When the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was established in 2003, people in Indonesia was very happy because we finally have a powerful law enforcement agency with full authority, including Investigation and Prosecution, to fight corruption seriously.
Under the leadership of Antasari Azhar, KPK was so strong that it jailed former top officer of the central bank (Bank Indonesia) who was the father in law of President SBY and investigated the case of mysterious voters during the General election and Presidential election in 2009.
Those successes ended when the Police and the Attorney General Office accused Antasari of masterminding the murder of a director of a state owned company, and South Jakarta District Court sentenced Antasari to 18 years in prison last year.
Many people refused to believe the criminal charges against Antasari. They said that the authority wants to get rid of him because KPK has been uncontrollable.
Especially that during the Court trials there were some strange things : the other suspects including a Police Colonel and witnesses including former Chief of Police Detective denied the charges against Antasari.
The forensic expert who examined the condition of the body of murdered person said that the body was manipulated when it was brought to him.
After that, the KPK became a "Paper Tiger".that has very strong authority based on the KPK Law No.30/ 2002 but cannot implement them because it has no strong leader.
Efforts to eradicate the KPK became more transparent after the Speaker of the House of Representatives Marzuki Alie, a top leader of the ruling Democrat Party, told reporters that KPK must be disband if it cannot find a leader.
This statement was criticized by politicians, other public figures and members of the society.
In my opinion, as a Speaker of the House of Representatives Marzuki Alie has no right to say such kind of anti-people and pro-corruption statement.
I hope that said statement would not not slow down KPK's efforts to eradicate corruption in Indonesia. ..
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Ramadhan is Coming
According to the Public Calendar, the holy month of Ramadhan will start on Monday, 1st of August 2011.
This means that four days from now, Moslems in Indonesia and other parts of the world will start Fasting, therefore no eating, drinking, thinking, saying and doing bad things from dawn to dusk for 30 (thirty) days.
For me and my big family, this year's Ramadhan would be different from previous years, because we will not be having it with my father who passed away on 11 April.
In the past, I have never been a religiously devoted person, but this year I want to make efforts to be one, at least to be a better person than I used to be. Due to which fact there might be some changes in this blog.
To each and every one of you who will be Fasting on the Holy month of Ramadhan I would like to wish you all a happy Fasting.
This means that four days from now, Moslems in Indonesia and other parts of the world will start Fasting, therefore no eating, drinking, thinking, saying and doing bad things from dawn to dusk for 30 (thirty) days.
For me and my big family, this year's Ramadhan would be different from previous years, because we will not be having it with my father who passed away on 11 April.
In the past, I have never been a religiously devoted person, but this year I want to make efforts to be one, at least to be a better person than I used to be. Due to which fact there might be some changes in this blog.
To each and every one of you who will be Fasting on the Holy month of Ramadhan I would like to wish you all a happy Fasting.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Is the Press Always Right ?
Three months ago, M. Nazaruddin was dismissed from his position as Treasurer of the ruling Democrat Party and runaway to Singapore after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) alleged that he was involved in the misappropriation of fund for development of athlete housing in Palembang, South Sumatera.
Since then, the mass media in Indonesia has been reporting about him, about the people around him and about all the bad things he said about the Party's top officials, including President SBY, via SMS and BlackBerry Messenger every night and day.
All that have seemingly made top officials of the Democrat Party very angry and conflict among them. Due to which fact President SBY as Chairman of the Parrty's Advisory Board blamed the mass media for not being fair in reporting about the case.
But according to the Chief of the Indonesian Press Council i.e. former Chief Justice Bagir Manan, the media has so far not violated the Press Code of Ethics in reporting the Nazaruddin Case.
Two TV stations i.e. TvOne owned by Golkar Party boss Aburizal Bakrie, and MetroTV owned by National Democrat Party boss Surya Paloh, frequently broadcast live interviews with Nazaruddin, during which he once again made very serious allegations against top officials of the Democrat Party, KPK leaders, Directors of State owned companies, etc.
In reaction to Nazaruddin's allegations, the Chairman of the Democrat Party Anas Urbaningrum has reported Nazaruddin to the Police for false allegations. And recently, President SBY urged Nazaruddin to come home to prove all his allegations.
The above shows that the Mass Media in Indonesia has now become a powerful entity in our society and they would do anything to make people read/hear/see their news reports including sensational ones, so that companies want to place advertisement on their media.
Therefore, I felt that the public should be very careful in taking any news reported by the mass media,. especially those that are owned by politicians or have connections with them.
Since then, the mass media in Indonesia has been reporting about him, about the people around him and about all the bad things he said about the Party's top officials, including President SBY, via SMS and BlackBerry Messenger every night and day.
All that have seemingly made top officials of the Democrat Party very angry and conflict among them. Due to which fact President SBY as Chairman of the Parrty's Advisory Board blamed the mass media for not being fair in reporting about the case.
But according to the Chief of the Indonesian Press Council i.e. former Chief Justice Bagir Manan, the media has so far not violated the Press Code of Ethics in reporting the Nazaruddin Case.
Two TV stations i.e. TvOne owned by Golkar Party boss Aburizal Bakrie, and MetroTV owned by National Democrat Party boss Surya Paloh, frequently broadcast live interviews with Nazaruddin, during which he once again made very serious allegations against top officials of the Democrat Party, KPK leaders, Directors of State owned companies, etc.
