Indonesia is currently experiencing a movie phenomenon not seen since the theatre-filled days of Titanic. That film sold more than three million tickets in Indonesia during its three-month run in 1997. But the locally-written and produced Ayat-Ayat Cinta is set to eclipse the box office any day now – and in under a month. The difference, this time, is that a very Islamic love story is front-and-centre of this new blockbuster.
Category: Surrealpolitik
Taiwan opposition burned by Tibet protest
Up until early last week, the two major parties contesting Taiwan’s presidential election were singing a very similar tune when it came to closer economic ties to mainland China. But in election rallies over the weekend, it became clear that the impact of China’s crackdown in Tibet is reverberating across the Taiwan Strait, possibly destablising the China-friendly opposition frontrunner.
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Asia dairy industry proceeds in fits and starts
The consumption of dairy products in Asia has tripled since 1980 as demand for milk products continues to rise – along with the region’s wealth. But the doubling of milk powder prices over the past year is threatening to de-rail regional efforts to promote both its health benefits, and build new industries around dairy products. All through this week, researchers and agricultural scientists from thoughout Asia have been meeting in Thailand to share information on their respective dairy industries.
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Former Philippines leader snubs Arroyo
More than 50 former top Philippine government officials have issued a statement urging President Gloria Arroyo’s cabinet to resign over a multi-million dollar corruption scandal. There’s been a Senate probe into allegations of 130 million US dollars of bribes in a state telecoms deal with China’s ZTE Corporation.
Malay election date targets me: Anwar
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has dissolved parliament, paving the way for snap elections which are now likely to be held in early March.
Malaysia’s Anwar prepares for poll
Malaysia’s prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, has dissolved parliament to begin the process for snap elections – now expected to be held in the first ten days of March. The elections which were not due until May of next year could have been called early to sideline former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
New head of Beijing Olympics’ risky role
A newspaper report from Hong Kong says the man expected to be China’s next leader has been brought-in to oversee Beijing’s Olympic preparations. The South China Morning Post says Xi Jinping will take charge of crisis management in human rights issues, air pollution strategies and security planning for the Games. But the position could be a “poisoned chalice” for his political career if the Games don’t turn out as well as expected.
India challenges West to help
India’s Science and Technology Minister has given a stinging rebuff to developed nations for not doing enough to help poorer countries combat climate change and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Shri Kapil Sibal says wealthy nations need to share whatever technologies they have to help developing states bring emissions down and reduce pollution.
Fine print stifles Tongan citizenship
The Tongan government has changed its laws on dual citizenship, allowing Tongans living abroad to become citizens of their new home country, without losing their citizenship of Tonga. The move will allow tens of thousands of people living in the United States, New Zealand and Australia – who’ve had to surrender their Tongan citizenship – to apply to have it reinstated. But, in the second of our two-part story on this issue, it seems many Tongans abroad won’t have an easy time in getting their citizenship back.
Tongan dual citizenship overdue
The people of Tonga have, for decades, been moving from their homeland in search of work and a higher standard of living. In fact, the biggest contributor to the economy is remittances from Tongans abroad. Which is why, last year, the Tongan parliament amended citizenship laws to allow Tongans – especially those living overseas – to hold dual citizenship. In part one of this two part series, we look at this popular new scheme, launched in January, and why it’s important to Tongans – even abroad – to be tied to their land.
