Pending FIFA Ban for Indonesia

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i0WBf1WqBybI6ba2rsEEVB3A36ZQ?docId=CNG.7c7a223db100a11e09d043807b417fd0.2e1

   Despite the fact that Indonesia is hosting the Southeastern Asian Games in November, they may be banned from competing. FIFA demanded that they elect a new leadership panel, and in failing to do so by the scheduled date they face a "2,000% chance" of being banned. Fueled by corruption, they have been unable to elect a governing body.

    In my opinion, I think FIFA is right to ban Indonesia from competing. If they cannot agree on rules and are unable to elect a panel to officiate them, they have no right to compete. Once they figure everything out, they can being playing again. And even though a chairman was elected, the corruption is too large for it to be considered fair. They should play as an internal league until things are resolved. 

                                                         The Indonesian soccer team

Indonesia Environment: Mount Karangetang Erupts

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/225700-Indonesia-Mount-Karangetang-erupts-spews-lava-and-gas

     Manado, one the volcanos on Mount Karangetang, erupted on Friday, March 11th, following the earthquake in Japan. They were working on evacuating the citizens who live near the mountain, but no injuries were reported. A warning for a tsunami was also going on at this time, triggered by Japan's massive earthquake.

     I think Indonesia did a good job of being on top of things, considering there were no deaths/serious injuries from the volano itself. The tsunami is another thing, but I think the warnings for such natural disasters are taken more seriously since the 2006 tsunami. Things like this are to be expected in Indonesia, because they lie in the Ring of Fire, where fault lines cause natural disasters every year.

Mount Karangetang

Indonesia Politics: Illegal Timber Trade

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13272393

     Indonesia entered into an agreement with the European Union, where the EU cannot import timber that does not meet legal standards. Together, the EU imports about 1.2 billion dollars worth of wood, so dealing with the demand side of the timber industry is important for eradicating illegitimate practices. Illegal logging has declined by 75% in the recent years, and hopefully making companies responsible for buying legal timber will make that number go down even more.

    I think Indonesia's step to take down is well thought and will work. By not only targeting the supply side of the industry, but by making pacts with the Europeans, who are buying most of it, both sides will be held accountable for buying responsibly. To make sure that companies are following protocol, auditors will be sent to supervise everything and make sure the companies are following through.

Orangutan are one of the species being threatened by illegal logging.