Lady Gaga Concert Cancelled

I am not a fan of Lady Gaga, simply because she is not the kind of singer that I like, and I am not familiar with any of her songs, because they are not the kinds of songs that I like.

However, I was very happy when I heard that she will come to Jakarta and entertain tens of thousands of her fans at the Gelora Senayan Soccer Stadium on 3 June.

I was also happy when I read on The Jakarta Globe that ticket sales for the concert were strong selling 52,000 tickets since 10 March, which according to the organizer Big Daddy were sold the prices ranging from Rp 445.000,- up to Rp 2,250,000,-

I was happy when the Ministry of Tourism and Culture allowed the concert to go on in spite of the protests from few minority groups of people who claimed to be protectors of Islam like the FPI and FUI who love to use violence in expressing their protests.

Frankly speaking, as a member of a liberal democratic society I don't mind if those groups of people do not agree with Lady Gaga's concert in Jakarta because they don't agree with the sexy dresses she use to wear in her concerts and lyrics of some of her songs which they consider indecent and contradictory to the religion of the majority people in Indonesia.

But I am very sad that those groups have threatened to use violence if the concert is carried out, and the Jakarta Police's refusal to give permit because of that threat.

On top of it all, I am more sad to know that the said concert has not obtain full approval from all the relevant authorities although the organizer has sold 52,000 tickets.

I hope that from now on, every similar concerts should obtain permits from all those authorities first before they sell tickets, therefore the public, in this case her fans, would not have to be disappointed and lose money because of the cancellation.

Regarding Lady Gaga's concert, I wish that the Police would not just make decision because of the threats from the above mentioned groups. The Police can always give strict conditions for the concert e.g requiring Lady Gaga not to appear very sexy.

Nevertheless, I hope that the above cancellation would stop Big Daddy and other organizers in Indonesia from organizing popular international artists concerts in the future.


Banner : Courtesy of Lady Gaga

A Distrust Society

Almost every day we saw on television, heard on the radio, and read in the news paper about so many people getting easily angered and staged violence in public places, although only triggered by trivial matters.

They show their anger in many ways, such as the emergence of motorcycle gang after the murder of a Naval officer, clashes between member of the Army and the Police in Gorontalo, and an Army Captain acting arrogantly against a civilian in Jakarta.

Kompas wrote that aggressive behavior is a result of pressure due to various uncertainties in our country, ranging from Legal, Social, Politic, Economic, and even Religion.

Muji Sutrisno, a lecturer at the Dyarkara Philosophy School in Jakarta, was quoted as saying that today's society is losing a good role model. Figures or institutions that are expected to set an example and wisdom, it turns out most of them become part of the problem. It's hard to find someone who can be trusted.                    

He went on to say that such society can be called a Distrust Society i.e a Society that losses trust. If this goes on and on, our nation may loss Morality, Ethics and Wisdom.

Considering the above, I hope that all our politicians would always think and act as patrons for our society i.e. by upholding national unity based on our Constitutions, Laws, Pancasila and Traditions. And most of all, the laws must be enforced properly.

Biker Gangs, Terrorists and Law Enforcement

One hot topic that the Indonesian news media has been reporting in the last few weeks is about violence carried out by biker gangs in some parts of the archipelago.

These gangs seems to be very strong that the Police seems to be facing big difficulties in taking action against them. Maybe because there were some strong people who were involved in the gangs' activities, for example in the latest incident the Police arrested four Army soldiers allegedly involved in a string of assault that left one man dead and at least 13 others injured.

The case was totally different when the Police were facing alleged "terrorists", who were reported to be trained and well armed, whereby they always succeeded in killing most of them and arresting some of them.

The above mentioned facts have made me asked the following questions :
Are the biker gangs more powerful than the trained and armed "terrorists" ?
Or, they were only made to look as if they were that strong ?

Photo : Courtesy of Republika

Restless Papua

The Indonesian part of the Island of Papua has the world's largest Gold and Copper mining operated by PT. Freeport Indonesia as a subsidiary of the multinational company Freeport-McMoran, USA.

The mining operation that began in 1967 has made PT Freeport Indonesia, Freeport-McMoran and some high ranking Indonesian officials very rich.

Unfortunately not many people of Papua enjoyed the Gold and Copper money, many of them are still living in very poor condition, and the infrastructure on the territory are still in poor condition.

