A former vice president at Indonesia’s Garuda airline went on trial today accused of conspiracy in the mid-air poisoning death of a top human rights activist three years ago.

Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir formally denied in court today any involvement in the Bali and J W Marriott Hotel bombings, saying the attacks that killed 214 people ran counter to his principles.

Indonesia’s President Megawati Sukarnoputri is heading for a heavy defeat in next week’s elections despite her coalition with the country’s largest political party, two opinion polls showed today.

Indonesia’s parliament met in Jakarta behind razor wire and barricades today with disgruntled politicians calling for a second censure to be issued against President Abdurrahman Wahid - setting the scene for possible impeachment.

Police in Indonesia have arrested a former bodyguard and business associate of the fugitive son of former President Suharto.