In reaction to Nazaruddin's allegations, the Chairman of the Democrat Party Anas Urbaningrum has reported Nazaruddin to the Police for false allegations. And recently, President SBY urged Nazaruddin to come home to prove all his allegations.
The above shows that the Mass Media in Indonesia has now become a powerful entity in our society and they would do anything to make people read/hear/see their news reports including sensational ones, so that companies want to place advertisement on their media.
Therefore, I felt that the public should be very careful in taking any news reported by the mass media,. especially those that are owned by politicians or have connections with them.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Subsidized Fuel Consumption
This morning I went to a Pertamina fuel station on the way to my office to refill my car's half-empty fuel tank.
The station attendant asked what type of fuel do I want, Premium or Pertamax ? And I said Pertamax-92.
While my car's fuel tank was being refilled, I asked the attendant whether there are still private cars that refill with Premium fuel which costs Rp 4,500 per Litre compared to Pertamax-92 which costs Rp 8,100 per Litre, and he confirmed.
I asked the question because when I entered the fuel station there was a banner on the wall saying that Premium is a subsidized fuel that should only to be used by public transportation (and not private vehicles).
And recently the Indonesian Moslem Cleric Council (MUI) has even planned to issue a Fatwa/Edict that declare that it is Haram/Forbidden for private vehicles to consume Subsidized Fuel. This plan was cancelled after it was protested by public.
For me, the reason why I use the non-subsidized fuel Pertamax because the car maker has clearly stated when I bought the car that the suitable fuel for my car is high Octane fuel such as Pertamax.
I believe that subsidy for fuels should be reduced, and its consumption should be limited only for public transportation. That way the money used for subsidy can be used for other things like education, health, for the poor etc.
But considering that the condition of public transportation in big cities like Jakarta is still bad, mass-rapid transportation should inevitably be developed, so that people would want to leave their vehicles at home.
At the end of the day, traffic jams and air pollution can be minimized.
The station attendant asked what type of fuel do I want, Premium or Pertamax ? And I said Pertamax-92.
While my car's fuel tank was being refilled, I asked the attendant whether there are still private cars that refill with Premium fuel which costs Rp 4,500 per Litre compared to Pertamax-92 which costs Rp 8,100 per Litre, and he confirmed.
I asked the question because when I entered the fuel station there was a banner on the wall saying that Premium is a subsidized fuel that should only to be used by public transportation (and not private vehicles).
And recently the Indonesian Moslem Cleric Council (MUI) has even planned to issue a Fatwa/Edict that declare that it is Haram/Forbidden for private vehicles to consume Subsidized Fuel. This plan was cancelled after it was protested by public.
For me, the reason why I use the non-subsidized fuel Pertamax because the car maker has clearly stated when I bought the car that the suitable fuel for my car is high Octane fuel such as Pertamax.
I believe that subsidy for fuels should be reduced, and its consumption should be limited only for public transportation. That way the money used for subsidy can be used for other things like education, health, for the poor etc.
But considering that the condition of public transportation in big cities like Jakarta is still bad, mass-rapid transportation should inevitably be developed, so that people would want to leave their vehicles at home.
At the end of the day, traffic jams and air pollution can be minimized.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Toastmasters Movement
Toastmasters International (here) is a non profit organization that provide opportunities to its members to develop their Communication and Leadership skills.
Since 1924, more than 4 million people all over the world, including Indonesia, have become more confident Speakers and Leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters activities.
Headquartered in Santa Margaritha, California, USA, today Toastmasters International has more than 250,000 members who improve their Public Speaking and Leadership skills by attending one of the 12,500++ Clubs that make up Toastmasters global network of meeting locations.
How Does It Work?
The Toastmasters program offers many benefits that help people in all walks of life. As a result of participating in Toastmasters, you will:
Step 1:
Visit a Toastmasters club. You can find clubs near you by using the Meeting Locations tool.
At the meeting, ask the vice president membership for a membership application and fill it out.
Step 3:
Give your application and dues to the vice president membership at the club.
Today, more than 100 Toastmasters Clubs have been opened in many parts of Indonesia i.e Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bali, Medan, Pekanbaru, Batam, Balikpapan and Soroako, Sulawesi.
Since 1924, more than 4 million people all over the world, including Indonesia, have become more confident Speakers and Leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters activities.
Headquartered in Santa Margaritha, California, USA, today Toastmasters International has more than 250,000 members who improve their Public Speaking and Leadership skills by attending one of the 12,500++ Clubs that make up Toastmasters global network of meeting locations.
How Does It Work?
- A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a friendly atmosphere. A typical group has 20 to 40 members who meet weekly, biweekly or monthly. A typical meeting lasts 60 – 90 minutes.
- There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the program’s success. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure.
- Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking.
- Members also learn leadership skills by taking on various meeting roles and working in the Competent Leadership manual. In our learn-by-doing approach, we don't lecture members about leadership skills; we give them responsibilities and mentoring to help. Then we ask them to lead.
The Toastmasters program offers many benefits that help people in all walks of life. As a result of participating in Toastmasters, you will:
- Increase your self-confidence
- Become a better speaker
- Become a better leader
- Communicate more effectively
- $20 New member fee
- $27 Dues for six months, plus any club expenses. (Some clubs may charge a nominal fee in addition to the regular dues for items such as meeting space and club supplies.)
Step 1:
Visit a Toastmasters club. You can find clubs near you by using the Meeting Locations tool.
- Each group has a different personality, so you may wish to visit more than one. Your visit is free, and some clubs may allow you to return as often as you like.
