Made Arya Kencana & Fitri, Denpasar/Mataram – It was an unusual sight for anywhere in Indonesia: Muslim men arriving for Friday prayers in an atmosphere of complete silence, without the usual call to prayers blaring from the mosque loudspeakers.

But the fact that they were still allowed to go to mosque on a day when virtually all of predominantly Hindu Bali remained shuttered at home for the holy day of Nyepi was itself testament to the high degree of religious tolerance on the resort island, said Ketut Teneng, a spokesman for the provincial administration.

Although religious and administrative authorities are strict about people remaining at home during Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, Teneng said Muslims were welcome to go to mosque, as long as they only walked there and did not turn on the mosques' loudspeakers.

Some of the restrictions in place during the day include no lighting of fires or use of electrical appliances, no working or entertainment and no traveling. "Two years ago Nyepi also fell on a Friday and we all got by fine," Teneng said. "This just goes to show how tolerant Bali is."

In keeping with the spirit of the day, the provincial chapter of the usually conservative Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) called on Muslims across Bali not to use mosque loudspeakers and to worship at home or at a musholla, or public prayer room, if there was no mosque within walking distance.

Friday noon prayers are mandatory for Muslim men and must be held in a mosque with at least 40 people present. Cecep Subrata, who gave the Friday sermon at the musholla at the Aerowisata Sanur Beach Hotel to 23 worshipers, said he didn't mind not going by the rules this one time.

"We support the MUI's approval of holding the prayers in a musholla, because it's better than not having Friday prayers at all," said Cecep, who works at the hotel's lobby shop.

On the neighboring resort island of Lombok, which is predominantly Muslim, people went about their activities as usual. However, there were several concessions made for the large Hindu minority in Mataram, the provincial capital, where roads in largely Hindu neighborhoods were closed off to vehicle traffic.

"During Nyepi every year the roads in this area are closed off out of respect for the Hindus there," said Arif, a Muslim resident of the Cakranegara area.

Many stores across Mataram were also closed on Friday to allow Hindu workers to mark Nyepi, while food vendors turned off their jingles and music.

A day earlier, Lombok residents of all faiths turned out for the ritual parading of the ogoh-ogoh, giant papier-mache demons that are later burned to signify self-purification.

One hundred and twenty of the effigies were paraded around Mataram this year, down from 151 last year. Organizers attributed the decline to the increasing costs of making the ogoh-ogoh amid uncertainty about the upcoming subsidized fuel price hike.

While the ogoh-ogoh parade is a tradition brought over from Bali, Lombok Hindus also have their own pre-Nyepi celebration in the form of the perang api, or fire war.

This involves groups of youths throwing flaming balls of dried coconut husks at each other at sunset. Like the ogoh-ogoh, it is meant to signify self-purification through the medium of fire.

Yudhoyono on alert for coup attempt before 2014

Jakarta Globe - March 20, 2012

Markus Junianto Sihaloho – Police say they will pursue President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's allegation that a group will try to topple him in a coup before 2014, but others have dismissed the claim as an effort to divert attention from a planned increase in fuel prices.

National Police Chief Gen. Timur Pradopo said he had heard the president's allegation and would deploy his intelligence officers and detectives to investigate the threat.

During a meeting with Democratic Party officials at his private residence in Cikeas, West Java, on Sunday, Yudhoyono said a "strange" group had started a move aiming to unconstitutionally unseat him and Vice President Boediono before 2014.

"There is an unconstitutional movement conducted by those who reject competing fairly through democratic process. The bottom line is that this group wants SBY to fall down before 2014 without a clear reason," he said, referring to his initials.

Yudhoyono said the group would use the momentum of the fuel price increase to spark provocation and agitation.

According to the president, the government's plan to raise fuel prices has been politicized "What we see is that we have been convinced that any policy to raise fuel prices is bad and must be fought," he said.

Yudhoyono said he realized that the policy was unpopular, adding that he was ready to face the risk. "Every day I receive text messages," he said. "Some pray for me to always be in good condition. Others condemn me, even threaten to kill me."

Yudhoyono also questioned why some people rejected the government's plan to directly give cash to the poor to compensate them for the impact of the fuel price increase.

Yudhoyono's statement about a possible coup, however, prompted criticism from inside his coalition government and the opposition. Nasir Jamil, deputy chairman of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), one of Yudhoyono's coalition partners, said that the presidents complaints had a negative impact on the public.

"As a president, he should show toughness and strength, rather than complaining and showing that he is a weak man," Nasir said. "People will feel that if their president is such a weak man then how will ordinary people cope with difficult conditions?"

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Pramono Anung doubted there was a group that would topple the president. He said it was impossible for such a group, if it exists, to launch a coup because Yudhoyono was supported by major parties in the coalition, while the military, intelligence agencies and police have supported him.

Angry minister becomes Twitter trending topic

Jakarta Post - March 20, 2012

Sita W. Dewi, Jakarta – State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan's move of exiting his car, which was stuck in a long queue backed up in front of a Jakarta toll gate, forcefully opening the gates of two unattended toll lanes and allowing 100 vehicles to drive through for free on Monday morning has stirred up a deal of public attention.

The minister also reportedly reprimanded state-owned toll operator PT Jasa Marga's top management shortly after the incident.

The keyword "Dahlan Iskan" is now being named as one of the trending topics in Indonesia on Twitter today. Most of the tweets praised the minister's move – some of them even encouraged the media mogul to run for president in 2014. "Mr. Dahlan Iskan FTW! He's so cool! All public officials should have done this!" said account @jojosuherman.

Noted composer Addie MS posted on Twitter: "Dahlan Iskan let cars pass without paying toll fees to break the long queues, and reprimanded Jasa Marga's executive director soon after. [The director] deserved that!"

Meanwhile, account @adjisdoaibu questioned the minister's actions, asking, "Why did he do that? Couldn't he wait? Would he be as angry as that if the queue had been caused by the President's motorcade?"

On his Twitter account, Dahlan said he was not furious; he only wanted to break the frustrating traffic congestion.

The minister was on his way to a meeting at national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia's office when he got caught in a line of about 30 cars waiting to enter the Semanggi toll gate in Slipi, West Jakarta at around 6 a.m. "I was not only angry, I was extremely furious," he was quoted as saying this morning.

Fuel price hikes

Regions say no to direct cash assistance for poor families

Jakarta Post - March 24, 2012

Slamet Susanto and Kusumasari Ayuningtyas, Yogyakarta/Surakarta – At least two regions, one in Yogyakarta and the other in Central Java, have rejected the government's plan to distribute direct cash assistance (BLT) to economically poor families in compensation for the fuel-price hikes expected to be implemented next month.

The government's plan is to allocate Rp 150,000 (US$16.50) to each low- income household for nine months after the fuel-price hike is implemented.

The regency administration of Bantul in Yogyakarta said it would file a memorandum of objection to the central government, arguing that the planned measure would only encourage dependency and consumerism.

"It [the BLT] will create a beggar mentality and that is why we are filing an objection to the central government," Bantul Regent Sri Surya Widati said on Wednesday.

She added that the distribution of BLT would also create social conflict in communities as the data on which the distribution was based came from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), which did not tally with the regency data on economically poor families in the region.

"The number of economically poor people in Bantul is greater than that recorded in the BPS data," she said, adding that she preferred to have the BLT turned into a people-empowerment capital fund to improve economic life.

Chairman of the association of Bantul village heads (Pandu), Sulistyo Admojo, said that if the BLT was distributed as it had been previously, it would only cause trouble.

"Everyone will demand the BLT and heads of villages will be at the sharp end," Sulistyo said. He also said that the BLT would do no good as the cash would be spent almost at once on consumer items, leaving the poor just as poor.

In Surakarta, Central Java, the municipal administration believes that cash assistance is of no long-term benefit to the community. "BLT is not the right solution to deal with the impact of the planned fuel-price hike or for alleviating poverty," Surakarta Deputy Regent FX Hadi Rudyatmo said.

He also expressed concerns that the BLT distribution would create new problems with regard to the direct distribution mechanism through chairpersons of neighborhood units in their respective areas.

This, he said, excluded the possible conflicts arising from the data on which the distribution would be based. The data to be used is 2008 data that the BPS has yet to update and therefore might not be in accordance with the current reality. "Those who were categorized as economically poor back then are not necessarily still poor and vice versa," he said.

Surakarta Mayor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said that it would be better if the BLT was distributed as business capital assistance to encourage people's entrepreneurship. That way the fund would create long-term benefits and the cash would not be spent on purchasing unnecessary consumer items such as electronic goods.

BPS Surakarta office head, Toto Desanto, said that the BLT distribution would probably not rely on BPS data but rather data used by the municipal administration to deal with poverty.

Political support for Indonesian fuel hike fading quickly

Jakarta Globe - March 24, 2012

Markus Junianto Sihaloho & Ezra Sihite – With just a week to go until April 1, the chance of the government's proposed fuel price hike being approved by the legislature is slimmer than ever, with political support within the ruling coalition weakening by the day.

On Thursday, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) informed the president of its decision to reject the proposal to reduce subsidy spending by increasing the price of subsidized fuel from Rp 4,500 to Rp 6,000 (49 cents to 65 cents), offering alternatives instead.

Sutan Bathoegana, head of the Democratic Partys' central leadership board, said that while differences were not forbidden in the coalition, once something had been decided, all member parties were obligated to support it. "We should put the country's interest ahead of our own," he said.

On Friday, another coalition member, the United Development Party (PPP), said it was not sure whether to support the plan. "We are now doing simulations [to see what would happen] if the fuel price is increased, not increased or if the hike is postponed," PPP secretary general Romahurmuzy said.

The party's first plan is for the government to postpone the plan and aggressively develop the infrastructure to support a shift to compressed natural gas during the next two years. The second option is to support the fuel price hike proposal, but not the plan for an accompanying cash handout program (BLT) for the poor.

The third approach is to accept the fuel price proposal on the condition that the increase only ranges between Rp 500 and Rp 1,000 per liter and the government makes budget cuts in other areas. "The party will issue its official stance on March 28," Romahurmuzy said.

If the PPP takes the same stance as the PKS, it would mean five of the nine parties in the House of Representatives were against the proposal.

The opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the third- largest party in the House, along with opposition parties the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) and the People's Conscience Party (Hanura) have already come out against the proposal.

The Golkar Party, the second-largest in the House and a member of the ruling coalition, supports the plan but has said it wants the subsidy savings be used for infrastructure, education and health instead of BLT, which analysts say would only politically benefit the ruling Democrats.

Arya Fernandez, an analyst from the Charta Politika consultancy, said the price hike could only be implemented if the president successfully negotiated it with coalition members. "The first and foremost challenge against the plan comes from inside the coalition. The chances are getting slimmer," he said.

Arya said that Golkar held the trump card in whether the government could raise the subsidized fuel prices or not. "If Golkar joins the PKS, then the Democrats should forget the plan altogether," he said.

The Democrats, meanwhile, said they would continue to push for the plan. Senior lawmaker Ramadhan Pohan argued that the increase was a necessary step to save the state budget.

Military deployed at rally for protection of 'vital objects': Minister

Jakarta Globe - March 24, 2012

Ismira Lutfia, Markus Junianto Sihaloho, Agus Triyono & Ezra Sihite – The government has denied using military force to contain recent protests against a fuel price hike, saying troops were deployed only to protect key buildings and facilities.

Djoko Suyanto, the coordinating minister for political, legal and defense affairs, said the military had not confronted demonstrators. "The military was not involved in the handling of demonstrations," Djoko said. "Military personnel only stood near vital objects where a potential threat existed."

Past experience with protests, Djoko added, shows that protecting the State Palace and public facilities such as airports and toll booths is prudent in potentially volatile situations.

"[The military] didn't take over the police's role. There's a law prohibiting that," he said. "Under the law, the military must help the National Police in situations and conditions where it's necessary."

Protestors held up traffic as they marched to the State Palace on Wednesday, as Jakarta was hosting several high-profile guests including United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and former Philippine President Fidel Ramos for the Jakarta International Defense Dialogue.

Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the soldiers deployed during the rally were there only as a preventive measure to keep demonstrators from approaching the palace.

The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) condemned the deployment of military personnel during the demonstration, saying it was a violation of the law and a dangerous precedent.

Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar said the law clearly stated that deployment of the military was an extreme measure that required lawmakers' approval. "The involvement of the military in the anti-fuel price hike demo is haram – illegal," Haris said. "This is a threat to democracy."

He said the government should have used a peaceful approach toward engaging the protesters, given that the new fuel policy would affect the general public.

Kontras urged lawmakers to strongly protest the government's use of the military in curbing demonstrations. "Lawmakers should at least warn the military to not get itself involved in handling anti-fuel price hike rallies," Haris said.

The chairman of the Kontras board of advisors, Usman Hamid, said the move was evidence of the government's panicked response to dissent. He said military deployment wasn't necessary because the largely peaceful fuel demonstrations posed no threat to the country.

TNI to monitor vulnerable sites ahead of possible fuel protests

Jakarta Post - March 23, 2012

Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta – Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel have not yet been deployed to help reinforce police numbers in handling potential mass rallies protesting the planned fuel-price hike on April 1, a senior minister said Friday.

"The TNI has yet to be involved in handling mass rallies. They are simply being moved to monitor strategic locations that may be targeted by such rallies," Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto told a press conference after closing the second Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD).

"Most of our military units are based outside Jakarta so it would take too long for them to help secure strategic locations [if trouble flares]. That's why we are mobilizing them to sites closer to those locations."

Accompanying Djoko at the press conference were Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, the Defense Ministry's secretary-general, Vice Marshal Eris Herryanto, TNI chief Adm. Agus Suhartono, deputy Navy chief-of-staff Vice Adm. Marsetio and the Indonesian Defense University's rector, Sjarifuddin Tippe.

Strategic locations in the Greater Jakarta area include the Presidential Palace, House of Representatives, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tanjung Priok seaport, fuel bunkers belonging to state-owned oil and gas firm PT Pertamina in Plumpang, North Jakarta, as well as fuel stations.

Djoko emphasized that the TNI had not yet deployed its soldiers nor would it be seeking to usurp the command role belonging to the National Police (Polri).

"Article 30 of the TNI Law requires the military to assist Polri, while the Police Law allows Polri to request reinforcements from the TNI," he explained. "There is always close coordination between police chiefs at all levels and their military counterparts to handle certain situations," Djoko added.

He claimed to have received hundreds of short messages asking why the TNI did not deploy its soldiers during the recent toll-road blockades by workers demanding wage increases. "We are in difficult position [in determining whether or not to deploy soldiers]," he said.

Djoko said the government allowed the public to stage rallies so long as they did not violate the law or social norms, and were not anarchic. "The protesters must remember that there are other members of society who are affected by their rallies. So let's all respect one another's rights," he said.

He also called on the police to take tough action against anyone breaking the law and being anarchic, such as hijacking fuel tanks that were needed by the general public.

Meanwhile, the TNI's chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Iskandar Sitompul, said any soldiers tasked to handle demonstrations would not be equipped with firearms.

"They will be using riot-control equipment, such as shields and batons," he told reporters after the press conference. However, he did not respond when asked if soldiers would be equipped with tear gas or rubber bullets.

Thousands protest against proposed fuel hike in Indonesia

Jakarta Globe - March 22, 2012

Thousands of Indonesians protested across the country Wednesday against a proposed fuel hike, with violence which broke out in one city injuring a policeman, police said.

Around 4,000 workers protested "peacefully" in front of the state palace in the capital, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said. "There was some pushing and shoving because so many people were packed but the protest went without incident," he said.

But in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan, about 300 students brought down an iron gate in front of the provincial parliament building and threw rocks and motorcycle helmets at police, an AFP correspondent saw.

"A policeman suffered serious injuries on his eyebrow and head and was taken to the hospital. Thirty students were detained by police for questioning," Medan city police chief Monang Situmorang told reporters. "The brutal act by the students was intolerable. We will thoroughly investigate this matter," he added.

Indonesia is considering raising fuel prices or lowering the current subsidy to private vehicles in anticipation of rising global oil prices. The government is expected to make a decision by the end of March.

In Makassar, provincial capital of South Sulawesi, 300 protesting students damaged four vehicles, including an oil truck belonging to state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina. They also chanted "Crush SBY, bring down SBY- Boediono regime", referring to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's by his initials.

Under the current government subsidy scheme, private car and motorcycle owners are allowed to buy fuel at Rp 4,500 per liter. Without the subsidy, private motorists would have to buy a higher-octane fuel, priced at above Rp 8,000.

