At least 11 people died in Indonesia when a truck carrying sugar smashed into several motorcycles and houses on Sunday, an official said.

The truck was heading downhill in the district of Brebes in Central Java province on its way to the capital Jakarta when it failed to brake, according to the local disaster agency.

It tried to stop by swerving left but instead hit a car, 13 motorbikes and seven houses.

"So far eleven people died and 11 others are wounded," said agency official Sarwa Permana, adding that the injured have been taken to hospital.

The fate of the driver is unclear.

Transport accidents are not uncommon in the archipelago nation, where buses, trains and even planes are often old and badly maintained.

In February, at least 27 people died and 16 others were injured when a bus carrying domestic tourists crashed in West Java province.

In July last year 10 people including an Austrian tourist and a 12-year-old child died when a bus travelling from resort island Bali to the town of Malang in East Java hit the back of a fertilizer truck, killing the sleeping passengers.&nbsp

The truck was heading downhill in the district of Brebes in Central Java province on its way to the capital Jakarta when it failed to brake, according to the local disaster agency

At least 11 people died in Indonesia when a truck carrying sugar smashed into several motorcycles and houses on Sunday, an official said. The truck was heading downhill in the district of Brebes in Central Java province on its way to the capital Jakarta when it failed to brake, according to the local disaster agency. It tried to stop by swerving left but instead hit a car, 13 motorbikes and seven houses. "So far eleven people died and 11 others are wounded," said agency official Sarwa Permana, adding that the injured have been taken to hospital. The fate of the driver is unclear. Transport accidents are not uncommon in the archipelago nation, where buses, trains and even planes are often old and badly maintained. In February, at least 27 people died and 16 others were injured when a bus carrying domestic tourists crashed in West Java province. In July last year 10 people including an Austrian tourist and a 12-year-old child died when a bus travelling from resort island Bali to the town of Malang in East Java hit the back of a fertilizer truck, killing the sleeping passengers.

11 killed in Indonesia accident as truck smashes into houses

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Twitter that he would take a short break to spend time with his family, hours after reports that his names was on the flight manifest of a private jet scheduled to leave for Jakarta on Saturday morning.

The manifest of the jet, which is scheduled to fly from an airport near Kuala Lumpur to the Indonesian capital at 10:00 a.m. (0200 GMT), names Najib and his wife as passengers, two sources and two media reports said earlier.

"After over four decades in politics and the recent election campaign, which was regrettably personal and perhaps the most intense in Malaysian history, I will take a short break to spend time with my family whom I have not seen enough of in recent years," Najib said on Twitter.

Najib lost to former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad in this week`s elections. The new prime minister has vowed to investigate a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which was founded by Najib.

Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with 1MDB.&nbsp

The manifest of the jet, which is scheduled to fly from an airport near Kuala Lumpur to the Indonesian capital at 10:00 a.m. (0200 GMT), names Najib and his wife as passengers, two sources and two media reports said earlier

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Twitter that he would take a short break to spend time with his family, hours after reports that his names was on the flight manifest of a private jet scheduled to leave for Jakarta on Saturday morning. The manifest of the jet, which is scheduled to fly from an airport near Kuala Lumpur to the Indonesian capital at 10:00 a.m. (0200 GMT), names Najib and his wife as passengers, two sources and two media reports said earlier. "After over four decades in politics and the recent election campaign, which was regrettably personal and perhaps the most intense in Malaysian history, I will take a short break to spend time with my family whom I have not seen enough of in recent years," Najib said on Twitter. Najib lost to former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad in this week`s elections. The new prime minister has vowed to investigate a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which was founded by Najib. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with 1MDB.

Malaysia's Najib says to take short break, follows reports he may leave for Jakarta

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

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

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

Strong quake rocks Jakarta, 6.0 magnitude

At least four people were killed and two more are missing after Indonesia&#39;s capital region was hit by severe flooding and landslides, authorities said Tuesday, as thousands fled &nbsp;waterlogged neighbourhoods.

The bodies of three people were pulled from a pile of mud and rock after a landslide triggered by torrential rain inundated a village in the city of Bogor south of Jakarta, the disaster mitigation agency said.

Hundreds of rescuers, including members of the army, police and local community, are digging through the debris to find two others buried in that incident.

Near Jakarta&rsquo;s main airport, a 24-year-old woman was rescued after spending some 14 hours trapped inside a car buried under a landslide that stove in part of an underpass retaining wall.

She was pulled to safety around 7:00 am Tuesday but another woman in the same car later died in hospital from severe injuries, the transportation ministry said.

Greater Jakarta, which is home to more than 30 million people, has been pounded by heavy rain over the past 24 hours, triggering landslides and floods that have destroyed homes and toppled trees.

Residents could be seen sloshing through knee-deep brown water in some neighbourhoods.

City governor Anies Baswedan said more than 6,500 people have been evacuated in hard-hit areas of the metropolis, mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the city.

&quot;Now our priority is to ensure evacuees that have been impacted by the floods receive aid,&quot; Baswedan said in a statement.

A floodgate was opened upstream in the Ciliwung river to reduce the volume of water gushing through Jakarta, he added.

Jakarta is hit by flooding annually during a months-long rainy season, with the city&#39;s numerous riverside communities worst affected.

In 2013 severe flooding submerged a major downtown roundabout, killing 20 and forcing 30,000 people from their homes.

