Indonesia’s government will propose to parliament expanding its 2021 fiscal deficit assumption in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy to 5.2% of gross domestic product

Indonesia's 2021 fiscal deficit seen expanding to 5.2% of GDP

Shoppers and vendors in the Indonesian capital said a ban on single-use plastic in markets and malls that came into effect on Wednesday (July 1) is impractical in some cases and suggested more time is needed to comply with the new rules.

Indonesians reluctant to kick plastic bag habit despite ban

Siegfried Aikman led the Japan men's hockey team to a historic gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and was on the last leg of preparing the team for the home Olympics in Tokyo before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the global sporting calendar. The dutchman opens up on the measures japan is taking to curb the spread of the virus, the cost of postponing the games, and whether japan will risk the health and safety of all concerned if a vaccine is not found before the 2021 Olympics.

WION Exclusive conversation with Japan hockey coach Siegfried Aikman

An Islamic course in Indonesia that usually runs during Ramadan has moved online this year due to social distancing measures designed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Islamic Ramadan school switches to virtual classroom in Indonesia

Jakarta has a total of&nbsp;4,317 positive coronavirus cases, with a death toll of 375. However, it is being speculated that the number of coronavirus cases, especially the death toll, might be higher than what is being reported.

The burials in Jakarta were close to record high in the last month. According to a report filed by Reuters, there have been 4,377 burials in the last one month, and 4,422 burials in March. Thus, indicating that&nbsp;2,500 more people have died in the city in the past two months than the average for the period. However, the burials data on the website of the city's parks and cemeteries department does not identify a reason for these deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">Also read:&nbsp;Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab</a>

Overall, Indonesia has had 800 deaths from the disease, Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said on Friday. He also told&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;that the death toll only reveals the number of people who died after being tested for coronavirus.&nbsp;Some people who died with COVID-19 symptoms were not tested at all, while others had their samples collected "incorrectly", Yurianto said. He did not elaborate on what the incorrect samples meant.

"I'm struggling to find another reason than unreported COVID-19 deaths," City Governor Anies Baswedan was quoted by Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keen-to-work-with-international-partners-at-chinas-invitation-to-investigate-animal-origins-of-virus-who-296083">Also read:&nbsp;Keen to work with partners at China's invitation to investigate COVID-19: WHO</a>

While a slight decline was observed in the burials i. the month of April, the reason behind that can also be that some people left for their hometown before the borders were sealed on April 24. However, the government has not commented on it.

"We don't have daily data to get a precise trend. However, deducting for out-migration, it's not slowing down yet," an anonymous source told&nbsp;Reuters.

A Reuters review of data from 16 of Indonesia`s 34 provinces showed this week that more than 2,200 people have died with acute symptoms of COVID-19 but were not recorded as victims of the disease.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Jakarta has a total of 4,317 positive coronavirus cases, with a death toll of 375. However, it is being speculated that the number of coronavirus cases, especially the death toll, might be higher than what is being reported.

Jakarta has a total of 4,317 positive coronavirus cases, with a death toll of 375. However, it is being speculated that the number of coronavirus cases, especially the death toll, might be higher than what is being reported. The burials in Jakarta were close to record high in the last month. According to a report filed by Reuters, there have been 4,377 burials in the last one month, and 4,422 burials in March. Thus, indicating that 2,500 more people have died in the city in the past two months than the average for the period. However, the burials data on the website of the city's parks and cemeteries department does not identify a reason for these deaths. Also read: Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab Overall, Indonesia has had 800 deaths from the disease, Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said on Friday. He also told Reuters that the death toll only reveals the number of people who died after being tested for coronavirus. Some people who died with COVID-19 symptoms were not tested at all, while others had their samples collected "incorrectly", Yurianto said. He did not elaborate on what the incorrect samples meant. "I'm struggling to find another reason than unreported COVID-19 deaths," City Governor Anies Baswedan was quoted by Reuters. Also read: Keen to work with partners at China's invitation to investigate COVID-19: WHO While a slight decline was observed in the burials i. the month of April, the reason behind that can also be that some people left for their hometown before the borders were sealed on April 24. However, the government has not commented on it. "We don't have daily data to get a precise trend. However, deducting for out-migration, it's not slowing down yet," an anonymous source told Reuters. A Reuters review of data from 16 of Indonesia`s 34 provinces showed this week that more than 2,200 people have died with acute symptoms of COVID-19 but were not recorded as victims of the disease. (With inputs from Reuters)

Increased number of burials hint towards a higher death toll in Jakarta

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia on Tuesday for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s.

The king made the remarks during a state visit to the country with Queen Maxima after a ceremony with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the capital Jakarta.

Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, following a brief wartime occupation by the Japanese and several hundred years as a Dutch colony.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-eam-meets-dutch-king-queen-255777">Foreign Minister Jaishankar meets Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima</a>

"The past cannot be erased, and will have to be acknowledged by each generation in turn," the king said in a joint statement.

In the years after the independence proclamation ", a painful separation followed that cost many lives. I would like to express my regret and apologise for excessive violence on the part of the Dutch in those years," he added.

