Triggered by an allowance increase for parliamentarians, the protests were exacerbated by a harsh police crackdown, during which an armoured vehicle ran over a motorcycle taxi driver. In South Sulawesi, the regional parliament is set on fire. The backdrop to the discontent was Prabowo honouring certain prominent individuals. A retired general blames foreign forces. The Catholic NGO slams violence against protesters, calling for action “to restore democracy to its rightful course”.
A study published by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) finds a significant increase in the importance of religion compared to similar surveys in 2013 and 2018, but it is taking on "individualised and digital" connotations. Places of worship are losing their central role, while the use of online platforms to reach the faithful is growing.
A demolition order was also served to 19 Buddhist sites in the city's "cultural zone," set to be razed to unearth ancient Ketumati. AsiaNews reports local Catholics are dismayed by the threat looming over the church dedicated to the Sacred Heart, built in the late 19th century by PIME missionaries. This is just the latest blow by the military to destroy places of worship. As many as 300 have been affected in Myanmar since the coup on 1 February 2021.
The Malaysian state applies discretionary punishments (takzir), while critics and human rights groups warn of growing religious conservatism. A recently enacted law imposes sentences of two years or fines of up to US$ 700. For Terengganu official, Friday prayers are an “expression of obedience among Muslims”.
Indonesians are shocked and astonished by the possible move by the Prabowo administration, which is seeking a 51 per cent stake in the country’s largest private financial institution. Industry experts say plans appear to be ready. The institution offers a wide range of services for individuals and institutions. The news quickly shook the stock market.
In his speech to parliament, the president highlighted savings in public spending, economic growth above 5 per cent, and new social policies, such as free meals and improved education. He reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause. But factory closures and low wages fuel doubts about the real value of the results of the president’s administration.
