A meeting of world environment ministers and officials in Indonesia has accepted 2009 as the deadline for negotiations towards a new international treaty to fight climate change.
Our Jakarta Correspondent Geoff Thompson reports the Kyoto Protocol effectively expires in 2012 and after meeting with environment ministers and officials from 40 countries in Bogor the head of the United Nations Climate Secretariat. (more…)
JAKARTA, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Mount Soputan volcano on the northern tip of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island has erupted, throwing columns of ash 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) into the air, an official said on Friday. Saut Simatupang, of Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, said that the eruption did not appear to pose an immediate threat to residents, although ash had reached the nearest town.
“From the data that we have, it is only spraying ash without other volcanic material,” he said by telephone. “It is not so dangerous but we suggest people wear a mask so they will not suffer from respiratory problems.” (more…)
I have been visiting Indonesia frequently. My last trip to your wonderful country was from July to September. Previously, I visited sometimes three to four times in one year.
I have been in Indonesia three times so far for this year and my next trip will be from December to March, 2008. I just love Indonesia and its’ people. I have traveled the world over and over and there is no other place, with honest, civil, lovable and pleasant people than in Indonesia, no matter what province one is in. (more…)
Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Financial incentives for forest protection should consider the value of the natural resources inside to motivate local residents to protect the area, the government said Tuesday.
Forestry Minister Malam Sambat Kaban said the incentives should also count potential losses if the people stop exploiting the forest.
“If we get only US$100 per hectare as a financial reward, it will not resolve poverty problems for communities living in forest areas,” Kaban said. (more…)
Eva sat on her veranda, holding a plastic bag full of coins and giving them to passing children the night before Idul Fitri.
“Come here kid! Take the money,” she cried out to one of the youngsters in her village of Tegalwangi in Talang regency.
As her neighbors chanted “Allahu akbar” (God is great), Eva prepared Rp 50,000 (US$5.40) in 500 rupiah coins and gave Rp 1,000 to each child. (more…)
Villagers evacuated from around the Indonesian volcano Mount Kelud have been told it could still erupt as frustration over their forced removal grows.
Activity in the volcano slowed on Monday, making it even harder to convince residents to remain in the makeshift refugee shelters.
The alert level at Mount Kelud, one of Indonesia’s deadliest volcanoes, was put at the highest level a week ago and has remained there since. (more…)
Ron Luhur, Washington D.C.
This December, thousands of representatives from countries, companies and civil groups will gather in Bali to discuss climate change.
The world will be watching and Indonesia will find itself in a unique position in history. Indonesia has the opportunity to influence the way we resolve the world’s most pressing economic and environmental challenge.
As both an Indonesian and an environmental advocate, I’m excited and proud at my country’s opportunity to lead the way. (more…)
The Culture and Tourism Ministry will soon sign an agreement with the Justice and Human Rights Ministry in an attempt to protect the nation’s cultural heritage.
“In order to avoid other countries claiming aspects of Indonesia’s heritage, we approached the justice ministry about listing our heritage with them,” Mukhlis Paeni, director general for culture, art and traditional movies at the Culture and Tourism Ministry, told The Jakarta Post on Saturday. (more…)
Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung
An eight-by-ten square meter room in a Lampung University campus complex had been transformed into a performance-ready theater.
A wall at the back of the stage had been covered by a black tarpaulin. As for seats, well the audience had to put up with mats on the floor. (more…)
With schools and offices ready to reopen Monday, the number of holidaymakers arriving at the city’s bus terminals and train stations is climbing, with the influx peak predicted to occur this weekend.
Deputy head of Central Jakarta’s Senen train station, Agung Wahyu, said the number of arrivals at the train station had began to rise Wednesday, with a total of 10,190 passengers that day. (more…)