Editorji is a popular short video news and information platform based in India. It was founded in 2018 by Vikram Chandra, one of India’s leading journalists, and has risen to prominence in the digital news space in a relatively short span of time. The platform is primarily designed for mobile devices, with applications available for Android and iOS.

ABOUT US:

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>
<a title="Contact Us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Contact Us</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Editorji content is better experienced in our app.

Severe floods across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia have killed over 1,400 people, triggered massive displacement and highlighted stark economic inequalities in disaster response.

Devastating Floods and Landslides Ravage Asia, Over 1,400 Dead

Asia Floods Kill 1,400+, Indonesia and Sri Lanka Struggle

Severe floods across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia have killed over 1,400 people, triggered massive displacement and highlighted stark economic inequalities in disaster response.

Parts of Asia were reeling after torrents of rain unleashed catastrophic floods and landslides last week, killing more than 1,400 people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia. The disaster has also laid bare stark economic disparities in the region.
Indonesia has borne the heaviest blow, recording at least 753 deaths, followed by Sri Lanka with 465. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said it's too early to determine the exact number of dead in his country. At least 185 people in Thailand and three in Malaysia have also been confirmed dead.
Rescue teams on Wednesday were racing against time to reach isolated communities, as more than 1,000 remain missing and as villages lie buried under mud and debris amid ongoing power and telecommunications outages.
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto visited a disaster zone Monday, promising aid and support for rebuilding though he has yet to declare a national emergency or sought international assistance like his counterpart in flood-stricken Sri Lanka.
Hard-hit Indonesia and Thailand, both middle-income economies with comparatively stronger fiscal capacity, are able to mobilise extensive rescue operations, deploy military assets and channel emergency funds, while Sri Lanka is responding under far more strained conditions.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with diplomats in Sri Lanka last week to urge them to support the government's efforts on relief and reconstruction. Still recovering from a severe economic crisis, the country faces limited resources, foreign exchange shortages and weakened public services, making a large-scale disaster response significantly more difficult and increasing its reliance on outside assistance.
Authorities in Indonesia, the worst-hit country, said the destruction from days of relentless downpours and a rare tropical storm that pounded the island of Sumatra was the deadliest disaster since the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 4,300 people.
Washed-out roads, collapsed bridges and continuing landslides have left rescuers struggling to reach some of the hardest-hit areas, with the National Disaster Management Agency saying about 650 people are still unaccounted for in devastated North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh provinces, where thousands in flooded towns were forced to cling to rooftops and treetops awaiting rescue in previous days.
The agency said Wednesday more than 1.5 million residents have been displaced during the disaster that damaged tens of thousands of homes and public facilities. With some 2,600 people injured and local hospitals overwhelmed, the government has deployed three hospital ships to the devastated provinces.
In Sri Lanka, the flooding is expected to have significant repercussions on the economy, which has only recently stabilized after an unprecedented economic crisis. The island nation is currently under an International Monetary Fund bailout programme that requires it to conserve foreign currency to repay defaulted external debt starting in 2028.
Although the full extent of the economic damage is still being assessed, the costs of rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods and reviving economic activity are likely to put severe pressure on the treasury. With vast rice-growing regions and the hill country, key suppliers of vegetables, devastated by the calamity, Sri Lanka may be forced to deplete its scarce foreign currency reserves.
Countries such as India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have already launched relief efforts, while other foreign diplomats who met the Sri Lankan prime minister have pledged additional support.
In Thailand, government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek announced Wednesday that recovery efforts in southern Thailand are progressing well and that water and electricity have been restored in nearly all affected areas. She added that the government has disbursed over 1 billion baht ($31.3 million) in compensation to more than 120,000 households impacted by the floods.

Catastrophic floods and landslides in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand kill over 1,230 people, leave more than 800 missing, and disrupt millions amid ongoing rescue operations.

Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Devastating Southeast Asian Floods

Southeast Asian Floods: Rescue Efforts Continue

Catastrophic floods and landslides in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand kill over 1,230 people, leave more than 800 missing, and disrupt millions amid ongoing rescue operations.

Emergency crews raced to reach survivors and recover more bodies Tuesday after the death toll from last week's catastrophic floods and landslides surged past 1,200 in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with more than 800 people missing.
Days of heavy monsoon rains inundated vast areas, leaving thousands stranded and many clinging to rooftops waiting for help. The flooding and landslides killed at least 1,230 people, with 659 people confirmed dead in Indonesia, 390 in Sri Lanka and 181 in Thailand, authorities said Tuesday.
In Indonesia, the hardest-hit nation, rescuers are struggling to access villages in Sumatra island, where roads have been washed out and bridges have collapsed. At least 475 people remain missing, according to the country's National Disaster Management Agency. Helicopters and boats have been deployed, but officials warn that worsening weather and damaged infrastructure are slowing operations.
Military-led rescue teams in Sri Lanka continue to scour devastated areas for 352 people still missing in floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, the Disaster Management Centre said Tuesday. But access remains a challenge as roads are blocked, landslides and bridges have collapsed in several locations.
In the central city of Kandy, residents were struggling without water, relying instead on bottled water collected from natural springs. Authorities warn that conditions could worsen as more rain is forecast in the coming days.
In southern Thailand, cleanup has begun on streets and in buildings after massive floods affected more than 1.5 million households and 3.9 million people. Authorities are working to restore infrastructure, including water and electricity.
Thailand's Interior Ministry said Monday it would set up public kitchens to provide freshly cooked food to affected residents. The first batch of compensation payments of 239 million baht ($7.4 million) is set to be distributed to 26,000 people, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat also said Monday.

At least 54 people were injured in an explosion near a school in Jakarta, Indonesia; police are investigating the cause of the blast.

Blast near Jakarta school injures at least 54 people

At least 54 people were injured in an explosion near a school in Jakarta, Indonesia; police are investigating the cause of the blast.

A blast injured dozens of people near a school in Indonesia's capital on Friday, a senior police official said without disclosing the cause of the explosion.
Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri said there was an explosion "in the vicinity" of a high school in the sprawling city.
"The initial data we have received indicates that there are approximately 54 individuals affected," Asep told reporters in comments broadcast by Kompas TV.
"Some have minor injuries, some moderate, and some have already been discharged."
Authorities had cordoned off the area and "were processing the crime scene", Asep said, including a bomb squad from Jakarta police as they tried to determine the cause of the blast.
Asep said authorities had also set up posts in two hospitals to assist relatives in finding injured victims.
"We are still investigating, as this incident just occurred," Asep said.

