| Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, receives a bomb threat |
| 04 Dec 2008 |
| Representatives of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim group, Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, received a bomb threat at the organization's office in Jakarta at approximately 1330 local time on 4 December 2008. As of last report, a search was underway to locate the alleged explosives. The bomb threat was reportedly received by telephone from an unidentified caller.
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| Earthquake strikes Gorontalo Province |
| 17 Nov 2008 |
| On 16 November 2008 an earthquake of a magnitude of approximately 7.5 struck Gorontalo Province off the northern coast of the island of Sulawesi. Early reports indicate that up to four people died and that damage was caused to a number of buildings.
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| Man detained after sending a threatening text message to police officials |
| 12 Nov 2008 |
| On 11 November 2008 reports emerged that a man was detained in southern Jakarta after sending a threatening text message to police officials. The text message, which was sent on 9 November, threatened to bomb the Blok M mall in South Jakarta. The man, according to officials, stated that the text message threat was in response to the executions of the Bali bombers. No connection was made between the man and the bombers; however, security remains high in Jakarta and throughout Indonesia in light of the recent executions and the potential for backlash from extremists.
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| Three individuals convicted for 2002 Bali nightclub bombings were executed by firing squad |
| 11 Nov 2008 |
| The three individuals who were convicted for their roles in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, which killed 202 people on the resort island, were executed by firing squad on 8 November 2008. The execution took place on Nusakambangan Island after midnight local time.
The bodies of the bombers were taken to their hometowns on Java Island on 9 November. Authorities stated that thousands of West Java residents crowded the streets in support of the bombers, sparking some clashes as police officers tried to keep the public from getting close to the bodies.
Authorities increased security throughout the county in the lead up to the executions due to threats by the bombers' supporters. Tensions remain high, and there is a potential for attacks to take place in the immediate future, including on Java. Officials have advised travelers to take caution in areas that have a low level of protective security, including beaches, bars and malls. The Australian government issued a travel warning for Australians visiting Indonesia and cautioned that investigations have uncovered credible information that terrorists may target Australians in their retaliatory attacks.
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| Two messages received threatening to bomb the U.S. and Australian embassies in Jakarta |
| 04 Nov 2008 |
| Indonesian authorities confirmed on 4 November 2008 that two messages threatening to bomb the U.S. and Australian embassies in Jakarta have been received. Reports indicate that officials received anonymous text messages from a mobile phone. Police officers stated that the threats warned that the two embassy buildings would be bombed if the upcoming executions of the Bali bombers proceed as planned. According to an official Indonesian government announcement, the three bombers are set to be executed in early November. A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy told reporters that the threat is being taken seriously and an investigation into the warning has been opened. The embassy did not suspend services after the threat emerged.
Meanwhile, security has been increased around President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono after he received an assassination threat. The threat, posted on an extremist Web site, stated that should the Bali bombers be executed they will kill the president, vice-president and other government officials. Although the letter was electronically signed by the three bombers on death row, it is not likely that they could have posted the threat due to their incarceration.
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| Security was increased throughout Indonesia |
| 31 Oct 2008 |
| Security was increased throughout Indonesia on 31 October 2008 due to the slated executions of the 2002 Bali bombers on 1 November. Supporters of the bombers have stated that they will seek reprisals for the executions and have been rumoured to be making their way to Denpasar (Bali) to show their solidarity. As part of the heightened security measures, more than 1,000 police officers have been deployed to Cilacap, the city closest to the Nusakambangan island prison.
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| Bombers execution date announced - continued caution is advised if travelling to Bali. |
| 24 Oct 2008 |
| On 24 October 2008 Indonesian officials announced that three Bali bombers will be executed in early November. The three men have been on death row since being charged and convicted for their role in the 2002 nightclub bombings that killed 202 people. Reports indicate that the executions will take place at the Nusakambangan prison island where the men are currently being held. Although the attorney general's office has not set a specific date, the executions will reportedly take place in early November.
