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).