A passenger ferry with hundreds aboard caught fire off North Sulawesi, Indonesia, leading to the rescue of 568 people and the death of three. 

Indonesian Ferry Fire: Over 560 Rescued, 3 Dead

Indonesian Ferry Rescue: Over 560 Saved

A passenger ferry with hundreds aboard caught fire off North Sulawesi, Indonesia, leading to the rescue of 568 people and the death of three.&nbsp;

Indonesian rescuers evacuating people from a passenger ferry that caught fire at sea said Monday more than 560 were rescued and three died.
The KM Barcelona 5 caught fire around midday Sunday while heading to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, on its regular half-day journey from Melonguane port in Talaud Islands district in the same province, according to First Adm Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base.
A coast guard ship, six rescue vessels and several inflatable boats were deployed in the rescue operation, Sihombing said. The crews pulled many people from the sea and took them to nearby islands, and local fishermen also saved some survivors wearing life jackets as they were drifting in the choppy waters.
Photos and videos circulated on social media showed terrified passengers, mostly wearing life jackets, jumping into the sea as orange flames and black smoke billowed from the burning vessel.
The search and rescue operation was continuing, though there were no immediate reports of people still missing. Authorities previously said five people had died, but the National Search and Rescue Agency revised it to three early Monday after two passengers initially reported as dead were saved in a hospital, including a 2-month-old baby whose lungs were filled with seawater.
The fire that began in the ferry's stern was extinguished within an hour, Sihombing said. The ferry's manifest initially registered only 280 passengers and 15 crew members but the national rescue agency confirmed 568 survivors had been rescued and three bodies recovered, including a pregnant woman.
It is common for the number of passengers on a boat or ferry to differ from the manifest in Indonesia. This discrepancy can contribute to accidents and can complicate search and rescue efforts, Sihombing said.
The capacity of the ferry is 600 people.
Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries are a common method of travel. Disasters occur regularly, with weak safety enforcement often blamed.
A speedboat carrying 18 people capsized during a storm July 14, and all its occupants were found rescued by the next day. Earlier in the month, a ferry sank near Indonesia's resort island of Bali, leaving at least 19 dead and 16 others missing. A two-week search operation involved more than 600 rescuers, three navy ships, 15 boats, a helicopter and divers.&nbsp;

Trump's new tariffs risk destabilizing global trade. By leveraging trade agreements and strategic moves, Indonesia seeks to mitigate potential impacts of Tariff War 2.0.

Indonesia Strategy Amid Tariff War  Uncertainty

Facing Trump's new tariffs, Indonesia adapts through strategic trade policies and resilient export strategies to thrive amidst potential market shifts.

Trump's new tariffs could destabilize trade. Indonesia, leveraging strategic alignments and diversified exports, aims to adapt and thrive amidst potential market shifts.

Just when the calm of Ramadan had settled in, US President Donald Trump dropped the bombshell: reciprocal import tariffs that cut short everyone&rsquo;s well-earned break but also threatened to upend global trade with staggering losses.
Tax Foundation summarised the reason for US&rsquo; reciprocal tariffs on imported goods at the US Congress Joint Economic Committee Hearing on 18th Dec 2024 : the relative decline in competitiveness of US industries compared to other nations, widening inequality, insufficient job creation, and other domestic economic issues.
These concerns have driven a high-risk protectionist practice that may ultimately harm all parties involved.
The trade-balance deficit with various partners is not sufficient justification for raising trade barriers. Researchers conclude that permanent import tariffs have only a modest impact on reducing trade deficits at best and suggest temporary tariffs can trigger a recession, an effect that deepens if trading partners retaliate.
Although President Trump&rsquo;s 90-day postponement of reciprocal tariffs&mdash;followed by China after talks in Geneva&mdash;is encouraging, uncertainty persists due to the unpredictability of President Trump&rsquo;s directives and his questionable judgment.
MacroMicro&rsquo;s Trade Policy Uncertainty Index in April rose to nearly ten times its level from last September, underscoring the growing need for negotiation strategies to ensure trade stability.
There are indications that this tariff scheme was premeditated by the administration, given that the ten percent rate far exceeds the prior average tariff of two to three percent.
Trump has achieved his objectives, apart from China, which has resisted pressure and compelled him to relent amid potential economic consequences&mdash;yet he frames the outcome as a victory.
In this context, the current tariff war more closely resembles Trump&rsquo;s first administration policies with elevated duties that provoke retaliation and serve as bargaining chips in negotiations, now applied to a wider array of countries.
What we learned from Tariff War 1.0 During Trump&rsquo;s previous term, the US steadily increased its import tariffs on Chinese goods from around three per cent in January 2018 to almost twenty per cent by February 2020, while tariffs on the rest of the world rose only modestly from two to three per cent.
Despite these steep levies, the US trade-balance deficit with both China and the rest of the world failed to shrink.
Two key factors drove this: China sidestepped US tariffs by rerouting exports through third countries such as Mexico and ASEAN nations, and US domestic industries could not fully substitute for imports; import barriers disrupted production and stoked inflation.
Despite not being as successful as her fellow ASEAN countries such as Vietnam, Indonesian products supplanted Chinese goods in the US market and export-oriented Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flowed into Indonesia.
Moreover, Indonesia accelerated the signing of bilateral and regional trade agreements such as ASEAN Plus Three and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to diversify its export destinations and bolster supply-chain resilience.
On reflection, there might be a chance to convert this disaster into an opportunity. But is it? Tariff War 2.0 Learning from the limited impact of Phase One, this second salvo imposes extremely high rates on a vast array of trading partners simultaneously, an all-out effort to squeeze global imports.
The mechanics of fallout are straightforward. First, exports from nearly every country to the US will contract. Next, China&rsquo;s persistent overcapacity is likely to flood global markets, including Indonesia, with surplus goods.
US investors, deterred by harsher trading conditions abroad, will redirect capital back home, while rest-of-world investors chase lower-tariff jurisdictions.
China may shift more FDI toward Indonesia&rsquo;s domestic market, but export-driven projects will wane. Major industrial powers could resort to dumping surpluses at cut-rate prices, and if large economies retaliate in kind, global trade volumes may plunge further, dragging down growth worldwide.
For Indonesia, the consequences are immediate and stark. The previous influx of export-oriented Chinese investment may slow while the domestic market is still uncertain. Indonesia can strengthen its trade defence and remedies in anticipation of the surge of dumping and illegal imports.
It is unclear how US tariffs on Chinese and Indonesian products will differ beyond the 90-day postponement and if Indonesia still holds the competitive advantage it once enjoyed.
It is also unclear whether Indonesia can rely on substituting Chinese goods in the American market. In response, Indonesia must brace for a drop in US-bound exports of key products due to hefty reciprocal duties and prepare for higher global production costs.
Although the outlook is bleak, there are still windows of opportunity. Exports to the US account for less than ten percent of Indonesia&rsquo;s total shipments, lower than most of its ASEAN peers, hence offering greater flexibility to diversify Indonesia&rsquo;s markets.
What can be done Indonesia can proactively pursue bilateral negotiations with the United States, mirroring moves by other ASEAN members while refraining from retaliation.
To make a difference, Indonesia may consider initiating Preferential Trade Agreements or bilateral limited Free Trade Agreements with the US. Indonesia can also leverage its status under the US Generalized System of Preferences to seek a limited Preferential/ Free Trade Agreement.
Contrary to US assertions, Indonesia&rsquo;s average Most Favoured Nation tariffs in 2023 were moderate and applied uniformly at around eight percent. Notably, the US enjoyed a services-trade surplus of USD 1.6 billion in 2023 despite a goods-trade deficit, underscoring mutual benefits that should guide bilateral negotiations.
At the same time, the Indonesian government must reassess its own non-tariff measures, since US sanctions have cited both Indonesia&rsquo;s import duties and regulatory barriers. Moderating these policies with prudent review will help improve American perceptions while simultaneously addressing asymmetric liberalisation effects.
In the short term, Indonesia can step in to supply goods that complement exports from heavily tariffed nations, capturing new opportunities in global supply chains.
To diversify risk, Indonesia can deepen production partnerships over the long term by attracting FDI into intermediate-goods manufacturing with countries facing lower US tariffs such as Japan and expand its diplomatic outreach by accelerating cooperation frameworks including BRICS and OECD accession among others.
Internally, sweeping reforms to enhance the business climate, raising productivity and lowering high-cost economic structures are essential, as is an active role in World Trade Organisation reform to revitalise multilateral trade.
Upgrading logistics and industrial infrastructure can target broad competitiveness rather than aligning with any single foreign investor&rsquo;s supply chain and ensure that any re-export of foreign-origin goods satisfies Rules of Origin requirements with substantial value additions compared to mere goods in transit.
Stronger enforcement against illegal imports and more robust anti-dumping measures will protect domestic industries from unfair competition.
By maintaining an independent foreign policy, Indonesia can preserve diplomatic flexibility and preparing for non-economic conditions such as domestic politics, foreign policy and defence commitments will round out its readiness.
Negotiations are still underway, but rising tensions and disputes over key issues could drive tariffs even higher. No one knows exactly what the Trump administration has in mind. As Bob Dylan famously said, 'the times they are a-changin&rsquo;. One can remain hopeful and act on what we can control.