The company only thinks about getting as much money as possible, they do not care about the well being of their employees, and do not care about the great destruction that their mining operations have caused to nature.

Due to this facts, on 15 September 2011, the workers of PT. Freeport Indonesia has stop working, and until now they are still negotiating with the company's management for better salary and working conditions.  

Further,  on 19 October days, some groups of people held the third Papua People's Congress in the town of Abepura. Unlike the first two congresses which ended peacefully, this congress was disbanded by the Police because the participants have violated the conditions for holding such congress i.e. they have declared the independence of West Papua, raised the flag of Free Papua Organization, named its President and Prime Minister. Three men died in the clash between the Police and the participants, 600 hundreds others, including university and school students, were arrested, but many of them released soon afterwards.

On 21 October, three men working with the contractor of PT. Freeport Indonesia were shot to death by unknown gunmen.  One week earlier, three workers of PT Freeport Indonesia were shot to death by mysterious group of men.

Yesterday, a chief of Police in the sub-district of Mulia, namely Adjunct Comm. Domingus Awes, was shot to death at the local airport by two unknown men who grabbed his gun and used it to kill him, took the gun and runaway to nearby forest. This was the second killing a Police officer at the same airport this year. On 24 June First Brig. Yazin was shot to death and his firearm was taken away.

The ambush at PT. Freeport's mine is part of a recent string, the first in April left two workers dead and  two others wounded.

In reaction to the above mentioned violence, the central government in Jakarta has deployed extra Police and Military troops to join existing force of 14,000 troops in Papua to maintain security and order.

In my opinion, the never ending violence in Papua is caused by lack of social, economic and legal justice as I have mentioned above. Therefore such violence cannot be calmed merely by sending more Police and Military, but should also be followed by giving a lot much better attention to the people of Papua.

For example by persuading PT Freeport Indonesia to provide salary and working conditions as demanded by its workers, to develop free schools and health facilities, to expedite the developments of infrastructure.

Moreover, the central government, the House of Representatives and law enforcement agencies should do their utmost to show that Indonesia is lead by clean, uncorrupt, unselfish, wise and fair leaders who will properly take care of money collected from all provinces in Indonesia, especially Papua. That way the people of Papua would not felt cheated and therefore willing to be part of Indonesia.

Last but not least, if possible perhaps the central government could start to have talks with the separatist movement in Papua to find a peaceful solution like we have done in Aceh.

The Roots of Terrorism

Today the National Police announced the identity of terrorist who blew himself at the Church in Solo, Central Java, last Sunday i.e  Pino Damayanto a.k.a Ahmad Yosepa Hayat (31) who was wanted by the Police for his involvement in the suicide bombing at the Police mosque in Cirebon, West Java, last April.

The mass media reported that Ahmad Yosepa and three others were prepared by the Cirebon Terrorist group to carry out suicide bombings.

As a normal human being, I strongly believe that normal human beings would never want to kill themselves and other people for decent reasons.

People who commit suicide to kill others are either frustrated or suffer mental depression or politically or religiously fanatic because of the situation and condition in their lives. Or, alternatively, they are brainwashed or hypnotized by other people who has the power to do so.

All of which can be caused by poverty, lack of education, lack of jobs, injustices, corruption, ugly political condition, etc.

Considering the above, I felt that terrorism cannot be eliminated just by eliminating people who are allegedly involved in any acts of terrorism like urging people to take illegal actions against other people who have different ideology or religion, and/or campaigning illegal actions to the society for example through the internet

Terrorism cannot also be eliminated by merely giving extra-power to the intelligence agencies whose ability and seriousness to detect acts of terror is under question. This is proven from the fact that the Solo bomb exploded just 5 months after the suicide bomb at the Police mosque in Cirebon, although the Police has issued a wanted persons list.
This can also be seen from the fact that violent organizations and website that advocate radical actions like arrahmah.com were allowed to exist.

The best way to eliminate terrorism would be by eliminating all the things that causes terrorism i.e. provide enough job, decent and inexpensive housing, schools, eliminating corruption, fair business competition, decent political practices, law enforcement based on equality before the laws, presumption of innocence and respect of human rights.

Who Should be Responsible for the Solo Bombing?

A man killed himself by blowing a bomb he carried with him at the Kepunton Church in Solo, Central Java, 10.45 a.m today, injuring 19 others.

In this regards I would like to express my deepest sympathy to those who have been hit by the bomb.

