Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo discussed the threats of extremism and terrorism during a bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Sunday on the sidelines of ASEAN summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo discussed the threats of extremism and terrorism during a bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Sunday on the sidelines of ASEAN summit. "Maritime neighbor, all-time friend. PM @narendramodi had an engaging conversation with Indonesian President @jokowi building on the convergences between the two countries. Focus on connectivity, trade & investment and Indo-Pacific," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Modi congratulated the Indonesian President as he begins his second term as president and conveyed that as two of the world`s largest democratic and plural societies, India is committed to working with Indonesia to strengthen ties in the areas of defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment and people-to-people exchanges. "Noting that India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours, both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together for peace, security and prosperity in order to achieve their shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region," an official statement said. The two leaders discussed the threat of extremism and terrorism and agreed to work closely, bilaterally and globally, to tackle this menace, according to a report. During the meeting, PM Modi "highlighted the need for greater market access for Indian commodities including, pharmaceutical, automotive and agricultural products." "While noting that Indian companies have made a substantial investment in Indonesia, PM Modi invited Indonesian companies to use the opportunities presented in India for investment," the statement informed. The Prime Minister also invited President Jokowi to visit India at a "mutually convenient time next year." India attaches high priority to its bilateral relationship with Indonesia, with which it shares a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This year, India and Indonesia are also commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi meets Indonesian President Joko Widodo; discusses terrorism, extremism

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-targets-innovative-cabinet-taps-gojek-ceo-257279">Indonesian President Joko Widodo</a> unveiled his cabinet for a second term on Wednesday, retaining former World Bank economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and tapping the leader of the opposition as he seeks to push through reforms.

The CEO and co-founder of ride-sharing and payments firm Gojek as well as a former chairman of Inter Milan soccer club were also named to the cabinet, confirming earlier reports.

The make-up of the cabinet was being closely watched to see how many technocrats - who are more likely to fall in with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-jokowi-kicks-off-fresh-term-after-wave-of-crises-256994">Widodo</a>'s plans for boosting growth and investment - were included. In the end, around half of his cabinet of 34 ministers were technocrats with the others having ties to political parties.

"First don't be corrupt, create a clean system. Second, no separate ministerial vision and mission, only the presidential vision and mission," Widodo said while seated on the steps of the palace flanked by his ministers.

Indonesia last month saw the biggest student demonstrations in decades opposing new bills that critics say undermine the fight against corruption and threaten basic rights.

Widodo picked former industry minister Airlangga Hartarto to head his economic team while confirming the reappointment of Indrawati as finance minister, who has now served in various administrations.

After meeting Widodo at the palace a day earlier, Indrawati said she had agreed to ensure policies supported the president's priorities such as improving human resources, creating jobs and executing government budgets well.

Prabowo Subianto, a controversial former general who was opposition leader in Widodo's first term and sole challenger in April's bitterly fought poll, will serve as defence minister, Widodo said.

"I don’t need to tell you about his role. He knows more than me," said Widodo, referring to Prabowo, who used to head the country's special forces and has been accused by human rights activists of abuses against civilians.

His cabinet inclusion is controversial for many supporters of Widodo as well. Prabowo had initially refused to concede defeat in April's vote, going to the constitutional court citing systematic fraud and abuse of power.

He was Widodo's main rival in the 2014 presidential election as well and had also challenged that result.

Political appointees

But after the court ruled against him this year he met Widodo on a number of occasions, including during a well-publicised ride together on Jakarta's new subway system.

With his entry into the cabinet, Widodo should now have the support of about 74% of the seats in parliament, including Prabowo's Gerindra Party.

Yose Rizal Damuri at Jakarta's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said the presence of political party representatives in the cabinet remained significant, and could hinder Widodo's reform campaign.

"Party representatives may have mandates from their own parties," he said noting that in Widodo's first term "everyone had their own agenda" in the cabinet.

Gojek CEO Nadiem Makarim was named education and culture minister.

Among other important economic posts, Arifin Tasrif, a former head of the state fertilizer maker, was named a minister of energy and mineral resources. Erick Thohir, a billionaire businessman who was chairman of Inter Milan and ran Widodo's re-election campaign, was allotted the minister of state-owned enterprises post.

The president's long-term ally Luhut Pandjaitan retained his role as coordinating minister for maritime affairs, which also oversees the natural resources sector and investment.

Pandjaitan, who spearheaded an acceleration of a nickel ore export ban this year, said on Tuesday Widodo had asked him to continue to expand mineral processing, improve investment in petrochemicals and cut "inefficiencies" in the state energy company Pertamina.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo unveiled his cabinet for a second term on Wednesday, retaining former World Bank economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and tapping the leader of the opposition as he seeks to push through reforms.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo unveiled his cabinet for a second term on Wednesday, retaining former World Bank economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and tapping the leader of the opposition as he seeks to push through reforms. The CEO and co-founder of ride-sharing and payments firm Gojek as well as a former chairman of Inter Milan soccer club were also named to the cabinet, confirming earlier reports. The make-up of the cabinet was being closely watched to see how many technocrats - who are more likely to fall in with Widodo's plans for boosting growth and investment - were included. In the end, around half of his cabinet of 34 ministers were technocrats with the others having ties to political parties. "First don't be corrupt, create a clean system. Second, no separate ministerial vision and mission, only the presidential vision and mission," Widodo said while seated on the steps of the palace flanked by his ministers. Indonesia last month saw the biggest student demonstrations in decades opposing new bills that critics say undermine the fight against corruption and threaten basic rights. Widodo picked former industry minister Airlangga Hartarto to head his economic team while confirming the reappointment of Indrawati as finance minister, who has now served in various administrations. After meeting Widodo at the palace a day earlier, Indrawati said she had agreed to ensure policies supported the president's priorities such as improving human resources, creating jobs and executing government budgets well. Prabowo Subianto, a controversial former general who was opposition leader in Widodo's first term and sole challenger in April's bitterly fought poll, will serve as defence minister, Widodo said. "I don’t need to tell you about his role. He knows more than me," said Widodo, referring to Prabowo, who used to head the country's special forces and has been accused by human rights activists of abuses against civilians. His cabinet inclusion is controversial for many supporters of Widodo as well. Prabowo had initially refused to concede defeat in April's vote, going to the constitutional court citing systematic fraud and abuse of power. He was Widodo's main rival in the 2014 presidential election as well and had also challenged that result. Political appointees But after the court ruled against him this year he met Widodo on a number of occasions, including during a well-publicised ride together on Jakarta's new subway system. With his entry into the cabinet, Widodo should now have the support of about 74% of the seats in parliament, including Prabowo's Gerindra Party. Yose Rizal Damuri at Jakarta's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said the presence of political party representatives in the cabinet remained significant, and could hinder Widodo's reform campaign. "Party representatives may have mandates from their own parties," he said noting that in Widodo's first term "everyone had their own agenda" in the cabinet. Gojek CEO Nadiem Makarim was named education and culture minister. Among other important economic posts, Arifin Tasrif, a former head of the state fertilizer maker, was named a minister of energy and mineral resources. Erick Thohir, a billionaire businessman who was chairman of Inter Milan and ran Widodo's re-election campaign, was allotted the minister of state-owned enterprises post. The president's long-term ally Luhut Pandjaitan retained his role as coordinating minister for maritime affairs, which also oversees the natural resources sector and investment. Pandjaitan, who spearheaded an acceleration of a nickel ore export ban this year, said on Tuesday Widodo had asked him to continue to expand mineral processing, improve investment in petrochemicals and cut "inefficiencies" in the state energy company Pertamina.

Indonesia cabinet unveiled, includes president's main rival

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-targets-innovative-cabinet-taps-gojek-ceo-257279">Indonesia's Joko Widodo</a> is set to announce a new cabinet Wednesday in a line-up that could include his election arch-rival, a multi-billion-dollar startup co-founder and the former owner of Inter Milan.

Widodo, popularly known as <a href="http://wionews.com/world/indonesias-jokowi-kicks-off-fresh-term-after-wave-of-crises-256994">Jokowi</a>, beat Prabowo Subianto -- a former military general accused of rights violations -- in April elections to secure another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy.

The victory followed a bitter campaign plagued by fake news online and claims from Subianto that the government staged a "massive, systematic and fraudulent" election, which sparked deadly post-poll riots.

But the pair have since appeared together in apparently friendly public meetings, including on Monday when Subianto, 68, hinted that he and another member of his Gerindra party were tapped for top government posts.

"We've been asked to strengthen his cabinet and I earlier said that we, Gerindra, were ready to help if asked," Subianto told reporters in Jakarta.

"(Jokowi) allowed me to say that he asked me to help in the defence sector," he added, without elaborating.

Senior Gerindra official Edhy Prabowo told AFP that the potential job for Subianto was defence minister.

Jokowi has yet to confirm any ministerial appointment.

At least nine people were killed in Jakarta's post-election riots, which included Subianto supporters.

A rights group warned against appointing the former general to a top public job.

"It would be a dark day for human rights in this country" if Subianto is appointed, said Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid.

Subianto, a former son-in-law of Indonesia's late dictator Suharto, was accused of rights violations -- including the kidnapping and disappearance of several pro-democracy activists -- in the lead up to massive street demonstrations that brought down the regime in 1998.

Subianto has never been charged in relation to the allegations.

Among dozens of other posts, former World Bank managing director Sri Mulyani Indrawati was widely expected to serve another term as finance minister.

Nadiem Makarim, 35, co-founder of ride-hailing startup Gojek, told reporters Monday that he'd been tipped for an unspecified ministerial post. Makarim has announced his resignation from running a firm valued at some $10 billion.

Media mogul Erick Thohir -- a former owner of Italian football club Inter Milan and the 2018 Asian Games organising committee chief -- is also widely expected to land a cabinet job.

Indonesia's Joko Widodo is set to announce a new cabinet Wednesday in a line-up that could include his election arch-rival, a multi-billion-dollar startup co-founder and the former owner of Inter Milan.