- It’s easy to find a time and location that works for you. Meetings are held seven days a week, mornings, afternoons and evenings. It’s a good idea to call or email in advance to confirm a group’s meeting time and location.
At the meeting, ask the vice president membership for a membership application and fill it out.
Step 3:
Give your application and dues to the vice president membership at the club.
- Once you are voted in by the existing membership, the club officer will send your application and fees to Toastmasters’ World Headquarters.
- Your New Member Kit should arrive in the mail in about two weeks (kits outside of the U.S. may take longer).
Today, more than 100 Toastmasters Clubs have been opened in many parts of Indonesia i.e Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bali, Medan, Pekanbaru, Batam, Balikpapan and Soroako, Sulawesi.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Massacre in Norway
I always think that people of Norway and other Scandinavian countries are very cool people because of their geographical location on the northern part of the globe.
That's why I was shocked when I heard the news about the bombing in Norwegian capital Oslo followed by the shooting on the Island of Utoya last Friday that killed at least 91 people.
According to USA Today, the gunman - Anders Behring Breivik (32) Norwegian with Christian fundamentalist and anti-Islamic views, disguised as a Police officer beckoned his victims closer before shooting them one by one, claiming at least 84 lives, in a horrific killing spree on an island teeming with teenagers who were attending the ruling Labor Party Youth Wing Summer Camp on the Island of Utoya (20 miles from Oslo).
The shooting happened few hours after a bomb blast ripped through a high rise building housing a.o the Prime Minister's office, killing seven people.
Police have arrested only one suspect and said he is linked to both the shootings and the Oslo explosion
The governments of many countries, including Indonesia, have condemned the cold blooded shooting and bombing.
My deepest sympathy and condolence for the families of the victims. I hope that the Norwegian Police would be able to find out who's responsible and what's the motive for this barbaric action.
That's why I was shocked when I heard the news about the bombing in Norwegian capital Oslo followed by the shooting on the Island of Utoya last Friday that killed at least 91 people.
According to USA Today, the gunman - Anders Behring Breivik (32) Norwegian with Christian fundamentalist and anti-Islamic views, disguised as a Police officer beckoned his victims closer before shooting them one by one, claiming at least 84 lives, in a horrific killing spree on an island teeming with teenagers who were attending the ruling Labor Party Youth Wing Summer Camp on the Island of Utoya (20 miles from Oslo).
The shooting happened few hours after a bomb blast ripped through a high rise building housing a.o the Prime Minister's office, killing seven people.
Police have arrested only one suspect and said he is linked to both the shootings and the Oslo explosion
The governments of many countries, including Indonesia, have condemned the cold blooded shooting and bombing.
My deepest sympathy and condolence for the families of the victims. I hope that the Norwegian Police would be able to find out who's responsible and what's the motive for this barbaric action.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Rape is Rape
Whenever a female is raped people tend to ask questions which imply that she was asking for it.
They would ask what kind of dress she was wearing when she was raped, whether or not she was drinking alcohol and/or dancing erotically at that time, etc.
According to Change, the F.B.I in the United States omits hundreds of thousands of Rape from its Uniform Crime Report (UCR) each year, this is because it has been using an 80 years-old definition of Rape : " the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. "
This excludes rapes involving forced anal sex and/or oral sex, vaginal or anal fisting, rape with an object (even if serious injuries result), rapes of men and transgender people and other injurious and degrading sexual assaults.
The emphasis on "forcible" rape also means that the rape or assault of women with physical or mental disabilities and those who were unconscious or under the influence of drugs and alcohol are often excluded.
The FBI's 2007 UCR listed 91,874 "forcibly rapes" but some estimates suggests that the actual number may be 24 times higher.
I hope that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies around the world, including in Indonesia, would use the general definition of Rape.
They would ask what kind of dress she was wearing when she was raped, whether or not she was drinking alcohol and/or dancing erotically at that time, etc.
According to Change, the F.B.I in the United States omits hundreds of thousands of Rape from its Uniform Crime Report (UCR) each year, this is because it has been using an 80 years-old definition of Rape : " the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. "
This excludes rapes involving forced anal sex and/or oral sex, vaginal or anal fisting, rape with an object (even if serious injuries result), rapes of men and transgender people and other injurious and degrading sexual assaults.
The emphasis on "forcible" rape also means that the rape or assault of women with physical or mental disabilities and those who were unconscious or under the influence of drugs and alcohol are often excluded.
The FBI's 2007 UCR listed 91,874 "forcibly rapes" but some estimates suggests that the actual number may be 24 times higher.
I hope that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies around the world, including in Indonesia, would use the general definition of Rape.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Giving Charity on the Streets
The municipality government of Jakarta has been trying for many years to get rid of Beggars, Tramps, Car wipers from the streets of the city, with little success.
For which purpose, By-Law (Perda) No 7/2008 regarding Public Order was issued in 2008, but it does not seem to be effective.
According to Berita Jakarta, the Jakarta municipality government will be serious in enforcing the By-Law in two stages.
First, a Socialization period from 20 July (yesterday) until 15 August in which violators will get light sanction.
After that, there will be an enforcement period from 16 August until 29 August, in which violators will be sent directly to social institution and will not be released until Ied Ul Fitr. So, they will celebrate Ied Ul FItr in Social Institution.
Frankly speaking, I think that this effort would work during the above enforcement period, however I am not sure how will it be in the future.
