Looking Back To 1997

The 33rd Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Convention in Jombang, East Java, in early August will be a nostalgic journey for Martin van Bruinessen, who spent considerable time in Indonesia during the 1980s and 1990s. As a resource person at the pre-convention discussions, Bruinessen, the Dutch professor from Utrecht University, author of a number of books on Islam in Indonesia, was sought after to speak on the future direction of the the NU, currently led by KH Said Aqil Siroj.

Research Center For Temples Buried Under Merapi Ash

Volcanoes are forces of great power and destruction. They are also some of the best preservers of history.

Cameron, Jokowi Talk Business

British Prime Minister David Cameron's visit to Indonesia on July 27 resulted in the signing of agreements on maritime issues, research and innovation, and space exploration, among others. "We also agreed to cooperate in fighting terrorism and transnational crime," said Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a press conference at the Presidential Palace on Monday last week. The agreement on terrorism was signed by police commissioners from both countries.

JAKARTA Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has opened the doors of the city to new residents.

JNEs Response

Oh, God, we cannot meet again
In prayer with the congregation
-Sitor Situmorang, Chartres Cathedral

Maybe he wanted silence. But could he lose himself in the quiet, could he escape from 'prayer with the congregation' in this impressive gothic cathedral, a gathering place for the faithful, pilgrims and tourists? "[T]his anonymous glory, this rich stone forest, this epic chant, this gaiety, this grand quiring shout of affirmation," Orson Wells praised Chartres when he used the cathedral as the setting for his last major film, F for Fake. Wells was merely one of millions of visitors fascinated with this 12th century edifice.

This year, Indonesia and India mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. However, the ties between the two nations have existed much longer, predating the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of India. These connections span social, cultural, religious, economic, and trade aspects. But do those close ties of the past have any bearing on the present relationship? Why is there no direct flight between the capitals of the two countries?

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Sandeep Chakravorty, shares his views on this matter at TEMPO TALKS.