Andrian Salam Wiyono – Actions opposing the recent fuel (BBM) price increase continue. On the afternoon of Thursday November 20 a group of students from the Indonesian Islamic Students Movement (PMII) Islamic State University Commissariat in the West Java provincial capital of Bandung held a 'street sleep'.

The action was held directly in front of the Pertamina (state fuel company) Region III Gedebage fuel terminal on the Jl. Soekarno Hatta bypass. As a result, the slow lane was closed for around 30 minutes.

The 100 or so protesters held a sleep in under the scorching sun. They also brought posters opposing the fuel price hike that was set by the government on Monday evening (November 17) and announced by President Joko Widodo along with cabinet officials.

After sleeping on the road for around 15 minutes they then moved to the front gate of the Gedebage fuel terminal where they held a theatrical action. A burial shroud and bier were used to symbolise the death of a government that ignores the screams of the ordinary people.

According to action coordinator Ibnu Mahbub, the fuel price hike is not a solution to the suffering of the ordinary people but a form of state violence against the people. Article 33 Paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution states that the land and water along with the natural wealth contained within it are controlled by the state and used as much as possible for the prosperity of the people.

"The government has made a mistake in issuing the policy to increase fuel prices", he said during a break in the action. This is because if crude oil could be refined by Indonesia then the price of fuel would not go up.

In their demands the student called for the oil and gas mafia to be wiped out and the immediate nationalisation of oil and gas assets. "Stop liberalizing the oil and gas [industry] and finally reject the fuel price increase which clearly impacts on increases to the price of basic goods and creates new poverty", he explained.

The protesters, who had been gathering since 10am, disbursed at around 11.40am. The action was closely guarded by scores of police and the obstructed bypass has now been reopened.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/demo-bbm-mahasiswa-di-bandung-lakukan-aksi-tidur-di-jalan.html

Student protest against fuel price hikes in Yogya ends in clash with police

Merdeka.com - November 19, 2014

Kresna – A protest action by students against the recent fuel (BBM) price hike at the intersection in front of the Sunan Kalijaga Islamic State University (UIN) campus in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta on Wednesday November 19 has again ended in a clash.

A clash between students and police was unavoidable after students held a long-march in an easterly direction along Jl. Adi Sucipto heading for the nearest petrol station.

The student's were intercepted by police and a clash ensued between the two groups with students pelting the police with stones and police responding by firing teargas.

According to Merdeka's observations, the clash occurred at around 3pm. After being beaten back by police, the students were then involved in a clash with local residents who were annoyed with their anarchic behaviour. Residents then pelted the students with stones.

According to Suratno, a resident living in the vicinity of the incident, they were angry because the students behaved in an anarchic manner and caused traffic congestion. "There were stones being thrown and it was anarchic, the road also became congested", he said.

Soon after the situation calmed down, another stone throwing incident occurred. Based on information gathered, one of the students was rushed to hospital suffering head injuries. Police also arrested three students for allegedly being the provocateurs of the riot.

Meanwhile Yogyakarta regional police public relations chief Assistant Superintendent Anny Pujiastuti said that police would act firmly against such anarchy. They gave the students until 6pm to disband. "If by 6pm they are still protesting we will forcibly break up [the demonstration]", he said. [mtf]

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/demo-mahasiswa-tolak-kenaikan-harga-bbm-di-yogya-kembali-ricuh.html

Fuel price protest in Surabaya ends in clash, five arrested

Merdeka.com - November 19, 2014

Moch. Andriansyah – A street protest opposing the recent fuel (BBM) price hike by scores of students from the Islamic Students Association (HMI) at the East Java governor's office in the provincial capital of Surabaya on Wednesday November 19 ended in a clash.

As a result, police took firm action against several demonstrators who were arrested by a joint unit of officers from the Surabaya metropolitan district police (Polrestabes) and the East Java regional police (Polda).

Before the clash between demonstrators and police broke out, the demonstrators were giving speeches and setting fire to used tyres in front of the governor's office, which was surrounded by barbed wire and closely guarded by police.

Police allowed the activists to protest up until the flames from the burning tyres were almost out. A clash however was unavoidable when the students began to try to tear down the barbed wire fence around the governor's office.

The protesters however, who were voicing their opposition to the fuel price hike announced by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the State Place on evening of November 17 and came into effect at midnight on November 18, refused to heed warnings by police to stop damaging official equipment.

The demonstrators, who remained determined to meet with East Java governor Soekarwo, continued to damage the barbed wire. Not surprisingly, in the end the police forcibly disbursed the demonstrators.

Not only was the demonstration forcibly disbursed, but the fully armed joint unit of police also beat the demonstrators who had earlier held an action at the East Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).

The demonstrators scattered in disarray and several were arrested. According to information, five people were detained and taken to the Surabaya metropolitan district police office, although they were later released.

According to action coordinator Adi meanwhile, the fuel price hike is inappropriate because its impact would flow on to the little people.

"The government should increase taxes on cars and motorcycles, not increase fuel prices. The argument that the APBN [state budget] has collapsed really doesn't make sense", said the HMI member from the Airlangga University in Surabaya in a speech. [mtf]

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/aksi-tolak-kenaikan-bbm-di-surabaya-ricuh-5-pendemo-diamankan.html

Students protest fuel price hike at State Palace

Tribunnews.com - November 19, 2014

Jakarta – Students from several different organisations are continuing hold protest actions against the recent fuel (BBM) price hike. Demonstrators from the Islamic Students Association (HMI) for example held an action in front of the State Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara in Central Jakarta on Wednesday November 19.

Scores of protesters sat in the middle of the road giving speeches rejecting the fuel price hike. A short time later the demonstrators moved to the side of the road to give speeches.

"Reject the fuel price hike", said one of the speakers. "Reject it", answered the demonstrators.

In addition to the HMI students, protests against the fuel price hike were also voiced by students from the Jakarta State Polytechnic, who opposed the price increase announced by President Joko Widodo because of its impact on the price of basic commodities. The students called on the government to cancel the price hike.

Based on Tribune's observations, the action resulted in traffic congestion on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara. Despite this, Central Jakarta Metropolitan police chief Senior Commissioner Hendro Pandowo said that traffic had not yet been rerouted as a result of the protest action in front of the State Place.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://www.tribunnews.com/metropolitan/2014/11/19/demo-tolak-kenaikan-harga-bbm-lalu-lintas-depan-istana-macet

Students in Medan push motorcycles to fuel price protest action

Merdeka.com - November 19, 2014

Yan Muhardiansyah – A number of different student groups in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan continue to hold protest actions against the government's recent increase in the price of fuel (BBM).

On the afternoon of Wednesday November 19, a demonstration was held by the Islamic Students Association (HMI).

Scores of HMI demonstrators from the Medan chapter held an action in front of the North Sumatra Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) office voicing their opposition to the fuel price hike.

"The government's policy in increasing fuel prices has already hurt the people's feelings", said action spokesperson HMI Medan chairperson Mirza Zam Zami.

During the action, the protesters set fire to tyres and violently shook the fence surrounding the building until in the end council members came out to meet with and listen to their demands.

The demonstrators also showed their opposition by an action in which they pushed their motorcycles to the demonstration in front of the DPRD building. They also pushed instead of riding their motorcycles as they moved away from the DPRD.

"We are holding this action so that the government knows that we oppose the fuel price hike", explained Zami. [mtf]

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/protes-bbm-naik-mahasiswa-di-medan-aksi-dorong-sepeda-motor.html

Protests, strikes promised as backlash to fuel price hike begins

Jakarta Globe - November 18, 2014

Jakarta – A national transportation organization and two prominent student associations have promised disruptive strikes in response to the government's decision to hike the price of subsidized fuel.

The Land Public Transportation Organization (Organda), which represents private operators of public buses and mini buses, and two Islamic student associations have condemned the increase, announced by President Joko Widodo late on Monday, saying it is unjustified and unfair.

In a televised address, the president said that prices at the pump would go up by an average of 33.6 percent across Indonesia effective from today, a move the government hopes will free up money for spending on infrastructure, education and health.

But on Tuesday, Organda chairwoman Eka Sari Lorena said the move would be "very harmful" to public transportation operators. "We reject the price hike for public transportation because it will also burden the people," Eka said. "If we suffer from profit losses, who will be responsible? The government?"

Members of Organda will strike across Indonesia – "from Sabang to Merauke" – on Wednesday in protest at the decision, Eka said.

She argued public transport should be exempted from the price hike, which will now see Indonesians pay Rp 8,500 (70 US cents) per liter for subsidized gasoline and Rp 7,500 per liter for subsidized diesel. Previously, the fuels sold for Rp 6,500 and Rp 5,500 per liter, respectively.

Shafruhan Sinungan, the head of the Jakarta chapter of Organda, demanded that the city administration allow public transport operators to raise their fares by up to 35 percent if they did not receive an exemption from the higher fuel price.

"Possibly on Thursday we will send a letter to the government about the fare adjustment," Shafruhan said on Tuesday as quoted by Tempo.co.

He added Organda would propose an increase of between 30 percent and 35 percent for fares for public vehicles such as mini buses, mid-sized buses such as Kopaja and Metromini, full-sized buses, and taxis.

The Jakarta administration said separately that it had carried out its own calculations in the event that public transport fares had to be raised, but stressed that there was no decision yet on whether to raise them at all.

Criticism of the government's decision to hike the subsidized fuel price was also meted out by student groups.

The Islamic Students Association (HMI) took to the streets of Central Jakarta just hours after Joko's announcement, burning tires in the middle of Jalan Cikini and blocking nearby roads. The leader of the association's Greater Jakarta chapter, Zulkarnaen Bagariang, promised more demonstrations on Wednesday.

The Association for Moslem Students Action (Kammi) said it would stage a protest at the State Palace and the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry on Tuesday afternoon.

Kammi spokesman Eko Wardaya said on Tuesday that the government's reasoning for the increase was "made up" and "ironic," given that the global oil price had dipped to four-year lows. "They always say that the subsidy benefits undeserving people; but the price hike will affect everyone, mostly the poor," Eko said.

Indonesia's fuel subsidy is a massive burden on the state budget, accounting for about 13 percent of state spending and fueling the country's current-account deficit.

Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro has said that by raising the prices of subsidized fuel and slashing fuel subsidy spending, the government would have more than Rp 100 trillion in additional funds that could be spent on infrastructure, welfare, and the development of the nation's maritime sector. The minister said the fuel price increase would save Rp 120 trillion in the 2015 budget.

The decision was supported by the student council of the University of Indonesia's School of Economics. "By cutting the subsidy, we can save the state budget and the balance of payments," said council spokesman Hazna Nurul Faiza. "However, the subsidy cut has to be followed with the disbursement of cash handouts to the poor so they can maintain their buying power."

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/protests-strikes-promised-backlash-fuel-price-hike-begins/

As fuel prices increase, Organda plans nationwide strike

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Jakarta – The Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) is to conduct a national strike on Wednesday to protest against the government's decision to increase fuel prices.

"The strike is to show our concern about the increasing price of subsidized fuel. The strike will take place from Sabang [Aceh] to Merauke [Papua]," said Organda chairwoman Eka Sari Lorena Surbakti in Semarang on Tuesday as quoted by Antara news agency on the sidelines of the organization's meeting to discuss the issue.

"We've proposed incentives for public transport to the government through seven ministries to help save the public transport sector. Low-income families are depending on this sector," she said. The ministries included the Industry Ministry, Trade Ministry and the Transportation Ministry.

She claimed that public transport only comprised a small part of the total number of subsidized fuel users, which only accounted for 7 percent, leaving the biggest share to private vehicles.

The government decided to slash fuel subsidies on Monday evening to reallocate ever-increasing funds spent on subsidies to finance the government's development programs.

"The government needs to develop infrastructure, education and health, but the funds have been unavailable because they have been wasted on fuel subsidies," President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on Monday.

The fuel subsidies had been forecast to amount to Rp 276 trillion (US$22.63 billion) next year, or around 15 percent of total state spending.

The price of subsidized Premium gasoline has increased from Rp 6,500 (53 US cents) per liter to Rp 8,500, while the price of diesel was raised from Rp 5,500 to Rp 7,500 per liter. Kerosene remains at Rp 2,500 per liter. (ask/nfo)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/as-fuel-prices-increase-organda-plans-nationwide-strike.html

Protesters blockade fuel depot in Malang, paralyze fuel distribution

Liputan 6 - November 18, 2014

Actions opposing the recent fuel price hike continue. In the East Java city of Malang, hundreds of activists from the Indonesian Islamic Students Movement (PMII) arrived at the Pertamina (state fuel company) fuel terminal on Jl. Halmahera number 13 on Tuesday November 18.

The protesters blockaded the main gate used by fuel tankers to enter and leave the terminal resulting in students and police officers pushing and shoving each other.

Students who tried to enter the terminal were blocked by police that were already on guard. A scuffle ensured but fortunately it did not end in a clash.

The protest action resulted in activates at the terminal being paralyzed temporarily with the distribution of fuel to petrol stations halted because the main gate was blockaded by demonstrators.

Akhmad, one of the Pertamina officials, said that the distribution of fuel to petrol stations had been stopped. "It's been halted temporarily because the main gate has been closed by a student protest action", he explained.

"The policy to increase prices is a policy that harms the ordinary people. Turning the people into a political sacrificial offering", shouted action coordinator Habiburrahman.

According to Habiburrahman, the government of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who haven't even been in office for 100 days, have already brought suffering to the ordinary people. An alternative solution would be for the government to increase taxes on luxury cars instead.

As of going to print, the demonstrators were still giving speeches in front of the fuel terminal. Police officer continue to maintain tight security in front of the terminal. Traffic conditions on Jl. Halmahera remain unaffected. (Tnt/Mut)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski for the Indoleft news service.]

Source: https://id.berita.yahoo.com/demo-tolak-harga-bbm-naik-053524798.html

Students in Jember stage mass rally to protest fuel-price hike plan

Jakarta Post - November 17, 2014

Jember – Hundreds of university students staged a mass rally against the government's plan to raise subsidized fuel prices in front of the Jember Legislative Council (DPRD) building in Jember, East Java, on Monday.

Students burned effigies of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla in protest.

"This is an expression of our disappointment with the government. Jokowi hasn't done much yet and now he will increase the price of fuel," rally coordinator Leksono Kunto Wibisono said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com. The students urged Jokowi to carry out oil- and gas-sector contract renegotiations along with what has been mandated by the 1945 Constitution.

"The government must improve oil- and gas-sector management; and the most important thing is, please stop pursuing image-projection initiatives and lying about the transfer of the fuel subsidy to other sectors," said Kunto.

The peaceful demonstration comprised of students united under the Alliance of Jember Students, turned chaotic when protesters attempted to enter the DPRD Jember building. Police cordons struggled to hold back the crowds of protesters, causing a clash which left the entrance gate damaged.

Kunto said the government's decision to increase the subsidized fuel price would burden citizens as it would trigger increases in staple-food prices.

"With the increase in the subsidized-fuel price, there will be more poor people. That's why we refuse the government's fuel-price hike plan," he said.

In his presidential campaign, Jokowi vowed to reform the country's burdensome and poorly targeted fuel subsidies, estimated to hit Rp 276 trillion (US$22.5 billion) next year, eating up some 15 percent of total state spending.

The huge fuel subsidies created a gaping fiscal deficit at a time when the country needed to boost government spending in order to increase economic growth and people's welfare. (dyl/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/17/students-jember-stage-mass-rally-protest-fuel-price-hike-plan.html

West Papua

11 activists arrested, 1 shot after police break up protest in West Papua

Bintang Papua - November 21, 2014

Jayapura – On Wednesday November 19 West Papua National Committee (KNPB) member Ansalmus Pigay suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg after security forces broke up a KNPB demonstration calling for the separation of Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) in Moenamani, the capital of Dogiyai sub-district in the Papuan central highlands.

In addition to injuring one person, police also arrested 11 KNPB members. Papua regional police public relations chief Senior Commissioner Pudjo told the Antara news agency in Jayapura on Thursday that based on reports received the incident began with a demonstration by around 300 KNPB members in Moanemani.

Security personnel from the Kamu sectoral police (Polsek) assisted by members of the Kamu sub-district military command (Koramil), the 753 infantry battalion (Yon 753), mobile police (Brimob) and the Air Force's Special Forces (Paskhas TNI-AU) had already tried to pursuade the protesters to disband.

Pudjo said however that appeal was not heeded and after the sound of gunshots were heard security personnel fired warning shots. Pigay was hit by a rubber bullet and is currently being treated at the Enarotali public hospital.

Pudjo said that the 11 KNPB members who were arrested were Elias Anauw, Marthen Mote, Agus Waine, David Pigai, Marthen Pigome, Paul Marthen Edoway, Alpos Edoway, Stepanus Goo, Ferdinan Pekey, Wiliam Pigai and Thomas Waine. In addition to the arrests, police also seized five KNPB flags and other material evidence.

When asked about the identity of the shooter, Pudjo said that they have not yet been able to ascertain who the perpetrator is. "The head of the Professionalism and Security Affairs Division, Senior Commissioner Bambang will lead the investigation in Dogiyai in order to confirm who fired the shots", said Pudjo. (ant/don/l03)

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://bintangpapua.com/index.php/lain-lain/k2-information/halaman-utama/item/18525-demo-knpb-dibubarkan-11-diamankan-1-luka

Papuan students reject transmigration

Tabloid JUBI - November 18, 2014

Jayapura – Hundreds of Papuan students held a protest to reject the transmigration program in Papua. They voiced their opposition to the program to the Papua Leigslative Council on Monday (17/11).

The students led by Pontius Mogodaman handed out leaftets that read: "Transmigration is a Human Right Violation" and "Papuans Reject Transmigration".

The protesters were students from some universities in Jayapura City, including Cenderawih University (UNCEN) and Umel Mandiri School of Law (STIH).

The STIH Umel Mandiri representative, Yohanes Magai said transmigration would marginalize the indigenous Papua. He said the Papuan students asked the Papua's Parliament to talk about the problem of population in the inaugural plenary session.