President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono (SBY) condemned the bombing, saying that it is the work of the Cirebon Terrorist Group whose member blew a bomb at a mosque in Cirebon, West Java, killing himself and injuring a Police officer on 15 April 2011.

The President also said that preventive and proactive actions shall be taken to find out about this bombing incident.

Further, an internal investigation on the Police, Intelligence and Military units, especially those in Central Java, shall be carried out to find out whether they have coordinated well to prevent terrorist action.

Furthermore, he said that this bombing proves that what he has often warned about terrorists threat is real, not just a make-believe.

I hope that an overall investigation will be conducted immediately to find out who is the suicide bomber, the people behind him and what is the motive, why can it happen ? why can't our intelligence detect it ?

School Students Vs Reporters

Last Friday, some students of State High School No.6 in Kebayoran, South Jakarta, attacked a cameraman of TranTV i.e. Oktaviardi, and took his video cassette, when he was taking pictures of a fighting between students of said High School and neighboring State High School No. 70.

Tempointeraktif reported that on Monday angry reporters from various news media came to High School No.6 to look for the students who attacked Oktaviardi. After they found the student, they beat him badly.

After they know about the reporters' attack, hundreds of other students came to rescue their badly beaten friend, and fought back the reporters.

The Police tried to stop the fight by shooting their guns three times to the air but failed, because their they were outnumbered.

So the reporters ran away to nearby headquarters of the National Police.

According to Kompas six reporters were injured, i.e. Panca Syaukani from Media Indonesia, Yudistiro Pranoto from Seputar Indonesia, Aldi Gultom from Rakyat Merdeka, Wahyu from Elshinta Radio, Anton from MetroTV and Ardhi from Kompas.

This is a very shameful incident which would not have happened if the High School management and the students' parents could control those students, and the Police could prevent the reporters from hanging around the school.

Disharmony in Ambon

Two groups of people clashed in the town of Ambon, Maluku Province, killing at least three people and injuring eighty nine others.

Beside that, two cars, four motorcycles and three houses were burned to the ground during said violence.

The Jakarta Globe quoted the spokesman of the National Police Anton Bahrul Alam as saying that the violence was sparked by a traffic accident that caused the death of an Ojek (Motorcycle Taxi) driver i.e Damin Saiman.

However, an sms sent by unknown people saying that Darmin was tortured to death by members of the other group. Word of mouth prompted a violent clash between the two group, one of which includes the family of Darmin.

The spokesman also said that the Police is now investigating who is responsible for the sms, but no arrest has been made so far. The over-all situation in Ambon is stable now.

The above violence show that the relationship among people in Ambon is still fragile whereby they can be provoked to do violence against each other very easily just by the circulation of  a mysterious sms.

As a first step, the laws should be enforced very strictly on anyone alleged to be responsible for the violence and must be processed in Court.

The Return of Nazaruddin

After almost 40 hours flight from Bogota, Colombia, the Gulfstream Jet landed at the Halim Military airbase in East Jakarta at 7.15 pm last night, bringing home the former Treasurer General of the ruling Democrat Party Muhammad Nazaruddin.

Nazaruddin stepped down from the 4 Billion Rupiah chartered jet plane wearing a bullet proof vest, hand cuffed and heavily guarded by the Police, and taken directly to the headquarters of the Mobile Brigade of the National Police in Depok, West Java for identity checking..

More than an hour later, he was taken to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at South Jakarta that will investigate allegations against him, especially about his involvement in the misused of fund for the development of an athlete housing in Palembang, South Sumatera.

Later, KPK Chief Busyro Muqodas gave a press conference, during which Nazaruddin's black handbag, sealed by Colombia Police, was opened. The bag contain US$ 20,000, wallet, 3 mobile phones, USB.

After that, all those things were put inside the hand bag again, re-sealed, and kept by the KPK as evidence. Busyro promised that the investigations will be carried out transparently.

Before midnight, Nazaruddin was returned to the Mobile Brigade headquarters where he will be detained.

Many people are happy with the law enforcement's success in bringing back Nazaruddin, because it would enable him to prove whether or not his allegations were true.

However, some people were not happy, such as Nazaruddin's lawyer OC Kaligis who alleged that the Indonesian government has obstructed Nazruddin's efforts to get an asylum in Colombia, and did not allow him to accompany Nazaruddin on the flight to Jakarta

He also said that this case would not be investigated properly by the KPK because two of its officials were alleged by Nazaruddin of being involved in corruption cases. Moreover they doubt that President the Democrat Party would allow Nazaruddin to be investigated transparently.

