A fan/local perspective on the recent visit of American reality TV/game show "The Amazing Race" to Indonesia.

Local government in Wonogiri withdraws funding for three traditional Javanese cultural ceremonies, while in Tulungagung a fourth practice is under threat.

Jusuf Kalla chides the residents of the slopes of Mt Merapi for believing in Javanese superstition, instead of trusting the government and science.

Two fatal train crashes in one day, in Solo and Pemalang, total death toll 37 people, human error blamed for both accidents.

Lonely Planet's picks for the best hotel and hostel accommodation in Indonesia.

A discussion of Indonesia's finest, according to Indonesia's best travel guide, Lonely Planet.

The sad cautionary tale of Anastasia, her Italian lover boy, their bule baby, and her cuckolded husband.

Problematic religious schools on Java, which ones and police monitoring of them.

Different approaches to Abu Bakar Bashir from the police and military in Central Java.

Noordin M Top not dead after a Densus 88 raid in Temanggung, in another raid in Bekasi a car bomb is found.

Alternative views of the terror attacks in Jakarta, Islamic extremism or rogue political and security forces.

RD consults another source for travel advice.

The swine flu scare, H1N1, effects on tourism and industries, and whether it is manmade.

Is political Islam down and out in 2009? Islamic parties look for reasons for their failure.

Signs of the end of the world are read at a dangdut concert in Blora, while spectators are barely moved.

A young boy playing innocently at home in Kudus is rudely circumcised by a ghost, or ants.

Has Megawati got the necessary Islamic credentials to be president, again, or does she like shopping too much.

A film that touches on events of 1965 starring Marcella Zalianty and directed by Eros Djarot runs afoul of the police.

Amrozi, Muklas, and Imam Samudra are executed by firing squad.

The controversy over a politician-cleric's marriage to an underage girl in Semarang.

Ross defends the monarchical principle and the Sultan of Yogyakarta's authority.

Islamic boarding schools are under increasing pressure from radical elements, says Syamsir Siregar.

Purba Negoro on the future of Javanese language, and learning some easy words and phrases.

A troupe of "dirty dancing" girls has the otherwise sleepy town of Pekalongan hot and bothered.

Bibit–Rustriningsih's win in Central Java continues PDI-P domination, with the PKS a distant third.

Sadanand Dhume's My Friend the Fanatic - Travels with an Indonesian Islamist.