The wRap Indonesia: Jokowi's one year in power, goals for Jokowi US trip

Other stories include a rare judgment by Pakistan clerics on Muslim women garb and Barcelona topping FIFA Ballon D'Or shortlist

Rappler.com

Published 6:00 AM, October 21, 2015

Updated 6:00 AM, October 21, 2015

DISAPPOINTING YEAR. Analysts agree President Joko Widodo has had a disappointing first year in power. Photo by AFP

JAKARTA, Indonesia – From an assesment of President Joko Widodo's first year in power to his upcoming visit to the United States, here is the top news stories from Indonesia and around the world to start your day.

1. Jokowi's 1st year

Indonesian President Joko Widodo took office last year on hopes that an outsider and "man of the people" would swiftly usher in a new era of cleaner, more effective governance. 12 months on, critics say those hopes have come to nought.

Widodo, known by his nickname "Jokowi," swept to power on a wave of popular support for his hands-on approach and his image as a corruption-free, fresh face in a country long dominated by oligarchs from the era of dictator Suharto. Read more.

2. Jokowi's US trip

TRIP TO US. President Joko Widodo will try to change the opinion on Indonesia during his US trip. Photo by AFP

Indonesian President Joko Widodo departs for the United States for a 5-day visit on Sunday, October 25 on a mission to try to change the image of his country from one mired in economic nationalism and corruption to one open for international investment.

"They are hoping the visit sends the message that the restrictive and unfriendly regulatory environment is changing in Indonesia," a source said. "There will be some creative ideas put forward." Read more.

3. Sharia law interpretation

NOT NEEDED. Pakistan clerics say women are not required to cover their faces. Photo by EPA

Pakistan's top religious body has said women are not required to cover their faces, hands or feet under Islamic Sharia law, a rare judgement from the conservative council of clerics seen as "encouraging" by rights activists Tuesday, October 20.

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which was formed in 1962 to advise parliament on the compatibility of laws with Sharia, made the ruling during its meeting on Monday. However the chairman of the council Maulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani also "advised women to follow ethics and have a careful attitude in society," a spokesman told AFP. Read more.

4. Barcelona on top

Spanish giants Barcelona top the FIFA shortlist for the Ballon d'Or world player of the year award with six players named in a second 23-strong selection.

They include the favorite for the prestigious award, Argentinian Lionel Messi, as well as Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Neymar (Brazil), Ivan Rakitic (Croatia) and Luis Suarez (Uruguay). They will be up against last year's winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, and his Real Madrid team-mates Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema as well as five players from German giants Bayern Munich.

5. Rappler Indonesia contributor wins award

SADIMAN SAVES. Rappler contributor Ari Susanto's article on an elderly man saving his village from drought wins an award. Photo by Ari Susanto/Rappler

National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) announced the winners of the Tough Award 2015 in Solo, Central Java, over the weekend.

BNPB award is an appreciation of the work of individuals and institutions who address disasters. In the 4th ever Tough Awards, Rappler Indonesia contributor Ari Susanto won the main award in the Journalistic Piece Category, for his work published on the Rappler website, titled "Alone, Sadiman freed his village from drought." Read more. – Rappler.com

Source: The wRap Indonesia: Jokowi's one year in power, goals for Jokowi US trip