I believed that the success of our government and law enforcement agency to coordinate with Interpol and the Colombian government to bring back Nazaruddin is the best thing for Indonesia, because it would enable them to investigate all the allegations that he has made against others, as well as the allegations made against him.

Any efforts to obstruct the return of Nazaruddin to Indonesia, such as trying to arrange asylum for him would be against the interest of the people and the state of Indonesia.

How did Nazaruddin get to Colombia?

Former General Treasurer of the ruling Democrat Party i.e. M. Nazaruddin (here), wanted by the Police and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), was arrested by the Police on Sunday in Cartagena, Colombia.

Republika quoted the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Djoko Suyanto as saying that he received the news from the Indonesian Ambassador to Colombia i.e. Michael Manufandu who said that Nazaruddin was holding a passport under the name of M. Syahruddin.when he was arrested.

And in order to make sure that the man is Nazaruddin, members of the Police and the KPK shall be send to Colombia immediately..

President SBY, Chairman of the Democrat Party Consultative Council, was happy when he told reporters (here) about the arrest of Nazaruddin earlier this evening. He said that he wants Nazruddin protected and allowed to say anything he wants to say.

I am very happy that our law enforcement agencies have successfully coordinated with the Interpol and the Colombian Police for the arrest of Nazaruddin.

However, considering that our government has canceled Nazaruddin's passport more than one month ago while he was assumed to be staying in Singapore or Cambodia, how did he get the false passport under the name of M. Syahruddin ?

Who helped him get the said false passport and arranged the travel to Columbia ?
Why did he choose Colombia which is known to be a haven for illegal drug dealers ?
Is Nazaruddin connected to international drug dealer syndicate ?

These questions became relevant if we think of the fact that Nazaruddin  (33) was very rich when he was the General Treasurer of the Democrat Party that he contributed Billions of Rupiah of money for the party.  
I hope that the Police and the KPK would investigate about this matter thoroughly so that my questions would be answered.

The Political Conflict at Puncak Jaya

19 people died and 1 wounded in a conflict between supporters of two rival candidates of a political party who wanted to participate in the regional election at Puncak Jaya, Papua Province on 30 and 31 July 2011.

Antara quoted the Spokesman of the National Police Inspector Anton Bachrul Alam as saying that the conflict was sparked by the change of support given by the Gerindra Party from Simon Alom to the party's regional chief Thomas Tabuni..

29 Policemen , including 18 special troop, were dispatched to the scene of conflict but failed to prevent the escalation of conflict because both sides were using bows and arrows, and throwing stones. One of the Police men was hit by an arrow.

The above conflict shows that the inability of a political party to control its own members has caused the death of many of its members and followers.

The question is : how can a political party rule a region if it cannot even control its own member ?

Singapore is a Safe Place to Hide

On 23 May, the Democrat Party dismissed M. Nazaruddin as it's General Treasurer for his alleged role in a Bribery case surrounding a South East Asian Games construction project and an attempt to bribe the Secretary General of of the Constitutional Court Janedri Gaffar with Sing $ 120,000.00.

On 24 May, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) asked the Immigration Office to forbid Nazaruddin from traveling outside Indonesia so as to facilitate investigation on the allegations against him.
Unfortunately, Nazarrudin has departed for Singapore the night before immediately after he was dismissed by his party.

KPK also targeted Nunun Nurbaeti. wife of former Vice Chief of the National Police now a member of the House of Representatives of the Welfare Justice Party (PKS) Adang Darajatun, who has recently been named a Suspect in the Bribery of members of the House of Representatives during the election of Miranda Gultom as the Deputy Chairperson of the Bank Indonesia.

Until now Nunun cannot be questioned because she was reported to be suffering Amnesia, can't remember what happened to her in the past, and before she was named a Suspect Nunun went to Singapore for medical treatment.

Before that, there were other people wanted by the National Police who ran away to Singapore. One of them was ex Tax man Gayus Tambunan who was investigated by the Police for allegations of corruption. Luckily the National Police was able to persuade Gayus to return to Jakarta.

Beside that, there was also Anggodo Wijaya who was found guilty of corruption by the Court in Jakarta, but cannot be jailed because he ran away to Singapore before the authorities arrested him.