A landslide triggered by torrential rain inundated a village in the city of Bogor south of Jakarta

At least four people were killed and two more are missing after Indonesia's capital region was hit by severe flooding and landslides, authorities said Tuesday, as thousands fled waterlogged neighbourhoods. The bodies of three people were pulled from a pile of mud and rock after a landslide triggered by torrential rain inundated a village in the city of Bogor south of Jakarta, the disaster mitigation agency said. Hundreds of rescuers, including members of the army, police and local community, are digging through the debris to find two others buried in that incident. Near Jakarta’s main airport, a 24-year-old woman was rescued after spending some 14 hours trapped inside a car buried under a landslide that stove in part of an underpass retaining wall. She was pulled to safety around 7:00 am Tuesday but another woman in the same car later died in hospital from severe injuries, the transportation ministry said. Greater Jakarta, which is home to more than 30 million people, has been pounded by heavy rain over the past 24 hours, triggering landslides and floods that have destroyed homes and toppled trees. Residents could be seen sloshing through knee-deep brown water in some neighbourhoods. City governor Anies Baswedan said more than 6,500 people have been evacuated in hard-hit areas of the metropolis, mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the city. "Now our priority is to ensure evacuees that have been impacted by the floods receive aid," Baswedan said in a statement. A floodgate was opened upstream in the Ciliwung river to reduce the volume of water gushing through Jakarta, he added. Jakarta is hit by flooding annually during a months-long rainy season, with the city's numerous riverside communities worst affected. In 2013 severe flooding submerged a major downtown roundabout, killing 20 and forcing 30,000 people from their homes.

Jakarta: 4 dead in deadly landslides and floods

At least 75 people were injured Monday when a mezzanine floor at Indonesia&#39;s stock exchange building collapsed into the lobby, police said, with victims carried out of the debris-filled building on stretchers.

Dramatic CCTV footage showed a group of some 40 visiting students on a balcony section plunge as the floor gave way with a cascade of glass, metal and other material crashing onto the ground floor where several others were walking.

A Jakarta police spokesman said the collapse was an accident and not the result of an explosion.

National police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said, 75 people had been injured. There were no reports of deaths so far.

Television images showed chaotic scenes as victims were taken to hospital or lay on the ground outside the tower complex in the centre of the sprawling city&#39;s business district.

&quot;I saw many people bleeding,&quot; student Rizki Noviandi, who was taking part in a competition at the exchange building, told Metro TV.

&quot;So many people were carried out of the building and were left on the grass outside... until the ambulances arrived.&quot;

The lobby was filled with debris and toppled-over plants near a Starbucks coffee outlet, as hundreds of building employees were evacuated from the complex which was bombed by Islamist militants in 2000.

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured by a car bomb in that attack.

&quot;Our search and rescue teams, the police, doctors, the firefighters are all still working,&quot; Wasisto said.

&quot;They are cleaning the debris and also searching for other possible injuries,&quot; he added.

Those hurt mostly sustained injuries to their legs and arms, including broken bones, a spokesman for one local hospital said.

Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono added: &quot;The accident happened at the first floor... It&#39;s a floor where many employees are passing by.&quot;

Panicking

The collapse took place in one of two towers in the complex.

&quot;There was a sound, like something had fallen off a building structure, for about 20 seconds. Everyone was panicking and people were immediately being evacuated,&quot; Amailia Putri Hasniawati, a journalist based at the exchange, told AFP.

It was not immediately clear what caused the accident at the tower in Sudirman district, which was built in 1995.

&quot;Material degradation could be the cause,&quot; construction expert Iswandi Imran told local TV.

&quot;It could be corrosion or anything which slowly degrades the strength of the structure so it cannot take the weight any longer. But all that has to be investigated.&quot;

Despite the chaos Monday, trading continued as usual in the afternoon session with the main index closing 0.2 percent higher.

The accident happened shortly after noon local time (0500 GMT) while the market was on its lunchtime break.

&quot;There was a loud banging so people who were inside immediately ran outside of the building,&quot; said Metro TV journalist Marlia Zein.

The local office of the World Bank is housed on the 12th floor of the complex, according to its website.

Reports at the time of the 2000 bombing said one of the men responsible was a member of the Free Aceh Movement, a separatist group which had been fighting for a free Islamic state in Aceh province since the mid-seventies.

Some 200 cars were also damaged in the blast in an underground parking lot.

A Jakarta police spokesman said the collapse was an accident and not the result of an explosion

At least 75 people were injured Monday when a mezzanine floor at Indonesia's stock exchange building collapsed into the lobby, police said, with victims carried out of the debris-filled building on stretchers. Dramatic CCTV footage showed a group of some 40 visiting students on a balcony section plunge as the floor gave way with a cascade of glass, metal and other material crashing onto the ground floor where several others were walking. A Jakarta police spokesman said the collapse was an accident and not the result of an explosion. National police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said, 75 people had been injured. There were no reports of deaths so far. Television images showed chaotic scenes as victims were taken to hospital or lay on the ground outside the tower complex in the centre of the sprawling city's business district. "I saw many people bleeding," student Rizki Noviandi, who was taking part in a competition at the exchange building, told Metro TV. "So many people were carried out of the building and were left on the grass outside... until the ambulances arrived." The lobby was filled with debris and toppled-over plants near a Starbucks coffee outlet, as hundreds of building employees were evacuated from the complex which was bombed by Islamist militants in 2000. At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured by a car bomb in that attack. "Our search and rescue teams, the police, doctors, the firefighters are all still working," Wasisto said. "They are cleaning the debris and also searching for other possible injuries," he added. Those hurt mostly sustained injuries to their legs and arms, including broken bones, a spokesman for one local hospital said. Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono added: "The accident happened at the first floor... It's a floor where many employees are passing by." Panicking The collapse took place in one of two towers in the complex. "There was a sound, like something had fallen off a building structure, for about 20 seconds. Everyone was panicking and people were immediately being evacuated," Amailia Putri Hasniawati, a journalist based at the exchange, told AFP. It was not immediately clear what caused the accident at the tower in Sudirman district, which was built in 1995. "Material degradation could be the cause," construction expert Iswandi Imran told local TV. "It could be corrosion or anything which slowly degrades the strength of the structure so it cannot take the weight any longer. But all that has to be investigated." Despite the chaos Monday, trading continued as usual in the afternoon session with the main index closing 0.2 percent higher. The accident happened shortly after noon local time (0500 GMT) while the market was on its lunchtime break. "There was a loud banging so people who were inside immediately ran outside of the building," said Metro TV journalist Marlia Zein. The local office of the World Bank is housed on the 12th floor of the complex, according to its website. Reports at the time of the 2000 bombing said one of the men responsible was a member of the Free Aceh Movement, a separatist group which had been fighting for a free Islamic state in Aceh province since the mid-seventies. Some 200 cars were also damaged in the blast in an underground parking lot.