"I do so in the full realisation that the pain and sorrow of the families affected continue to be felt today."

In 2013, the Dutch government publicly apologised to Indonesia for mass killings by its army in the 1940s war of independence, in the first general apology for all executions.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dutch-king-and-queen-meet-president-ram-nath-kovind-pm-modi-at-rashtrapati-bhawan-255745">Dutch King and Queen meet President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan</a>

But the apology Tuesday was a first by a Dutch monarch, according to two sources, including a senior Indonesian government official.

The Dutch embassy in Jakarta declined to comment.

Previously, the Dutch government announced compensation to the widows of those who died in mass killings.

But not all have received funds, according to the Committee for Dutch Honour Debts.

"Our country suffered a lot from Dutch crimes and they have to pay for what they have done," said Jeffry Pondaag, the committee's Netherlands based chairman.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-dutch-pm-mark-rutte-drops-coffee-cleans-up-the-floor-in-parliament-142482">Watch: Dutch PM Mark Rutte drops coffee, cleans up the floor in Parliament</a>

Also Tuesday, the Dutch royals said they were "deeply saddened" at the news of a fatal boat crash that killed seven Indonesian government employees and injured 20 others, including two Dutch embassy staff.

The accident happened as officials secured an area in Indonesia's section of Borneo island where the royal couple were to visit this week.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia on Tuesday for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. The king made the remarks during a state visit to the country with Queen Maxima after a ceremony with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the capital Jakarta.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia on Tuesday for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. The king made the remarks during a state visit to the country with Queen Maxima after a ceremony with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the capital Jakarta. Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, following a brief wartime occupation by the Japanese and several hundred years as a Dutch colony. Also Read: Foreign Minister Jaishankar meets Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima "The past cannot be erased, and will have to be acknowledged by each generation in turn," the king said in a joint statement. In the years after the independence proclamation ", a painful separation followed that cost many lives. I would like to express my regret and apologise for excessive violence on the part of the Dutch in those years," he added. "I do so in the full realisation that the pain and sorrow of the families affected continue to be felt today." In 2013, the Dutch government publicly apologised to Indonesia for mass killings by its army in the 1940s war of independence, in the first general apology for all executions. Also Read: Dutch King and Queen meet President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan But the apology Tuesday was a first by a Dutch monarch, according to two sources, including a senior Indonesian government official. The Dutch embassy in Jakarta declined to comment. Previously, the Dutch government announced compensation to the widows of those who died in mass killings. But not all have received funds, according to the Committee for Dutch Honour Debts. "Our country suffered a lot from Dutch crimes and they have to pay for what they have done," said Jeffry Pondaag, the committee's Netherlands based chairman. Also Read: Watch: Dutch PM Mark Rutte drops coffee, cleans up the floor in Parliament Also Tuesday, the Dutch royals said they were "deeply saddened" at the news of a fatal boat crash that killed seven Indonesian government employees and injured 20 others, including two Dutch embassy staff. The accident happened as officials secured an area in Indonesia's section of Borneo island where the royal couple were to visit this week.

Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war

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

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

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

Indonesian President Widodo confirms first cases of coronavirus

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

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

Indonesia's capital<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-dead-after-flooding-in-jakarta-271461"> Jakarta</a> is once again submerged underwater after heavy rainfall. The bustling metropolitan city which is home to more than 10 million has received a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/torrential-rains-flood-indonesias-jakarta-twice-in-one-year-283105">In Pics: Torrential rains flood Indonesia's Jakarta twice in one year</a>

Thousands of homes and building have been inundated due to the floods with even the presidential palace being hit with rains. The floods fury has paralysed the city's transport network as well.

Flood water has reached as high as 5 feet in some places.

"We checked on a submerged location and it's quite bad. The height reached almost half the height of houses and some people we have evacuated. We also provide food assistance for those who still choose to survive and thank god the process went smoothly," Bekasi police chief Wijanarko said.

The city had witnessed a major flood last month in which at least 66 people were killed.

This time the situation is about to get worse with the country's weather department predicting rain for the next two weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-troops-flood-jakarta-streets-after-post-election-riots-220989">Jakarta</a> has been sinking at one of the fastest rates in the world. Scientists say that by 2050 parts of the megacity will be entirely submerged.

In fact, over the last 10 years, the city has sunk by around eight feet. Jakarta is notorious for its growing congestion and inadequate ground water recharge is only adding to the worries.

Moreover, it sits on swampy land with the Java sea lapping against it and &nbsp;it has almost 13 rivers running through it, so frequent flooding does not come as a surprise..

Officials say millions of dollars have been spent on dealing with the threat with Jakarta being on the brink of a disaster.

Indonesia's capital Jakarta is once again submerged underwater after heavy rainfall. The bustling metropolitan city which is home to more than 10 million has received a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours.