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| Terrorist plot to blow up the Pertamina fuel depot, the country's largest oil storage facility thwarted |
| 22 Oct 2008 |
| According to reports emerging on 22 October 2008, Indonesian authorities have thwarted a terrorist plot to blow up the Pertamina fuel depot, the country's largest oil storage facility, located in Plumpang, North Jakarta. Officials stated that five members of a militant Islamist cell, reportedly associated with the regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), were apprehended in West Java, Bogor and Jakarta in a series of raids. During the raids, detailed bomb circuit boards -- higher tech versions of the circuitry used in the Australian Embassy bombing in Jakarta in 2004 -- were found, in addition to weapons, triggers, chemicals, ammunition and nearly 6 lb/2.7 kg of TNT. Some of the terrorists were believed to be associated with the mastermind of the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings. Authorities stated that during the raid, they found evidence that a number of different terrorist groups have begun to join together in Indonesia, including JI, its Singapore division, a grassroots jihad group called Jundulah, as well as the Islamic State of Indonesia, KOMPAK and FAKTA.
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| WHO - Bied Flu update |
| 15 Oct 2008 |
| The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has retrospectively announced two confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The first case, a 38 year old male from Tangerang Municipality, Banten Province developed symptoms on 4 July 2008, was hospitalized on 9 July and died on 10 July. There were free roaming poultry throughout his neighbourhood, including a commercial poultry pen owned by a neighbour.
The second case, a 20 year old male from Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on 20 July, was hospitalized on 29 July, and died on 31 July. Reports indicate that chickens from the case's household had died in the week preceding the onset of his symptoms and that he had slaughtered and consumed some of his stock during this period.
Of the 137 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 112 have been fatal.
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| Fighting between students at two rival universities |
| 15 Oct 2008 |
| Fighting between students at two rival universities -- Indonesian Christian University (UKI) and Bung Karno University (UBK) -- broke out in central Jakarta on 15 October 2008, prompting police officers to step in and break up the clashes by firing warning shots in the air. The incident began at approximately 1530 local time and was initiated when numerous UKI students chased a UBK student. Later, dozens of UBK students joined the fray. Two cars parked outside of the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital were damaged by rocks being thrown by the two groups; there were no reports of injuries.
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| Four Indonesian airlines grounded for sub-standard safety standards |
| 14 Oct 2008 |
| Reports on 14 October 2008 stated that four Indonesian airlines have been grounded for three months due to sub-par safety standards. An investigation grounded Pura Wisata Baruna, Sampoerna Air Nusantara, Dabi Air Nussantara and Atlas Deltasatya after they failed several categories in a safety inspection. The suspension went into effect on 7 October. Should the airlines not comply with the required safety upgrades, they will have their Air Operator's Certificates (AOC) licenses revoked. In July 2008 five airlines were suspended for similar regulatory problems; however, since then, four of the five were able to resume flying after meeting international safety standards. Officials removed the AOC license of the remaining airline, Helizona, and gave it an additional six months to improve or be "deregistered as a business."
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| Bali bombers would not be executed until after 24 October |
| 14 Oct 2008 |
| Indonesian officials announced on 14 October 2008 that the 2002 Bali bombers would not be executed until after 24 October. Local media sources had recently reported that the executions would take place within a two-week time period, basing their information on a military source; however, the attorney general's office has indicated that on 24 October it will release further details over the execution plans.
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| Bali bombers say there will be severe consequences if they are executed |
| 01 Oct 2008 |
| The three Bali bombers slated for execution in Indonesia announced on 1 October 2008 that there will be severe consequences should authorities carry out the sentences. The bombers were set to be executed in August, but the executions were delayed out of respect for Ramadan and rescheduled for after the conclusion of the religious observance marked by Eid al-Fitr. The three bombers, who were convicted of killing more than 200 people in the 2002 bombings, warned that "mujahideen fighters" will hunt down those responsible for their execution, whether in Indonesia or throughout the world.
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| Bomb found in shopping centre in Palu |
| 30 Sep 2008 |
| A bomb was found in a shopping center in Palu, in Central Sulawesi province, on 30 September 2008. The low-powered device, reportedly hand-made, was found on Jalan Danau Poso street shortly after midnight local time. The bomb was said to have consisted of wires, batteries and a mobile phone detonator. The discovery comes ahead of the Muslim festival, Eid al-Fitr, which is scheduled to take place between 1-2 October. Police officers exploded the bomb on-site and stated that the bomb could have been intended to disrupt Eid al-Fitr festivities. Sulawesi has historically witnessed intense conflict between its Muslim and Christian population.
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| Passenger ferry catches fire |
| 26 Sep 2008 |
| A passenger ferry caught fire near Indonesia's Moluccas islands on 26 September 2008. Rescue workers report that at least four and as many as nine of the ferry's 60 passengers have been confirmed dead; the number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will take place once rescue efforts are complete.