The government last raised the price of subsidized fuel in May 2008 by an average of 30 percent to Rp 6,000 per liter.

Indonesia workers warn of major shutdown if plan proceeds

Jakarta Globe - March 22, 2012

Bayu Marhaenjati & Antara – Indonesian Labor unions on Wednesday threatened to paralyze the economy if the government carried out its plan to cut fuel subsidies, as protests against the planned price rise erupted in nearly every major city in the country.

Said Iqbal, president of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), said workers would disable major arteries in the country's economic infrastructure.

"If the government continues with the fuel price hikes, labor unions across Indonesia will close down public facilities such as toll roads and airports," Said said. Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port and Indonesian refineries would be among them, he said. And laborers would raid trucks carrying fuel tanks, he added.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, at least 4,000 people rallied in front of the National Monument complex adjacent to the State Palace in Central Jakarta. "We are here to reject the fuel hike," said Yono, a demonstrator from Bekasi.

The subsidy cut is expected to have a domino effect, impacting prices for transportation and basic commodities.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said that around 4,000 officers had been deployed to maintain security at the protest site but that 10,000 more were ready to be dispatched at a moment's notice.

The protest caused massive gridlock on nearby Jalan Thamrin, and Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, where the massive demonstration was staged, became virtually inaccessible.

Indonesia's labor unions have pledged to hold rallies across Java, including one in front of the House of Representatives building in Jakarta, on Tuesday, when the House is set to deliberate the subsidy cut for a final time.

The government's plan is to raise the price of Premium fuel from Rp 4,500 to Rp 6,000 (50 cents to 65 cents) per liter, effective April 1. Officials say the subsidies have put a massive strain on the national budget, especially as world fuel prices have skyrocketed.

On Wednesday, protests similar to the one in Jakarta were observed across the country.

In Bandung, dozens of women from Islamic group Hizbut Tahrir protested outside the governor's office by cooking food in front of it. "This is a symbol of the cry of the mothers unprepared for the planned fuel hike," said Siti Nafidah, who organized the demonstration. "Mothers will be directly impacted. Trouble after trouble will be felt [by women] if this plan goes ahead."

In Palembang, South Sumatra, Sriwijaya University students carried a coffin to the gates of the South Sumatra Regional Representatives office. The students also severed the head of a live chicken in front of council member Arudji Kartawinata, who agreed to meet with them.

In Batam, Riau Islands, more than 1,000 workers took to the streets to voice their rejection of the plan.

Djoko Suyanto, the coordinating minister for political affairs, said the government would not back down. "Demonstrations are only stopping people from doing their activities. They can't go anywhere because of the traffic," he said. "So [the protests] are not very productive."

Cops to arrest looters following Makassar rally

Jakarta Post - March 22, 2012

Jakarta – The Makassar Police say they will track down the people who looted and set fire to a truck during a protest against the government's impending fuel price hike on Wednesday.

"We will investigate the incident and arrest the culprits. We've identified them already," Makassar Police chief Sr. Comr. Erwin Triwanto said on Thursday.

Five cars were damaged and a gas station and a minimarket damaged when students and police clashed in front of the gate of Hasanuddin University Tamalanrea on Wednesday.

According to the police, the students looted the truck, owned by a local Coca-cola bottler, before setting it afire. They dispersed at 5 p.m. local time, when the rector intervened as asked the student to return to campus.

The rally, one of several across the nation, turned violent when protesters stopped several vehicles containing government officials and a truck carrying hundreds of 3-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) canisters.

One group participating in the rally, the National Students League for Democracy (LMND), denied allegations that the students were involved.

"We did stage a rally on Wednesday morning, but we dispersed peacefully afterwards," South Sulawesi LMND chairman Muhammad Makbul said as quoted by tribunnews.com. (dmr)

Workers, students plan for bigger protest against fuel-price hike

Jakarta Post - March 22, 2012

Ridwan Max Sijabat and Iman Mahditama, Jakarta – Thousands of workers and university students from all over Greater Jakarta staged a huge rally in the city on Wednesday to protest the government's plan to raise fuel prices by around 30 percent on April 1.

Despite causing severe traffic congestion at several of the city's main thoroughfares and forcing the Transjakarta Management Authority to reroute many of its buses, the demonstration passed off relatively peacefully.

Protesters launched their massive demonstration at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta at around 9 a.m., before staging a long march to the State Palace sometime before noon.

Marchers took up all the traffic lanes on Jl. Thamrin on their way to the State Palace, effectively blocking the road and thereby creating severe gridlock that lasted for a few hours.

The Indonesian Workers Union Confederation (KSPI) chairman, Said Iqbal, said the fuel-price hike would significantly reduce workers' purchasing power, even after considering the recent regional minimum wage (UMR) increase of between 15 and 30 percent.

"The policy is also likely to lead to employers downsizing their employees due to soaring production costs," he said.

The Confederation of All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI) chairman, Andi Ghani, lambasted the government for "bowing down to foreign pressure while ignoring the majority of Indonesians who would be worst hit by the fuel- price and power-tariff hikes". "Mr. President, don't hide in the Palace; come out and listen to your people's wishes," he shouted.

The government had also planned to increase the basic rate of electricity in April this year. The decision was scrapped last week after days of discussion between the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry and the House of Representatives' energy commission.

Said added that more than 150,000 workers would stage a major demonstration on March 27 when the House and the government were scheduled to endorse the revised state budget.

Indonesian Labor Union (SBSI) chairman Mudhofir said the workers and students would stage an extra-parliament movement to besiege the State Palace and other strategic buildings on May Day to force the President to step down. "We will be demanding the President's resignation and a special trial for his violation of the Constitution and the 2012 State Budget Law," he said.

Separately, City Police chief Insp. Gen. Untung S. Rajab said police deployed 4,000 officers to guard the demonstration. The police have assigned 14,040 officers to stand by to anticipate any possibility of mass riots in the city in the days leading up to April 1.

Police dispatch 14,000 personnel as fuel price hike protests kick-off

Jakarta Globe - March 21, 2012

Jakarta Police have dispatched 14,000 personnel to secure protests by labor unions rejecting fuel price hikes in Central Jakarta, including in front of the Presidential Palace, on Wednesday.

"As many as 14,000 personnel have been dispatched to secure the protests on fuel, including securing [nearby] gas stations," Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said.

The Confederation of the All Indonesia Workers Unions (KSPSI) said on Tuesday that they were expected between 25,000 and 30,000 protesters to reject fuel price hikes planned on April 1.

"We will carry the aspirations of laborers and the rest of the public who will feel the impacts of the fuel price hikes," KSPSI president Andi Gani Nena Wea said.

At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the Jakarta Police Traffic Management Center reported that thousands of protesters had begun marching from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle toward the Presidential Palace.

The government's plan to raise the price of subsidized fuel, following the rises of global crude oil prices, has sparked waves of protests nationwide, mostly organized by student organizations and labor unions. (Antara/JG)

Cut bureaucracy, not fuel subsidy, NGOs say

Jakarta Globe - March 19, 2012

Markus Junianto Sihaloho & Arientha Primanita – Civil society groups on Monday castigated the government over its plan to raise the fuel price next month, accusing officials of using dirty tricks to divert attention from the issue and weaken opposition to it.

Gunawan, chairman of the Indonesian Human Rights Committee for Social Justice, said on Monday that the government would violate the Constitution if it went ahead with plans to increase the price of subsidized fuel from Rp 4,500 to Rp 6,000 (50 cents to 65 cents) per liter.

That's because the Constitution directs the state to protect the people's welfare. He took this to mean that welfare should not be left to market forces. "That's why the government has to regulate the fuel price," Gunawan said.

Uchok Sky Khadafi, a coordinator for the Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (Fitra), said the government should revise its 2012 budget to keep the fuel subsidy intact.

Uchok said too much money had been allocated for routine expenditures, with that figure accounting for 51 percent of the Rp 1,418 trillion proposed budget, while development funds comprised only about 12 percent of planned spending.

"A state budget like this is not healthy," Uchok said. "There is too much allocation for bureaucratic spending. It's better to use the money for the fuel subsidy."

The police said they would investigate allegations President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made in a speech on Sunday claiming there was a group aiming to unseat him before his term ended in 2014. But others dismissed the allegation as an effort to divert attention from the fuel issue.

Yudhoyono told a meeting of Democratic Party officials that the group opposing him was seeking to politicize the subsidy cut for its own ends.

To neutralize the impact of the plan on the people on low incomes, the government has proposed cash aid for the poor. But critics have dismissed the plan as a short-term fix whose real purpose is to curry political favor ahead of the 2014 presidential election.

Meanwhile, Hatta Rajasa, the coordinating minister for the economy, strongly denied accusations that a meeting he recently convened with 12 university rectors was called to talk about curbing student protests against the subsidy limits and that he had offered the rectors travel packages.

Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha also denied rumors that Yudhoyono was planning to take several student leaders with him on an official visit to China on Thursday.

Rumors of bribery to curb student fuel protests denied

Jakarta Globe - March 20, 2012

Arientha Primanita – The Yudhoyono administration has denied rumors it bribed university rectors to curb student protests against the government's plan to raise the price of subsidized fuel.

Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said the rumors, which originated from the House of Representatives building, could hurt the credibility of both the government and educational institutions.

"It indirectly degrades those who were accused of accepting bribes. Those people are leaders in their institutions or in student activity institutions," Julian told BeritaSatu.com on Monday.

Julian acknowledged the government had met rectors to discuss spreading awareness of the fuel price rise in a meeting coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Rumors have circulated that Hatta Rajasa, the coordinating minister for the economy, met with 12 rectors at the Education Ministry. The meeting allegedly focused on efforts to curb student demonstrations against the fuel price rise, and Hatta was said to have offered 60 family travel packages each worth Rp 300 million ($33,000) in total.

Hatta has denied the accusations and threatened to report those responsible for spreading the rumors. "Whoever is involved should be caught and be processed according to the law," he said.

Hatta defended the integrity of Indonesia's rectors and said the nation's education leaders would not be so easily influenced. "Rectors have freedom and are well respected and they are highly rational," he said.

Julian said the rumors were launched by irresponsible people who were ignorant about the policy, which will involve the price of subsidized fuel rising by 33 percent beginning on April 1. "We believe this was launched by a few people who don't care about what the government and the Indonesian people are facing," he said.

Education and Culture Minister Muhammad Nuh also denied the rumors. He said the allegations were unrealistic both in terms of the ethical breach it would constitute, and the sheer infeasibility of moving the alleged travel package funds undetected.

"There's no program from the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy regarding a travel package to curb demonstrations on the fuel price hike," Nuh said at a press conference on Monday.

Julian also denied rumors that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would be taking members of universities' student executive bodies (BEM) with him on his state visit to China on Thursday. The spokesman said he had checked the trip roster and didn't find any students on the list.

"It might be possible that they were invited by other institutions related to youth or student activities. But it was certainly not from the government," he said.

Nuh also said a meeting last week between three ministers and students wasn't aimed at repressing rallies but it was a dialogue about how to conduct safe and orderly demonstrations. The three ministers who attended the meeting were Hatta, Nuh and Djoko Suyanto, the coordinating minister for political, legal and defense affairs.

[Additional reporting from SP/Natasia Christy Wahyuni and Antara.]

Leave the military out of fuel-price demonstration: Imparsial

Jakarta Post - March 19, 2012

Rabby Pramudatama, Jakarta – Imparsial, a Human Rights watchdog, has objected to the planned involvement of Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel in anticipating nationwide rallies opposing the government's proposal of increasing fuel prices.

"We think that it's too early to deploy military personnel," Imparsial's executive director, Poengky Indiarti, said in a media statement Monday. "It could also be considered an excessive initiative that might lead to violations of human rights."

Coordinating Legal, Political and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto had said that the government would involve military personnel to help the police in order to anticipate an escalation of the protests.

Poengky said the minister's initiative could be perceived as a soft threat against the protesters. "It's important to remember that to protest is a right belonging to each citizen. It's part of people's freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by our Constitution and law," she said.

A number of university students have since last week staged rallies across the country in protest to the government's plan, demanding the government halt its plan to increase the price of subsidized fuel, which is slated for April 1.

While police have handled internal security matters since the reform era, they may request military reinforcements should a situation get out of hand. (nvn)

PDI-P orders nationwide members to protest fuel price hike

Jakarta Post - March 18, 2012

Bagus BT Saragih, Jakarta – The country's largest opposition party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), is set to mobilize movements and conduct any form of possible measures to protest the government's plan to increase the price of subsidized fuel on April 1.

The party's central executive board has issued a circular sent to all party offices down to the district level, which contains instructions to intensify measures against the fuel price increase, PDI-P secretary general Tjahjo Kumolo said on Saturday.

"We have ordered all PDI-P lawmakers and regional councilors to distribute the protest messages within their constituencies; for example by using banners and posters," Tjahjo said.

"All party's structural bodies, including wing organizations across the nation, have also been instructed to conduct peaceful rallies to deliver our political stance on the fuel price policy, including the argumentation behind it, to regional leaders and the heads of regional councils."

"We always believe there are numerous possible options, other than increasing fuel prices that will burden the poor"

The government has faced growing opposition from the public, which has rejected the plan to implement an early-revision to the 2012 state budget to accommodate an increase in the subsidized-fuel price by Rp 1,500 (17 US cents) a liter to Rp 6,000 from the current Rp 4,500.

The government has argued the plan will be inevitable given the heightened tension in the Middle East that resulted in the increase of global oil prices. (swd)

Protesters reject fuel price hikes, call for subsidy increases

KRjogja.com - March 17, 2012

Tomi Sujatmiko, Yogya – Scores of housewives from the Political Union of the Poor (Persatuan Politik Rakyat Miskin, PPRM) demonstrated against the government's proposed fuel (BBM) price hikes in front of the Gedung Agung Presidential Palace in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta on Saturday March 17.

Uniquely, the protesters also brought jerrycans with the message "Reject the BBM increases" written on them.

In speeches, the housewives lamented the government policy to increase fuel prices, declaring their firm objections to the policy because it will make the ordinary people suffer even more. They also criticised the planned compensation of direct cash assistance (BLT) as half-baked.

"The BLT policy will be used to fool the people. Providing such compensation will not be able to compensate for people's needs post the fuel price hike. The people will in fact suffer further because the price of basic necessities will sour", said one of the speakers.

Action coordinator Ari Lamondjong meanwhile said that the fuel price hikes will trigger a rise in the inflation rate and increases in the price of basic commodities, transportation and the like. The government's reasons for raising fuel prices in order to save money from the state budget also make no sense.

"This is the umpteenth time BBM prices have been increased, and demonstrates to us that instead of protecting the ordinary people, the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono and the parliament have chosen to protect rich people and make the poor even poorer", said Lamondjong.

The PPRM is demanding that the government immediately cancel the planned increase to fuel prices and electricity rates because it will add to the burden of people's lives. "The government must increase the state budget allocation for people's subsidies such as subsidies for education, healthcare and the like. Revoke all discriminative laws that fail to side with the ordinary people", he said. (Aie)

[Translated by James Balowski.]

Jakarta braces for major riots

Jakarta Post - March 17, 2012

Iman Mahditama, Andreas D. Arditya, Bagus BT Saragih, Jakarta – With rallies against a government plan to raise fuel prices becoming increasingly violent, Jakarta Police revealed Friday that they have been preparing for widespread rioting in the city that could break out in the coming days.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Untung S. Rajab said that more than 4,000 police officers, along with 1,500 soldiers, would be deployed to prevent any protests from escalating into mass riots.

"Holding rallies and protests are allowed by the law, but we do not want the demonstrators to resort to vandalism," he told reporters at the police headquarters. The number of officers deployed would be nearly equal to amount mobilized during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Following a meeting with Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo at the City Hall later in the day, Untung said that an additional 20,000 officers would be prepared as a back up measure. "Should protesters resort to vandalism or violence during the rallies, we will arrest them and charge them according to their crimes," he said.

Untung also urged the city's transportation agency to act firmly against any public transportation drivers who veer from their designated routes to transport protesters to rallies. "If they violate their route permits, their operational licenses must be revoked," he said.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said that the deployed forces would attempt to make sure that the rallies do not get out of control and ensure fuel distribution throughout the city. "Any attempt to seal fuel stations is liable for criminal charges," Rikwanto said. He urged the demonstrators not to disturb the public's sense of safety or security.