Indonesia's capital Jakarta is once again submerged underwater after heavy rainfall. The bustling metropolitan city which is home to more than 10 million has received a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours. In Pics: Torrential rains flood Indonesia's Jakarta twice in one year Thousands of homes and building have been inundated due to the floods with even the presidential palace being hit with rains. The floods fury has paralysed the city's transport network as well. Flood water has reached as high as 5 feet in some places. "We checked on a submerged location and it's quite bad. The height reached almost half the height of houses and some people we have evacuated. We also provide food assistance for those who still choose to survive and thank god the process went smoothly," Bekasi police chief Wijanarko said. The city had witnessed a major flood last month in which at least 66 people were killed. This time the situation is about to get worse with the country's weather department predicting rain for the next two weeks. Jakarta has been sinking at one of the fastest rates in the world. Scientists say that by 2050 parts of the megacity will be entirely submerged. In fact, over the last 10 years, the city has sunk by around eight feet. Jakarta is notorious for its growing congestion and inadequate ground water recharge is only adding to the worries. Moreover, it sits on swampy land with the Java sea lapping against it and it has almost 13 rivers running through it, so frequent flooding does not come as a surprise.. Officials say millions of dollars have been spent on dealing with the threat with Jakarta being on the brink of a disaster.

Major floods in Jakarta, several areas submerged

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

Indonesia's Capital Jakarta could be under water by 2050

Torrential rains flood Indonesia's Jakarta twice in one year

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

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

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

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

Cleaning operation began in Jakarta and its surrounding towns two days after it was hit by one of the deadliest floods in years. #WION #Jakarta #Flood

Jakarta flash floods cleanup begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indonesia floods: 21 killed in Jakarta since new year eve

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

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

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

Nine dead after flooding in Jakarta

Indonesian homemaker fosters 250 feral cats she rescued

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">Fires in Indonesia</a> that spread a smoky haze over Southeast Asia this year burned at least 1.6 million hectares of mostly degraded land and carbon-rich peatlands, data from a respected research group showed on Monday.

Southeast Asia has suffered for years from smoke caused by fires in Indonesia, raising health and environmental concerns, but this year's were the worst since 2015 when 2.6 million hectares were burned.

Slash-and-burn clearing by some palm oil growers is often blamed for the fires, which can then spread rapidly, especially during dry weather.

The Indonesian fires have been blamed for increasing greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation that can endanger wildlife such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mother-and-baby-orangutans-relocated-from-indonesia-forest-fire-255949">orangutans</a>.

Jakarta-based Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) said its analysis of satellite imagery from the first ten months of the year showed much of the fires was in lands cleared years ago.

"We found that 76 per cent&nbsp;of burning occurred on idle lands. Those lands were forests a few years ago, but cycles of repeated burns have converted them to unproductive degraded scrublands," CIFOR scientists led by David Gaveau said in a statement.

About 3 per cent&nbsp;of the fires occurred on oil palm plantations.

Peatlands accounted for 41 per cent&nbsp;of the total land burned, or 670,000 hectares, in Indonesia this year, the CIFOR data showed.

The scientists estimated around 60,000 hectares of rainforests were burnt this year as of October.

The Jambi and West Kalimantan provinces, which are important habitats for tigers and orangutans, saw some of the highest number of fires, they said.

Their 1.6 million hectare estimate of burnt land is based on an analysis across seven provinces.

Indonesia's environment and forestry ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the CIFOR data. But an official had said earlier this year that 857,756 hectares of land burnt as of end-September.

Fires in Indonesia that spread a smoky haze over Southeast Asia this year burned at least 1.6 million hectares of mostly degraded land and carbon-rich peatlands, data from a respected research group showed on Monday.

Fires in Indonesia that spread a smoky haze over Southeast Asia this year burned at least 1.6 million hectares of mostly degraded land and carbon-rich peatlands, data from a respected research group showed on Monday. Southeast Asia has suffered for years from smoke caused by fires in Indonesia, raising health and environmental concerns, but this year's were the worst since 2015 when 2.6 million hectares were burned. Slash-and-burn clearing by some palm oil growers is often blamed for the fires, which can then spread rapidly, especially during dry weather. The Indonesian fires have been blamed for increasing greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation that can endanger wildlife such as orangutans. Jakarta-based Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) said its analysis of satellite imagery from the first ten months of the year showed much of the fires was in lands cleared years ago. "We found that 76 per cent of burning occurred on idle lands. Those lands were forests a few years ago, but cycles of repeated burns have converted them to unproductive degraded scrublands," CIFOR scientists led by David Gaveau said in a statement. About 3 per cent of the fires occurred on oil palm plantations. Peatlands accounted for 41 per cent of the total land burned, or 670,000 hectares, in Indonesia this year, the CIFOR data showed. The scientists estimated around 60,000 hectares of rainforests were burnt this year as of October. The Jambi and West Kalimantan provinces, which are important habitats for tigers and orangutans, saw some of the highest number of fires, they said. Their 1.6 million hectare estimate of burnt land is based on an analysis across seven provinces. Indonesia's environment and forestry ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the CIFOR data. But an official had said earlier this year that 857,756 hectares of land burnt as of end-September.

Indonesian fires burnt 1.6 million hectares of land this year: Researchers

East Kalimantan is known for its lush forestry and protected animals, most notably the endangered orangutans, but with the plan to move the capital from Jakarta to the region, conservationists are worried there may be some impact on the ecosystem.