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| Earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck near the Indonesian island of Halmahera |
| 11 Sep 2008 |
| On 11 September 2008 an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck near the Indonesian island of Halmahera, approximately 75 mi/122 km northwest of Ternate city, at 0900 local time (0000 UTC). Local seismologists stated that the epicenter of the earthquake was undersea at a depth of 57 mi/93 km. A localized tsunami warning was issued in relation to the quake but was later lifted. There have been no reports of any damage or disruptions related to the earthquake.
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| security in and around Denpasar (Bali) ahead of the execution |
| 08 Sep 2008 |
| Indonesia has increased security in and around Denpasar (Bali) ahead of the execution of the Bali bombers, which is to take place after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Security officials are on high alert, especially in Kuta (located in southern Bali), as rumors have spread that supporters of the terrorists have been traveling to Bali in a show of support, with some reports stating that the potential for an attack in response to the executions is high. Bali is largely Hindu, and Hindus do not support the extension of the execution past Ramadan. Entry points in Gilimanuk port, the Ubung bus terminal and Ngurah Rai International Airport (WADD/DPS) are all under heavy surveillance. Officials have not set a specific date for the executions.
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| Execution of the Bali bombers has been delayed |
| 28 Aug 2008 |
| On 27 August 2008 government officials announced that the execution of the Bali bombers has been delayed until after the holy month of Ramadan, set to begin on 1 September. The executions will now be held in October. Officials indicated that it would be inappropriate to execute any individuals when the majority of the population of Indonesia is Muslim and will be participating in Ramadan. The postponement announcement did not indicate whether or not the bombers will still be executed via firing squad, as they have appealed to the courts to allow them to be executed by beheading, which is the Islamic way. The execution has raised concern of possible terrorist attacks and/or protests, as a number of the bombers' supporters have been thought to be entering the country. |
| Earthquake strikes off the coast of Java |
| 26 Aug 2008 |
| At approximately 1000 local time on 26 August 2008 a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck just off to coast of Java island in southern Indonesia. Authorities briefly issued a tsunami warning for the surrounding areas of the Indian Ocean, however, the warning was lifted approximately 30-60 minutes later. The quake was centered approximately 78 mi/125 km from Ujungkulon in West Java at a depth of 12 mi/20 km. The tremor did not cause any significant damage or disruptions, although residents in Jakarta stated the quake was felt throughout the city.
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| Public minivan drivers continued transportation strikes in Tangerang |
| 07 Aug 2008 |
| Public minivan drivers continued transportation strikes in Tangerang, a city in Banten located approximately 12 mi/20 km west of Jakarta, the capital, on 7 August 2008. The drivers, stationed along the Cileduk-Pondok Kacang route, have parked their minivans throughout the city at intersections since 5 August, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Organizers stated that the strike is directed against racketeers -- some dressed like police officers -- who have increasingly demanded and collected illegal fees from the drivers, sometimes resorting to violence when drivers refuse them. Drivers have filed police reports and stated that they will continue their strike until police officials take measures to stop the extortion and violence. In addition, the Association of Public Transportation Drivers (SPAU) pleaded with public transportation agencies to improve their operational systems, such as issuing public transportation permits to ensure the safety of the drivers on recommended routes.
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| An earthquake measuring 6.6 struck near the island of Sumbawa |
| 07 Aug 2008 |
| On 7 August 2008 an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck near the island of Sumbawa, located approximately 620 mi/1,000 km east of Jakarta, at 0641 local time (2241 UTC on 6 August). The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 32 mi/51 km from Sumbawa and measured at a depth of 6 mi/10 km. More than 1,200 houses and other buildings such as mosques, shops and schools were damaged, more than 500 of them severely. The Pukat district of Dompu regency and Sanggar are reporting damage. Five people were reportedly injured, but there were no reports of fatalities. No tsunami warning was issued.
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| Earthquake hits eastern Indonesia |
| 05 Aug 2008 |
| According to reports, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Indonesia in the early morning hours of 5 August 2008. The quake, which reportedly struck at 0305 local time (2045 UTC, on 4 August), was centered approximately 145 mi/235 km northwest of Saumlaki town in Maluku province. Initial reports stated that the quake, which was centered approximately 106 mi/171 km under the seabed, could have potentially generated a tsunami for the area; however, no official warning was issued. There were no reports of serious damage or casualties in either Tual or Saumlaki.