The government is planning to raise fuel prices by around 30 percent on April 1, in a bid to keep the state budget in a healthy position. Soaring global oil prices have strained the state's ability to pay for subsidies to keep retail fuel prices below the market values.

In the past, such plans have led to nationwide protests, some of which turned into big riots. In 1998, then-president Soeharto raised fuel prices by between 25 percent and 77 percent, sparking violent protests across the country that led to his downfall in May that year, after more than three decades in office.

In recent weeks, concerns have arisen that the price hikes would be used by disgruntled politicians and retired military generals to stir up public anger. Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto last week went as far as to hint that some people were planning a coup on the back of the price hike.

At a rally in Tangerang earlier this week, hundreds of factory workers forcefully shut down two nearby gas stations. The student protesters reportedly blocked a road, set fire to used tires and shut down a nearby gas station during the rally.

On Thursday night, Governor Fauzi was among leaders of all 33 provinces in the country who attended a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at his residence in Cikeas, West Java.

"The meeting was part of the government's efforts to raise awareness of the importance to increase fuel prices," Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha told The Jakarta Post on Friday. He added that the President wanted to make sure that all of the governors have same perception of fuel price policy as the central government.

"The President elaborated details on the recent challenges in the economy, currently faced by the government, in the hope that local leaders will totally understand the policy," Julian said.

Recent rallies against fuel-price hike plan

March 12

A group of protesters hijacked three Transjakarta buses on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta. They were believed to have been students who had rallied near the State Palace earlier in the day.

March 13

A clash between students and police officers occurred following a protest near the UKI campus in Salemba, Central Jakarta.

March 14

The Jakarta Police named six university students as suspects for allegedly tearing down a photograph of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the House of Representatives.

Police arrested three members of the Islamic Students Association (HMI) during a rally near the HMI headquarters in Cikini, Central Jakarta. The protesters reportedly blocked the road and set alight used tires during the rally.

West Papua

Military commander denies current military operations in Papua

Tabloid Jubi - March 23, 2012

The commander of the district military command in Jayapura denied that any military operations are taking place in Papua. Lieut-Colonel Rano Tilaar was speaking to journalists after taking part in a Joint Forum of the SKPD (Regional Government Work Unit) and the start of a Consultation on Development in Jayapura.

"There are no military operations under way in Papua, but only Security Operations Along the Border. We have to realise that although the situation in general is calm and orderly, there are conflicts going on, vertical conflicts as well as a horizontal conflicts," he said.

The vertical conflict is related to various problems between the government and those wanting independence – or separatism – while horizontal conflicts are those that occur between groups within the community where there are differences between the native population and the newcomers.

"We need to be conscious of what is meant by nation and state. What is the meaning of the legacy inherited from our ancestors and the natural resources which offer great potential if they are not exploited jointly in the interests of the nation and the state."

According to Rano, in the present political situation in Papua, the TNI – Indonesian Army – regards the group which pursues the ideology of M – merdeka – as our brothers. The difference between us, he said, is they have not yet accepted the ideology of NKRI – the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

When asked his opinion about the the Third Papuan Peace Congress [held last October], he said that this meeting was not representative of the Papuan people because according to information he has received from local customary leaders and religious leaders, there was no legitimacy for the creation of a state and the appointment of the president and the prime minister of that state, because others felt that they had not been consulted and they were not willing to legitimise the congress as being representative of the Papuan people.

"It only represented a group of people and it was correct to apply the charge of makar – treason – from the point of view of the law because that was a treasonous act."

Papuan leaders jailed for speaking out

New Matilda - March 19, 2012

Alex Rayfield – Five West Papuans were given jail terms on Friday for peaceful expressions of political opinion. Alex Rayfield reports on a trial that will only amplify calls for independence

Last Friday presiding Judge Jack Johanis Oktavianus sentenced the men known as the Jayapura Five to three years in prison. The Five – Forkorus Yaboisembut (the president-elect of an independent West Papua), Edison Waromi (prime minister-elect), Dominikus Surabut, Agus Krar and Selphius Bobii – were charged with treason for their role in organising the peaceful Third Papuan People's Congress which took place in October 2011.

The Five's legal team immediately declared they would appeal to Indonesia's High Court in Jakarta. Outside the packed District Court in Jayapura hundreds of Papuan protesters sang, danced and prayed. Many carried banners calling for a referendum. Ringed around the Papuan crowd were Indonesian riot police, military personnel and a fleet of armed troop carriers, army assault vehicles and water cannons.

The Third Papuan People's Congress, a three-day open air gathering that was attended by thousands of Papuans last year, ended with Forkorus Yaboisembut reading a declaration of independence from Indonesia. After he had finished the 74-year old tribal leader thanked the police and military for allowing the Congress to take place and retired to a nearby monastery.

Forty minutes later – and for no apparent reason – the police and military opened fire with live ammunition. Five Papuans were killed by the Indonesian security forces. Witnesses told New Matilda that some of the police who opened fire on the unarmed crowd were members of the Australian and US-funded, armed and trained Detachment 88.

But rather than the Indonesian police being arrested and charged with murder, Forkorus and his colleagues were the ones dragged before the court. The police and military officers that opened fire last October were given a slap on the wrist. Seventeen police officers received little more than a written warning.

The Jayapura Five were charged under antiquated sections of Indonesia's Criminal Code that date back to the Suharto era and before that to Dutch colonial times. But given the fact that treason can fetch life imprisonment in Indonesia, the three-year sentences handed down last Friday were much less than many people expected.

When New Matilda asked Gustaf Kawer, the senior legal counsel for the men, whether the three-year sentence could be read as a signal that the Indonesian legal system was asserting more judicial independence his response was an emphatic "no".

"The Five invited the Coordinating Minister for Political and Legal Security and the Minister for Home Affairs to attend the Congress. The gathering was held in the open and everyone was welcome to attend. It would be much better if the court and police did not attempt to obstruct their democratic right of freedom of expression," Kawer said.

Kawer and other members of the legal team told New Matilda that the trial was marked by irregularities, interference and intimidation. There was a heavy presence of armed members of the security forces at all 15 court hearings – inside and outside. Question marks also hang over the extent to which the court acted independently. Immediately prior to sentencing the judges met with senior military commanders, police and government officials for a one-hour closed meeting, according to Tapol. Kawer has also been threatened with prosecution by the police for defending the Five.

In an interview with the Jakarta Globe, Indonesian presidential spokesperson, Teuku Faizasyah, asserted that the court did act independently. "Our political system today fully respects trias politica and the ongoing legal process."

Faizasyah went on to say that the right to freedom of speech in Indonesia does not extend to separatist activities. According to Faizasyah, declaring independence from Indonesia is separatism and the European Union classifies separatism as a form of terrorism. "Any expression of separatism in the EU is thus considered an act of terrorism" said Faizasyah.

In the case of the Jayapura Five the men operated openly. They were unarmed and behaved in a disciplined and non-violent manner. They may be revolutionaries – but they are not violent.

In an SMS from prison a defiant Selphius Bobii told New Matilda that sentencing the Five to prison sends a message to Papuan activists that Indonesian law is incapable of delivering justice for the Papuan people.

"The police, Attorney General, and Indonesian judges... cannot deliver justice for the people of West Papua. They cannot imprison democracy and they cannot imprison the peaceful struggle for a free West Papua. It is the Papuans who possess sovereignty over our land... and the Papuan people will continue to struggle," wrote Bobii.

Dominikus Surabut, another member of the Five, told New Matilda that it was illogical to accuse West Papuans of wanting to separate from Indonesia when it was Indonesia that invaded and annexed West Papua. Surabut argues that the invasion and continued occupation of West Papua by the Indonesian state is in violation of the right to "free choice" that the United Nations guaranteed West Papuans but failed to deliver.

For people like Surabut and Bobii and their three jailed colleagues, and for the Papuans who watched the treason trial unfold, state repression in West Papua is evidence that Indonesia can never lay claim to being a democracy while West Papuans are denied the chance to freely and fairly determine their future.

The jailing of the Jayapura Five pushes West Papuans further down the path of insurrection. The denial of free speech invites the international community to join Papuans on that journey.

"Holland didn't fall over when Indonesia became independent, and neither will Indonesia when we do," says Herman Wainggai, a West Papuan independence leader and former political prisoner living in the United States. "Bali principles, Lombok treaties, peace centres in West Java... these are all meaningless while Indonesia continues to escalate its troops and its judiciaries against us".

[With West Papua Media.]

Aceh

Aceh governor candidate wants wider enforcement of shariah law

Jakarta Globe - March 24, 2012

Nurdin Hasan, Banda Aceh – Wider implementation of Shariah law, greater economic empowerment and better governance were among the platforms espoused on Friday by the five gubernatorial candidates in Aceh.

Independent candidate Ahmad Tajuddin, a prominent cleric, told a special hearing of the provincial legislature that he intended to address Aceh's pressing problems through wider implementation and enforcement of Islamic values through Shariah law. "Shariah is not being enforced as strongly as it should," he said.

He vowed that should he win the election on April 9, when voters will also turn out to choose 13 district heads and four mayors, he would "uphold the truth and eradicate sleaze."

He also promised to give ulema, or Islamic clerics, a greater say in running the province and in "all aspects of people's lives," as well as build on the more successful programs already implemented by Governor Irwandi Yusuf.

Tajuddin, who runs an Islamic boarding school in Aceh Besar district, is one of three candidates contesting the election as an independent, including Irwandi and Darni M. Daud.

Darni, rector of Banda Aceh's Syiah Kuala University, told the legislature that his focus as governor would be on improving access to education and health care and raising cultural awareness. He also said he would improve economic growth in resource-rich Aceh through "fair, sustainable and environmentally friendly" means.

"We will also fix and improve public services through a system of governance that is cleaner, more professional, transparent, fair and accountable," Darni said. He said his programs would aim to improve people's understanding of true Islamic teaching in the conservative province.

Irwandi highlighted the success of several of his programs during his five years in office, particularly road-building, access to clean water, free health coverage and scholarships. If re-elected, he said, he would continue those programs while also improving infrastructure, boosting education and ensuring equitable economic growth.

One of Irwandi's challengers in the upcoming poll is the current deputy governor, Muhammad Nazar, who is now gunning for his boss's job and enjoys the backing of the Democratic Party. Nazar said one of his major goals was to eradicate corruption from the bureaucracy.

He also pledged to nurture a "more pious, productive, just and civilized" community and promised to address nagging security concerns in the province, where almost 30 years of separatist strife spearheaded by the now-defunct Free Aceh Movement (GAM) ended with a peace deal in 2005.

Former GAM guerillas created the Aceh Party, which backs Zaini Abdullah, who said he would help Aceh prosper by exploiting its natural resources. "This is my mandate: To restore the dignity and pride of the Aceh people and ensure prosperity and justice, as well as independence in how the province is run," he said.

The candidates presented their platforms a day after the official campaigning period for the polls began. During this period, which ends on April 5, each ticket will be allotted 55 campaign events across all 23 districts and cities of Aceh.

Human rights & justice

House could reject LGBT candidates

Jakarta Post - March 17, 2012

Jakarta – Indonesian gay-rights promoter Dede Oetomo and transgendered campaigner Yulianus "Mami Yuli" Rettoblaut are still in the running for the commissioner post at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).

However, it remains to be seen whether they will endure the upcoming sessions in the House of Representatives' Commission III overseeing legal affairs, as some lawmakers say most Indonesians still consider lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people alien.

Aboebakar Alhabsyi, a Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) lawmaker, has expressed his doubts on the competency of LGBT people to lead the Indonesian human rights body. He said he doubts that Dede or Yuli could even pass the selection process, adding there were dozens of other eligible candidates.

"We haven't heard about any activities that the two candidates [Dede and Yuli] have done for human rights issues. On the other hand, our society has yet to accept the existence of the LGBT community. The political authority of Komnas HAM could be put in jeopardy if members of this community are selected for the commissioner post," Aboebakar told The Jakarta Post.

United Development Party (PPP) lawmaker Ahmad Yani admitted that many supporters of the Islamic parties would be uncomfortable with a gay or transgendered commissioner and said his faction would take the views from the party's supporters into consideration.

"In reality, members of Islamic communities still have a problem in accepting the LGBTs. However, we will try to be as objective as we can," Yani said.

Other politicians apparently welcomed the inclusion of Dede and Yuli in the short list of candidates.

Lawmaker Eva Kusuma Sundari of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) urged commission members to remain objective when considering the two activists. "The politicians still have this stereotyping problem. I urge them to focus on the competency of the candidates instead," Eva said.

Born in Pasuruan, East Java, in 1953, Dede earned his PhD at the prestigious Cornell University in New York. He is a former lecturer at the Social and Political Science Department of Airlangga University in Surabaya, East Java, and he founded human rights group GAYa Nusantara in 1987.

Commenting on the criticism, Dede called on lawmakers to be objective in the selection process. "These lawmakers will taint their own reputation if they play around with their authority," he said

Yuli, a member of Indonesia Transgender Communication Forum, said that lawmakers must respect the LGBT community as a legitimate part of society. "We [transgendered people] are citizens too. We always pay our taxes just like the others," Yuli said in a text message sent to the Post.

Yuli applied for the same position five years ago, but failed to pass the administrative test because she did not have the proper educational background. She now holds a law degree, which she hopes to use to help solve the problems of transgendered people.

On Wednesday, selection committee chief Jimly Asshiddiqie said that Dede and Yuli were qualified to be in the running, despite the negative comments that the committee has received. But Jimly expressed concern that the pair would not survive the House's fit-and-proper test sessions.

"There will be too many political considerations, which will be in the majority's favor. I don't think Dede and Yuli will make it through the tests," Jimly told the Post on Wednesday. "However, the public should be aware of the existence of that community."

Political parties & elections

Questions linger over new KPU, Bawaslu members

Jakarta Globe - March 24, 2012

Ezra Sihite & Agus Triyono – The House of Representatives elected late on Thursday the seven members of the General Elections Commission, even as civil society groups continued to question the capability of the little- known elected figures.

Ida Budhiati, who will be the only woman on the commission, and Sigit Pamungkas topped the other candidates with 45 votes each from the House Commission II members, followed by Arief Budiman's 43 votes.

The newly elected members of the electoral body known as the KPU, who will serve until 2017, are responsible for the 2014 general election.

Ida and Arief are currently serving as the heads of the Central Java and East Java election commissions respectively.

Juri Ardiantoro, another new member, is the head of the Jakarta KPU, and Hadar Nafis Gumay, a former executive director for the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro), has a extensive experience in poll monitoring.

However, there is little known about the qualifications of the three other members. "They are the best candidates," said Agun Gunanjar Sudarsa, the head of the House commission that oversees domestic affairs.

Previously, a coalition of NGOs, including the Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (Fitra) and Indonesia Corruption Watch, raised questions about the capacity of the candidates.

They cited the candidates' poor knowledge, lack of experience, integrity and professionalism, having ties to political parties and suspicion of involvement in graft cases.

Husni Kamil Malik and Ferry Kurnia Rizkiansyah round out the seven-member commission.

The KPU is responsible for the technical aspects of elections. The Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the police handle accusations of election fraud.

The general elections in 2004 and 2009 were considered successes by many observers, but complaints of fraud in several regions still prompted concerns over their fairness.

The House also elected the five members of Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu).

The Indonesian Civic Network (Lima), meanwhile, asked the House to delay the inauguration to the newly elected members due to under-representation of women. The group has said that the law states that 30 percent of the positions on the KPU and Bawaslu must be allocated to women.

"It means that at least three KPU members and two Bawaslu members have to be women. Now, though, we have only one woman in each," Lima coordinator Ray Rangkuti said.

Environment & natural disasters

Tour of Indonesian animal markets finds protected species

Jakarta Globe - March 17, 2012

A survey of animal markets in Java and Bali has found that the illegal trade in protected birds is not only continuing unchecked, but is picking up speed.

And not only are more protected birds being traded, but there is also a greater variety of being offered, according to ProFauna Indonesia, which visited eight markets on the islands in the first two months of the year.

In February, the animal protection group found more than 62 protected birds on sale in the markets, up from 41 in January. There were 15 different species in February, from 12 in January.

The markets visited included Splendid market in Malang and Turi market in Surabaya, both in East Java, Pramuka, Jatinegara and Barito markets in Jakarta, and Satria market in Denpasar.

Pramuka, Jatinegara and Satria had the most protected birds for sale, according to ProFauna.