A rain-triggered landslide in Central Java, Indonesia, has killed 18 people and left nine missing. Over 200 rescuers work tirelessly to search thick mud and debris as the area faces continued rainfall and a declared emergency.

Indonesia rescuers search for survivors as landslide kills at least 17

A rain-triggered landslide in Central Java, Indonesia, has killed 18 people and left nine missing. Over 200 rescuers work tirelessly to search thick mud and debris as the area faces continued rainfall and a declared emergency.

Hundreds of rescuers were searching through thick mud and debris to find survivors Wednesday after a rain-triggered landslide in Indonesia killed at least 17 people and left nine missing.
Intense rainfall in a mountainous area near Pekalongan city in Central Java province sparked the landslide on Monday, collapsing bridges and burying cars and houses.
Search and rescue agency Basarnas said in a statement Wednesday that the toll remained unchanged from Tuesday at 17 dead, nine missing and 13 people injured.
But another body was found, Mohammad Yulian Akbar, a local official told AFP later Wednesday, giving a higher toll of 18.
Heavy machinery was deployed to clear road access for search teams and around 200 rescue personnel have been sent to help, Akbar said.
"The focus is to search for the victims," he said, adding that the local government had declared an emergency in the district for two weeks.
The worst hit area was Kasimpar village according to the local official, where the landslide struck a coffee shop and people who were trying to shelter from the rain.
Police, soldiers and volunteers have joined the search alongside rescue workers, which is taking place around 90 kilometres (60 miles) west of the city of Semarang.
But efforts were intermittently suspended Tuesday as heavy rain continued to pound the area.
The weather forecast for the next three days suggests moderate rain that could "cause floods, flash floods and landslides", warned Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), on Tuesday.
Indonesia is prone to landslides during the rainy season, typically between November and April.
In November, flooding triggered by intense rains in western Indonesia killed 27 people.
But some disasters caused by adverse weather have taken place outside that season in recent years. Climate change has also increased the intensity of storms, leading to heavier rains, flash floods and stronger gusts.
In May, at least 67 people died after heavy rains caused flash floods in West Sumatra, pushing a mixture of ash, sand, and pebbles from the eruption of Mount Marapi into residential areas.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at India's 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025. This will be his first visit to India since assuming office in October 2024.

Republic Day 2025: Indonesian President Subianto to be the chief guest

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at India's 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025. This will be his first visit to India since assuming office in October 2024.

The Indian government announced on Thursday that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025. This marks his first official visit to India since assuming office in October 2024.
The Ministry of External Affairs revealed that President Subianto will undertake a two-day state visit to India beginning January 25.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6788e049c0466_1737023561.jpg" width="652" height="468">&nbsp; During his visit, he will engage with Indian leadership to review the bilateral relations between the two countries and discuss significant regional and global issues.
India and Indonesia have long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation. As Comprehensive Strategic Partners, Indonesia plays an essential role in India&rsquo;s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. Recently, India sent a large consignment of rice to Indonesia to support the country after it faced a severe drought. Additionally, the two nations are working to enhance military and people-to-people connections.
Both countries recognize the strategic importance of the Malacca Straits, a crucial maritime link to the Indian Ocean, and are contemplating joint patrols in this vital region.
President Subianto, a former special forces officer and successful businessman, is expected to further strengthen the robust relationship between India and Indonesia with his visit.

Pope Francis will visit Indonesia’s iconic Istiqlal mosque where he will hold an interfaith meeting with representatives of the country's six officially recognised religions. In Istiqlal mosque, the 87-year-old Argentine Jesuit, known for promoting r

Pope Francis to visit Indonesia's iconic Istiqlal mosque to promote religious harmony

Pope Francis will visit Indonesia’s iconic Istiqlal mosque where he will hold an interfaith meeting with representatives of the country's six officially recognised religions. In Istiqlal mosque, the 87-year-old Argentine Jesuit, known for promoting religious dialogue, will meet delegates of Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism and Protestantism. Indonesia’s constitution recognizes the latter two as separate religions. About 87% of the country’s 280 million people are Muslim, however, it has the third-largest Christian population in Asia after the Philippines and China. The mosque of Istiqlal, which means independence in Arabic, is the largest in Southeast Asia, covering over 22 acres.