Mezzanine floor of Indonesia Stock Exchange collapses, 75 injured

Everyone has their own style of celebrating New Year&#39;s Eve but the Indonesian style takes away the cake for being the most innovative.&nbsp;

On Sunday night, hundreds of couples gathered in Jakarta&#39;s city centre in what was a mass wedding ceremony.&nbsp;

Almost 450 couples came to be a part of this ceremony which took place in a large tent just hours before midnight.&nbsp;

The couples gathered to first offer their prayers before signing marriage certificates which were overlooked by government officials.&nbsp;

As reported by Reuters, Hartiningish, a 38-year-old East Javanese bride said,&nbsp;&quot;We wanted an unforgettable experience and we&#39;re so happy that we decided to participate today.&quot;

Her husband, Ricky Rangga, 30, said the couple was grateful to the city administration for making the wedding possible.

The tent was smartly decked up to look like a wedding function with a live band performing a set of traditional and pop music in the background.

Many couples wore matching colours and colourful traditional Indonesian outfits, with some brides donned elaborate headdresses and grooms carried traditional daggers called keris.

Speaking on the occasion, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan congratulated those who participated and said the &quot;city would now host the event every New Year&rsquo;s Eve&quot;. The city government raised donation funds to pay for token gold dowries for the couples to exchange.

It is locally said that grooms in Indonesia traditionally have to present gold jewellery or money to brides on the wedding day.

&nbsp;

Mass wedding took place in the capital city Jakarta of Indonesia

Everyone has their own style of celebrating New Year's Eve but the Indonesian style takes away the cake for being the most innovative. On Sunday night, hundreds of couples gathered in Jakarta's city centre in what was a mass wedding ceremony. Almost 450 couples came to be a part of this ceremony which took place in a large tent just hours before midnight. The couples gathered to first offer their prayers before signing marriage certificates which were overlooked by government officials. As reported by Reuters, Hartiningish, a 38-year-old East Javanese bride said, "We wanted an unforgettable experience and we're so happy that we decided to participate today." Her husband, Ricky Rangga, 30, said the couple was grateful to the city administration for making the wedding possible. The tent was smartly decked up to look like a wedding function with a live band performing a set of traditional and pop music in the background. Many couples wore matching colours and colourful traditional Indonesian outfits, with some brides donned elaborate headdresses and grooms carried traditional daggers called keris. Speaking on the occasion, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan congratulated those who participated and said the "city would now host the event every New Year’s Eve". The city government raised donation funds to pay for token gold dowries for the couples to exchange. It is locally said that grooms in Indonesia traditionally have to present gold jewellery or money to brides on the wedding day.

Hundreds in Indonesia celebrate New Year by getting married

At least 20 people lost their lives and five people were said to be missing after a tropical storm hit Indonesia on Sunday.

A search and rescue operation is underway, the Anadolu Agency quoted the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), as saying.

The storm, named &quot;Dahlia&quot;, caused flooding and a landslide in eastern Java, the BNPB added.

The officials had warned the residents of possible flooding and landslides even as around 2,000 houses were affected due to the storm in the area.

Earlier on Thursday, reportedly another storm named &quot;Cempaka&quot; had caused the death of 27 people in central Java.&nbsp;

Five people were said to be missing after Storm Dahlia hit Indonesia on Sunday

At least 20 people lost their lives and five people were said to be missing after a tropical storm hit Indonesia on Sunday. A search and rescue operation is underway, the Anadolu Agency quoted the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), as saying. The storm, named "Dahlia", caused flooding and a landslide in eastern Java, the BNPB added. The officials had warned the residents of possible flooding and landslides even as around 2,000 houses were affected due to the storm in the area. Earlier on Thursday, reportedly another storm named "Cempaka" had caused the death of 27 people in central Java.

Tropical storm kills 20 in Indonesia

A tropical cyclone killed 19 people on the&nbsp;Indonesian island of Java, officials said on Wednesday, with most of the victims caught under a landslide.

Video footage showed rivers overflowing and roads and villages submerged in brown water after the storm struck on Tuesday.

&quot;Nineteen people have died, thousands of homes have been flooded and other damage has been caused,&quot; Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the Disaster Mitigation Agency, said on Twitter.

Two nearby airports were briefly closed but had since reopened. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-officials-extend-bali-airport-closure-over-volcanic-ash-25387">Flights around&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;have been disrupted </a>due to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-orders-immediate-evacuation-as-highest-alert-issued-for-bali-volcano-25273">the eruption of a volcano on the neighbouring holiday island of Bali to the east</a>.

'Nineteen people have died, thousands of homes have been flooded and other damage has been caused,' Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the Disaster Mitigation Agency, said on Twitter

A tropical cyclone killed 19 people on the Indonesian island of Java, officials said on Wednesday, with most of the victims caught under a landslide. Video footage showed rivers overflowing and roads and villages submerged in brown water after the storm struck on Tuesday. "Nineteen people have died, thousands of homes have been flooded and other damage has been caused," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the Disaster Mitigation Agency, said on Twitter. Two nearby airports were briefly closed but had since reopened. Flights around Indonesia have been disrupted due to the eruption of a volcano on the neighbouring holiday island of Bali to the east.