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| Transportation services prepare for electricity blackouts |
| 09 Jul 2008 |
| Transportation sectors in Jakarta and Tangerang, including bus and airport operators, have begun preparing for the scheduled electricity blackouts that will take place from 11-25 July 2008. According to officials belonging to the state power firm, PT PLN, the city will soon run out of gas to fuel its generators, the Tanjung Priok generator and the Muara Karang generator, which are both located in North Jakarta. In both cities, there will be two scheduled blackouts per day, from 0800-1500 local time and from 1500-2200 local time. Each time period will affect different customers. Strategic facilities such as hospitals will not be affected.
The TransJakarta bus service has already been affected by the rolling blackouts, which have left stations without lights or functioning ticket machines. As a result, the company will institute paper tickets for the interim period. Officials with Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (WIII/CGK) stated that they have asked the government to not cut power to the facility, as they have two generators that can meet only 30 percent of the facility’s power needs. There has been no response from authorities to this request.
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| Plan to attack foreign tourists uncovered - 10 suspected Islamic militants arrested |
| 03 Jul 2008 |
| On 3 July 2008 Indonesian authorities confirmed that 10 suspected Islamic militants were arrested in the Sumatran village of Sekayu and several explosive devices were seized, averting a planned terrorist attack. The suspected militants were reportedly planning a major attack targeting Westerners in Jakarta. The detained suspects included a Singapore national with links to the Jemaah Islamiyah group and al-Qaeda. The suspects were found with 22 bombs, some packed with bullets, according to a police general speaking on condition of anonymity. Additional materials, including explosive powder, grenades and numerous electric detonators were also recovered.
During interrogations of the suspects, investigators discovered that the militants were planning an attack on foreign tourists on Sumatra Island, but later changed their target to Jakarta in an effort to minimize Indonesian casualties. The arrests mark the latest in a series of developments that point to the Indonesian government's success in fighting terrorism.
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| Five domestic airlines grounded |
| 02 Jul 2008 |
| The Indonesian Transport Ministry grounded five domestic airlines on 1 July 2008, stating that they had a three-month deadline to improve their safety standards or else they would receive a full operational ban. The grounded airlines are Helizona, SMAC, Asco Nusa Air, Tri-MG Intra Asia Airlines and Dirgantara Air Service. According to officials, the airlines, which have had their Air Operator's Certificates (AOC) suspended, failed to meet minimum safety requirements in every safety category. In June 2008, Adam Air, another Indonesian air carrier, was shut down after it failed to meet its three-month deadline for improvements.
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| Two new cases of Bird Flu announced |
| 26 Jun 2008 |
| The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The cases are not linked epidemiologically. The first is a 16-year-old female from South Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Province developed symptoms on 7 May, was hospitalized on 12 May and died on 14 May. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate exposure to sick and dead poultry.
The second case is a 34-year-old female from Tangerang District, Banten Province who developed symptoms on 26 May, and was hospitalized on 2 June and died on 3 June. Investigations into the source of her infection are ongoing.
Of the 135 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 110 have been fatal.
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| Yogyakarta Airport fails a safety upgrade inspection |
| 25 Jun 2008 |
| Yogyakarta Airport, also locally known as Adisucipto International Airport (WARJ/JOG), failed a safety upgrade inspection on 24 June 2008, after reports were released indicating that the airport was operating without a license when a Garuda Boeing 737 crashed with 140 people on board in March 2007. The operating license was said to have expired eight months prior to the crash in August 2006, as the facility failed to fulfill conditions required by law to maintain its license. Even though it has been more than a year since the crash, the facility has yet to extend the runway to the correct measurements as required by law.
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| Government Issue decree limiting activities of Ahmadiyya sect |
| 09 Jun 2008 |
| On 9 June 2008 the Indonesian government issued a decree severely limiting the activities of the Ahmadiyya sect. The decree prohibits the sect from preaching that Muhammad is not the final prophet. The government has been under pressure from two opposing sides on the Ahmadiyya issue. In the latest in a series of rallies, thousands of hard-line Muslims gathered on 9 June outside the presidential palace and the Jakarta police headquarters. The protest, led by the United Muslim' Action to Disband Ahmadiyya, demanded that the government disband the sect. With the head Islamic authority -- the Ulema Council -- backing the hardline Muslims, violence against Ahmadiyya has increased. On the other hand, there are those within Indonesia who oppose any measures against the sect as a violation of religious freedom.
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