country after some fuel subsidies were discarded in 2015. In the last few years, some electricity subsidies have also been phased out.

The measures have saved Indonesia billions of dollars, which were then used to build infrastructure.&nbsp;

In 2017, the government spent 97.6 trillion rupiah ($6.87 billion) on energy subsidies, compared with 341.8 trillion rupiah in 2014. State spending on infrastructure has risen more than 80 per cent to 376.1 trillion rupiah in the same period.

The proposal to retain fuel and electricity prices at current levels will not disrupt budgetary reforms, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Tuesday, adding the budget deficit for this year could still be kept under 2.2 per cent of the gross domestic product.

Ego Syahrial, director general of oil and gas at the energy ministry, said there will be no change in prices of RON 88 gasoline for 2018 and 2019. The fuel is currently not subsidised, but prices are set by the government every three months.

He also said the government will seek parliamentary approval to raise diesel subsidies to between 700 rupiah and 1,000 rupiah per litre, from the current 500 rupiah.&nbsp;

The energy ministry has estimated that electricity subsidies will have to be increased by around 5 trillion rupiah in 2018. 
($1 = 13,758.0000 rupiah)

Indonesia plans to keep electricity tariffs and fuel prices unchanged this year and the next by hiking subsidies, two cabinet ministers and a senior official said, in a move aimed at increasing the purchasing power of its citizens

Indonesia plans to keep electricity tariffs and fuel prices unchanged this year and the next by hiking subsidies, two cabinet ministers and a senior official said, in a move aimed at increasing the purchasing power of its citizens. Southeast Asia`s largest economy grew 5.07 per cent in 2017, its best pace in four years, but consumption - the biggest contributor to the economy - has remained sluggish at around 5 per cent from its pre-financial crisis era rate of 6 per cent. "The president understands that people`s purchasing power must be kept at its current level, if not increased," Energy Minister Ignasius Jonan told reporters late on Monday. The government will request parliament to approve the additional spending soon, he said. President Joko Widodo won international praise and credit rating upgrades for the country after some fuel subsidies were discarded in 2015. In the last few years, some electricity subsidies have also been phased out. The measures have saved Indonesia billions of dollars, which were then used to build infrastructure. In 2017, the government spent 97.6 trillion rupiah ($6.87 billion) on energy subsidies, compared with 341.8 trillion rupiah in 2014. State spending on infrastructure has risen more than 80 per cent to 376.1 trillion rupiah in the same period. The proposal to retain fuel and electricity prices at current levels will not disrupt budgetary reforms, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Tuesday, adding the budget deficit for this year could still be kept under 2.2 per cent of the gross domestic product. Ego Syahrial, director general of oil and gas at the energy ministry, said there will be no change in prices of RON 88 gasoline for 2018 and 2019. The fuel is currently not subsidised, but prices are set by the government every three months. He also said the government will seek parliamentary approval to raise diesel subsidies to between 700 rupiah and 1,000 rupiah per litre, from the current 500 rupiah. The energy ministry has estimated that electricity subsidies will have to be increased by around 5 trillion rupiah in 2018. ($1 = 13,758.0000 rupiah)

Indonesia power tariffs, fuel prices to stay unchanged for 2 years

A human leg and arm have been found inside the belly of a huge crocodile suspected of mauling a man to death in Borneo, Indonesian police said Friday.

Authorities shot and killed the six-metre (20-foot) long crocodile close to a riverbank where a local palm oil plantation worker had gone missing two days earlier, with only his motorbike and sandals found at the site, they said.

The search ended Thursday when 36-year-old Andi Aso Erang&#39;s lifeless body -- missing two limbs -- was discovered floating in a different part of the river in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo.

Police said they spotted a crocodile nearby and killed it.

&quot;Inside the crocodile&#39;s stomach, we found the left arm and a leg that we believe belonged to the victim,&quot; local police chief Teddy Ristiawan said.

The victim&#39;s wife said he had left home to hunt for clams they could eat.

