Jakarta, September 6 : A news report by Jakarta Post has suggested that the population of Orangutans in Kalimantan or Borneo Island of Indonesia remained under threat of extinction, despite claims by palm oil firms of applying eco-friendly work practices.

Deforestation for palm oil plantation was blamed for the killing the protected apes, particularly those living outside conservation areas, according to Novi Hardianto, the habitat program manager of the Center for Orangutan Protection (COP).

Jakarta - Ramadan is prime time for Muslims to give charitable donations, so it's not surprising the Islamic holy month is the most lucrative season for beggars.

Beggars, including many old people and women with young children, have been flocking to Jakarta for the beginning of Ramadan in early September.

Jakarta - Caving in to pressure from hardline Muslim groups, the provincial government of South Sumatra banned a minority Islamic sect branded "heretical" by the country's top clerics, media reports said Tuesday.

Acting Governor Mahyudin NS announced Monday that his administration had decided to prohibit the Ahmadiyah movement in the province on the grounds that it was "not compatible with Islamic teachings."

Jakarta - Millions of Muslims in Indonesia - the world's most populous Muslim country - on Monday begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, local media reported.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the government's decision on Sunday evening that Monday is start of the fasting month of Ramadan after a meeting with leaders of Islamic organizations in the country, including the two largest ones, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah.

Jakarta -

Jakarta - An Indonesian Islamist hardliner went on trial amid tight security Friday over an attack on a rally for religious tolerance in June in which dozens of people were injured.

Government prosecutors charged Munarman, who, like many Indonesians, goes by one name, of committing harassment and destruction of property belonging to supporters of the interfaith rally.

Munarman, who is in custody, faces a seven-year sentence if found guilty in the attack that shocked moderate Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country.

Members of the Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI), many clad in Islamic robes and headscarves, were caught on video attacking men, woman and children with bamboo sticks at the June 1 demonstration in Jakarta.