Indonesia

And other stories from the stranger side of life

The tiny island nation is expected to vote for independence from Papua New Guinea

The Southeast Asian nation is burning mountains of imported plastic waste

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Friday 25 October

Jakarta set to pass extreme criminal code enforcing prison sentences for insulting president, sex outside marriage and black magic

Indonesia sends 1,000 troops and cuts internet to western province in bid to quell biggest unrest in years

Government launches tourism initiative to create ‘10 New Balis’

Riots erupt across Jakarta as incumbent president Joko Widodo declared winner of last month’s polls

Second suspect freed as experts claim North Korean masterminds have ‘got away with assassination’

Problems include smugglers stealing the lizards to sell on Facebook

Excavators brought in despite landslide risk as miners enter fourth day in buried pit

Deasy Tuwo, 44, was eaten alive after falling into illegal enclosure

Voice recorder from crashed plane found under eight metres of mud

Primates being sold for sex on thriving black market in Indonesia

Intan Syari photos in her wedding dress have gone viral in Indonesia

Authorities warn thousands more may have died as rescue operation continues

Aldi Novel Adilang sent adrift after floating fish trap became unmoored in strong winds

Noise complaint over call to prayer sparked anti-Buddhist riots in 2016

Defence Secretary expresses concern over reports of pirates disturbing sunken WWII ships

Amnesty International says police were gunning down petty criminals with impunity

Victim was abducted at the age of 13 by healer who claimed to have magical powers

Crowd attacked reptiles with knives and machetes after local man was mauled to death

Officials say the family had travelled to Syria before the suicide attack

Anonymity and extensive reach make online platforms ideal

Tourists have been left stranded after the airport was forced to close

Trial of Basuki Tjahaka Purnama, known as Ahok, seen as test of religious tolerance in Indonesia

Nineteen people suffered horrific injuries in blast, which is not thought to have been a bomb

British grandmother convicted of drug smuggling is among foreigners on death row

Thousands gather to witness the rare natural phenomenon – and capture the moment for ever

Indonesian authorities reveal the plane was 'completely destroyed' and no survivors have been found