SUMMARY
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JAKARTA, Indonesia – From the misuse of government funds, to the haze reaching unhealthy levels, here’s the top news to start your day.
Megawati back in spotlight
Former religious affairs minister Suryadharma Ali, who is accused of abusing the national haj quota, told the court on Tuedsay, September 8, that he gave special privileges to several national figures including former President Megawati Sukarnoputri and her husband Taufiq Kiemas, and former vice president Boediono, among others.
Suryadharma is accused of misusing the fund and channeling it to himself, and allowing certain pilgrims to skip the waiting list to Islam’s holy sites. He told the court he used quotas meant for pilgrims to benefit these politicians, his family members, as well as certain journalists and even a television host – but argued he did not violate any laws. Read more.
Unhealthy haze
Smog from forest fires in Indonesia prompted the cancellation of flights and warnings for people to stay indoors, while pushing air quality to unhealthy levels in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia.
The thick haze came from blazes on western Sumatra island and the Indonesian part of Borneo island, which are home to huge palm oil and pulp and paper plantations. Read more.
What electricity mafia?
Is there a mafia in the electric distribution chain, which forces to pay more for electricity than they should?
Economist Faisal Basri of the University of Indonesia said the claims of Rizal Ramil, the coordinating minister for maritime affairs, were false, arguing his calculations were wrong. Read more.
Analysis on Jokowi
Is Jokowi finally starting reforms in Indonesia?
After a year of seeming inability to get much traction on the country’s problems, Indonesian President Joko Widodo appears to have exploded into action, naming an anti-corruption activist as his chief of staff, firing a controversial police general and vowing quick and “massive deregulation” in manufacturing, trade and agriculture. Read more.
Persija’s fate
Football fans are in a frenzy after football team Persija Jakarta stands to be dissolved.
Persija’s fate is up in the air after they failed to qualify at the President’s Cup 2015. A victory was necessary to raise funds for the team’s salary and operations. Read more.
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