"There must be a Special Regional Law (Perdasus) to control the outsiders come to Papua. Those who transfer to Papua are smart. They are not stupid. We ask the Papua's Parliament to reject this program. If it happened, the Papuans would be marginalized. We are the owner of this land," said Magai.

The Uncen representative Arius Yahuli similarly said the students didn't ask for Otsus Plus, they only reject the transmigration program in Papua. They also asked the government and Papua's Parliament to stop the regions split.

Papua's councilors including Yunus Wonda, Eduard Kaize, Emus Gwijangge, Yanni, Nason Utti and Yokoba Lokbere met the students during the protest. The Acting Deputy Chairman Eduar Kaize promised to the students to follow up their demand. "We will officially publish the process. I was just like you, go to the street for protest," said Kaize.

Meanwhile other councilor Yunus Wonda said the struggle of Papuans is the struggle of parliament. They knew exactly what was happened in Papua. The truth would never been covered.

"We will send a letter to the Central Government to dismiss the transmigration program in Papua. We need a support from the people of Papua because we have been elected to represent the people of Papua," he said.

The students went away peacefully from the parliament's office after submitting their statement. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)

Source: http://tabloidjubi.com/en/?p=3403

Aceh

Jakarta forces Aceh to shelve flag in exchange for concession rights

Jakarta Globe - November 20, 2014

Novianti Setuningsih, Jakarta – Jakarta is set to relinquish some of its authority over the autonomous province of Aceh, a top Jakarta official said, on condition that the local government there back down from adopting a flag, which greatly resembles that of the now-disbanded separatist Free Aceh Movement.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said Aceh's demand to adopt the flag was out of the question.

"There are several powers currently in the hands of the central government, which will soon be given to the province [of Aceh]. In exchange, they will have to change their flag, both the design and color," the minister said.

Tedjo said Jakarta was planning to provide Aceh mining concession rights to iron sand located along the coastlines of several islands in the province. "But we want the flag [changes] to be fulfilled," he said.

The minister refused to elaborate on when the central government is planning to meet officials in Aceh.

The remarks came after Tedjo met with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who in 2005 brokered a peace deal between the central government and the separatist movement, ending decades of bloody conflict in the resource rich province. Jakarta has criticized Aceh's adoption of the red crescent star flag as its provincial symbol ever since it was proposed in March last year.

The central government argued that it violated the 2005 peace agreement, but Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah argued that the agreement does not include the specifics of Aceh's flag.

Officials in Aceh said the red crescent star flag predates the separatist movement, known as GAM, claiming that it was the symbol of the region's ancient kingdom.

But Jakarta insists, saying the symbol is one of those outlawed, a list which also includes South Maluku Republic's Benang Raja flag and the Free Papua Organization's Morning Star flag.

In defiance, thousands of people in Aceh have been raising the red crescent star flag, prompting forceful seizures and tensions between civilians and members of security forces.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/jakarta-forces-aceh-shelve-flag-exchange-concession-rights/

Human rights & justice

Decent burial sought for 1965 victims

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Ainur Rohmah, Semarang – Activists have reported the discovery of a mass grave of victims of the 1965/1966 purge of suspected communists to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), hoping a decent burial can be provided for the victims.

"We have sent a letter to Komnas HAM to discuss whether or not the remains of the victims can be reburied in a decent manner," Yunantyo, coordinator of the Semarang Society Union for Human Rights (PMS-HAM) said on Monday.

The mass grave is located in a residential area in Wonosari subdistrict, Mangkang district, Semarang in Central Java. Based on information gathered by activists, as many as 24 victims are buried in two pits.

Yunantyo said he and two other activists, Rian Adhivira and Unu P. Herlambang, had gone to the grave site several times this year. They interviewed local residents, including a number of witnesses who covered the pits after the victims were executed in 1966.

He added that the report was aimed at seeking advice from Komnas HAM as to whether the bodies of the victims could be reburied in a proper manner. "A decent reburial includes matters like prayers by religious leaders.

Some of them were Muslims as well as others of other faiths. They might not have been prayed for after being executed, or their bodies might not have been treated appropriately," he said.

Yunantyo added that it was difficult to ascertain the victims' religion because their relatives were unaware of their location, but his group would involve leaders of various religions to pray for them.

Apart from Semarang, mass graves of victims of the purge have also been found in other regions, such as Wonosobo, Magelang and Tuntang. The reburial of some victims in the has taken place peacefully, but there have also been protests by residents.

Rian said his group only wanted the reburial of the victims to be carried out legally. "This is not in the framework of politics or ideology, but purely humanity and forgiveness of the nation's suffering in the past," he said.

Meanwhile, Semarang Historical Activists Community (KPS) coordinator Rukardi Achmadi expressed his support for the call for a decent reburial of the victims of the tragedy.

"The victims might not have had knowledge of the 1965 aborted putsch [which preempted the purge]. But because of political outrage and the Indonesian Communist Party [PKI] being blamed for the attempted coup, those who were accused of PKI membership were either murdered, abducted, raped or treated as slaves," said Rukardi.

He added that the situation then was complicated, confused and no one was able to control it. "Now, we should forgive each other. It was part of our history, and history should not be forgotten, but it should serve as a lesson for the current and future generations," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/decent-burial-sought-1965-victims.html

Women's rights

Activists upset over Indonesia's statements

Jakarta Post - November 20, 2014

Rita A.Widiadana, Bangkok – Indonesian women's rights activists have strongly expressed their disappointment over the country's statement during the review of the draft document of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Advancing Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Bangkok on Wednesday.

The document was slated to be endorsed as the official ministerial declaration from countries in the Asia-Pacific region for the Beijing Platform for Action+20 on Thursday.

The activists voiced their deep concern over the fact that, among others, Indonesia rejects Australia's statement on the reviews of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Vienna Declaration of Human Rights (paragraph 4) and instead supports Iran, Pakistan and Russia on matters of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Indonesia also supports India on the replacement of the term "conflict" with "armed conflict", which goes against the Indonesian law on social conflict management. The country also refuses to recognize a woman's right to land, property and inheritance.

"The fact that Indonesia supports the governments of Iran, Pakistan and Russia is a step back from what Indonesia has already achieved in the advancement of gender equality and women's empowerment in the country," said Rita Kolibonso, executive director of Mitra Perempuan Indonesia, the Indonesian Partnership for Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality.

The government, she pointed out, must be transparent and accountable in developing its diplomatic strategy to respond to any efforts in promoting the rights of Indonesian women and in the advancement of women and girls toward gender equality in every field.

Kolibonso, who is a former member of the ASEAN commission on the rights of children and women, said that Indonesia had achieved a great deal in terms of legislation and the implementation of programs for the advancement of women and girls.

Citing examples, she said Indonesia had issued Law No. 23/2002 on child protection and Presidential Instruction No. 9/2000 on gender equality. Indonesia also has Law No. 23/2004 on the elimination of domestic violence, Law No. 21/2007 on human trafficking and Law No. 7/2012 on social conflict. Three ministries – the Finance Ministry, Home Ministry, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry – and the National Planning and Development Board (Bappenas) have issued a ministerial decree stipulating gender mainstreaming in the national budgeting plan.

"With the current statement, Indonesia is considered a left-behind country in the Asia-Pacific region. As one of the largest economies in the region, Indonesia should be ahead and be a role model for the promotion of gender equality and elimination of any forms of violence and discrimination against women and children," said Ruby Kholifah from the Asian Muslim Action Network.

Responding to the feedback from civil society groups, Heru P. Kasidi, chair of the Indonesian delegates and deputy of gender equality, politics and legal section at the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry, said that the delegates would accommodate input from all stakeholders. "There was a series of discussions and meetings with all stakeholders in Indonesia to produce the draft statement," he said.

The regional Beijing+20 review process is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in cooperation with UN Women.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/20/activists-upset-over-ri-s-statements.html

Labour & migrant workers

Scores of workers beaten and arrested after police attack rally in Bekasi

Solidarity Net - November 22, 2014

Bekasi – Once again victims have fallen at a protest action by thousands of workers in Bekasi regency because of repressive actions by police. At least 15 workers were injured and their motorcycles damaged by police on November 21.

The workers who were involved in the action came from several different industrial zones in Bekasi including the East Jakarta Industrial Park (EJIP), Hyundai, Delta, Jababeka, MM2100 and from industrial zones outside of Warung Bongkok Cibitung.

The workers were protesting to demand wage increases. That morning, workers managed to close access to the West Cikarang toll road but only for one hour. The tactical police unit (Sabhara) was able to force workers away from the toll road. It was after this that police took repressive actions against workers at several different protest sites.

One of the injured workers was Ade, an employee of PT Indofood, who was part of a group of workers intending to return home. Officers from the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) however waylaid them not far from PT Tokai in Jababeka and then forced the group to disperse. They were kicked, beaten and their motorcycles damaged.

Another worker, Abdul, was kicked by a police officer until he fell sprawled on the ground, hitting his head on the pavement. Currently he is in a critical condition suffering a fractured skull and serious hemorrhaging.

Police also forcibly disbursed demonstrating workers who had gathered at the intersection in front of PT Daido Metal in the MM2100 industrial zone. The workers were driven back into the factory and forced to return to work. Scores of motorcycles belong to the workers were scattered on the road and became targets for the police's rage. "The police trampled on our motorcycles", said one worker named Malik.

A Blackberry Messenger message also circulated saying that seven workers had been arrested and taken to the Metro Jaya regional police headquarters. They were A Mattalunru Marala, Nugraha Ramdan, Nono Kartono, Didit Purwanto, Yodi Hastanto, Taufik Susanto and Susilo Eko Purwanto. In fact many more were arrested than that.

One of the workers who was arrested was Amin, who is employed at a factory in the Jababeka industrial zone. Although he has now been released, he related how he was kicked and trampled on by police. "We must not let our spirits be broken in demanding our rights, despite suffering such things", he said when visited at this house by comrades.

Demonstrators from the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) were able to hold their ground and held a theatrical action at the EJIP intersection. At 6pm however, all of the protesting workers were forced to retreat by police.

Police riding motorcycles drove around the area and any groups of protesting workers that they encountered were forcibly disbursed. This method succeeded in causing protesters to scatter in disarray and confusion and weakening the workers' forces.

Workers were also unsuccessful in halting production in any significant way although many factory workers called for 'sweeps' to allow them to joint the protests.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. Photographs of gathered by Solidaritas.net of the protest, injured workers and damaged motorcycles can be viewed at the link below.]

Source: http://solidaritas.net/2014/11/buruh-bekasi-dipukuli-ditangkapi-dan-motornya-dirusak-oleh-polisi.html

Minister shuts down TKI shelter

Jakarta Post - November 21, 2014

Nurfika Osman, Jakarta – Manpower Minister Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri revoked the permit of PT El Karim Makmur Sentosa, a private company supplying migrant workers (TKI), on Friday since the company had violated workers' rights.

"After a thorough investigation and verification, we decided to revoke their permit. They have been proven to treat those who wish to become migrant workers inhumanely and their shelter does not meet the required standards," Hanif said in Jakarta on Friday.

"This is part of our work to better protect migrant workers and enforce the law. We want to ensure there is a deterrent for suppliers so that we do not see similar cases in the future."

On Nov. 5, Hanif called in to conduct an unannounced inspection of PT El Karim Makmur Sentosa. When he arrived, all access to the shelter was closed off.

There were no signs or boards that indicated the house was being used as a shelter for migrant workers and when he asked the housekeeper for permission to go inside, he was refused.

The minster grew impatient and climbed over the high fence, standing on a motorcycle seat to gain access, and made his way into the shelter. Inside he found 43 migrant workers crammed into a living room with only one bathroom for them all to use.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/21/minister-shuts-down-tki-shelter.html

Central Java adjusts minimum wage

Jakarta Post - November 21, 2014

Ainur Rohmah and Arya Dipa, Semarang/Bandung – Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo announced on Thursday the 2015 minimum wage (UMK) for 35 regencies and cities across the province to all Manpower and Transmigration Agency heads at his office in Semarang.

Ganjar said the 2015 UMK had been raised 2 percent from the amount earlier proposed by mayors and regents following the increase in subsidized-fuel prices.

Central Java Remuneration Council member Dono Raharjo said he was ready to reassess the 2015 UMK in the 35 regencies and cities in accordance with the 2 percent rise. He said if the UMK was not adjusted to take into account the fuel-price increase, the buying power of workers would drop.

"The remuneration council will assess the additional items in accordance with the fuel price increase," he said.

Ganjar said the highest UMK was effective in Semarang at Rp 1,685,000 (US$139) and the lowest was in West Cilacap and Banyumas regencies at Rp 1,100,000. Separately, around 1,000 people affiliated with the West Java Workers Alliance held a rally at the Gedung Sate gubernatorial office in Bandung on Thursday.

West Java chapter Indonesia Workers Union Confederation leader Roy Jinto said the rally was aimed at ensuring the subsidized fuel price increase had been accommodated in the 2015 UMK, which should be approved by Friday at the latest.

"We demand an additional 7.8 percent for the UMK, in line with the inflation expected to occur from the fuel price hike," Roy said.

West Java Manpower and Transmigration Agency Social Development Division head Marwini said the governor was waiting for the recommendation from the West Java Remuneration Council.

"The remuneration council will hold a tripartite meeting with every stakeholder, including employers and workers, and we will be the mediator. Components of the fuel price increase will be calculated by experts in front of everyone," said Marwini.

As of the afternoon of Nov. 20, Bekasi and Bandung regencies had yet to submit their wage recommendations to the West Java Remuneration Council.

In Surabaya, East Java, workers took to the streets again in protest of East Java Governor Soekarwo's decision to set the 2015 UMK at Rp 2.5 million. The decision was reached after a two-hour meeting between the governor and 15 teams representing the workers at the Grahadi State Building on Wednesday.

"We will continue to hold massive rallies and pack Surabaya city until our demand for Rp 3 million is met," said rally coordinator Usman on Thursday.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Soekarwo officially decided to set the UMK in Surabaya at Rp 2.7 million. Separately, the East Java chapter of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) deputy head, Gunawan, said the workers' UMK demand of Rp 3 million was excessive.

[Indra harsaputra also contributed to this story.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/21/central-java-adjusts-minimum-wage.html

Worker and student rally demands decent wages, slams fuel price hike

Solidarity Net - November 21, 2014

Mochammad Arifin, Cikarang – A day after the government announced an increase in fuel (BBM) prices, on Tuesday November 18 around 200 workers held a long-march from Gate 10 in the Jababeka 2 area of South Cikarang to the Bekasi regent's office.

The workers came from the Solidarity Alliance for Labour Struggle (GSPB) and the Indonesian Workers Federation of Struggle (FPBI). Students from the Student Struggle Center for National Liberation (Pembebasan) also joined the action to express their solidarity with workers.

The 10 kilometre march towards the Bekasi regent's office began at 10am and was enlivened by speeches inviting people to reject the fuel price hike and support a 50 percent increase in the minimum wage. Upon arriving at Delta Mas, the protesters received news that not one Bekasi government official would be able to meet with the workers.

"Bekasi government officials couldn't meet with workers because it coincided with the 12th West Java Porda (Regional Sports Week). This is an example of the government failing to side with workers", said one of the speakers.

The protesters halted in the vicinity of the Delta Mas shopping district located not far from the regent's office. There speeches were given by representatives of the organisations involved in the rally.

"As students who will later go on to become academics, students will also become workers or employees and will also feel the [effect] of this low wage system. Students will also experience the difficulties of meeting the monthly necessities of life because of these low wages. So it is appropriate if students also fully support the demand for wage increases and a decent wage", said Pembebasan leader Moken Taufik.

According to Taufik, education in Indonesia should be free and of good quality so that workers' children can enjoy the best possible education.

GSPB advocate Ata Bu said in a speech that the fuel price hike is evidence that the administration of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla do not side with the poor.

"The current administration does not want the Indonesian people to be prosperous because they have increased fuel prices. Likewise with the Bekasi regional government who have yet to provide an explanation about increases to the Bekasi minimum wage for 2015. Local governments place more importance on activities with little or no meaning for improving the ordinary people's welfare, just like the West Java regional government", said Ata in a speech.

Ata also said that workers must continue to fight for the broadest possible democracy for workers and the ordinary people. There are signs that democracy is being driven back, the impact of which will be to narrow workers' room to make demands. The government and employers use the security forces and thugs to attack worker actions.

"Wage negotiations, which have been moved to the East Cikarang sub-district head's offices where there is a mass organisation base that has a history of thuggery against workers, is a form of intimidation against workers", explained Ata.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://solidaritas.net/2014/11/buruh-dan-mahasiswa-aksi-bareng-tuntut-kenaikan-upah.html

Public transportation on strike, thousands of passengers stranded

Jakarta Post - November 20, 2014

Ainur Rohmah and Suherdjoko, Semarang/Pekalongan – The central government's decision to increase the price of subsidized gasoline on Tuesday led to public transportation workers across the country staging strikes on Wednesday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

In Semarang regency, Central Java, thousands of public transportation crews parked their vehicles in garages, bus terminals and other bus stops across the region; some were even seen forcing other vehicles to stop operating.

To deal with the strike, the regency administration in cooperation with the local police deployed a number of trucks belonging to the military, police and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) to transport stranded passengers.

"Thank God we have military trucks operating to transport us. Only the military, police and government vehicles have the guts to transport passengers," Ahmadi, a passenger, said.

Passengers, including students, who could not be transported by these vehicles used motor taxi services, or had their parents drop them off at their respective workplaces or schools.

Chairman of the Semarang branch of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda), Hadi Mustofa, said the strike was ordered from the organization's central board of executives.

"During the meeting with the transportation agency this morning, we proposed an increase of 30 percent of the transportation fare. Hopefully the people will accept the increase," said Hadi on the sidelines of the strike in Tuntang. He said with a 30 percent increase, the fare would increase by only Rp 1,000 per route from the previous fare.

In Pekalongan, Central Java, hundreds of public transportation workers serving the Pekalongan – Wiradesa – Kajen route staged a mass strike, demanding that the regency administration make a decision on the increase of the city's transportation fare.

"Unless the fare is increased, it's hard for us to continue operation," one of the protesting city transportation drivers, Kuwandi, said.