&quot;I never expected he would end up in a terrible situation like this,&quot; said Anisa, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

In 2016, a Russian tourist was killed by a crocodile in the Raja Ampat islands, a popular diving site in the east of the archipelago.

Human-animal conflicts are rampant in Indonesia, especially in areas where the clearing of rainforest to make way for palm oil plantations is destroying animals&#39;&nbsp;habitats and bringing them into closer contact with humans.

Authorities shot and killed the six-metre (20-foot) long crocodile close to a riverbank

A human leg and arm have been found inside the belly of a huge crocodile suspected of mauling a man to death in Borneo, Indonesian police said Friday. Authorities shot and killed the six-metre (20-foot) long crocodile close to a riverbank where a local palm oil plantation worker had gone missing two days earlier, with only his motorbike and sandals found at the site, they said. The search ended Thursday when 36-year-old Andi Aso Erang's lifeless body -- missing two limbs -- was discovered floating in a different part of the river in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. Police said they spotted a crocodile nearby and killed it. "Inside the crocodile's stomach, we found the left arm and a leg that we believe belonged to the victim," local police chief Teddy Ristiawan said. The victim's wife said he had left home to hunt for clams they could eat. "I never expected he would end up in a terrible situation like this," said Anisa, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. In 2016, a Russian tourist was killed by a crocodile in the Raja Ampat islands, a popular diving site in the east of the archipelago. Human-animal conflicts are rampant in Indonesia, especially in areas where the clearing of rainforest to make way for palm oil plantations is destroying animals' habitats and bringing them into closer contact with humans.

Indonesia: Human limbs found inside 20-foot long crocodile

Indonesia is all set to but 11 Sukhoi Su-35 jets from Russia in a billion-dollar deal. The contract was signed by both the countries in Jakarta this Wednesday.

The deal worths close to a whopping $1.14 billion. Two units of Sukhoi jets will be delivered in August 2018, six others will be delivered 18 months after the contract comes into effect while the remaining three will follow five months later. The mode of payment has not been announced.

Indonesia and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange 11 Russian-made Sukhoi fighters for key commodities in Moscow early August.

In August 2017 Indonesia expressed its desire to engage in trade activities involving palm oil, coffee and tea for Russian fighter jets with Russia. The country noted that it wanted to capitalise on international sanctions on Moscow.

Putin-led Russia faces EU and US sanctions for alleged meddling in the US presidential election and the annexation of Crimea.

The Indonesian government identifies Russia&#39;s requirement to seek new import markets.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indonesia and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange 11 Russian-made Sukhoi fighters for key commodities in Moscow

Indonesia is all set to but 11 Sukhoi Su-35 jets from Russia in a billion-dollar deal. The contract was signed by both the countries in Jakarta this Wednesday. The deal worths close to a whopping $1.14 billion. Two units of Sukhoi jets will be delivered in August 2018, six others will be delivered 18 months after the contract comes into effect while the remaining three will follow five months later. The mode of payment has not been announced. Indonesia and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange 11 Russian-made Sukhoi fighters for key commodities in Moscow early August. In August 2017 Indonesia expressed its desire to engage in trade activities involving palm oil, coffee and tea for Russian fighter jets with Russia. The country noted that it wanted to capitalise on international sanctions on Moscow. Putin-led Russia faces EU and US sanctions for alleged meddling in the US presidential election and the annexation of Crimea. The Indonesian government identifies Russia's requirement to seek new import markets. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia signs $1.1 billion deal with Russia to buy 11 jets

Indian resources conglomerate Adani Enterprises Ltd is looking to buy mines in countries such as Indonesia, a company executive told Reuters on Wednesday, despite its struggles to develop a controversial coal project in Australia.

The company already owns a coal mine in Indonesia, but has been unable to secure financing for the long-delayed Carmichael mine in Australia amid numerous court challenges from environmental groups concerned about climate change and potential damage to the Great Barrier Reef.

&quot;We have a mine in Indonesia, and we are looking for more options there,&quot; Rajendra Singh, chief operating officer of Adani&#39;s coal trading business, said on the sidelines of the Coaltrans India conference in the coastal town of Bambolim in Goa state.