Cyclone kills 19 in Indonesia's Java

An Indonesian man who used his bare hands to kill a snake that was discovered slithering on a busy commuter train has become an Internet hero.

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An Indonesian man who used his bare hands to kill a snake that was discovered slithering on a busy commuter train has become an Internet hero <a href="https://t.co/ktNrRTtVrE">https://t.co/ktNrRTtVrE</a> <a href="https://t.co/PARlIjjsHD">pic.twitter.com/PARlIjjsHD</a>
&mdash; AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/933567517997506560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The train made an emergency stop after the reptile was spotted lurking on a baggage rack in a carriage headed to Jakarta from Bogor, south of the capital.

Smartphone footage, which quickly went viral, showed the bespectacled man casually snatch the snake`s tail and then smash its head on the floor in a violent whipping motion.

The creature was apparently killed instantly as shocked spectators -- including a baton-wielding transit security officer -- kept their distance.

The unidentified man wearing a backpack then tossed its limp body, which appeared to be about one metre (three feet) long, out the door to waiting security staff.

It is not clear what kind of serpent it was, nor whether it was venemous. No injuries to passengers were reported.

Train operator KCI said the reptile is thought to have slithered out from a passenger`s bag.

&quot;We regret the incident and apologise to train travellers who were disturbed by it,&quot; spokeswoman Eva Chairunnisa told AFP.

It is not uncommon to see livestock or pets travelling on public transport in rural Indonesia, but passengers are prohibited from taking animals on urban transport lines.

The train made an emergency stop after the reptile was spotted lurking on a baggage rack in a carriage headed to Jakarta from Bogo

An Indonesian man who used his bare hands to kill a snake that was discovered slithering on a busy commuter train has become an Internet hero. An Indonesian man who used his bare hands to kill a snake that was discovered slithering on a busy commuter train has become an Internet hero https://t.co/ktNrRTtVrE pic.twitter.com/PARlIjjsHD — AFP news agency (@AFP) November 23, 2017 × The train made an emergency stop after the reptile was spotted lurking on a baggage rack in a carriage headed to Jakarta from Bogor, south of the capital. Smartphone footage, which quickly went viral, showed the bespectacled man casually snatch the snake`s tail and then smash its head on the floor in a violent whipping motion. The creature was apparently killed instantly as shocked spectators -- including a baton-wielding transit security officer -- kept their distance. The unidentified man wearing a backpack then tossed its limp body, which appeared to be about one metre (three feet) long, out the door to waiting security staff. It is not clear what kind of serpent it was, nor whether it was venemous. No injuries to passengers were reported. Train operator KCI said the reptile is thought to have slithered out from a passenger`s bag. "We regret the incident and apologise to train travellers who were disturbed by it," spokeswoman Eva Chairunnisa told AFP. It is not uncommon to see livestock or pets travelling on public transport in rural Indonesia, but passengers are prohibited from taking animals on urban transport lines.

Watch: Man kills snake on train with bare hands, becomes internet star

At least 47 people have been killed and dozens injured in a blaze that tore through a fireworks factory outside the Indonesian capital, police said Thursday, triggering explosions and sending plumes of black smoke into the air.

The fire broke out at an industrial complex in Tangerang, a satellite city of Jakarta.

&quot;There are 103 workers in total at this factory, 43 are injured and being treated in three hospitals, the remains of 23 victims have been found,&quot; a local resident told a television channel.

Many of the bodies of the victims were found clustered at the back of the factory, police said, indicating there may have been a panicked rush to flee the flames.

A firefighter at the scene said all the victims had been burned beyond recognition.

&quot;Those who died are completely unrecognisable, totally burnt,&quot; one Oni Sahroni told Metro TV.

Parts of the building collapsed after being gutted by the blaze, which scorched nearby cars. Witnesses reported hearing blasts erupt from the site.

Local resident Beni Benteng told AFP he heard an explosion and people inside screaming for help.

&quot;My friends,&nbsp;I and some police officers knocked down a wall so people could escape, then the workers came out,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;I saw people including women were jumping from above, oh my God,&quot; he added.

The blaze, which broke out in the morning, was brought under control by late afternoon and authorities were working to recover the victims&#39; bodies from the building.

Explosions&nbsp;

Authorities have not yet said how the fire started, but have confirmed it began near the front door and quickly spread.

&quot;Victims were found piling at the back, it seems like they were avoiding the blaze at the front door,&quot; Afinta told Metro TV.

Desperate friends and family thronged a nearby police hospital in Keramat Kati looking for loved ones.

Video footage shot by an AFP stringer showed victims, covered in bandages, laid out on stretchers and others with minor injuries sitting in the hallways or outside.

A factory worker at the hospital in Keramat Kati said the fire erupted in the middle of production.

&quot;I don&#39;t know how it happened, I was working outside of the factory and there were some explosions, four cars exploded and almost all motorbikes also exploded,&rdquo; Ade, who suffered burns to his arms and legs, told AFP.

The factory -- part of a complex that borders a residential area -- had only been operating for six weeks, district government official Toni Rustoni told Metro TV.

