Jakarta's grand Istiqlal Mosque is busy with worshippers this Ramadan. And this year, the mMsque is boosting its green credentials after a major renovation in 2019 where the mosque installed more than 500 solar panels on the its expansive roof.

Jakarta Mosque leads the way on renewable energy

At least 17 people were killed including two children and 50 people were also injured when a fire broke out at a fuel storage station in Indonesia's Jakarta. Most of the injured suffered burns and Jakarta's acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono told reporters that the government would pay for their medical treatment.

Indonesia: 17 killed, 50 injured as fire breaks out at fuel depot in Jakarta

While Indonesia appears to have avoided a possibly lethal stampede after authorities stopped a music festival when around three times as many people showed up than the capacity permitted, resulting in fainting and minor injuries, while South Korea mourns the victims of the weekend Halloween crush.

Growing trend of dangerously crowded venues, only one medical tent for over 20,000 people

The giant dome of the Jakarta Islamic Centre Grand Mosque in Indonesia collapsed after a major fire broke out during its renovation on Wednesday. No one was injured in the fire or the ensuing collapse.

Giant dome collapses as fire engulfs mosque in Indonesia

Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is inundated after heavy rainfall caused city to be flooded with water. The prolonged torrential rainfall has caused flooding in different areas of Jakarta and as of now at least three people have lost their lives.

WION Climate Tracker | Indonesia: Deadly floods in Jakarta kills 3 people

To tackle traffic woes and push more people to use public transport, "zombies" are rising up in Jakarta. The city's light rapid transit operator has turned a train and station into the set of a bloody zombie apocalypse and real passengers have been invited to the show.

The paid attraction was launched last month and aims to promote the relatively new system and, more generally, encourage young people to take public transport.

It is called "Train to Apocalypse" and is inspired by the 2016 South Korean horror film, "Train To Busan".&nbsp;

Actors are dressed up like zombies, in tattered clothes and on-point make up. One of them even has just the whites of his eyes visible.&nbsp;They then behave like zombies and scare the passengers into running through the dark station tunnels to a train. Once inside, you can hear news about a made-up "Pandora" virus which is turning people into zombies.

Soldiers armed with fake rifles fight the "zombies" and try to escort passengers to safety. But beware, they can reemerge and terrorise you at any time.

"The zombies didn't actually chase us but we were still panicking," said Genesis Christi, a 17-year-old zombie enthusiast told AFP.

The idea behind the entire exercise is to show that taking public transport can be cool and fun. Jakarta has over 30 million people and suffers from heavy pollution and traffic congestion. Its light rapid transit system only began commercial operation in December 2019.

Riding the "Train to Apocalypse" costs 60,000-70,000 rupiah ($4-4.70), until the event ends on Sunday.

The organisers promised the 20-minute ride does not disrupt the trips of regular LRT passengers. Even without participating, they can catch a glimpse of the horror show for free.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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To tackle traffic woes and push more people to use public transport, "zombies" are rising up in Jakarta. The city's light rapid transit operator has turned a train and station into the set of a bloody zombie apocalypse and real passengers have been invited to the show.

To tackle traffic woes and push more people to use public transport, "zombies" are rising up in Jakarta. The city's light rapid transit operator has turned a train and station into the set of a bloody zombie apocalypse and real passengers have been invited to the show. The paid attraction was launched last month and aims to promote the relatively new system and, more generally, encourage young people to take public transport. It is called "Train to Apocalypse" and is inspired by the 2016 South Korean horror film, "Train To Busan". Actors are dressed up like zombies, in tattered clothes and on-point make up. One of them even has just the whites of his eyes visible. They then behave like zombies and scare the passengers into running through the dark station tunnels to a train. Once inside, you can hear news about a made-up "Pandora" virus which is turning people into zombies. Soldiers armed with fake rifles fight the "zombies" and try to escort passengers to safety. But beware, they can reemerge and terrorise you at any time. "The zombies didn't actually chase us but we were still panicking," said Genesis Christi, a 17-year-old zombie enthusiast told AFP. The idea behind the entire exercise is to show that taking public transport can be cool and fun. Jakarta has over 30 million people and suffers from heavy pollution and traffic congestion. Its light rapid transit system only began commercial operation in December 2019. Riding the "Train to Apocalypse" costs 60,000-70,000 rupiah ($4-4.70), until the event ends on Sunday. The organisers promised the 20-minute ride does not disrupt the trips of regular LRT passengers. Even without participating, they can catch a glimpse of the horror show for free. (With inputs from agencies)

Zombies are rising in Jakarta to popularise public transport

From Israel-Palestine clashes to protest against single-use plastic in Jakarta, here are some impactful images from around the world on 24 July 2022.