Orangutans struggle to breathe; health affected by toxic haze

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

 
This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city&nbsp;a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous.

 
At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring.

 
"Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss."

 
The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province.

 
The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island.

 
"Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said.

 
The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta.

 
Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda.

LONG-STANDING DREAM

 
By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known&nbsp;as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024.

 
"Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped."

 
The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity.

 
But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction.

 
The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways.

 
"Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries.

 
East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale.

 
LAND WORRIES

 
The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement.

 
That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan.

 
While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves.

 
"Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk.&nbsp;

 
East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said.

 
He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu.

 
The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations.

 
Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan.

 
"The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." 
($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness. This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous. At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring. "Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss." The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province. The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island. "Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said. The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta. Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda. LONG-STANDING DREAM By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024. "Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped." The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity. But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction. The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways. "Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries. East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale. LAND WORRIES The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement. That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan. While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves. "Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk. East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said. He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu. The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations. Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan. "The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." ($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

Sleepy to sleepless? Indonesia's future capital in the forest

Indonesia has partially lifted an internet blackout imposed following civil unrest in the country's easternmost region of Papua, but is yet to restore access in areas where the most violent protests erupted, a government statement said.

The region of Papua has suffered the most serious civil unrest in years since mid-August over perceived racial and ethnic discrimination. Some protesters have also demanded an independence referendum, something Jakarta has ruled out.

About 6,000 police and military personnel have been flown in to Papua, reinforcing a heavy military presence in a region that has endured decades of mostly low-level separatist conflict.

The government had throttled internet speeds in the region for a few days before cutting off access entirely in the two provinces in the region from August 21.

Late on Wednesday, the communications ministry said in a statement it had restored internet and data access for most parts of Papua except for certain places, where it would continue to monitor the situation in coming days.

The decision was taken because the security situation in those areas had "normalised" while "the spread of hoax information, lies, expressions of hatred, provocations related to Papuan issues, had begun to decline," it said in a statement.

The government had maintained the internet blackout in places where protesters torched buildings, such as the capital of Papua province Jayapura and the capital of West Papua province of Manokwari.

The shutdown also continued in some rural towns, including Deiyai, where some civilians were killed during a clash between security forces and protesters last week.

Authorities and activists have given different accounts on the incident and the internet blackout has made verifying information difficult.

Indonesian authorities have accused Benny Wenda, the chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, a separatist group, of orchestrating the unrest in Papua.

Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told media that diplomatic channels would be used to hold Wenda accountable. A spokesman for Indonesia's foreign ministry declined to comment.

Wenda, who resides in Britain, was quoted in media as saying the Indonesian government should focus on resolving the Papuan issue rather than making accusations against him.

Police have also named a prominent human rights lawyer and activist Veronica Koman a suspect in connection with her Twitter posts about an incident that triggered the unrest.

The protests followed racist slurs against Papuan students, whose dormitory was tear-gassed during their detention in the city of Surabaya on Java island on Aug17, Indonesia's Independence Day, for allegedly desecrating a national flag.

Several Papuan students in Jakarta, who were accused of treason for their protests, have been arrested.

Police have also identified two people suspected of hate speech from the Surabaya incident, who were in a crowd that mobbed the Papuan student dormitory. Two military personnel are also being investigated for their involvement in the incident, while three others have been suspended.

Papua and West Papua provinces, the resource-rich western part of the island of New Guinea, were a Dutch colony that was incorporated into Indonesia after a widely criticised UN-backed&nbsp;referendum in 1969.

Indonesia has partially lifted an internet blackout imposed following civil unrest in the country's easternmost region of Papua, but is yet to restore access in areas where the most violent protests erupted, a government statement said.

Indonesia has partially lifted an internet blackout imposed following civil unrest in the country's easternmost region of Papua, but is yet to restore access in areas where the most violent protests erupted, a government statement said. The region of Papua has suffered the most serious civil unrest in years since mid-August over perceived racial and ethnic discrimination. Some protesters have also demanded an independence referendum, something Jakarta has ruled out. About 6,000 police and military personnel have been flown in to Papua, reinforcing a heavy military presence in a region that has endured decades of mostly low-level separatist conflict. The government had throttled internet speeds in the region for a few days before cutting off access entirely in the two provinces in the region from August 21. Late on Wednesday, the communications ministry said in a statement it had restored internet and data access for most parts of Papua except for certain places, where it would continue to monitor the situation in coming days. The decision was taken because the security situation in those areas had "normalised" while "the spread of hoax information, lies, expressions of hatred, provocations related to Papuan issues, had begun to decline," it said in a statement. The government had maintained the internet blackout in places where protesters torched buildings, such as the capital of Papua province Jayapura and the capital of West Papua province of Manokwari. The shutdown also continued in some rural towns, including Deiyai, where some civilians were killed during a clash between security forces and protesters last week. Authorities and activists have given different accounts on the incident and the internet blackout has made verifying information difficult. Indonesian authorities have accused Benny Wenda, the chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, a separatist group, of orchestrating the unrest in Papua. Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told media that diplomatic channels would be used to hold Wenda accountable. A spokesman for Indonesia's foreign ministry declined to comment. Wenda, who resides in Britain, was quoted in media as saying the Indonesian government should focus on resolving the Papuan issue rather than making accusations against him. Police have also named a prominent human rights lawyer and activist Veronica Koman a suspect in connection with her Twitter posts about an incident that triggered the unrest. The protests followed racist slurs against Papuan students, whose dormitory was tear-gassed during their detention in the city of Surabaya on Java island on Aug17, Indonesia's Independence Day, for allegedly desecrating a national flag. Several Papuan students in Jakarta, who were accused of treason for their protests, have been arrested. Police have also identified two people suspected of hate speech from the Surabaya incident, who were in a crowd that mobbed the Papuan student dormitory. Two military personnel are also being investigated for their involvement in the incident, while three others have been suspended. Papua and West Papua provinces, the resource-rich western part of the island of New Guinea, were a Dutch colony that was incorporated into Indonesia after a widely criticised UN-backed referendum in 1969.