A fire broke out at an industrial complex in Tangerang, a satellite city of Jakarta

At least 47 people have been killed and dozens injured in a blaze that tore through a fireworks factory outside the Indonesian capital, police said Thursday, triggering explosions and sending plumes of black smoke into the air. The fire broke out at an industrial complex in Tangerang, a satellite city of Jakarta. "There are 103 workers in total at this factory, 43 are injured and being treated in three hospitals, the remains of 23 victims have been found," a local resident told a television channel. Many of the bodies of the victims were found clustered at the back of the factory, police said, indicating there may have been a panicked rush to flee the flames. A firefighter at the scene said all the victims had been burned beyond recognition. "Those who died are completely unrecognisable, totally burnt," one Oni Sahroni told Metro TV. Parts of the building collapsed after being gutted by the blaze, which scorched nearby cars. Witnesses reported hearing blasts erupt from the site. Local resident Beni Benteng told AFP he heard an explosion and people inside screaming for help. "My friends, I and some police officers knocked down a wall so people could escape, then the workers came out," he said. "I saw people including women were jumping from above, oh my God," he added. The blaze, which broke out in the morning, was brought under control by late afternoon and authorities were working to recover the victims' bodies from the building. Explosions Authorities have not yet said how the fire started, but have confirmed it began near the front door and quickly spread. "Victims were found piling at the back, it seems like they were avoiding the blaze at the front door," Afinta told Metro TV. Desperate friends and family thronged a nearby police hospital in Keramat Kati looking for loved ones. Video footage shot by an AFP stringer showed victims, covered in bandages, laid out on stretchers and others with minor injuries sitting in the hallways or outside. A factory worker at the hospital in Keramat Kati said the fire erupted in the middle of production. "I don't know how it happened, I was working outside of the factory and there were some explosions, four cars exploded and almost all motorbikes also exploded,” Ade, who suffered burns to his arms and legs, told AFP. The factory -- part of a complex that borders a residential area -- had only been operating for six weeks, district government official Toni Rustoni told Metro TV.

47 killed, dozens injured in Indonesia fireworks factory fire

Supporters of Jakarta&#39;s Christian governor staged a colourful rally outside city hall Wednesday a day after he was jailed for blasphemy, in a case that has damaged Indonesia&#39;s image as a bastion of tolerant Islam.

A crowd wearing red and white -- the colours of the Indonesian flag -- gathered outside the colonial-era building calling for Basuki Tjahaja Purnama&#39;s release, and singing the country&#39;s national anthem.

&quot;Let&#39;s fight for justice,&quot; said acting governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, who was Purnama&#39;s deputy and has taken over his powers, to cheers from the crowd.

Purnama was jailed Tuesday for two years after being found guilty of blasphemy against Islam, a shock decision after prosecutors recommended only probation.

The jail sentence and his loss in last month&#39;s Jakarta&#39;s election to a Muslim rival amid the blasphemy controversy have stoked concerns that a much-vaunted brand of tolerant Islam in the world&#39;s most populous Muslim-majority country is under threat.

The United Nations and European Union have expressed concerns over the verdict while Amnesty International said it &quot;will tarnish Indonesia&rsquo;s reputation for tolerance&quot;.

Despite the claims he insulted Islam, Purnama, 50, retained a loyal following due to his determined efforts to clean up the chaotic Indonesian capital.&nbsp;

Over 1,000 supporters packed out the courtyard of city hall at the rally, chanting &quot;Free Ahok&quot;.

&quot;I admire Ahok, the way he leads, regardless of his religion,&quot; said Diana Sari, 49, adding she was a Muslim.

Acting governor Hidayat added: &quot;Last night I met with Ahok and he wants me to convey this message: &#39;We have to respect whatever the judges have decided, but the fight is not over yet&#39;.&quot;

Purnama, Jakarta&#39;s first Christian governor for half a century and its first ethnic Chinese leader, was transferred early Wednesday to a high-security detention facility outside the capital after hundreds of supporters descended on the jail where he was initially sent.

Islamic hardliners -- who led a series of mass protests last year against Purnama -- celebrated after the verdict was handed down, although some were angry the governor did not receive the maximum jail term of five years.

The blasphemy allegations stemmed from comments that Purnama made in September in a pre-election speech, in which he accused his rivals of using a Koranic verse to trick people into voting against him.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

'Let's fight for justice,' said acting governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat

Supporters of Jakarta's Christian governor staged a colourful rally outside city hall Wednesday a day after he was jailed for blasphemy, in a case that has damaged Indonesia's image as a bastion of tolerant Islam. A crowd wearing red and white -- the colours of the Indonesian flag -- gathered outside the colonial-era building calling for Basuki Tjahaja Purnama's release, and singing the country's national anthem. "Let's fight for justice," said acting governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, who was Purnama's deputy and has taken over his powers, to cheers from the crowd. Purnama was jailed Tuesday for two years after being found guilty of blasphemy against Islam, a shock decision after prosecutors recommended only probation. The jail sentence and his loss in last month's Jakarta's election to a Muslim rival amid the blasphemy controversy have stoked concerns that a much-vaunted brand of tolerant Islam in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country is under threat. The United Nations and European Union have expressed concerns over the verdict while Amnesty International said it "will tarnish Indonesia’s reputation for tolerance". Despite the claims he insulted Islam, Purnama, 50, retained a loyal following due to his determined efforts to clean up the chaotic Indonesian capital. Over 1,000 supporters packed out the courtyard of city hall at the rally, chanting "Free Ahok". "I admire Ahok, the way he leads, regardless of his religion," said Diana Sari, 49, adding she was a Muslim. Acting governor Hidayat added: "Last night I met with Ahok and he wants me to convey this message: 'We have to respect whatever the judges have decided, but the fight is not over yet'." Purnama, Jakarta's first Christian governor for half a century and its first ethnic Chinese leader, was transferred early Wednesday to a high-security detention facility outside the capital after hundreds of supporters descended on the jail where he was initially sent. Islamic hardliners -- who led a series of mass protests last year against Purnama -- celebrated after the verdict was handed down, although some were angry the governor did not receive the maximum jail term of five years. The blasphemy allegations stemmed from comments that Purnama made in September in a pre-election speech, in which he accused his rivals of using a Koranic verse to trick people into voting against him. (AFP)

Supporters rally for Jakarta's jailed Christian governor

US Vice President Mike Pence Thursday praised Indonesia&#39;s moderate form of Islam as &quot;an inspiration&quot; at the start of a visit to the Muslim-majority country seen as a bid by his administration to heal divisions with the Islamic world.

