When the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) declared that at least 19 pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) showed evidence of teaching radical thought, we realized just how critical the situation had become. Those 'radical' schools can be found in Jakarta, Cirebon, Ciamis, Cilacap, Solo, Lamongan, Aceh, Makassar, Poso and North Lombok.

Perhaps the Central Java provincial government needs to reflect on the old saying: 'Take an umbrella before it rains'. Last week's floods and landslides that swept through 16 provinces-arguably the worst ever for the region-left 47 dead, 15 injured and dozens missing. The total material loss is estimated to reach hundreds of millions of rupiah.

There are at least two reasons why the Friends of Ahok organization grew so fast: the popularity of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama-Ahok's real name-and a shared spirit to fight corrupt political parties. But today this group of volunteers campaigning for Ahok's gubernatorial campaign next year may be facing problems if it is proven, in one way or another, to be implicated in the Jakarta Bay case currently being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Somehow, the government has a talent for implementing policies-however noble and justified-at the wrong place and the wrong time. In pursuing higher non-tax revenue targets to fund its ambitious development projects, particularly its massive infrastructure programs, the Joko Widodo administration is now looking at requiring coal-producing companies to cough up more than Rp25 trillion in unpaid royalties. The push could not have come at a worse time for the coal industry, currently in a slump in both Indonesia and worldwide.

Observing the Golkar Party national convention in Bali recently, was like watching a political comedy. Everything was turned upside down and topsy-turvy. The illogical became rational and the forbidden became halal (meaning allowed-as opposed to haram or forbidden).

There is no urgent reason to extend the tenure of General Badrodin Haiti as Indonesia's National Police chief. President Joko Widodo should be focusing on the next batch of leaders and at the same time keeping his distance from political interests within the police force.