Protected birds such as white-bellied sea eagles, black-winged starlings, flame-fronted barbets, spotted kestrels, Bali starlings, black eagles and banded pittas were easily available in the markets, the group said.

It said a white-bellied sea eagle cost about Rp 500,000 ($55), while flame-fronted barbets and black eagles could fetch anywhere from Rp 100,000 to Rp 500,000.

The group said that it also found other protected animals being sold illegally. These included Javan langurs and slow lorises, which were among 109 primate species being traded. Javan langurs were being sold for Rp 250,000.

"The illegal wildlife trade in bird markets must be curbed," said Rosek Nursahid, chairman of ProFauna Indonesia.

The country has laws against the trade in protected species, with offenders facing up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 100 million.

However, these laws are often openly flouted, with protected species being sold out in the open at animal markets across the country with little apparent fear of arrest or prosecution by the sellers or their customers.

Health & education

No such thing as 'free education': Minister

Jakarta Post - March 24, 2012

Jakarta – Administrative Reforms Minister Azwar Abubakar says he wants regional governments to stop making misleading comments about providing people with a so-called free education.

"We should stop using the term 'free education'. In reality there is actually no such thing," Azwar said as quoted by tribunnews.com on Saturday.

"Some citizen tax money went to the regional budget. It's normal if they don't need to pay anything for education services funded by the budget." The law mandates that the central and regional governments allocate 20 percent of their annual budgets for education. (hwa)

Clean water, sanitation concerns remain

Jakarta Post - March 21, 2012

Elly Burhaini Faizal, Jakarta – Low investment in infrastructure development has left many Indonesians with no access to potable water and basic sanitation, and the problem is particularly acute in rural areas, according to a report.

The Health Ministry's latest report on the country's progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) shows the number of families with proper access to safe and sustainable sources of drinking water and basic sanitation facilities is far lower than the targets.

To make matters worse, infrastructure in rural areas is fewer than those in cities. The ministry's director for infectious disease control, HM Subuh, said that infrastructure disparities in urban and rural areas remained high.

Citing the data, Subuh said that in 2010, the proportion of households with proper access to basic sanitation facilities was 71.5 percent in urban areas, and was projected to reach 76.8 percent by 2015.

"As we still have three years left, I'm sure we can achieve this target," he said. Only 38.5 percent of households in rural areas, however, have access to basic sanitation, while it was projected to reach 55.54 percent by 2015.

Basic sanitation facilities include latrines, swan-neck closets and final disposal in a septic tank. "It is definitely much more difficult for us to find such sanitation facilities in rural areas. Thus, we need to work harder to achieve this target," Subuh said.

To give people greater access to sanitation, the ministry has developed several programs, including the acceleration of the development of sanitation in residential areas (PPSP) in 330 regencies and municipalities; society-based sanitation facilities (STBM) in 20,000 villages and the development of "healthy regencies and municipalities".

"We have introduced the STBM to 60 percent of rural areas, where the people now have better awareness of proper sources of drinking water, the importance of not defecating in improper places and the need for proper sewerage," Subuh said.

The data shows, however, that even people living in urban areas still lack access to safe drinking water. Only 41.6 percent of urban dwellers have access to safe drinking water, far lower than the target of 75.3 percent to be reached by 2015. Meanwhile, only 48.8 percent of rural dwellers have access to safe water, well short of the MDGs target of 65.8 percent.

"We may miss our MDGs target without investing more in water and sanitation infrastructure," Subuh said.

Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih said earlier that giving local administrations a much larger percentage of budgetary allocations was one strategy to foster action as Indonesia looked to meet its MDGs targets.

She said that the health budget managed by the local administrations in 2012 accounted for 88.4 percent of the total budget, giving the central government only 11.6 percent of the total allocation.

"The health budget allocated for the central government continues to decrease. This is the consequence of regional autonomy in which budgeting is now the main responsibility of the local administrations, be they in provinces, regencies or municipalities," she said.

According to the Health Ministry, the health budget allocated for the local administrations was 88 percent of the total budget in 2011, up from 84 percent in 2010.

With such large allocations, Endang said, health authorities in local administrations should be better equipped to manage finances and health human resources.

Indonesian teachers score low on competency test: Big surprise?

Jakarta Globe - March 19, 2012

Natasia Christy Wahyuni – From charges of setting an irrelevant curriculum to corruption allegations, wide-scale cheating in the national exams and substandard facilities, Indonesia's national education system has long been a target of criticism.

Now a competency test carried out on teachers across the country shows they scored a paltry average of 42 out of 100.

Education and Culture Minister Muhammad Nuh announced the results of the competency tests on Friday, but did not specify how many teachers failed the test. The competency test was given to 98.3 percent of the country's 285,884 registered teachers.

"The average score was poor, but on one hand I am happy with the plethora of poor results because it means the data is reliable," Nuh said. "If the average result was higher, I would have doubts about the accuracy of the figure."

He added that results revealed that training and development of teachers should be intensified since the quality of education is linked to that of educators.

New teachers are required to take the competency test as part of their training and development program (PLPG) before they can receive a tenured position or be certified. The PLPG is run by private teacher-training institutes (LPTK).

Nuh said the result of the test was not a reflection solely of a teacher's capabilities, but also of the LPTK's competencies. "We may need to consider taking action against LPTKs if too many teachers fail," he said.

The competency test became mandatory this year, and those who failed will undergo remedial training in May and June.

The results of the competency tests showed that teachers in Yogyakarta posted the highest average score, followed by teachers in Jakarta, Bali, East Java and Central Java. Teachers in Maluku scored the lowest.

"We will study the results to determine whether there is a correlation between these results and the pass rates for the national examinations in each province," Nuh said.

In last year's national exams, Jakarta posted poor results with almost 30 percent of junior high students failing. The failure rate was up from less that 5 percent the year before. Jakarta education officials highlighted the possible issue of teacher competency as a factor for the poor result.

However, critics say national exams breed a culture where teachers and students are focused solely on passing the exams. This has led to the practice of cheating, and leaking of exam papers.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has previously blamed underperforming teachers for the shortcomings of the national education system.

"I'd like to give you a snapshot of the education system in the country," he said in December at an event to mark the 66th National Teachers Day. "There has been a lot of progress, but there is also still a lot that we need to improve upon."

Yudhoyono said the first thing that needed to be fixed was teachers' performance, pointing out that while more were getting certified, there continued to be complaints from the public about their capabilities. "From what I've heard, teachers' performances have not improved along with everything else," he said.

He also called on teachers to manage their students and schools more conscientiously and responsibly, which he said would have the added benefit of helping mold the children's character.

"Throughout primary school, junior high and senior high, there were two subjects that I always loved: math and Indonesian language," he said. "It was math that helped propel my career in the military, and it was all because I was inspired by the teachers who taught math and Indonesian."

He stressed that with the education budget this year set at Rp 267 trillion ($29.4 billion), and expected to rise to Rp 287 trillion in 2012, there was no reason for a lack of improvement in the national education system.

[Additional reporting from Suara Pembaruan and Arientha Primanita.]

Indonesian women practice safer sex: Survey

Jakarta Globe - March 17, 2012

Dessy Sagita – A survey conducted by the Health Department suggests that among high-risk populations, women are more likely to use condoms during sex than men, which has made them significantly less prone to contracting HIV.

"We carried out a survey of sexual health practices in high-risk groups. The result was that 35 percent of female respondents reported using female condoms, while only 19 percent of men reported using [male] condoms," H.M. Subuh, the director of contagious diseases at the Ministry of Health, said on Friday.

According to Subuh, the survey, conducted in 2011, reflects a greater awareness and concern among women about sexually transmitted diseases. This is in spite of the fact that men are at higher risk of contracting HIV due to their greater rate of participation in high-risk practices.

Of 15,589 new cases of HIV/AIDS identified in Indonesia from January to September last year, 71 percent were men. "Men have a higher-risk lifestyle and they are more mobile, but despite being more at risk, their awareness is lower," Subuh said.

Subuh suggested that women were more likely to digest health-related information, and to heed calls to use prophylactics.

"There are many women these days who realize they are at risk, or suspect that their partner may be engaging in high-risk activity, so they choose to protect themselves against the threat of HIV," he said.

Subuh said Indonesia should learn from Thailand's success in significantly lowering the number of new HIV infections, a feat achieved through an awareness program that has encouraged the use of condoms. Unsafe sex was the biggest means of transmitting the virus in Indonesia, he added.

"We have already distributed condoms for free, but to increase the number of people using them is extremely difficult," the health expert said. "I don't wish to blame people who oppose the use of condoms, but we must educate the community so that they have the awareness required to protect themselves."

He added that the spread of HIV in Indonesia was among the fastest in Asia. According to December 2011 data from the Department of Health, Jakarta is the province with the highest recorded number of both HIV positive people and people living with AIDS. East Java, then Papua, West Java and Bali follow in terms of number of reported HIV infections.

The official total number of people diagnosed with HIV in Indonesia since 1987 is 76,879, while the number of people with AIDS is 29,879. Free, anonymous voluntary counseling and testing for HIV is available at clinics in a number of state-run hospitals.

Graft & corruption

Budget committee chief confirms giving checks for funds

Jakarta Globe - March 24, 2012

Novianti Setuningsih – During interrogation by the Corruption Eradication Commission on Thursday, a deputy chairman of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, Tamsil Linrung, admitted to being responsible for the disbursement of development funds to several districts in Aceh.

The disbursement became headlines after the antigraft body known as the KPK arrested Budget Committee member Wa Ode Nurhayati in January for accepting bribes to ensure funding was allocated for projects in three Aceh districts.

She allegedly received about Rp 6 billion ($654,000) between October and November 2010 in exchange for her help in securing Rp 40 billion in funds for the three districts.

Wa Ode has accused other committee members, including Tamsil, a lawmaker from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), of having received kickbacks from the projects.

"I chaired three meetings to discuss [disbursement] of the project funding. I told the KPK that I was responsible for the disbursement," Tamsil told reporters on Friday. He said the decision had been made without violating any laws, denying allegations he had received kickbacks from agreeing on the disbursement.

After her arrest, Wa Ode told the media she had submitted documents to the KPK showing that other budget committee members had received bribes to approve the disbursement.

The KPK searched the committee's office last month after questioning Wa Ode. After the search, the KPK said it had widened its probe to other members, including Tamsil, Melchias Markus Mekeng of the Golkar Party, Olly Dondokambey of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Mirwan Amir of the Democratic Party.

Johan Budi, a KPK spokesman, said the antigraft body was investigating the other Budget Committee members.

In separate questioning on Thursday, Olly, also a deputy chairman of the budget committee, said he knew nothing about any kickbacks received by other members and denied all accusations made by Wa Ode.

The KPK has named businessman Fahd Arafiq, who allegedly paid the bribe, as another suspect in the case.

Before her arrest, Wa Ode said she would divulge details she claimed would implicate the leadership of the Budget Committee in the bribery scandal.

Antigraft activists have expressed hope that Wa Ode's arrest will shed light on much bigger cases involving the committee's leaders, who wield great power over where money is distributed for development projects across the country.

Wa Ode, a member of the National Mandate Party (PAN), last year had been something of a public darling, gaining considerable media coverage for blowing the whistle on her colleagues.

She claimed in May that lawmakers entrusted with budget oversight were skimming between 7 percent and 15 percent from funds allocated for regional infrastructure projects, resulting in 10 provinces and 126 districts missing out on funding.

House's budget body is clean: Olly

Jakarta Post - March 23, 2012

Ina Parlina, Jakarta – House of Representative's budgetary body deputy head Olly Dondokambey claims that his office is clear of any involvement with the bribery case related to the funding scheme for the Infrastructure Development Acceleration Program (PPID), which also implicated former member Wa Ode Nurhayati.

On Thursday, Olly appeared at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to undergo questioning as a witness for Wa Ode, who was declared a suspect by the KPK in December last year.

"KPK investigators asked me whether the budget committee knew about what Wa Ode [Nurhayati] did in the case. I told them we did not," said Olly, who is a lawmaker from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), after he underwent a 7-hour questioning session.

He also denied knowledge of any bribery plot in the fund's handling. "We know nothing about any fees – just ask Wa Ode [Nurhayati]," he said.

Nurhayati, a former committee member from the National Mandate Party (PAN), is charged of accepting Rp 6 billion in kickbacks from businessman Fahd A. Rafiq to facilitate the disbursement of regional transfer funds for PPID in three regencies in Aceh including Pidie, Benar Meriah and Aceh Besar.

The PPID program is suspected to have been abused by politicians to coax businesspeople into paying bribes in return for project contracts funded by the program.

The money received by Nurhayati was allegedly provided by Haris Suharman who transferred it through Nurhayati's personal staffer Sefa Yolanda. The KPK declared Fahd a suspect in the case and imposed travel bans on Sefa Yolanda and Haris Suharman.

Nurhayati previously denied the charges, saying she lacked the authority to allocate funds for projects. She accused committee leaders of having been involved in the case.

KPK leaders remain unified: House

Jakarta Post - March 22, 2012

Jakarta – House Deputy Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso says that the alleged split within the leadership of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), reported in recent weeks, is nothing but nonsense.

The Golkar politician remains confident that the five deputies within the anti-graft body are still working hand-in-hand in tackling corruption cases in the country.

"I think that the split is just a rumor. In reality, they are still unified," Priyo said as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday. He added that the antigraft body is currently led by the best people who complete each other, both the young guns and veterans.

The efforts of the KPK were thought to have been hindered by alleged conflicts within the agency. There rumors circulated that the Commission's leadership was split into two camps, between KPK chairman Abraham Samad and Zulkarnain on one hand, and Bambang Widjojanto and Busyro Muqoddas on the other hand. Another KPK leader, Adnan Pandu Pradja, is reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer.

The bureau's commissioners had refuted such rumors. KPK chairman Abraham, a lawyer from South Sulawesi, had said that the issue was fictional, adding that disagreements among KPK leaders was normal in the bureau's decision- making process. (asa)

Motion against remissions policy mulled by Indonesian lawmakers

Jakarta Globe - March 21, 2012

Markus Junianto Sihaloho & Ezra Sihite – Three parties have expressed support for the government's decision to impose stricter requirements for corruptors applying to have their prison terms cut, with the other six parties in the House of Representatives considering exercising their right to scrutinize the move.

According to Ahmad Yani of the United Development Party (PPP), who initiated the motion to reject the government's move, more than 100 legislators have petitioned for the House to exercise the right, known as interpelasi.

The House was supposed to stage a vote on the interpelasi motion during Tuesday's plenary session, but it was postponed. The motion could eventually lead to a legal case being brought against the Yudhoyono administration.

House Deputy Speaker Pramono Anung, from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and an opponent of the stricter remissions policy, said factions at the House would be given one week to state their official positions on the interpelasi plan.

Pramono said that although several Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) members had signed the petition, the PKS officially stated on Tuesday that it would not support interpelasi. PKS lawmaker Nasir Djamil confirmed this but added that the party's stance could still change.

"We are withdrawing from interpelasi because there are other concerns. If we find different considerations in the future, this can change again," Nasir said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono earlier urged his ruling coalition to unite in support of all government policies. But coalition members Golkar Party and the PPP have rejected the new remissions requirements. "Golkar is certain the interpelasi will be exercised," said Golkar politician Bambang Soesatyo.

Bambang cited a recent ruling from the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) that annulled the new policy on the grounds that it violated existing penal law. The Justice Ministry is appealing the verdict.

PPP's Ahmad said his party considers the new policy "illegal" and dismissed accusations that his party did not support the fight against graft. "That is not true," he said. "Such an argument is made because [the government] lost in its legal argument. This issue should be examined according to the law."

Other members of the coalition include the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the National Awakening Party (PKB), both of which have not yet taken a stance.

An unlikely proponent of the remissions policy is the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), a faction in the opposition. Another opposition party, the People's Conscience Party (Hanura), has not announced its stance.

Saan Mustopa, secretary of the Democratic Party faction at the House, said he was confident the motion would be quashed during next week's plenary session. "We are sure the matter will be resolved because everyone would surely support corruption eradication. How can they say they are committed [to fighting graft] if they reject the remissions moratorium for corruptors?" he said.

Witness thinks big traveler's check came from Adang

Jakarta Globe - March 20, 2012

Rizky Amelia – Former lawmaker Darsup Yusuf, who was convicted and sentenced for accepting bribes, said on Monday that he thought he had received a Rp 500 million ($55,000) traveler's check from graft suspect Nunun Nurbaetie's husband.