Indonesia's Joko Widodo is set to announce a new cabinet Wednesday in a line-up that could include his election arch-rival, a multi-billion-dollar startup co-founder and the former owner of Inter Milan. Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, beat Prabowo Subianto -- a former military general accused of rights violations -- in April elections to secure another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy. The victory followed a bitter campaign plagued by fake news online and claims from Subianto that the government staged a "massive, systematic and fraudulent" election, which sparked deadly post-poll riots. But the pair have since appeared together in apparently friendly public meetings, including on Monday when Subianto, 68, hinted that he and another member of his Gerindra party were tapped for top government posts. "We've been asked to strengthen his cabinet and I earlier said that we, Gerindra, were ready to help if asked," Subianto told reporters in Jakarta. "(Jokowi) allowed me to say that he asked me to help in the defence sector," he added, without elaborating. Senior Gerindra official Edhy Prabowo told AFP that the potential job for Subianto was defence minister. Jokowi has yet to confirm any ministerial appointment. At least nine people were killed in Jakarta's post-election riots, which included Subianto supporters. A rights group warned against appointing the former general to a top public job. "It would be a dark day for human rights in this country" if Subianto is appointed, said Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid. Subianto, a former son-in-law of Indonesia's late dictator Suharto, was accused of rights violations -- including the kidnapping and disappearance of several pro-democracy activists -- in the lead up to massive street demonstrations that brought down the regime in 1998. Subianto has never been charged in relation to the allegations. Among dozens of other posts, former World Bank managing director Sri Mulyani Indrawati was widely expected to serve another term as finance minister. Nadiem Makarim, 35, co-founder of ride-hailing startup Gojek, told reporters Monday that he'd been tipped for an unspecified ministerial post. Makarim has announced his resignation from running a firm valued at some $10 billion. Media mogul Erick Thohir -- a former owner of Italian football club Inter Milan and the 2018 Asian Games organising committee chief -- is also widely expected to land a cabinet job.

Indonesia's Jokowi set to announce new cabinet

Indonesian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joko Widodo said on Monday he wanted "innovative" ministers in his&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-jokowi-kicks-off-fresh-term-after-wave-of-crises-256994">second term,</a> as the co-founder of tech startup&nbsp;Gojek&nbsp;said he would join and a former chairman of Inter Milan soccer club was tipped for a post.

The make-up of the&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;is being closely watched to see how many are technocrats, who are more likely to fall in with Widodo's reform agenda. Party-affiliated candidates are seen more at risk of falling back on traditional loyalties.

There has also been speculation that Widodo's challenger in April's bitterly fought&nbsp;presidential election, Prabowo Subianto, or other members of the opposition could join.

Widodo had been expected to announce his line-up on Monday but this was likely to be delayed until Wednesday, according to Mahfud MD, a former head of the Constitutional Court, who said he was interviewed for a post at the palace on Monday.

"I want appointed ministers to be figures who are innovative, productive, as well as be hard and fast workers. Figures who are not stuck in monotonous routines," Widodo said in a Twitter message.

There has been no official announcement but Mahfud told Kompas TV at the&nbsp;presidential palace: "On Wednesday, we are all invited to be announced to all of you, we were called one by one today." He said a swearing-in was scheduled at 9 A.M. (0200 GMT) Wednesday.

Mahfud, who was at one stage expected to be the vice&nbsp;presidential running mate of Widodo, has been linked in media to the post of law and human rights minister.

All of the candidates said the&nbsp;president&nbsp;had asked them to join the&nbsp;cabinet, but they declined to confirm the positions offered.

Nadiem Makarim, 35, the chief executive of&nbsp;Indonesian ride-hailing and payments firm&nbsp;Gojek, was another visitor at the palace.

"I have received a big honour to be able to join the&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;of the&nbsp;president," Makarim told reporters.

He said his specific role would be announced by the&nbsp;president&nbsp;later, but he has been linked to a possible post in a new digital economy ministry or in education.&nbsp;Gojek&nbsp;said the company's&nbsp;president&nbsp;Andre Soelistyo and its co-founder Kevin Aluwi would take over the leadership of the $10 billion unicorn.

Widodo's election campaign manager Erick Thohir, 49, the chairman of media business Mahaka Media, was also at the palace. Shares of Mahaka Media soared 20 per cent&nbsp;on Monday on expectations that Thohir, a former chairman of Italian soccer club Inter Milan, was joining the&nbsp;cabinet. Thohir said he would resign from his role in his company if appointed to the&nbsp;cabinet.

Widodo has been besieged by "extremely intense" jockeying for posts as he sought to build a&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;of technocrat ministers, a&nbsp;presidential adviser has said, declining to be named.

Ryan Kiryanto, an economist at Bank Negara&nbsp;Indonesia, said he was not concerned about any impact on the markets or economy of a delay in announcing the&nbsp;cabinet, instead seeing it as "reflecting carefulness" by the&nbsp;president&nbsp;in his selections.

Widodo, 58, has pledged to cut red tape and keep building infrastructure to underpin growth in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, but also made improving education a top priority to encourage investment and create jobs for a youthful population of 260 million people.

At his swearing in on Sunday, he said: "This will be a big problem if we fail to create enough job opportunities."

Airlangga Hartarto, the current industry minister, was among a string of potential candidates meeting the&nbsp;president&nbsp;at the palace.

He said he had discussed how to narrow&nbsp;Indonesia's trade deficit, with elaborating on any role. He has been linked in media to the job of coordinating minister for economic affairs.

Widodo has previously said respected finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati would retain a position in the&nbsp;cabinet, but gave no further details.

The&nbsp;president&nbsp;has also been meeting with opposition leaders and some media reports have suggested retired general Prabowo could serve as defence minister. Widodo said after meeting Prabowo at the palace earlier this month they had discussed the possibility of Prabowo's party Gerindra joining the government coalition.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Monday he wanted "innovative" ministers in his cabinet for a second term, as the co-founder of tech startup Gojek said he would join and a former chairman of Inter Milan soccer club was tipped for a post.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Monday he wanted "innovative" ministers in his cabinet for a second term, as the co-founder of tech startup Gojek said he would join and a former chairman of Inter Milan soccer club was tipped for a post. The make-up of the cabinet is being closely watched to see how many are technocrats, who are more likely to fall in with Widodo's reform agenda. Party-affiliated candidates are seen more at risk of falling back on traditional loyalties. There has also been speculation that Widodo's challenger in April's bitterly fought presidential election, Prabowo Subianto, or other members of the opposition could join. Widodo had been expected to announce his line-up on Monday but this was likely to be delayed until Wednesday, according to Mahfud MD, a former head of the Constitutional Court, who said he was interviewed for a post at the palace on Monday. "I want appointed ministers to be figures who are innovative, productive, as well as be hard and fast workers. Figures who are not stuck in monotonous routines," Widodo said in a Twitter message. There has been no official announcement but Mahfud told Kompas TV at the presidential palace: "On Wednesday, we are all invited to be announced to all of you, we were called one by one today." He said a swearing-in was scheduled at 9 A.M. (0200 GMT) Wednesday. Mahfud, who was at one stage expected to be the vice presidential running mate of Widodo, has been linked in media to the post of law and human rights minister. All of the candidates said the president had asked them to join the cabinet, but they declined to confirm the positions offered. Nadiem Makarim, 35, the chief executive of Indonesian ride-hailing and payments firm Gojek, was another visitor at the palace. "I have received a big honour to be able to join the cabinet of the president," Makarim told reporters. He said his specific role would be announced by the president later, but he has been linked to a possible post in a new digital economy ministry or in education. Gojek said the company's president Andre Soelistyo and its co-founder Kevin Aluwi would take over the leadership of the $10 billion unicorn. Widodo's election campaign manager Erick Thohir, 49, the chairman of media business Mahaka Media, was also at the palace. Shares of Mahaka Media soared 20 per cent on Monday on expectations that Thohir, a former chairman of Italian soccer club Inter Milan, was joining the cabinet. Thohir said he would resign from his role in his company if appointed to the cabinet. Widodo has been besieged by "extremely intense" jockeying for posts as he sought to build a cabinet of technocrat ministers, a presidential adviser has said, declining to be named. Ryan Kiryanto, an economist at Bank Negara Indonesia, said he was not concerned about any impact on the markets or economy of a delay in announcing the cabinet, instead seeing it as "reflecting carefulness" by the president in his selections. Widodo, 58, has pledged to cut red tape and keep building infrastructure to underpin growth in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, but also made improving education a top priority to encourage investment and create jobs for a youthful population of 260 million people. At his swearing in on Sunday, he said: "This will be a big problem if we fail to create enough job opportunities." Airlangga Hartarto, the current industry minister, was among a string of potential candidates meeting the president at the palace. He said he had discussed how to narrow Indonesia's trade deficit, with elaborating on any role. He has been linked in media to the job of coordinating minister for economic affairs. Widodo has previously said respected finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati would retain a position in the cabinet, but gave no further details. The president has also been meeting with opposition leaders and some media reports have suggested retired general Prabowo could serve as defence minister. Widodo said after meeting Prabowo at the palace earlier this month they had discussed the possibility of Prabowo's party Gerindra joining the government coalition.

Indonesia president targets 'innovative' cabinet, taps Gojek CEO

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo will kick off a fresh term Sunday, facing a wave of crises and with Jakarta under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-president-tightens-security-for-ministers-after-attack-255189">heavy security</a> days after Islamist militants tried to assassinate his top security minister.

More than 30,000 security personnel were deployed in the capital amid fears of another attack during an inauguration ceremony for Widodo, 58, and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, 76, attended by foreign delegations and heads of state, which is scheduled to start at around 2:30 pm (0730 GMT).

Celebrations are expected to be muted after mass demonstrations were banned Sunday over fears the inauguration might be used as a cover for another attack as militancy continues to plague the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation.

Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, was meeting with several visiting leaders including Singapore's Lee Hsien Loong and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison before the swearing-in.

Jokowi -- a popular, heavy metal-loving former businessman from outside the political and military elite -- was hailed as Indonesia's answer to Barack Obama when he was first elected in 2014 to lead the world's third-biggest democracy.

But his leadership is under mounting criticism after a string of challenges in recent months, from nationwide anti-government demonstrations in which three students died and smog-belching forest fires that sparked diplomatic tensions with Indonesia's neighbours to deadly unrest in Papua and an economic slowdown.

"This is the weakest point in Jokowi's political leadership," said Arya Fernandes, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

"It's a test for the president in critical times."

Protests across the archipelago of 260 million were among the biggest student rallies since mass demonstrations toppled the Suharto dictatorship in 1998.

The headwinds threaten to cast a shadow over Jokowi's second and final term, a stark reversal of fortune just months after he scored a thumping re-election victory against a former military general.