To help transport passengers, the local Transportation Communication and Informatics Agency deployed a number of buses and trucks.

The same scene was evident in other regions including in Banyumas regency and Surakarta city, Central Java.

In Surakarta the strike started as early as 5:30 a.m. local time. Those on strike included public transportation workers serving short routes such as to Sragen, Sukoharjo, Boyolali, Klaten, Karanganyar and Wonogiri as well as city transportation services on the Kartasura – Adi Soemarmo Airport – Jl Slamet Riyadi – Palur route and the Kartasura – Solo – Balapan Station – Palur route.

Local Organda chairman Joko Suprapto said that no less than 1,600 minibuses joined the strike on Wednesday.

In Padang, West Sumatra, the local Education Agency decided to send students home on Wednesday in anticipation of a mass public transportation strike.

"Schools are allowed to send their students home early to avoid the impacts of [public transportation] rallies," Padang Education Agency head Indang Dewata said, Wednesday. Although schools typically end at 3 p.m., most schools sent their students home at 8 a.m., others at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

In South Sumatra, the provincial Transportation Communication and Informatics Agency has proposed a 30 percent increase in the public transportation fee.

[Kusumasari Ayuningtyas in Surakarta, Agus Maryono in Banyumas, Syofiardi Bachyul Jb in Padang, Ansyor Idrus in Palembang and Slamet Susanto in Yogyakarta contributed to this story.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/20/public-transportation-strike-thousands-passengers-stranded.html

Modern-day slavery flourishing in Indonesia, says report

Jakarta Post - November 19, 2014

Yuliasri Perdani, Jakarta – Poverty, corruption and a lack of legal protection has tripled the number of Indonesians trapped in modern-day slavery to 714,100 people, with many working in the domestic, agriculture and fisheries sectors, the 2014 Global Slavery Index has shown.

The index, recently published by the Australian-based Walk Free Foundation, estimates that 23.5 million men, women and children are enslaved in the Asia Pacific, representing 65 percent of the total slave population of 35.8 million.

Indonesia ranks eighth out of the 167 countries surveyed, with a total enslaved population of 714,100 in 2014, a significant jump from last year's 200,000. In terms of the number of slaves per capita, Indonesia, with a population of 249.8 million, ranks 102nd.

"The wide gap between wealth and poverty, high levels of unemployment and corruption create an environment where modern slavery flourishes in Indonesia. Over 11 percent of the population live in poverty and 70 percent of Indonesians are employed in the informal sector, characterized by poor working conditions, little pay and no social security," the foundation writes in the report.

The report highlights that the use of irregular migration channels by Indonesian migrant workers has put them at risk, particularly with work performed under threat of deportation.

In addition, many Indonesian women continue to be trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation abroad, experiencing excessive working hours, no wages, a lack of health care and being forced to use drugs.

Anis Hidayah, executive director of NGO Migrant Care, said the problem resulted from the government's lack of supervision of migrant workers.

"In our recent study using random-sampling methods, 45 percent of respondents used fake identity in their documents. Labor agents usually concealed the workers' age to enable underage children to get working permits. Such document forgeries often went unnoticed," Anies said on Tuesday.

There are more than 6.5 million Indonesian migrant workers abroad, according to 2013 Migrant Care data.

Meanwhile, the chairperson for the National Network of Domestic Workers Advocacy (Jala PRT), Lita Anggraeni, said 10.7 million domestic workers in the country were vulnerable to modern slavery due to the absence of legal protection.

"Domestic workers are excluded from existing labor laws, paving the way for employers to give salaries below the minimum wage. Many domestic workers work around the clock, even during holidays. They are not entitled to retirement funds or health insurance," she said. Domestic workers were also prone to verbal and physical abuse, Lita said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/19/modern-day-slavery-flourishing-ri-says-report.html

Wage increase in some regions too much, unfair: Employers

Jakarta Post - November 17, 2014

Grace D. Amianti, Jakarta – Indonesia's two most powerful business lobby groups deem the minimum-wage increase in some regions, including Bekasi and Sukabumi in West Java, as "unrealistically" high and say it has created unfriendly investment conditions for businesses.

Talks to determine the minimum-wage increase have also been deemed as unfair because they did not take into account the voice of employers, while Law No. 13/2003 on employment stipulates that the government must act as a neutral mediator in a tripartite way between employers and workers.

Hence, the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) announced on Sunday that they had decided to withdraw from the National Productivity Council (DPN) in several regions to protest the 2015 minimum regional wage increase.

The Bekasi administration decided the minimum-wage amount for the city through a voting system even though Apindo walked out of a recent meeting, Apindo deputy chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani said.

In Sukabumi, Apindo viewed that the city's regional administration had "made up" the minimum-wage decision based on political or group interests, he added.

"The regional administrations were supposed to be neutral mediators, but they created a difficult climate for businesses instead," Hariyadi said. "The minimum wage in Bekasi was decided directly only in one meeting based on an unreliable survey of the basic cost of living [KHL]."

The Bekasi Wage Council decided on Nov. 14 that the city's minimum wage for next year would be Rp 2.95 million (US$241.5) per month, a 20.9 percent increase from Rp 2.44 million this year and higher than the Rp 2.7 million per month for Jakarta starting next year. Meanwhile, Sukabumi's minimum wage would be Rp 1.9 million per month next year, up 26.6 percent from Rp 1.5 million this year.

Hariyadi said both Apindo and Kadin would file legal charges against several regional administrations and conduct bipartite methods to discuss the wage issue with their workers. "There will probably be chaos in the process, but we will face it and we will also deliver our objections to President Joko Widodo," he added.

This clash has earned Bekasi, Sukabumi and several other undisclosed regions the title of being "unfriendly to investment", said Hariyadi, adding he would not suggest that local or foreign investors did business there.

"We are concerned that the government, which is supposed to be our partner, acted absurdly. The government wants to create jobs and ensure a good investment climate, but [this situation] kills them instead. With these conditions, investors are worried and will decide to just wait and see," said Benny Sutrisno, Kadin deputy chairman for employment.

Tony Prasetiantono, a Gadjah Mada University economist, said the government should approach Apindo and Kadin to ensure its position as a fair mediator between employers – who needed protection for their businesses' sustainability – and workers, who also have the right to improve their welfare.

Regional administrations sometimes want to provide better welfare for workers but tend to forget about the sustainability of companies, according to Tony.

Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) director Enny Sri Hartati also reminded the government to create fair conditions for both employers and employees to ensure a conducive investment climate.

The Manpower Ministry should thoroughly study the needs of workers and businesspeople, as well as review recent employment regulations that are considered "unfair" for both sides, Enny said. "The ministry should also revitalize training centers in all regions to improve workers' skills and productivity, which may prompt better wages in the future," she added.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/17/wage-increase-some-regions-too-much-unfair-employers.html

Freedom of speech & expression

Detention of woman tried for defamatory Facebook comments delayed

Jakarta Post - November 17, 2014

Slamet Susanto, Bantul – Ervani Emy Handayani, a 29-year-old woman arrested for expressing disappointment over her husband's dismissal on her Facebook account, is at liberty, the Bantul district court panel of judges having agreed to her detention-delay request in a hearing on Monday.

Ervani's lawyer, Hamzal Wahyudin, who is also the advocacy coordinator of the Legal Aid Foundation's (LBH) Yogyakarta branch, submitted the detention-delay request to the court on Nov.11.

Presiding judge Sulistyo M. Dwi Putro said that Ervani's detention had been postponed as of Nov. 17. She will be imposed with a Rp 30 million (US$2,453.39) fine if within a period of three months, she is found to have fled and is unable to attend her trial. "If you miss even one hearing, you will be arrested," said Sulistyo.

Ervani said she was happy with the court's decision to grant her detention-delay request. "Now I can get back to my daily life and unite with my family again," she said after the hearing on Monday. Apart from continuing her studies, Ervani said she would also go back to work.

Ervani's legal problems began after she posted comments on a Facebook group belonging to Jolie Jogja Jewelry, where her husband worked as a security guard. Ervani criticized the company's management for allegedly unfairly firing her husband.

Ervani was then reported by the company's officials to the Yogyakarta Police on June 9. The police named her a suspect for defamation on July 9, and she was arrested and taken to the Wirogunan penitentiary in Yogyakarta.

In her first hearing on Nov.11, Ervani was charged with Article 45 and Article 27 of Law No. 11/2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) and Article 310 of the Criminal Code on defamation.

Ervani's case has drawn the attention of various parties, including the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Watch Indonesia.

"The number of victims of ITE Law-related criminal charges has continued to increase. During the period of 2008-2014, the number of cases brought to court reached 71," ICT Watch Indonesia coordinator Donny B.U. said.

Between 2008 and 2011, there were a maximum of three cases per year. In 2012, the number of ITE Law-related cases increased to eight, and further increased to 14 cases in 2013 and 40 cases in 2014. (dyl/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/17/detention-woman-tried-defamatory-facebook-comments-delayed.html

Political parties & elections

Golkar to bring forward congress, Aburizal reelection likely

Jakarta Post - November 20, 2014

Bambang Muryanto, Yogyakarta – The Golkar national leaders meeting (Rapimnas) in Yogyakarta decided on Wednesday to have its national congress elect its next chairman by the end of this month, opening the possibility of the reelection of Aburizal Bakrie.

During the closing ceremony of the two-day meeting, Aburizal announced that the congress would be held in Bandung from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4. He said that the decision did not violate the party's statutes and organizational rules. "East Java and Bali are the [host city] alternatives," Aburizal told the forum.

Earlier, tensions marred the second day of the meeting during discussions on the date for the political party's national congress to elect its next chairperson.

The majority of the participants proposed that the congress be held on Nov. 30 in Bandung, West Java, while only few participants wanted it to be held in January 2015.

"We had a heated debate on the matter," chairman of the Rapimnas' Commission A overseeing organization, Freddy Latumahina, told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of the meeting.

He said there were 44 vote holders in the meeting, 34 of which were of Golkar's provincial branches and the other 10 were from the party's mass organizations.

Until Commission A's meeting was closed on Wednesday, he said, only four vote holders wanted to have the national congress in January 2015 as scheduled, those vote holders they were among the party's mass organizations.

"We can say that the 34 provincial branches that want to have the congress in November are supporters of Aburizal Bakrie who is seeking reelection in the congress," Freddy said.

He added that during the plenary session held on Tuesday evening Aburizal had expressed his readiness to be reelected as party's chairman in the upcoming congress.

Other candidates for the party's chairman include Agung Laksono and Priyo Budi Santoso. Agung receives support from the Multipurpose Cooperative of Mutual Assistance (Kosgoro) and the Indonesian Young Generation for Renewal (AMPI) while Priyo Budi Santoso support from the Mutual Assistance Consultative Organization (MKGR).

Freddy said there had been tension in the plenary session that was held to decide on the congress' date because each of the camps had their own interests.

He said those who had wanted the congress to take place in January were supporters of Aburizal's rivals. "They need another month to gather support," said Freddy who claimed to be supporter of Aburizal.

The fact that 34 provincial branches had wanted the congress to take place in November, he added, would make the other camps reconsider joining the election of the party's chairman.

Separately, Priyo Budi Santoso said the determining factor in the party's national congress was the votes belonging to Golkar's 545 regency and city branches. "Let them decide and don't rob them of their voting rights," Priyo said.

He said he was ready to compete fairly against Aburizal in the congress' election for the party chairman post. He expressed confidence that the congress' participants would vote with their heart. "I am moved to compete in the Golkar chairman race because I want to save the party," he said.

He added that if he was elected as Golkar's chairman, he would stop the practice of the centralistic decision-making process within the party, including in the appointment of local council speakers in regions.

"Let the regions decide on such matters," Priyo said, adding that Golkar was in need of a commanding figure to compete as a presidential candidate in the next election.

Besides the date of the congress, the leaders' meeting also suggested that the party continue as an opposition party.

In the House of Representatives, the party has joined political parties grouped under the Red-and-White Coalition, which is in opposition to the government's supporter, Great Indonesian Coalition.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/20/golkar-bring-forward-congress-aburizal-reelection-likely.html

Health & education

One third of Indonesia children suffer stunted growth

Jakarta Globe - November 21, 2014

Jakarta – Despite Indonesia's achievement of becoming the world's 10th- largest economy, it is struggling to provide adequate childhood nutrition with the number of children suffering from stunted growth remaining high nationwide.

"One-third of children in Indonesia are suffering stunted growth," Iing Mursalin, health and nutrition project specialist at Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Indonesia, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

According to UNICEF data in 2013, Indonesia stood in fifth place among countries with the highest numbers of stunted children around the world.

The number of stunted children reached 7.6 million in 2013 globally. The figure was alarming as it showed that some children in Indonesia suffered chronic malnutrition for long periods of time.

"North Sumatra is one of the provinces that has the highest [...] average rate of stunted children in Indonesia," he said, citing data compiled by the WHO in 2010.

Meanwhile, he said that Yogyakarta was the province with the lowest prevalence of children suffering stunted growth.

In addition, MCA communications and outreach director Farah Amini said that 30 percent of Indonesia's stunted children came from middle-class families. "It shows that there are some problems with our lifestyle and parenting styles," she said.

Iing acknowledged Farah, saying that most people in Indonesia prioritized the elderly when it came to food and nutrition, often allowing senior groups to eat the best meals.

"Cultural values are one of the things that disrupt the nutrition absorption of pregnant women and children, especially in poor families," Iing said.

To date, the government is giving more attention to the issues of wasted and underweight children, as stunting is still a considerably new issue.

"Even highly qualified hospitals in Jakarta do not measure a child's height though it is an indicator of a child's nutritional adequacy," said Farah. The MCA is an entity established in April 2013 to manage a US$600-million grant that was derived from the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, a comprehensive partnership between the US and Indonesia. (ask/nfo)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/21/one-third-ri-children-suffer-stunted-growth.html

Gender & sexual orientation

Unidentified group attacks transgender rally, injures 4

Jakarta Post - November 22, 2014

Bambang Muryanto, Yogyakarta – A Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) rally held on Thursday evening at the Tugu Yogyakarta monument area turned sour after a group of unknown assailants attacked the event, injuring four participants.

Witnesses said the attackers were mostly skinny, dark-skinned men with pierced ears. They arrived at the venue at about 9:15 p.m., after the event itself had finished, and took away banners from rally participants.

"Then they dragged, kicked and pushed the rally participants," Mario Pratama of the Yogyakarta Women's Network (JPY), which organized the rally, said at the Yogyakarta Police headquarters on Friday.

Mario was at the police headquarters to file a report on the attack. Accompanying Mario were the four injured rally participants as well as lawyers from the Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH).

Mario said that many of the participants of Thursday's rally managed to flee from the scene, but four were left behind and were beaten by the angry attackers.

The injured participants asked to be identified only as AL, BER, MUS and HA. Of the four, AL sustained the worst injuries as his left hand was fractured and the back of his head was hurt.

Prior to the incident, a message calling for a move to dismiss the rally was reportedly circulated through the Blackberry Messenger application. The Jakarta Post received the broadcast message on Thursday after the incident occurred.

Mario expressed concern over the incident, saying that the violence was at odds with the spirit of the rally, which was dedicated to remembering transgender people who died as a result of hate crime.

He said the JPY held the rally in Yogyakarta because Indonesia was among countries with the highest number of cases of violence against the transgender community. Quoting research, Mario said that 85 percent of the transgender community had experienced violence during the period of 2011- 2012.

After filing the report, scores of JPY activists staged a rally on the grounds of the Yogyakarta Police headquarters. They carried placards bearing letters that read "Jogja Ora Aman, Jogja Intoleran" (Yogya is not safe, Yogya is intolerant) when joined together.

Tia Setiyani, also an activist with the JPY, said the violence against the TDOR rally participants tarnished the spirit of the TDOR, human rights, diversity and the status of Yogyakarta as a city of tolerance.

"The JPY calls on the Yogyakarta Police to thoroughly investigate the case and not to commit omissions against violence against LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people]," Tia said.

Woman activist Budi Wahyuni, who was recently elected as a commissioner for the 2015-2019 National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) said she was fed up with cases of violence in Yogyakarta that were left unaddressed.

"This is a challenge for the Yogyakarta Police chief to finish the case," Budi said. In response, Yogyakarta Police chief Brig. Gen. Oerip Subagyo said the police would investigate the case if they were presented with evidence.

The transgender community in Yogyakarta has faced numerous challenges in recent months. In September, the University of Sanata Dharma (USD) decided to cancel a seminar on LBGT issues following threats from the Islamic People's Forum (FUI).

The FUI threatened to shut down the seminar by force, claiming that the event would propagate the spread of homosexuality, which, it said, violated Islamic values and social morality.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/22/unidentified-group-attacks-transgender-rally-injures-4.html

Graft & corruption

Police to target e-ID forgers as government halts issuance of new cards

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Yuliasri Perdani and Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – The National Police are set to investigate a counterfeiting operation that generates electronic citizen IDs (e-IDs) and is allegedly working out of China and France.

"Forgery is a criminal offense. We're ready to carry out an investigation," National Police chief Gen. Sutarman told reporters on Monday.

The police launched the inquiry after Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo recently revealed he was aware of several counterfeit e-IDs that bore identical holograms to those on the original cards. Tjahjo suspected the forged ID cards were made in China and France.

National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Lt. Gen. Marciano Norman said his agency would coordinate with several overseas parties to support the police's probe into the case.

Home Ministry spokesman Dodi Riyadmadji said the ministry was still preparing a report on the fake e-IDs. "When logging the report with the National Police, we will also hand over two fake e-ID cards as evidence," he said in a telephone interview.

Dodi raised the suspicion that the e-ID card format and hologram design may have been stolen by Indian nationals involved in the e-ID project at the ministry.

He also clarified Tjahjo's previous statement that the server of e-ID data was located in another country. "The server is in Jakarta and under our close supervision," he said.

Tjahjo has suspended the registration of e-IDs until the end of December to conduct a thorough assessment of the program – including its security aspect, and to give greater room to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to look into alleged misappropriations in the project.