The former House of Representatives Commission IX lawmaker made the statement while testifying in the Jakarta Anti-Corruption Court. "I thought the money was from Adang [Daradjatun]," said Darsup, who is serving an 18- month jail sentence for accepting the traveler's check bribe.

Darsup explained that he saw Adang's photo in the office building where he received the check. However, Nunun denied ever putting a photo of her husband in the lower floor of her office.

"You were on the first floor and didn't go upstairs," Nunun said in response to Darsup's testimony. "Excuse me, but I have never put my husband's photo on the first floor." Nunun said the only picture of her husband was located in a meeting room upstairs.

Nunun argued that Darsup and Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutor M. Rum were trying to implicate her husband in the case. "I object because the prosecutor and Pak Darsup have dragged my husband, Adang Daradjatun, [into the case]," Nunun said.

She said the implication was baseless and made out of assumptions. "There is no connection whatsoever between [Adang] and this case," Nunun said. Nunun also denied ordering her former secretary Sumarni to cash 20 traveler's checks worth Rp 1 billion and to deposit the money into Nunun's account at Bank International Indonesia.

Sumarni previously testified to cashing 20 traveler's checks but said she could not remember who ordered her to do it. "I don't remember [about cashing the checks]. But pieces of evidence showed a copy of my ID and signature," Sumarni said.

Nunun also said she didn't know how much money she had in her accounts. "I trusted Sumarni with all my accounts. But I don't remember how many bank accounts I have. Although its my money, I never made a note and I don't remember," Nunun said. Nunun insisted that the money in her accounts came from her salary from a US company.

In a March 2 court hearing, prosecutors said Nunun not only distributed traveler's checks but also cashed 20 checks and deposited the money into her accounts. "After distributing BII traveler's checks, [she] ordered Sumarni, her personal secretary, to cash 20 BII traveler's checks and deposit them in the defendant's BII account at Thamrin, Jakarta," prosecutor Andi Suharlis said.

Nunun has been accused of distributing Rp 20.85 billion worth of traveler's checks to politicians in exchange for them backing Miranda Goeltom's bid to become Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor in 2004.

Disgraced Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker Dudhie Makmun Murod told the Anti-Corruption Court last week that senior PDI-P politician Tjahjo Kumolo had pressured party members to vote for Miranda.

"There was a written instruction [to pick Miranda]," Dudhie said, adding that it happened at an internal party meeting before the election attended by 150 party lawmakers.

The vote-buying scandal has already resulted in convictions for Dudhie and Panda Nababan.

Red tape leaves graft convicts free

Jakarta Post - March 19, 2012

Bagus BT Saragih, Jakarta – Several government officials convicted of graft remain free despite their jail sentences, raising concerns that they could evade justice by traveling overseas.

Poor bureaucracy and powerless law enforcers are to blame for this unflattering condition. At least three regional leaders who have been convicted of corruption still currently walk free.

One of the three convicts is suspended Bekasi Mayor Mochtar Mohammad, who earlier this month was sentenced to six years in prison by the Supreme Court.

The court overturned Mochtar's acquittal, which was granted by the Bandung Corruption Court, and found the senior Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician guilty in several cases of corruption that had caused more than Rp 5.5 billion (US$605,000) in state losses.

Despite the Supreme Court's final and binding ruling, Mochtar refused to go to jail, claiming that he was innocent until he formally received official information from the Supreme Court.

Mochtar's lawyer, Sugeng Teguh Santosa, said the notification he had received from the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) prosecutors was not enough. "My client won't go anywhere without having the official copy of the court's ruling," he said.

Other graft convicts, suspended Subang Regent Eep Hidayat and Bengkulu Governor Agusrin Najamuddin, used the same pretext and remain free. Jail sentences for the two officials were upheld by the Supreme Court in February and January.

Eep was sentenced to five years' imprisonment while Agusrin, also a Democratic Party member, received four years. The two were found guilty of embezzling money from taxes.

For these two convicts, it was not only their lawyers who refused to acknowledge the Supreme Court rulings. Prosecutors, who under the law are authorized and tasked to execute the jail sentences, claimed that they had not received official notifications from the court yet.

Gadjah Mada University's Anticorruption Studies Center director Zainal Arifin Mochtar said state prosecutors could not use such excuses. "It is not logical to say that the individuals have not been officially informed about the verdicts on their convictions because the trials are open to the public," he said on Saturday.

Zainal, however, acknowledged that there are procedural loopholes that have given the leeway for prosecutors not to forcefully send convicts to jail immediately after a final ruling is issued by judges.

The Criminal Code Procedures (KUHAP), for example, clearly stipulates that the prosecutors can only implement punishment by showing the official copy of the ruling to the convicts. There are precedents in which convicts and prosecutor's offices colluded to arrange a delay in the delivery of copies of their verdict.

"It is time to revise such weak procedures. In the future, prosecutors and defendants must be required to attend the Supreme Court hearings so any sentences can be executed as soon as the presiding justice bangs his gavel," Zainal said.

Unlike in hearings at district courts, it is not obligatory for defendants and prosecutors to attend trials at high courts and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, the highest court of law in the country, is supposed to have an open session.

However, for years, the court has never published its hearing schedules. It has been a long tradition that Supreme Court justices carry out hearings without the knowledge of the people outside the court.

The public, even the defendants and prosecutors, are usually informed about the court's rulings through its website, which may publish the verdicts weeks after the actual time of the verdict hearing.

Former Constitutional Court chief justice Jimly Asshiddiqie called on the Supreme Court to hold hearings transparently. "It is important to tackle any form of mistreatment of verdicts, for the sake of the court's accountability," he said.

Terrorism & religious extremism

Our money helps kill, intimidate and torture

New Matilda - March 23, 2012

Marni Cordell – Australia plays a key role in training and funding elite Indonesian counter-terror unit Detachment 88 – but wants to distance itself from the unit's violent reputation, reports Marni Cordell

There's been a terror threat in Jakarta. A group of hardliners claim they intend to bomb the city's transport system, just days before the UK prime minister is scheduled to arrive for a state visit. Indonesia's counter terror agencies scramble to respond to the critical incident as the population goes into lockdown.

I'm sitting in the Control Room at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Co-operation (JCLEC) alongside international police trainers Bob Milton and David Gray.

On the screens in front of us, Indonesian police are acting out roles in this imagined terrorism scenario – and Milton and Gray are the puppet-masters.

"Basically the scenario develops into a more and more complicated problem," explains Milton, a former Metropolitan Police commander from the UK.

"We try to make it as real as possible. We'll have things such as pictures, audio, taped phone conversations, anything that we can try and get the information to them in a more interesting way."

"We then challenge the students and ask for quite a lot of detail about how they are going to respond, and how they are going to deal with it."

Fake terror scenarios like this one are a regular part of the immersive training that goes on at the Australian-funded police training centre.

JCLEC was set up in 2004 as a result of a bilateral agreement between Indonesia and Australia to strengthen Indonesia's counter-terror effort in the wake of the Bali Bombings.

I visited the centre last week as part of an investigation into Australia's funding and training of Indonesia's crack anti-terror squad, Detachment 88 – the unit responsible for capturing or killing most of Indonesia's terrorism kingpins since the 2002 Bali attack.

Detachment 88 employs a controversial brand of policing in which suspects are shot dead rather than arrested – like a soldier would shoot an enemy combatant. The high profile raid in Bali last Sunday, in which five suspected terrorists were killed and the police were hailed internationally, was just the latest in a long line of lethal operations.

The unit is funded and trained by Australia and while the Australian Government might not endorse their paramilitary-style tactics, it's been willing to turn a blind eye because Detachment 88 has been extremely effective at disrupting Indonesia's extensive terror network.

JCLEC itself is deep within the grounds of the Indonesian National Police Academy, in the city of Semarang in Central Java. When I arrive at the centre I'm met by AFP federal agent Brian Thomson, a friendly, middle-aged cop from Canberra who is nine months into a two-year stint here. I'm the first Australian journalist he has hosted in that time.

JCLEC is touted as an international police training centre but in fact its students are over 90 per cent Indonesian – 9 per cent of whom are Detachment 88. The centre hosts trainers from Indonesia and across the globe, predominantly from Australia, Europe, and the UK.

Its core funding for more than 130 staff on six hectares of well maintained grounds comes directly from the Australian Federal Police's own budget.

The self-contained centre – complete with student accommodation, lap pool and gym – couldn't stand in greater contrast to stories that abound in Jakarta about Detachment 88's operations.

JCLEC's shtick is about "learning and understanding through shared experience" – and teaching best practice terror investigation techniques and proper use of the judicial process. Detachment 88, an elite and highly skilled unit with unique powers of surveillance in Indonesia, seems to operate above the law.

As I reported earlier this month, there is increasing evidence that what was once solely a counter-terror unit is now moving into counter-separatist operations. Activists in West Papua claim the squad is being deployed to hunt down civilians aligned with the independence movement in a growing campaign of intimidation.

According to Eric Sonindemi, a participant in last October's Third Papuan People's Congress, Detachment 88 personnel were involved in the deadly attack on Congress in which six people were killed and many others wounded.

"Most of the security forces were in plain clothes, but they weren't really concealing their weapons – they were sort of showing off," Sonindemi told me when I met with him in Jakarta. "Detachment 88 was there," he said, explaining that he "saw their equipment and riot shields".

"Hundreds of people were detained [by police] that night and many of them were beaten in detention," Sonindemi said. "I spoke to one person who had a gash in his head, a broken nose and bruises on his face. He had been beaten with the butt of a rifle by a policeman. He was subsequently released and never charged with any crime."

So exactly how closely does Australia work with the deadly unit? According to a Jakarta-based security analyst who asked not to be named, "There was a big push after the first Bali Bombing, to the point where Detachment 88 actually had Australians with them on [counter-terror] operations."

"It's been a long time since that's happened," the analyst continued. "The AFP says that sometimes Detachment 88 doesn't even share information with them any longer. There's a real pride in doing things themselves now without relying on the Australians."

But a diplomatic source in Jakarta confirmed that the relationship remains extremely close – and that the AFP continues to work with the Indonesian National Police, of which Detachment 88 is a part, at head office in Jakarta.

Details on our financial support for the unit are harder to come by. The Australian government committed $36.8 million over the first four years of JCLEC. Now Thomson tells me Australia's support for JCLEC comes out of the AFP budget, which continues to provide "roughly the same amount" of funding to the centre. We also assist the unit directly – although just what that assistance entails is a closely guarded secret.

"I've pursued that question through senate estimates, through questions on notice, I've had DFAT briefings, and I can't get any clarity about the role of Australian support of the Indonesian military and police and specifically whether our contribution benefits Detachment 88," Greens senator and spokesperson on West Papua, Richard Di Natale, told NM.

"And it's very clear that Detachment 88 has been involved in some of the violence that has occurred in the region."

Details from the Indonesian side are just as shady. Although some of Detachment 88's terror raids have been broadcast live on television in Indonesia, scratch below the surface and it's difficult to get any real detail on the unit, says Usman Hamid, advisor to the International Center for Transitional Justice.

"The accountability of Detachment 88 is very low," Hamid tells me when I meet him in a hotel lobby in Jakarta where he is meeting with other experts to prepare a response to the draft national security bill.

"Detachment 88 has special allocation of the budget and international funding – which has never been explained to the Indonesian public clearly, or even to the parliament for that matter."

"We hear vague amounts but it's not under the state budget. It should be accounted appropriately," Hamid told NM. "To the Indonesian parliament, to the Indonesian public, and of course to the Australian parliament and public... to make sure that the budget Australia gave is really being used for the right purpose."

As Brian Thomson walks me through the official JCLEC Power Point presentation, I ask how Australia can be sure that the training taught at the centre is also being "used for the right purpose" – how do we know it isn't being used to crack down on civilian dissent?

He's silent for some time before asking me to repeat the question, and then ultimately refusing to answer it – handballing to his Indonesian counterpart, Dwi Priyatno, who refers me to the Indonesian law on terrorism, and back to the public affairs branch of the Indonesian police.

I also ask specifically about separatism in Indonesia and whether techniques to quash independence movements are ever discussed at the Australian-funded centre. Thomson again gets nervous.

"I can't really answer that because my job here as an executive director is to be involved in running the centre, so what's actually discussed in the classroom, I can't give full [details]," he says.

"Although separatism...

"Yeah...

"No...

"Not separatism.

"When you say separatism, in what regard are you referring to it?"

Back in Australia my inquiries about Detachment 88's operations in Papua and their move toward policing separatism have been met with an almost uniform response.

Here's what I received from the AFP head office in Canberra: Australia has no mandate to tell the Indonesian Police how to run their business. And yes, we will continue to provide "capacity building assistance".

Meanwhile, Eric Sonindemi says he remains traumatised by the police and military attack on the Third Papuan People's Congress. He clearly remembers the sound of gunfire, he tells me, and now jumps when he hears loud noises. He is sure he is being monitored by the police. "I've been threatened by the police before," he says, "but this is the first time I've feared for my life."

Other Papuans I met in Jakarta told similar stories – of constant surveillance by the security forces, phone tapping and intimidation. They told me that fear is part of their daily lives.

Australian officials may well seek to disclaim any responsibility for the behaviour of the Indonesian police and particularly from the activities of Detachment 88. Given the close relationship between the AFP and the unit, however, it's hard not to conclude that Australia is directly contributing to this climate of oppression.

Terrorist downplays bombmaker's role

Sydney Morning Herald - March 23, 2012

Michael Bachelard, Jakarta – The bombmaker Umar Patek, who faces the death penalty for his role in the deadly Bali bombings, was a minor player who had qualms about the attack, his trial heard yesterday.

However, after the terrorist Ali Imron had finished testifying, Mr Patek admitted for the first time that he was involved in the twin 2002 bombings which killed 202 people. He is facing seven charges, including one of mass murder.

Imron, who is serving life imprisonment for his role in the bombings, told a Jakarta court yesterday that al-Qaeda had provided direct funding to the Indonesian radical group Jemaah Islamiah, and the bombing had been staged to commemorate the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the US.

He said Mr Patek had been present at the rented Bali house where the bombs were mixed and from where the Sari Club and Paddy's Bar were identified as targets.

However, Imron said the defendant had disagreed with bombing Bali because it was not a war zone and so not consistent with his reading of the Koran and its teaching on holy war. Imron said that, far from the master bomber the prosecution depicted him as, Mr Patek had no experience with a device of the size used in Bali.

Even though his assignment had been to mix the explosives, most of that work had been done by the Malaysian terrorist Azhari, Jemaah Islamiah's master bombmaker.

Given a chance to address the court, Mr Patek said: "What he [Imron] said was correct. I reiterate that I did not assemble the bombs. I don't have the knowledge to assemble such a big bomb. The expertise was only known to Azhari."

Bali attack plot shows terrorist threat evolving in Indonesia

Jakarta Globe - March 22, 2012

Olivia Rondonuwu & Stuart Grudgings, Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur – A foiled plot by suspected Islamic militants to attack and bomb targets in Bali, including a bar popular with tourists, marks an escalation of the violent threat in Indonesia as authorities race to stay ahead of rapidly evolving armed groups.

Five men were shot dead in police raids on Sunday on the island where nightclub bombings in 2002 killed 202 people – mostly foreign tourists – and forced the world's largest Muslim country to confront violent Islamist groups on its soil.

Pictures of a villa where some of the men were shot dead, showing pools of blood on the floor of a garden hut, starkly illustrated the return of violence to the mostly Hindu island where militants last launched deadly bomb attacks in 2005.

Ansyaad Mbai, head of Indonesia's National Counter Terrorism Agency, said the men had plans to bomb targets on the island, including the beach-front "La Vida Loca" bar. Police initially said the suspects were planning armed raids on money changers, jewelers and the bar, partly to raise money for future attacks.

"This group was planning not only armed attacks against those targets but also bombings," Mbai said. "At this stage we could not be sure of the scale but high or low, bombs are dangerous, especially in Bali. The impact would be huge," he added.

Attacks in recent years have mostly been small-scale, but the latest plot suggests terror groups may be trying to raise their profile at a time when Indonesia's economy is booming and it aims to play a bigger role on the world stage.

Bali held a high-profile regional summit last November attended by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, among other leaders, and is scheduled to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next year.

Latent threat

Indonesia has scored notable successes in its battle against Islamic militancy since the 2002 bombing, arresting about 600 suspects and heavily disrupting the activities of the Jemaah Islamiyah group and its offshoots that police said had carried out the attacks.

