Government to Block More Hate Speech Websites

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The presence of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) sympathizers has alarmed the Indonesian authorities. There are worries that ISIS propaganda would spread and eventually spark terrorist activities. The worry is not unfounded. ISIS have been aggressively promoting their cause through the internet. This is exactly where the authorities are now focused on, the decision has been made. The Government now patrols the net and actively seek to block propaganda websites. [Continue reading]

Beers, a Part of Modern Lifestyle

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The Indonesia Stock Exchange has two listed breweries, i.e., PT Multi Bintang Indonesia (IDX: MLBI) and also PT Delta Djakarta Tbk (IDX:DLTA). DLTA is the producer of Anker Bir, Anker Stout, San Mig Light, Carlsberg, San Miguel Pale Pilsen and also Kuda Putih. MLBI is the producer of Bintang Beer, Heineken, Bintang Zero and also Green Sands. [Continue reading]

Security Briefing: A Déjà Vu

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More than 500 Indonesian citizens reportedly left to Syria to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). That said, on March 25, the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) confirmed that only 159 Indonesians had left to Syria for the cause. Eleven of them have returned to Indonesia and the authorities have arrested three. [Continue reading]

Twitter Indonesia

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On Thursday (March 26), Twitter Inc. opened its representative office in Jakarta. The CEO of Twitter Dick Costolo himself came to officiate the opening. While here, Costolo met with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Vice Presidential Head of Expert Staff Sofjan Wanandi, Communication and Information Technology Minister Rudiantara, and also the CEO of PT Indosat Tbk (IDX:ISAT) Alexander Rusli.Costolo told the reporters that Twitter would work with the Indonesian government to create awareness about natural disasters, something that affect the country regularly, such as flooding, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. [Continue reading]

East Nusa Tenggara Tourism: Hotels

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The growth of the tourism industry in East Nusa Tenggara is long overdue. The province is perfect for sightseeings, with plentiful of breathtaking landscapes. The news of increasing volumes of visitation is a welcome development. More and more hotels were built, and we’re interested in looking at a few of them. Today, we’re going to talk about the Hotel Sylvia and T-More Hotel & Lounge. [Continue reading]

East Nusa Tenggara Tourism: Signs of Growth

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Many of us know that Bali has always been the prima donna, getaway tourist destination. This applies for both foreign and domestic tourists. But in the past decade, the Government has been trying to promote the other regions of Indonesia as alternative tourist destinations. One of them is the province of East Nusa Tenggara, or otherwise known as NTT. [Continue reading]

Security Briefing: Chep Hernawan, and the Return of Indonesian ISIS Fighters

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Last Saturday (March 21), the head of the hard-line group Islamic Reform Movement (Garis) Chep Hernawan was arrested with the charge of committing fraud. Chep allegedly embezzled 150 million Rupiah in 2011. Prior to his arrest, Chep made a revelatory statement. He claimed that he’s the financier behind Indonesians joining the State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). But who is Chep Hernawan? [Continue reading]

Cosmetics Industry: Viva Cosmetic

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Local brands of cosmetic products are undeterred with the competition coming from international cosmetic products. Local brands have been able to secure their own slice of the pie and managed to remain relevant in the market for decades. Some of the well-known local cosmetic brands are Viva Cosmetic, Sariayu Martha Tilaar, Mustika Ratu, Wardah, Belia, Mirabella and Caring Colors. Today, we look into Viva Cosmetics. [Continue reading]

A Wake Up Call for Education Minister

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Last week, Indonesians were shocked by the revelation that several public school textbooks contain hardline religious teachings. We obtained a copy of “Pendidikan Agama Islam dan Budi Pekerti” and noticed the second paragraph of page 170 stating, “Yang boleh disembah hanyalah Allah SWT dan orang yang menyembah selain Allah Swt telah menjadi musyrik dan boleh dibunuh”, which in English means, “Only Allah SWT should be worshiped and those worshiping Allah SWT perform idolatry and can therefore be killed.” [Continue reading]