As long as those Beggars, Tramps etc. are still available on the streets, and no serious efforts to prevent them from doing so, it would be very difficult to expect that the By-Law will be effective.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
President SBY, Nazaruddin, Tax Payers
According to the Constitution, the President function as a Head of State, Head of Government and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, with the prime duty to serve the country and people of the Republic of Indonesia.
In order to enable him to function properly, the President is given the authorities to select ministers/ advisers/ ambassadors/envoys, to make laws together with the Parliament, declare state of emergency etc.
As reward, the President and his family are given first class Salary, Palace, Vehicles and drivers, Security Guards, and other fringe benefits, all of which comes from the state budget mostly originating from Tax Payers Money Collection.
Considering the above facts, the people as Tax Payers expect the President to focus his attention on matters related to the interests of the state and the people of Indonesia
In reality, we saw/heard the President SBY made public statements (here) in his capacity as Chairman of the Advisory of Board of his Democrat Party. Especially after the former Treasurer of Democrat Party i.e. Nazaruddin, was dismissed from his position when the Corruption Eradication Commission accused him of being involved in Corruption in the building of Athlete Complex and ran away to Singapore few hours later and one day before a travel ban was imposed on him.
Nazaruddin's allegations (via BlackBerry Messenger) against leaders of the Democrat Party, including Party Chief Anas Urbaningrum and Secretary General Ibas (SBY's son), about their involvement in Corruption cases have made the President busy defending them and blamed the mass media for improper reporting of unfair reports.
After Nazaruddin spoke (teleconference) the first time on TVOne's Jakarta Lawyers Club Talk Show, last night and made more allegations against SBY, the Democrat Party and others, we can expect that SBY would appear in public again to defend himself and his party sooner or later.
As a citizen who has given my votes to him and his Democrat Party during the general elections and presidential elections in 2004 and 2009, I hope that the President would focus his attentions and activities to serve the country and people, stop talking to the public about this party and men..
In order to enable him to function properly, the President is given the authorities to select ministers/ advisers/ ambassadors/envoys, to make laws together with the Parliament, declare state of emergency etc.
As reward, the President and his family are given first class Salary, Palace, Vehicles and drivers, Security Guards, and other fringe benefits, all of which comes from the state budget mostly originating from Tax Payers Money Collection.
Considering the above facts, the people as Tax Payers expect the President to focus his attention on matters related to the interests of the state and the people of Indonesia
In reality, we saw/heard the President SBY made public statements (here) in his capacity as Chairman of the Advisory of Board of his Democrat Party. Especially after the former Treasurer of Democrat Party i.e. Nazaruddin, was dismissed from his position when the Corruption Eradication Commission accused him of being involved in Corruption in the building of Athlete Complex and ran away to Singapore few hours later and one day before a travel ban was imposed on him.
Nazaruddin's allegations (via BlackBerry Messenger) against leaders of the Democrat Party, including Party Chief Anas Urbaningrum and Secretary General Ibas (SBY's son), about their involvement in Corruption cases have made the President busy defending them and blamed the mass media for improper reporting of unfair reports.
After Nazaruddin spoke (teleconference) the first time on TVOne's Jakarta Lawyers Club Talk Show, last night and made more allegations against SBY, the Democrat Party and others, we can expect that SBY would appear in public again to defend himself and his party sooner or later.
As a citizen who has given my votes to him and his Democrat Party during the general elections and presidential elections in 2004 and 2009, I hope that the President would focus his attentions and activities to serve the country and people, stop talking to the public about this party and men..
Monday, July 18, 2011
Muslim Preachers to Help Fight Deforestration
The Indonesian government has been trying hard to fight forest destruction for many years with little success.
Due to this fact, the government plan to recruit 5,000 Muslim Preachers (Juru Dakwah) to help the campaign to preserve our forrest.
According to The Jakarta Post, during a meeting of Indonesia's second largest Muslim organization i.e Muhammadiyah in Yogyakarta last Sunday, Forestry Ministry Zulkifly Hasan has called Muslim scholars to support the campaign against forest burning and to promote forest preservation and reforestation efforts.
The Muslim Preachers will be recruited from a number of Muslim organizations. They will be given relevant trainings and will be paid about Rp 2 million (US$234) per month. And the program will start later this year until 2012.
This is a very good idea. I hope that it would be successful.
Due to this fact, the government plan to recruit 5,000 Muslim Preachers (Juru Dakwah) to help the campaign to preserve our forrest.
According to The Jakarta Post, during a meeting of Indonesia's second largest Muslim organization i.e Muhammadiyah in Yogyakarta last Sunday, Forestry Ministry Zulkifly Hasan has called Muslim scholars to support the campaign against forest burning and to promote forest preservation and reforestation efforts.
The Muslim Preachers will be recruited from a number of Muslim organizations. They will be given relevant trainings and will be paid about Rp 2 million (US$234) per month. And the program will start later this year until 2012.
This is a very good idea. I hope that it would be successful.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Facebook, Twitter and Democracy
A few months ago, the authoritarian governments in Tunisia and Egypt were overthrown by democratic people's movements in those countries.
The people in those countries, used social media like Facebook and Twitter to organize, coordinate and document their movement. Similar method has also been used now by the pro-democracy movements in Libya and Yemen.
The above successful use of Facebook and Twitter by pro-democracy movement has inspired Indonesian Minister of Information and Communication Tifatul Sembiring to control the use of Facebook and Twitter.
Carolina Rumuat of Global Voice Online quoted the Minister as saying that social media like Twitter and Facebook must be strictly controlled since they can be used to destabilize the government. He added that countries like Tunisia and Libya suffered from uprisings because their governments failed to control social media.