In April, the KPK named Sugiharto, director of citizen administration information management at the ministry, a suspect in connection with the Rp 6 trillion (US$518 million) project, which took place in 2011 and 2012 under the leadership of then home minister Gamawan Fauzi.

Sugiharto was charged with multiple articles of the Corruption Law and the Criminal Code for allegedly committing malfeasance, given his authority as the official in charge of the project.

The KPK said state losses in the case were estimated to exceed Rp 1 trillion, making it one of the biggest corruption cases ever handled by the antigraft body.

In 2013, graft convict Muhammad Nazaruddin claimed that then lawmaker and Golkar Party senior politician Setya Novanto, now House of Representatives speaker, as well as graft convict and former Democratic Party chairman Anas Urbaningrum, were implicated in the graft case.

Nazaruddin also accused Gamawan of nepotism, for allowing a company owned by one of the minister's "close colleagues" to win the tender. Gamawan denied the accusations.

Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Tama Satrya Langkun praised Tjahjo's move to reassess the project. "Aside from giving access to the KPK to scrutinize the project, Tjahjo also needs to involve the antigraft body in building a more transparent system for the e-ID project," he said on Monday.

Separately, Gerindra Party politician and the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Fadli Zon expected the ministry to continue the project despite the irregularities.

"Considering the huge investment for the program, we need to continue it while overcoming the problems. We currently don't have valid data on citizens, which has led to the country having a voters list containing the names of even those who are deceased," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/police-target-e-id-forgers-govt-halts-issuance-new-cards.html

Freedom of religion & worship

Blasphemy convictions rampant under SBY administration

Jakarta Post - November 22, 2014

Hans Nicholas Jong, Jakarta – The number of blasphemy cases soared during former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's era, leaving a lot of work to do for the new government in protecting religious freedom.

During his time in office from 2004-1014, 106 individuals were convicted under blasphemy laws, some of them being imprisoned for five years, according to a report by Amnesty International launched on Friday. Nine of the convicts are still in prison.

"These numbers themselves paint a vivid picture. Even if the Blasphemy Law has been enacted since 1965, and is also included in the Criminal Code [KUHP], it was rarely used until 2004, when Yudhoyono took office and convictions under the blasphemy law skyrocketed," said Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International's South East Asia and Pacific Research director.

In comparison, only around 10 people were prosecuted and convicted of blasphemy during the Soeharto regime from 1968 to 1998.

"Indonesia's blasphemy laws fly in the face of international law and standards and must be repealed urgently," Abbott said, referring to Law No. 5/1969 and Article 156 (a) of the KUHP.

In 2009, a coalition of NGOs and several prominent individuals lodged a judicial review with the Constitutional Court arguing the Blasphemy Law contravened the right to religious freedom as provided in for articles 28E and 29 of the Constitution.

The court, however, upheld the validity of the law on the grounds of "public order" and "religious values" in Article 28J (2) of the Constitution. "They are all prisoners of conscience and should be released immediately and unconditionally," Abbott said, citing Tajul Muluk as an example.

Tajul is a Shia Muslim religious leader from East Java who is currently serving a four-year sentence after the local police in Sampang launched a blasphemy case against him in 2012. He was sentenced to two years in prison. Later it was extended to four years.

Most of Tajul's followers are still barred from returning to their homes, with the government citing safety reasons but doing little to provide comprehensive solution.

Tajul is an example of how blasphemy cases are mostly lodged at the local level, where political actors, hard-line Islamic religious groups and security personnel often collude to target minorities.

Abbott said that the surge in blasphemy prosecutions should be seen in a wider context in which respect for freedom of religion had deteriorated.

Abbott added that releasing the nine prisoners "would be a good start for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and it "would send a powerful message to people".

"It's been encouraging to hear the President making human rights commitments, but now is the time to deliver and put those words into action," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/22/blasphemy-convictions-rampant-under-sby-administration.html

Amnesty calls on Indonesia to stop jailing people for 'blasphemy'

Jakarta Globe - November 21, 2014

Bastiaan Scherpen, Jakarta – Slamming a skyrocketing rate of convictions based on questionable interpretations of a half-century old blasphemy law during the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Amnesty International on Wednesday called on Indonesia's new government to usher in an era of respect for human rights.

Launching a report that discusses the criminalization of beliefs in Indonesia in the past decade, Rupert Abbott, Amnesty's research director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, told a Jakarta audience that the organization supports President Joko Widodo's commitment to human rights, but that the new government has its work cut out in a climate of "intensifying intolerance."

'Deviant' teachings

Freedom of religion is "one of the most pressing issues facing Indonesia," Abbott said during the launch of the report, adding that his organization documented more than 100 cases of people being jailed solely for peacefully expressing their views in the years 2004-14 – almost one each month.

Titled "Prosecuting Beliefs: Indonesia's Blasphemy Laws," the report lists a number of cases that have made headlines in Indonesia and beyond in recent years, including that of Tajul Muluk, a Shiite cleric from Sampang in East Java jailed for his "deviant" teachings.

Shiite villagers from Sampang were driven from their homes in December 2011 and remain displaced.

Asfinawati, one of the lawyers representing the cleric, and a former executive director of the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH), condemned the court proceedings that ultimately resulted in her client being jailed for four years on what she described as highly dubious grounds and with key witnesses feeling so intimidated that they refused to testify.

One of the key problems, she explained, is legal uncertainty. "There is no official legal interpretation of what can be defined as blasphemous," Asfinawati said.

Prisoners of conscience

Besides meeting civil society activists, the Amnesty delegation this week also met with lawmakers and senior government officials. Abbott said his team had urged the government to immediately release at least nine prisoners of conscience currently behind bars.

He said Amnesty considers everyone who is jailed for peacefully expressing their political views a prisoner of conscience, including Filep Karma and Johan Teterisa. Filep is serving a 15-year sentence for raising the Morning Star flag in Jayapura, Papua, in 2004. The flag is a symbol of the Papuan struggle for independence from Indonesia. Johan is a school teacher from Maluku who was sentenced to life in prison for unfurling a separatist flag in front of then-president Yudhoyono in Ambon in 2007.

Josef Roy Benedict, Amnesty's campaigner on Indonesia and Timor-Leste, added that the organization was also urging Joko to find a solution for the Ahmadis driven from their homes in Lombok. This community has been forced to stay in a Mataram dormitory since their expulsion from West Lombok in February 2006. And, Benedict said, there is also the issue of discriminative bylaws on the regional level that urgently needs the president's attention.

Turbulence ahead

At the press conference, Bonar Tigor Naipospos of the Setara Institute explained that the fall of Suharto's New Order regime created an opportunity for hard-line Islamist groups to make themselves heard and start pushing a political agenda. These groups also managed to promote intolerant strains of thought as part of an overall religious revival in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation-state, he said. "Religion is being used as a political tool," Bonar stressed.

The issuance of several key fatwa's during Yudhoyono's decade in power by the nation's top Islamic advisory body, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), underlines the rising tide of intolerance. An MUI fatwa that denounces pluralism, liberalism and secularism, issued in 2005, is often seen as having set the tone for a decade of increasingly open persecution of groups like the Ahmadiyah and followers of the Shiite branch of Islam. The 1965 blasphemy law, hardly used in the era before Yudhoyono's presidency, has since become an important tool for opponents of sects seen as deviant.

However, Bonar said that with regard to religious freedom, the precedents set by Joko when he served as governor of Jakarta were promising. He cited the examples of Joko's unrelenting support for Susan Jasmine Zulkifli, a Christian official appointed as chief of the majority-Muslim Lenteng Agung subdistrict of South Jakarta, triggering protests, and the fact that Joko managed to resolve a church dispute in Tambora, West Jakarta.

Still, the deputy chairman of the Setara Institute warned that it would not be easy for the new government to improve the situation for minorities under siege. Pointing to the power of the Red-White coalition (KMP) of Joko's rivals, which controls the House of Representatives, Bonar feared efforts to oppose any attempts to change problematic laws. "The Indonesian political situation will experience turbulence," he said.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/amnesty-calls-indonesia-stop-jailing-people-blasphemy/

Amnesty criticizes SBY over surge in blasphemy convictions

Jakarta Post - November 21, 2014

Hans Nicholas Jong, Jakarta – Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has left a lot of work to do for the new government in relation to blasphemy prosecutions.

During Yudhoyono's decade in office, 106 individuals were convicted under blasphemy laws, with some receiving prison sentences of up to five years, according to a report released by Amnesty International on Friday.

"These numbers themselves paint a vivid picture. Although the blasphemy law was enacted in 1965 and is also included in the KUHP [criminal code], it was rarely used until 2004, when Yudhoyono took office and convictions under the blasphemy law skyrocketed," said Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International's South East Asia and Pacific research director.

In comparison, only 10 individuals were prosecuted and convicted for blasphemy during the New Order era, which lasted from 1966 to 1998.

"Indonesia's blasphemy laws fly in the face of international law and standards and must be repealed urgently," Abbott said, adding that he was referring to Law No. 5/1969 and Article 156(a) of the KUHP.

The history of the blasphemy law dates to 1965, when then president Sukarno enacted Presidential Decree No. 1/PNPS/165 on the prevention of religious abuse and/or defamation.

The decree was made law in 1969. In 2009, a coalition of NGOs and several prominent individuals lodged an application for a judicial review with the Constitutional Court, arguing that the blasphemy law contravened the right to religious freedom as provided for in articles 28E and 29 of the Constitution (UUD).

The court, however, upheld the validity of the blasphemy law on the grounds of "public order" and "religious values" in Article 28J(2) of the UUD.

Of the 106 individuals convicted, nine are still in jail, according to the report. "They are all prisoners of conscience and should be released immediately and unconditionally," he said, citing Tajul Muluk as an example.

Since his detention, most of his evicted Shia community has been barred from returning to their homes, with the government citing safety reasons, but doing little to provide comprehensive solutions.

Therefore, the most practical thing that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo could do at the moment to strengthen protection for religious minorities would be to release those nine prisoners, Abbott added.

"It's been encouraging to hear the President making human rights commitments, but now is the time to deliver and put those words into action," he continued. (nfo)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/21/amnesty-criticizes-sby-over-surge-blasphemy-convictions.html

Parliament & legislation

After House truce, new row erupts over details

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – After signing an agreement to end weeks of discord at the House of Representatives, politicians have started another row about how the pact should be carried out.

The agreement, signed by leaders of the political factions within the ruling Great Indonesia Coalition and the opposition Red-and-White Coalition on Monday, consisted of five points that will result in revisions to the 2014 Legislative Institutions (MD3) Law that regulates distribution of power among the political factions in the House, as well partnership with the government.

The negotiator representing the Great Indonesia Coalition, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI-P) senior politician Pramono Anung Wibowo, said members of the coalition would attend a plenary meeting slated for Tuesday, during which they would present their lineup for commission heads and members assigned to deliberate such revisions to the Legislation Body (Baleg).

"[We] will submit the lineups for [House] commissions after the revisions are completed," Pramono told reporters on the sidelines of the signing ceremony.

Pramono, a former House deputy speaker in the previous House term, wanted to make sure the deals were guaranteed first, stressing that the Great Indonesia Coalition would only present a lineup of lawmakers assigned to each internal body after the revisions.

Such a move is also seen as an effort to prevent the Red-and-White Coalition, which secured the majority of House seats, from taking full control of power through voting sessions during meetings of the internal bodies, as was reflected by the controversial selections of the chairmanships of the House's commissions last month.

During the selection process, the House leaders, who were all from the Red-and-White Coalition, insisted on proceeding with the selection in spite of the absence of all the lawmakers from the five factions within the Great Indonesia Coalition – the PDI-P, the National Awakening Party (PKB), the NasDem Party, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Hanura Party – following the questionable submission of the PPP's lineup by several senior members who were opposed to the current official faction leadership.

Upholding a House internal regulation that required the presence of at least half of all lawmakers from at least six factions in order to sanction any decisions, House leaders included the PPP faction during the process although its lawmakers refused to attend any meetings.

Contrary to Pramono's stance, the leader of the NasDem faction, Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat, rejected the need to wait for the House to deliver on the agreed revisions before submitting their full lineup list, saying NasDem would submit its lineup for all of the House's internal bodies and not only for the Baleg.

"There is no need to suspect each other," said Viktor, adding, "Thus we will submit the complete lineups tomorrow."

Senior members from within the Red-and-White Coalition expressed different views on the matter. The House deputy speaker from the Gerindra Party, Fadli Zon, reiterated that the sealed agreement obliged members of the rival Great Indonesia Coalition to provide lists of lawmakers for all bodies before the other points of the deal could be acted upon.

"It will be difficult [to revise the MD3 Law and the internal regulation] if they [the Great Indonesia Coalition] only submit the lineup for the Baleg. They must submit a lineup for all internal bodies," Fadli said.

However, Fadli's statement contradicted that of the deputy speaker from PAN, Taufik Kurniawan, who said, "The lineup for the Baleg is the most important [...] Others can follow after that." The pact also maintains that all revisions should be made before Dec. 5.

Points of the House peace agreement:

Agree to immediately assign members of the factions (within the Great Indonesia Coalition) to the 11 commissions, four bodies and one Ethics Council.
In order to anticipate work loads, as well as to adjust to the change adopted by the Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla Working Cabinet, agree to add one deputy chairman to each of the 16 internal bodies that would be made through revising related articles of the MD3 Law and the House's 2014 internal regulation.
Agree to immediately install Great Indonesia lawmakers in the available leadership posts within the House's Budgetary Board (Banggar) and the House's Ways and Means Committee (BURT), as well as make additional appointments (of lawmakers from the Great Indonesia Coalition) to deputy chairmanship posts.
Agree to revise points 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Article 74 and points 7, 8 and 9 of Article 98 of the MD3 Law and to omit points 2, 3 and 4 of Article 60 of the House's 2014 internal regulation because all such stipulations are already contained in Articles 79, 194-227 of the MD3 Law.
Agree to allow leaders of political factions within the Red-and-White Coalition and the Great Indonesia Coalition to discuss details of the implementation of the deal.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/after-house-truce-new-row-erupts-over-details.html

Peace deal maintains House control over government

Jakarta Post - November 17, 2014

Margareth S. Aritonang and Hasyim Widhiarto, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration may still have to struggle to get policies passed at the House of Representatives as lawmakers have retained their strong grip on the government after a recent deal between the House's two coalitions.

In an effort to end the rift at the House and support the government, the opposition caucus, the Red-and-White Coalition, and the ruling Great Indonesia Coalition agreed last week to amend several articles regulating the authority of lawmakers in Law No. 17/2014 on legislative institutions (MD3).

The agreement included the omission of points 3 to 5 of Article 74 of the law, which obliged government officials to comply with House recommendations or have the President face an inquiry with possible administrative sanctions.

The deal, however, maintains Article 98, point 6, which still obliges officials to obey decisions made during meetings with lawmakers in each of the House's 11 commissions, opening the way for the House to gain the upper hand on government policies.

According to point 6 of Article 98, decisions and conclusions made during House commission meetings or joint-commission meetings are "binding" between the House and the government and are "obligatory" for the government.

Dossy Iskandar Prasetyo, the leader of the Hanura Party faction at the House, said on Sunday that the stipulation was a threat to the country's presidential system.

"We've agreed to uphold a strong House to enable monitoring [of the government]. But we must avoid any stipulations that might lead to a parliamentary system, which is contrary to the presidential system that we have adopted," he added.

The country currently has a presidential system in which the President, as leader of the executive, and the House, as the legislature, have an equal partnership and cannot cancel each other out. The MD3 has led to further control over the President and the government.

The upholding of Article 98, point 6 is seen as a challenge to Jokowi's policies in the near future, including a plan to raise the price of subsidized fuels, which is already facing opposition from many party politicians.

Politicians from the Red-and-White Coalition have opposed amending Article 98, point 6 of the MD3, saying it is necessary to force officials to work.

Deputy leader of the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction Viva Yoga Mauladi claimed that", any decisions or conclusions reached in House meetings will be based on the consent of both the House and the government".

As for the government's plan to raise fuel prices, Viva upheld the right of all lawmakers to make sure all policies benefit the public, including the raising of fuel prices.

"All of our lawmakers will exercise our rights, which are guaranteed by the Constitution. With regard to the fuel-price issue, we believe it's not the time to increase the price," said Didik Mukrianto, secretary of the Democratic Party faction.

Golkar Party lawmaker Firman Soebagyo said the party would use its national leaders' meeting this week to discuss whether it would support or reject the government's anticipated plan.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/17/peace-deal-maintains-house-control-over-govt.html

Coalitions to seal deal to protect Jokowi

Jakarta Post - November 16, 2014

Hans Nicholas Jong, Jakarta – After refusing to meet demands from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)-led Great Indonesia Coalition, the Red-and-White Coalition has agreed to accepting demands to amend part of the 2014 Legislative Institutions Law (MD3).

The agreement was reached during a meeting between two senior PDI-P politicians and members of the Red-and-White Coalition at the residence of National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Hatta Rajasa on Jl. Fatmawati, South Jakarta, on Saturday.

"From this afternoon's meeting, we have come to an agreement," Hatta told reporters. "On technicalities, our friends at the House of Representatives will work out the details."

Hatta said that the Red-and-White Coalition had agreed to omit Article 74 and points 7-8 of Article 98 from the MD3, which are related to lawmakers' rights in questioning the government.

The Great Indonesia Coalition had demanded that Article 74 and points 6-8 of Article 98 be annulled, saying the articles might lead lawmakers to abuse their power, potentially leading to the impeachment of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Point 6 of Article 98 obliges officials to obey decisions reached by House commissions.

Point 7 stipulates that if the government fails to abide by a decision, commission members can question and probe the government.

Point 8, meanwhile, stipulates that the House can ask the President to give administrative punishment to ministers or public officials who fail to follow House orders.

Hatta said that the Red-and-White Coalition agreed to revise points 7 and 8, but not 6, as point 7 stipulated that the House could use its questioning rights regardless of the government's conditions, even when it had no capability to follow House orders.

As for point 8, Hatta said that giving punishment to ministers was the prerogative of the President, and the House should have no authority to force the President to do so.

"If the ministers don't perform [their duties], then punishment should be given by the President [based on his or her own volition], not because of pressure [from the House]," he said.