Indonesia restores internet access in parts of restive Papua region

The Indonesian government is not abandoning Jakarta after announcing plans to move the country's capital, its planning minister said, pledging to spend $40 billion to save the slowly sinking city in the next decade.

The current Indonesian capital will undergo a $40.18 billion urban regeneration in the next 10 years, more than the $33 billion expected cost to build a new capital city on Borneo island, Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in an interview.

"Jakarta is the centre of everything in Indonesia. What we are moving out of is the centre of administration, but finance (centres), businesses and trades will stay," Brodjonegoro said.

Jakarta is one of the world's most densely populated cities, home to more than 10 million people and three times that number when counting those who live in surrounding towns.

Brodjonegoro said the relocation decision was taken because the government knew the population concentration in Jakarta has to be reduced.

The government expects to begin moving to the new capital city in the East Kalimantan province in 2024.

"People assume Jakarta is doing fine. Jakarta is not doing fine at all. The water condition is a cause for concern, wastewater, air pollution," he added.

Only 60% of the city has pipe water infrastructure, forcing millions of people and businesses to dig wells to use up groundwater, hurting the environment, Brodjonegoro said.

The over-extraction makes Jakarta prone to floods and sinking due to subsidence. Rising sea levels aggravated the sinking with some part of the city dropping as much as 11 inches a year, making Jakarta the fastest sinking city of its size globally.

Part of the new project submitted by the city government is to extend water pipes to cover all of Jakarta so that people don't rely on groundwater, Brodjonegoro said.

The government will also build a new sewage system, he said.

The biggest chunk of the spending would be for mass transportation, such as lengthening the newly built track for its mass rapid transit (MRT) system, a new loopline railway, more commuter lines, bus-only lanes and flyovers, Brodjonegoro said.

Jakarta suffers from some of the world's worst traffic jams. The congestion, the current dry season, industrial pollution and the city's reliance on coal power plants had put Jakarta among the world's most polluted cities as well.

Heri Andreas, a geodesist who does research on subsidence for the Bandung Institute of Technology, said Jakarta may be saved if people stop sucking groundwater, even though he noted any construction could weigh on the city.

"If 100% of Jakartans stop using groundwater, we can build infrastructure massively and the ground will not subside," he told Reuters by telephone.

However, at the current-sinking rate, 95% of Jakarta will be underwater by 2050, Andreas warned.

The Indonesian government is not abandoning Jakarta after announcing plans to move the country's capital, its planning minister said, pledging to spend $40 billion to save the slowly sinking city in the next decade.

The Indonesian government is not abandoning Jakarta after announcing plans to move the country's capital, its planning minister said, pledging to spend $40 billion to save the slowly sinking city in the next decade. The current Indonesian capital will undergo a $40.18 billion urban regeneration in the next 10 years, more than the $33 billion expected cost to build a new capital city on Borneo island, Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in an interview. "Jakarta is the centre of everything in Indonesia. What we are moving out of is the centre of administration, but finance (centres), businesses and trades will stay," Brodjonegoro said. Jakarta is one of the world's most densely populated cities, home to more than 10 million people and three times that number when counting those who live in surrounding towns. Brodjonegoro said the relocation decision was taken because the government knew the population concentration in Jakarta has to be reduced. The government expects to begin moving to the new capital city in the East Kalimantan province in 2024. "People assume Jakarta is doing fine. Jakarta is not doing fine at all. The water condition is a cause for concern, wastewater, air pollution," he added. Only 60% of the city has pipe water infrastructure, forcing millions of people and businesses to dig wells to use up groundwater, hurting the environment, Brodjonegoro said. The over-extraction makes Jakarta prone to floods and sinking due to subsidence. Rising sea levels aggravated the sinking with some part of the city dropping as much as 11 inches a year, making Jakarta the fastest sinking city of its size globally. Part of the new project submitted by the city government is to extend water pipes to cover all of Jakarta so that people don't rely on groundwater, Brodjonegoro said. The government will also build a new sewage system, he said. The biggest chunk of the spending would be for mass transportation, such as lengthening the newly built track for its mass rapid transit (MRT) system, a new loopline railway, more commuter lines, bus-only lanes and flyovers, Brodjonegoro said. Jakarta suffers from some of the world's worst traffic jams. The congestion, the current dry season, industrial pollution and the city's reliance on coal power plants had put Jakarta among the world's most polluted cities as well. Heri Andreas, a geodesist who does research on subsidence for the Bandung Institute of Technology, said Jakarta may be saved if people stop sucking groundwater, even though he noted any construction could weigh on the city. "If 100% of Jakartans stop using groundwater, we can build infrastructure massively and the ground will not subside," he told Reuters by telephone. However, at the current-sinking rate, 95% of Jakarta will be underwater by 2050, Andreas warned.