Now, all eyes are on who Indonesia's leader selects for his new cabinet, an announcement that could come as early as Sunday.

Sunday's inauguration also comes a little over a week after his chief security minister was stabbed in an attack by two members of a local extremist outfit allied to the Islamic State group.

The two suspects were arrested at the scene, while dozens of other suspected militants have since been detained in a nationwide dragnet following the assassination attempt on Wiranto, a former general who goes by one name.

The 72-year-old is recovering in hospital.

"Jokowi really listens to the people," Wiranto told reporters on Saturday in his first public appearance since the attack.

"A good government is one that is responsive to the aspirations of its people."

Jokowi's new term comes against the backdrop of fears that Indonesia's two-decades of democratic reforms are being eroded under the watch of a man once lauded by Time magazine as "A New Hope".

He has been accused of creeping authoritarianism and his rights record was criticised over an uptick in discriminatory attacks on religious and other minorities.

Choosing conservative cleric Amin as his vice president has also thrown Indonesia's reputation for tolerant Islam into question as religious hardliners become increasingly vocal.

Jokowi's administration appeared caught off guard when thousands of students hit the streets in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-across-indonesia-in-fresh-legal-reform-protests-252836"> protests last month</a> against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning premarital sex and what critics said would weaken the anti-graft agency.

Several students died in the unrest and hundreds more were injured, sparking police brutality allegations.

The criminal code reforms were delayed after the backlash, while Jokowi has so far held off moving on an earlier pledge to consider revising new changes to Indonesia's corruption buster, known as the KPK.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo will kick off a fresh term Sunday, facing a wave of crises and with Jakarta under heavy security days after Islamist militants tried to assassinate his top security minister.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo will kick off a fresh term Sunday, facing a wave of crises and with Jakarta under heavy security days after Islamist militants tried to assassinate his top security minister. More than 30,000 security personnel were deployed in the capital amid fears of another attack during an inauguration ceremony for Widodo, 58, and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, 76, attended by foreign delegations and heads of state, which is scheduled to start at around 2:30 pm (0730 GMT). Celebrations are expected to be muted after mass demonstrations were banned Sunday over fears the inauguration might be used as a cover for another attack as militancy continues to plague the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation. Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, was meeting with several visiting leaders including Singapore's Lee Hsien Loong and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison before the swearing-in. Jokowi -- a popular, heavy metal-loving former businessman from outside the political and military elite -- was hailed as Indonesia's answer to Barack Obama when he was first elected in 2014 to lead the world's third-biggest democracy. But his leadership is under mounting criticism after a string of challenges in recent months, from nationwide anti-government demonstrations in which three students died and smog-belching forest fires that sparked diplomatic tensions with Indonesia's neighbours to deadly unrest in Papua and an economic slowdown. "This is the weakest point in Jokowi's political leadership," said Arya Fernandes, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. "It's a test for the president in critical times." Protests across the archipelago of 260 million were among the biggest student rallies since mass demonstrations toppled the Suharto dictatorship in 1998. The headwinds threaten to cast a shadow over Jokowi's second and final term, a stark reversal of fortune just months after he scored a thumping re-election victory against a former military general. Now, all eyes are on who Indonesia's leader selects for his new cabinet, an announcement that could come as early as Sunday. Sunday's inauguration also comes a little over a week after his chief security minister was stabbed in an attack by two members of a local extremist outfit allied to the Islamic State group. The two suspects were arrested at the scene, while dozens of other suspected militants have since been detained in a nationwide dragnet following the assassination attempt on Wiranto, a former general who goes by one name. The 72-year-old is recovering in hospital. "Jokowi really listens to the people," Wiranto told reporters on Saturday in his first public appearance since the attack. "A good government is one that is responsive to the aspirations of its people." Jokowi's new term comes against the backdrop of fears that Indonesia's two-decades of democratic reforms are being eroded under the watch of a man once lauded by Time magazine as "A New Hope". He has been accused of creeping authoritarianism and his rights record was criticised over an uptick in discriminatory attacks on religious and other minorities. Choosing conservative cleric Amin as his vice president has also thrown Indonesia's reputation for tolerant Islam into question as religious hardliners become increasingly vocal. Jokowi's administration appeared caught off guard when thousands of students hit the streets in protests last month against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning premarital sex and what critics said would weaken the anti-graft agency. Several students died in the unrest and hundreds more were injured, sparking police brutality allegations. The criminal code reforms were delayed after the backlash, while Jokowi has so far held off moving on an earlier pledge to consider revising new changes to Indonesia's corruption buster, known as the KPK.

Indonesia's Jokowi kicks off fresh term after wave of crises

&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter&nbsp;security&nbsp;for state officials a day&nbsp;after&nbsp;a suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-islamic-state-terrorist-stabs-indonesian-security-minister-254936">Islamist militant stabbed the chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister</a> as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019.

Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many&nbsp;Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta&nbsp;after&nbsp;sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;after&nbsp;he opened a university building in Pandeglang town.

He was the first senior politician to be&nbsp;attacked in recent years and the&nbsp;president&nbsp;said he should be the last.

"Even when we already have&nbsp;security&nbsp;measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital&nbsp;after&nbsp;visiting the minister.

"He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister had asked to take part in government meetings.

Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors.

The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws&nbsp;after&nbsp;a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year.

The&nbsp;attack&nbsp;came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20.

Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;would not have an impact on the inauguration.

Wiranto has served as chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016.

A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents.

His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor.

Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town. Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019. Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta after sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the attack after he opened a university building in Pandeglang town. He was the first senior politician to be attacked in recent years and the president said he should be the last. "Even when we already have security measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital after visiting the minister. "He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the security minister had asked to take part in government meetings. Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors. The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws after a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year. The attack came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20. Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the attack would not have an impact on the inauguration. Wiranto has served as chief security minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016. A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents. His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor. Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President tightens security for ministers after attack

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesian</a> President Joko Widodo's decision to&nbsp;delay&nbsp;a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">criminalise&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and gay&nbsp;sex</a>&nbsp;was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new&nbsp;bill.

The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote&nbsp;delayed.

Critics warn the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape.

However, the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam.

"Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone.

He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;or same-sex&nbsp;relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect.

Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia.

The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation".

Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking.

Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just&nbsp;sex.

Rights groups welcomed the&nbsp;delay&nbsp;and urged the president to block the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;altogether.

An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd"&nbsp;bill&nbsp;had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening.

Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation.

Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said.

"Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill. The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote delayed. Critics warn the bill violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people. The bill also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape. However, the bill still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam. "Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone. He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from sex outside marriage or same-sex relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect. Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia. The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation". Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking. Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just sex. Rights groups welcomed the delay and urged the president to block the bill altogether. An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd" bill had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening. Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation. Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said. "Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Delay in bill criminalising sex outside marriage divides Indonesians

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry.

The proposed criminal code overhaul should get a closer look given the backlash, Widodo said, as he asked that parliament scrap a planned vote on the revisions before its session ends next week.

The mooted changes could affect millions in the world's biggest Muslim majority country, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock, or having an affair.

On Friday, the Australian embassy in Jakarta issued a fresh travel advisory for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308"> Indonesia</a>, warning that the legislation could put unmarried foreign tourists in the crosshairs.

"After hearing from various groups with objections to aspects of the law, I've decided that some of it needs further deliberation," the recently re-elected Widodo said in a televised press briefing.

"The justice minister has been told to convey my views to parliament and that ratification of the criminal code should be postponed and not passed" in the current session, he added.

Updating Indonesia's criminal code -- which stretches back to the Dutch colonial era -- has been debated for decades and appeared set to pass in 2018 before it fizzled.

A renewed push this year, backed by conservative Islamic groups, was met with a tidal wave of criticism from rights groups and ordinary citizens furious over what many saw as a draconian law that invaded the bedrooms of a nation with some 260 million people -- the fourth most populous on Earth.

An online petition calling for the bill to be scrapped garnered half a million signatures while hundreds of thousands took to social media to vent their frustration.

"It's crazy if this bill is passed, crazy! What is this country turning into?" movie director Joko Anwar tweeted to his 1.7 million followers.

The sweeping proposals call for a wider interpretation of Indonesia's blasphemy law, which has seen members of religious minority groups, including Christians and Buddhists, prosecuted in the past.

They also sought to criminalise "insulting" the president or vice president, which critics said would be a blow to free speech.

People who have pre-marital or extramarital sex could face between six months and one year in jail, as well as fines, under the mooted changes.

There were also penalties for anyone "showing or offering" contraception to minors under 18.

The revisions appeared to bar parents from teaching their children about sex or contraception in favour of authorised government workers.

"Sex education is important. Period," one woman wrote on Twitter.

"I'd rather go to jail than see my daughter raped by her boyfriend just because she doesn't know that sex has to be consensual." 
&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry. The proposed criminal code overhaul should get a closer look given the backlash, Widodo said, as he asked that parliament scrap a planned vote on the revisions before its session ends next week. The mooted changes could affect millions in the world's biggest Muslim majority country, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock, or having an affair. On Friday, the Australian embassy in Jakarta issued a fresh travel advisory for Indonesia, warning that the legislation could put unmarried foreign tourists in the crosshairs. "After hearing from various groups with objections to aspects of the law, I've decided that some of it needs further deliberation," the recently re-elected Widodo said in a televised press briefing. "The justice minister has been told to convey my views to parliament and that ratification of the criminal code should be postponed and not passed" in the current session, he added. Updating Indonesia's criminal code -- which stretches back to the Dutch colonial era -- has been debated for decades and appeared set to pass in 2018 before it fizzled. A renewed push this year, backed by conservative Islamic groups, was met with a tidal wave of criticism from rights groups and ordinary citizens furious over what many saw as a draconian law that invaded the bedrooms of a nation with some 260 million people -- the fourth most populous on Earth. An online petition calling for the bill to be scrapped garnered half a million signatures while hundreds of thousands took to social media to vent their frustration. "It's crazy if this bill is passed, crazy! What is this country turning into?" movie director Joko Anwar tweeted to his 1.7 million followers. The sweeping proposals call for a wider interpretation of Indonesia's blasphemy law, which has seen members of religious minority groups, including Christians and Buddhists, prosecuted in the past. They also sought to criminalise "insulting" the president or vice president, which critics said would be a blow to free speech. People who have pre-marital or extramarital sex could face between six months and one year in jail, as well as fines, under the mooted changes. There were also penalties for anyone "showing or offering" contraception to minors under 18. The revisions appeared to bar parents from teaching their children about sex or contraception in favour of authorised government workers. "Sex education is important. Period," one woman wrote on Twitter. "I'd rather go to jail than see my daughter raped by her boyfriend just because she doesn't know that sex has to be consensual."