&quot;We&#39;re also keeping our eyes open for options in other areas like south African countries, countries like Russia. We are not eyeing for specific grades, we are looking for viable options. We mainly look at reserves, production costs and logistics.&quot;

He said there was &quot;opportunity in the U.S.&quot; as well given that India imports coal from there. Singh, however, did not say if any deal was in the works.

Adani is also India&#39;s biggest trader of coal, with volumes of 81 million tonnes in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2017, sourced mainly from Indonesia and Africa. India, the world&#39;s second biggest coal importer after China, brought in a total of 190 million tonnes last fiscal year.

Singh said the company&#39;s market share in coal trading in the country was going to increase after it extended to retail markets, especially brick kilns and sponge irons.

The company has also recently started trading coal in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, in addition to its operations in Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and China, he said.

&quot;Asian countries are going to add a lot of demand in the coal market, especially South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan,&quot; Singh said. &quot;On the supply side, there are limitations. Tonnages are increasing, but quality is decreasing. And to compensate for quality, they have to increase tonnages.&quot;

Pakistan imported 11.2 million tonnes of coal last year, up from around 3.4 million tonnes bought in 2013. Its purchases are expected to jump to 40 million tonnes by 2025.

Populous and power-starved Bangladesh is also ramping up coal imports to light up new homes in an election year. Adani Group&#39;s Adani Power in November signed a long-term agreement to sell electricity to Bangladesh.

Adani is also India's biggest trader of coal, with volumes of 81 million tonnes in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2017, sourced mainly from Indonesia and Africa.

Indian resources conglomerate Adani Enterprises Ltd is looking to buy mines in countries such as Indonesia, a company executive told Reuters on Wednesday, despite its struggles to develop a controversial coal project in Australia. The company already owns a coal mine in Indonesia, but has been unable to secure financing for the long-delayed Carmichael mine in Australia amid numerous court challenges from environmental groups concerned about climate change and potential damage to the Great Barrier Reef. "We have a mine in Indonesia, and we are looking for more options there," Rajendra Singh, chief operating officer of Adani's coal trading business, said on the sidelines of the Coaltrans India conference in the coastal town of Bambolim in Goa state. "We're also keeping our eyes open for options in other areas like south African countries, countries like Russia. We are not eyeing for specific grades, we are looking for viable options. We mainly look at reserves, production costs and logistics." He said there was "opportunity in the U.S." as well given that India imports coal from there. Singh, however, did not say if any deal was in the works. Adani is also India's biggest trader of coal, with volumes of 81 million tonnes in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2017, sourced mainly from Indonesia and Africa. India, the world's second biggest coal importer after China, brought in a total of 190 million tonnes last fiscal year. Singh said the company's market share in coal trading in the country was going to increase after it extended to retail markets, especially brick kilns and sponge irons. The company has also recently started trading coal in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, in addition to its operations in Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and China, he said. "Asian countries are going to add a lot of demand in the coal market, especially South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan," Singh said. "On the supply side, there are limitations. Tonnages are increasing, but quality is decreasing. And to compensate for quality, they have to increase tonnages." Pakistan imported 11.2 million tonnes of coal last year, up from around 3.4 million tonnes bought in 2013. Its purchases are expected to jump to 40 million tonnes by 2025. Populous and power-starved Bangladesh is also ramping up coal imports to light up new homes in an election year. Adani Group's Adani Power in November signed a long-term agreement to sell electricity to Bangladesh.

Adani looking for foreign coal mines despite challenges in Australia

A measles outbreak is feared to have killed about 100 malnourished people in Indonesia`s Papua, an official said Sunday, highlighting a health crisis in the country`s easternmost province.&nbsp;

A total of 69 toddlers have died in the remote Asmat region, said Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi, while reports on the ground suggest 27 people have died in an equally remote and mountainous district named Oksibil.

