The leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua met for the first time with a head of government from the region. Together with the Pacific Conference of Churches, the Fijian prime minister reiterated his support for the independence movement's full membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Except for Singapore, the only country in the region to have imposed sanctions on Russia, most SE Asian countries have not taken sides. The biggest concern is the rising cost of raw material. Several states have maintained relations with Russia, partly because of its propaganda, also relayed by China.

A local village chief, Wawan, climbed over a fence to storm the Kemah Daud Christian Church during prayers. Local Church officials call on the authorities to treat the matter seriously. Just last month, Indonesia’s president slammed “violent” acts at a conference with district officials.

Today's headlines: Beijing announced a 'decisive victory' against the Covid; At least 69 Rohingya land on the beaches of Aceh some people on board died during the crossing; Tokyo launches digital yen programme; Delhi officials after three days concluded inspections at BBC offices; Armenia and Turkey press to 'fully regulate' relations.

Phillip Mark Mehrtens has been held hostage for about a week after his plane was torched by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army. The other passengers were released because they were indigenous Papuans. The flight was meant to airlift workers building a health centre who had received death threats.

The State Islamic University Sunan Kalijaga honoured the president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in a ceremony yesterday in the presence of several Catholic and Muslim officials who spoke about Indonesia’s particular religious and social characteristics.