From presidential elections to scandal, terrorism and earthquakes, Indonesia had plenty of big headlines in 2009. On the Jakarta Globe Web site, however, user hits told a different tale about the news that captivated online readers this year. Below are the top 10 news stories of the year from thejakartaglobe.com.
Jakarta Globe’s 2009 Countdown: Our top 10 news stories by hits for 2009
10. Manohara in Her Own Words
Our exclusive interview with Indonesian-American teen princess/model/actress Manohara Odelia Pinot, was a hit. Married to an allegedly abusive Malaysian prince, her escape to Jakarta turned Mano into a major celebrity. Since her return, she has landed her own soap opera, been sued by the estranged prince and joined anticorruption rallies. Encore?
9. Outrage Over ‘Stolen’ Pendet Dance Ends Up As a Misstep
Malaysia not only allegedly stole Manohara — it also apparently tried to steal pendet , a Balinese traditional dance. Online outrage rose but it all turned out to be one big misunderstanding.
8. Sayonara Miyabi: Japanese Porn Star Will Not Visit Indonesia For Film
Japanese porn star Miyabi planned to visit Indonesia to star in non-porn comedy “Menculik Miyabi” (“Kidnapping Miyabi”). Protests by conservative Islamic groups led to her cancel the visit.
7. Miss Indonesia Shames Us All, Cry Aceh’s Clerics
Conservative clerics accused Qori Sandioriva of “bringing shame” to Aceh on her way to winning the beauty pageant title. The issue is likely to reignite in 2010 when she represents Indonesia in the Miss Universe competition. Swimsuit competition anyone?
6. Anang Confirms Divorce from Krisdayanti
The split-up of celebrity couple Krisdayanti and Anang Hermansyah over tales of adultery after 13 years was irresistible.
5. Two Plunge to Deaths in Jakarta Shopping Malls
Tragically, two people committed suicide by jumping from the fifth floors of two luxury shopping malls on the same day. Rumors of a Romeo and Juliet love pact surged, but were later disproved.
4. Manohara: ‘I Was Drugged and Abused’
Arriving home after a dramatic escape from her Malaysian prince husband, Manohara detailed the abuse she allegedly endured during their relationship. The story caused a sensation.
3. Japanese Porn Star’s Visit Delayed Due to Indonesian Uproar
More Miyabi. Ho hum. Chalk this up to search terms, including “Japanese porn,” “Indonesia porn” and just plain “porn.”
2. Indonesian Vigilantes Prepare For Battle in Malaysia
A fringe group announced plans to invade Malaysia over the Ambalat dispute, cultural slights, Manohara etc. Announcing an invasion? Readers asked: “Who are they kidding?”
1. Indonesian Smartphones Battle: BlackBerry Beats iPhone
Forget politics, sex and scandal, the No. 1 story on thejakartaglobe.com was about mobile phones! Not all that surprising. Look around, Indonesia is cell phone obsessed. The stats don’t lie — above devotion to country, Michael Jackson or even Manohara lies a nationwide addiction to our cell phones. You know who you are. Stop texting! We are trying to get you to read the newspaper.
Other big stories that just missed out on the top 10:
- Terror Returns: Nine Killed in Jakarta Blasts
- Malaysian Muslim Couple Sentenced to Caning For ‘Trying To Have’ Premarital Sex
- Terrorist Noordin M Top Was Sodomized: Indonesian Forensic Expert
- Being Gay, Muslim and Indonesian
- The Quake Indonesia Forgot
- Julia Roberts in Bali Next Month to Film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’
- Indonesian Reggae Star Mbah Surip Dies, Aged 60
The Jakarta Post | Thu, 12/24/2009 7:40 PM
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