Towering above the tops of the trees in the Magelang Distract in Indonesia is a giant chicken. The locals call it Gereja Ayam and, sadly, it is decaying rather quickly. Why did they build a giant chicken church? Good question. It is said that the building was intended as a prayer house for Daniel Alamsjah […]
Discover Related Tags
New shark species found – and it walks!
Scientists have found a new species of shark in eastern Indonesia. The shark is harmless to humans and grows up to 80cm in length, which is not large for a shark. However, the brown and white bamboo shark walks. The shark doesn’t haul itself out of the water but waddles over the rocks in at […]
Banned: Valentine’s Day leads to hand holding and free sex
In Indonesia, some Muslim leaders have commanded the faithful not to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Western / Christian day has become increasingly popular among the young and liberal population of the nation’s larger cities. Abdullah Cholil, leader of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organisation in Indonesia said; “We forbid Muslims to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The […]
Muslins banned from yoga in Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest Muslin country in the world. Although officially secular some 90% of the 234 million population are Muslim.
The Council of Ulemas, 700 clerics and the country’s top Islamic body, explained that the use of yoga could erode the Muslim faith. The ancient Indian practise is popular in Indonesia, especially Jakarta, but it contains ritualised elements of Hinduism. The recital of Hindu rituals in yoga mantras is considered haram for Muslins.
The Council of Ulemas was formed in 1975 by then-President Suharto. The Council was initially founded to allow politics and religion to continue alongside one another in Indonesia without crossing paths. In recent years, though, the Council of Ulemas has become more involved in politics and the issuing of fatwas.