Pope Francis will visit Indonesia&rsquo;s iconic Istiqlal mosque where he will hold an interfaith meeting with representatives of the country's six officially recognised religions.&nbsp;

Pope Francis will visit Indonesia&rsquo;s iconic Istiqlal mosque where he will hold an interfaith meeting with representatives of the country's six officially recognised religions.
In Istiqlal mosque, the 87-year-old Argentine Jesuit, known for promoting religious dialogue, will meet delegates of Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism and Protestantism.
Indonesia&rsquo;s constitution recognizes the latter two as separate religions. About 87% of the country&rsquo;s 280 million people are Muslim, however, it has the third-largest Christian population in Asia after the Philippines and China.
The mosque of Istiqlal, which means independence in Arabic, is the largest in Southeast Asia, covering over 22 acres.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/iran-axis-of-resistance-to-pick-quality-time-of-retaliation-against-israel-after-haniyeh-killing-1724751776713">Iran, Axis Of Resistance To Pick 'Quality, Time' Of Retaliation Against Israel After Haniyeh Killing</a>

The parliament passed an emergency motion to change the minimum age to serve as governor to 30, a move that could pave the way for Widodo&rsquo;s youngest 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, to run in a regional contest in Central Java.

Indonesians attempt to storm parliament over proposed changes to election laws

The parliament passed an emergency motion to change the minimum age to serve as governor to 30, a move that could pave the way for Widodo’s youngest 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, to run in a regional contest in Central Java.

The parliament passed an emergency motion to change the minimum age to serve as governor to 30, a move that could pave the way for Widodo&rsquo;s youngest 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, to run in a regional contest in Central Java.

Indonesian police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters who attempted to storm parliament on Thursday.
The unrest was triggered over the legislature's attempt to bring controversial changes related to election laws in the country, which could further enhance the political influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo.
This comes a day after parliament passed an emergency motion to change the minimum age to serve as governor to 30.
If cleared, the law would pave the way for Widodo&rsquo;s youngest 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, to run in a regional contest in Central Java. But the legislature was forced to delay the vote due to the protests.

Indonesia's most active volcano, erupts
 Climbers near Mount Dukono caught escape narrowly

Indonesia's Mount Dukono Erupts, Narrow Escape For Climbers | Video

Indonesia's most active volcano, erupts
Climbers near Mount Dukono caught escape narrowly

Indonesia's most active volcano, erupts Climbers near Mount Dukono caught escape narrowly

In a landslide triggered by rainstorm killed 11 people and left 19 missing at an illegal gold mining operation on Indonesia's Sulawesi island. 

11 dead, 19 missing in landslide at illegal gold mine in Indonesia

In a landslide triggered by rainstorm killed 11 people and left 19 missing at an illegal gold mining operation on Indonesia's Sulawesi island.&nbsp;

A landslide triggered by torrential rains crashed onto an unauthorised gold mining operation on Indonesia's Sulawesi island, killing at least 11 people, officials said Monday. Nineteen others were reported missing.
About 35 villagers were digging for grains of gold on Sunday in a pit at the small traditional gold mine in remote Bone Bolango district in Gorontalo province when tons of mud plunged down the surrounding hills and buried them, said Afifuddin Ilahude, Gorontalo's Search and Rescue Agency spokesperson.
He said rescuers saved five injured people on Sunday and had recovered 11 bodies by Monday. Rescuers are still searching for 19 others who were reported missing, he said.
&ldquo;Relief efforts for the dead and missing were hampered by heavy rain and blocked roads covered with thick mud and debris,&rdquo; Ilahude said. He said rescuers were having difficulty in evacuating three of the recovered bodies.
National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said torrential rains that have pounded the area since Saturday also broke an embankment, causing floods of up to 3 metres (10 feet) in five villages in Bone Bolango. Nearly 300 houses were affected and more than 1,000 people have fled for safety.
Informal mining operations are common in Indonesia, providing a tenuous livelihood to thousands who labour in conditions with a high risk of serious injury or death.
Landslides, flooding and collapses of tunnels are just some of the hazards facing miners. Much of gold ore processing involves highly toxic mercury and cyanide and workers frequently use little or no protection.
The country's last major mining-related accident occurred in April 2022 when a landslide crashed onto an illegal traditional gold mine in North Sumatra's Mandailing Natal district, killing 12 women who were looking for gold.
In February 2019, a makeshift wooden structure in an illegal gold mine in North Sulawesi province collapsed due to shifting soil and the large number of mining holes. More than 40 people were buried and died.

Hours of heavy rain caused large volcanic rocks to roll down one of Indonesia's most active volcanos into two districts on Sumatra Island Saturday evening. 

Indonesia flood death toll rises to 43 with 15 missing

Hours of heavy rain caused large volcanic rocks to roll down one of Indonesia's most active volcanos into two districts on Sumatra Island Saturday evening.&nbsp;