Points 3, 4 and 5 of Article 74 carry the same stipulations as points 7 and 8 of Article 98, and were voided.

Despite the agreement, the House will keep its questioning rights, since Article 79 and articles 194-227 already stipulate that the House has the right to question, probe and state opinions.

"We don't need these stipulations because the right to question the government has been enshrined in separate articles of the MD3," Hatta said. "We deem the right to question [the President] as a binding right of the House. Even our 1945 Constitution has that stipulation."

The Red-and-White Coalition also agreed to seal a power-sharing deal at the House. The Great Indonesia Coalition demanded that the Red-and-White Coalition give its lawmakers 21 of the 64 leadership posts in the House. The agreement will be made official in a ceremony at the House on Monday.

"We need to inform all factions [in the House] so that there will be no more different opinions and we can be sure that there will be no more additional [requests from us]," said PDI-P politician Pramono Anung after the meeting.

The deal marks the end of the power struggle between the coalitions that came to a head after the Red-and-White Coalition, which secured a majority of House seats, insisted on upholding internal regulations in selecting leaders for internal bodies, leaving no room for Jokowi's coalition.

Until late Friday, the Red-and-White Coalition balked at the fresh demands of the PDI-P-led coalition.

"Many of us could not meet the demands, which keep piling up," deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Agus Hermanto of the Democratic Party, said on Friday. Pramono, however, was optimistic that the deal would end the month-long standoff.

"We don't talk any more about rivalries. There is no longer the Red-and- White Coalition and the Great Indonesia Coalition [in the House]," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/16/coalitions-seal-deal-protect-jokowi.html

Jakarta & urban life

Ahok approves wage hike to Rp 2.7 million in 2015

Jakarta Post - November 20, 2014

Corry Elyda, Jakarta – Newly sworn in Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama signed on Wednesday a gubernatorial decree for the monthly minimum wage to rise by 12.5 percent to Rp 2.7 million (US$222) in 2015, up from the current Rp 2.4 million, despite strong opposition from workers.

"I will not tolerate it if any company does not comply with the gubernatorial decree. There will be no postponements," he said, adding that the new fuel-price hike factor had been already included in the new wage.

A ministerial decree allows companies to file an official request to be exempted from the wage hike because of financial difficulties, but Ahok, who was inaugurated by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo as the new governor at the Presidential Palace, had previously called on troubled companies to relocate to other regions.

"We will turn their location into commercial areas," he said referring to several labor-intensive companies that had relocated to West and Central Java.

Manpower Agency head Priyono said the gubernatorial decree on the minimum wage hike, which was signed on Nov. 14, would be disseminated to all companies, especially in the industrial estates in Pulogadung, Cakung and Cilincing.

"We will start disseminating the decree to all companies so that they have adequate time to make adjustments before the decree takes effect on Jan. 1, 2015," he said.

Priyono said after setting the monthly minimum wage, labor unions and employers were scheduled to set the sectoral wages. "The sectoral wages are usually higher than the minimum wage," he said.

Priyono stressed that the city would not accept any requests from troubled companies to postpone the wage hike because the minimum wage was a social safety net for individual workers.

"According to our observations over the past few years, the same companies propose a postponement from one year to another," he said. He added that if the monthly minimum wage was deemed too high, companies should understand that it was a consequence of doing business in the capital.

"So far, we have not received any reports of companies wanting to relocate their factories to other regions because of the wage hike," he said.

The secretary-general of the All Indonesian Workers Organization (OPSI), Timbul Siregar, said that the minimum wage would not be sufficient to cover living costs next year. "The wage hike should be raised in anticipation of the poor conditions next month and in January," he said.

Timbul said that when the Jakarta wage committee decided the standard cost of living of Rp 2.5 million, it had yet to include other factors, such as inflation and the soaring price of basic commodities.

"The rise in fuel prices will affect index prices, including transportation fares, electricity and house rent," he said, adding that with the low increase and the soaring price of basic commodities, workers' purchasing power would weaken. Timbul said the minimum wage ideally should be around Rp 2.9 million, as it is in Bekasi municipality.

He suggested that Ahok revise his decision and discuss it with labor unions and employers to seek a win-win solution. "Challenging the decision at the Jakarta State Administrative Court will be the last stand," he said.

Many workers have recently taken to the city's streets, demanding the city administration raise the minimum wage to Rp 3.5 million from the current Rp 2.4 million.

The deputy chairman of the Jakarta chapter Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Sarman Simanjorang, said it was a dilemma for business entities when the government reduced the fuel subsidy because it would affect not only workers but also employers and all sectors.

"However, we have to accept the government policy and hopefully we will get compensation in the form of easier business license processes," he said.

Regarding wage hike postponements, Sarman said these were allowed by the 2013 Labor Law. "The governor cannot turn down any request for a wage hike postponement if the companies meet all the requirements set in the law," he said.

Ministerial Decree No. 231/2003 on minimum wage postponement states that firms in financial difficulties are allowed to postpone a wage hike until they have been audited by an independent auditor and if the postponement is supported by their workers.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/20/ahok-approves-wage-hike-rp-27-million-2015.html

Basuki sworn in as Jakarta's 17th governor

Jakarta Globe - November 20, 2014

Jakarta – Despite violent protests by hard-line Islamic vigilante groups and threats of a legislative boycott by rival politicians, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama on Wednesday was officially inaugurated as governor of Jakarta.

Basuki, popularly known as Ahok, was sworn in at the State Palace by President Joko Widodo during an afternoon ceremony broadcast live by the nation's major news networks.

"I promise to fulfill my obligations as a governor to the best of my ability, and I will uphold Indonesia's 1945 Constitution and implement all regulations fairly," Basuki said when taking the oath of office.

The first governor of Indonesia's capital of Chinese descent and a Protestant Christian, Basuki was Joko's number two at City Hall until the latter resigned to assume the office of president.

Selecting a new deputy

Several cabinet ministers were present at the inauguration, including Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo and Spatial Planning Minister Ferry Mursyidan. The new governor was accompanied by his wife, Veronica Tan, his children and his mother.

Tjahjo said Basuki would have 15 days to select his own deputy governor. "After a maximum of 15 days, Basuki must submit the name of his deputy," the home affairs minister said.

Among the first to congratulate Governor Basuki was former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, the chair of Joko's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Tjahjo is also a PDI-P stalwart.

Ari Dwipayana, a political expert from Yogyakarta's Gajah Mada University applauded that a member of an ethnic and religious minority has been sworn in as Jakarta's governor, calling it a testament to Indonesia's motto "Unity in Diversity." "This is a historic event," he said.

Basuki said he joked with the president shortly before the inauguration: "I told Jokowi: this is a miracle. Two years ago we were inaugurated together [as Jakarta governor and vice governor] and now it is Jokowi who inaugurates me," he said after the ceremony. "Jokowi just smiled and patted me on the shoulder."

Basuki, keeping his pick for deputy a secret, jokingly said he wants his new deputy to be an actress. "But my wife won't let me. So we'll see," he said.

Threats of violence

Prior to the inauguration, police said around 12,000 personnel would be mobilized to provide security, after threats by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).

The vigilante group said it would block the inauguration at any cost. Members of the group in Cisarua, Bogor, on Sunday vowed to send reinforcements to their confederates in Jakarta. As of Wednesday afternoon, however, there were no reports of disturbances to the public order related to an FPI demonstration.

The FPI has protested, violently at times, against Basuki's appointment, arguing that as a Christian and an ethnic Chinese, he should not be allowed to govern the capital of a Muslim-majority country.

Wednesday's inauguration marks the first time a governor was sworn in by a president, an authority bestowed by the so-called Law on Regional Elections, enacted in October, that eliminated elections for governors, mayors and district chiefs nationwide.

Prior to the inauguration, a police bomb squad entered Basuki's office. The acting governor's staff denied there had been a bomb threat, saying officers only wanted to have their picture taken with the outspoken governor-to-be. Basuki has, at times, been equally vigorous in trading barbs with the FPI.

Political opposition

The Jakarta chapter of the Red-White Coalition (KMP) said it will boycott every single plenary session of the City Council to express their opposition to Basuki's inauguration.

The council's deputy speaker, Muhammad Taufik of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), a Red-White constituent, said he has instructed the coalition's 57 city councilors to stop showing up for plenary meetings.

"Every meeting has its rules, such as [requirement of] a quorum. And can you imagine what's going to happen if we don't attend the meetings? The meetings will never reach a quorum," Taufik said on Wednesday morning.

Taufik, a corruption convict who served an 18-month sentence for embezzling funds from the Jakarta Elections Commission in 2004, is the KMP's leader in Jakarta.

The former convict said that even after Basuki is inaugurated as the capital's governor, the Red-White Coalition will retain its power within the city council, since all four deputy speakers are from the KMP.

Taufik dismissed criticism that the boycott would hamper the city's development, arguing that with Basuki serving as acting governor, development was continuing without the city council being involved.

He also reiterated that members of the Jakarta chapter of KMP, including himself, would not attend the inauguration, despite having received an invitation from State Secretary Pratikno.

Ari of Gajah Mada University said the Red-White Coalition has no legal grounds to reject Basuki as governor.

"Those rejecting [Basuki] are merely showing off political acrobatics, a childish act. The legal basis [for succession] is clear. What more is there to protest?" he said. "If [Basuki's] policies remains for the benefit of Jakarta residents, [the KMP] should support him."

Meanwhile, Jakarta Council Speaker Prasetyo Edi Marsudi invited the Red- White Coalition to challenge his decision endorsing Basuki's succession in the State Administrative Court (PTUN). "It is the KMP's right to lodge a PTUN suit against me," the PDI-P politician said.

"As [speaker] I have followed all the rules made together by all parties in the council. The parties wanted me to ask for a ministerial recommendation and a [Supreme Court] endorsement; I did that. So with all do respect to my friends at the KMP, we must proceed... to name Basuki as governor."

Prasetyo lamented the decision by his four deputies – all Red-White Coalition members – not to attend Basuki's inauguration saying that it shows they were putting their respective political interests ahead of the nation's.

"Don't let [political interests] lead to bigger problems. [The KMP] has to respect the Constitution and be fair by coming to the inauguration," he said. Taufik and the three other deputy speakers who rejecting Basuki's inauguration appear to have sought help from the House of Representatives, where the KMP controls 314 of 560 legislative seats.

On Wednesday afternoon, the House announced plans to summon the minister of home affairs and the state secretary.

"We... will invite the home affairs minister and the state secretary based on the recommendations of the City Council," said Ahmad Riza Patria, deputy chairman of the House Commission II, which oversees domestic affairs and regional autonomy. "We regret the government's rushed this unwise decision," Ahmad said.

But Council speaker Prasetyo said the House had no business rejecting the decision. "If they disagree they can take it to the Constitutional Court, the only body with authority to judge [if Basuki's succession] is lawful," he said.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/jakarta/breaking-basuki-installed-governor-jakarta/

Hundreds of victims of forced evictions protest Ahok's inauguration

Sayangi.com - November 19, 2014

Moh. Ilyas, Jakarta – The inauguration of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) as the new governor of Jakarta was marked by a protest action by residents who have been affected by evictions for city development programs.

The group, calling themselves the Indonesian People's Struggle Union (SPRI) are apathetic about the inauguration of the new governor saying that regardless of whether Ahok become governor, there will be no change for Jakarta's poor.

"Over the period of his leadership, Ahok blindly wiped out thousands of homes belonging to the poor on the pretext of solving all of Jakarta's problems, flooding, urban slums, criminality and traffic jams, but he never thinks about what the impact will be", said SPRI chairperson Sukendar during an action in front of the State Place on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara in Central Jakarta on Wednesday November 19.

The SPRI accuses Ahok of blatantly refusing to acknowledge the existence of slum urban residential areas in Jakarta. Under Local Government Regulation Number 1/2014 on Detailed Spatial Planning (RDRT) and zonal regulations, said Sukendar, the locations that are to be developed 20 years from now have already been determined. "Evictions can occur anywhere and anytime", said Sukendar.

Meanwhile Yuli (27), one of the protesters, a housewife who works as a washerwoman at a housing estate near the residential area where she lives in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, expressed concerns about the possibility of being evicted.

"If I'm evicted and have to move to the Daan Mogot apartments, that's what they're saying, and who knows if it's true or not that [I'll] move to an apartment, [regardless] I'll loose my job as a washerwoman at the housing estate, my husband will be far from his place of work, not to mention the children will have to change schools, the administrative process also is difficult", said Yuli under the scorching sun.

Yuli herself admitted she doesn't know if it is true that she'll be evicted, she just heard if from neighbours. As to Ahok's character, Yuli said she can only judge based on what she's seen on television.

"From what I've seen on television Mr Ahok tends to get very angry, on whether he becomes governor or not it's none of our concern, what's important is that I'm not evicted", said Yuli.

Residents of Cipete in South Jakarta who have the same concerns as Yuli also joined the protest action. Likewise, several street traders from Pluit in North Jakarta also took part in the demonstration.

Ahok was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace at 2pm and officially become the governor of Jakarta. Police were deployed to safeguard protest actions in front of the Palace.

As a result of the protest action Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara was crowded. In addition to the SPRI demonstration, a demonstration by students protesting the recent fuel price hike was also taking place in front of the Palace. (An)

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Source: http://www.sayangi.com/megapolitan1/read/28418/pelantikan-ahok-diwarnai-demo-ratusan-warga-korban-penggusuran

Muslims declare support for Ahok

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Sita W. Dewi, Jakarta – Prior to his inauguration as new Jakarta governor, acting governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, has received support from various Muslim communities – online and offline – despite his minority status.

A movement expressing support for Ahok, "I am Muslim and I support Ahok" has circulated on social media, in an apparent effort to counter the anti- Ahok movement launched by hard-line group the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

Over the weekend a group calling itself the Indonesia Volunteers Front unfolded a giant banner at the car-free day at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and invited Jakarta residents to sign the banner, showing support for Ahok. Hundreds of signatures were collected on the day.

On Monday, representatives of an Islamic group, Dzikrul Ghofilin, which claims to have thousands of followers, came to meet Ahok and directly conveyed their support for Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent. Group representative Muhammad Subchi said the group had decided to stand up and directly convey their support out of fears that the anti-Ahok movement would tarnish the image of Islam.

"The media has focused on the anti-Ahok movement launched by the FPI. It has tarnished Islam and is very bothering. Islam loves and teaches peace. I think I also have the right to explain about peaceful Islam so people won't be confused," he told reporters upon arrival at City Hall.

He said the group opposed the FPI's stance, saying that the latter had violated the Constitution. "We have to abide by the rules in managing the state," he said, adding that the state guaranteed each citizen's rights regardless of religious background.

Later in the day, Ahok attended the Muhammadiyah Students Association's 19th congress at Uhamka University in East Jakarta and spoke before the association leaders from across the country. Muhammadiyah is one of the country's largest Muslim organizations.

Ahok, who was invited as a keynote speaker, declined to deliver a speech and instead asked the forum to ask him questions. Hundreds of audience members were enthusiastic, asking him various questions on leadership, corruption and politics.

A female student from Depok, West Java, for example, asked him how the younger generation could contribute to society amid growing political indifference caused by rampant corruption involving politicians. Ahok used the occasion to persuade the students to consider entering politics.

"I was also skeptical at first. But history has shown that everywhere in the world including in Indonesia, the youth were the ones who brought about changes. I am here today, partly because I want to persuade you to enter politics in the future. We need young politicians who are clean and honest to make changes. We can't continue to help the underprivileged by ourselves because we have limited resources," he said, adding that Indonesia needed good leaders.

He also impressed the audience by asking thought-provoking questions regarding the Prophet Muhammad's sayings and even citing Koranic verses occasionally while explaining his political philosophy.

He also highlighted the fact that he enrolled in Islamic schools and learned about Islam from a local religious leader back in his hometown of East Belitung, Bangka Belitung, a predominantly Muslim province.

"People say that I am a lot like a Muslim. What I lack is merely hidayah [the calling]," he said, to which several members of the audience responded by asking why he had not already converted.

Ahok calmly answered, "even the Prophet Muhammad wept as he himself was unable to convert his uncle Abu Tholib until his death, this was followed by Allah saying 'the calling is all Mine'," he said, to which the audience responded with applause.

Former association chairman Raja Juli Antoni, who led the forum, said the enthusiasm expressed by the audience was a sign that society longed for honest leaders, regardless of their religious backgrounds.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/muslims-declare-support-ahok.html

Armed forces & defense

Military, police tensions result in stabbing death

Jakarta Globe - November 21, 2014

Arnold Sianturi, Ezra Sihite & Robertus Wardi, Jakarta – A police officer in North Sumatra was stabbed to death by a soldier on Thursday, in the latest incident of violence between personnel from the two security forces this week.

Brig. Beni Sihombing, 32, was attacked near a stall selling liquor in the town of Binjai on Thursday evening, shortly after meeting the soldier, identified only as "A," with whom he had previously quarrelled.

Binjai Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Marcelino said on Friday that the two often fought, most recently last month.

"When they met again [on Thursday] the suspect drew his knife and stabbed the victim in the chest," Marcelino, said adding that there were witnesses at the stall who recognized the suspect.

"We immediately contacted the Military Police and pursued the suspect who killed Beni Sihombing. We are still investigating the motive," he said. Marcelino said Beni was a member of the police's Mobile Brigade, known as Brimob.

Beni and the suspect had both previously served tours of duty in Batam, in the Riau Islands, but it is unclear whether they were stationed there at the same time or if they knew each other then.

Batam is the scene of a series of altercations between members of the Army's local infantry battalion and the police's Brimob unit, which this week saw a soldier killed and a civilian injured during an exchange of gunfire in a residential area.

But Marcelino was quick to deny that Beni's death had anything to do with the altercation in Batam.

President Joko Widodo has instructed a full investigation into Wednesday's fire fight in Batam between police personnel and soldiers, and called on both sides to make peace and punish those involved.

The roots of Wednesday's skirmish trace back to a Sept. 21 police raid on a storage facility suspected of warehousing illegally diverted subsidized fuel in Batam's Batu Aji area. During the raid, police encountered two soldiers guarding the premises. An argument between the forces quickly escalated, and police opened fire, shooting the two soldiers in the legs.