Indonesia president delays law criminalising sex outside of marriage

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

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-it-is-winning-arms-race-against-us-despite-rocket-accident-242822">Indonesia&nbsp;has cut off&nbsp;internet&nbsp;access in eastern&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;</a>to prevent provocative posts online from fuelling violence after protesters torched buildings, a market and a prison over the mistreatment of students and perceived ethnic discrimination.

Police have flown in 1,200 additional officers to&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;to quell sometimes&nbsp;violent&nbsp;protests&nbsp;since Monday in several towns, including Timika - which stands near the giant Grasberg copper mine operated by Freeport McMoran's&nbsp;Indonesian unit - as well as Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-urges-calm-after-violent-protests-in-papua-cities-244160">Indonesia's chief security ministe</a>r, police chief, and military commander visited Sorong on Thursday to inspect where the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;erupted, but there no reports of fresh demonstrations there.

While a separatist movement has simmered for decades in&nbsp;Papua, with frequent complaints of rights abuses levelled against&nbsp;Indonesian security forces, the recent anger appears to be linked to racist slurs against&nbsp;Papuan students who were detained last week.

The students were arrested from their dormitory in the city of Surabaya in East Java after being accused of disrespecting the&nbsp;Indonesian flag during a celebration of&nbsp;Indonesia's Independence Day.

Indonesia's communication ministry has blocked access to telecommunication data and the internet&nbsp;to prevent&nbsp;Papuans from accessing social media since Wednesday night, though calls and text messages will still work, Ferdinandus Setu, the ministry spokesman said.

"This is an effort to&nbsp;curb&nbsp;hoax and most importantly stop people from sharing provocative messages that can incite racial hatred," he said, adding that the&nbsp;curb&nbsp;may be lifted "if the situation has calmed".

Police have arrested 20 people in Timika, where thousands of protesters threw rocks at a parliament building, houses, shops, and a hotel on Wednesday, Dedi Prasetyo, a national police spokesman said by telephone from Sorong.

No arrests have been made in other&nbsp;Papuan towns, Prasetyo said. 
Papua&nbsp;and West&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;provinces, the resource-rich western part of the island of New Guinea, were a Dutch colony that was incorporated into&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;after a widely criticised UN-backed referendum in 1969.

President Joko Widodo has been informed that the situation in&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;was under control, his Cabinet Secretariat said in a statement late on Wednesday.

Widodo has sought to ease tensions and improve welfare by building infrastructure in the provinces.

&nbsp;He has visited the restive region more frequently than any of his predecessors, and plans to go to Jayapura, the capital of&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;province, next month, to open a new bridge, the secretariat said.

Indonesia has cut off internet access in eastern Papua to prevent provocative posts online from fuelling violence after protesters torched buildings, a market and a prison over the mistreatment of students and perceived ethnic discrimination.

Indonesia has cut off internet access in eastern Papua to prevent provocative posts online from fuelling violence after protesters torched buildings, a market and a prison over the mistreatment of students and perceived ethnic discrimination. Police have flown in 1,200 additional officers to Papua to quell sometimes violent protests since Monday in several towns, including Timika - which stands near the giant Grasberg copper mine operated by Freeport McMoran's Indonesian unit - as well as Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak. Indonesia's chief security minister, police chief, and military commander visited Sorong on Thursday to inspect where the protests erupted, but there no reports of fresh demonstrations there. While a separatist movement has simmered for decades in Papua, with frequent complaints of rights abuses levelled against Indonesian security forces, the recent anger appears to be linked to racist slurs against Papuan students who were detained last week. The students were arrested from their dormitory in the city of Surabaya in East Java after being accused of disrespecting the Indonesian flag during a celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day. Indonesia's communication ministry has blocked access to telecommunication data and the internet to prevent Papuans from accessing social media since Wednesday night, though calls and text messages will still work, Ferdinandus Setu, the ministry spokesman said. "This is an effort to curb hoax and most importantly stop people from sharing provocative messages that can incite racial hatred," he said, adding that the curb may be lifted "if the situation has calmed". Police have arrested 20 people in Timika, where thousands of protesters threw rocks at a parliament building, houses, shops, and a hotel on Wednesday, Dedi Prasetyo, a national police spokesman said by telephone from Sorong. No arrests have been made in other Papuan towns, Prasetyo said. 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. President Joko Widodo has been informed that the situation in Papua was under control, his Cabinet Secretariat said in a statement late on Wednesday. Widodo has sought to ease tensions and improve welfare by building infrastructure in the provinces. He has visited the restive region more frequently than any of his predecessors, and plans to go to Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, next month, to open a new bridge, the secretariat said.

Indonesia blocks internet in Papua to help curb violent protests

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday sought to ease tension after violent protests in several cities in Papua in response to claims of racist abuse and physical mistreatment of students from the country's easternmost region.

His chief security minister, Wiranto, also pledged a "complete and fair" investigation into incidents in East Java that triggered the protests and in Papua, saying the situation in Papua had been contained.

A separatist movement has simmered for decades in Papua, where there have been frequent complaints of rights abuses by Indonesian security forces.

The latest protest appears to have been sparked off by the detention of Papuan students in the East Java city of Surabaya accused of bending a flagpole in front of a dormitory during Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, activists say.

Police fired tear gas into the dormitory before arresting 43 students, Albert Mungguar, an activist, told a news conference on Sunday. He said the students, who were released the same day without charge, had been called "monkeys" during the operation.

Thousands of Papuans protested in the cities of Manokwari and Sorong, blocking streets by burning tyres and tree branches.

Papuans were angry because of "the extremely racist words used by East Java people, the police and military", Papua Governor Lukas Enembe told broadcaster TVone.

In Manokwari, the capital of West Papua province, protesters set fire to parliament and office buildings, pulled down power poles and burnt vehicles, Deputy Governor Mohamad Lakotani said by telephone.

Protesters entered the airport in Sorong and destroyed some facilities, state news agency Antara said.

Widodo called for calm in Papua and urged people not to damage public facilities.

"It's okay to be emotional, but it's better to be forgiving," he told reporters at the presidential palace, a television broadcast showed. "Patience is also better."

Lakotani, who met protesters in Manokwari, said Papuans demanded an apology for the slur against the students, as well as protection for anyone studying across the archipelago.

"We apologise because this does not represent the voice of the people of East Java," the province's governor, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, said in a televised statement and called the slur "someone's personal outburst of emotion".

Large crowds also took to the streets of Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, though the protest appeared peaceful in television images.

Papua police spokesman Ahmad Kamal said by telephone 500 people were involved in the Jayapura demonstration.

"It's been a while since I saw West Papuans this angry," Veronica Koman, a human rights lawyer who focuses on Papua, said on Twitter. "The liberation movement is entering a new chapter."

Koman posted videos on Twitter of protesters crying, "Free Papua" and a group of teenagers carrying a Morning Star flag, a banned symbol used by independence supporters.

Papua and West Papua provinces, the resource-rich western part of the island of New Guinea, make up a former Dutch colony that was incorporated into Indonesia after a widely criticised UN-backed referendum in 1969.

President Joko Widodo has sought to ease tension in the restive region with steps such as building the Trans Papua highway to spur economic activity and boost welfare.

However, unrest has persisted and separatists killed a group of construction workers in December 2018, triggering a military crackdown that displaced thousands in the Nduga area. 
&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday sought to ease tension after violent protests in several cities in Papua in response to claims of racist abuse and physical mistreatment of students from the country's easternmost region.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday sought to ease tension after violent protests in several cities in Papua in response to claims of racist abuse and physical mistreatment of students from the country's easternmost region. His chief security minister, Wiranto, also pledged a "complete and fair" investigation into incidents in East Java that triggered the protests and in Papua, saying the situation in Papua had been contained. A separatist movement has simmered for decades in Papua, where there have been frequent complaints of rights abuses by Indonesian security forces. The latest protest appears to have been sparked off by the detention of Papuan students in the East Java city of Surabaya accused of bending a flagpole in front of a dormitory during Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, activists say. Police fired tear gas into the dormitory before arresting 43 students, Albert Mungguar, an activist, told a news conference on Sunday. He said the students, who were released the same day without charge, had been called "monkeys" during the operation. Thousands of Papuans protested in the cities of Manokwari and Sorong, blocking streets by burning tyres and tree branches. Papuans were angry because of "the extremely racist words used by East Java people, the police and military", Papua Governor Lukas Enembe told broadcaster TVone. In Manokwari, the capital of West Papua province, protesters set fire to parliament and office buildings, pulled down power poles and burnt vehicles, Deputy Governor Mohamad Lakotani said by telephone. Protesters entered the airport in Sorong and destroyed some facilities, state news agency Antara said. Widodo called for calm in Papua and urged people not to damage public facilities. "It's okay to be emotional, but it's better to be forgiving," he told reporters at the presidential palace, a television broadcast showed. "Patience is also better." Lakotani, who met protesters in Manokwari, said Papuans demanded an apology for the slur against the students, as well as protection for anyone studying across the archipelago. "We apologise because this does not represent the voice of the people of East Java," the province's governor, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, said in a televised statement and called the slur "someone's personal outburst of emotion". Large crowds also took to the streets of Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, though the protest appeared peaceful in television images. Papua police spokesman Ahmad Kamal said by telephone 500 people were involved in the Jayapura demonstration. "It's been a while since I saw West Papuans this angry," Veronica Koman, a human rights lawyer who focuses on Papua, said on Twitter. "The liberation movement is entering a new chapter." Koman posted videos on Twitter of protesters crying, "Free Papua" and a group of teenagers carrying a Morning Star flag, a banned symbol used by independence supporters. Papua and West Papua provinces, the resource-rich western part of the island of New Guinea, make up a former Dutch colony that was incorporated into Indonesia after a widely criticised UN-backed referendum in 1969. President Joko Widodo has sought to ease tension in the restive region with steps such as building the Trans Papua highway to spur economic activity and boost welfare. However, unrest has persisted and separatists killed a group of construction workers in December 2018, triggering a military crackdown that displaced thousands in the Nduga area.