The fact that Indonesian and Singapore do not have extradition treaty has made it impossible for Indonesian law enforcement agencies to ask Singapore to turn anyone who broke the laws in Indonesia if they go and hide in Singapore.

However, I hope that  Indonesia and Singapore would soon sign an extradition treaty, especially that both are members of the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) which in 2015 will become the ASEAN Community.

The Arrest of a Gigolo in Jakarta

Mustofa (27), a Gigolo, was arrested by the Jakarta Police for allegedly attempted to chloroform his female customer Ami (30) in room No. 423 at the Mega Anggrek Hotel, West Jakarta yesterday afternoon.

Ami was introduced to Mustofa by her Pimp friend Adit who arranged them to meet in the hotel  room. 

But after they both met, they failed to reach an agreement on the sex tariff. Mustofa was disappointed that he tried to chloroform Ami so he can steal her belongings. Later on, Ami was able to coax Mustofa back into a romantic mood, allowing her to alert the hotel’s staff.

The Police has interviewed Mustofa and Ami, and is still looking for Adit the Pimp. Mustofa told the Police that he worked as a Masseur at a Massage Parlor owned by Adit.

I hope that this incident would make ladies think twice before they want to meet a Gigolo.

Please Protect Us

Yesterday, President SBY called on Indonesians not to rely on the Police and asked us to help fight extremism.

The Jakarta Globe quoted the President as saying that Indonesia is now facing a continuous and serious threat in terrorism and in horizontal violence.

Horizontal violence, a term often used in reference to student bullying, refers to abuse or aggression by individuals on their peers around them. 

I hope that the President has instructed the intelligence networks, especially the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) to improve their performance in monitoring and detecting any kinds of activities that might pose a threat to our national security, such as the so called Indonesian Islamic State (NII) movement, those who spread Book Bombs, those who plan any kinds of violence, and other acts of crimes.

Moreover, I also hope that the President has instructed the Police to improve their performance in serving and protecting the society.

Citibank, Malinda, Money Laundering

Inong Malinda Dee (47), former Senior Manager of Citibank Indonesia who handled customers with a minimum account of Rp 500 Million, has been named by the Police as a suspect in the embezzlement of Rp 17 Billion of the bank's customers' money.

Republika quoted her lawyer Indra Sahnun Lubis as saying that Malinda has admitted about the customer's money laundering. He also said that Malinda's ex bosses in the bank knew about this practice since 10 years ago.  

Asian News Network reported that the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has launched an investigation of the Money Laundering allegations on 18 April 2011 and found indications that the customers include Police Generals, local administration leaders and their families. 

However, the Police has repeatedly denied that any of its officers had Citibank accounts.

PPATK's investigation would determine if Citibank exercised due diligence in opening accounts for “politically exposed” customers, such as public officials who might be more likely to engage in money laundering. 

The Jakarta Globe reported that  the Police has alleged Malinda of laundering at least Rp 2 Billion through PT. Sarwahita Global Management, a company that she partially owned.
Due to this allegation, Air Vice Marshall Rio Mendung, a Commissioner of PT Sarwahita, was removed from his position as Deputy Chairman of the National Defence Institute (Lemhanas).

I hope that investigations by the Police and PPATK would reveal the truth about this case.

Bravo Police

The National Police Anti-Terrorists Unit today has finally arrested 6(six) men who were reported to be responsible for spreading Book Bombs in Jakarta and vicinity last March.

Beside that, the Anti-Terrorists Unit has also been successful in finding two bombs that were placed near the Gas Pipeline not far from a Church in Serpong, Banten, this afternoon.

I am very happy with the above results, and therefore would like to congratulate and thank our National Police Anti-Terrorists Unit for their great jobs.

I hope that the Police and our intelligence network would do their very best to find who masterminded the spread of all those bombs and eliminate their terrorist network.

Moreover, I hope that every citizens will support the efforts to eliminate terrorists among others by keeping our eyes and ears open on what's going on near us and report to the Police if there is something suspicious.
Perhaps we could follow the people of Cirebon who do not allow the body of the suicide bomber who blew himself inside a Police Mosque last week to be buried in that town, that the Police has to find another burial place in East Jakarta.

The Mysterious Suicide Bomber in Cirebon

On 15 April 2011, a suicide bomber blew himself inside a crowded Mosque at a Police station in Cirebon, West Java, injuring 28 persons mostly Police officers who were having their Friday prayer.