But there has been a steady stream of violence as militants have reacted to the crackdown by splitting into smaller groups and targeted security forces and government officials.

Police officers were attacked last year in a mosque suicide bombing, drive-by shootings and by an attempt to poison drinking water – low-cost operations that require relatively little expertise and allow for easier recruitment.

"It just shows there is a latent threat in the background and it's consistent," said Kevin O'Rourke, a political risk analyst based in Jakarta. "The good thing is that the authorities have a pretty good track record, especially over the last two years in anticipating and preventing attacks."

There have been no large-scale attacks on Western targets in Indonesia since 2009 when suicide bombers blew themselves up in two Jakarta hotels, killing nine people and wounding 53.

Prosecutors scored a major success last year when JI's spiritual leader, Abu Bakar Bashir, was jailed for 15 years, following years of efforts to obtain a long sentence for the 73-year-old preacher seen as inciting hatred in his speeches.

Improved investigation and surveillance techniques by the "Detachment 88" police anti-terrorism squad, funded by the United States and Australia, have been credited for breaking up several plots – including the latest one in Bali.

Initial findings by investigators in Bali appear to highlight the fluid and unpredictable nature of militant groups in Indonesia, which has become an emerging-market darling of investors in recent years.

Police said that the men, aged between 27 and 32, were linked to an armed robbery group in northern Sumatra island and the so-called Solo group, which police say was behind a suicide bombing at a church last year and other attacks in central Java.

Mbai said no explosives had yet been found but that there was evidence the group had surveyed their targets, taken photographs and "analysed the impact". An unknown number of suspects had escaped, officials said.

New cells keep spouting

Andi Widjajanto, a defense analyst from the University of Indonesia, said the group appeared to be a "dormant cell" related to JI's top bomb-maker, Dulmatin, who was killed by police in 2010.

Mbai said that some of the suspects were involved in gangs with links to narcotics distribution, adding to evidence that terror groups are increasingly funding themselves through criminal activities such as robberies.

"Indonesia's government has been very successful preventing terror attacks. The special anti-terror detachment has built a much better capacity in recent years, but it has been failing to completely stop or erase new cells," Widjajanto said.

He said the authorities were still falling short in efforts to disengage militants from terror groups and to plug the flow of smuggled weapons through the country's vast, porous borders.

As the JI group has been broken up, suspicion of involvement in attacks has fallen on the Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid group, which was established by jailed cleric Bashir in 2008 with the stated aim of creating an Islamic state through peaceful means.

Police have accused several JAT members of involvement in attacks. Last month, the United States designated the group a foreign terrorist organization, raising pressure on Indonesia's government to take a tougher line on the 1,500-strong preaching organization.

"It says it is peaceful but it is the most violent terrorist group in Southeast Asia," said Rohan Gunaratna, head of terrorism research at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "It is a terrorist organization that at times masquerades as a political and religious organization."

Son Hadi, JAT's spokesman, denied the legal group was related to terrorism, saying the accusations were a ploy led by the West to undermine the Islamic group.

House ratifies counterterrorism pact after five years

Jakarta Globe - March 21, 2012

Ezra Sihite – Indonesia became the eighth Asean country to ratify the group's counterterrorism convention after the House of Representatives adopted it into law on Tuesday.

Lawmakers agreed that the ratification of the Convention on Counterterrorism (ACCT) was crucial for a coordinated effort in fighting terrorism in the region as well as inside Indonesia's borders.

"All principles included in the Asean convention on counter-terrorism have a spirit of respect for territorial integrity, equality, extradition, non- interference and a peaceful solution of conflicts. All of these principles suit our interests and purpose," said Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, deputy head of House Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs.

The ACCT was signed by Asean leaders, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in Cebu, the Philippines, in 2007.

The convention aims to enhance the region's capacity to confront terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to deepen counterterrorism cooperation among the region's law enforcement and other relevant authorities.

The other countries in the regional bloc that have ratified the convention are Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam and Burma. Malaysia and Laos are the only countries that have yet to ratify the convention.

The convention went into effect last month when Brunei became the sixth member of the group to ratify it. However, many felt it would be ineffective without the participation of Indonesia, which had been accused by many, including Commission I deputy chairman Tubagus Hasanuddin, of dragging its feet on entering into the pact for the past five years.

Indonesia has been praised by the international community for its success in rooting out terrorist networks, arresting terror suspects and executing the region's top terrorist leaders.

Man who shot at church in Indonesia was 'taught to hate Christians'

Jakarta Globe - March 19, 2012

Farouk Arnaz – A man who was declared a suspect for firing at a church in Indramayu with a rifle was taught to hate Christians by his family, police said.

"That's what he told us. Since he was a child, his parents have taught him to hate Christians," Indramayu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Golkar Pangarso said on Sunday.

The 30-year-old man, who was identified as Hdr, lives with family in Bandung. Golkar said Hdr did not have a any Christian friends while he was growing up. "We are now investigating into why his family hates Christians so much," Golkar said.

Hdr, who works at a furniture shop in Bandung, came to Indramayu with his cousin R.A. for a wedding party last week.

On Friday, he used his cousin's car to drive to the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI). He took out his rifle and, from about seven meters away, fired into the church building. Police were able to identify Hdr and the car by using the church's CCTV system.

Several hours after the incident, police arrested Hdr while he was trying to leave the city. "We charged him with an anti-terrorism law because he terrorized people, even though there weren't any victims. However, we have not found if he has connections with any organizations. It seems that he did this on his own," Golkar said.

The police chief also said there was no prior criminal record against Hdr, but a preliminary examination found that he planned the shooting in advance because a sketch of the church building was found with him when he was arrested. "Hdr is not fully cooperating with us. We are still trying to find out if he surveyed the church before he did this," Golkar said.

Police are also trying to find where Hdr purchased the weapon. The cousin, who said he was not aware of what Hdr was planning, is being treated as a witness.

Meanwhile, Indramayu residents said that Hdr should receive a strong punishment for his actions, which they said had ruined relations among religious followers in the district.

Irmansyah, a Muslim resident who lives near the church, said that the shooting was a crime and had endangered community ties between Muslims and Christians in the area.

"We have a very good relations with Christians. We don't want to ruin that," he said. "I hope Indramayu residents will not be provoked by the shooting. Let the police handle the case."

Masduki, an Islamic cleric in the district, expressed regret on the shooting, saying that all people should be nurtured with a good atmosphere of inter-religious relations in the area instead of ruining it.

Indonesia's top anti-terror cop defends fatal Bali raids

Jakarta Globe - March 19, 2012

Markus Junianto Sihaloho & Didit Sidarta – Indonesia's National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) defended Sunday's deadly raid of two suspected terrorist hideouts in Bali, explaining that police are allowed to use extreme force in "emergency" situations.

Five suspected terrorists were fatally shot as members of the National Police's anti-terrorism unit Detachment 88 traded fire with the alleged terrorists in two Sunday night raids on the resort island of Bali, police said.

Human rights activists have been critical of Indonesia's harsh treatment of suspected terrorists after it became clear that many suspects were being killed in police raids. Alleged terrorists should be afforded the same legal process as any other offender, critics said.

BNPT chief Ansyaad Mbai explained that while there is no clear rule on using deadly force during anti-terror raids, 2010 presidential rulings allow officers to fire their weapons in "emergency situations."

"To date, no legal expert can define an emergency act of defense," Ansyaad said. "Maybe we have to draw the clear line as to when officers may use their guns."

But Sunday's raids were within the National Police's rights, Ansyaad said. The alleged terrorists were armed and police were involved in a shootout at the time.

Three of the suspects, Dd, 27 and U.H., 27, from Bandung and M., 30, from Makassar, were fatally shot during a raid on a rented bungalow on Jalan Danau Poso in Sanur. Two others were killed in a separate raid of a hotel on Jalan Gunung Soputan in Denpasar.

"All of the suspects resisted as they were being arrested. A shootout [between the suspects and the police] took place," National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Boy Rafli Amar has said.

Four different terrorist organizations operate in Indonesia, Jamaah Islamiyah, Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid, the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) and Tauhid Waljihad, Ansyaad said. (BeritaSatu/JG)

Hard-line & vigilante groups

NU supports movement to counter FPI

Jakarta Post - March 20, 2012

Jakarta – The country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), says it has thrown its weight behind a new outfit set up to counter the onslaught of firebrand organizations like the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

NU secretary-general Marsudi Suhud said that the new outfit, called the Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (Aswaja) militia, had a similar mission to that of the NU in promoting pluralism, moderation and justice.

"The two institutions must work together to protect the ideology of pluralism against those who threaten violence and use bullying to scare off the public," Marsudi said in a statement.

On Sunday, more than 2,500 activists joined a rally at the Declaration of Independence Monument on Jl. Proklamasi in Central Jakarta to support the establishment of the Aswaja militia.

Also present at the declaration were chairman of the National Awakening Party Muhamimin Iskandar and the leader of Aswaja militia, Marwan Jafar.

FPI-Dayak in Pontianak calm after being hit by tensions

Jakarta Post - March 19, 2012

Severianus Endi, Pontianak – Situation in Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province, has returned to normal the weekend after the city was hit by a brief but serious bout of tension over a misunderstanding between the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and ethnic Dayaks.

West Kalimantan Police have assured that security and public order had been restored. "The conducive situation was reached due to cooperation among nearly all parties, ranging from community figures, youths, religious leaders and representatives of the security agencies and the government," West Kalimantan Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Mukson Munandar said Saturday as quoted by Antara news agency.

Mukson urged all people in West Kalimantan to help maintain the peace.

The West Kalimantan Police were forced to deploy more officers to help maintain security in the city upon rumors there would be a major rally by the Dayak people.

Scores of security officers were stationed in a number of the city's vital areas. The police later blockaded the Kapuas I Bridge, one of two major bridges linking several main roads in Pontianak, to prevent the movement of masses of protesters.

Thursday's uncertain situation was sparked by the unfurling of a banner that signaled the rejection of the FPI at the Dayak Pangsuma boarding house on Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Pontianak on Wednesday.

The incident on Wednesday had actually been settled through a dialogue involving community figures, representatives from Dayak youth and FPI officers at the Pontianak Police headquarters in the evening.

On Thursday, various baseless rumors were spread, saying there had been an ethnic war. There were others that said there were many victims. Even there were reports that said indigenous Dayak people had been ready to go from their regions to Pontianak.

In response to the rumors about possible riots spread through SMS and BlackBerry Messenger and other social media, the Pontianak City Administration decided to close all schools, from elementary to high schools, across the city on Friday.

"The cancellation of teaching and learning activities was applied only on one day," Pontianak Mayor Sutarmidji said as quoted by kompas.com. He said that this decision was made in order to help security officers to maintain security in the city.

Previously, West Kalimantan Governor Cornelis, who is also general chairman of the Dayak Traditional Council, assured that people in regions would not flock to Pontianak and disturb security conditions in the city.

"I will thank the security officers – both the police and the military personnel from the Tanjungpura Military Command – who have worked hard to prevent the incident from spreading," he said.

The governor also thanked the media, which had run soothing reports on the situation. "We, the West Kalimantan provincial administration, will protect all of its people regardless of their religion or ethnicity. We're one nation and one country," he said.

Brimob from Java arrive in Pontianak

Antara News - March 17, 2012

The National Police has sent four companies, or about 560 security officers, to reinforce security in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, where tension over the presence of the hard-line Islamic Defenders Front continues.

West Kalimantan Police Chief Brig. Gen. Unggung Cahyono said the four companies of mobile brigade (Brimob) officers had arrived in the province on Friday.

"Reinforcements of four companies of Brimob from the headquarters arrived this morning, two from the Brimob pioneer unit in Bogor and two from the Central Java Brimob," Unggung told local leaders who had gathered at the West Kalimantan police headquarters in Pontianak, adding that he had demanded the reinforcements himself.

Pontianak has been tense since Dayak protesters put up large banners around the city on Wednesday morning, protesting the presence of the hard-line group known as the FPI.

On Wednesday afternoon, the police took down the banners and later that evening hosted a dialogue between Dayak and FPI representatives. Still, FPI supporters and Dayaks have come close to violence several times since then.

The FPI, infamous for its penchant for taking the law into its own hands through violent means, has been the target of recent demonstrations in other areas of Kalimantan.

In February, a Dayak group in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, stormed the local airport to prevent an FPI delegation from landing there. Members of the hard-line Islamic group were on their way to the city to inaugurate an FPI office there. Anti-FPI protests have also taken place in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.

"I do not want to take any risks," Unggung said, explaining why he had requested the Brimob reinforcements. However, he also said the situation in Pontianak and the immediate area was safe and under control.

He called on the local population to trust that the police and government would seek a solution amenable to both sides.

"If people receive information or reports colored by tribal, racial, religious and ethnic nuances, please do not spread them further but check them with the security authorities or the government instead," Unggung said.

He also said the police would enforce a ban on the carrying of weapons such as sharp blades and firearms. "I call on the Dayak Customary Council of West Kalimantan and the FPI both to restrain themselves and not act anarchically," he said.

Before Friday prayers, mosques across Pontianak read out a call by the West Kalimantan Police chief for people not to be easily provoked and to report any violence or rumors of violence to the police.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Erwin Hudawi Lubis, who heads the Tanjungpura military command that oversees West Kalimantan, also called on all sides to cool down and relax.

Islamic law & morality

Lady Gaga's Jakarta concert is haram, declares MUI chairman

Jakarta Globe - March 19, 2012

Anita Rachman & Arientha Primanita – A high-ranking member of Indonesia's highest Islamic authority has urged Muslims not to attend Lady Gaga's upcoming concert in Jakarta, declaring that the pop star known for her sexy and controversial outfits was forbidden under Islamic law.

"[The concert is] intended to destroy the nation's morality," said Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) chairman Cholil Ridwan, who added that he had never watched the singer perform and only heard of her "reputation" second-hand. He urged Lady Gaga fans to return their tickets for the June 3 concert at Gelora Bung Karno and ask for a refund.

More than 25,000 tickets to the Jakarta leg of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way Ball" tour were sold in less than two hours on March 10, the first day the tickets were available. Cholil took exception with Lady Gaga's revealing outfits and sexualized dance moves, claiming that a female dangdut singer who wore similar costumes would also be haram.

But he claimed Lady Gaga was worse. "She is from the West, and she often shows her aurat [private parts of the body] when performing," Cholil said.

While he was aware that many Western singers have already performed in Indonesia, Cholil said maybe it was time to put an end to these "cultural attacks." He worried that this kind of performance would only encourage young Muslims in the country to do the same. But he added that watching the concert was still the call of Indonesia's Muslim youth.

But another MUI chairman, Slamet Effendi Yusuf, said Cholil's words were only his personal opinion. The organization has not issued a haram fatwa, a move that would require all MUI chairmen to reach a consensus.

Personally, Slamet said, he had no problem with young Muslims seeing Lady Gaga's concert. "I am sure they know what is good and bad," he said. "However, I hope Lady Gaga can also wear a proper [dress] in her show."

The imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Ali Mustafa Yaqub, on the other hand, said that while Lady Gaga herself was not haram, watching a barely clothed woman perform was. "Perform naked only in front of your husband," he said.

Hydrian Prillaza, 29, laughed the suggestion off and said she would hang on to her ticket. "If she wears very revealing outfits, I think that's just part of the show," she said.

Sex & pornography

Sex still sells, despite anti-porn hype

Jakarta Post - March 17, 2012

Novia D. Rulistia, Jakarta – No matter how hard the government has tried to eradicate pornography, the reality is that its trade in the capital continues to thrive.

People can still go to so-called "centers of pirated DVDs" in the city and find pornographic movies sold there, though many aficionados now prefer to watch it online or download it and share with the others.

DVD vendors in Glodok, West Jakarta, eagerly offer passers-by films with nude actresses on the covers. "Which one do you like? Local, Asian or Western?" a seller, who requested to be identified as Herdi, asked a potential customer at his stall.

Herdi said that although the situation has changed since the sex-tape scandal involving now-jailed pop-singer Nazriel Irham, better known as Ariel Peterpan, made international headlines, it was still business-as- usual for him – even if he needs to occasionally play hide-and-seek with the police.

The Jakarta Police have regularly conducted raids on pornographic-DVD sellers in the capital, but this has never been seen an effective measure to end the trade.

"I can still sell some movies in a day. Most of the buyers prefer the Western ones. The stars in local movies are usually fake: they're from Thailand," he said.

