Stories about Indonesia from January, 2009
Indonesia: Fatwa against smoking, yoga, vasectomies….
Indonesian bloggers are reacting to the Fatwa issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council which included, among others, a ban on yoga that contain Hindu elements, a ban on vote abstention, a ban on smoking in public places, and a ban on vasectomy.
Rohingya Muslims facing cultural genocide
Prof. Marranci writes that Rohingya Muslims are “victims of their lack of strategic value, both for their native Southeast Asia and the wider international community.” The Rohingyas are also “facing...
Indonesia: Top Religous Council Perceived Corrupt
The latest survey of Transparency International Indonesia includes Indonesia Ulemas Council (MUI) in the top 15 of the most perceived corrupt institutions in the country.
Indonesia: Chinese New Year Celebration
For more than three decades, the Indonesian Chinese have been forbidden to express their culture. Thanks to President Wahid in 2000 who annulled the discrimination against the Chinese and all the minority in general, the Indonesian Chinese now can express their culture openly.
Indonesia: Psychological tests for police
Jakarta's Police Department ordered its members to undergo psychological examinations to “gauge their ability to endure harsh street conditions in the city.”
Indonesia: Questions for President Obama
Between January 20-21, there were 27,968 blog entries that mention the word ‘Obama' in Indonesia. Furthermore, almost all national TV stations broadcasted live the inauguration last night.
Indonesia: Blaze at Jakarta's main fuel tank
Devi Girsang talks about the recent fire at Pertamina‘s fuel tank in Jakarta. Since Indonesia is now preparing for legislative and presidential elections this year, speculations among common people spread...
Indonesia: Bloggers Vs mainstream media on Israel-Palestine issue
Global Voices author Martin Manurung analyzes the media coverage of the Palestine-Israel conflict in Indonesia. He notes that Indonesian bloggers seem to be more mature and informed than most of the Indonesian mainstream media.
Indonesia: Flooding in 13 provinces
Thirteen Indonesian provinces experienced flooding the past week due to torrential rains. The disaster has claimed the lives of 14 people while three others are still missing. More than 50,000 people have to be evacuated. Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is under up to two meters of water.
Southeast Asia: Ship of dreams and friendship
Take a luxury cruise liner, fill it with some 300 vibrant youths from Southeast Asia and Japan, stir in cultural agenda and social interactions. The result: a strong bond and lifetime friendship. This is the story of the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme.
Indonesia: Facebook users on the rise
Budiputra reports that Facebook in Indonesia registered a growth rate of 645 percent in 2008. Indonesia has been the fastest growing country on Facebook in Southeast Asia. However, Friendster is...
Indonesia: Ferry capsizes with 250 people
A passenger ferry with 250 people onboard sank in bad weather in Indonesia. Rescuers are still looking for survivors.
Indonesia: Indonesian Bloggers Respond to Gaza Attack
Israel-Hamas conflict escalation has entered second week; as casualties climbing to around 400 dead and over 2000 people injured. Reactions have also spread across the Indonesian blogosphere. Opinions are mainly pro-Palestinian ones, much of them directed against Israel's military answer to militant Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Indonesia: Art deco heritage
Elyani's Place blogs about the art deco heritage in Bandung, Indonesia.
