Mathias Hariyadi

Muslim Cleric Council leader in Palu, central Sulawesi, calls for fines of up to US$ 1,500 for married women who post pictures of themselves online. “Provocative” pictures endanger marriages and are an insult to husbands. In Islam, a woman’s beauty “belongs” to her husband.

The Islamic leader killed in shootout with police. Known by the nom de guerre of Abu Wardah, he was the leader of East Indonesian Mujahidin (MIT). He was the first Indonesian Mujahideen to swear allegiance to the Islamic State. Satisfaction among police, soldiers and press for success.

The story of counterfeit drugs has taken a violent turn. Angry people stormed two hospitals and attacked medical personnel. The ministry blames health care facilities and professionals. Doctors and hospital associations come up with rapid solutions to minimise the crisis.

Catholic leader and shrine promoter Cahyo Binuko receives threats and is the victim of intimidation. Local authorities issued a building permit months ago, but local extremists have tried to stop the construction, accusing Catholics of playing games with local residents’ minds. Now they are putting pressures on the authorities to withdraw the building permit.

Counterfeit drug affair sees first death. Police identify 20 people involved, take 16 into custody, and seize 205 phoney vaccines for hepatitis, 15 for tetanus, and others. Children immunised with fake vaccines in East Jakarta.

The attack took place on June 20 last year in the waters of Sulu (Philippines), a stronghold of the jihadists. The "Charles 001" ship was attacked by two militia groups. Indonesian Foreign Minister: "intolerable gesture, we will do everything to free our fellow countrymen."

The youth of the country respond enthusiastically to the proposal to attend the event which will begin on July 25. So far 170 have enrolled, not counting volunteers. Secretary of Youth Ministry: "The young people are not made intimidated by the high cost, but have personally raised the funds for the trip." In 2017 Indonesia will host the Asian Youth Day.

Numerous affected districts. 27 bodies recovered so far, but the toll is expected to rise. Relief efforts hampered by heavy rains. Priest: "My mother was saved, but I still have nine missing relatives." The local Caritas prepares emergency response.

The event was held under a huge tent in Mena, Timor Island, thanks to local authorities who issued all the marriage certificates at once. Hitherto many couples opted out of registering their union for financial reasons, with the result that their children have no birth certificate.

President Joko Widodo took the step to speed up public administration, which was a drag on the country’s development. Corrupt administrators use by-laws to line their pockets.

In mid-July, after Ramadan, 18 death row inmates will be executed. Another 30 are set for early 2017. More and more young people are getting addicted to drugs. About 104,000 have died so far. Currently, 50 people die from overdose every day. The Indonesian Church is involved in rehab work, but lacks the facilities.

Indonesia’s Medical Association is against President Joko Widodo’s decree. “We do not want to disobey the laws of the State but we do not want doctors to become the executors of a practice that goes against our conscience." Doctors must heal, not harm the human body. The decree does not take into account side effects.