Indonesia pledges $40 billion to modernise Jakarta ahead of new capital

Why Is Indonesia Planning To Build A Brand New Capital

Gravitas: Indonesia to build new capital in Borneo

Indonesia will move its capital to the eastern edge of jungle-clad Borneo island, President Joko Widodo said Monday, as the country shifts its political heart away from congested and sinking megalopolis Jakarta.

The proposed location -- near the regional cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda -- is an area at "minimal" risk of natural disasters, where the government already owns some 180,000 hectares (445,000 acres) of land, he added.

"The location is very strategic -- it's in the centre of Indonesia and close to urban areas," Widodo said in a televised speech.

"The burden Jakarta is holding right now is too heavy as the centre of governance, business, finance, trade and services," he added.

The announcement ends months of speculation about whether Widodo would follow through on the long-mooted plan -- it was floated by the newly independent country's founding father Sukarno more than half a century ago.

Shifting from problem-plagued Jakarta would also transfer Indonesia's power base off Java island, where about half of the sprawling archipelago's 260 million people live.

"Moving the capital off Java is a gesture that aims to solidify unity," said Jakarta-based political risk analyst Kevin O'Rourke.

"Jakarta will continue to be a megacity -- as a centre for finance and commerce -- for a few more decades, but ultimately it is at severe risk to climate change," he added.

A bill for the proposed move will now be presented to parliament, Widodo said.

The building is set to begin next year with the move of some 1.5 million civil servants slated to begin by 2024, at a cost of 466 trillion rupiah ($33 billion), officials said.

Orangutans, mining

Known as Kalimantan, Indonesia's section of Borneo -- the island it shares with Malaysia and Brunei -- is home to major mining activities as well as rainforests, and is one of the few places on Earth with orangutans in their natural habitat.

Environmentalists expressed concerns the capital city move could threaten endangered species.

"The government must make sure that the new capital is not built in a conservation or protected area," said Greenpeace Indonesia campaigner Jasmine Putri.

The region has also been blanketed in choking haze from annual forest fires that ravage vast swathes of land.

"That makes Kalimantan unfit as a candidate for a new capital city," said Jakarta-based urban planning expert Nirwono Joga.

"And the move won't necessarily free Jakarta of problems like flooding, traffic jams and rapid urbanisation," he added.

Concerns have soared over the future of Jakarta -- a city nicknamed "the Big Durian" after the pungent, spiky fruit that deeply divides fans and detractors.

Built on swampland, the city is one of the fastest-sinking cities on earth, with experts warning that one-third of it could be submerged by 2050 if current rates continue. The problem is largely linked to excessive groundwater extraction.

But the city of 10 million -- a number that bloats to about 30 million with surrounding satellite cities -- is also plagued by a host of other ills, from eye-watering traffic jams and pollution to the risk of earthquakes and floods.

Indonesia is not the first Southeast Asian country to move its capital.

Myanmar and Malaysia have both moved their seat of government, while Brazil, Pakistan and Nigeria are among the nations that have also shifted their capital cities.

Indonesia will move its capital to the eastern edge of jungle-clad Borneo island, President Joko Widodo said Monday, as the country shifts its political heart away from congested and sinking megalopolis Jakarta.

