Indonesia's Chinese hear echoes of catastrophe

Article Abstract:

Chinese Indonesians are coming under considerable pressure as a result of the country's economic and social problems. They account for only around 8 million of Indonesia's 202 million population, and generally have an extremely low profile. However, they are estimated to control up to 70% of the economy, including many of Indonesia's largest companies and banks. They are being blamed for the country's economic difficulties, and in certain cases have become the victims of physical violence.

Social aspects, Demographic aspects, Indonesia, Chinese (Asian people), Chinese in Indonesia

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Monks who die for the truth

Article Abstract:

Brother Thich Hai Trang Trang and his community are the nearest the ruling Vietnamese Communists have to an opposition. The Vietnam Committee on Human Rights (VCHR), Paris, France, claims that over 200 Buddhist monks and ordinary people are in prison, many of them without being tried, and others convicted after an unfair trial. According to the VCHR's Penelope Faulkner, the Buddhist enjoy much support from the public, and represent a threat to the government.

Political aspects, Vietnam, Monks, Buddhists

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Finale for the world's most elegant use of a dead cat

Article Abstract:

The future of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, is in doubt because a key element in its structure is cured cat skin. There are now only two professionals who procure cats, compared with 200 after the second world war, and there is only one tannery able to cure cat skins. The Japan Musical Instrument Association is now calling on the government to permit the recycling of the many cats which are put down by their owners every year.

Musical instruments, Musical Instrument Manufacturing, Musical Instruments & Parts, Japan, Popular culture

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