Ariel, Luna and Cut Tari 'must be physically examined'

Democratic Party legislator Roy Suryo says that Ariel Peterpan, Luna Maya and Cut Tari must be physically examined by the police regarding their alleged sex videos.

"I can definitely guarantee that the videos are real. This does not mean that the actors playing in it are the same people,but this is more than enough to push the police to physically examine them," Roy said during a hearing with officials of the Information and Communication Ministry in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Roy said that the physical examination also had to include detailed examination on the places or hotels in which the videos were made.

The alleged sex videos of Ariel, Luna and Cut Tari have become a major controversy in recent weeks, not only in a local scale but global one as well.

South Africa draws 1-1 with Mexico in WCup opener

Associated Press, Johannesburg | Fri, 06/11/2010 11:15 PM | Sports

A | A | A |

Defender Rafael Marquez scored to give Mexico a 1-1 draw with host South Africa on Friday in the opening game of the World Cup. 

Siphiwe Tshabalala had given the host nation a dream start, finishing off a well-worked move in the 55th minute to set off wild celebrations at Soccer City. But the South Africans left Marquez unmarked in the 79th and he collected a cross from the left to score the equalizer. 

Mexico had one goal disallowed in the 37th minute as Carlos Vela was ruled narrowly offside after putting the ball in the net.

Although South Africa was denied victory, the excitement of the day, against an endless drone of noise from thousands of vuvuzelas, lifted the mood.

In downtown Johannesburg on Friday, a viewing area was so packed that a crowd control barrier was toppled at one point. At least one person could be seen receiving first aid but officials did not immediately release more information. 

South African city officials set up 10 official fan parks in the nine host cities to cater to fans who couldn't get match tickets. The enclosed parks have matches on big screens, entertainment and food and drink for sale. 

Police said the areas were full across the country, and no serious incidents were reported.

Obama shelves trip to Indonesia, Australia

The Associated Press, Washington | Fri, 06/04/2010 11:55 AM | Headlines

A | A | A |

Barack Obama

Grappling with the worst oil spill in the nation's history, President Barack Obama has abruptly scrapped a trip to Indonesia and Australia for the second time this year.

The president informed the leaders of both countries of the news in phone calls Thursday night, offering his"deep regret" and pledging to reschedule soon, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement just after midnight. 

Obama was to depart on a weeklong trip to both countries, along with a quick stop in Guam, on June 13.

Asked for the reason for the delay, Gibbs told The Associated Press that Obama was staying home "to deal with important issues, one of which is the oil spill."

Obama had planned this trip in March - first shortening it to be in Washington and lobby for health care legislation and then scrapping it altogether to stay for the final crucial days of debate on that top domestic priority. Congress ultimately passed the health care law.

Obama shelves trip to Indonesia, Australia

The Associated Press, Washington | Fri, 06/04/2010 11:55 AM | Headlines

A | A | A |

Barack Obama

Grappling with the worst oil spill in the nation's history, President Barack Obama has abruptly scrapped a trip to Indonesia and Australia for the second time this year.

The president informed the leaders of both countries of the news in phone calls Thursday night, offering his"deep regret" and pledging to reschedule soon, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement just after midnight. 

Obama was to depart on a weeklong trip to both countries, along with a quick stop in Guam, on June 13.

Asked for the reason for the delay, Gibbs told The Associated Press that Obama was staying home "to deal with important issues, one of which is the oil spill."

Obama had planned this trip in March - first shortening it to be in Washington and lobby for health care legislation and then scrapping it altogether to stay for the final crucial days of debate on that top domestic priority. Congress ultimately passed the health care law.