He has been setting the price of the DVDs at Rp 6,000 apiece, but he usually lowered that to Rp 5,000 if more than 10 movies were purchased at the one time.

The issue of pornography has again been captured in the media spotlight after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono this week formed an anti- pornography task force, led by Coordinating People's Welfare Minister Agung Laksono.

The Task Force for the Management and Prevention of Pornography was set up to implement the 2008 Pornography Law and would be responsible for curbing distribution. The task force would later have offices established in all provinces and regencies across the country.

The national task force are to report to the President, and the provincial and regency task forces will report to their respective governors or regents.

The government has banned Internet pornography since 2010. The Communications and Information Ministry ordered local Internet service providers to block access to all pornographic websites, a decision that has reaped criticism because many experts have doubted the effectiveness of such a measure.

Despite derision over the calls for the banning of pornography, many people seem undisturbed in their predilection for adult videos. The Internet has made access to such films even easier.

Private-sector employee Agustian, 29, said that he had no problems with the establishment of the task force, but dismissed the idea that his days of watching X-rated movies were coming to an end.

He said that although the government claimed that it had successfully blocked 90 percent of the world's pornographic websites, he could still find ways to access them online. "I'm still downloading or watching them from one of the banned sites, but it all can be hacked. It's as easy as clicking your mouse," he said.

Agus said that he used to buy pornographic DVDs, but he now preferred to stream them over the Internet or download them onto his computer.

He said that the establishment of task force was simply a waste of time and money that would show no significant progress in the total elimination of pornography from Indonesia.

Chandra (not his real name), 26, said that he had no problem getting access to and watching pornography. "I usually get the movies from some friends who download them, and then I just copy it," he said.

Along with Ariel, the chief editor of the Indonesian edition of Playboy, Erwin Arnada, fell victim to the controversial 2008 law. He was sent to prison – even though no nudity was depicted in his magazine.

Nudity has often been associated with pornography in Indonesia. However, some artists and photographers have tried to challenge that perception by showing their works through various exhibitions in the capital.

Jakarta & urban life

Jakarta candidates look to exploit ethnic backgrounds

Jakarta Post - March 22, 2012

Lutfi Rakhmawati and Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta – With stiff competition expected to characterize the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial election, political parties may attempt to use candidates' ethnic backgrounds as potential leverage in the campaign – a move that might backfire more than it energizes the electorate.

The verbal attacks made in the past few days pointed out numerous "out-of- towners" in the poll, slated for July 11.

Two of the six pairs of candidates who entered the race – Alex Noerdin and running mate Nono Sampono, and aspirant Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his partner Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama – have been painted as complete outsiders.

Alex, though born in Jakarta, is currently serving in his ethnic home as South Sumatra governor, while his running mate Nono is a retired Marine general of Maluku ethnic origin.

Jokowi, ethnically Javanese, is the incumbent mayor of Surakarta, Central Jakarta and Ahok, a Chinese-Indonesian, is a lawmaker at the House of Representatives from Belitung in southern Sumatra.

The latest remark on the candidates' ethnic backgrounds was made on Wednesday by Democratic Party deputy chairman Max Sopacua, in response to Ahok's statement saying that he had garnered support from many Jakartans.

Max said that Ahok should not generalize all people of Chinese descent as Jakartans. "It was an arrogant statement. He comes to Jakarta only to make a profit in trading. Does he think Jakarta is only filled with Chinese- Indonesians? It's not easy to make it in Jakarta."

Max, however, told The Jakarta Post that his statement was not meant to insult Ahok's ethnicity. "I said that Ahok should not be too arrogant by saying that he was supported by many Jakartans. Jakartans are not only Chinese, but also Javanese, Batak, and many more," Max clarified.

The Democratic Party endorsed incumbent Fauzi Bowo, who is half Betawi – the "native" people of Jakarta. Some media outlets had reported that Fauzi believed that out-of-town candidates could "ruin" the city instead of developing it.

Yunarto Wijaya, political observer with the think tank Charta Politika, said on Wednesday that candidates' ethnicity should be the last thing to be considered among elites and city residents.

"The term 'imported candidates' is disturbing," he said, adding that politicians and voters should instead focus on the candidates' platforms and strategies to develop the city. "However, there may be some groups who will use the issue of ethnicity seriously."

Jakarta, just like any capital, has never been the exclusive home of one ethnicity. Today's Jakarta is a demographic melting pot, with ethnic Betawi residents comprising only 27.65 percent of city's 9.6 million residents. According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), 35.16 percent are Javanese and 15.27 percent are Sundanese.

Ahok, who is supported by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), said on Tuesday that the city deserved a "young leader" who would provide innovations and breakthroughs in the city's development planning processes. "It is not always right that the older leader knows better."

Alex, who is nominated and supported by a coalition of the Golkar Party, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Prosperous Peace Party (PDS), also lashed out at his critics who have questioned his ethnic background.

He said that although he was not Betawi, he was born in Jakarta. "I am putra daerah [a son of the region] too as I was born in Jakarta. I love Jakarta and all of Jakarta's residents, including the Betawi," he said prior to presenting his vision and programs before Golkar Party lawmakers at the House compound on Wednesday.

According to Alex, appealing only to the Betawi sentiment was too narrow, artificial and naove because Jakarta at present was a home to almost all ethnicities and a variety of foreigners.

Political drama unfolds in race for top Jakarta post

Jakarta Post - March 20, 2012

Hasyim Widhiarto, Jakarta – Popularity and competence alone were apparently not enough to assure hopefuls of securing their golden tickets for the upcoming Jakarta governor election.

Some candidates have learned that strong financial resources and endorsement from a political czar are more important than an outstanding leadership track record.

It was not until Prabowo Subianto, chief patron of the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra), threw his weight behind the campaign of Surakarta Mayor and PDI-P politician Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Golkar Party lawmaker Basuki Tjahja Purnama "Ahok" that their candidacy was assured.

Jokowi had failed to convince his own party, which initially favored incumbent Fauzi Bowo, who is a Democratic Party politician, that he was the right man for the job. Ahok decided to leave the Golkar Party to join Gerindra.

A politician from Gerindra told The Jakarta Post on Monday that the party's recent decision to support Jokowi as its gubernatorial candidate was prompted by the personal endorsement of Prabowo, who had established a personal relationship with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician over the past five years.

"Pak Prabowo and Pak Hashim [Djojohadikusumo, Prabowo's brother and Gerindra's key financier] had regularly met and engaged in discussion with Jokowi. They were impressed by the mayor's successful efforts to develop Surakarta and offered him their support to run as a Jakarta governor candidate if he wanted to," the source said.

Prabowo proved his commitment to support Jokowi when he personally met with PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri last week to discuss the possibility of establishing a coalition to endorse Jokowi's bid.

"Pak Prabowo actually did not want to interfere with the PDI-P's internal decision-making process [in the gubernatorial elections] but he finally decided to step in at the last minute after seeing the party's reluctance to endorse Jokowi as their governor candidate," the source said.

The PDI-P is the third-largest party on the city council, with 11 seats, while Gerindra has seven. A party, or a coalition of parties, needs a minimum of 15 seats in order to name a candidate in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, which will be held on July 11.

The political fluctuations ahead of the closing of candidate registration on Monday night had also forced some candidates to switch strategy.

After announcing his re-election bid with former army general and PDI-P lawmaker Adang Ruchiatna, incumbent governor Fauzi Bowo made on Monday the decision to endorse the Democratic Party's Jakarta chapter chairman Nachrowi Ramli as his running mate.

Fauzi, who secured endorsement from the Democratic Party, the city's largest party, had to split with Adang, the former head of PDI-P's Jakarta chapter, after the PDI-P's highest executive board decided at the last minute to endorse Jokowi as its gubernatorial candidate.

Before their announcement as governor and deputy governor candidate, Fauzi and Nachrowi hadcompeted with each other to win the endorsement of the Democratic Party. Apart from his leadership track record, Kastorius Sinaga, a Democratic Party executive, said the party had preferred to endorse Fauzi because he was financially more capable than Nachrowi. "Compared to any other candidate, Fauzi has been supported by more businesspeople."

An independent audit conducted at the request of the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) found that the two pairs of candidates in the 2007 Jakarta gubernatorial elections – former National Police deputy chief Adang Daradjatun and running mate Dani Anwar, a city councillor; and former deputy governor Fauzi Bowo with running mate Prijanto, a retired Army general – secured a total of Rp 45.3 billion (US$4.98 million) and Rp 46.9 billion respectively for their campaigns.

Armed forces & defense

Indonesian military called upon to assist civilians

Jakarta Globe - March 24, 2012

Ismira Lutfia – Analysts have encouraged a greater role for the military in peacetime and community-building activities as a way of developing a national sense of responsibility through the interaction of military and civilian groups.

"Within the context of a new democracy, military operations other than war can enhance mutual trust and interactions between military and civilian agencies and actors," Rizal Sukma, executive director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said at one of the sessions of the Jakarta International Defense Dialogue.

He said the partnership between the Armed Forces (TNI) and civilians in military operations other than war – or the use of military force in peacetime to deter war, resolve conflict, promote peace and support civil authorities in response to crisis – had been notably exercised since Indonesia made the transition to democratic rule in 1998 after three decades of authoritarian rule under former President Suharto.

Rizal added that the need for the military to engage in such exercises was even more evident in the reform era as the military's capacity became idle, while its personnel also still needed to develop their capacity in the face of equipment shortages and budgetary constraints.

Another panelist in the forum, Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, agreed that defense establishments and armed forces needed to evolve and adapt.

"Our militaries are not primarily structured or configured for operations other than war," he said. "Today's armed forces would thus have to develop new concepts of operation and have the right force structure, training and equipping to respond adequately to counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, counter-piracy and other non-traditional security challenges."

Air Marshal Daryatmo, the head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), said that under the 2004 Indonesian Armed Forces Law, the military had a crucial role in supporting relief operations.

However, to embark on an operation other than war, Rizal said the military must also secure the support of the public. "It should serve a national purpose and be in the public's interest, not for the narrow interest of the military," he said.

In his keynote address at the opening of the JIDD on Wednesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the UN peacekeeping program set the international standard for military operations other than war.

"These missions provide tremendous value for money. Sixty years of peacekeeping have cost less than six weeks of current global military spending," Ban said.

Indonesia seeks to boost arms industry

Straits Times - March 24, 2012

Zakir Hussain – The Indonesian military's shopping list in recent months has included Sukhoi fighter jets and Leopard main battle tanks, but what the country's defense officials are most excited about after years of belt-tightening is not the hardware.

Rather, it is the pledges that the armed forces have secured for the transfer of military technology. Officials hope to use this know-how to grow a domestic defense manufacturing industry at a time when the economy is booming.

Indonesia is already working with South Korea to jointly make jet fighters and 1,400-ton submarines. It hopes to produce C-705 anti-ship missiles with a range of 140km with Chinese help, and officials want to do more.

A more robust defense industry, Indonesian Armed Forces commander Agus Suhartono told a defence conference on Friday, will not only enhance the country's security and stability, but also improve public welfare. "It will create new job opportunities," he said.

The country's major local armaments makers – arms and vehicle manufacturer Pindad, aircraft manufacturer Dirgantara and shipbuilder PAL Indonesia – also produce equipment for civilian use, but Adm. Suhartono said raising their export capability will help boost national income.

"Competition in the international defense market is fierce, and it is generally difficult to navigate for newcomers," he added, calling for greater cooperation between defense industries in the region.

Local manufacturers have had some successes. Earlier this month, Dirgantara delivered the fourth CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft to the Korean Coast Guard.

Indonesia has also been conscious of the need to allay concerns over its buildup, even though this year's defence budget of $7 billion – a 28 per cent increase from last year – is under 1 per cent of gross domestic product and pales in comparison to China's US$106 billion.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a former army general, said on Wednesday: "These growing defence expenditures should be seen in the context of normal process of military modernisation, and do not constitute an arms race."

China has been particularly supportive of Indonesia's efforts to revitalise its defence industry, but defence industry policy committee spokesman Silmy Karim said countries like South Korea and Turkey were keen to do more with Indonesia in this field.

Last December, Indonesia and South Korea signed a $1 billion deal for three submarines. Indonesians will be involved in building the first two in Busan, so as to be ready to build the third in Surabaya.

On a visit to Beijing last month, Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro sought assistance for monitoring equipment needed to navigate the archipelago's sea lanes, and visited defense, including missile production facilities.

Chinese ambassador to Indonesia Liu Jianchao has told reporters he understood that adequate military might was necessary to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of Indonesia, and would also make the region more stable.

Parahyangan Catholic University international relations lecturer Mira Permatasari said: "Vested interests in developed countries seem reluctant to share know-how, but countries in the region appear to be more supportive."

Defense ties, however, continue to be strong all-round. Last November, the United States said it would supply Indonesia with 24 refurbished F-16 fighters. Australia will also grant Indonesia four C-130 Hercules aircraft for disaster relief needs.

But the defense build-up has not been without controversy at home. Several MPs have been critical of recent and planned arms purchases, although observers say this is because these do not involve brokers who mark up prices and split the gains.

These include the purchase of six Sukhoi jet fighters from Russia last year, and the planned purchase of 100 second-hand Leopard main battle tanks from the Netherlands, and if Dutch lawmakers object, from Germany.

Others have said the army could have tapped on Pindad, which produces a range of material from assault rifles to armored personnel carriers (APCs). But officials say getting such equipment off the shelf will shorten the learning curve and enable Pindad to do more in the long run.

Just this month, the Defence Ministry and army signed 1.3 trillion rupiah (S$178 million) worth of contracts with local makers, including for 31 Anoa APCs. Purnomo said: "We want to produce as many weapons systems locally as is possible."

The Indonesian military's orders last year included:

Three submarines and 16 KAI T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainers from South Korea
Six Sukhoi fighter jets
Nine NC-295 medium transport planes from Spain
Eight Embraer Super Tucano counter-insurgency aircraft from Brazil

On its shopping list this year are:

Army

Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks from the Netherlands and/or Germany
Multiple launch rocket systems 155mm Howitzers
Assault and transport helicopters
Armored personnel carriers

Navy

Fast patrol boats
Guided-missile destroyer
Hydro-oceanography vessel
Various auxiliary vessels, including fuel and landing ship tank
Anti-submarine warfare helicopter

Air force

Anti-aircraft missiles
EC-725 Cougar helicopter
24 units of F-16 (to be retrofitted)
Four units of C-130H heavy transport aircraft, a gift from Australia (to be retrofitted)

Rights watchdogs allege markup in Sukhoi jet deal

Jakarta Post - March 20, 2012

Ina Parlina, Jakarta – A coalition of human rights groups has filed a report with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), alleging that there had been a markup in the government purchase of Sukhoi jet fighters from Russia.

"We suspect there was an illegal fee paid to the Defense Ministry," Imparsial executive director Poengky Indarti told reporters at KPK headquarters on Tuesday. The coalition found several indications of a markup, she said. "Those include documents that we have submitted to the KPK," she added.

On Dec. 29, 2011, the Defense Ministry signed a contract to purchase six jet fighters from JSC Rosoboronexport, a Russian state-owned company appointed as the sole distributor of Russian-made weapon systems. According to the US$470 million contract, the first two planes ordered would be delivered in 2012, while three others would be delivered in 2013 and the remaining plane in 2014.

The coalition consists of Imparsial, the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (Elsam), the Institute for Defense and Peace Studies (IDSPS), Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG).

Representatives of the coalition met three KPK leaders, namely Bambang Widjojanto, Busyro Muqoddas and Adnan Pandu Praja. The coalition claims that the alleged markup resulted in about $78 million in state losses.

Adnan Topan Husodo from the ICW said that Rosoboronexport offered the same model of Sukhoi for between $60 million and $70 million in August 2011. "The six fighters cost only around $420 million," he said.

The activists also claimed that they had an official document stating that PT Trimarga Rekatama brokered the deal. "It is dubious as Rosoboronexport has a representative here in Jakarta," he said.

Previously, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro denied that the government had used a broker. The Russian Embassy in Jakarta has also stated that the purchase of the jets did not involve a price markup, or a third party.

Police & law enforcement

Child abduction syndicates in Indonesia thrive on weak policing

Jakarta Globe - March 24, 2012

Agus Triyono – A recent surge in reports of children being abducted directly reflects the police's lack of seriousness in dealing with the issue, a leading child protection advocate contends.

