Indonesia’s move has been applauded by rights activists, who say non-Muslim girls were forced for years to wear the head-covering in conservative parts of the country.
The amount of burials in March 2020 is at least 40 percent higher than any other month in the past two years, while only 90 deaths have been reported as a result of coronavirus-related complications.
Thousands rally against proposed new laws, including a criminal code that would ban extramarital sex and penalise insulting the president's honour.
The Election Commission announces Joko Widodo won 55.5 percent of the vote in the April 17 election and his challenger former general Prabowo Subianto 45.5 percent.
More than 190 million Indonesians voted, with a record 245,000 candidates running for public office, in the world's third-biggest democracy, from the presidency and parliamentary seats to local positions.
Challenger lags incumbent in most national surveys but analysts say his supporters are better organised and can mobilise block voting.
Incumbent president Joko Widodo calls on voters to be optimistic about economy even as GDP growth stays flat.
The 32-year-old environmentalist is among a crop of young leaders seeking legislative seats in world’s largest Muslim country.
Indonesia's various music styles could be the deciding factor for winning some hearts – and votes – for Indonesians as they head to the polls next week.
Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama was accused of insulting the Quran after he questioned his opponents' use of a verse against his role as a governor. Purnama apologised later, saying he meant no offence.
Islamic Defenders' Front which led the demonstration says Basuki Purnama misrepresented a Quranic verse. Nahdlatul Ulama, a powerful Islamic body, has asked Muslims to forgive the governor's "slip of tongue".
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