The death toll from flash floods and cold lava flow from a volcano in western Indonesia over the weekend has risen to 43 with 15 more missing, officials said Monday.
Hours of heavy rain caused large volcanic rocks to roll down one of Indonesia's most active volcanos into two districts on Sumatra island Saturday evening, while flooding inundated roads, homes and mosques.
"The death toll from cold lava flow flooding in West Sumatra province reached 43 people," spokesman of the national disaster mitigation agency (BNPB) Abdul Muhari said in a statement on Monday.
Rescuers were still searching for 15 missing people in two districts -- Agam and Tanah Datar -- that were the worst hit by the floods and home to hundreds of thousands of people.
Residents said they heard rocks thundering down roads outside their homes when the heavy rains struck.
"My house was vibrating," said Budi Rahmat, a 44-year-old farmer in Agam.
"The only thing I could think about was that I had to save my wife and kids."
Abdul Malik, head of the local search and rescue agency in provincial capital Padang, also said the number of people killed had risen to 43 in a separate statement.
West Sumatra's disaster mitigation agency had earlier put the death toll at 41.
Malik said Sunday that the bodies retrieved included two children -- a three-year-old and an eight-year-old.
Ilham Wahab, a West Sumatra disaster mitigation agency official, encouraged "people to evacuate to relatives' places, which are safer" than tent shelters in heavy rains.
"We are focused on first, searching and rescuing the victims, second, protecting the evacuees, protecting the vulnerable people," he said.
Provincial Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah told reporters on Monday that around 130 people had evacuated to an elementary school in Agam, while more than 2,000 people were evacuated to several places in Tanah Datar.
Roads in the districts were turned into rivers, with mosques and houses damaged.
Heavy rains inundated neighbourhoods with muddy flood waters and swept vehicles into a nearby river, while volcanic ash and large rocks rumbled down Mount Marapi.
Cold lava, also known as lahar, is volcanic material such as ash, sand and pebbles carried down a volcano's slopes by rain.
'Have mercy'&nbsp;
Authorities sent a team of rescuers and rubber boats to look for the missing victims and to transport people to shelters.
The local government set up evacuation centres and emergency posts in several areas of Agam and Tanah Datar.
The BNPB said 84 homes, 16 bridges and two mosques were damaged in Tanah Datar, as were 20 hectares (50 acres) of rice fields.
Survivors recounted their horror when the flooding and rockfall began.
"I heard the thunder and the sound similar to boiling water. It was the sound of big rocks falling," housewife Rina Devina told AFP, adding that three of her neighbours were killed.
"It was pitch black, so I used my cellphone as a flashlight. The road was muddy, so I chanted 'God, have mercy!' over and over again," she said of her evacuation to a local official's office.
Dwikorita Karnawati, head of Indonesia's meteorology agency, told reporters Monday that West Sumatra was a "unique location" because in parts of the province, rain could fall almost all year round.
"So the potential for floods and landslides are always present," she said.
During the rainy season, generally from October to March, Indonesia is prone to landslides and floods.
In 2022, about 24,000 people were evacuated and two children were killed in floods on Sumatra island, with environmental campaigners blaming deforestation caused by logging for worsening the disaster.
Trees act as natural defences against floods, slowing the rate at which water runs down hills and into rivers.
Marapi's last major eruption took place in December and spewed an ash tower about 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) into the sky, taller than the volcano itself.
At least 24 climbers, most of them university students, died in the eruption.
Also Watch | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/monsoon-mudslide-cold-lava-kill-37-in-indonesia-4-villages-nearly-perish-1715532776959">Monsoon, mudslide &amp; cold lava kill 37 in Indonesia; 4 villages nearly perish</a> &nbsp;

Videos released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed roads that were transformed into murky brown rivers.

Watch: Monsoon rains, Major mudslide batters 4 villages, kills 37 people in Indonesia

Videos released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed roads that were transformed into murky brown rivers.

Heavy rains and torrents of cold lava and mud flowing down a volcano's slopes on Indonesia's Sumatra island triggered flash floods that killed at least 37 people and more than a dozen others were missing, officials said Sunday.
Monsoon rains and a major mudslide from a cold lava flow on Mount Marapi caused a river to breach its banks and tear through mountainside villages in four districts in West Sumatra province just before midnight on Saturday. The floods swept away people and submerged more than 100 houses and buildings, National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said.
Cold lava, also known as lahar, is a mixture of volcanic material and pebbles that flow down a volcano's slopes in the rain.
By Sunday afternoon, rescuers had pulled out 19 bodies in the worst-hit village of Canduang in Agam district and recovered nine other bodies in the neighboring district of Tanah Datar, the National Search and Rescue Agency said in a statement.
The agency said that eight bodies were pulled from mud during deadly flash floods that also hit Padang Pariaman, and one body was found in the city of Padang Panjang. It said rescuers are searching for 18 people who are reportedly missing.
Flash floods on Saturday night also caused main roads around the Anai Valley Waterfall area in Tanah Datar district to be blocked by mud, cutting off access to other cities, Padang Panjang Police Chief Kartyana Putra said Sunday.
Videos released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed roads that were transformed into murky brown rivers.
The disaster came just two months after heavy rains triggered flash floods and a landslide in West Sumatra's Pesisir Selatan and Padang Pariaman districts, killing at least 21 people and leaving five others missing.
The 2,885-metre (9,465-foot) Mount Marapi erupted late last year killing 23 climbers who were caught by a surprise weekend eruption. The volcano has stayed at the third highest of four alert levels since 2011, indicating above-normal volcanic activity under which climbers and villagers must stay more than 3 km (about 2 miles) from the peak, according to Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation.
Marapi is known for sudden eruptions that are difficult to predict because the source is shallow and near the peak, and its eruptions aren't caused by a deep movement of magma, which sets off tremors that register on seismic monitors.
Marapi has been active since an eruption in January 2023 that caused no casualties. It is among more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The country is prone to seismic upheaval because of its location on the Pacific &ldquo;Ring of Fire&rdquo;, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.&nbsp;

The disaster agency said there are still two individuals reported missing, presumably buried under the debris.

19 dead, two missing after Indonesia landslide

The disaster agency said there are still two individuals reported missing, presumably buried under the debris.

At least 19 people have been found dead and two more are missing after a landslide in central Indonesia, local authorities said on Sunday.
The dead and two survivors were evacuated from two landslide-hit villages in Tana Toraja regency, South Sulawesi province on Saturday evening, said local disaster agency head Sulaiman Malia.
"There have been 19 fatalities, with 4 deaths in South Makale and 15 others in Makale villages," Malia told AFP on Sunday.
"Currently, we are still searching for other victims," he said, adding that there are still two individuals reported missing, presumably buried under the landslide debris.
Tana Toraja and its surrounding areas have been "continuously hit by heavy rainfall, especially over the past week, with hardly any stop", Malia added.
The heavy rainfall eroded the soil of residential areas located on mountain slopes, leading to landslides that buried residents' homes, he said.
Indonesia is prone to landslides during the rainy season and the problem has been aggravated in some places by deforestation, with prolonged torrential rain causing flooding in some areas of the archipelago nation.
Last month flash floods and landslides on Sumatra island killed at least 30 people with scores still missing.
A landslide and flooding swept away dozens of houses and destroyed a hotel near Lake Toba on Sumatra in December, killing at least two people.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/taliban-back-iran-over-israel-attacks-pakistan-calls-for-restraint-1713099344858">Taliban back Iran over Israel attacks, Pakistan calls for restraint</a>

The flooding in Indonesia has submerged nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province. Officials said that 11 people are still missing and warned the death toll may increase.

Death toll reaches 26 after torrential rains triggers floods, landslides in Indonesia

The flooding in Indonesia has submerged nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province. Officials said that 11 people are still missing and warned the death toll may increase.