A subsequent reprisal raid later that day by soldiers on a police station resulted in two more soldiers retreating with gunshot wounds.

According to police, tensions between the forces resurfaced on Monday when police celebrated the Brimob's anniversary.

After the celebration, two Brimob officers were involved in a fight with three soldiers from the 134th Infantry battalion, whom police said were seeking vengeance for their colleagues' September shooting.

On Wednesday, soldiers reportedly attacked and ransacked a Brimob dormitory, prompting an exchange of fire that led to the death of a private, J. Marpaung.

Army spokesman Col. Sumirat Kriswasana said on Thursday that the soldiers were armed during their assault on the Brimob barracks, but did not elaborate on who had authorized them to take firearms from the armory.

Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, the coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, said on Thursday that attempts to reconcile since the September violence had been ineffective, and that hostilities had since escalated.

Such enmity was evident when an October press conference – initially called to present the findings of a joint police-military investigation into the Sept. 21 altercation – devolved into mutual finger-pointing by ranking members of the rival forces.

Police continue to blame the military for obstruction of justice, while the military accuses the police of using excessive force. It remains unclear whether any sanctions have been imposed on members of either force.

Observers at the time expressed concern that the conclusions of the joint investigation, which were characterized as vague and equivocal, would further fuel hostilities – a fear confirmed this week.

The Indonesian Human Rights Monitor (Imparsial) on Friday called on the president to form an independent team to start a fresh investigation into both incidents.

"The team must not only come from the military and police," Imparsial executive director Poengky Indarti said, referring to the initial joint investigation.

"The team must also include the local government, Komnas HAM [National Commission on Human Rights], the National Police Commission, independent forensics experts and civil society groups."

Poengky said the military's assault on the Brimob barracks was "shameful" and "unjustifiable." "The perpetrators must be sanctioned as severely as possible so there will be a deterrent effect," she said.

Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto said President Joko would make some changes in the two forces' top brass, but said that the plan had been in place for long and that the recent skirmish only provided further impetus.

"Before the Batam incident the plan for these changes have been around," he said. "The Batam incident [...] of course generates more momentum for [Joko] to evaluate the appointment of certain strategic posts," Andi added.

The cabinet secretary said Tedjo had been vetting the reshuffle with several three- and four-star generals entering retirement age soon. "The outcome will be reported [to Joko] next week," he said.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/military-police-tensions-result-stabbing-death/

Poor military leadership in Batam

Jakarta Post - November 21, 2014

Yuliasri Perdani and Fadli, Jakarta/Batam – An armed attack by soldiers on the Riau Islands police mobile brigade (Brimob) headquarters on Wednesday stems from the failure of leaders within the Bukit Barisan Military Command to control their personnel and to act sternly against insubordination in the past.

Dozens of members of the Army's 134 Tuah Sakti infantry ambushed and opened fire on the police headquarters in Batam, Riau Islands, on Wednesday afternoon after they had vandalized the building hours before.

The incident, which lasted for almost seven hours, killed one soldier, identified as First Pvt. Jack Marpaung, and injured a civilian, Kambani, who owns a nearby stall.

The conflict dates back to a Sept. 21 clash between Brimob personnel and soldiers following an attempted police raid at a suspected illegal fuel- storage facility in Batam. Four members of the 134 Tuah Sakti infantry sustained gunshot wounds in the clash.

Al Araf, a military expert from human rights watchdog Imparsial, lamented the local military leaders' poor performance in leading the soldiers and mediating the conflict.

"There are many factors that triggered this incident; one is leadership. During the clashes, the Bukit Barisan Military Commander failed to show his legitimacy as a leader. This runs contrary to the local Brimob chief, who could manage his subordinates," he said on Thursday.

Around 30 armed Tuah Sakti infantry personnel surrounded and attacked the Brimob headquarters between 5 and 11 p.m., defying orders from Bukit Barisan Military Commander Maj. Gen. Winston Simanjuntak to return to their barracks and hand over their weapons. The attack finally ended after Winston persuaded the soldiers using a loudspeaker.

"The Indonesian Military [TNI] must reevaluate the performance of the military commander and the Wira Pratama Regional Military Command chief," Al Araf said.

Aside from leadership reevaluation, Al Araf suggested the TNI and National Police build communications among their rank-and-file, and also impose fair sanctions on their members.

Indonesian Police Watch (IPW) chair Neta S. Pane said that the police- soldier clashes, which had happened many times, were due to lax discipline and a lack of external oversight in both institutions.

Neta highlighted that the clashes often sparked from conflicts surrounding illicit businesses, protected by military or police personnel. "The role of police and military people in backing such businesses keeps growing and becomes uncontainable," he said.

A joint TNI-National Police investigation following the September clash found that two soldiers were involved in an illegal fuel stockpiling business.

In response to the incident, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has ordered the immediate removal of some members of the Army's 134 Tuah Sakti infantry battalion to prevent similar incidents from happening.

"Those [involved in the incident] are youths of private rank," Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said after meeting the President at the State Palace.

Wednesday's incident was the fourth clash between the two forces this year and the second in Batam.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo and National Police Chief Gen. Sutarman have visited Batam to restore order and handle the crisis.

"I apologize to the community for the incident. We will conduct an internal investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice," said Sutarman in a press conference in Batam.

He said the type of ammunition that killed Marpaung was not from a Brimob standard-issue weapon but from a special weapon.

"The Brimob munitions store does not have this kind of bullet. We own rubber bullets, and live 5.564 PC and 5.566 PC caliber, as well as 9 mm and 38 special weapons. We are still investigating [whether] there was a stray weapon," said Sutarman.

Sutarman also highlighted that conflicts between personnel from the two institutions stemmed from poor welfare, meaning both were easily provoked into arguments.

Gatot, who also attended the press conference, said he believed there was insubordination in the Tuah Sakti Battalion, so the incident had taken place. "I ordered all weapons be gathered as of midnight on Nov. 20; three weapons have not been returned," he said.

He also apologized to the public for the incident, which disrupted their activities.

[Hasyim Widhiarto contributed to this article.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/21/poor-military-leadership-batam.html

Indonesia aims for world-class military technology

Antara News - November 21, 2014

Jakarta – Aiming for world-class military technology, the Republic of Indonesia is committed to advancing the countrys defense industry by promoting joint cooperation between local and overseas defense firms.

Through such cooperation, the local defense companies can gain essential knowledge and experience that will eventually help them to independently produce state-of-the-art armaments for the National Defense Forces (TNI).

Indonesia needs a transfer of technology, and the United States (US) was ready to lend support to the country in the form of world-class military technology.

Speaking at a public lecture Wednesday at the University of Indonesia campus in Depok, West Java, US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Orris Blake remarked that his country will cooperate with the TNI to strengthen international defense.

"We will work together with the Indonesian National Defense Forces to step up and strengthen international defense and maritime security," Blake stated.

The US will assist Indonesia in modernizing its military equipment and help the TNI in implementing advanced and world-class American technological systems, he affirmed.

"We will also assist Indonesia in the modernization of its military by providing American military technological system," Blake remarked.

His institution was prioritizing local military weapons through a transfer-of-technology system to improve national defense competency, TNI Chief General Moeldoko said.

"We cannot ignore local products of our national defense systems because they are our priority. We cannot overlook the high technology either. Thus, we need a transfer of technology," Moeldoko stated here recently.

The weapons that are utilized by Indonesian soldiers are costly. Hence, the Indonesian Military should follow up the latest advances in technology so as not to fall behind other countries, according to the general.

"The TNI weapons are not cheap. However, we need to follow the latest technologies to balance power and attain the strength to face other countries," Moeldoko remarked.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2014 IndoDefense Expo and Forum early this month, Vice President Jusuf Kalla affirmed that Indonesias military technology should be world class.

The vice president lauded the development milestones achieved by Indonesia in the field of military technology and hoped that it will be able to compete with foreign producers in manufacturing state-of-the-art military weaponry system.

"Military technology is not something easy because it requires meticulous research, high costs, and strong cooperation. But, Indonesia has adequate experience in the field of technology," the vice president stated.

Anoa-armored vehicles were very good and capable of competing with similar vehicles manufactured in other countries, Kalla noted.

Although defense equipment requires highly sophisticated technology, the industry should be able to provide benefits to the community in addition to being able to defend the country from outside attacks, the vice president emphasized.

One of Indonesias military capabilities is the national armys proficiency in intercepting foreign aircraft trespassing into its waters or the national territory, he pointed out.

"We can intercept foreign aircraft, and that means we have great ability," the vice president remarked.

His country was also ready to provide increased security in Indonesian waters using the resources from the US military forces, the US ambassador further stated. The aid can be in the form of specialized military training and equipment assistance to strengthen Indonesias maritime defense capabilities, Blake explained.

"This is to ensure security of the Indonesian waters and to prevent illegal fishing by foreign vessels," he remarked.

Securing the Indonesian waters was essential, since geographically, it is surrounded by oceans, Blake noted. The US and Indonesia will increasingly cooperate in the area of security and defense, he said.

"We are working with the Indonesian military to improve its maritime security and to strengthen its international defense capabilities," he noted.

America was keen to improve Indonesias maritime defense capabilities to complement its vision of becoming a world maritime power, Blake emphasized. "We stand ready to boost maritime collaboration to complement the vision of President Jokowi," he remarked.

Boosting maritime security is aimed at improving Indonesias maritime defense capabilities and providing assistance to curtail illegal fishing in its waters.

US President Barack Obama praised Indonesia for its multi-pronged approach to combat terrorism, Blake also noted.

The US was partnering with Indonesia on addressing global security challenges such as terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, he said.

"Last week, when President Obama met President Jokowi on the sidelines of the APEC meeting in China, President Obama said he wanted to thank Indonesia for the efforts it had taken in isolating extremism," Blake remarked.

Obama had thanked Indonesia for its joint counter-terrorism efforts with other countries, the US envoy also revealed.

The bilateral defense and security cooperation have been very sound and his government stands ready to bolster maritime security cooperation to complement President Jokowis vision, Blake said.

"We are also pleased to play a role in supporting Indonesias military modernization, including through provision of world-class American military systems and technology," he stated.

Source: http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/96645/indonesia-aims-for-world-class-military-technology

Fear grips Batam as soldiers attack Brimob HQ

Jakarta Post - November 20, 2014

Fadli, Batam – Dozens of unidentified Army personnel surrounded the headquarters of the Riau Islands Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) in Batam, Riau Islands, opened fire and vandalized its facilities.

The situation in Batam between 5 and 11 p.m. was tense as the soldiers refused to return to their barracks and hand over their weapons, defying orders from the Bukit Barisan Military Commander Maj. Gen. Winston Simanjuntak.

Batam Deputy Governor Soerya Respationo and several journalists were caught in the cross fire as they remained inside the facilities after earlier attempts to settle the dispute failed. "The soldiers are firing at us. We're surrounded," said Soerya.

The shooting ended at around 23:30 with hundreds of civilians storming the Brimob headquarters to lend their support for the police against the attacking soldiers.

One soldier was rushed to a nearby hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. But several soldiers were seen roaming the streets searching out police officers, despite claims by Winston that the situation was under control.

Earlier in the day, around 30 soldiers from the Tuah Sakti 134 Battalion in Batam, Riau Islands, had raided the Brimob headquarters.

The clash was believed to have been related to the shooting of four Tuah Sakti Battalion members at the end of September during a police investigation into a fuel-hoarding case.

After the initial attack, the elite police unit headquarters was guarded by a company of military police to prevent further clashes.

Wira Pratama Military Commander chief Brig. Gen. Eko Margiyono told The Jakarta Post that the incident had begun with two Tuah Sakti Battalion members, identified as First Private Nuriyono and Chief Private Budiono, who were on their way to their lodgings located near the Brimob headquarters, after a roll call at the battalion to change their uniforms into plain clothes.

"Many of our soldiers live outside the base. As they were filling up their motorcycle at a gas station, two Brimob members were also filling gas at the same place. They stared each other out causing offense, which then resulted in a fight," said Eko.

According to Eko, the fight between the four men drew the attention of colleagues from both sides, and numbers rapidly grew. A group of around 30 Tuah Sakti Battalion soldiers gathered and planned to enter the Brimob base.

"The moment I received information, I and the Batam 0316 Military Command chief headed to the Brimob base and held a meeting with its commander to settle the problem and instructed members of the military police to order the soldiers to return to their barracks," said Eko.

According to Eko, his command was not heeded and some of the soldiers stormed into the Brimob barracks and a clinic located nearby. "They vandalized the barracks and a number of motorcycles. However, the situation has returned to normal and the soldiers have returned to their base," said Eko. earlier in the afternoon.

He added that he had ordered all soldiers in the battalion to remain in their barracks. "Now, a military police company is securing the Brimob base. I assure you that today's incident had nothing to do with the earlier incident. This is purely staring at each other which resulted in a fight," said Eko.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/20/fear-grips-batam-soldiers-attack-brimob-hq.html

Judicial & legal system

Jokowi's AG choice slammed

Jakarta Post - November 21, 2014

Hasyim Widhiarto and Yuliasri Perdana, Jakarta – Critics have excoriated President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo for his decision to name a political appointee as the country's top prosecutor.

After leaving the position of attorney general vacant for almost a month, Jokowi inaugurated on Thursday NasDem legislator HM Prasetyo, 67, as attorney general in a move viewed by many legal and human-rights activists as a setback for the country's law-enforcement efforts.

Human rights watchdog the Setara Institute questioned whether Prasetyo had the commitment to eradicating corruption and resolving human-rights violations cases, given his political background. "The appointment of Prasetyo as attorney general is a sign that Jokowi is encumbered by political parties," Setara chairman Hendardi said.

Hendardi also said that the resolution of past human-rights abuses would take a back seat under Jokowi's administration. "This is also an indication that the proposal for a human-rights court will once again be left dormant," Hendardi said.

There are at least seven gross human-rights violations cases that have remained unresolved by the Attorney General's Office (AGO), according to Setara. The cases include the 1989 Talangsari massacre in Central Lampung and the anti-Chinese riots in May 1998 that led to the downfall of president Soeharto.

Hendardi also warned Jokowi that he would achieve little in terms of law enforcement now that his attorney general and law and human rights minister, were both political appointees. He was referring to Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna H. Laoly, a former Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker.

Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW), which has frequently expressed concern over the possible nomination of Prasetyo, also condemned Jokowi's decision. The antigraft watchdog blasted Jokowi for keeping Prasetyo's vetting process under wraps.

"We've never heard that he [Prasetyo] has been thoroughly screened by the Corruption Eradication Commission [KPK], the [Finance Ministry's] taxation directorate general or other [law-enforcement agency]. [We] also never heard of him being summoned by Jokowi [prior to the appointment]," ICW researcher Emerson Yuntho said.

The KPK has also criticized Jokowi for the appointment. "A person with a political background usually has conflicts of interest. The AGO, meanwhile, is a law-enforcement institution that needs a leader of independence and integrity," KPK chairman Abraham Samad said.

Prasetyo, who resigned on Thursday from his position as a member of the House of Representatives after 51 days in office, replaces Basrief Arief whose term expired on Oct. 20.

Speculation was rife that NasDem chairman Surya Paloh personally lobbied Jokowi to persuade him to pick Prasetyo, who is also a former junior attorney general for general crimes.

Earlier this month, Surya accompanied Jokowi to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport before the latter took off on his nine-day trip overseas, triggering rumors that he was intensively lobbying to secure Prasetyo's position.

On Wednesday, Surya also visited Jokowi at the State Palace to discuss Prasetyo's appointment, according to Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto. "[The President] requested a guarantee [from Surya] that the candidate [Prasetyo] would quit the NasDems. He must be independent as soon as he becomes attorney general. If he could not do that, the President said a change of candidate would be possible," Andi said.

With his appointment of Prasetyo, Jokowi appeared to have missed the opportunity to pick a more credible candidate, among whom were junior attorney general for special crimes Widyo Pramono; Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) chief Muhammad Yusuf; and former judicial mafia task force member Mas Achmad Santosa.

Prasetyo, however, is not the first political appointee to the attorney general's position. In 1999, transitional president BJ Habibie appointed Golkar Party politician Marzuki Darusman as attorney general.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, who is also a NasDem politician, denied any political intervention in the attorney-general selection, saying the President had picked Prasetyo due to his "capability, credibility and loyalty".

Speaking after his inauguration, Prasetyo insisted that his political affiliations would not interfere with his work. "When the nation calls us, [we] must leave all personal and group interests behind," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/21/jokowi-s-ag-choice-slammed.html

Mediocrity, controversy shroud Attorney General Prasetyo

Jakarta Post - November 21, 2014

Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta – The newly appointed Attorney General M. Prasetyo has a questionable track record when it comes to fighting graft and on top of that the NasDem Party legislator may not be among the best and the brightest that the Attorney General Office (AGO) has to offer.

Prasetyo did not attain his highest achievement until 2005 when he was appointed by then attorney general Abdul Rahman Saleh to junior prosecutor for general crimes (Jampidum). Prasetyo only assumed the post until 2006 as he was required to retire.

During his short stint on the job, Prasetyo was known for creating controversy rather than achieving goals. One noted case was an allegation that he was involved with helping drug dealer Hariono Agus Tjahjono get a lenient sentence.

Hariono, along with Ricky Chandra, was caught by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in West Jakarta for stashing 20 kilograms of crystal meth in 2005. While Ricky was sentenced by the court to life in prison, Hariono only received three years.

The case caused public uproar and critics accused the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office of tampering with evidence and charges in order for Hariono to get a light sentence.

Prasetyo was dragged into the case as he was supposedly responsible for supervising the prosecution in court, considering that the case had gained enormous publicity before it went to trial.

Attorney general Abdul Rahman launched an investigation into the case with Prasetyo repeatedly denying any wrongdoing. He also denied accepting kickbacks and claimed that the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office had never reported the prosecution process to him. Ensuing investigations by the AGO did not find that Prasetyo had a role in the case.