Indonesia will move its capital to the eastern edge of jungle-clad Borneo island, President Joko Widodo said Monday, as the country shifts its political heart away from congested and sinking megalopolis Jakarta. The proposed location -- near the regional cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda -- is an area at "minimal" risk of natural disasters, where the government already owns some 180,000 hectares (445,000 acres) of land, he added. "The location is very strategic -- it's in the centre of Indonesia and close to urban areas," Widodo said in a televised speech. "The burden Jakarta is holding right now is too heavy as the centre of governance, business, finance, trade and services," he added. The announcement ends months of speculation about whether Widodo would follow through on the long-mooted plan -- it was floated by the newly independent country's founding father Sukarno more than half a century ago. Shifting from problem-plagued Jakarta would also transfer Indonesia's power base off Java island, where about half of the sprawling archipelago's 260 million people live. "Moving the capital off Java is a gesture that aims to solidify unity," said Jakarta-based political risk analyst Kevin O'Rourke. "Jakarta will continue to be a megacity -- as a centre for finance and commerce -- for a few more decades, but ultimately it is at severe risk to climate change," he added. A bill for the proposed move will now be presented to parliament, Widodo said. The building is set to begin next year with the move of some 1.5 million civil servants slated to begin by 2024, at a cost of 466 trillion rupiah ($33 billion), officials said. Orangutans, mining Known as Kalimantan, Indonesia's section of Borneo -- the island it shares with Malaysia and Brunei -- is home to major mining activities as well as rainforests, and is one of the few places on Earth with orangutans in their natural habitat. Environmentalists expressed concerns the capital city move could threaten endangered species. "The government must make sure that the new capital is not built in a conservation or protected area," said Greenpeace Indonesia campaigner Jasmine Putri. The region has also been blanketed in choking haze from annual forest fires that ravage vast swathes of land. "That makes Kalimantan unfit as a candidate for a new capital city," said Jakarta-based urban planning expert Nirwono Joga. "And the move won't necessarily free Jakarta of problems like flooding, traffic jams and rapid urbanisation," he added. Concerns have soared over the future of Jakarta -- a city nicknamed "the Big Durian" after the pungent, spiky fruit that deeply divides fans and detractors. Built on swampland, the city is one of the fastest-sinking cities on earth, with experts warning that one-third of it could be submerged by 2050 if current rates continue. The problem is largely linked to excessive groundwater extraction. But the city of 10 million -- a number that bloats to about 30 million with surrounding satellite cities -- is also plagued by a host of other ills, from eye-watering traffic jams and pollution to the risk of earthquakes and floods. Indonesia is not the first Southeast Asian country to move its capital. Myanmar and Malaysia have both moved their seat of government, while Brazil, Pakistan and Nigeria are among the nations that have also shifted their capital cities.

Indonesia picks Borneo island for new capital

Indonesians leapt in with suggestions of a name for their future capital on Tuesday after the long-awaited announcement of the new city's location gave no clue what it would be called.

Indonesians leapt in with suggestions of a name for their future capital on Tuesday after the long-awaited announcement of the new city's location gave no clue what it would be called. "Saint Jokoburg" and "Jokograd" were among 11 suggestions from Twitter user @Enggalpm after President Joko Widodo revealed the planned location of the new capital on Monday. "Hopefully they can be taken into consideration," the user wrote. Suggestions, serious and lighthearted, swept social media after Widodo - known as Jokowi - said the capital would move in 2024 to the forested island of Borneo from the traffic-clogged, sinking megacity of Jakarta on the island of Java. The new site in the province of East Kalimantan will straddle the regions of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, but there was broad agreement that combining those names would be too much of a mouthful. "Mandalanusa", which loosely translates as centre of the archipelago, was suggested by Twitter user @IdThalamus. That reflected the fact that the site is much nearer than Jakarta to the geographic centre of a country of 17,000 islands that stretch across an area of more than 5,000 km (3,100 miles) - wider than the continental United States. A spokesman for the national development planning agency said the name has not been decided. A spokesman for the home ministry could not immediately comment. In identifying a site for the new capital, Widodo has got closer than any predecessor to realising an idea first mooted after independence in 1945. Sensitivities But names are a sensitive matter in the world's fourth most populous country, whose 260 million people encompass more than 300 ethnic groups. Muslims form around 90 percent of the population, but minorities of Christians, Hindus and others still number in the millions. Independence leaders carefully coined the neutral term "Pancasila" - five principles - as the foundation for the new Indonesian state. "Sri Mahendrakerta", a combination of Sanskrit words that mean a city that is blessed by the Gods to carry wisdom, uphold justice, and create prosperity, was suggested by Twitter user @AnugrahArgaS6. On Facebook, where Indonesia has 130 million users, users suggested the name Kartanegara. Kutai Kartanegara region - in East Kalimantan - was home to a 4th-century Hindu kingdom in what is now the world's most populous Muslim nation. Part of the justification for the move was also to get away from Java, where more than half Indonesia's people live and which has long been politically dominant. "The name should reflect the unique characteristic of East Kalimantan, because the government has been making an effort to make the capital not Javanese-centric," said Kunto Adi Wibowo, executive director of pollster Kedai Kopi. "The new capital should also not contain Joko Widodo's name because history will remember him as the president who moved the capital. That is enough to be his legacy," he told Reuters. Jakarta, 2,000 km (1,250 miles) southwest of the site of the new capital and home to more than 10 million people, was named Batavia by Dutch colonists and renamed after independence. In Sanskrit, Jakarta can be translated as "Victory Achieved".

How about Jokograd? Indonesians suggest names for new capital

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday (August 16) formally proposed to parliament a plan to move the country's capital from Jakarta, on the crowded island of Java, to Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.

WION Dispatch: Indonesia president formally proposes relocating capital to Borneo

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday proposed a 2,528.8 trillion rupiah ($177.56 billion) budget to parliament for 2020, focusing spending on human resources, which was central in his re-election campaign.

The 2020 budget proposals set a target of 5.3 per cent growth in the gross domestic product (GDP), the same as this year's, although officials have often said 2019 growth would probably range from 5.1 per cent to 5.2 per cent.

