Articles labeled: Indonesia

A Muslim cleric in Indonesia faces criminal charges after marrying and possibly having sex with a 12-year-old girl that was chosen for him through a contest. He had also announced plans to also marry a 7- and 9-year-old.

Pujiono Cahyo Widianto, a 43-year-old owner of an Islamic boarding school, wed and likely slept with Lutfiana Ulfa in August after she won a contest to become Pujiono’s second wife judged by his first wife, 26, and followers, the Jakarta Post reported.

The girl’s parents admitted that financial difficulties led them to marry their daughter to Pujiono and said the marriage is valid in the eyes of their religion (kawin siri), though not registered with the state, Indonesian Child Protection Commission secretary Hadi Supeno told the Post.

The commission planned to immediately report Pujiono, his first wife and Lutfiana’s parents to the police for a criminal investigation, Hadi told the Post. All could face a maximum of 15 years in jail and a $30,000 fine, for forcing, swindling and/or trading a minor into sex.

A severe drought in Indonesia’s West Timor — which officials there are claiming was brought on by climate change — is having the biggest impact on the children there.

Maria’s labored breath echoes within the walls of her family’s mud hut. Her tiny, bony hands open and close in slow claw-like motions.

She’s 15 months old, but weighs just 10 pounds — one of countless children under the age of 5 facing severe malnutrition in Indonesia’s West Timor. A typical infant weighs about 24 pounds at 15 months.

Topping our rash of triplet news comes this freaky story…

A one year old girl is found to have her undeveloped siblings stuck in her stomach and finally has the body parts removed.

The girl had initially been diagnosed with stomach tumors, however doctors later discovered her abdominal discomfort was the result of two deceased siblings connected to her digestive tract.

One of the bodies was complete except for limbs. The second had only a head with hairs and part of its digestive system