Prasetyo was also in the spotlight for allegedly holding back the execution of terrorist convicts Amrozi, Iman Samudra and Ali Ghufron for their role in the first Bali bombing in 2002, while demanding an immediate execution of Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu and Dominggus da Silva – the perpetrators of the sectarian conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi.

In his 33 years with the AGO, Prasetyo spent most of his time in human resource management, intelligence analysis, internal supervision and general crime prosecutions.

After retiring from the AGO in 2006, Prasetyo established a law firm and later joined the Nasional Demokrat mass organization in 2011 as member of the advisory council. When the organization was turned into the NasDem Party in 2013, Prasetyo was a member of the party's disciplinary council.

In 2007, Prasetyo applied for a position with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) but failed in the early stages of recruitment.

In October, Prasetyo was inaugurated as legislator after securing votes from the Central Java electorate areas of Demak, Jepara and Kudus.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/21/mediocrity-controversy-shroud-attorney-general-prasetyo.html

Police & law enforcement

Minister puzzled over virginity test

Jakarta Post - November 22, 2014

Yuliasri Perdani, Jakarta – Health Minister Nila Moeloek has expressed dismay over the virginity test performed on female police cadets, suggesting that virginity does not reflect a woman's ability to perform her duty.

"Will that [lack of virginity] hinder their career? That is my question," she said on Friday.

Nila, a professor at the University of Indonesia's medical school, also raised doubts over the police's method of assessing the cadet's virginity, which is solely based on the rupture of the hymen.

"It can be caused by accidents, rape or physical trauma. If so, does this mean that she can't [become a policewoman]? I believe that it is a woman's right," she said.

Despite the concerns, Nila said that the ministry had no plan to request clarification from the National Police. "I will let them [the police] explain because they are the ones who made the regulation. I don't know the objective of the test," Nila said.

Irawati Harsono, a retired policewoman and lecturer at the Graduate School of Police Sciences in Jakarta, has set up an online petition on change.org, urging National Police chief Gen. Sutarman to end the virginity test.

"The virginity test is not a relevant indicator to measure the morality of the policewomen. Many policewomen consider the test degrading and it violates women's rights. Virginity is a personal matter," said Irawati, a former commissioner of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan).

Responding to the uproar over the virginity test, the National Police maintained the genital examination, which is conducted on both male and female cadets, was mainly aimed at detecting serious genital defects, tumors and sexually transmitted disease.

"We only check for defects and infections. We need to ensure that they are fit enough to take part in the police training [...] the examination is also done with consent from the cadets," the police's medical and health center head, Brig. Gen. Arthur Tampi, told a press conference in Jakarta.

Arthur, however, acknowledged that problems with the hymen could impact a cadet's health assessment score. "[A candidate], whose hymen is not intact, will not necessarily be scrapped from the selection process. But it would be factored in to the overall score," he said.

It is not the first time that a virginity test has drawn criticism. Last year, the Prabumulih administration planned to force high school girls to take a virginity test in a bid to discourage promiscuity among students.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/22/minister-puzzled-over-virginity-test.html

Virginity test to confirm cadets' morality: Police

Jakarta Post - November 20, 2014

Yuliasri Perdani and Hans Nicholas Jong, Jakarta – The National Police has confirmed that the virginity test on female cadets is used to measure their physical fitness as well as their morality.

Head of the National Police law division, Insp. Gen. Moechgiyarto, said Wednesday that the virginity test, which is conducted only by female physicians at police-operated hospitals, is the norm in the force.

"The procedure has been practiced for a long time. We need to check the quality [of the candidates] by checking their virginity," Moechgiyarto told reporters on the sidelines of a discussion in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

He said that the chief objective of the test was to ensure that female cadets lived up to high moral standards. "If she [a candidate] turns out to be a prostitute, then how could we accept her for the job?" he said.

Rights campaigners have slammed the practice saying that it is degrading to women.

The latest report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), a New York-based rights group, revealed that in the virginity test taken for the National Police recruitment process, a female doctor inserts two fingers into the candidates' vagina to check the level of vaginal laxity. Female police and police cadets have said that the "two-finger" examination left them traumatized, humiliated and in pain.

Moechgiyarto shrugged off the HRW's criticism that the practice violated women's rights. He said that any candidate who was not a virgin would not necessarily be kicked out of the recruitment process.

"If a candidate is not a virgin anymore but she meets all the qualifications, then we will check her background information in her neighborhood," Moechgiyarto said.

When asked why such a test was not administered to male cadets, he said that it was simply due to the absence of a medical procedure that could determine male virginity.

National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Agus Rianto acknowledged however that "virgin" female cadets had the upper hand compared to those whose hymen "was damaged".

"It may have been damaged due to accident, disease or sexual intercourse. This will impact on the candidates' physical examination score. Those who are intact may get 80 points, while others will get 60 points," Agus said at National Police headquarters.

The police's human relations division head, Insp. Gen. Ronny F. Sompie, said the genital examination was mainly to ensure that the selected cadets were free from serious genital defects, tumors and sexually transmitted disease.

Ronny also maintained that a candidates' virginity would not decide the result of the recruitment test. "Many women who are not virgins have been recruited to the force. But it is impossible for us to give the data to the public," he said.

He dismissed accusations that the test was discrimination against female candidates, saying that male candidates were obliged to take a genital examination.

The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) chairman Haris Azhar said that the police had a questionable moral standard. "The police should be ashamed. They're not moral police. It actually makes us question the morality of the police force itself," he said.

Haris said that an internal regulation could not be used to justify the practice. "A regulation doesn't necessarily translate into good practice, it can also lead to bad practice," he said.

National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) chair Yuniyanti Chuzaifah said the commission had requested a meeting with National Police chief Gen. Sutarman to discuss the matter.

"It is wrong to judge women based on the rupture of the hymen. The virginity test violates the right of women to work – in this case to become a police officer. Moreover, their male counterparts do not take a similar test or face judgment over their virginity. The test is discriminatory and degrading," she said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/20/virginity-test-confirm-cadets-morality-police.html

National Police confirms virginity tests for female candidates

Jakarta Post - November 19, 2014

Hans Nicholas Jong, Jakarta – The National Police have admitted that there is a practice of testing the virginity of women who apply to be police officers.

National Police law division head Inspector General Moechgiyarto said on Wednesday that the practice had been going on for a long time.

"The rule [for the test] has existed for quite a long time. We need to check the quality of a candidate through the procedure [virginity screening]," he told reporters on the sideline of a discussion at the Jentera School of Law (IJSL) in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

Moechgiyarto said the screening was needed to assess the morality of the candidates. "If she [a candidate] turned out to be a prostitute, then how could we accept her?" he said.

Moechgiyarto added that he believed the practice did not violate any human rights and did not discriminate against women.

Human Rights Watch (HRW), a New York-based rights group, said in a recent research report that female applicants for the National Police were subjected to "virginity tests" it deemed discriminatory and degrading.

Citing its documented research on the subject, the HRW said applicants who "failed" were not necessarily expelled from the force, but all of the women described the test as painful and traumatic.

The 'virginity tests' are conducted under the National Police Chief Regulation No.5/2009 on Health Examination Guidelines for Police Candidates. "The examination has included a discredited and degrading 'two-finger test' to determine whether the female applicants' hymens are intact," said HRW.

The finding was revealed during interviews with female police and police applicants in six Indonesian cities – Bandung, Jakarta, Makassar, Medan, Padang and Pekanbaru – who had undergone the test, two of them in 2014.

"The Indonesian National Police's use of 'virginity tests' is a discriminatory practice that harms and humiliates women," said HRW associate women's rights director Nisha Varia.(ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/19/national-police-confirms-virginity-tests-female-candidates.html

'Virginity test' for female police cadets slammed

Jakarta Globe - November 18, 2014

Nivell Rayda & John Curran, Jakarta – It is an ordeal 18-year-old Wina will not soon forget: undressing in front of 20 other women her age as medical staff at a hospital in Bandung, West Java, conducted a virginity test.

"They were then told to enter a room and told to lie down. The medical staffer, a female, then carried out the 'two-finger' test," Wina, not her real name, told Human Rights Watch in a video released on Tuesday.

The so-called virginity test is a discredited procedure to determine whether a woman's hymen is intact. The hymen can perforate for a wide variety of reasons other than sexual contact, such as strenuous physical exercise.

"I [was] humiliated and scared for having to do the virginity test. There were candidates who fainted due to the stress." The ordeal occurred just last year, the girl says, and the virginity test was part of a health examination as a prerequisite to enter the police force.

"I learned about the virginity test only when I was about to take the physical examination and [was told] that there is an 'internal examination.' At first I didn't know that it was the virginity test."

The selection committee, Wina says, told the applicants that they could resign from the selection process if the candidates did not want to go through with the virginity test. But most had gone through so much preparation for the requirements to apply that they all agreed.

"I felt I had no power to object because if I refused to undergo the virginity test, I would not be able to enter the police force," she says. Wina is just one of several female police and police applicants interviewed by the New York-based rights group between May and October this year. All of the women who had undergone the test told HRW that all the women in their police class were subjected to the virginity exam as well.

Applicants who had "failed" were not necessarily expelled from the force, but all of the women described the test as painful and traumatic.

Women on the force said they have raised the issue with senior police officials, who at times claimed the practice had been discontinued.

However, the test remains listed as a requirement for women applicants the National Police's official recruitment website: "Women who want to be policewomen must undergo virginity tests. So all women who want to become policewomen should keep their virginity. Married women are not eligible.

Rights activist and medical professionals say the practice of inserting two fingers into police recruits' vaginas to determine their virginity has no basis in medical science, and is furthermore intrusive, degrading and painful. HRW says the test is still being widely applied, despite its discriminatory and unscientific basis.

The Jakarta Globe spoke with one young woman on condition of anonymity, who said her former life ambition of becoming a National Police officer – inspired by a close family member who works as a police officer in a major Indonesian city – was scuttled by the virginity test.

The young woman told the Jakarta Globe that, in anticipation of the police exam's virginity test, she had saved about Rp 10 million ($820) to undergo a hymenoplasty that would reconstruct her hymen, by a doctor operating clandestinely in North Jakarta. The operation was a success – until the prospective young police recruit went horseback riding about a week later. She now works for a foreign police force.

Yefri Heriyani, director of the women's rights group Nurani Perempuan in Padang, West Sumatra, who has encountered numerous female police applicants over the past 12 years, said that the virginity tests had left many of those women traumatized.

"These policewomen experience trauma and stress while doing the virginity tests, yet [the National Police make] no clear attempt to help them recover. No effort is made to help them out of their stress and trauma. Consequently, it will affect their lives in the long term. Many of them blame themselves for taking the test," Yefri said.

A female police cadet who took the test this year in Pekanbaru, Riau, told the rights group that the test was "humiliating."

"My group of about 20 [applicants] was asked... to take off our clothes, including our bras and underpants," she told the group. "Only those who were menstruating could keep [wearing] underpants." The woman said she was asked to sit on a table while a female doctor did the "two-finger" test.

"I don't want to remember those bad experiences. It was humiliating. Why should we take off our clothes in front of strangers?" the woman said. "[The test] was discriminatory. It is not necessary. I think it should be stopped.

Officials say the "virginity tests" are authorized under Chief of Police's Regulation on Health Inspection Guidelines for Police Candidates. Article 36 requires female police academy applicants to undergo an "obstetrics and gynecology" examination.

Police officials acknowledged that such a test used to be administered, but denied that this was the case today. "There's no such thing anymore," Comr. Gen. Badrodin Haiti, the National Police's deputy chief, said on Tuesday as quoted by Detik.com. "Maybe a long time ago, for the female officers in the old days," he added.

While the regulation does not specify that a "virginity test" is to be administered as part of the exam, two senior policewomen told Human Rights Watch that it has long been the practice, adding that the test is given early in the recruitment process as part of the applicants' physical exam.

Insp. Gen. Ronny F. Sompie, a spokesman for the National Police, said new recruits, both male and female, were tested for reproductive health. "What we do during the selection is a thorough medical check-up [which includes a] test of the reproductive organs. So it's not a virginity test," Ronny said.

He said the reproductive health test was necessary to ensure that the applicants were healthy enough to undergo the arduous training regime in the police academy. He added it was also to minimize the spread of sexually transmitted infections between cadets during their time in the academy – an explanation that would seem to strain credulity, since cadets train in separate academies, both of which are highly gender-segregated environments.

There is little evidence that the National Police have taken steps to stop the tests, HRW said. Human Rights Watch has documented the use of abusive "virginity tests" by police in several other countries, including Egypt, India, and Afghanistan.

Several schools in Indonesia met with wide condemnation after announcing last year that they are considering virginity tests as part of their enrollment requirements.

"So-called virginity tests are discriminatory and a form of gender-based violence – not a measure of women's eligibility for a career in the police," said Nisha Varia, associate women's rights director at HRW.

"This pernicious practice not only keeps able women out of the police, but deprives all Indonesians of a police force with the most genuinely qualified officers."

"The Indonesian National Police's use of 'virginity tests' is a discriminatory practice that harms and humiliates women," Varia said. "Police authorities in Jakarta need to immediately and unequivocally abolish the test, and then make certain that all police recruiting stations nationwide stop administering it."

"Virginity tests" have been recognized internationally as a violation of human rights, particularly the prohibition against "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment" under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 16 of the Convention against Torture, both of which Indonesia has ratified.

HRW said the practice also violates the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other human rights treaties because men are not subjected to virginity testing.

The practice constitutes discrimination against women because it has the effect or purpose of denying women an equal basis as men the right to work as police officers, the group said.

Coerced virginity testing compromises the dignity of women and violates their physical and mental integrity, HRW said. One retired police officer said her class of female recruits in 1965 had to undergo the test – and had lasting effects.

The National Police plans to increase the number of women on the force to 21,000 by December. With a total force of about 400,000 police officers, women are expected to constitute 5 percent of the force, up from 3 percent currently.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/human-rights-watch-slams-virginity-test-female-police-cadets/

Indonesia's female police recruits subjected to virginity tests

Sydney Morning Herald - November 18, 2014

Michael Bachelard, Jakarta – Young female police recruits in Indonesia start their careers with what's called the "two-finger test" to assess if they are virgins.

Indonesia's new women officers are required to be single and virginal, but the digital penetration test the police medical officers use as part of their physical examination leaves them feeling traumatised and humiliated, according to interviews conducted recently by Human Rights Watch.

In 2010, the then-head of police personnel, Brigadier General Sigit Sudarmanto, announced that the invasive testing procedure would stop. But still the National Police job recruitment website confirms that: "In addition to the medical and physical tests, women who want to be policewomen must also undergo virginity tests".

Eight female police applicants in six Indonesian cities who endured the "two finger" test as late as this year have told researchers from the human rights body of the pain and humiliation involved.

One young applicant, who was 18 when she was tested in Bandung, near Jakarta, in 2013, said she had learned about the test "only when I was about to take the physical examination".

"[They told us] we could resign from the selection process if we did not want to go through with it, but most of us had gone through so much preparation already, and I felt I had no power to object.

"Twenty female applicants were told to enter a hall... we were then told to go into a room and lie down. The medical staffer, a female, then carried out the 'two-finger' test. I was humiliated and scared... There were candidates who fainted due to the stress."

Another recruit was 19 when she took the test with 20 others in Pekanbaru, Sumatra, in 2014. "We were asked to take off our clothes, including our bras and underpants. It was humiliating. Only those who were menstruating could keep their underpants on. We were asked to sit on a table for women giving birth. A female doctor did the virginity test... the 'two-finger' test... It was humiliating."

The test is a discredited procedure that purports to assess whether a woman's hymen is intact.

A director of women's rights group Nurani Perempuan, Yefri Heriyani, is quoted in the report saying the test had left many police women traumatised. "It will affect their lives in the long term. Many of them blame themselves," she said.

A former police psychologist, Sri Rumiati, said she had objected to the testing in 2010, but her colleagues had replied: "Do we want to have prostitutes joining the police?"

A police spokesman told Fairfax Media that both new male and female recruits were required to be unmarried because they had to "change their character from civilian to semi-military mindset". They can marry after two years in the force.

But it is only women's virginity that is tested. Nisha Varia, the associate women's rights director at Human Rights Watch, said the Indonesian National Police's use of virginity tests was "a discriminatory practice that harms and humiliates women".

"Police authorities in Jakarta need to immediately and unequivocally abolish the test, and then make certain that all police recruiting stations nationwide stop administering it."

Indonesia's predominant religion is Islam, and, even though premarital sex is common, officials and religious leaders still place a high value on female virginity. A South Sumatra school district last year proposed administering a virginity test on its new high school students.

About 3 per cent of Indonesian police officers are female, but the National Police plans to increase this to about 5 per cent with an unprecedented mass recruitment drive, in which 7000 female cadets have undergone a special seven-month training program.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/world/indonesias-female-police-recruits-subjected-to-virginity-tests-20141118-11oa8q.html

Mining & energy

Indonesia mostly nonplussed over fuel price hike

Jakarta Globe - November 18, 2014

Jakarta – Protests surrounding the Indonesian government's move to cut fuel subsidy has surprisingly been minimal, with police saying only nine protests were carried out in the capital on Tuesday.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said only two demonstrations, involving several student and Muslim groups, were staged in front of government offices while the rest were limited to their respective campuses.

Even the protest which forced police in Jakarta to fire tear gas canisters only involved dozens of people from the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PMII).

The majority of Indonesians were also unfazed by the hike, taking to social media to show their support for President Joko Widodo's decision to increase the price of subsidized gasoline to Rp 8,500 (70 cents) per liter and Rp 7,500 per liter for subsidized diesel. Previously, the fuels sold for Rp 6,500 and Rp 5,500 per liter, respectively.

The condition contrasts sharply with the protracted drama witnessed prior to similar price hikes under Joko's predecessor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

When Yudhoyono first increased in 2008 the price of both subsidized gasoline and diesel from Rp 4,500 to Rp 6,000 per liter, widespread protests erupted, some ending in violence.

Nearing his reelection in 2009, alongside a convenient slump in global fuel prices, Yudhoyono rolled back prices to Rp 4,500, resulting in his landslide victory at the presidential election.

