Islamist cleric Abu Bakar Bashir used his final defense against charges of funding a militant group on Wednesday to denounce the United States for trying to stop Islamic preaching in Indonesia. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for the frail Bashir, 72, who delivered a speech in a piercing voice accusing the government of of [...]

A well-known Padang spot, on the ground floor of Ibunda Hotel, for beef rendang with duck egg. The restaurant is a refreshing space drowning out traffic with an indoor waterfall and lots of high-flying businessmen meeting over lunch. You can also get the wacky meats: bowel, brain or heart simmered in coconut milk. *The Lonely [...]

In response to rising radicalism in Indonesia, the heads of eight state institutions agreed to strengthen Pancasila within the country. “All state institutions should commit to actively strengthening Pancasila as the nation’s ideology according to their specific roles, positions and authorities,” the head of the Constitutional Court, Mahfud MD said, reading a joint statement issued [...]

Quite simply, the spot in town for fresh fish and seafood. If you approach from the seafront, no, don't worry, it's not closed; keep walking and enter via the sizzling barbecue. Peer into the huge ice boxes and enter fish heaven. The staff can recommend something if the choice is overwhelming. The décor may be simple, [...]

Decent light snacks and excellent juices in a hoedown taverna with fish tanks and dinky lanterns. There's karaoke but the atmosphere is oriented towards couples and families, unlike many buy-a-girl places around town. * Lonely Planet Address: Jl Hasan Senen Town Centre Phone:  0921 327423 Hours: 07:30-18:00 & 19:30-23:00