• Radical Indonesian cleric convicted of inciting terrorism

    The AP reports from JAKARTA, Indonesia: 

     The Indonesian Muslim cleric known as spiritual leader of the militants who carried out the deadly 2002 Bali bombings was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison for his role in supporting a militant camp uncovered last year.

    Abu Bakar Bashir's conviction for incitement of terrorism followed two unsuccessful attempts by prosecutors over the past eight years to link him to terror activities, including a conviction that was later overturned in the Bali attacks that killed 202 people. The lengthy sentence against Bashir, now 72, suggests Indonesia's continuing resolve to tackle its deadly extremist movement.

    The verdict was announced amid high security at a Jakarta court where hundreds of Bashir supporters gathered, some with placards saying "Free Abu Bakar Bashir." Nearly 3,200 police and soldiers secured the area after bomb threats spread through Twitter and text messages. Continue reading.

    Romeo Gacad / AFP - Getty Images

    Radical Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir (sitting center, back to camera) listens to the judges' verdict as he is convicted by a court in Jakarta on terrorism charges on June 16.

    Dimas Ardian / Getty Images

    Abu Bakar Bashir is seen behind bars before his hearing verdict at the South Jakarta District Court on June 16.

    Dimas Ardian / Getty Images

    Supporters of Abu Bakar Bashir pray outside court as he is sentenced on June 16.

     

  • Up the ladder: Cleaning crude palm oil in Jakarta

    Dadang Tri / Reuters

    A worker climbs a ladder after cleaning crude palm oil inside a container at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Jan. 26. Indonesia will set the export tax for crude palm oil in February at 25 percent versus 20 percent in January, said a trade ministry official, confirming reports by industry sources.

    Dadang Tri / Reuters

    A worker cleans crude palm oil inside a container at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta Jan. 26.

    By Elena Grothe

     Interesting perspective.

  • Beawiharta / Reuters

    A firefighter searches for passengers inside a burned public bus, which caught fire because of an electric fault, in Jakarta, Dec.10, 2010.

    Beawiharta / Reuters

    Firefighters spray water onto a burning public bus in Jakarta, Dec. 10.

    Burned bus: Firefighter searches for passengers after bus caught fire in Jakarta

    By Elena Grothe

    From Reuters: All passengers were rescued and no one was injured, while the bus driver escaped, police officers said on Friday.

  • Supri / Reuters

    Indonesia's Tony Sucipto (R) challenges Thailand's Kirati Keawsombut during their qualifying round soccer match at the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup soccer tournament in Jakarta on Dec. 7.

    Indonesia vs. Thailand soccer match

    By John Makely, NBC News

    At a quick glance I couldn't tell whether this was a soccer match or kickboxing, which makes me think that a blend of the two sports could be kind of fun.

  • Dadang Tri / Reuters

    A group of protesters burn tires and block a road during a rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 20. The rally was held to protest against Yudhoyono's performance a year after he took office for his second term.

    Adek Berry / AFP - Getty Images

    Anti-government protesters block the roads during clashes near the presidential palace in Jakarta on Oct. 20. Hundreds of anti-government protesters hurled stones and sticks at police who answered with tear gas outside the presidential palace in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

    Adek Berry / AFP - Getty Images

    A plainclothes police officer points his handgun over to anti-government protesters while a policeman throws a rock during clashes near the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 20.

    Adi Weda / EPA

    Indonesian student protesters burn tires during an anti-government protest rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 20.

    Bay Ismoyo / AFP - Getty Images

    Police block anti-government demonstrators outside the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 20.

    Jakarta protest

    Some powerful photos out of Jakarta today. The students are protesting on the first anniversary of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's swearing in. They believe the president has failed to eradicate corruption.

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