Features

Indonesia needs to attract more investment to enable it to boost economic growth that is vital for business expansion, particularly in the face of predicted-improvement of economic conditions beginning this year.

The state of health of the Indonesian people in general seems to have been improving only at a slow pace over the past few decades.

US President Barack Obama who has postponed his planned visit to Indonesia to June is expected then to be more able to focus on US-Indonesia bilateral talks when he meets with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Many parties have applauded the Indonesian police for their most recent successes in fighting terrorists in Tangerang (Banten Provice) and Aceh Province, but some have expressed regrets about the harsh way the police had handled them.

Traditional dances from Kisar island in Southwest Maluku (MBD) district will highlight the launch of Sail Banda in Ambon on April 2010.

Indonesian religious leaders are divided in their views about US President Barrack Obama`s upcoming visit to Indonesia later this month as can be seen from their statements.

Next week`s planned visit to Indonesia of United States President Barack Obama has in the past few weeks sparked pros and cons.

Tobacconists, cigarettes makers and even the cabinet member in charge of religious affairs have voiced opposition to an edict or fatwa issued by the country`s Muslim organization Muhammadiyah declaring smoking "haram" or forbidden in Islamic law.

In its search for comprehensive ways to fight terrorism beyond mere police actions, the government is considering the role Islamic boarding schools can play in countering the misleading religious teachings.

More than 500 homes were destroyed and hundreds of trees fell down in several regions of the country after being stricken by whirlwinds recently, and at least one person died.