The death toll in Indonesia's Sumatra has reached 26 after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides on Sunday. The officials said that 11 more people are still missing and warned the death toll may increase. More bodies were recovered by the rescuers as the water level started decreasing. The flooding has submerged nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province. The torrential rains drove tons of mud and debris as uprooted trees rolled down a mountain late Friday. A river overflowed its banks and tore through mountainside villages in Pesisir Selatan district of West Sumatra province, said Doni Yusrizal, who heads the local disaster management agency. The officials said the landslides buried at least 14 houses. They said more than 80,000 people had fled to temporary government shelters after the flood and landslide. About 20,000 houses were flooded up to the roof in nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israel-hamas-war-intensifies-as-ramadan-begins-no-truce-yet-1710130821596">Israel-Hamas war intensifies as Ramadan begins; no truce yet</a> &nbsp; Apart from huge losses in agriculture, 26 bridges, 45 mosques, 25 schools and 13 roads have been damaged by the flood.

Prabowo Subianto, a former military chief blamed for human rights abuses in the 1990s, is all set to become Indonesia's new president

Indonesia election results: Prabowo Subianto set to become new president

Prabowo Subianto, a former military chief blamed for human rights abuses in the 1990s, is all set to become Indonesia's new president

Former general Prabowo Subianto claimed victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday as preliminary results put him well ahead of his two rivals to lead Southeast Asia's biggest economy.
Polls have long shown the fiery defence minister to be the favourite after he pledged to carry on the agenda of popular outgoing leader Joko Widodo, who is accused of inappropriately backing his campaign and whose son is Subianto's running mate.
"All counts, all pollsters... showed figures that Prabowo-Gibran won in one round," he told a cheering crowd of supporters at a packed arena in central Jakarta, referring to his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who stood beside him in a matching checked shirt.
"This victory should be a victory for all Indonesians."
Official results are not due until next month but at least four government-approved groups -- making projections based on official early tallying -- showed Subianto winning around 57 percent for a clear majority in one round.
While claiming victory, Subianto stressed "we must still wait for KPU's official result", referring to the election commission.
"We believe Indonesian democracy is running well. The people have determined, the people have decided," he told supporters.
Subianto, who was a military chief during the Suharto dictatorship a generation ago, needs more than 50 percent of the overall vote and at least a fifth of ballots cast in over half the country's 38 provinces to secure the presidency.
The 72-year-old -- who pushed street protests and launched legal challenges after losing the previous two elections -- thanked his supporters and called for unity.
"Now the campaign is over, we must unite again."
The government-approved polling groups' "quick counts" have also been used in previous elections by candidates to claim victory.
The pollsters take samples at selected voting stations after polls have closed, and are allowed to watch the count by election officials.
Key youth support Subianto's military service was a deciding factor for some voters.
"He has a military background, so I think he will be a decisive leader," said Afhary Firnanda, a 28-year-old office worker in Jakarta.
Subianto was dismissed from the military in 1998 over accusations he ordered the abduction of democracy activists at the end of Suharto's rule, but he denied the allegations and was never charged.
He has since rehabilitated his image, thanks in part to a savvy social media campaign targeting Indonesia's youth that portrayed him as a "cuddly grandpa".
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/crores-of-indonesians-vote-to-elect-new-president-1707883948970">Crores of Indonesians vote to elect new president</a> &nbsp;
That strategy appears to have paid off, and the ex-general acknowledged the youth vote helped him win in a country where millennials and Gen-Zers make up more than half the electorate.
"I would like to say thanks to the young people, who are key supporters," he said in his speech, which he ended by dancing on stage in a nod to his image on TikTok.
Another key factor in his popularity is picking Widodo's eldest son, the 36-year-old Raka, for his vice presidential running mate, a move that has raised eyebrows.
Indonesia's then-chief justice, who is Widodo's brother-in-law, in October changed the rules that had barred candidates below the age of 40 from running for high office.
Some observers have also accused Widodo of improperly using government funds to support Subianto, who has rejected accusations of impropriety.
"Jokowi's support was massive. Clearly, it was there. Social welfare aid was distributed through the state apparatus... that's the main factor," said Yoes Kenawas, political analyst at Atma Jaya Catholic University, using the president's nickname.
And rights groups have expressed alarm that he could roll back hard-won democratic freedoms.
"We've been always worried about his commitment towards democracy," said Yoes Kenawas, a researcher at Jakarta-based Atma Jaya Catholic University.
"If he wins, those questions will always linger."
&nbsp;Waiting for the count &nbsp;Fellow candidate Anies Baswedan, who had been the favourite to battle Subianto in the event of a second-round vote, said he would respect the result only when it was finalised.
"We have to respect the people's decision," he told reporters at his campaign headquarters after his rival claimed victory.
But analysts said the projections indicate Subianto has likely avoided a second electoral battle in June against rivals Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.
"With those kinds of numbers I'm relatively confident he won't need a second round," said Justin Hastings, international relations professor at the University of Sydney.
A spokesperson for Pranowo, polling third, told a press conference his team had discovered "structured, systematic and massive" fraud in the election, without providing evidence.
Nearly 205 million people were eligible to vote in the fifth presidential election since the end of Suharto's dictatorship in 1998.
A logistical feat in which more than 20,000 seats were up for grabs saw planes, helicopters, speedboats and even cows used to cart ballots around the sprawling archipelago of nearly 280 million people.
The vote across 800,000 polling stations began Wednesday morning in the restive region of Papua and ended at the other end of the country in jungle-clad Sumatra, while some stations in Jakarta stayed open late after the capital was inundated by thunderstorms.

Elections in the world's third-largest democracy Indonesia begins on February 14. About 10,000 candidates from 18 political parties are eying Parliament's 580 seats.

Crores of Indonesians vote to elect new president

Elections in the world's third-largest democracy Indonesia begins on February 14. About 10,000 candidates from 18 political parties are eying Parliament's 580 seats.