World in Pictures: Israel-Palestine clashes; Protest against single-use plastic in Jakarta

Indonesia to start building new capital city worth $34 billion in August - see pics

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. 
 
However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. 
 
With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-buy-french-warplanes-as-paris-boosts-asia-alliances-452033">Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances</a> 
 
The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. 
 
"If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. 
 
To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. 
 
On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/in-indonesia-brave-islanders-free-croc-caught-in-a-tyre-for-the-last-six-years-451631">&nbsp;In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years</a>

More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. 
 
The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. 
 
Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose.

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesian-court-jails-islamic-school-teacher-for-raping-13-students-453608/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. 
 
Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.</div>

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents.

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta. Also read | Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. "If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year. Also read | In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose. Watch | Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.

Vaccinated kids allowed to enter shopping centres in Jakarta

Indonesia has named its new capital Nusantara, as lawmakers approve the shift from Jakarta to Kalimantan. The new name translates to "archipelago" in the Indonesian language.

Indonesia names new capital Nusantara, replacing Jakarta

Indonesian parliament on Tuesday formally approved a bill giving go-ahead to shifting the national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan on Borneo. New name of the capital will be Nusantara.

First article of the bill formalised the name of the new capital Nusantara and defined the status of the city, which will become the new political center of the country with all embassies and representative offices of foreign organizations transferred there.&nbsp;

Nusantara was declared a city of regional significance. Administration of Nusantara would become the state body responsible for managing the new capital. The president will appoint and dismiss the head of administration and his deputy, whose term of office is limited to five years.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced the planned relocation of the Indonesian capital from the Jakarta metropolitan area to East Kalimantan in 2019. The authorities said a new capital was needed due to the congestion of the current capital, as well as in order to accelerate the economic development of Kalimantan. The project, estimated to cost over $30 billion, has been put on hold due to COVID-19 epidemic.&nbsp;

Shifting of Indonesian capital was necessitated due to rising concerns over the sustainability of the city due to congestion. Jakarta is also sinking very fast.

"The relocation of the capital city to Kalimantan is based on several considerations, regional advantages, and welfare. With the vision of the birth of a new economic center of gravity in the middle of the archipelago," said Suharso Monoarfa, the country's Minister of National Development Planning. The minister was quoted by Indonesia Parliament TV.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian parliament on Tuesday formally approved a bill giving go-ahead to shifting the national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan on Borneo. New name of the capital will be Nusantara.

Indonesian parliament on Tuesday formally approved a bill giving go-ahead to shifting the national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan on Borneo. New name of the capital will be Nusantara. First article of the bill formalised the name of the new capital Nusantara and defined the status of the city, which will become the new political center of the country with all embassies and representative offices of foreign organizations transferred there. Nusantara was declared a city of regional significance. Administration of Nusantara would become the state body responsible for managing the new capital. The president will appoint and dismiss the head of administration and his deputy, whose term of office is limited to five years. Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced the planned relocation of the Indonesian capital from the Jakarta metropolitan area to East Kalimantan in 2019. The authorities said a new capital was needed due to the congestion of the current capital, as well as in order to accelerate the economic development of Kalimantan. The project, estimated to cost over $30 billion, has been put on hold due to COVID-19 epidemic. Shifting of Indonesian capital was necessitated due to rising concerns over the sustainability of the city due to congestion. Jakarta is also sinking very fast. "The relocation of the capital city to Kalimantan is based on several considerations, regional advantages, and welfare. With the vision of the birth of a new economic center of gravity in the middle of the archipelago," said Suharso Monoarfa, the country's Minister of National Development Planning. The minister was quoted by Indonesia Parliament TV. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia passes law to shift capital from Jakarta to Nusantara

Thunder and lightning look nice but from a distance. It has always been a safety hazard to step outdoors during thunderclaps, but some people do not have the luxury to stay indoors. <o:p></o:p>

One such incident happened when a 35-year-old man working as a guard in company in Jakarta was struck with lightning while on duty.<o:p></o:p>

The man works as a security guard in a company related to heavy machinery, towards the north of Jakarta. He was working his shift when lightning struck him.