It came ahead of a visit by Pence to the largest mosque in Indonesia, which has the world&rsquo;s biggest Muslim population, where he will hold a multi-faith dialogue.

His visit represents the most high-profile outreach to Muslims by the Donald Trump administration since the brash billionaire came to office and echoes a similar trip by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2010.

Since becoming president almost 100 days ago, Trump has hosted leaders from majority-Muslim Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

But his administration has also tried to ban travellers from several Muslim-majority nations, citing concerns about terrorism -- an effort currently being challenged in US courts.&nbsp;

As a presidential candidate, Trump often appeared to flirt with the far right as he railed against &quot;radical Islamic terrorism&quot;.&nbsp;

Pence arrived at the presidential palace in Jakarta for talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to a colourful official welcome by hundreds of schoolchildren in regional dress.

Indonesia, where most practice a moderate form of Islam, has long been held up as an example of a successful Muslim democracy where followers of the faith live largely peacefully alongside religious minorities.

After talks with Widodo, Pence said: &quot;Indonesia&#39;s tradition of moderate Islam is frankly an inspiration to the world and we commend you and your people.&nbsp;

&quot;In your nation as in mine, religion unifies, it doesn&rsquo;t divide.&quot;

&nbsp;

Tolerant Islam under threat

But his optimistic words came as Indonesia&#39;s traditionally inclusive Islam is under threat from the rising influence of hardliners and an increasing trend towards more conservative forms of the faith.

On Wednesday Jakarta&#39;s Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama was defeated in a run-off election to lead the capital by a Muslim challenger who was accused of pandering to hardliners to win votes.

Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, lost after his once-unassailable lead in opinion polls was dented by allegations he committed blasphemy, claims that sparked mass protests led by radical groups but were seen by his supporters as unfair and politically motivated.

Pence is currently on a tour of South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Australia that is aimed at smoothing some of the rougher edges of Trump&#39;s rhetoric.

In South Korea and Japan, Pence played down protectionist declarations of &quot;America first&quot; and reaffirmed US treaty commitments to the security of the two countries as tensions rise over Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear programme.

Pence&#39;s Muslim outreach in Indonesia has been welcomed locally, with Maruf Amin, the head of the Indonesian Ulema Council, the country&#39;s top Muslim clerical body, saying he hopes that it &quot;indicates a change in attitude&quot; towards Islam.

But it is unlikely to be enough to assuage fears that the Trump administration is anti-Islam.

&quot;President Trump&#39;s hostile pronouncements on Islam and Muslims have done considerable damage to his reputation in the Islamic world. It would take more than a visit to repair the damage,&quot; said Fawaz Gerges, an expert on the Middle East and Islam from the London School of Economics.

After his talks with Widodo, Pence also said that the US was committed to building a stronger defence partnership with Indonesia to combat the threat of terrorism.&nbsp;

Indonesia has long struggled with Islamic militancy, and in January last year suffered a suicide and gun attack claimed by the Islamic State group that left four assailants and four civilians dead.

He also pledged to uphold the &quot;fundamental freedom of navigation&quot; in the South China Sea. Indonesian and Chinese vessels have clashed repeatedly in recent times in waters near Indonesia&#39;s Natuna Islands, on the fringes of the disputed waters.&nbsp;

Widodo, who wants more foreign investment as he seeks to boost Southeast Asia&#39;s top economy, said the leaders had focused on &quot;the US commitment to enhance the strategic partnership with Indonesia, focusing on cooperation and investment&quot;.

(AFP)

Pence is currently on a tour of South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Australia to smooth some of the rougher edges of Trump's rhetoric

US Vice President Mike Pence Thursday praised Indonesia's moderate form of Islam as "an inspiration" at the start of a visit to the Muslim-majority country seen as a bid by his administration to heal divisions with the Islamic world. It came ahead of a visit by Pence to the largest mosque in Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest Muslim population, where he will hold a multi-faith dialogue. His visit represents the most high-profile outreach to Muslims by the Donald Trump administration since the brash billionaire came to office and echoes a similar trip by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2010. Since becoming president almost 100 days ago, Trump has hosted leaders from majority-Muslim Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. But his administration has also tried to ban travellers from several Muslim-majority nations, citing concerns about terrorism -- an effort currently being challenged in US courts. As a presidential candidate, Trump often appeared to flirt with the far right as he railed against "radical Islamic terrorism". Pence arrived at the presidential palace in Jakarta for talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to a colourful official welcome by hundreds of schoolchildren in regional dress. Indonesia, where most practice a moderate form of Islam, has long been held up as an example of a successful Muslim democracy where followers of the faith live largely peacefully alongside religious minorities. After talks with Widodo, Pence said: "Indonesia's tradition of moderate Islam is frankly an inspiration to the world and we commend you and your people. "In your nation as in mine, religion unifies, it doesn’t divide." Tolerant Islam under threat But his optimistic words came as Indonesia's traditionally inclusive Islam is under threat from the rising influence of hardliners and an increasing trend towards more conservative forms of the faith. On Wednesday Jakarta's Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama was defeated in a run-off election to lead the capital by a Muslim challenger who was accused of pandering to hardliners to win votes. Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, lost after his once-unassailable lead in opinion polls was dented by allegations he committed blasphemy, claims that sparked mass protests led by radical groups but were seen by his supporters as unfair and politically motivated. Pence is currently on a tour of South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Australia that is aimed at smoothing some of the rougher edges of Trump's rhetoric. In South Korea and Japan, Pence played down protectionist declarations of "America first" and reaffirmed US treaty commitments to the security of the two countries as tensions rise over Pyongyang's nuclear programme. Pence's Muslim outreach in Indonesia has been welcomed locally, with Maruf Amin, the head of the Indonesian Ulema Council, the country's top Muslim clerical body, saying he hopes that it "indicates a change in attitude" towards Islam. But it is unlikely to be enough to assuage fears that the Trump administration is anti-Islam. "President Trump's hostile pronouncements on Islam and Muslims have done considerable damage to his reputation in the Islamic world. It would take more than a visit to repair the damage," said Fawaz Gerges, an expert on the Middle East and Islam from the London School of Economics. After his talks with Widodo, Pence also said that the US was committed to building a stronger defence partnership with Indonesia to combat the threat of terrorism. Indonesia has long struggled with Islamic militancy, and in January last year suffered a suicide and gun attack claimed by the Islamic State group that left four assailants and four civilians dead. He also pledged to uphold the "fundamental freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea. Indonesian and Chinese vessels have clashed repeatedly in recent times in waters near Indonesia's Natuna Islands, on the fringes of the disputed waters. Widodo, who wants more foreign investment as he seeks to boost Southeast Asia's top economy, said the leaders had focused on "the US commitment to enhance the strategic partnership with Indonesia, focusing on cooperation and investment". (AFP)