Millions of Indonesians were choosing a new president on Wednesday as the world's third-largest democracy aspires to become a global economic powerhouse just over 25 years since emerging from a brutal authoritarian era.
The incumbent Indonesian defence minister, who has been accused of human rights atrocities as an ex-general, and two former governors are vying to succeed the still-widely popular President Joko Widodo.
Widodo's rise from a riverside slum to his country's presidency has showcased the vibrancy of his Southeast Asian nation's democracy in a region rife with authoritarian regimes.
The voting in a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands sprawled across three time zones, with a population of 270 million, is a logistical nightmare, with white ballot boxes and ballots being brought by donkeys and on foot in some of the more remote locations. Polls open at 7 am local time in each time zone and the first region began voting at 22.00 GMT.
Aside from the presidency, about 20,000 national, provincial and district parliamentary posts would be contested by tens of thousands of candidates. About 10,000 hopefuls from 18 political parties are eyeing the national parliament's 580 seats alone.
The presidency is being contested by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.
Subianto, who is the frontrunner based on several independent surveys, has picked Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice-presidential running mate.
Subianto is the only candidate with links to the 1967-98 Suharto dictatorship, when he was a lieutenant general. A longtime commander in the Kopassus special forces, he was dishonorably discharged in 1998 after Kopassus soldiers kidnapped and tortured political opponents of Suharto, his then-father-in-law.
Of 22 activists kidnapped that year, 13 remain missing. Subianto never faced trial, although several of his men were tried and convicted.
Polls show the 72-year-old Subianto well ahead of his two rivals, though perhaps not with the majority needed to avoid a runoff. While he is the oldest candidate, his running mate is the youngest: 36-year-old Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo's son.
Raka is below the statutory minimum age of 40 but was allowed to run under an exception created by the Constitutional Court. The court was then headed by Widodo's brother-in-law, which set off criticism against the president over perceived favouritism.
Subianto has vowed to continue Widodo's economic development plan in what experts view as an attempt to draw on Widodo's popularity. But he is strongly opposed by human rights activists, who associate him with torture and disappearances during the final years of the Suharto dictatorship.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/defense-minister-two-former-governors-vie-for-indonesia-s-presidency-1707806082838">Defense minister, two former governors vie for Indonesia&rsquo;s presidency</a> &nbsp;
Baswedan, the former head of an Islamic university, served as governor of Jakarta until last year. A former Fulbright scholar, Baswedan had been education and culture minister from 2014 to 2016, when Widodo removed him from the Cabinet.
Baswedan opposes Widodo's signature plan to move Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara on the island of Borneo, about 2,000 kilometres away, which involves constructing government buildings and housing from scratch.
He said in an interview with AP last month that democracy in Indonesia is declining, referring to Subianto's choice of Widodo's son as his running mate, and pledged to get it back on track.
"This means that there is a decline in trust, it means that our democracy is experiencing a decline in quality, it means that many legal rules are being bent," he said.
Pranowo is the governing party candidate, but does not have the support of Widodo. He was a national legislator for the governing Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle for 10 years before being elected in 2013 for the first of two terms as Central Java governor.
While governor, he refused to allow Israel to participate in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup to be held in his province. FIFA subsequently dropped Indonesia as host of the games, triggering a backlash against Pranowo from soccer fans.
Israel and Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, do not have diplomatic ties.&nbsp;

It is a three-way race for the presidency among Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.

Defense minister, two former governors vie for Indonesia’s presidency

It is a three-way race for the presidency among Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.

Indonesians on Wednesday will elect the successor to popular President Joko Widodo, who is serving his second and final term.
About 205 million people are eligible to vote in the world's third-largest democracy and most populous Muslim-majority nation.
It is a three-way race for the presidency among Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.
Subianto is widely seen as the frontrunner. He has picked Widodo&rsquo;s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his running mate.
Subianto is the only candidate with links to the more than 30-year Suharto dictatorship, when he was a lieutenant general.
A longtime commander in the Kopassus special forces, Subianto was dishonorably discharged in 1998 after Kopassus soldiers kidnapped and tortured political opponents of Suharto, his then-father-in-law.
Of 22 activists kidnapped that year, 13 remain missing. Subianto never faced trial, but several of his men were tried and convicted.
He went into self-exile in Jordan for several years before returning and founding the Gerindra Party in early 2008. He ran for the presidency twice, losing to Widodo both times.
He refused to acknowledge the results but accepted Widodo's offer of the defense minister position in 2019, a bid for unity.
Despite being the oldest candidate, his running mate is the youngest: 36-year-old Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo's son.
Raka is below the statutory minimum age of 40 but was allowed to run under an exception created by the Constitutional Court &mdash; then headed by Widodo's brother-in-law &mdash; allowing current and former regional governors to run at age 35.
Subianto has had close ties with hard-line Islamists whom he used to undermine his opponents.
Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo is with the governing party, but does not have Widodo's support.
Widodo has distanced himself from the party's campaign and is seen as backing Subianto and his son Raka.
Pranowo was a national legislator for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle for 10 years before being elected in 2013 for the first of two terms as Central Java governor.
While governor, he refused to allow Israel to participate in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup to be held in his province.
FIFA subsequently dropped Indonesia as host of the games, triggering a backlash against Pranowo from soccer fans. Israel and Muslim-majority Indonesia do not have diplomatic ties.
He has been a less enthusiastic backer of Widodo's policies than Subianto.
His running mate is Mohammad Mahfud, who recently resigned as security minister to focus on campaigning.
He is also a former defense minister, justice minister and chief justice of the Constitutional Court.
The third presidential candidate is Anies Baswedan, the former head of an Islamic university.
He was governor of Jakarta until last year after winning a divisive election in 2017 against an ethnic Chinese Christian incumbent backed by Widodo.
Baswedan, a former Fulbright scholar, was education and culture minister from 2014 to 2016, when Widodo removed him from the Cabinet.
Basdewan is backed by conservative Muslim groups, after he galvanized hundreds of thousands to take to the streets in 2016 against the then-Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who was then imprisoned on blasphemy charges after quoting the Quran in a speech.
Baswedan was seen as using the controversy to successfully run for governor.
His use of religious identity politics in the 2017 election distanced him from moderate Muslims.
His choice of Muhaimin Iskandar as his running mate is viewed as an attempt to rebuild that support.
Iskandar&rsquo;s Islam-based National Awakening Party has strong ties with Indonesia&rsquo;s largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, which boasts over 45 million members.
Baswedan opposes Widodo's signature plan to move Indonesia&rsquo;s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara on the island of Borneo, about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) away, which involves constructing government buildings and housing from scratch.
He said in an interview with The Associated Press last month that democracy in Indonesia is declining, referring to Subianto's choice of Widodo's son as his running mate, and pledged to get it back on track.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/pakistan-elections-un-chief-urges-political-leaders-to-refrain-from-violence-1707802281669">Pakistan elections: UN chief urges political leaders to refrain from violence</a>

Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway on October 2.