<o:p></o:p>

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Security officer in Jakarta was struck by lightning while on duty, avoid using radio and cellular telephones when it is raining, the condition of the victim survived after 4 days of treatment. not everyone has the same chance to live. 当選確率 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFTs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFTs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALERT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALERT</a> <a href="https://t.co/4XhW6Oh3U9">pic.twitter.com/4XhW6Oh3U9</a>
— Lexus RZ (@Heritzal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Heritzal/status/1475005899580133379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a video shared by local media, it can be seen that the man was walking in an open area with an umbrella in hand while it was raining. A few seconds after, a lightning strikes the man and sparks are seen flying in the video.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>

While the man is seen struggling to stand, as soon as the sparks settle, the man can be seen falling down on the ground unconscious and completely wet.<o:p></o:p>

As soon his colleagues see the security guard fall on the ground, nearly six people rush to the spot to help him.<o:p></o:p>

The man was immediately taken to a local hospital for his treatment. He suffered some burns on his hand but has survived the deadly attack. He was initially being treated at the hospital for the hand burns, but was discharged after four days. He is now resting and recovering at his home.<o:p></o:p>

Experts believe that the security guard had his walkie-talkie in his hand, which attracted the lightning discharge and caused the accident. Some have also speculated that carrying an umbrella, too, increases the chances of getting struck by lightning.<o:p></o:p>

Thunder and lightning look nice but from a distance. It has always been a safety hazard to step outdoors during thunderclaps, but some people do not have the luxury to stay indoors.

Thunder and lightning look nice but from a distance. It has always been a safety hazard to step outdoors during thunderclaps, but some people do not have the luxury to stay indoors. One such incident happened when a 35-year-old man working as a guard in company in Jakarta was struck with lightning while on duty. The man works as a security guard in a company related to heavy machinery, towards the north of Jakarta. He was working his shift when lightning struck him. Security officer in Jakarta was struck by lightning while on duty, avoid using radio and cellular telephones when it is raining, the condition of the victim survived after 4 days of treatment. not everyone has the same chance to live. 当選確率 #Bitcoin #NFTs $BTC $ETH #ALERT pic.twitter.com/4XhW6Oh3U9 — Lexus RZ (@Heritzal) December 26, 2021 × In a video shared by local media, it can be seen that the man was walking in an open area with an umbrella in hand while it was raining. A few seconds after, a lightning strikes the man and sparks are seen flying in the video. While the man is seen struggling to stand, as soon as the sparks settle, the man can be seen falling down on the ground unconscious and completely wet. As soon his colleagues see the security guard fall on the ground, nearly six people rush to the spot to help him. The man was immediately taken to a local hospital for his treatment. He suffered some burns on his hand but has survived the deadly attack. He was initially being treated at the hospital for the hand burns, but was discharged after four days. He is now resting and recovering at his home. Experts believe that the security guard had his walkie-talkie in his hand, which attracted the lightning discharge and caused the accident. Some have also speculated that carrying an umbrella, too, increases the chances of getting struck by lightning.

WATCH: Man struck by lightning in Jakarta; survives

In a first, a Jakarta court has ruled that the Indonesian government has failed to uphold citizens’ right to clean air.<o:p></o:p>

The landmark judgment has held the Indonesian government responsible for the smog that has been covering the blue skies of the city recently.<o:p></o:p>

This decision has come two years after 32 citizens of the capital city Jakarta filed a legal lawsuit against the Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Jakarta governor, three cabinet minister and two provincial leaders.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-ozone-day-ozone-layer-critical-for-survival-of-life-on-earth-413579">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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In its ruling, the court said the Indonesian government is guilty of committing ‘unlawful acts’ and have failed to impose measures to control rising air pollution in the capital city.<o:p></o:p>

"We hope all defendants accept this verdict, because they also live here," Alghiffari Aqsa, the lawyer for the plaintiffs said. "We hope that they abide by this verdict by executing all points through their action and strategic planning."<o:p></o:p>

Citizens have accused the government of being negligent in managing Jakarta’s air pollution. This negligence, citizens claim, have resulted in people struggling with asthma, skin allergies and many other problems.<o:p></o:p>

"Not all of us have the same sensitivities, but there are those experiencing health problems related to the dirty air we breathe," Leonard Simanjuntak, country director for Greenpeace Indonesia said.<o:p></o:p>

In a first, a Jakarta court has ruled that the Indonesian government has failed to uphold citizens’ right to clean air. The landmark judgment has held the Indonesian government responsible for the smog that has been covering the blue skies of the city recently.