Indonesia president urges calm after violent protests in Papua cities

Police regain control in Indonesia's Papua region after protests

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

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

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

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

Indonesian president sued over congested capital's air pollution

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

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

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

India, Indonesia set $50 billion trade target by 2025

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-us-china-high-stakes-bilateral-meeting-gets-underway-in-osaka-231356">G20 Summit: Trump says open to 'historic' trade deal with China</a>

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was ready for a "historic" deal with China as he kicked off a hotly awaited meeting with China's Xi Jinping, with the world watching to see if they can strike a deal over their long-running trade war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-offers-to-meet-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-at-dmz-this-weekend-231334">'I would meet Kim at demilitarised zone to shake hand, say hello', tweets Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would like to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this weekend at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on the border of North and South Korea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-indonesian-presdient-joko-widodo-brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231351">PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Indonesia, Brazil leaders at G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-14-dead-after-wall-collapses-in-punes-kondhwa-area-231340">Four children among 17 dead after wall collapse in Pune's Kondhwa area</a>

Four children and a woman among 17 dead on Saturday following a wall collapse in Pune's Kondhwa area.

The compound wall collapsed around 1.45 am on Friday night in the Kondhawa area, an official said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-doing-spectacular-job-donald-trump-231336">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman doing 'spectacular job': Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump Saturday praised Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying he was doing a "spectacular job" as the pair met on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

G20 Summit: Trump says open to 'historic' trade deal with China US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was ready for a "historic" deal with China as he kicked off a hotly awaited meeting with China's Xi Jinping, with the world watching to see if they can strike a deal over their long-running trade war.

G20 Summit: Trump says open to 'historic' trade deal with China US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was ready for a "historic" deal with China as he kicked off a hotly awaited meeting with China's Xi Jinping, with the world watching to see if they can strike a deal over their long-running trade war. 'I would meet Kim at demilitarised zone to shake hand, say hello', tweets Trump US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would like to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this weekend at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on the border of North and South Korea. PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Indonesia, Brazil leaders at G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka. Four children among 17 dead after wall collapse in Pune's Kondhwa area Four children and a woman among 17 dead on Saturday following a wall collapse in Pune's Kondhwa area. The compound wall collapsed around 1.45 am on Friday night in the Kondhawa area, an official said. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman doing 'spectacular job': Donald Trump US President Donald Trump Saturday praised Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying he was doing a "spectacular job" as the pair met on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-world-leaders-at-g20-pm-modi-discusses-indo-pacific-terrorism-situation-in-gulf-231173">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka.

''Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade &amp; investment, defence, maritime, space &amp; exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision,'' External Affairs Ministry's spokesperson Raveesh Kumar wrote on Twitter.

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Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a productive meeting with Indonesian President <a href="https://twitter.com/jokowi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jokowi</a> on margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade &amp; investment, defence, maritime, space &amp; exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision. <a href="https://t.co/ntAwbGJ9MC">pic.twitter.com/ntAwbGJ9MC</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1144766778339315712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''Deepening the close &amp; multifaceted strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi &amp; Brazilian President @jairbolsonaro held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade &amp; investment, agriculture &amp; bio-fuels in the context of climate change,'' Raveesh Kumar wrote in another tweet.

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Deepening the close &amp; multifaceted strategic partnership 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; Brazilian President <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jairbolsonaro</a> held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade &amp; investment, agriculture &amp; bio-fuels in the context of climate change. <a href="https://t.co/JDCO9Dyf2m">pic.twitter.com/JDCO9Dyf2m</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1144773441691643904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi and Indonesian president congratulated each other for the recent election victory in their respective countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-global-leaders-at-g20-discusses-oil-prices-with-saudi-crown-prince-231298">PM Modi along with other world leaders</a> also joined an event on women empowerment on the final day of Summit.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi holds over 10 meetings, raises trade issue with world leaders

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-pm-modi-holds-over-10-meetings-raises-trade-issue-with-world-leaders-231352/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

PM Modi is scheduled to hold more bilateral talks with other leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Australian PM Scott Morrison before he leaves for India.

Yesterday, PM Modi met with&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka. ''Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade & investment, defence, maritime, space & exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision,'' External Affairs Ministry's spokesperson Raveesh Kumar wrote on Twitter. Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade & investment, defence, maritime, space & exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision. pic.twitter.com/ntAwbGJ9MC — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 29, 2019 × ''Deepening the close & multifaceted strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi & Brazilian President @jairbolsonaro held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade & investment, agriculture & bio-fuels in the context of climate change,'' Raveesh Kumar wrote in another tweet. Deepening the close & multifaceted strategic partnership PM @narendramodi & Brazilian President @jairbolsonaro held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade & investment, agriculture & bio-fuels in the context of climate change. pic.twitter.com/JDCO9Dyf2m — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 29, 2019 × PM Modi and Indonesian president congratulated each other for the recent election victory in their respective countries. PM Modi along with other world leaders also joined an event on women empowerment on the final day of Summit. Watch: PM Modi holds over 10 meetings, raises trade issue with world leaders PM Modi is scheduled to hold more bilateral talks with other leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Australian PM Scott Morrison before he leaves for India. Yesterday, PM Modi met with US President Donald Trump, he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Indonesia, Brazil leaders at G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka

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

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

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

Indonesia court rejects bid to overturn President Widodo's victory

Lawyers for Indonesia's opposition leader called on Friday for President Joko Widodo's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-indonesias-widodo-seeks-a-second-term-rural-voters-have-some-doubts-210297">election victory</a> to be annulled, telling the Constitutional Court it had been achieved through "systematic electoral fraud and abuse of power".

The demand came as the court began a hearing into complaints from defeated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-presidential-election-prabowo-subianto-vs-joko-widodo-209329">presidential election </a>candidate Prabowo Subianto, a retired general with strong support among conservative Muslims, who has refused to concede defeat.

Official results released by the General Election Commission last month showed Widodo had beaten Prabowo by 11 percentage points to win more than 55 per cent of votes in the April 17 poll.

The dispute has brought weeks of uncertainty and deadly protests in the world's third-largest democracy.

"We are filing a lawsuit against the General Election Commission, demanding that it annul its decision on the result of the presidential election," Bambang Widjojanto, the chief lawyer representing Prabowo, told the court.

Prabowo and his campaign team want the Constitutional Court to annul the election, disqualify Widodo and his running mate as candidates or hold another election.

The court is expected to deliver a verdict by June 28.

Widodo has not commented on his rival's accusations of cheating, saying everyone must respect the legal process.

The election agency has said there was no evidence of systematic cheating and independent observers have said the poll was free and fair.

Clashes broke out between Prabowo's supporters and police in the heart of the capital, Jakarta, last month after the official result was announced and eight people were killed and more than 900 injured.

Police have arrested dozens of suspected instigators of the rioting, including a close Prabowo ally accused of orchestrating assassination plots against top government officials.

This week, Prabowo, who has warned of "people power" protests, urged supporters to remain calm through the Constitutional Court proceedings.

About 17,000 police and military personnel have been deployed to prevent a repeat of last month's unrest while the court deliberates.

There was a small, peaceful protest by opposition supporters near the heavily protected court. Some protesters held placards saying "We demand justice!"

Prabowo's legal team pointed to issues with Widodo's campaign financing and use of state apparatus as a campaign tool, saying the election result came about because of "illegal actions, fraud and abuse of power which are structured, systematic and massive".

Prabowo's team also said police and military personnel had been "pressured" to vote for Widodo and the government increased civil servants' salaries as an attempt to buy votes.

Legal representatives for the election agency and Widodo's campaign team were at the hearing.

"There are more theories and assumptions stated in their case than facts ... We can refute all of them," said the chief lawyer representing Widodo, Yusril Mahendra.

The next hearing is on Tuesday.

Lawyers for Indonesia's opposition leader called on Friday for President Joko Widodo's election victory to be annulled, telling the Constitutional Court it had been achieved through "systematic electoral fraud and abuse of power".

Lawyers for Indonesia's opposition leader called on Friday for President Joko Widodo's election victory to be annulled, telling the Constitutional Court it had been achieved through "systematic electoral fraud and abuse of power". The demand came as the court began a hearing into complaints from defeated presidential election candidate Prabowo Subianto, a retired general with strong support among conservative Muslims, who has refused to concede defeat. Official results released by the General Election Commission last month showed Widodo had beaten Prabowo by 11 percentage points to win more than 55 per cent of votes in the April 17 poll. The dispute has brought weeks of uncertainty and deadly protests in the world's third-largest democracy. "We are filing a lawsuit against the General Election Commission, demanding that it annul its decision on the result of the presidential election," Bambang Widjojanto, the chief lawyer representing Prabowo, told the court. Prabowo and his campaign team want the Constitutional Court to annul the election, disqualify Widodo and his running mate as candidates or hold another election. The court is expected to deliver a verdict by June 28. Widodo has not commented on his rival's accusations of cheating, saying everyone must respect the legal process. The election agency has said there was no evidence of systematic cheating and independent observers have said the poll was free and fair. Clashes broke out between Prabowo's supporters and police in the heart of the capital, Jakarta, last month after the official result was announced and eight people were killed and more than 900 injured. Police have arrested dozens of suspected instigators of the rioting, including a close Prabowo ally accused of orchestrating assassination plots against top government officials. This week, Prabowo, who has warned of "people power" protests, urged supporters to remain calm through the Constitutional Court proceedings. About 17,000 police and military personnel have been deployed to prevent a repeat of last month's unrest while the court deliberates. There was a small, peaceful protest by opposition supporters near the heavily protected court. Some protesters held placards saying "We demand justice!" Prabowo's legal team pointed to issues with Widodo's campaign financing and use of state apparatus as a campaign tool, saying the election result came about because of "illegal actions, fraud and abuse of power which are structured, systematic and massive". Prabowo's team also said police and military personnel had been "pressured" to vote for Widodo and the government increased civil servants' salaries as an attempt to buy votes. Legal representatives for the election agency and Widodo's campaign team were at the hearing. "There are more theories and assumptions stated in their case than facts ... We can refute all of them," said the chief lawyer representing Widodo, Yusril Mahendra. The next hearing is on Tuesday.