After being criticized in the media, the Minister changed his mind and made a statement through his Twitter saying that reporters have misquoted him. He also wrote on his Facebook page that his statement about social media control in front of public elementary school teachers was about the importance of adult supervision on children's internet browsing experience, language use decency and anti-pornography browsing.
I am very glad that Minister finally realized that Facebook and Twitter are friends of democracy, therefore should not be controlled.
The people in those countries, used social media like Facebook and Twitter to organize, coordinate and document their movement. Similar method has also been used now by the pro-democracy movements in Libya and Yemen.
The above successful use of Facebook and Twitter by pro-democracy movement has inspired Indonesian Minister of Information and Communication Tifatul Sembiring to control the use of Facebook and Twitter.
Carolina Rumuat of Global Voice Online quoted the Minister as saying that social media like Twitter and Facebook must be strictly controlled since they can be used to destabilize the government. He added that countries like Tunisia and Libya suffered from uprisings because their governments failed to control social media.
After being criticized in the media, the Minister changed his mind and made a statement through his Twitter saying that reporters have misquoted him. He also wrote on his Facebook page that his statement about social media control in front of public elementary school teachers was about the importance of adult supervision on children's internet browsing experience, language use decency and anti-pornography browsing.
I am very glad that Minister finally realized that Facebook and Twitter are friends of democracy, therefore should not be controlled.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
I am back
It has been five days since I last up dated this blog, and I am very glad to start again.
There is no special reason why I have been away except that I have been very busy with my office works, daily meetings, guests, forcing me to work very late, sometimes I have to bring my work home.
Many things happened during those five days, such as the Supreme Court sentenced Prita Muliasari, a mother of three small kids detained by the Police because she sent e-mail to her friends complaining about a hospital's sub-standard service, to six months jail probation .
There was also the Nazaruddin case that has been growing bigger and scattered President SBY's Democrat Party.
The latest one was the bomb explosion at an Islamic boarding school (Pesantren) located at the town of Bima, that killed one of the teachers that leads to the arrest of the headmaster of said school.
I hope that from now on I can frequently up date this blog frequently as usual.
Best regards,
Harry Nizam
There is no special reason why I have been away except that I have been very busy with my office works, daily meetings, guests, forcing me to work very late, sometimes I have to bring my work home.
Many things happened during those five days, such as the Supreme Court sentenced Prita Muliasari, a mother of three small kids detained by the Police because she sent e-mail to her friends complaining about a hospital's sub-standard service, to six months jail probation .
There was also the Nazaruddin case that has been growing bigger and scattered President SBY's Democrat Party.
The latest one was the bomb explosion at an Islamic boarding school (Pesantren) located at the town of Bima, that killed one of the teachers that leads to the arrest of the headmaster of said school.
I hope that from now on I can frequently up date this blog frequently as usual.
Best regards,
Harry Nizam
Monday, July 11, 2011
Colson in Jakarta
Yesterday, Sunday 10 July 2011, I met with one of my closest on-line friend namely Colson a.k.a Jerry van den Brink, who wrote interesting posts on his blog http://pelopor.nl from Holland.
As we have both promised, at 12 noon I came to the house of Colson's son i.e Igmar in Kebayoran, South Jakarta, where he stayed during his visit here.
The sun was shining very bright, but unfortunately the traffic was not as enjoyable as I have predicted, probably because it was the last day of school holidays.therefore parents were taking their children out. Many roads in Jakarta were jammed.
Although it was the first time that I met Colson, however I felt comfortable talking to him, probably because we both shared Socialist Democratic ideas, and we have been communicating with each other almost every day i.e. by giving response to each others blog posts for quite a long time.
I drove him through the streets of Jakarta starting from Cipete, Blok M, Asean Secretariat, Jalan Sudirman, Jalan Thamrin, Monas, Istiqlal Mosque, Cathedral Church, the Dutch World WarII Cemetery and lunch at a Balinese restaurant in Ancol Beach resort. We talked about lots of things including politics, justice etc.
From Ancol we passed the State Palace and Presidential office complex, but when we visited that National Museum, it was already closed.
Colson invited me for a dinner with his son and family but unfortunately it was already 6 pm when we reached the house of Colson's son, which is late for me because I have to go home early.
As we have both promised, at 12 noon I came to the house of Colson's son i.e Igmar in Kebayoran, South Jakarta, where he stayed during his visit here.
The sun was shining very bright, but unfortunately the traffic was not as enjoyable as I have predicted, probably because it was the last day of school holidays.therefore parents were taking their children out. Many roads in Jakarta were jammed.
Although it was the first time that I met Colson, however I felt comfortable talking to him, probably because we both shared Socialist Democratic ideas, and we have been communicating with each other almost every day i.e. by giving response to each others blog posts for quite a long time.
I drove him through the streets of Jakarta starting from Cipete, Blok M, Asean Secretariat, Jalan Sudirman, Jalan Thamrin, Monas, Istiqlal Mosque, Cathedral Church, the Dutch World WarII Cemetery and lunch at a Balinese restaurant in Ancol Beach resort. We talked about lots of things including politics, justice etc.
From Ancol we passed the State Palace and Presidential office complex, but when we visited that National Museum, it was already closed.
Colson invited me for a dinner with his son and family but unfortunately it was already 6 pm when we reached the house of Colson's son, which is late for me because I have to go home early.
