The execution of the islamist fundamentalists responsible for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people could face further delays. There is no time limit in which a convict must submit a request for a presidential pardon. The way the law currently stands it can easily be manipulated and further delays to the death sentences being carried out could occur.
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This story was updated at 15:56 February 13, 2013 Additional material in green type Located only 35 kilometres to the east of Bali, the island of Lombok has long had a reputation for being the uncommercialised version of Indonesia’s best known tourism destination. However while Lombok proudly hangs on to its Lombok – Primitive slogan, the primitive nature of its people, one primarily motivated by greed, dishonesty and jealousy, has seen Lombok’s tourism appeal reduce significantly in recent years. Of particular notoriety amongst younger travellers and backpackers has been a group of three Gili’s (islands) located off the northwest tip of Lombok. Named Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, the three developed a reputation due to their white-sandy beaches, … Continue reading
Government officers at Mataram’s immigration office are systematically skimming hundreds of millions of rupiah every day in tips or “uang terima kasih” (thank you money) with the issuing of passports for Indonesians travelling to work overseas.
Continue readingAnimal conservation is not something usually associated with Asian countries. However the forward looking views of a Lombok veterinarian almost five years ago has seen the turtle population around the northwest gilis (island in Bhasa Indonesia) of Air, Meno and Trawangan increase to the levels they are now. Over the years Dr Gde Sudiana, head of the department of Animal Services for West Lombok, estimates he has helped in the incubation and release of more than 3,000 turtles. According to Dr Gde, in 1995 there was very few turtles in the waters around the three gili’s and after reading reports on the plight of the turtles he and an English biologist friend started a small-scale breeding program. “We bought 50 … Continue reading
Every year divers from all round the world head to Indonesia to explore the pristine waters surrounding the 16,000 islands forming the Indonesian archipelago. While the island resort of Bali plays host to many of these tourists, along with Sumatra and Sumbawa, the three islands off the North-West tip of Lombok, Gili Air, Meno and Trawangan, have in the past enjoyed a particularly good reputation. Known world-wide for exceptionally clear water and an area where visitors can see more varieties of fish, including giant manta rays, than any other location in the world, the three Gili’s host thousands of divers a year. While fish species still abound in the area, the effects of el Nino in 2000, as well as … Continue reading
Visitors to Indonesia in the month following the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan might be forgiven for thinking the whole country has gone marriage crazy. These thoughts are only half incorrect as following the fasting month, in which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking, as well as emotional actions such as open signs of affection or anger between sunrise and sunset, is peak wedding time throughout the country. Almost immediately after the Idul Fitri celebrations that mark the end of the fasting period are over young couples free of the restrictions Ramadan places on them use every available opportunity to marry their loved ones. For tourists to Indonesia the “wedding month” provide an excellent opportunity to gain an … Continue reading
One of the southern most islands of the Indonesian archipelago is Sumba, or Sandalwood island. A member of the Lesser Sunda group of islands South of Flores and Sumbawa in the past its prime exports were slaves, horses, sandalwood and Ikat, hand dyed weavings, which it exported to the main Indonesian island of Java. These days with little sandalwood remaining and the abolishment of slavery it is one of Indonesia’s lessor explored and unspoilt tourist destinations. However for hardy travellers the first full moon of the Lunar Calendar (usually in February or March) is when the waters of Sumba come alive and Sumba hosts the largest cultural event of the Lesser Sunda islands. Between six and eight days after the … Continue reading