Indonesian opposition demands that court annuls election

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

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

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

Indonesia lifts social media curbs targeting hoaxes during recent unrest

Defeated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-presidential-candidate-prabowo-subianto-to-challenge-poll-result-in-constitutional-court-220292">Indonesian&nbsp;presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto </a>is&nbsp;set&nbsp;to lodge a&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to the&nbsp;result&nbsp;of the April 17&nbsp;election&nbsp;in the Constitutional&nbsp;Court&nbsp;on Friday after complaining that the vote was rigged.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-joko-widodo-wins-second-term-as-president-220251">Joko Widodo</a> won 55.5% of votes in the poll to lead the world's third-biggest democracy, beating retired general Prabowo, who got 44.5%, the General&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Commission (KPU) said on Tuesday.

After the announcement, Prabowo repeated earlier claims that there had been widespread cheating in favour of the incumbent and thousands of his supporters demonstrated in the capital this week to protest against the&nbsp;result.

Eight people were killed, including three teenagers, while 737 were hurt in two nights of rioting, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said.

The&nbsp;election&nbsp;agency has said there was no evidence of systematic cheating and independent observers have said the poll was free and fair.

"The process of submitting the dispute lawsuit and other legal efforts are steps to ensure that we can carry&nbsp;election&nbsp;results that are free and fair," Prabowo's running mate, Sandiaga Uno, told reporters.

He said people had "witnessed with their own eyes" that the polls were unfair.

An exit poll conducted by pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia on&nbsp;election&nbsp;day showed that 94% of voters believed the&nbsp;election&nbsp;had been free and fair.

Police have arrested hundreds of people accused of taking part in the riots or provoking violence, two of whom were members of a militant group that had pledged support for Islamic State, national police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal said.

Police had also found envelopes containing money, suggesting instigators had paid some of the rioters, Iqbal said, adding that tests showed some of the suspects had taken the stimulant methamphetamine.

Dozens of protesters started to gather near the Constitutional&nbsp;Court&nbsp;on Friday afternoon in anticipation of Prabowo's arrival.

Widodo has warned of tough action against those instigating riots, while Prabowo has called for peaceful protests and restraint.

Jusuf Kalla, Widodo's vice president, met Prabowo on Thursday, Prabowo's campaign team said without elaborating.

The&nbsp;court&nbsp;expects to hold a first hearing on the dispute after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which is in the first week of June, and to deliver a verdict on June 28, spokesman Fajar Laksono said.

Prabowo also lost the 2014 presidential&nbsp;election&nbsp;to Widodo by a slimmer margin and had objected to that&nbsp;result, lodging a complaint with the Constitutional&nbsp;Court&nbsp;that was rejected.

The government has deployed 58,000 police and soldiers across Jakarta to maintain security and put temporary blocks on some social media to prevent unrest sparked by fake news.

Defeated Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto is set to lodge a challenge to the result of the April 17 election in the Constitutional Court on Friday after complaining that the vote was rigged.

Defeated Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto is set to lodge a challenge to the result of the April 17 election in the Constitutional Court on Friday after complaining that the vote was rigged. President Joko Widodo won 55.5% of votes in the poll to lead the world's third-biggest democracy, beating retired general Prabowo, who got 44.5%, the General Election Commission (KPU) said on Tuesday. After the announcement, Prabowo repeated earlier claims that there had been widespread cheating in favour of the incumbent and thousands of his supporters demonstrated in the capital this week to protest against the result. Eight people were killed, including three teenagers, while 737 were hurt in two nights of rioting, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said. The election agency has said there was no evidence of systematic cheating and independent observers have said the poll was free and fair. "The process of submitting the dispute lawsuit and other legal efforts are steps to ensure that we can carry election results that are free and fair," Prabowo's running mate, Sandiaga Uno, told reporters. He said people had "witnessed with their own eyes" that the polls were unfair. An exit poll conducted by pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia on election day showed that 94% of voters believed the election had been free and fair. Police have arrested hundreds of people accused of taking part in the riots or provoking violence, two of whom were members of a militant group that had pledged support for Islamic State, national police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal said. Police had also found envelopes containing money, suggesting instigators had paid some of the rioters, Iqbal said, adding that tests showed some of the suspects had taken the stimulant methamphetamine. Dozens of protesters started to gather near the Constitutional Court on Friday afternoon in anticipation of Prabowo's arrival. Widodo has warned of tough action against those instigating riots, while Prabowo has called for peaceful protests and restraint. Jusuf Kalla, Widodo's vice president, met Prabowo on Thursday, Prabowo's campaign team said without elaborating. The court expects to hold a first hearing on the dispute after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which is in the first week of June, and to deliver a verdict on June 28, spokesman Fajar Laksono said. Prabowo also lost the 2014 presidential election to Widodo by a slimmer margin and had objected to that result, lodging a complaint with the Constitutional Court that was rejected. The government has deployed 58,000 police and soldiers across Jakarta to maintain security and put temporary blocks on some social media to prevent unrest sparked by fake news.

Indonesian opposition set to challenge election result in court

Tens of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-police-arrest-at-least-20-amid-post-election-violence-220535">Indonesian military and police </a>were deployed on the streets of Jakarta Thursday, as a deadline approached for a presidential challenger to file an appeal over claims of widespread cheating in last month's election.

At least seven people were killed -- including a 17-year old high school student -- after two nights of rioting in the capital as police clashed with protesters opposed to the re-election of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-joko-widodo-wins-second-term-as-president-220251/amp">President Joko Widodo.</a>

The violence has been fanned by claims from Widodo's rival Prabowo Subianto, a retired general, that the April 17 poll was a fraud.

Indonesia's election commission on Tuesday confirmed Widodo had beaten Subianto, who has until Friday to challenge the results at the Constitutional Court.

The 67-year-old has appealed for calm and said he would pursue legal channels, as he did, unsuccessfully, against Widodo in the 2014 election.

Election officials and analysts have discounted Subianto's claims of rampant cheating in the world's third-biggest democracy, after India and the United States.

Nearly 60,000 security personnel were deployed Thursday, nearly double the previous number, after Widodo vowed that he "won't tolerate" more riots.

The government has also partly blocked access to social media -- including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram -- in a bid to clamp down on fake news and hoaxes linked to the violence.

That moves come after fresh skirmishes erupted late Wednesday outside the election supervisory agency's office in the heart of the city, with thousands of protesters chanting and waving Indonesian flags.

Some hurled stones, fireworks and molotov cocktails at riot police who lined up behind a razor wire barricade near the election supervisory agency building, where a police post was torched.

Police pushed back the main group of rioters after firing tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators.

Indonesia's capital been gripped by bigger demonstrations in the past, but the level of violence in this week's clashes has not been seen in years.

Authorities said the violence was orchestrated by people who came to Jakarta to stir up trouble.

But they've given few details about the circumstances of how the seven died or who was responsible, earlier saying that they had gunshot or blunt force wounds. Authorities denied firing live rounds into the crowd.&nbsp;

Nine officers had been injured, police said, but they did not give details of wounded protesters thought to number in the hundreds.

On Thursday, National Police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal said two of about 300 arrested suspects were linked to a hard line organisation that had once pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Local media this year speculated about a connection between the founder of that local organisation and Subianto, after he lent his car to the politician's campaign team.

Elsewhere, smaller poll protests were held in Sumatra's Medan city this week and in Pontianak on Borneo island, where over 500 demonstrators armed with stones and firecrackers blocked roads, damaged vehicles and set two police posts alight, local police said.

Tens of thousands of Indonesian military and police were deployed on the streets of Jakarta Thursday, as a deadline approached for a presidential challenger to file an appeal over claims of widespread cheating in last month's election.

Tens of thousands of Indonesian military and police were deployed on the streets of Jakarta Thursday, as a deadline approached for a presidential challenger to file an appeal over claims of widespread cheating in last month's election. At least seven people were killed -- including a 17-year old high school student -- after two nights of rioting in the capital as police clashed with protesters opposed to the re-election of President Joko Widodo. The violence has been fanned by claims from Widodo's rival Prabowo Subianto, a retired general, that the April 17 poll was a fraud. Indonesia's election commission on Tuesday confirmed Widodo had beaten Subianto, who has until Friday to challenge the results at the Constitutional Court. The 67-year-old has appealed for calm and said he would pursue legal channels, as he did, unsuccessfully, against Widodo in the 2014 election. Election officials and analysts have discounted Subianto's claims of rampant cheating in the world's third-biggest democracy, after India and the United States. Nearly 60,000 security personnel were deployed Thursday, nearly double the previous number, after Widodo vowed that he "won't tolerate" more riots. The government has also partly blocked access to social media -- including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram -- in a bid to clamp down on fake news and hoaxes linked to the violence. That moves come after fresh skirmishes erupted late Wednesday outside the election supervisory agency's office in the heart of the city, with thousands of protesters chanting and waving Indonesian flags. Some hurled stones, fireworks and molotov cocktails at riot police who lined up behind a razor wire barricade near the election supervisory agency building, where a police post was torched. Police pushed back the main group of rioters after firing tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators. Indonesia's capital been gripped by bigger demonstrations in the past, but the level of violence in this week's clashes has not been seen in years. Authorities said the violence was orchestrated by people who came to Jakarta to stir up trouble. But they've given few details about the circumstances of how the seven died or who was responsible, earlier saying that they had gunshot or blunt force wounds. Authorities denied firing live rounds into the crowd. Nine officers had been injured, police said, but they did not give details of wounded protesters thought to number in the hundreds. On Thursday, National Police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal said two of about 300 arrested suspects were linked to a hard line organisation that had once pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. Local media this year speculated about a connection between the founder of that local organisation and Subianto, after he lent his car to the politician's campaign team. Elsewhere, smaller poll protests were held in Sumatra's Medan city this week and in Pontianak on Borneo island, where over 500 demonstrators armed with stones and firecrackers blocked roads, damaged vehicles and set two police posts alight, local police said.

Indonesian troops flood Jakarta streets after post-election riots

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

Indonesian police fire tear gas to disperse protesters

Indonesian police have arrested at least 20 people accused of provoking riots in Jakarta following official results showing President Joko Widodo had been re-elected, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.

Television footage on Wednesday showed smoke billowing from behind dozens of protesters who were dancing in the street in the Tanah Abang district of central Jakarta.

A separate crowd in front of the election supervisory body threw rocks at police, a Reuters witness said.