The Protest in Kuala Lumpur
I always thought that Malaysia is a country that provide good economical, industrial, social-cultural, and political environment for its multiracial people to live in peaceful harmony.
My thought is based on the facts that have I seen, read and heard when I frequently visited the country between 1979 to 1983 when my father was assigned to the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and other visits after that.
Besides, many Malaysians invested in various business activities here and their products are available in our market such as Proton cars, Petronas petrol stations, and many Indonesians visited various places in the country every year for vacation, working, education, medical treatment or even gambling.
For that reason I was surprised when the news media reported about the clash between 50,000 protesters and the Riot Police in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday.
According to Herald Sun, the rare protest was organized by a broad coalition called Bersih that demands indelible ink to be used in the general elections to prevent multiple voting, equal access to the media for all parties and the cleaning-up of electoral rolls.
The opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim made major gains in 2008 elections against the ruling coalition but said it would have done better - potentially threatening the half century rule of the Barisan Nasional - if voting had been more fair.
The street protest was Malaysia's biggest since 2007, when the opposition led a demonstration in the capital also demanding electoral reforms.
At the height of the event, protesters faced baton-wielding riot police in front of a bus station, retreating at times and regrouping to push back police lines in a cat-and-mouse confrontation in heavy downpours.
Some demonstrators fought back by picking up tear gas canisters which they lobbed at police. But police lines held firm and the protesters failed to break through to march to the Merdeka Stadium and to the King's Palace to hand over a memorandum detailing their demands.
A total of 1667 people had been arrested although many were expected to be released on bail.
I hope that both parties would want to seat and talk together so that their differences could be solved amicably.
My thought is based on the facts that have I seen, read and heard when I frequently visited the country between 1979 to 1983 when my father was assigned to the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and other visits after that.
Besides, many Malaysians invested in various business activities here and their products are available in our market such as Proton cars, Petronas petrol stations, and many Indonesians visited various places in the country every year for vacation, working, education, medical treatment or even gambling.
For that reason I was surprised when the news media reported about the clash between 50,000 protesters and the Riot Police in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday.
According to Herald Sun, the rare protest was organized by a broad coalition called Bersih that demands indelible ink to be used in the general elections to prevent multiple voting, equal access to the media for all parties and the cleaning-up of electoral rolls.
The opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim made major gains in 2008 elections against the ruling coalition but said it would have done better - potentially threatening the half century rule of the Barisan Nasional - if voting had been more fair.
The street protest was Malaysia's biggest since 2007, when the opposition led a demonstration in the capital also demanding electoral reforms.
At the height of the event, protesters faced baton-wielding riot police in front of a bus station, retreating at times and regrouping to push back police lines in a cat-and-mouse confrontation in heavy downpours.
Some demonstrators fought back by picking up tear gas canisters which they lobbed at police. But police lines held firm and the protesters failed to break through to march to the Merdeka Stadium and to the King's Palace to hand over a memorandum detailing their demands.
A total of 1667 people had been arrested although many were expected to be released on bail.
I hope that both parties would want to seat and talk together so that their differences could be solved amicably.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Congrats Thailand
Following months of unrest by the supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (2001-2006) the people of Thailand on 3 July carried out a general election and elected 500 members of Parliament.
Result of election was very surprising, whereby the opposition Phue Thai Party led by Yingluck Shinawatra (44), sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, won 265 seats in Parliament, while the ruling Democrat Party led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva only got 159 seats.
Prime Minister Abhisit has acknowledged his defeat and congratulated Yingluck Shinawatra for her victory, the military forces, which played dominant role in Thailand's political life, do not raised any objection, and the Monarchy most probably would also agree with the result of election.
Due to the above mentioned facts, it is most likely that Yingluck Shinawatra will become Thailand's first female Prime Minister.
Thailand is not a strange country for Indonesia, not only because both countries were founding fathers of ASEAN, but also because of centuries of historical relationship which each other.
Indonesian market today is filled with many products imported from Thailand like the Monthong Durian and other Fruits, Rice, Toyota Vios and Honda City cars.
And every year many Indonesians traveled to Thailand for vacation and/or shopping.
Moreover, both countries have experienced authoritarian military rulers, now adopting the same kinds of liberal democracy, and fighting against corruptions.
I hope that the positive things that have happened in Thailand would be taken as good examples by the politicians and military generals in Indonesia on how to govern the country and people.
Result of election was very surprising, whereby the opposition Phue Thai Party led by Yingluck Shinawatra (44), sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, won 265 seats in Parliament, while the ruling Democrat Party led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva only got 159 seats.
Prime Minister Abhisit has acknowledged his defeat and congratulated Yingluck Shinawatra for her victory, the military forces, which played dominant role in Thailand's political life, do not raised any objection, and the Monarchy most probably would also agree with the result of election.
Due to the above mentioned facts, it is most likely that Yingluck Shinawatra will become Thailand's first female Prime Minister.
Thailand is not a strange country for Indonesia, not only because both countries were founding fathers of ASEAN, but also because of centuries of historical relationship which each other.
Indonesian market today is filled with many products imported from Thailand like the Monthong Durian and other Fruits, Rice, Toyota Vios and Honda City cars.
And every year many Indonesians traveled to Thailand for vacation and/or shopping.
Moreover, both countries have experienced authoritarian military rulers, now adopting the same kinds of liberal democracy, and fighting against corruptions.
I hope that the positive things that have happened in Thailand would be taken as good examples by the politicians and military generals in Indonesia on how to govern the country and people.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Where is Nazaruddin?