&quot;We have received reports from villagers that the outbreak is also happening in Oksibil district and our staff have confirmed that, but we still need to check how many people have died,&quot; Aidi told AFP.&nbsp;

&quot;Measles is not dangerous, it`s a mild disease. But because those children are malnourished, they can`t cope in that condition.&quot;

The government and military have sent medical teams and are supplying villagers with medicine, vaccines, medical equipment and nutritious food in Asmat. But the difficult terrain means the team will not arrive in Oksibil until Monday at the earliest, Aidi added.

Both areas suffer from a severe shortage of doctors and health facilities as well as poor infrastructure and communications networks, delaying news of the outbreak.&nbsp;

About 129,000 people live in Asmat, a swampy region cris-crossed by rivers that can only be accessed by a flight from Papua`s capital Jayapura followed by a helicopter and boat ride.&nbsp;

The district of Oksibil has a population of 4,000. To reach some of the villages, people must walk for about a day.

&quot;We have sent aid, now we are making sure that it is actually distributed to those remote villages and not just stocked in a warehouse,&quot; said social affairs minister Idrus Marham.

Jakarta proclaimed western Papua to be part of Indonesia after a self-determination referendum in 1969 which some regarded it as a sham.&nbsp;

When President Joko Widodo took office in 2014 he vowed to speed up the development in infrastructure in Papua to speed up economic growth.

A total of 69 toddlers have died in the remote Asmat region

A measles outbreak is feared to have killed about 100 malnourished people in Indonesia`s Papua, an official said Sunday, highlighting a health crisis in the country`s easternmost province. A total of 69 toddlers have died in the remote Asmat region, said Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi, while reports on the ground suggest 27 people have died in an equally remote and mountainous district named Oksibil. "We have received reports from villagers that the outbreak is also happening in Oksibil district and our staff have confirmed that, but we still need to check how many people have died," Aidi told AFP. "Measles is not dangerous, it`s a mild disease. But because those children are malnourished, they can`t cope in that condition." The government and military have sent medical teams and are supplying villagers with medicine, vaccines, medical equipment and nutritious food in Asmat. But the difficult terrain means the team will not arrive in Oksibil until Monday at the earliest, Aidi added. Both areas suffer from a severe shortage of doctors and health facilities as well as poor infrastructure and communications networks, delaying news of the outbreak. About 129,000 people live in Asmat, a swampy region cris-crossed by rivers that can only be accessed by a flight from Papua`s capital Jayapura followed by a helicopter and boat ride. The district of Oksibil has a population of 4,000. To reach some of the villages, people must walk for about a day. "We have sent aid, now we are making sure that it is actually distributed to those remote villages and not just stocked in a warehouse," said social affairs minister Idrus Marham. Jakarta proclaimed western Papua to be part of Indonesia after a self-determination referendum in 1969 which some regarded it as a sham. When President Joko Widodo took office in 2014 he vowed to speed up the development in infrastructure in Papua to speed up economic growth.

100 in Indonesia's Papua feared dead from malnutrition, measles

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of&nbsp;India-ASEAN relations and its partnership.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January.

Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations.

The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot.

During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists&rsquo; Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall.

Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader.

India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of India-ASEAN relations and its partnership. Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January. Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25. During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations. The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot. During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall. Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader. India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of ASEAN countries to participate in two-day summit in Delhi

Indonesia`s capital Jakarta was rocked Tuesday by a strong earthquake which forced some buildings to be evacuated, but there was no immediate tsunami threat or reported injuries, a government agency said.

The United States Geological Survey said the 6.0 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 43 kilometres (27 miles).

That contrasted with an initial report from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics agency, which said the quake had a 6.4 magnitude at a shallower 10-kilometre depth.

The epicentre was off the coast, about 130 kilometres southwest of the sprawling city.&nbsp;

Indonesia sits on the Pacific &quot;Ring of Fire&quot; where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

At least three people were killed following a 6.5-magnitude earthquake just outside the coastal town of Cipatujah on Java island in mid-December.

The tremor was felt across the densely populated island, causing damage to hundreds of houses and other buildings.

An earthquake struck Indonesia`s western province of Aceh in December 2016, killing more than 100 people, injuring much more and leaving tens of thousands homeless.&nbsp;

Aceh was one of the areas worst hit by the devastating 2004 tsunami triggered by a magnitude 9.3 undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra.