The General Election Commission (KPU) on Tuesday confirmed unofficial counts by private pollsters in the April 17 election, which gave Widodo a 55.5% share of votes against 44.5% for his opponent, former general Prabowo Subianto.

Widodo won more than 85 million votes of a total of 154 million cast in the world's third-largest democracy, but Prabowo told reporters he believed there had been widespread cheating and about 1,000 supporters gathered in Jakarta a day earlier.

On Monday, an election supervisory agency dismissed claims of systematic cheating, citing a lack of evidence. Independent observers have said the poll was free and fair.

Protests that started peacefully on Tuesday turned violent in the evening, forcing police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd. Cars parked near an apartment housing the police's mobile brigade were set ablaze, media reported.

"As of now, police have arrested more than 20 people we thought were the provocateurs and who did other crimes," said police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo.

Prasetyo said police were checking on reports of casualties, but stressed that security officers on the ground, which include military personnel, were not equipped with live bullets.

News website Tirto reported a man died of bullet wounds in Tanah Abang, quoting a doctor at a hospital near the site.

Indonesian authorities have said 40,000 police and army personnel were on duty across Jakarta in a bid to maintain security.

Indonesian police have arrested at least 20 people accused of provoking riots in Jakarta following official results showing President Joko Widodo had been re-elected, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.

Indonesian police have arrested at least 20 people accused of provoking riots in Jakarta following official results showing President Joko Widodo had been re-elected, a police spokesman said on Wednesday. Television footage on Wednesday showed smoke billowing from behind dozens of protesters who were dancing in the street in the Tanah Abang district of central Jakarta. A separate crowd in front of the election supervisory body threw rocks at police, a Reuters witness said. The General Election Commission (KPU) on Tuesday confirmed unofficial counts by private pollsters in the April 17 election, which gave Widodo a 55.5% share of votes against 44.5% for his opponent, former general Prabowo Subianto. Widodo won more than 85 million votes of a total of 154 million cast in the world's third-largest democracy, but Prabowo told reporters he believed there had been widespread cheating and about 1,000 supporters gathered in Jakarta a day earlier. On Monday, an election supervisory agency dismissed claims of systematic cheating, citing a lack of evidence. Independent observers have said the poll was free and fair. Protests that started peacefully on Tuesday turned violent in the evening, forcing police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd. Cars parked near an apartment housing the police's mobile brigade were set ablaze, media reported. "As of now, police have arrested more than 20 people we thought were the provocateurs and who did other crimes," said police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo. Prasetyo said police were checking on reports of casualties, but stressed that security officers on the ground, which include military personnel, were not equipped with live bullets. News website Tirto reported a man died of bullet wounds in Tanah Abang, quoting a doctor at a hospital near the site. Indonesian authorities have said 40,000 police and army personnel were on duty across Jakarta in a bid to maintain security.

Indonesian police arrest at least 20 amid post-election violence

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

Indonesia election: Joko Widodo re-elected as Indonesian President

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto is to challenge the official election result in the Constitutional Court, campaign team official Sufmi Dasco said on Tuesday.

The retired general lost last month's presidential election to incumbent President Joko Widodo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-joko-widodo-wins-second-term-as-president-220251">Joko Widodo won another term as president</a> of the world's third-biggest democracy, official results showed Tuesday.

Widodo and his vice-presidential running mate Ma'ruf Amin won the election by a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 per cent margin over Subianto and Sandiaga Uno, the commission said.

Some 85.6 million Indonesians cast their ballot in favour of Widodo out of about 154 million voters, it added.

Subianto lost 2014 presidential bid to Widodo, which he unsuccessfully challenged in court.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto is to challenge the official election result in the Constitutional Court, campaign team official Sufmi Dasco said on Tuesday.

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto is to challenge the official election result in the Constitutional Court, campaign team official Sufmi Dasco said on Tuesday. The retired general lost last month's presidential election to incumbent President Joko Widodo. Joko Widodo won another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy, official results showed Tuesday. Widodo and his vice-presidential running mate Ma'ruf Amin won the election by a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 per cent margin over Subianto and Sandiaga Uno, the commission said. Some 85.6 million Indonesians cast their ballot in favour of Widodo out of about 154 million voters, it added. Subianto lost 2014 presidential bid to Widodo, which he unsuccessfully challenged in court. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto to challenge poll result in Constitutional Court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-says-to-go-all-out-in-second-term-to-boost-economic-reform-217194">Indonesia's Joko Widodo</a> won another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy, official results showed Tuesday, after his rival Prabowo Subianto, a retired general, alleged widespread cheating.

The elections commission was expected to announce the final tally of the April 17 poll on Wednesday in the Southeast Asian nation of 260 million.

But amid fears about unrest and street demonstrations in response to the final count, the official result was released early with little advance notice.

Widodo and his vice-presidential running mate Ma'ruf Amin won the election by a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 per cent margin over Subianto and Sandiaga Uno, the commission said.

Some 85.6 million Indonesians cast their ballot in favour of Widodo out of about 154 million voters, it added.

"This ruling... will be effective immediately," the commission's chair Arief Budiman said in a live-streamed announcement that was broadcast on major media.

Widodo, 57, had been widely predicted to win according to unofficial results.

But Subianto, 67, has vowed to challenge any victory for his rival, alleging widespread voter fraud and cheating, and warned that it could spark street protests across the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation.

Widodo held off declaring victory after unofficial results emerged last month as Subianto insisted he was the archipelago's next leader.

'Won't surrender

Subianto lost a 2014 presidential bid to Widodo, which he unsuccessfully challenged in court.

It was not immediately clear if Subianto would formally challenge the results announced Tuesday.

However, Azis Subekti, a witness for Subianto's camp, refused to sign and validate the official election results.

"We won't surrender in our fight against injustice, fraud and abuse," he was quoted as saying by Indonesia's Detik.com.

Some 32,000 security personnel were being deployed across the capital Jakarta, including in front of the elections commission's downtown office, which has been barricaded with razor wire.

Tensions have also been high since police said Friday that dozens of Islamic State-linked terror suspects have been arrested -- including some who had allegedly planned to detonate bombs at political demonstrations after the election results announcement.

Last month, Indonesia held its biggest-ever election, a massive one-day poll with more than 190 million registered voters and a record 245,000 candidates vying for the presidency, parliamentary seats and local legislator positions.

Election officials have discounted claims that the result was affected by voter fraud and widespread cheating.

"The scale of abuses and errors in the conduct of the election are clearly very minor overall," Jakarta-based political analyst Kevin O'Rourke said before Tuesday's official results.

"(Subianto) and his camp are harping on minor deficiencies and very micro problems, clearly in an attempt to sway public opinion and delegitimise Widodo."

This year's campaign was punctuated by bitter mudslinging and a slew of fake news online -- much of it directed at the presidential contenders.

Subianto -- who has strong ties to the Suharto dictatorship that collapsed in 1998 -- was pilloried online for his refusal to concede and over his claims to have won the poll.

Indonesia's Joko Widodo won another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy, official results showed Tuesday, after his rival Prabowo Subianto, a retired general, alleged widespread cheating.

Indonesia's Joko Widodo won another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy, official results showed Tuesday, after his rival Prabowo Subianto, a retired general, alleged widespread cheating. The elections commission was expected to announce the final tally of the April 17 poll on Wednesday in the Southeast Asian nation of 260 million. But amid fears about unrest and street demonstrations in response to the final count, the official result was released early with little advance notice. Widodo and his vice-presidential running mate Ma'ruf Amin won the election by a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 per cent margin over Subianto and Sandiaga Uno, the commission said. Some 85.6 million Indonesians cast their ballot in favour of Widodo out of about 154 million voters, it added. "This ruling... will be effective immediately," the commission's chair Arief Budiman said in a live-streamed announcement that was broadcast on major media. Widodo, 57, had been widely predicted to win according to unofficial results. But Subianto, 67, has vowed to challenge any victory for his rival, alleging widespread voter fraud and cheating, and warned that it could spark street protests across the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation. Widodo held off declaring victory after unofficial results emerged last month as Subianto insisted he was the archipelago's next leader. 'Won't surrender Subianto lost a 2014 presidential bid to Widodo, which he unsuccessfully challenged in court. It was not immediately clear if Subianto would formally challenge the results announced Tuesday. However, Azis Subekti, a witness for Subianto's camp, refused to sign and validate the official election results. "We won't surrender in our fight against injustice, fraud and abuse," he was quoted as saying by Indonesia's Detik.com. Some 32,000 security personnel were being deployed across the capital Jakarta, including in front of the elections commission's downtown office, which has been barricaded with razor wire. Tensions have also been high since police said Friday that dozens of Islamic State-linked terror suspects have been arrested -- including some who had allegedly planned to detonate bombs at political demonstrations after the election results announcement. Last month, Indonesia held its biggest-ever election, a massive one-day poll with more than 190 million registered voters and a record 245,000 candidates vying for the presidency, parliamentary seats and local legislator positions. Election officials have discounted claims that the result was affected by voter fraud and widespread cheating. "The scale of abuses and errors in the conduct of the election are clearly very minor overall," Jakarta-based political analyst Kevin O'Rourke said before Tuesday's official results. "(Subianto) and his camp are harping on minor deficiencies and very micro problems, clearly in an attempt to sway public opinion and delegitimise Widodo." This year's campaign was punctuated by bitter mudslinging and a slew of fake news online -- much of it directed at the presidential contenders. Subianto -- who has strong ties to the Suharto dictatorship that collapsed in 1998 -- was pilloried online for his refusal to concede and over his claims to have won the poll.

Indonesia's Joko Widodo wins second term as president

Police rolled out more barbed wire on Monday to tighten security outside Indonesia's election agency and readied armoured trucks and water cannons to quell any civil unrest when official results of a presidential poll are released this week.

With the General Election Commission (KPU) set to declare its count from last month's election by Wednesday, authorities have detained dozens of militant Islamists suspected of planning attacks to create mayhem during demonstrations.

The result is expected to confirm unofficial counts by private pollsters that put incumbent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-joko-widodo-says-may-reshuffle-cabinet-before-second-term-214310">President Joko Widodo</a> about 10 percentage points ahead of challenger Prabowo Subianto.

Although independent observers and analysts have said the poll was free and fair, Prabowo has refused to concede defeat, with his campaign team making accusations of "massive cheating and irregularities" during the vote and vote-counting.