Pence praises 'moderate Islam' in Indonesia in bid to heal divisions

At least 23&nbsp;people have been killed and 17 are missing after a passenger boat caught on fire Sunday near Jakarta, according to officials, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The Zahro Express&nbsp;was ferrying 200 people off the coast of Jakarta to Tidung island, a tourist destination 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the capital when the fire started,&nbsp;said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho to AFP.

The cause of the fire was thought to be a short circuit on a power generator, Reuters reports&nbsp;police as saying.

Officials are still trying to locate the boat&#39;s manifest to determine the number of passengers that were on board the vessel, a transport ministry official said to AFP.&nbsp;

A rescue team has been deployed to search for the missing.&nbsp;

The Indonesian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is heavily dependent on boat transport, but safety standards are lax and fatal accidents common.&nbsp;

In early November at least 54 people died after a overcrowded speedboat was carrying three crew and 98 passengers, mostly Indonesian migrant workers, from Malaysia to Batam struck a reef and sunk.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The passenger boat was ferrying around 200 people off the coast of Jakarta to Tidung island

At least 23 people have been killed and 17 are missing after a passenger boat caught on fire Sunday near Jakarta, according to officials, AFP reported. The Zahro Express was ferrying 200 people off the coast of Jakarta to Tidung island, a tourist destination 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the capital when the fire started, said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho to AFP. The cause of the fire was thought to be a short circuit on a power generator, Reuters reports police as saying. Officials are still trying to locate the boat's manifest to determine the number of passengers that were on board the vessel, a transport ministry official said to AFP. A rescue team has been deployed to search for the missing. The Indonesian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is heavily dependent on boat transport, but safety standards are lax and fatal accidents common. In early November at least 54 people died after a overcrowded speedboat was carrying three crew and 98 passengers, mostly Indonesian migrant workers, from Malaysia to Batam struck a reef and sunk. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia: 23 dead, 17 missing as tourist boat catches fire near Jakarta

Indonesian parents are being advised today to consult their doctors and consider re-inoculating their children as a massive counterfeit vaccine scandal sweeps the country. 
 
Police smashed a criminal syndicate last week accused of selling fake vaccines for more than a decade to health clinics across Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 255 million people. 
 
Sixteen people, including a married couple believed to have masterminded the scheme, have been arrested over their alleged involvement. They are accused of distributing fake boosters for diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tetanus. 
 
Indonesia&#39;s health ministry is working with police to determine the scale of the problem. The national food and drugs agency has confiscated vaccines from nearly 30 health clinics, but it is not yet known how far the syndicate reached. 
 
&quot;We are working with the national food and drugs agency to collect data and take all measures necessary,&quot; health ministry spokesman Oscar Primadi told AFP. 
 
&quot;If vaccinations need to be redone then we will do it, it&#39;s not impossible.&quot; 
 
The Indonesian Pediatric Association said parents unsure if their child could be affected should ask their hospital or health clinic about the origin of their vaccines. 
 
&quot;If you`re still unsure, you can redo the vaccination. It does not have any negative impacts on a child&#39;s health,&quot; association chairman Aman Bhakti Pulungan told AFP. 
 
The scandal was brought to light after a major pharmaceutical company alerted Indonesian authorities that some of its products had been counterfeited. 
 
The case has caused nationwide concern and condemnation, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo demanding the harshest punishment possible for this &quot;extraordinary crime&quot;. 
 