Officials of President SBY's ruling Democrat Party have been saying that their ex General Treasurer M. Nazaruddin stayed in Singapore for medical treatment since he left Jakarta on 22 May 2011, the same day that he was removed from his position at the party and hours before a travel ban on him was issued.
Because of this reason, Nazaruddin cannot come when the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) wants to question on the allegations about his involvement in the Corruption case at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
But according to Monsters and Critics Singapore's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Nazaruddin had left 'several weeks ago.' And the Indonesian authorities have been informed of his destination at time of departure and Singapore had no information on his current whereabouts.
'Since Mr Nazaruddin had not been charged with any crime or even named as a suspect at the time he was in Singapore and had a valid Indonesian passport, there was no reason to stop him from entering or leaving the country,' the statement said.
This means that Nazaruddin left Singapore long before he was named a suspect by the KPK on June 30, 2011
Meanwhile, The Jakarta Post reported that President SBY's spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said that the authorities had indeed been informed about Nazaruddin’s departure from Singapore.
He added that President SBY had only found out that Nazaruddin was no longer in Singapore after the Singaporean authorities’ announcement on Tuesday.
Julian insinuated that Nazaruddin was presently in another ASEAN country, but he refused to mention the name of any country, saying that the information was being withheld for intelligence purposes.
Leaked intelligence obtained by the Post showed that Nazaruddin had left Singapore for Malaysia and Vietnam.
All I can say right now is : Oh My God!
Because of this reason, Nazaruddin cannot come when the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) wants to question on the allegations about his involvement in the Corruption case at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
But according to Monsters and Critics Singapore's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Nazaruddin had left 'several weeks ago.' And the Indonesian authorities have been informed of his destination at time of departure and Singapore had no information on his current whereabouts.
'Since Mr Nazaruddin had not been charged with any crime or even named as a suspect at the time he was in Singapore and had a valid Indonesian passport, there was no reason to stop him from entering or leaving the country,' the statement said.
This means that Nazaruddin left Singapore long before he was named a suspect by the KPK on June 30, 2011
Meanwhile, The Jakarta Post reported that President SBY's spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said that the authorities had indeed been informed about Nazaruddin’s departure from Singapore.
He added that President SBY had only found out that Nazaruddin was no longer in Singapore after the Singaporean authorities’ announcement on Tuesday.
Julian insinuated that Nazaruddin was presently in another ASEAN country, but he refused to mention the name of any country, saying that the information was being withheld for intelligence purposes.
Leaked intelligence obtained by the Post showed that Nazaruddin had left Singapore for Malaysia and Vietnam.
All I can say right now is : Oh My God!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
iPad, Corruption, Singapore
The producer of iPad is now very lucky because the mass media in Indonesia has been reporting intensively about the tablet computer in the last few days, therefore giving it a free advertisement.
It all started in 2010 when iPad started to enter the Indonesian market from other countries, especially Singapore, through unofficial channels and sold in in the black market.
In spite of the lack of import and sales permits, iPad became popular very quickly and many people want to buy it although illegally. This has attracted the Police to carry out investigation on the people who sold them.
A Police officer disguised as a buyer contacted two vendors, namely Dian Yudha Negara (42) and Randy Lester Samu (29) who advertised the sales of iPad 3G WiFi 64 GB on the local online social media Kaskus and bought two iPads on 23 November 2010.
The iPads were not equipped with certification and manual written in the Indonesian language, so the Police arrested them and charged them with violating Law No. 8 Regarding the Protection of Consumers, Law No. 36 Regarding Telecommunication, and Regulation of the Minister of Trade regarding electronic products that can be imported. Both of them could face a maximum prison sentence of up to five years.
Dian and Randy then told the Police that they bought the iPads while they were traveling to Singapore, but they cannot show evidence to support this, such as passport and airline ticket.
Now they both are facing trial at the District Court of Central Jakarta. Luckily during the trial today the judges released both of them from detention.
Dian and Randy may have violated the Laws and therefore they may be eligible to face the Court trial they are facing now.
What really surprised me was the very quick action of the law enforcement agencies against both of them, which was very different from the very slow actions against people who have been suspected of Corruption/ Bribery such as Nazaruddin and Nunun Nurbaety which enabled them to runaway to Singapore.
It all started in 2010 when iPad started to enter the Indonesian market from other countries, especially Singapore, through unofficial channels and sold in in the black market.
In spite of the lack of import and sales permits, iPad became popular very quickly and many people want to buy it although illegally. This has attracted the Police to carry out investigation on the people who sold them.
A Police officer disguised as a buyer contacted two vendors, namely Dian Yudha Negara (42) and Randy Lester Samu (29) who advertised the sales of iPad 3G WiFi 64 GB on the local online social media Kaskus and bought two iPads on 23 November 2010.
The iPads were not equipped with certification and manual written in the Indonesian language, so the Police arrested them and charged them with violating Law No. 8 Regarding the Protection of Consumers, Law No. 36 Regarding Telecommunication, and Regulation of the Minister of Trade regarding electronic products that can be imported. Both of them could face a maximum prison sentence of up to five years.
Dian and Randy then told the Police that they bought the iPads while they were traveling to Singapore, but they cannot show evidence to support this, such as passport and airline ticket.
Now they both are facing trial at the District Court of Central Jakarta. Luckily during the trial today the judges released both of them from detention.
Dian and Randy may have violated the Laws and therefore they may be eligible to face the Court trial they are facing now.