In a first, a Jakarta court has ruled that the Indonesian government has failed to uphold citizens’ right to clean air. The landmark judgment has held the Indonesian government responsible for the smog that has been covering the blue skies of the city recently. This decision has come two years after 32 citizens of the capital city Jakarta filed a legal lawsuit against the Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Jakarta governor, three cabinet minister and two provincial leaders. WATCH | In its ruling, the court said the Indonesian government is guilty of committing ‘unlawful acts’ and have failed to impose measures to control rising air pollution in the capital city. "We hope all defendants accept this verdict, because they also live here," Alghiffari Aqsa, the lawyer for the plaintiffs said. "We hope that they abide by this verdict by executing all points through their action and strategic planning." Citizens have accused the government of being negligent in managing Jakarta’s air pollution. This negligence, citizens claim, have resulted in people struggling with asthma, skin allergies and many other problems. "Not all of us have the same sensitivities, but there are those experiencing health problems related to the dirty air we breathe," Leonard Simanjuntak, country director for Greenpeace Indonesia said.

Right to breathe: Jakarta locals win battle against Indonesia government for clean air

Hundreds of schools in Jakarta threw their doors open to students Monday, as some parents resisted the return to in-person learning weeks after&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;overtook India and Brazil as the pandemic's global epicentre.

In Jakarta, the preliminary reopening applies to students from just 610 of more than 10,000 schools, from pre-school through high school.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-becomes-epicentre-of-asias-covid-19-outbreak-second-in-region-to-top-100000-deaths-402911">Indonesia becomes epicentre of Asia's COVID-19 outbreak, second in region to top 100000 deaths</a>

Elsewhere, in-person learning has resumed in less badly hit areas at the local government's discretion. But most classrooms across the vast archipelago nation remain shut and a work from home order for non-essential sectors is in effect in the worst-hit areas.

Some parents in the capital have opted to keep their children home, even after a year and a half of online classes.

"My daughter has not been vaccinated and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a> is spreading like crazy," Asmara Wreksono, the mother of a third-grader attending one of the reopened schools told AFP.&nbsp;

"I feel bad because my daughter misses her friends, but my priority is to keep my child alive and healthy," she added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-ex-minister-sentenced-for-12-years-over-covid-aid-fraud-407822">Indonesia ex-minister sentenced for 12 years over Covid aid fraud</a>

Indonesia&nbsp;reported its worst coronavirus surge in July when the highly infectious Delta variant ripped through the country, prompting lockdowns.

Cases have since tapered, but in the past week, an average of more than 13,000 new cases have been registered daily.&nbsp;

Attempting to reassure nervous families, officials have pointed to strict health protocols, a cap of only 50 per cent capacity and high vaccination rates in the education sector.

Over 90 per cent of students aged 12 and older and 85 per cent of teachers and educators in the capital have been vaccinated, according to Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

"We didn't decide to reopen the schools suddenly, there was an assessment," he told TVOne on Sunday.&nbsp;

He said the schools partaking in the reopening were selected because the teachers had all been vaccinated and the campuses had enough seats to facilitate social distancing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-animal-lovers-help-pets-left-behind-by-coronavirus-406353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since the pandemic began,&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;has registered more than four million virus cases and 132,000 deaths.

Just over 35 million of the country's 270 million people are fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">inoculated</a>.

Hundreds of schools in Jakarta threw their doors open to students Monday, as some parents resisted the return to in-person learning weeks after Indonesia overtook India and Brazil as the pandemic's global epicentre.