Arist Merdeka Sirait, the chairman of the National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas Anak), said on Thursday that the police's approach to child kidnappings was "weak" and focused only on punishing individuals rather than rooting out entire syndicates.

"We're now seeing an increase in these cases because the way the police are handling them is very weak," he said.

"So far, the police have been treating each case as an isolated crime, when instead they should be looking at the bigger picture and the syndicates involved. Most child abductions involve a syndicate, and it's these that the police should be waging war on."

Arist was responding to a recent string of abductions and sexual violence against children across the country.

In the past three months, eight young girls were kidnapped from their homes in Bantaeng and Jeneponto districts in South Sulawesi, while earlier this month police rescued a one-year-old girl who had been kidnapped from her home in Yogyakarta so she could be sold to a couple in Jakarta.

In the South Sulawesi cases, the children were all found alive but had been sexually assaulted. Police have not yet named any suspects.

In the Yogyakarta case, however, a sex worker was arrested for kidnapping the one-year-old. A West Jakarta man was arrested for trying to buy the youngster.

Arist said the hallmarks of child-abduction syndicates could be seen in most cases of babies or infants going missing.

"The targets are always children from poor families who need money for treatment at a hospital, maternity clinic or community health center," he said. "The syndicates typically have people scoping out those places, and it's also possible that some of the hospital or clinic staff are involved.

"These people pretend to help the parents by offering to assist with their paperwork, but what they're really doing is registering the child for a birth certificate under the name of a family that has already paid for the child."

Komnas Anak received 120 reports of child abductions last year, up from 111 in 2010, Arist said. "These were only the cases that were reported to us and they're not nationwide data," he said. "So far this year, we've received four reports of abductions, including one of a pair of twins that occurred just a few days ago."

The flurry of reported abductions mirrors recalls a period in 2010 when a rash of kidnappings prompted communities in the Greater Jakarta area to carry out vigilante attacks.

Three men were killed and eight attacked by mobs in separate incidents in Bogor and Tangerang last August by mobs who feared they were planning to kidnap local children.

At the time, Arist agreed that the attacks may have been prompted by paranoia over the unsolved abductions.

Economy & investment

Indonesian 'resource nationalism' upsets foreign investors

Agence France Presse - March 21, 2012

Foreign investors are bemoaning a new law in Indonesia that strips them of control over mining assets, the latest in a rash of regulations that reflect what they see as growing "resource nationalism."

The law announced this month obliges foreigners to divest at least 51 percent of their shares to Indonesians over a 10-year period.

"We would like the benefits of our country's resources to reach more Indonesians," Energy and Minerals Ministry resources director Thamrin Shiite said. "Locals living around mines always say they want a share of what the companies are earning."

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, has some of the world's biggest untapped mineral reserves, including tin, nickel, copper and gold.

Talks of benefit-sharing intensified last year in parliament during a three-month strike at a giant gold and copper mine owned by US company Freeport-McMoRan, which ended with a 37 percent pay hike for workers.

Political and economic stability over the past decade have empowered Indonesians to demand a greater share of the country's wealth – and stability has also attracted investors.

Foreigners poured a record $20 billion of investment into Indonesia last year, according to government data, as the economy grew by 6.5 percent. Of that money, $3.6 billion went into mining.

But investors now complain the government is sending mixed messages, passing a mining law in 2009 to improve the investment climate, then shifting to a more protectionist stance.

"Under the 2009 mining law, foreigners could for the first time fully own mining licences," Deloitte mining consultant Julian Hill said. "It seemed to be a new dawn in Indonesian mining, so foreigners rushed in. It was a false dawn as it turned out."

Since the 2009 law was passed, no new licences have in fact been passed. "The new law requires a tender process, but the terms for the tender process have never been decided, so no licences have been issued. Talk about uncertainty," Hill said.

Perth-based mining veteran David Quinlivan is all too aware of that uncertainty. His London-listed company Churchill had its exploration permits revoked.

In partnership with a local company, Churchill had obtained permits on 35,000 hectares of land on Indonesian Borneo, expecting to find 100 million tonnes of coking coal. Instead, it found a staggering 2.8 billion tonnes, one of the world's largest reserves, which it says could bring in up to $1 billion a year for the next 25 years.

After Churchill publicised the finding, its permits were revoked by the East Kutai district head and were returned to the former concession holder, the Nusantara Group, which declined to comment.

Nusantara is owned by one of Indonesia's wealthiest men, Prabowo Subianto, the former head of the notorious Kopassus special forces unit, and a presidential aspirant. He stands accused of orchestrating atrocities, including rape, murder and torture, in East Timor during Indonesia's brutal 24-year occupation.

Churchill – whose share price plunged 10-fold, from above 130 pence ($2) in 2010 to around 13 pence today – is now banking on the Supreme Court to overturn the revocation, or to achieve a commercial settlement with Nusantara.

"It's disappointing where we are. Indonesia's a great place for natural resources," Quinlivan said. "But we never expected the government to reissue licences, that never entered our heads. If land title isn't fixed, that's a real problem for Indonesia. Investors need security."

The case highlights the difficulty of working in Indonesia's decentralised context, with the power to issue permits devolved to 399 district governments, who now do the job that one central body had done for more than 30 years.

But Indonesia is not alone in seeking to prise back some of the booming revenues flowing to miners in recent years, as global commodity demand has surged on the back of growth in China and the rest of Asia.

Australia, Ghana and South Africa have all either introduced or deliberated higher taxes or levies on miners to ensure the wealth is more evenly distributed. Accounting firm Ernst & Young in a report last year cited resource nationalism as the biggest global risk in mining and metals, ahead of infrastructure access and problems obtaining permits.

Indonesia plans to ban the export of raw minerals by 2014 to stop foreigners gutting the land and to encourage local processing industries. But the Indonesian Mining Association warns that the country will be no better off if foreign investors are turned away.

"We're not ready for these policies," the association's executive director Syahrir Abu Bakar said. "It takes six or seven years just to build a smelter, so if the government doesn't come up with better infrastructure fast, Indonesians will lose jobs," he said.

Indonesian exchange struggles with stock price manipulation

Jakarta Globe - March 18, 2012

Tito Summa Siahaan & Francezka Nangoy – Shares of Mustika Ratu, a cosmetic and herbal medicine maker, were heavily traded in February, which was unusual for the company given there was no news to support the price movement.

The stock rose 25 percent in the two days to Feb. 15 to Rp 680, its highest level in 14 months. On the second day's trade, 177 million shares changed hands, an almost 50-fold increase on the 12-month daily average turnover, according to Bloomberg data.

Two days later, Mustika Ratu dropped 13 percent, becoming the latest company caught in alleged price manipulation, or stock kiting, according to brokers.

Known in Indonesia as goreng saham (frying up shares), kiting involves investors manipulating the stock price of a publicly traded company to their advantage. Such action is illegal under Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) rules, but cases that come to public view are rare and often difficult to prosecute.

As the market struggles to reach the record high of almost eight months ago, small investors are looking to take advantage of gains. Large fluctuations in the market highlight the vulnerability of shares in companies with small market capitalization and show how blocks of shares held by small individual investors can dictate the stock price without any regards to the fundamentals of the company.

The LQ45 – a basket of 45 of the most valuable companies – accounts for 70 percent of the $380 billion in market value of all stocks on the exchange, but about 400 publicly traded companies make up the remaining 30 percent.

Manipulation schemes are common in Indonesia, said a broker who works in the IDX building and asked not to be named. "It happens almost every day," he said, pointing out that last month, shares of Mustika Ratu "were being 'goreng-ed.'"

Executives at Mustika Ratu, which listed in 1995 and has a market value of Rp 243 billion ($26 million), did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

In order for the scheme to succeed, an investor needs to hold more than half of the companies' shares being traded in the market, the anonymous broker said, and "that's why companies with small stock circulation are very prone to the scheme."

The investor, usually a big player in the market, spreads the stock ownership across different brokerages to avoid suspicion, and those investments are then split by a broker into several different lots, the broker said.

"They use one broker to buy and another to sell, then perform the split methods to make the trading look active. This is the common method from people looking for a quick profit from the scheme," he said.

The scheme typically targets unsuspecting individuals or inexperienced brokers. "Seasoned traders are rarely being caught up in the scheme, as it can be easily identified from the transaction information," another broker said.

Other methods of the scheme involve companies wanting to make their stocks look active on the trading floor.

"The thing with goreng saham is that there are no rules or guidance whatsoever as to what affects their decision other than capital gain," said Betrand Raynaldi, head researcher at eTrading Securities in Jakarta.

"The brain might be the individual, but sometimes it acts on the interest of an organization, with an organization's money. Sometimes it's related closely to the listed company itself. There is no pattern in goreng saham investing."

The World Bank, in its report on corporate governance in Indonesia in 2010, said that as in many countries, detecting and enforcing violations of illegal insider trading rules has proven to be a significant challenge.

It cited three cases in which the Capital Market and Financial Institution Supervisory Agency (Bapepam-LK) had charged company insiders or market intermediaries with insider trading or market manipulation.

The report stated that market participants agree the agency is making an effort to bring cases but also feel that insider trading and market manipulation continue.

Prosecution of such cases is rare. One broker said that in his decade of experience he knew of one colleague who had been caught for illegal trading and punished with a suspension.

"I've seen people being interrogated for suspicion, but no punishment, as they usually come up with solid argument like insider information on the stock's future performance," the broker said.

In some cases, all that regulators can do is temporarily suspend a stock from being traded and issue a public notice inquiring about the unusual price movement to company officials.

Myoh Technology had its shares suspended from trading for thee weeks from Dec. 21 after the stock more than tripled in a month following a share sale as it was switching its main business to coal mining from information technology.

Small investors such as Riza Nasution, an employee at a state-owned bank, piggyback on such unusual price movements to gain an advantage.

Some stocks that he tends to trade because of large gains and losses are Bakrie Group-affiliated stocks including Bumi Resources and Energi Mega Persada.

"Bakrie stocks are interesting because a lot of people trade their stocks and so they are liquid. You can buy in and sell out anytime," said Riza, who first started trading in 2007.

"I don't have time to go through detailed analysis on stocks to have enough information for long-term investment."

As for goreng saham, he says he has stayed clear of becoming involved. "Well, I know about those groups, but I don't join and I don't think I'd like to."

Officials at the exchange did not respond to inquiries seeking comment.

Analysis & opinion

Jakarta Journo: More task forces than pornographers

Jakarta Globe - March 19, 2012

Armando Siahaan – From the corruption saga implicating Democratic Party politicos to the plan to cut fuel subsidies, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is facing a public relations crisis. To form a porn-hunting unit right now, can only add salt to his wounds.

This is not about taking a stance on pornography. Some believe that the enjoyment from watching sexual acts should be a matter within private sphere, and thus the Leviathan known as the government should have no say in the permissibility of such activity. Others believe that pornography corrupts the mind and the soul, and thus the activity should be banished.

Both views are fine. It really depends on where one stands on this. It just so happens that official Indonesia – which boasts a lot about its role as Asia's bastion of democracy – has decided that it has zero tolerance for porn.

The problem this week is really about the creation of a task force dedicated to eradicating porn, and how it affects public perceptions of the SBY-led government.

First, the timing of the task force launch could not be worse. Pornography is an issue that mostly involves something of a personal nature. It is a matter of individual choice, an activity that usually takes place in one's bedroom.

And while there are surely many Indonesians who love to watch X-rated films, there cannot be very many people actually producing porn here.

And this task force comes along at a time when the government is facing plenty of larger issues.

For one, the nation is witnessing SBY's cadres as they become ensnared in one of Indonesia's biggest corruption sagas. If anything, he should probably create a task force to probe Democratic Party politicians and their illicit activities. How about starting with his party's chairman, Anas Urbaningrum?

Moreover, the country is also on the brink of a possible wave of serious unrest over the government's plan to cut fuel subsidies. Just watch the news on TV. Every day there are more stories about tire-burning students involved in physical altercations with the authorities.

Dangerous drugs, an issue that actually kills people, is another problem hurting the nation. And to make matters worse, there are the recent cases of police officials caught consuming illegal substances.

The list goes on but the main point is this: There are many actually important things that the government should look after; instead, they chose to pinpoint pornography.

One possible explanation is that the government simply has no idea how to set priorities. Another possible explanation is that this task force was created as a diversion from all the troubles faced by the government.

And the task force does nothing but leave the additional impression that the government is scared of dealing with real issues and so opts to hide away and pick another fight.

Also, the idea of a task force like this is a wasteful trend. The nation already has lawmakers to create laws on pornography, the police to legally enforce any violations they might spot and information technology minister Tifatul Sembiring to try and sweep porn from the Internet and Blackberrys.

The people are already paying these officials to take care of the issue, so why on earth should the government create an additional unit? It sounds like a ineffective waste of money.

Remember how the government created a tax mafia eradication task force awhile back to deal with Gayus Tambunan? Not long after the case was done, Indonesia witnessed the second chapter of Gayus with Dhana Widyatmika. So what's the point?

Porn should not be that big of a deal. Having a government that is addicted to creating unnecessary task forces, now that's a big deal.The people are already paying these officials to take care of the issue.

Hungry? Grab a task force!

Jakarta Globe - March 19, 2012

Pangeran Siahaan – As you line up at the cashier at the supermarket, take a look at the shelf on your side, which is likely to contain an array of candies and chocolate bars.

You may find a chocolate bar with a catchy suggestion to grab something sweet when you are hungry written on its wrapping. I know things in advertising don't have to make sense, but telling people to have a candy bar when their body is urging them to eat actual food is nonsense. A candy bar is not the healthiest option, and it will not necessarily satisfy your hunger.

Earlier this month we heard the ever-charming House speaker Marzuki Alie making a statement about the prohibition on miniskirts and last week, out of nowhere, the people of Indonesia are being presented with the latest edition of the satgas (task force) saga that focuses on eradicating pornography. The government may have good intentions, but I'm confused with the "Indonistan" dream of making this country the most pious state in the world.

Like suggesting a hungry man eat candy bars, I'm not sure whether creating another satgas is what Indonesians truly need at the moment. Corruption is still the biggest problem in this country with members of the ruling Democratic Party being in the spotlight for their alleged unlawful actions. Most people are also unsettled by the government's plan cut the subsidy on gasoline, which will be followed by price rises in other sectors. But the president thought, "Hey, let's sweep the porno things away first. We can talk about corruption and gas later."

Priorities aside, I can hardly see the urgency of establishing another ad hoc institution to handle pornography. This porn-bashing posse will control the activities of local anti-porno teams and will annually report directly to the president. This satgas doesn't have the mandate to sanction new policy, but it will be able to make recommendations to the president. Basically this newly-established task force is like a bunch of whispering advisors.

On the task force, Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali will serve as executive chairman and Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare Agung Laksono will act as chair. Look at the rest of the squad: Communication and Information Minister Tifatul Sembiring, Women's Empowerment and Children's Protection Minister Linda Gumelar, Justice and Human Rights Minister Amir Syamsudin, Education and Culture Minister Muhammad Nuh, Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi, Industry Minister M.S. Hidayat, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Health Minister Endang Rahayu Ningsih, Social Minister Salim Segaf Al Jufri, State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Andi Malarangeng, National Police Chief Timur Pradopo, Attorney General Basrief Arief, Indonesian Broadcasting Commission director Dadang Rahmat, and Film Censorship Institution director Mukhlis Paeni.

With such an ensemble cast, the satgas actually looks like the Indonesian version of "The Avengers," whose superhero abilities are going to save the damsel in distress from the evil villain, that is, pornography. The question is about effectiveness. All but two of these people are members of the cabinet. Does the president really need to create a new institution? The satgas dream-team is meant to look luxurious like Manchester City, when in fact it doesn't even look like Malaga.

Most of us know about the president's love for singing and music, but what sometimes goes unnoticed is his love of "Satgas This" and "Committee That." Prior to creating the porn-bashing task force, he had also formed the Judicial Mafia Eradication task force, the Indonesian Migrant Workers task force, Avian Influenza task force, Infrastructure Investigation task force, and also the National Economic Committee, to name a few. Establishing a new satgas is to the president what sacking managers is to Roman Abramovich. Both are trigger-happy.

Instead of being presented with actual answers to their problems, people are continuously fed the sugar-coated and caramelized satgas that nobody really wants but the government forces on them. Sugar makes you fat, and so does the satgas. It's like Forrest Gump: you never know what kind of satgas you are going to get. The only thing you can do is run away from the issues.