Indonesia launches China-funded Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway

Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway on October 2.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway on Monday as it was set to begin commercial operations, a key project under China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative that will drastically reduce the travel time between two key cities.
The project has been beset with delays and increasing costs, and some observers doubt its commercial benefits. But Widodo has championed the 142-kilometre (88-mile) railway, which was issued its official operating license from the Transportation Ministry on Sunday.
The USD 7.3 billion project, largely funded by China, was constructed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, known as PT KCIC, a joint venture between an Indonesian consortium of four state-owned companies and China Railway International Co. Ltd.
The railway connects Jakarta with Bandung, the heavily populated capital of West Java province, and will cut travel time between the cities from the current three hours to about 40 minutes.
Its use of electrical energy is expected to reduce carbon emissions.
Widodo in his opening remarks officially named Indonesia's first high-speed railway &mdash; the fastest in Southeast Asia, with speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph) &mdash; as &ldquo;Whoosh,&rdquo; from &ldquo;Waktu Hemat, Operasi Optimal, Sistem Handal,&rdquo; which means &ldquo;timesaving, optimal operation, reliable system&rdquo; in Indonesian language.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/cctv-footage-shows-suicide-bomber-carrying-out-blast-near-turkish-parliament-1696176952589">CCTV footage shows suicide bomber carrying out blast near Turkish Parliament</a>
&ldquo;The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train marks the modernisation of our mass transportation, which is efficient and environmentally friendly,&rdquo; Widodo said.
&ldquo;Our courage to try new things gives us confidence and the opportunity to learn and will be very useful for the future, making our human resources more advanced and our nation more independent,&rdquo; he added.
Widodo, along with other high-ranking officials, rode Whoosh from its first station, Halim in eastern Jakarta, to Bandung's Padalarang station, one of the line's four stations, located about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the central area of Bandung.
He took a 25-minute test ride on the train on September 13 and told reporters that he felt comfortable sitting or walking inside the bullet train even at its top speeds.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang took a test ride early last month while visiting Jakarta for three days of talks with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations and other countries.
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for maritime and investment, said China Railway has agreed to transfer its technology to Indonesia so that in the future the country's high-speed trains can be made domestically.
For two weeks leading up to the inauguration, PT KCIC has been running a free-of-charge public trial.
Indonesia broke ground on the project in 2016. The line was originally expected to begin operations in 2019, but was delayed by disputes over land acquisition, environmental issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was planned to cost 66.7 trillion rupiah (USDF 4.3 billion), but the amount ballooned to 113 trillion rupiah (USD 7.3 billion).
The trains have been modified for Indonesia's tropical climate and are equipped with a safety system that can respond to earthquakes, floods and other emergency conditions. The 209-meter (685-foot) train has a capacity of 601 passengers.
Ticket prices had not been finalized as of Monday, but PT KCIC estimated one-way prices per passenger would range from 250,000 rupiah (USD 16) for second class to 350,000 rupiah (USD 22.60) for VIP seats.
Passengers going to downtown Bandung need to take a feeder train from the Padalarang station that will add a further 20 minutes, with an estimated cost about 50,000 rupiah (USD 3.20).
The rail deal was signed in October 2015 after Indonesia selected China over Japan in fierce bidding.
It was financed with a loan from the China Development Bank for 75 per cent of the cost. The remaining 25 per cent came from the consortium's own funds.
The project is part of a planned 750-kilometre (466-mile) high-speed train line that would cut across four provinces on Indonesia's main island of Java and end in the country's second-largest city, Surabaya.
As a global economic giant, China is one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia, a region home to more than 675 million people. Amid crackdowns by the United States and its allies, China is expanding trade with ASEAN countries and infrastructure projects are playing key roles.
A semi-high-speed railway &mdash; with speeds up to 160 kph (99 mph) &mdash; linking China with Laos was inaugurated in December 2021.
The USD 6 billion infrastructure was financed mostly by China under the Belt and Road policy.
The 1,035-kilometer (643-mile) route runs through Laos' mountain ranges to connect the southeastern Chinese city of Kunming with Vientiane, the capital of Laos. There are plans for a high-speed train down through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore.&nbsp;
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/elon-musk-says-justin-trudeau-is-crushing-free-speech-in-canada-here-s-why-1696216418244">Elon Musk says Justin Trudeau is 'crushing free speech' in Canada; here's why</a>

Every year Tengger tribe members from surrounding highlands gather at the top of the volcano in hope of pleasing their gods

Watch: cattle, food and other offerings tossed into Indonesia's active volcano

Thousands of worshippers scaled an active Indonesian volcano on Monday to toss livestock, food and other offerings into its smoking crater in a centuries-old religious ceremony.

Every year Tengger tribe members from surrounding highlands gather at the top of the volcano in hope of pleasing their gods

Thousands of worshippers scaled an active Indonesian volcano on Monday to toss livestock, food and other offerings into its smoking crater in a centuries-old religious ceremony.
Swarming the thin rim around the basin of Mount Bromo, devotees heaved goats, chickens and vegetables slung across their backs up to the dusty peak as part of the Yadnya Kasada festival.
Every year Tengger tribe members from surrounding highlands gather at the top of the volcano -- famed for its stunning sunrise views -- in hope of pleasing their gods and bringing luck to the Tenggerese, an Indigenous group in eastern Java.
Slamet, a 40-year-old farmer who like many Indonesians goes by only one name, brought a baby cow as an offering.
"We have a lot of cows back home and this one can be considered excess, so we are bringing it here... to return it back to God," he told AFP.
"This is also an act of gratitude to God for giving us prosperity... We return it back to God so we can come back here next year."
The calf had a lucky escape as it was handed to a villager after Slamet's prayers instead of being sacrificed to the volcanic cauldron.
Some villagers who do not belong to the Tengger tribe took to the crater's steep slopes equipped with nets in an attempt to intercept offerings thrown into the abyss and avoid them going to waste.
Farmer Joko Priyanto brought some of his own produce in the form of cabbages and carrots to lob down into the smoky void.
"I hope I will receive a reward from the almighty God," the 36-year-old said.
&nbsp;
- 'Better income' - &nbsp;
Monday's ritual was the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that authorities had allowed tourists to the site after the festival was limited to worshippers last year.
The event has its roots in 15th-century folklore from the Majapahit kingdom, a Javanese Hindu-Buddhist empire that stretched across Southeast Asia.
Legend has it that Princess Roro Anteng and her husband, unable to bear children after years of marriage, begged the gods for help.
Their prayers were answered when they were promised 25 children, as long as they agreed to sacrifice their youngest child by throwing him into Mount Bromo.
Their son is said to have willingly jumped into the volcano to guarantee the prosperity of the Tengger people.
For shopkeeper Rohim, who travelled from a nearby Javan city on Monday to launch potatoes, leeks and cash into the lava, it was a chance to pray for good luck. He said his fortunes had improved following previous visits.
"Business has been better than before, hence my coming here," the 32-year-old said.
"I'm hoping my business can improve so next year I can come back."

indonesia

Categories