Wish you a Merry Christmas? ‘Heresy’, cry some in Indonesia

Social media zealots preaching intolerance have supercharged Indonesia’s recent dive into Islamic ultraconservatism, squeezing out minority groups You can’t even wish Christians a ‘Happy Christmas’ any more, apparently. But Aan Anshori and his Islamic civil society organisation aim to change that Wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” can be fraught with difficulties in Indonesia these days, … Read more

Riyadh’s Boulevard World presents planet’s rich cultural diversity

JEDDAH/RIYADH: Christmas shopping in Saudi Arabia is unrecognizable compared to just a few short years ago, reflecting both the growing culture of religious tolerance and the speed and scope of the social transformation underway in the Kingdom. Nowadays, festive gifts and decorations can be found easily in many of the Kingdom’s markets and malls, with Christmas … Read more

Wish you a Merry Christmas? ‘Heresy’ cry some in Indonesia. But not this peace-loving Muslim cleric

Social media zealots preaching intolerance have supercharged Indonesia’s recent dive into Islamic ultraconservatism, squeezing out minority groups You can’t even wish Christians a ‘Happy Christmas’ any more, apparently. But Aan Anshori and his Islamic civil society organisation aim to change that Wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” can be fraught with difficulties in Indonesia these days, … Read more

Indonesian law enforcers welcome extradition treaty with Singapore, say it helps fight corruption

Hikmahanto Juwana, an international law professor from University of Indonesia noted that even before the treaty was signed by both countries, Singapore has repatriated a number of Indonesian fugitives. “But the process was slow because there was little legal umbrella to do so. It is based solely on Singapore’s close bilateral relationship with Indonesia,” he … Read more

A Girl Mom’s Take on Societal Beauty Standards

There’s no doubt that motherhood changes you. Physically, for sure. Emotionally, thoroughly. My brain has absolutely undergone shifts, and my perspective has, too. The way I present myself to the world, but more importantly to my daughter, Indah, has been one of the biggest and most surprising transformations to occur. And I’m not talking about … Read more

Geoparks as sustainable approach to promoting economic recovery

The so-called ‘revenge tourism’ after people were ‘imprisoned’ for a long time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase tourism, especially nature tourism, with the potential for young domestic tourists dominating the early It certainly comes as good news for Indonesia, with four of its national geoparks having received the … Read more

What it’s like to live on Christmas Island

Editor’s Note — Monthly Ticket is a CNN Travel series that spotlights some of the most fascinating topics in the travel world. In December, we’re getting into the holiday spirit and celebrating the festive season. (CNN) — “The jungle is our playground, and the sea is our wonderland.” That’s how Sook Yee Lai remembers her … Read more

Influencer admits she shaves baby’s head to make hair grow back thicker

An influencer has divided opinion after admitting she shaves her baby’s head. Ruby Tuesday Matthews, from Byron Bay, Australia, shared a ‘mum fail’ on Instagram, explaining that she had shaved her baby’s head ahead of a Christmas photo shoot. The mum-of-three – who welcomed daughter Holiday in September – said: “Sorry if I haven’t responded … Read more