Results for: Indonesia

In Muslim-majority Indonesia, a court sentenced comedian Aulia Rakhman to seven months in prison for blasphemy. Rakhman made a joke about the prevalence of the name ‘Muhammad,’ which is inspired by the Islamic prophet, and its association with misbehavior. The prosecutor’s office claimed his joke spread hatred, citing a law that prohibits statements that conflict with official religions or hinder religious adherence. The law carries a maximum sentence of five years, and prosecutors had requested an eight-month term for Rakhman. His actions were deemed to have disturbed society. This incident adds to a series of blasphemy cases in Indonesia, including the arrest of six individuals in 2022 for a bar promotion involving free alcohol for people named ‘Muhammad.’ Rights groups have criticized the law’s misuse against religious minorities.

A 45-year-old woman, identified as Farida, from Kelampang village in South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, has tragically been found dead inside the stomach of a five-meter-long python. Farida’s body was discovered after she went missing for over 12 hours. Her husband and family members, concerned about her absence, initiated a search and discovered her belongings near the village area. Suspicions were raised when they spotted a python with an unusually large belly, prompting them to cut open its stomach, revealing Farida’s lifeless body. This incident highlights the increase in cases of adult humans being swallowed by pythons in Indonesia, with similar events occurring in 2023 and 2018.

East Java has become Indonesia’s leading domestic tourism destination, capturing the hearts of travelers with its diverse attractions. Its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and accessible location have contributed to its popularity. From the majestic Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park to the historic temples of Mojokerto, East Java offers a plethora of experiences for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Its strategic location and proactive efforts by local authorities have propelled it to the forefront of Indonesia’s tourism scene, with its diverse offerings catering to the interests of discerning travelers. The province is poised for further growth and development, as stakeholders collaborate to enhance infrastructure, preserve natural resources, and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Mount Ibu, an active volcano on the Indonesian island of Halmahera, erupted on Monday, May 27th, 2024, prompting a red aviation warning due to a thick ash cloud extending six kilometers into the sky. The eruption, which occurred at 3 a.m. local time, led the volcanology agency to recommend a seven-kilometer evacuation radius around the volcano. As part of Indonesia’s position on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ volcanic activity has been increasing recently, with eruptions and evacuations occurring at other volcanoes, including Mount Marapi and Ruang volcano.

As travel rebounds, numerous destinations captivate travelers with their unique offerings. From Japan’s ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology to Indonesia’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, these trending destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Explore the serene temples of Kyoto, hike through the picturesque Japanese Alps, and relish the flavors of world-renowned sushi in Japan. Dive into Raja Ampat’s vibrant coral reefs, witness the majestic Komodo dragons, and delve into the rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta in Indonesia. Ireland enchants with its lush landscapes, historic castles, and warm hospitality, while Romania unveils its medieval towns, stunning natural scenery, and enchanting folklore. Discover Italy’s timeless appeal with ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and delectable cuisine, or immerse yourself in Spain’s diverse regions, from bustling cities to sun-soaked beaches. Malaysia captivates with its modern cities, traditional villages, and natural wonders, while Australia showcases its vast landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural heritage. South Korea emerges as a vibrant destination with dynamic culture, cutting-edge technology, and historical sites, while the UAE offers a blend of luxury and futuristic architecture. Whether you seek ancient cultures, natural wonders, or modern marvels, these trending destinations offer a tapestry of experiences for 2024.

Garuda Indonesia (GA) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have pledged to enhance their commercial collaboration to provide mutual benefits for members of their frequent flyer programs and consider revenue-sharing for flights between Indonesia and Singapore, pending regulatory approval. The agreement for the frequent flyer programs was formalized in Jakarta by Garuda Indonesia’s CEO, Mr. Irfan Setiaputra, and SIA’s CEO, Mr. Goh Choon Phong. Additionally, a revenue share agreement was signed by Mr. Ade R. Susardi, Garuda Indonesia’s Director of Service and Commercial, and Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, SIA’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Travel Meet Asia 2024 will be held on July 3-4, 2024, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Jakarta. The event will bring together over 300 buyers from Indonesia and Southeast Asia with global suppliers. This year’s event will focus on Indonesia’s growing outbound travel market, and will feature a diverse group of exhibitors from around the world. Attendees can expect to hear from influential speakers on industry trends and challenges, and will have the opportunity to network with key industry stakeholders.

Mount Ibu, an active volcano situated on the remote island of Halmahera in Indonesia, erupted on Monday morning, unleashing a violent burst of activity that propelled thick columns of gray ash several kilometers into the atmosphere. The eruption occurred at approximately 9:12 a.m. local time (00:12 GMT), lasting for approximately five minutes and sending ash high into the sky, reaching an altitude of up to 5 km (3.1 miles). A smaller eruption was also recorded a few days prior, on Friday.

Trip.com Indonesia held a grand event in Bali to celebrate partnerships with over 100 esteemed hotel partners, including major local chain hotels in Indonesia. The occasion recognized the importance of collaboration and innovation and aimed to strengthen partnerships within the hospitality sector. A presentation by Ms. Ru Yi, Assistant Vice President for International Markets (APAC) at Trip.com Group, highlighted the remarkable growth in China’s outbound travel market, with Indonesia emerging as a top destination. The event also acknowledged the changing demographics of Trip.com users, with a significant increase in Gen Z and Millennial travelers and a notable rise in female users.

Torrential rainfall has led to a devastating flood and landslide in Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 lives. The deluge, which has been relentless since Thursday, triggered a landslide in Luwu district, causing widespread flooding that has affected 13 sub-districts and damaged over 1,000 homes, with 42 being swept away from their foundations. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate affected residents to safety using rubber boats and other vehicles, with over 100 individuals being relocated to mosques or relatives’ residences outside the disaster zone.