The retired general has said the situation could trigger "people power"-style protests, while the government and police have urged protesters to keep the peace and vowed action against anyone stirring unrest.

Indonesia's election supervisory panel has dismissed two official complaints of election cheating, on grounds of insufficient evidence of violations.

Heavily armed security stood guard outside the election commission in central Jakarta, some accompanied by police dogs.

Last week, chief security minister Wiranto ordered police and military across Indonesia to prevent people from travelling to Jakarta en masse to join protests.

In East Java province, more than 1,200 Prabowo supporters were stopped from travelling to the capital.

"These people were attempting to travel by bus, car and train to join the rallies on May 22," said East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera. "We prevented them."

Indonesia's biggest Islamic group, Nahdlatul Ulama, has also urged people to avoid rallies, saying its mosques would not accommodate protesters from outside the capital, except for prayers, media said.

The national police, who report directly to Widodo, has also held or interrogated at least three leading opposition figures for suspected treason.

Last week, police said they had detained about 30 suspected militants with ties to Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), Indonesia's largest group linked to Islamic State, including some capable of using Wi-Fi networks to trigger blasts.

In a security alert, the US embassy in Jakarta advised citizens to avoid the sites of large demonstrations. The Australian embassy also warned that protests could unexpectedly turn violent.

Widodo now leads with 55% of the vote, while Prabowo has 45%, according to the panel's official count of nearly 90% of votes.

Once the official result is released, the losing party can lodge a legal challenge at the constitutional court. Otherwise, the commission will officially declare the winner by May 28.

Prabowo has not yet confirmed if he intends to go to court, but his challenge to his 2014 defeat by Widodo was rejected.

Police rolled out more barbed wire on Monday to tighten security outside Indonesia's election agency and readied armoured trucks and water cannons to quell any civil unrest when official results of a presidential poll are released this week.

Police rolled out more barbed wire on Monday to tighten security outside Indonesia's election agency and readied armoured trucks and water cannons to quell any civil unrest when official results of a presidential poll are released this week. With the General Election Commission (KPU) set to declare its count from last month's election by Wednesday, authorities have detained dozens of militant Islamists suspected of planning attacks to create mayhem during demonstrations. The result is expected to confirm unofficial counts by private pollsters that put incumbent President Joko Widodo about 10 percentage points ahead of challenger Prabowo Subianto. Although independent observers and analysts have said the poll was free and fair, Prabowo has refused to concede defeat, with his campaign team making accusations of "massive cheating and irregularities" during the vote and vote-counting. The retired general has said the situation could trigger "people power"-style protests, while the government and police have urged protesters to keep the peace and vowed action against anyone stirring unrest. Indonesia's election supervisory panel has dismissed two official complaints of election cheating, on grounds of insufficient evidence of violations. Heavily armed security stood guard outside the election commission in central Jakarta, some accompanied by police dogs. Last week, chief security minister Wiranto ordered police and military across Indonesia to prevent people from travelling to Jakarta en masse to join protests. In East Java province, more than 1,200 Prabowo supporters were stopped from travelling to the capital. "These people were attempting to travel by bus, car and train to join the rallies on May 22," said East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera. "We prevented them." Indonesia's biggest Islamic group, Nahdlatul Ulama, has also urged people to avoid rallies, saying its mosques would not accommodate protesters from outside the capital, except for prayers, media said. The national police, who report directly to Widodo, has also held or interrogated at least three leading opposition figures for suspected treason. Last week, police said they had detained about 30 suspected militants with ties to Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), Indonesia's largest group linked to Islamic State, including some capable of using Wi-Fi networks to trigger blasts. In a security alert, the US embassy in Jakarta advised citizens to avoid the sites of large demonstrations. The Australian embassy also warned that protests could unexpectedly turn violent. Widodo now leads with 55% of the vote, while Prabowo has 45%, according to the panel's official count of nearly 90% of votes. Once the official result is released, the losing party can lodge a legal challenge at the constitutional court. Otherwise, the commission will officially declare the winner by May 28. Prabowo has not yet confirmed if he intends to go to court, but his challenge to his 2014 defeat by Widodo was rejected.

Indonesia steps up security ahead of presidential election result

Indonesia will decide the site of its new capital this year with the aim of it being ready by 2024, a minister said Wednesday.

The decision to move the capital from megacity Jakarta came about two weeks ago after President Joko Widodo approved the long-mooted plan.&nbsp;

The government is finalising studies so they can decide this year and start the groundbreaking project in 2021, urban planning minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said.

"We've been coordinating to finalise the studies so we can decide this year where to move the capital to so the process and construction can begin in a year or two," he said.

"So we hope in 2024 the new capital is ready to be the new government centre", the minister added.

Jakarta -- and its surrounding satellite cities -- has a population of about 30 million people and is regularly rated as one of the most traffic-congested centres in the world.

Annual flooding due to excessive groundwater extraction has also made it one of the world's fastest-sinking cities.

Earlier this month President Widodo visited East and Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo to scout for a new capital location.&nbsp;

Brodjonegoro said the only sites being considered for the new capital were "the two places we've visited earlier".

Jakarta, on the country's most populous island, Java, would remain the nation's financial hub, the government said.

Indonesia will decide the site of its new capital this year with the aim of it being ready by 2024, a minister said Wednesday. The decision to move the capital from megacity Jakarta came about two weeks ago after President Joko Widodo approved the long-mooted plan.

Indonesia will decide the site of its new capital this year with the aim of it being ready by 2024, a minister said Wednesday. The decision to move the capital from megacity Jakarta came about two weeks ago after President Joko Widodo approved the long-mooted plan. The government is finalising studies so they can decide this year and start the groundbreaking project in 2021, urban planning minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said. "We've been coordinating to finalise the studies so we can decide this year where to move the capital to so the process and construction can begin in a year or two," he said. "So we hope in 2024 the new capital is ready to be the new government centre", the minister added. Jakarta -- and its surrounding satellite cities -- has a population of about 30 million people and is regularly rated as one of the most traffic-congested centres in the world. Annual flooding due to excessive groundwater extraction has also made it one of the world's fastest-sinking cities. Earlier this month President Widodo visited East and Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo to scout for a new capital location. Brodjonegoro said the only sites being considered for the new capital were "the two places we've visited earlier". Jakarta, on the country's most populous island, Java, would remain the nation's financial hub, the government said.

Indonesia's new capital to be decided this year, says urban planning minister

Indonesian President Joko Widodo pledged on Thursday to slim the government during his second term and cut red tape hampering investment to achieve an ambitious growth target in Southeast Asia`s biggest economy by 2045.&nbsp;

The president won an April 17 election based on sample counts of votes by private pollsters, but official results are not due until May 22.&nbsp;

"The slimmer our organisation, the faster we can run, the more flexibly we can decide on policies," Widodo said, vowing to axe government agencies that do not contribute to growth.

He was speaking to hundreds of regional leaders at the launch of "Vision Indonesia 2045", a roadmap to become the world`s fifth-biggest economy, with gross domestic product of $7.3 trillion, by the 100th anniversary of independence.&nbsp;

Widodo said he would also focus on adding infrastructure and improve human resources, in a speech that voiced frustration at Indonesia`s tortuous bureaucracy.&nbsp;

Despite his efforts since coming to power in 2014 to ease the path to starting a business, investors still found it difficult to enter some sectors, he added.&nbsp; 
For example, Widodo said, his administration had cut to 58 from 259 the permits required for power plant investments, but that was still too many and he wanted the figure cut to five.

"Five years ago investors came in droves, but only a few were hatched, because we couldn`t help them execute," he said.

"I`m so annoyed I couldn`t solve a problem that is so obvious," he added, referring to red tape.

Aides have said Widodo will pursue bolder economic reforms in his second term which runs until 2024, making significant improvements in the investment climate.

However, some analysts question whether he will be prepared to take on powerful vested interests and shake up a huge bureaucracy that often manages to blunt reform efforts.

&nbsp;Nevertheless, Widodo warned government agencies they could not stick to business as usual, at the risk of missing the 2045 target and trapping Indonesia as a middle-income country.

Achieving the target demands average annual economic growth of about 5.7 per cent, exceeding the last few years` figure of about 5 per cent.

"In the next five years, I do not have any burden," Widodo added. "I cannot run again. So anything that is the best for this country I would do." 
Indonesian presidents are limited to two terms in office.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo pledged on Thursday to slim the government during his second term and cut red tape hampering investment to achieve an ambitious growth target in Southeast Asia`s biggest economy by 2045.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo pledged on Thursday to slim the government during his second term and cut red tape hampering investment to achieve an ambitious growth target in Southeast Asia`s biggest economy by 2045. The president won an April 17 election based on sample counts of votes by private pollsters, but official results are not due until May 22. "The slimmer our organisation, the faster we can run, the more flexibly we can decide on policies," Widodo said, vowing to axe government agencies that do not contribute to growth. He was speaking to hundreds of regional leaders at the launch of "Vision Indonesia 2045", a roadmap to become the world`s fifth-biggest economy, with gross domestic product of $7.3 trillion, by the 100th anniversary of independence. Widodo said he would also focus on adding infrastructure and improve human resources, in a speech that voiced frustration at Indonesia`s tortuous bureaucracy. Despite his efforts since coming to power in 2014 to ease the path to starting a business, investors still found it difficult to enter some sectors, he added. For example, Widodo said, his administration had cut to 58 from 259 the permits required for power plant investments, but that was still too many and he wanted the figure cut to five. "Five years ago investors came in droves, but only a few were hatched, because we couldn`t help them execute," he said. "I`m so annoyed I couldn`t solve a problem that is so obvious," he added, referring to red tape. Aides have said Widodo will pursue bolder economic reforms in his second term which runs until 2024, making significant improvements in the investment climate. However, some analysts question whether he will be prepared to take on powerful vested interests and shake up a huge bureaucracy that often manages to blunt reform efforts. Nevertheless, Widodo warned government agencies they could not stick to business as usual, at the risk of missing the 2045 target and trapping Indonesia as a middle-income country. Achieving the target demands average annual economic growth of about 5.7 per cent, exceeding the last few years` figure of about 5 per cent. "In the next five years, I do not have any burden," Widodo added. "I cannot run again. So anything that is the best for this country I would do." Indonesian presidents are limited to two terms in office.

Indonesia president says to go all out in second term to boost economic reform

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