The name Iko Uwais began to grab public attention since his first film Merantau ('Sojourn') was screened in movie theaters around the country. Then, one after another, the films he starred in made it into the market, like The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2: Berandal. Both films, directed by Gareth Evans, were quite successful in the United States and Europe.

No matter where he is posted, Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso always seems to be in the news, as he is doing in his current position as head of the National Narcotics Board (BNN). Barely four months on the job, his statement on drug offenders has led to contentious and prolonged public polemic. He floated the idea of a special prison for those convicted of drug dealing and drug use to be located on an island surrounded by crocodile-infested waters. "I'm serious. This is not a joke," he said.

Aircraft manufacturer Dirgantara Indonesia has made known its disappointment at the government's plan to purchase an Agusta Westland AW101 helicopter, manufactured by British company Westland Helicopters jointly with Agusta from Italy. Ordered by the Indonesian Air Force, the plan became a hot topic public debate when it was reported that it was to become President Joko Widodo's mode of transportation when he goes on his blusukan, or unscheduled inspection trips, around the country.

Attorney-General Prasetyo emerged carrying a copy of a three-week-old Tempo, bearing a picture of Surya Paloh on its cover. "I'm being persecuted," he said before throwing the magazine on the desk. Prasetyo burst out in frustration over the corruption case of North Sumatra social welfare funds and grants, in which he has been implicated. The case was Tempo's cover story that week.

The speech by Bogor Mayor Bima Arya, 42, at an international conference discussing 'Unity in Diversity' in Florence, Italy, last November 6, triggered quite a bit of criticism back home. It seems the mayor's speech extolled the religious tolerance in the city he governs, better known as the 'Rainy City'. But the fact is that Bogor is anything but an example of religious tolerance, while Mayor Bima himself is guilty of violating the right to freedom of religion.

The thick haze blanketing parts of Indonesia compelled Health Minister Nila Djuwita Moeloek to fly back and forth between Jakarta, Sumatra and Kalimantan these past two weeks. She did this to ensure that health services in the provinces affected by the haze were being provided effectively. "I went to Palangkaraya three times these past two weeks," said Nila, last week.