The proposed budget is 3 per cent bigger than 2019's plans, but about 8 per cent larger than the latest government estimate of what Jakarta will spend this year.

It will fund the president's programmes in the first year of his second five-year term, which officially begins in October.

"The 2020 state budget policy is designed to be expansive, but to remain targeted and measured," Widodo told parliament.

To fund his budget, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-indonesias-widodo-seeks-a-second-term-rural-voters-have-some-doubts-210297">Widodo proposed to set a target of 2,221.5 trillion rupiahs </a>of state revenue. That brings the fiscal deficit in his budget proposals to 1.76 per cent of GDP, which he said gave room to anticipate global uncertainties.

Juniman, the chief economist of Maybank Indonesia, said Widodo's GDP growth assumption, which is used as the basis of the government's tax revenue target, is unattainable.

"I'm pessimistic the 5.3 per cent growth can be achieved. Given the gloomy global condition and its slowdown trend this year and next, it will be hard for any emerging market to grow faster than this year," said Juniman, who uses one name, like many Indonesians.

He gave a 5 per cent growth outlook for 2019 and 2020.

Though the president's GDP growth target was "slightly optimistic", the tax target was "cautiously realistic", said Bank Danamon economist Wisnu Wardana.

While Widodo promised to keep building infrastructure in 2020, the budget's main theme was improving human resources, with the president pledging to "answer to our demographic challenges".

Earlier on Friday, Widodo told parliament raising the quality of the labour market in his second term was key to reaping the benefit of a demographic dividend - a time when the number of people of working age exceeds those of non-working-age.

The government proposed to spend 505.8 trillion rupiah ($35.51 billion) for education in 2020, up 30 per cent from this year, to improve basic education as well as provide financing for 818,000 students to go to universities, Widodo said.

It would also use the budget to provide training for what Widodo called "emerging skills", such as coding, data analytics, graphic design and even training to become a coffee barista.

The budget proposals also assumed an inflation rate of 3.1 per cent, a yearly average rupiah exchange rate of 14,400 to the dollar, a 5.4 per cent average rate for 3-month Treasury bills and an average crude oil price of $65 a barrel, Widodo said.

Parliament typically takes until October to approve the government's budget proposals.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday proposed a 2,528.8 trillion rupiah ($177.56 billion) budget to parliament for 2020, focusing spending on human resources, which was central in his re-election campaign.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday proposed a 2,528.8 trillion rupiah ($177.56 billion) budget to parliament for 2020, focusing spending on human resources, which was central in his re-election campaign. The 2020 budget proposals set a target of 5.3 per cent growth in the gross domestic product (GDP), the same as this year's, although officials have often said 2019 growth would probably range from 5.1 per cent to 5.2 per cent. The proposed budget is 3 per cent bigger than 2019's plans, but about 8 per cent larger than the latest government estimate of what Jakarta will spend this year. It will fund the president's programmes in the first year of his second five-year term, which officially begins in October. "The 2020 state budget policy is designed to be expansive, but to remain targeted and measured," Widodo told parliament. To fund his budget, Widodo proposed to set a target of 2,221.5 trillion rupiahs of state revenue. That brings the fiscal deficit in his budget proposals to 1.76 per cent of GDP, which he said gave room to anticipate global uncertainties. Juniman, the chief economist of Maybank Indonesia, said Widodo's GDP growth assumption, which is used as the basis of the government's tax revenue target, is unattainable. "I'm pessimistic the 5.3 per cent growth can be achieved. Given the gloomy global condition and its slowdown trend this year and next, it will be hard for any emerging market to grow faster than this year," said Juniman, who uses one name, like many Indonesians. He gave a 5 per cent growth outlook for 2019 and 2020. Though the president's GDP growth target was "slightly optimistic", the tax target was "cautiously realistic", said Bank Danamon economist Wisnu Wardana. While Widodo promised to keep building infrastructure in 2020, the budget's main theme was improving human resources, with the president pledging to "answer to our demographic challenges". Earlier on Friday, Widodo told parliament raising the quality of the labour market in his second term was key to reaping the benefit of a demographic dividend - a time when the number of people of working age exceeds those of non-working-age. The government proposed to spend 505.8 trillion rupiah ($35.51 billion) for education in 2020, up 30 per cent from this year, to improve basic education as well as provide financing for 818,000 students to go to universities, Widodo said. It would also use the budget to provide training for what Widodo called "emerging skills", such as coding, data analytics, graphic design and even training to become a coffee barista. The budget proposals also assumed an inflation rate of 3.1 per cent, a yearly average rupiah exchange rate of 14,400 to the dollar, a 5.4 per cent average rate for 3-month Treasury bills and an average crude oil price of $65 a barrel, Widodo said. Parliament typically takes until October to approve the government's budget proposals.

Indonesia president proposes $178 billion budget for 2020 with focus on education

One of the fastest-sinking cities on earth, environmental experts warn that one third of it could be submerged by 2050 if current rates continue.

Indonesia is prone to floods, Jakarta could submerge by 2050

Sinking city: Indonesia's capital on the brink of disaster

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