Hundreds of schools in Jakarta threw their doors open to students Monday, as some parents resisted the return to in-person learning weeks after Indonesia overtook India and Brazil as the pandemic's global epicentre. In Jakarta, the preliminary reopening applies to students from just 610 of more than 10,000 schools, from pre-school through high school. Also read | Indonesia becomes epicentre of Asia's COVID-19 outbreak, second in region to top 100000 deaths Elsewhere, in-person learning has resumed in less badly hit areas at the local government's discretion. But most classrooms across the vast archipelago nation remain shut and a work from home order for non-essential sectors is in effect in the worst-hit areas. Some parents in the capital have opted to keep their children home, even after a year and a half of online classes. "My daughter has not been vaccinated and the Delta variant is spreading like crazy," Asmara Wreksono, the mother of a third-grader attending one of the reopened schools told AFP. "I feel bad because my daughter misses her friends, but my priority is to keep my child alive and healthy," she added. Also read | Indonesia ex-minister sentenced for 12 years over Covid aid fraud Indonesia reported its worst coronavirus surge in July when the highly infectious Delta variant ripped through the country, prompting lockdowns. Cases have since tapered, but in the past week, an average of more than 13,000 new cases have been registered daily. Attempting to reassure nervous families, officials have pointed to strict health protocols, a cap of only 50 per cent capacity and high vaccination rates in the education sector. Over 90 per cent of students aged 12 and older and 85 per cent of teachers and educators in the capital have been vaccinated, according to Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan. "We didn't decide to reopen the schools suddenly, there was an assessment," he told TVOne on Sunday. He said the schools partaking in the reopening were selected because the teachers had all been vaccinated and the campuses had enough seats to facilitate social distancing. Since the pandemic began, Indonesia has registered more than four million virus cases and 132,000 deaths. Just over 35 million of the country's 270 million people are fully inoculated.

Indonesia's capital reopens some schools despite parent fears

A court in Jakarta is expected to deliver its verdict in a lawsuit that accuses the government of ignoring air pollution. WION's Palki Sharma tells you whether there is precedent for such lawsuits and what the residents are expecting from it.

Gravitas: Jakarta residents sue government over pollution

Five people were killed in the severe floods that submerged entire neighbourhoods in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, authorities said Sunday.

The city was struck by torrential rains over the weekend, which flooded dozens of major roads and forced hundreds of people to rush to emergency shelters.

A 67-year-old man died after he got trapped in his waterlogged house in the badly hit southern part of the capital on Saturday. Three boys died after being swept away by the floods, and one girl drowned.

Indonesia's meteorological agency warned that Greater Jakarta -- a region of around 30 million people that is regularly hit by floods in the rainy season -- can expect more heavy downpours next week.

Floodwaters had hit 200 neighbourhoods in the region, and 40 were still under at least one foot of water on Sunday. Some 1,700 people remained in shelters.

Jakarta saw some of its deadliest floods in years in January last year after downpours that also triggered landslides. At least 67 people in the capital and nearby cities were killed in that disaster.

(with inputs)

Five people were killed in the severe floods that submerged entire neighbourhoods in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, authorities said Sunday. The city was struck by torrential rains over the weekend, which flooded dozens of major roads and forced hundreds of people to rush to emergency shelters.

Five people were killed in the severe floods that submerged entire neighbourhoods in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, authorities said Sunday. The city was struck by torrential rains over the weekend, which flooded dozens of major roads and forced hundreds of people to rush to emergency shelters. A 67-year-old man died after he got trapped in his waterlogged house in the badly hit southern part of the capital on Saturday. Three boys died after being swept away by the floods, and one girl drowned. Indonesia's meteorological agency warned that Greater Jakarta -- a region of around 30 million people that is regularly hit by floods in the rainy season -- can expect more heavy downpours next week. Floodwaters had hit 200 neighbourhoods in the region, and 40 were still under at least one foot of water on Sunday. Some 1,700 people remained in shelters. Jakarta saw some of its deadliest floods in years in January last year after downpours that also triggered landslides. At least 67 people in the capital and nearby cities were killed in that disaster. (with inputs)

Five killed due to severe floods in Indonesia's capital

Indonesia is currently under the grip of COVID-19, causing problems across the Jakarta's graveyards which have been running out of space. Now, graveyards in the city are expanding space to keep up with the surge in coronavirus-related deaths.

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populated country in the world and has been struggling to control the pandemic since it began circulating in March, 2020.

