jakarta

In less than a month, more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries will go to Indonesia for the “Asian Games.” The country’s capital is going through a number of preparations — including some dealing with water pollution.

A well-known international brand has disappeared from Southeast Asia’s largest economy. 7-Eleven convenience stores operate in 18 countries around the world—with more than half of the in the Asia Pacific. But the stores are no longer in Indonesia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

In April, the incumbent Governor of Jakarta lost his bid for election in a campaign dominated by allegations that he had committed blasphemy against the Koran. Yesterday, he was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison. Details, from Neal Conan in today’s Pacific News Minute.

Security will be tight as voters in Jakarta head to the polls tomorrow in an election seen as a test of Indonesia’s longstanding secular tradition. And, as we hear from Neal Conan in today’s Pacific News Minute, one candidate faces a blasphemy trial as soon as the election’s over.

This was an election week in many parts of Indonesia.  Races were held for governor and mayor in about a quarter of the country’s provinces, but most of the attention was focused on the national capital. HPR’s Bill Dorman has details in today’s Asia Minute.

The future of President Trump’s travel ban from seven predominantly Muslim countries remains under judicial review (this morning/this afternoon). But the country with the largest Muslim population in the world has another focus. Elections are coming—next week. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The latest figures from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority show that visitor spending and arrivals are both up slightly from a year ago. But when it comes to the Asia Pacific tourism market, Hawai‘i faces increasing competition. And some of it is coming from an unexpected place. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Jakarta has never really been a tourist hub.