What really surprised me was the very quick action of the law enforcement agencies against both of them, which was very different from the very slow actions against people who have been suspected of Corruption/ Bribery such as Nazaruddin and Nunun Nurbaety which enabled them to runaway to Singapore.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saudi Arabia Bans Indonesian Maids
Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that it would stop granting work permits to domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines, following the restricted hiring conditions imposed by both Asean countries.
This is a reaction to the strong protests made by the people and the government of Indonesia against the beheading of an Indonesian citizen Ruyati binti Satubi (54) who was sentenced to death by a Saudi Court for murdering of her employer.
.
Kompas reported that last week President SBY denounced the beheading of Ruyati and accused Riyadh of breaking the “norms and manners“ of international relations.
Moreover, the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Muhaimin Iskandar announced that the government shall impose a moratorium on the sending of maids to Saudi Arabia.
I hope that from now on our government would pay much more serious attention on our workers who are working abroad, i.e. conclude agreements with foreign governments that provide strong protection for our workers working in their countries, make sure that they are well trained and skilled before they are send abroad. All of which is necessary because our workers abroad contributed big amount of foreign currency to our country.
This is a reaction to the strong protests made by the people and the government of Indonesia against the beheading of an Indonesian citizen Ruyati binti Satubi (54) who was sentenced to death by a Saudi Court for murdering of her employer.
.
Kompas reported that last week President SBY denounced the beheading of Ruyati and accused Riyadh of breaking the “norms and manners“ of international relations.
Moreover, the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Muhaimin Iskandar announced that the government shall impose a moratorium on the sending of maids to Saudi Arabia.
I hope that from now on our government would pay much more serious attention on our workers who are working abroad, i.e. conclude agreements with foreign governments that provide strong protection for our workers working in their countries, make sure that they are well trained and skilled before they are send abroad. All of which is necessary because our workers abroad contributed big amount of foreign currency to our country.
Friday, July 1, 2011
What's Wrong with the Constitutional Court ?
I used to think that the Constitutional Court is the only state institution that can be relied by the people of Indonesia today.
The Court has made several breakthrough on legal matters which other law institutions in the country seems to be helpless, such as public broadcasting of secret phone conversations between Anggodo Widjojo, who was alleged of bribery and certain high ranking officials of the law enforcement agencies.
Many people have high hopes, that some of them want the Court's Chief i.e. Mahfud MD to run as candidate in the 2014 Presidential election.
Lately, the mass media reported about the falsification of a letter issued by the Constitutional Court regarding who's eligible to represent a region in South Sulawesi at the House of Representatives
The Chief of the Constitutional Court Mahfud MD alleged that the former member of the General Elections Committee i.e. Andi Nurpati, currently Spokesperson of President SBY's ruling Democrat Party was involved in the said falsification. He also alleged that former Judge of the said Court i.e. Arsyad Sanusi was also involved in this case.
These allegations were denied by Andi Nurpati, her Party, and Arsyad Sanusi.
Arsyad even strike back by saying the this case is caused by the disorder in the administration of the Court, caused by Mahfud's lack of experience in working with the Court.
Meanwhile, The Jakarta Globe reported that on 21 June the House of Representatives has amended the Constitutional Court Law No. 24/2003 (here) that will significantly curtail the Court's authorities, including a restriction on issuing verdicts beyond what has been requested of it.
The Jakarta Post reported that the Court should limit its verdicts to declaring whether laws or articles ran counter to the Constitution, he added, and refrain from recommending alternative legislation. It's Chief and Deputy Chief's office term would be reduced to two years and six months, from three years. And it's Judges must have an undergraduate degree in Law.
I hope that this case would be investigated thoroughly and those responsible to be processed in Court, so that the image of the Constitutional Court can still be maintained.
The Court has made several breakthrough on legal matters which other law institutions in the country seems to be helpless, such as public broadcasting of secret phone conversations between Anggodo Widjojo, who was alleged of bribery and certain high ranking officials of the law enforcement agencies.
Many people have high hopes, that some of them want the Court's Chief i.e. Mahfud MD to run as candidate in the 2014 Presidential election.
Lately, the mass media reported about the falsification of a letter issued by the Constitutional Court regarding who's eligible to represent a region in South Sulawesi at the House of Representatives
The Chief of the Constitutional Court Mahfud MD alleged that the former member of the General Elections Committee i.e. Andi Nurpati, currently Spokesperson of President SBY's ruling Democrat Party was involved in the said falsification. He also alleged that former Judge of the said Court i.e. Arsyad Sanusi was also involved in this case.
These allegations were denied by Andi Nurpati, her Party, and Arsyad Sanusi.
Arsyad even strike back by saying the this case is caused by the disorder in the administration of the Court, caused by Mahfud's lack of experience in working with the Court.
Meanwhile, The Jakarta Globe reported that on 21 June the House of Representatives has amended the Constitutional Court Law No. 24/2003 (here) that will significantly curtail the Court's authorities, including a restriction on issuing verdicts beyond what has been requested of it.
The Jakarta Post reported that the Court should limit its verdicts to declaring whether laws or articles ran counter to the Constitution, he added, and refrain from recommending alternative legislation. It's Chief and Deputy Chief's office term would be reduced to two years and six months, from three years. And it's Judges must have an undergraduate degree in Law.
I hope that this case would be investigated thoroughly and those responsible to be processed in Court, so that the image of the Constitutional Court can still be maintained.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)