According to MetroTV, this is not the first time that the bomber, later identified as Muhammad Syarief, appeared in public. TV stations show that Syarief have participated in various demonstrations including beating a vehicle of the local Prosecutors office in Cirebon.    

Further, The Jakarta Globe reported that Syarief was suspected of killing an army officer i.e First Corporal Sutejo, and stabbed his friend Ali, in early April, because they heard him taking about the suicide bombing plan. Besides, he was also suspected of being involved in the destruction of a mini market.

The Police is still investigating the suicide bombing case, among others by raiding the houses of Syarief's parents, his brother, and his father in law.

The suicide bomb blasted exactly one month after the first Book Bomb exploded at Utan Kayu, East Jakarta on 15 March 2011, that caused a Police officer to lost his right arm. Unfortunately, until this moment the Police still unable to name a suspect responsible for the delivery of Book Bombs to certain public figures in various parts of Jakarta.

Considering that Muhammad Syarief was active in several public protests, destruction of mini market and suspected of killing an Army officer, I felt that it was very weird that he was able to enter the Police's Mosque without being noticed.

Under normal circumstances, a man with such reputation should have bein in the Police's Most Wanted Person List and monitored very closely by the intelligence network.

FPI Beaten by Housewives

All this time, the news media have always been reporting about FPI frightening people with their violent actions.

That's why I was surprised, and very happy, when I read on The Jakarta Globe that the Chairman of FPI in North Sumatera, and a number of his armed followers were forced to flee to safety after they attempted to evict a mother and her newborn baby from a disputed property in Medan, last Tuesday. 

Though the FPI men escaped without injury, their car was badly damaged by the rampaging women.

I hope that what those housewives done would be followed by other people who are attacked by FPI, and the Police would not hesitate to take actions against them.

Citibank and the Murder of a Cardholder

Beside facing an embezzlement of prime customers funds by its Senior Manager, U.S based bank Citibank is facing a very serious criminal charges i.e. the torture to death of  a credit card holder by its debt collector.

The tragedy happened on 29 March when a holder of Citibank credit card i.e. Irzen Octa, Secretary General of United Nation Party, came to the bank's office at Menara Jamsostek, South Jakarta, to complain about the incredible sudden increase on his card bill from Rp 48 Million to Rp 100 Million.

Unable to handle the complain properly, an officer of the bank and two outsourced debt collectors took Irzen to the bank's room at the fifth floor of the building and brutally beat him to death.

The Jakarta Post quoted a Police officer as saying that traces of blood were found on the curtains and walls
and an autopsy performed on Irzen showed he suffered damage to his brain.

The Citibank officer and the two debt collectors were arrested and named suspects in the murder case and could be charged with Battery and Torture based on the Criminal Law, which carries a maximum jail sentence of five-and-a-half years.

Citibank PR officer Ditta Amahorseya refused to comment on the Police investigation but said that Citibank had and obeyed a strict code of ethics in regards to debt collection.

It is very sad to know that a big and famous U.S based bank like Citibank could ever use violent loving gang of thugs to handling the bank's customers, instead of legal proceedings. I hope that the government, especially Bank Indonesia as central bank, and law enforcement agencies would take serious actions, so that other banks would not use violence anymore.

The Misterious Book Bomb

On 15 March 2011 three book-bomb packages were sent to moderate Muslim activist and member of President SBY's Democrat Party Ulil Abshar Abdalla, Chairman of the National Narcotics Agency Comm Gen. Gories Mere, and Head if Pancasila Youth Yapto Soeryosumarno.

Since then, many other book-bomb packages were sent to other people including musician Dhani Ahmad and Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Taufik Kurniawan.

The first bomb which was sent to Ulil exploded when a Police officer tried to detonate it, causing him to lose his hand. This happened because the Police Bomb Squad came to the place only three hours after they were called. 

The Police has questioned several people but no suspect has been named until now.

No clear message explaining about the purpose of sending those bombs have been mentioned, therefore one can only predict. Ulil predicted that the motive of the person sending bomb to him was politics, in line with his position at the Democrat Party.
 
While intelligence observer Soeripto thought that the book bomb packages were the works of people from the intelligence circle. It can either be done by the intelligence agency or it individual members.

Considering that people are beginning to think that the bombs were part of scenario to divert public attention from the things that's been happening lately, like the Wikileaks report about President SBY, his wife and top officials,  I hope that the Police would soon finalize their investigation on this case and find those responsible.