<img alt="graveyards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5a026ef-0d43-45cc-8903-6d4c2d922ff5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_72.jpg" /> 
 
The country has surpassed one million confirmed cases of the virus and has recorded 30,000 deaths. This makes Indonesia's toll the highest in Southeast Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/indonesia-detains-british-woman-on-terror-suspect-list-360859" hreflang="en">Indonesia detains British woman on terror suspect list</a> 
 
A spokesperson for the Jakarta parks agency - Ivan Nurcahyo told Reuters that six new graveyard locations have been added in different parts of the city. Prior to this, three were already in use. 
 
"In the past two weeks, and in the past few months, there has been a spike in a few areas where the burials have been carried out with (COVID-19) protocols," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-indonesian-men-flogged-in-aceh-province-for-having-gay-sex-360059" hreflang="en">Two Indonesian men flogged in Aceh province for having gay sex</a>

Experts fear the real toll could be much higher than reported numbers. COVID-19 victims could be buried in family plots to ensure less space is taken up.

"At the moment, in other cemeteries, we offer an option called a 'stack system' where the victim can be buried together with their family member or relatives," he said.

Image by Reuters

Indonesia is currently under the grip of COVID-19, causing problems across the Jakarta's graveyards which have been running out of space. Now, graveyards in the city are expanding space to keep up with the surge in coronavirus-related deaths.

Indonesia is currently under the grip of COVID-19, causing problems across the Jakarta's graveyards which have been running out of space. Now, graveyards in the city are expanding space to keep up with the surge in coronavirus-related deaths. Indonesia is the world's fourth most populated country in the world and has been struggling to control the pandemic since it began circulating in March, 2020. The country has surpassed one million confirmed cases of the virus and has recorded 30,000 deaths. This makes Indonesia's toll the highest in Southeast Asia. Also read: Indonesia detains British woman on terror suspect list A spokesperson for the Jakarta parks agency - Ivan Nurcahyo told Reuters that six new graveyard locations have been added in different parts of the city. Prior to this, three were already in use. "In the past two weeks, and in the past few months, there has been a spike in a few areas where the burials have been carried out with (COVID-19) protocols," he said. Also read: Two Indonesian men flogged in Aceh province for having gay sex Experts fear the real toll could be much higher than reported numbers. COVID-19 victims could be buried in family plots to ensure less space is taken up. "At the moment, in other cemeteries, we offer an option called a 'stack system' where the victim can be buried together with their family member or relatives," he said. Image by Reuters

Jakarta is expanding graveyards as coronavirus cases surge

Debris from Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air aircraft was brought to Jakarta port on Sunday. The salvage workers found plane's altimeter radar, emergency chute and a piece suspected to have come from the bottom part of the plane's tail.

Speaking to reporters from the port, the head of Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency said that from Monday (January 11), the search would focus on looking for victims and large pieces of the stricken jet, as well as retrieving the black boxes.

Chief of Indonesian National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT) said that location of the two black boxes have been identified.

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Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 crashed just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta airport. It took off and lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared from radar around 0730 GMT. The plane had 62 people on board and was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan

Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the airliner reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control.

The transport minister said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar.

"The aircraft's final moments are... very concerning as the speed that (it) was flying at that altitude was much lower than expected," said Stephen Wright, professor of aircraft systems at Finland's Tampere University.

(With agency inputs)

Debris from Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air aircraft was brought to Jakarta port on Sunday. The salvage workers found plane's altimeter radar, emergency chute and a piece suspected to have come from the bottom part of the plane's tail.

Debris from Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air aircraft was brought to Jakarta port on Sunday. The salvage workers found plane's altimeter radar, emergency chute and a piece suspected to have come from the bottom part of the plane's tail. Speaking to reporters from the port, the head of Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency said that from Monday (January 11), the search would focus on looking for victims and large pieces of the stricken jet, as well as retrieving the black boxes. Chief of Indonesian National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT) said that location of the two black boxes have been identified. × Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 crashed just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta airport. It took off and lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared from radar around 0730 GMT. The plane had 62 people on board and was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the airliner reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control. The transport minister said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar. "The aircraft's final moments are... very concerning as the speed that (it) was flying at that altitude was much lower than expected," said Stephen Wright, professor of aircraft systems at Finland's Tampere University. (With agency inputs)

Indonesia plane crash: Debris taken to Jakarta, black box located

Two landslides triggered by heavy rain in Indonesia left at least 12 dead and 18 injured, as the rescue team struggles to find the missing.

Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Indonesia

A Boeing 737 passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air that went missing on Saturday&nbsp;is&nbsp;'suspected' to have crashed as per Indonesia's transport minister. The plane went missing soon after losing contact with ATC&nbsp;post&nbsp;take-off from Jakarta airport.&nbsp;Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 took off from &nbsp;Soekarno-Hatta International Airport&nbsp;in Indonesian capital and was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan province. The aircraft has a capacity of 130 passengers and flight time from Jakarta to Pontianak is usually 90 minutes. It is now being feared that the plane has crashed into the sea.

Indonesia's transport minister said that 62 people including the crew were onboard. This included 10 children. As per the ministry, last contact with the plane was made at 0740 GMT on Saturday.

Local broadcaster Kompas TV quoted local fishermen as saying they had found debris near islands just off the coast of the capital Jakarta, but it could not be immediately confirmed as having belonged to the missing jet.

Sriwijaya Air CEO Jefferson Irwin Jauwena told reporters that the plane was in good condition.

Indonesia's detik.com web site has quoted&nbsp;Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya as saying that the plane has crashed near Laki islands.

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As per flight tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft lost more than 3000 metres in less than a minute soon after its take off from the airport in Jakarta.

"Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta," the tracking agency said on its official Twitter account.

Indonesia's transport ministry is probing the incident.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Indonesia plane crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a622e19-653d-405a-8ec6-bfc851eb80ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indonesia%20plane%20crash%20relatives.jpg" />

The image above shows worried relatives of those onboard waiting at the airport in&nbsp;Pontianak where the plane was supposed to land.

Sriwijaya Air, a&nbsp;budget airline,&nbsp;has about 19 Boeing jets that fly to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

Indonesia sets up crisis centre

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Crisis centre being set up at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta

A crisis centre has been set up at Jakarta's&nbsp;Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in order to deal with the incident and the aftermath. Indonesian transport&nbsp;ministry is probing the matter and Sriwijaya Air has said that it was gathering more information before releasing a fuller statement.

The Sriwijaya Air&nbsp;plane was not a Boeing 737 Max which has hit headlines in recent years&nbsp;due to major crashes.

A Boeing 737 Max had crashed in Indonesia in October 2018 leaving 189 people dead. The aircraft belonging to Indonesian Lion Air had crashed into the sea.

Another Boeing 737 Max had crashed later on in Ethiopia. Boeing then had to shell out USD 2.5 billion in fines and 737 Max aircrafts were grounded.

(With agency inputs)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indonesia holds nationwide poll despite virus warnings

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

Six supporters of Indonesian Islamic cleric killed in shootout

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

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

Dressed in white Islamic garb and waving the red and white Indonesian national flag, more than 1,000 protestors from Islamic organisations and students groups gathered in central Jakarta on Tuesday (October 13) to voice discontent over a contentious new 'jobs creation' law.

Indonesia Islamic groups, students join movement to scrap jobs law

When the coronavirus pandemic forced Indonesian schools to shut, it exposed how millions of households in the Southeast Asian country still had no access to the internet or even a device like a mobile phone to do remote learning. So students and volunteers have come up with creative ways to get round the problem.

Starved of wifi, Indonesian students trade plastic trash to study online

Hoping to revive her ailing food stall after Jakarta lifted its large-scale social restrictions due to the coronavirus back in June, restaurant owner Setiwet paid over 300,000 rupiah ($20) - quite a decent sum for a small business owner in Indonesia - to install plastic sheets along her restaurant's counter so that customers could feel safe dining in her restaurant again. But her plans to save her business were derailed after a decision came from the city government to reimpose lockdown measures starting Monday (September 14).

New restrictions send Jakarta restaurant owner's screen investment down the drain

Leading a group of pallbearers with a coffin on their shoulders, officials from Jakarta stopped in the middle of a busy intersection and started dishing out advice to motorists looking at the strange sight.

Indonesian parades 'coffin' through busy traffic to emphasize deadliness of COVID-19

In South Jakarta, a coffin with the words 'COVID-19 victim coffin' painted in red has been prominently placed at a busy traffic junction, serving as a solemn reminder to residents the dangers of the coronavirus.

Faux coffins: Indonesian capital adopts novel scare tactic to fight coronavirus

Indonesia has come up with a new way to spread awareness about the dangers of COVID-19 pandemic.

Authorities recently started displaying an empty coffin at a bustling intersection in the capital to remind people of the looming invisible danger.