The wall of waves killed 220,000 people in countries around the Indian Ocean, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

The United States Geological Survey said the 6.0 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 43 kilometres (27 miles)

Indonesia`s capital Jakarta was rocked Tuesday by a strong earthquake which forced some buildings to be evacuated, but there was no immediate tsunami threat or reported injuries, a government agency said. The United States Geological Survey said the 6.0 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 43 kilometres (27 miles). That contrasted with an initial report from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics agency, which said the quake had a 6.4 magnitude at a shallower 10-kilometre depth. The epicentre was off the coast, about 130 kilometres southwest of the sprawling city. Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity. At least three people were killed following a 6.5-magnitude earthquake just outside the coastal town of Cipatujah on Java island in mid-December. The tremor was felt across the densely populated island, causing damage to hundreds of houses and other buildings. An earthquake struck Indonesia`s western province of Aceh in December 2016, killing more than 100 people, injuring much more and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Aceh was one of the areas worst hit by the devastating 2004 tsunami triggered by a magnitude 9.3 undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. The wall of waves killed 220,000 people in countries around the Indian Ocean, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

Strong quake rocks Jakarta, 6.0 magnitude

A man attacked a church congregation on Sunday in Yogyakarta province of Indonesia leaving four people wounded, media reports said.&nbsp;

Around 100 people were attending the service when the 22-year-old man stormed into the church with a&nbsp;one-meter-long sword during a Sunday morning mass and began attacking terror-stricken people in&nbsp;the St Lidwuna Bedhog Trihanggo church of Sleman district in the province.&nbsp;

The attack injured four people including a police officer who was trying to protect the priest.

The man was shot by other police officials in a counter attack.&nbsp;&quot;After the warning shot was fired, the attacker charged towards the officer with his sword. The officer then shot him below his stomach, but he managed to injure the cop before being subdued,&quot;&nbsp;said worshipper Andhi Cahyo.&nbsp;

&quot;Everybody started panicking and screaming. I was scrambling to save my wife and children,&quot; Cahyo told AFP.&nbsp;

People fled through another door as the attacker ran amok inside the church.&nbsp;

He destroyed some books and a Virgin Mary statue with his sword, said Cahyo, and attacked&nbsp; 81-year-German priest Edmund Prier who was standing at the altar.&nbsp;

The police are undergoing investigation to understand the reason for the attack and network linked with the man.&nbsp;

The victims suffered head, back and neck injuries and have been admitted to a nearby hospital, reports said.&nbsp;

Churches are a common target for Islamic militants in Indonesia, the world&#39;s most populous Muslim nation.

The 22-year-old man stormed into the church with a sword during a Sunday morning mass in St Lidwuna Bedhog Trihanggo church of Sleman district on the province

A man attacked a church congregation on Sunday in Yogyakarta province of Indonesia leaving four people wounded, media reports said. Around 100 people were attending the service when the 22-year-old man stormed into the church with a one-meter-long sword during a Sunday morning mass and began attacking terror-stricken people in the St Lidwuna Bedhog Trihanggo church of Sleman district in the province. The attack injured four people including a police officer who was trying to protect the priest. The man was shot by other police officials in a counter attack. "After the warning shot was fired, the attacker charged towards the officer with his sword. The officer then shot him below his stomach, but he managed to injure the cop before being subdued," said worshipper Andhi Cahyo. "Everybody started panicking and screaming. I was scrambling to save my wife and children," Cahyo told AFP. People fled through another door as the attacker ran amok inside the church. He destroyed some books and a Virgin Mary statue with his sword, said Cahyo, and attacked 81-year-German priest Edmund Prier who was standing at the altar. The police are undergoing investigation to understand the reason for the attack and network linked with the man. The victims suffered head, back and neck injuries and have been admitted to a nearby hospital, reports said. Churches are a common target for Islamic militants in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation.

Suspected militant shot after sword attack on Indonesian church, 4 injured

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