Indonesian Couple Flogged 100 Times for Adultery in Public Punishment

A tragic incident in Indonesia has left a community in mourning after a 28-year-old pregnant woman named Munirah was killed by a crocodile during recent floods. On May 27, while preparing lunch in her stilted home, Munirah, who was eight months pregnant, was attacked by the crocodile and dragged into the Mambulu River. According to local police chief AKP Supriyadi, her advanced pregnancy hindered her ability to escape the assault. Moreover, flooding in the region, caused by heavy rains, has driven wildlife closer to human habitats, increasing the risk of such encounters. Villagers attempted to search the river for the crocodile but it evaded capture before they could respond. Munirah’s body was discovered floating about half an hour later. This incident echoes previous tragedies in the area, including a fatal crocodile attack on a fisherman last year. Residents are now being warned to exercise extreme caution around flooded areas, as social media users call for improved safety measures for those living in wildlife-prone regions.

Archaeologists have discovered two fragments of a Homo erectus skull during dredging in preparation for an artificial island construction in Indonesia, marking the first time fossils of this species have been found on the seafloor between the islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Borneo. Harold Berghuis from the University of Leiden, who led the investigation, stated that these findings suggest early human ancestors migrated across land bridges that existed during a glacial period approximately 140,000 years ago when sea levels were significantly lower. The research revealed that Homo erectus likely inhabited areas near ancient rivers rich in wildlife and edible resources. Bones of both river turtles and bovine ancestors showcased cut marks, indicating that these early humans exploited such animals for food. This discovery adds to our understanding of the behaviors and diets of Homo erectus, previously believed to be isolated on Java, and implications of possible interbreeding with other species. The study, published in *Quaternary Environments and Humans*, highlights a period of increased mobility and diversity amongst hominin populations in the region.

Thousands of residents in Indonesia have been evacuated following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which occurred late Thursday night, shooting ash up to 8 kilometers into the air. The country's disaster agency reported that the local government has declared a 14-day emergency and set up a command post to manage response efforts, according to spokesman Abdul Muhari. As a result of the eruption, at least seven international flights, primarily to Australia and Malaysia, have been canceled from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, with several others delayed. The volcano's alert level has been raised to the highest stage, indicating significant potential danger. More than 4,700 people have already been evacuated and authorities have advised others in the area to seek safety. The volcanic ash has affected nearby villages, leading to injuries, including one individual struck by a collapsing roof due to volcanic debris. The agency has also warned residents of possible volcanic mudflows, particularly with anticipated heavy rainfall.