"COVID-19 victim"

The dummy casket carries the words “COVID-19 victim” in Jakarta, where the country has recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases.

Right next to the dummy coffin can be spotted a mannequin with a protective suit, mask, and a face shield.

Besides being an eye-grabbing message, the board underneath the coffin displays the infection rate and death tally of the district.

<img alt="A mock coffin (L) is displayed in a public area to warn people about the dangers of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jakarta, Indonesia, August 19, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36315451-f3b7-4e74-b2e7-0359467c9328" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_47.jpg" /> 
A mock coffin (L) is displayed in a public area to warn people about the dangers of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jakarta, Indonesia, August 19, 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/vaccine-nationalism-must-end-to-ensure-global-inoculation-who-321496" hreflang="en">'Vaccine nationalism' must end to ensure global inoculation: WHO</a>

"Maybe the action taken by the leadership is a bit extreme but this is how we hope to raise awareness," said Djaharuddin, chief of Jakarta's Mampang Prapatan subdistrict, in conversation with Reuters.

Indonesia currently has Southeast Asia’s highest death rate, with over 143,000 infections and 6,200 deaths in the country.

Owing to this, the country’s capital remains largely shut. The city home to over 10 million people has allowed restaurants and public transport to reopen at a reduced capacity, but schools still remain shut.

Jakarta on lock

The city had started easing restrictions in June, with all social distancing measures still in place across the country.

"Infection cases increase day by day, but people still ignore the health protocols," added Djaharuddin.

"Setting up the coffin helps people to stay alert of the situation so that they can change their behaviour”, the person added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/indonesia-volcano-spews-huge-ash-cloud-in-second-eruption-in-three-days-319385" hreflang="en">Indonesia volcano spews huge ash cloud in second eruption in three days</a>

Another village on the Java island has undertaken a similar measure, using “ghosts” to patrol the streets. Officials believe that superstition will prevent people from venturing out.

As cases continue to soar in the city, Jakarta’s governor Anies Baswedan said that he was going to pull the “emergency brake” on easing restrictions across the city.

Local media reported that districts in other parts of Jakarta are planning to replicate the faux coffin move to draw people’s attention.

Indonesia has come up with a new way to spread awareness about the dangers of COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities recently started displaying an empty coffin at a bustling intersection in the capital to remind people of the looming invisible danger.

Indonesia has come up with a new way to spread awareness about the dangers of COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities recently started displaying an empty coffin at a bustling intersection in the capital to remind people of the looming invisible danger. "COVID-19 victim" The dummy casket carries the words “COVID-19 victim” in Jakarta, where the country has recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases. Right next to the dummy coffin can be spotted a mannequin with a protective suit, mask, and a face shield. Besides being an eye-grabbing message, the board underneath the coffin displays the infection rate and death tally of the district. A mock coffin (L) is displayed in a public area to warn people about the dangers of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jakarta, Indonesia, August 19, 2020. Also read: 'Vaccine nationalism' must end to ensure global inoculation: WHO "Maybe the action taken by the leadership is a bit extreme but this is how we hope to raise awareness," said Djaharuddin, chief of Jakarta's Mampang Prapatan subdistrict, in conversation with Reuters. Indonesia currently has Southeast Asia’s highest death rate, with over 143,000 infections and 6,200 deaths in the country. Owing to this, the country’s capital remains largely shut. The city home to over 10 million people has allowed restaurants and public transport to reopen at a reduced capacity, but schools still remain shut. Jakarta on lock The city had started easing restrictions in June, with all social distancing measures still in place across the country. "Infection cases increase day by day, but people still ignore the health protocols," added Djaharuddin. "Setting up the coffin helps people to stay alert of the situation so that they can change their behaviour”, the person added. Also read: Indonesia volcano spews huge ash cloud in second eruption in three days Another village on the Java island has undertaken a similar measure, using “ghosts” to patrol the streets. Officials believe that superstition will prevent people from venturing out. As cases continue to soar in the city, Jakarta’s governor Anies Baswedan said that he was going to pull the “emergency brake” on easing restrictions across the city. Local media reported that districts in other parts of Jakarta are planning to replicate the faux coffin move to draw people’s attention.

Jakarta displays 'dummy coffin' to raise awareness about dangers of coronavirus

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