(AFP)

'If vaccinations need to be redone then we will do it' the health ministry said after compromised vaccines from 30 clinics were confiscated

Indonesian parents are being advised today to consult their doctors and consider re-inoculating their children as a massive counterfeit vaccine scandal sweeps the country. Police smashed a criminal syndicate last week accused of selling fake vaccines for more than a decade to health clinics across Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 255 million people. Sixteen people, including a married couple believed to have masterminded the scheme, have been arrested over their alleged involvement. They are accused of distributing fake boosters for diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tetanus. Indonesia's health ministry is working with police to determine the scale of the problem. The national food and drugs agency has confiscated vaccines from nearly 30 health clinics, but it is not yet known how far the syndicate reached. "We are working with the national food and drugs agency to collect data and take all measures necessary," health ministry spokesman Oscar Primadi told AFP. "If vaccinations need to be redone then we will do it, it's not impossible." The Indonesian Pediatric Association said parents unsure if their child could be affected should ask their hospital or health clinic about the origin of their vaccines. "If you`re still unsure, you can redo the vaccination. It does not have any negative impacts on a child's health," association chairman Aman Bhakti Pulungan told AFP. The scandal was brought to light after a major pharmaceutical company alerted Indonesian authorities that some of its products had been counterfeited. The case has caused nationwide concern and condemnation, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo demanding the harshest punishment possible for this "extraordinary crime". (AFP)

Decade-long counterfeit vaccine scam scares Indonesian parents

Jakarta banned today any Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines, the transport ministry said, after yet another violent kidnapping in the strife-torn waters between the two nations. 
 
The ruling was issued after the government confirmed seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped at gunpoint earlier this week, and were being held hostage by an unknown group. 
 
It&#39;s the third time this year Indonesian sailors have been abducted in the Sulu sea, a vital waterway that&#39;s seen a spike in seaborne crime like armed robberies and kidnappings. 
 
In response to the latest incident, the transport ministry issued a notice informing all harbour masters they were &quot;strictly prohibited from issuing permits to all Indonesian-flagged vessels bound for the Philippines, without exception&quot;. 
 
&quot;This hijacking issue is a serious matter and cannot be tolerated anymore,&quot; the ministry&#39;s water transport director general A Tonny Budiono said in a statement. 
 
To prevent any commercial vessels from breaching the ban, Indonesia will also ramp up marine patrols in its waters bordering the southern Philippines, Budiono added. 
 
It&#39;s not yet clear how significantly trade will be affected by the ban, but it could severely disrupt the flow of goods from Southeast Asia&#39;s largest economy -- including natural resources like coal -- to the Philippines. 
 
The Sulu and Celebes seas form a key waterway between Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, and are used for the passage of 55 million metric tonnes of goods and over 18 million people per year. 
 
Last month, the three countries agreed to launch a coordinated patrol of the waters after the recent surge of kidnappings. 
 
The Indonesian sailors abducted this week were towing a coal barge through the Sulu sea when their tugboat was attacked by gunmen. 
 
&quot;The government will do everything possible to free these hostages,&quot; foreign minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. 
 
Sulu, a southern archipelago, is a known hideout of Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants who have earned millions of dollars from kidnappings in recent years. 
 
A spokesman for the foreign ministry said he could not confirm whether a ransom demand had been made, or if Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the abductions. 
 
Earlier this year the group kidnapped 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were later freed but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid. 
 
(PTI)

Ban comes after gunmen abduct Indonesian sailors in Sulu sea, a hideout of Abu Sayyaf militants known for kidnappings

Jakarta banned today any Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines, the transport ministry said, after yet another violent kidnapping in the strife-torn waters between the two nations. The ruling was issued after the government confirmed seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped at gunpoint earlier this week, and were being held hostage by an unknown group. It's the third time this year Indonesian sailors have been abducted in the Sulu sea, a vital waterway that's seen a spike in seaborne crime like armed robberies and kidnappings. In response to the latest incident, the transport ministry issued a notice informing all harbour masters they were "strictly prohibited from issuing permits to all Indonesian-flagged vessels bound for the Philippines, without exception". "This hijacking issue is a serious matter and cannot be tolerated anymore," the ministry's water transport director general A Tonny Budiono said in a statement. To prevent any commercial vessels from breaching the ban, Indonesia will also ramp up marine patrols in its waters bordering the southern Philippines, Budiono added. It's not yet clear how significantly trade will be affected by the ban, but it could severely disrupt the flow of goods from Southeast Asia's largest economy -- including natural resources like coal -- to the Philippines. The Sulu and Celebes seas form a key waterway between Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, and are used for the passage of 55 million metric tonnes of goods and over 18 million people per year. Last month, the three countries agreed to launch a coordinated patrol of the waters after the recent surge of kidnappings. The Indonesian sailors abducted this week were towing a coal barge through the Sulu sea when their tugboat was attacked by gunmen. "The government will do everything possible to free these hostages," foreign minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. Sulu, a southern archipelago, is a known hideout of Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants who have earned millions of dollars from kidnappings in recent years. A spokesman for the foreign ministry said he could not confirm whether a ransom demand had been made, or if Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the abductions. Earlier this year the group kidnapped 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were later freed but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid. (PTI)

Jakarta bans all Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to Philippines

Flash floods and landslides killed 24 in Indonesia&#39;s Central Java province, officials said today, forcing residents to evacuate to safer areas as torrential rains damaged thousands of homes. 
 
Rescue teams searched for 26 others who remained missing after the region, among the most densely populated parts of the country, saw heavy rainfall overnight. 
 
&quot;Heavy rain has caused floods and landslides in 16 regencies in Central Java,&quot; Sutopo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency, said in a statement. 
 
&quot;Rescue teams from the military, police, NGOs and volunteers, are contributing to the handling of the emergency and the search continues for those still missing,&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

Rescue teams searched for 26 others who remained missing after the densely populated region saw heavy rainfall overnight

Flash floods and landslides killed 24 in Indonesia's Central Java province, officials said today, forcing residents to evacuate to safer areas as torrential rains damaged thousands of homes. Rescue teams searched for 26 others who remained missing after the region, among the most densely populated parts of the country, saw heavy rainfall overnight. "Heavy rain has caused floods and landslides in 16 regencies in Central Java," Sutopo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency, said in a statement. "Rescue teams from the military, police, NGOs and volunteers, are contributing to the handling of the emergency and the search continues for those still missing," he added. (Reuters)

24 killed in flash floods, homes damaged in Indonesia

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