It was a decision that proved to be a mistake, observers say, due to the resulting strain on the economy. In June of 2013, Yudhoyono was forced to raise the price of subsidized gasoline to Rp 6,500 per liter and Rp 5,500 per liter for subsidized diesel.

Yenny Sucipto, secretary of anticorruption watchdog Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (Fitra), noted that the majority of people responded positively to the fuel hike.

"Yes, there are demonstrations, but not on a massive scale," Yenny said on Tuesday, adding that people have been anticipating the hike long before Joko took office. "There are a lot of problems [left by Yudhoyono] that the new government needs to address," she said.

Yudhie Haryono, an economic and political analyst from Central Java's Muhammadiyah University Purwokerto said Joko has taken steps to dampen the impact of the hike on Indonesia's poor.

Joko has issued three programs, the Indonesian Health Card, Smart Card and the Prosperous Family Card, to more efficiently transfer benefits under preexisting social entitlement programs. Whether these programs actually offset the cost of the fuel price increases for poor families is empirically questionable.

Siti Zuhro of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences said appeasing the public depends on how the government implements the programs. "[The assistance] needs to be enough to dampen the impact of the fuel price hike," she said, adding that the hike is usually followed by an increase in all basic commodities and transportation prices.

A similar program under Yudhoyono, known as BLT, which offered unconditional direct cash transfers was widely condemned due to its susceptibility to illegal diversion.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who previously served under Yudhoyono's first five-year term, highlighted another difference between the two leaders. Joko, Kalla said, made the announcement himself while his predecessor went abroad and left the task to his ministers.

"This shows that the president is willing to take any risk [from the hike]. We are ready to be unpopular with this policy," he said.

Ray Rangkuti of the Indonesian Civil Society Circle (Lima) said Joko also seemed to benefit from the ongoing rift inside the House of Representatives, taking the initiative not to consult the legislature about the hike as Yudhoyono's administration did.

The consultations during Yudhoyono's term resulted in a prolonged deliberation allowing negative sentiment towards the hike to build up. "During SBY's term the plan was made public, creating a panic and the prices [of goods] went up even before the government actually increased the fuel prices," he said, referring to Yudhoyono by his popular initials.

But it is the bypassing of House consultation that may force Joko to face an inquiry by the House of Representatives, controlled by opposition Red- White Coalition (KMP), which 314 of the legislature's 560 seats.

House speaker Setya Novanto said the House, known as the DPR, will summon administration officials before the end of this month. "Before the House goes into on [Dec. 5], the inquiry must have concluded. We hope the administration is also taking the initiative to explain the fuel hike to the DPR," the Golkar politician said.

Setya's deputy Taufik Kurniawan of KMP's National Mandate Party (PAN) lamented the administration's decision to bypass a legislative consultation.

"Increasing the [subsidized] fuel price is the authority of the government. But even so, the administration should have at least communicated with the DPR," he said. "The administration must also explain why the hike happened during a time when the world oil prices go down."

Joko's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is the only party that openly backs the increase, while other parties in the House minority Awesome Indonesia Coalition (KIH) are still demanding an explanation.

"The administration argues that this is not a subsidy cut but a subsidy diversion. Where is it diverted to?" said Arsul Sani of the United Development Party (PPP). "The [three] cards already have their own budget. So where is [the subsidy] diverted to? [Is the government] building more roads for example?"

Arsul said his party is staying away from the price hike debate, focusing instead on ensuring that the saved money is put into good use. "We want the government to realize its promises," he said.

Ray, of Lima, said the House majority Red-White Coalition will likely use this issue to weaken public support for Joko. "But [the controversy] will not lead to [Joko's] impeachment," he said.

Ray said Joko can counter the Red-White Coalition's attack by ensuring that people truly benefit from the fuel hike. "Jokowi must create programs not only for farmers and fishermen, but also the middle class who are affected," he said.

Secretary of the Cabinet Andi Widjajanto said Joko is making big plans on where savings from the fuel subsidy cut will be diverted, pointing to several key infrastructure projects and programs aimed to help farmers and fishermen increase their productivity, as well as better market and transport their products.

Andi said Joko wants to start providing subsidized fertilizers and seeds, as well as revitalize many under-utilized or unmaintained irrigation systems across the country before the rice planting season in March. "It was a tough decision. We cannot please everyone," he said.

Joko earlier stated his ambition to transform the archipelago into a "global maritime axis," saying the government plans to build 24 seaports to connect Indonesia's major islands and seven to link shipping with the rest of the world.

Kalla said the increase has taken into consideration people's buying power while also providing enough room to fund major infrastructure projects.

"We know that the world oil prices have gone down by a bit, but the rupiah keeps weakening. So we calculated [raising subsidized fuel prices by] Rp 2,000 is still affordable," he said. "This [hike] is not without its risks but rather than facing a [budget] deficit it is better to face slightly higher inflation."

Kalla said characterized the hike as enabling the government to shift its coffers from consumptive to productive spending. "Yes, you pay more for fuel, but you will have better roads, better hospitals."

While increasing the fuel prices would hike up prices of other goods, "[the psychological impact of the hike] will be felt for no more than three months," he said.

Kalla added that the government will continue to lower the fuel subsidy, which currently stands at around Rp 1,500 per liter for gasoline and Rp 3,500 per liter for diesel.

"Next year, we are considering implementing a fixed subsidy," he said. This means that the price of subsidized fuel will follow market prices like their non-subsidized counterparts. Kalla suggested that for gasoline a fixed subsidy of Rp 1,000 will be applied and for diesel Rp 2,000.

A national transportation organization and two prominent student associations have promised disruptive strikes in response to the government's decision to hike the price of subsidized fuel.

The Land Public Transportation Organization (Organda), which represents private operators of public buses and mini buses, as well as two Islamic student associations, have condemned the increase announced by President Joko late on Monday, saying it is unjustified and unfair.

Organda chairwoman Eka Sari Lorena said the move would be "very harmful" to public transportation operators, adding that members of Organda will stage a strike across Indonesia on Wednesday. She argued public transport should be exempted from the price hike.

Criticism of the government's decision was also meted out by student groups. The Islamic Students Association (HMI) took to the streets of Central Jakarta just hours after Joko's announcement, burning tires in the middle of Jalan Cikini and blocking nearby roads.

The leader of the association's Greater Jakarta chapter, Zulkarnain Bagariang, promised more demonstrations on Wednesday.

A demonstration in front of the Energy and Mineral Resource Ministry in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, orchestrated by dozens of students from Islamic group PMII, ended with police firing tear gas at the protesters.

The fracas started when PMII members tried to climb and knock down the ministry's metal gate at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Amidst the chaos, a protester threw a bamboo pole towards police guarding the premise. At least two tear gas canisters were fired, sending the protesters scrambling as they were engulfed in nauseating white smoke.

PMII was not the first group to protest in front of the ministry's office. As of 2 p.m., there were at least three other groups protesting, each with fewer than 100 demonstrators.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesia-mostly-nonplussed-fuel-price-hike/

Lenient regulations lead to rampant illegal sand quarrying

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Multa Fidrus, Tangerang – In the absence of a regional bylaw prohibiting illegal sand quarries, small entrepreneurs in Tangerang regency keep extracting sand without permits.

Holes left by sand-mining activities in the regency are scattered in several districts in Tangerang: Legok, Pagedangan, Cisauk, Curug, Cisoka, Tigaraksa, Jambe and also in northern coastal districts like Mauk and Sukadiri.

The holes have turned into small lakes during the rainy season. The holes, which can be as much as 20 meters deep, pose dangers to local residents. Some reports said a number of residents have drowned while swimming in the "lakes".

The Jakarta Post has observed that one of the quarrying activities took place on the banks of the Cisadane River in Suradita village in Cisauk.

The river banks have big holes stretching across dozens of hectares of land that bear no safety warnings for the residents.

Residents in the village said that the activity had gone on for almost two years and no one in authority had ever come to stop it. Maskurin, one of the village's longtime residents, said that the administration needed to pay attention to the illegal activities.

However, one of the sand-mining entrepreneurs, Wawan, said that the activity, which used heavy equipment, did not disturb the environment.

"There have been no complaints and we don't see any environmental damage caused by this mining," he said. He claimed that he had obtained a permit from the local authority.

Tangerang regent Zaki Iskandar said the regency needed stronger regulations to stop illegal sand quarries.

"We have tried to reduce the activities by confiscating the rechargeable batteries of several pieces of heavy equipment used to mine the sand," he said.

"The batteries are now piled up in the Public Order Agency's office." However, he said, if the agency managed to halt the operations of one sand quarry, another would start in a different place. He said the illegal miners were not afraid because the punishment was too lenient.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/lenient-regulations-lead-rampant-illegal-sand-quarrying.html

Government slashes fuel subsidies

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Hasyim Widhianto, Jakarta – Less than a month after assuming the country's highest public post, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo hiked the prices of subsidized fuel on Monday in a bid to reallocate the ever-increasing funds spent on fuel subsidies to finance the government's development programs.

Speaking in a press conference at the Presidential Palace, President Jokowi said the price of subsidized Premium gasoline would increase from Rp 6,500 (53 US cents) per liter to Rp 8,500, while the price of diesel would be raised from Rp 5,500 to Rp 7,500 per liter. Kerosene remains unchanged at Rp 2,500 per liter.

"The new fuel prices will take effect from midnight Nov. 18, 2014," Jokowi said. He said the fuel-price hike was necessary to allow the government to allocate a larger slice of the state budget to development programs.

"All this time, the government has needed to develop infrastructure, education and health, but the funds have been unavailable because they have been wasted on fuel subsidies," Jokowi said in his speech, accompanied by Vice President Jusuf Kalla and several Cabinet members.

"From time to time, we, as a nation, have faced difficult options. However, we must choose and make a decision," Jokowi said in his opening remarks in a speech that lasted less than three minutes.

The announcement took place a matter of hours after the President gathered his ministers in a Cabinet meeting at the same venue.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said reassured the public that state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina was prepared ahead of the government's decision to increase fuel prices. "The [fuel] stock is sufficient. There is no need to rush to fuel stations. The public need not panic," he said.

Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro, meanwhile, said the fuel-price hike of Rp 2,000 per liter might drive up inflation by around 2 percent. He added that the reallocation would provide the government with an additional Rp 100 trillion to work with in next year's revised state budget (APBN-P).

The annual inflation rate surged to 8.4 percent when the government hiked the price of subsidized fuels last year.

After former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government adjusted fuel prices in June, 2013, inflation exceeded 8 percent for seven consecutive months until January. Nevertheless, price levels returned to their pre- adjustment levels recently, with inflation standing at 4.5 percent at the end of September.

In his election campaign, President Jokowi pledged to reform Indonesia's burdensome and poorly targeted fuel subsidies, which had been forecast to amount to Rp 276 trillion next year, accounting for around 15 percent of total state spending. The amount allocated for fuel subsidies is higher than the country's annual infrastructure spending.

Moreover, the immensely costly subsidies are considered to have little impact on economic growth or people's welfare, especially as the policy mostly benefits car and motorcycle owners, who tend to come from the middle classes.

Jokowi said the government would provide low-income families with several social-protection cards, comprising the Indonesia Health Card (KIS), the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) and the Prosperous Family Card (KKS), to cushion the impact of the fuel-price hike.

"It is part of our efforts to maintain the people's purchasing power and to start various activities in the productive economy," he said.

Soon after the announcement, long queues were visible at several gas stations, causing traffic congestion. Motorists lined up to fill their tanks before midnight.

"I have to fill the tank before midnight," said Ahmad, one of the queuing motorists, at a gas station on Jl. Sam Ratulangi, Menteng, Central Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

Gareth Leather from Capital Economist said in an analysis that Jokowi was "serious about economic reform in Indonesia, and is even prepared to take steps that may prove unpopular in the short run". He forecast the likely increase in inflation in December would be to around 7 percent.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/govt-slashes-fuel-subsidies.html

Oil, gas governance in spotlight

Jakarta Post - November 17, 2014

Tassia Sipahutar, Jakarta – The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry announced on Sunday the establishment of a team to solve rampant governance problems that have been gnawing at the country's oil and gas potential, including the existence of a so-called oil and gas mafia.

The team is to be led by Faisal Basri, an economist and University of Indonesia lecturer who is also known as an outspoken critic of the government.

Under the supervision of the ministry, the team will be responsible for producing recommendations regarding several crucial issues in the oil and gas sector for stakeholders as well as for the President, according to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said.

Sudirman claimed that the recommendations would be useful in addressing systemic problems that had so far prevented optimum outcomes in the sector, including the existence of the oil and gas mafia.

"Improvement and higher transparency in oil and gas governance will limit the movement of the mafia and the space in which it operates," Sudirman told a press briefing, without providing details on the so-called mafia that he was addressing.

Among the systemic problems are the low recovery rate, underperforming oil production and lifting, aging and inefficient oil refineries, as well as a lack of strategic reserves. The team is also expected to seek ways to simplify business-licensing procedures in the oil and gas sector.

"The team is an ad hoc team and is under the supervision of the ministry. It will report to me as the minister and I expect to receive recommendations at least within the next six months," Sudirman said.

Data from the ministry showed that the oil-recovery rate now stands at below 60 percent and that aging refineries have cost an average Rp 50 trillion (US$4.1 billion) per year in losses over the past five years.

With growing demand, poor refinery facilities have pushed down the country's energy security as it is only able to support consumption of 18 days, far below a capacity of 30 days recorded 10 years ago.

The new team is also assigned to produce recommendations on the future existence of several institutions – such as the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKKMigas) – and to accelerate revisions of the 2001 Oil and Gas Law.

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno, who also attended the press briefing, said that input from the team would help her ministry to determine the fate of Pertamina Energy Trading Ltd. (Petral), a subsidiary of state-owned energy company PT Pertamina.

Singapore-based Petral handles imports of crude oil and petroleum-based fuels for Pertamina. It has been accused of being an instrument of cartel- like operations in the oil and gas sector.

"We are waiting for the team's analysis and review of Pertamina's upstream and downstream businesses, including Petral," she said.

ReforMiner Institute executive director Pri Agung Rakhmanto applauded the team's creation, but insisted that concrete follow-ups would be more important to solve existing problems. "Some issues are already widely known, such as on tax and investment, but nothing has been done so far," he said.

Marwan Batubara, director of Indonesian Resources Studies (IRESS), argued that such a team would be more effective and would have more clout if it were headed by a higher figure, such as the Vice President. He questioned Faisal's background as a ministry outsider, saying that ministry staff members might not comply with his team's recommendations.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/17/oil-gas-governance-spotlight.html

Fishing & maritime affairs

In fight against big-time poaching, Susi nets minnows

Jakarta Globe - November 22, 2014

Nuriy Azizah Susetyo, Jakarta – Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti's crusade against poaching by foreign fishing boats in Indonesian waters has turned on a nomadic sea tribe that has practiced subsistence fishing for hundreds of years.

The minister said in Jakarta on Friday that her ministry had identified 400 fishermen from the Bajau Laut community living and fishing among remote islands off East Kalimantan – an area that they have lived in and fished from for generations.

However, Susi said that they included Bajau Laut tribespeople from the Philippines and Malaysia, and that their presence in Indonesian waters – where, again, they have a history that predates the founding of all three countries – posed an existential threat to Indonesia's maritime sovereignty.

"Under our marine laws, they are definitely violating our territory, and if seen under the fisheries law, they are guilty because they are foreigners," Susi said.

She added that they lived mostly on uninhabited islands off Berau district in East Kalimantan, a marine conservation area where she claimed fishing was prohibited. However, she also acknowledged that authorities were tipped off to their presence by complaints about the "foreign" competition from local fishermen who also fish in the ostensibly protected area.

Conservationists have long lamented the practice of dynamite fishing by local fishermen in the area, but Susi said no such materials were found among the Bajau Laut.

"We caught 59 boats and 73 rafts, so in total we got 132 wooden boats. However, we only found spears and nets, not potassium and dynamite," she said.

The coordinating minister for maritime affairs, Indroyono Soesilo, said Indonesia needed to take the case seriously because of the danger that it could lose the islands in question to Malaysia or the Philippines – despite the Bajau Laut generally not subscribing to the notion of statehood.

He added that the government would inform the Malaysian and Philippine governments about the matter and deport the fishermen from the region they have lived in for generations.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/fight-big-time-poaching-susi-nets-minnows/

Jokowi declares war on illegal fishing

Jakarta Post - November 18, 2014

Hasyim Widhiarto, Jakarta – Responding to rampant illegal fishing in the country's oceans, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has instructed law enforcers to take stern actions against foreign ships stealing fish from Indonesian waters, including by sinking them on the spot.

Delivering his remarks in a meeting with the participants of the National Resilience Institute's (Lemhannas) annual training, President Jokowi said on Tuesday that Indonesia lost around Rp 300 trillion annually from illegal fishing and needed to immediately take firm action to avoid further losses.

"There is no need to arrest them [the illegal fishing boats]; just sink them," Jokowi said. His words were followed by applause from the audience packing a meeting hall in the Presidential Palace.

There are currently 5,400 illegal ships operating in Indonesian waters and implementing stern action had become the only way for the government to deter them, Jokowi said. "Sink 10 to 20 [illegal ships]; it would make them [the illegal fishermen] think. But rescue the crew first."

To put the plan into action, Jokowi said he would immediately discuss it with related parties, including Indonesian Military commander Gen. Moeldoko, Navy chief of staff Adm. Marsetio, and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti.

Jokowi said that Susi, in a Cabinet meeting on Monday, had reported that her ministry had recently managed to confiscate four ships for committing illegal fishing in Indonesian waters located to the north of Kalimantan.

The law enforcers, according to Jokowi, would have been able to arrest dozens more ships had their patrol boats had a sufficient amount of fuel. (nvn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/18/jokowi-declares-war-illegal-fishing.html

Analysis & opinion

A clean Attorney General's Office is now just a pipe dream

Jakarta Globe Editorial - November 21, 2014

While there is nothing illegal in President Joko Widodo's appointment of National Democratic Party politician H.M. Prasetyo as the country's attorney general, we have several valid questions to ask.

First, despite all Joko's rhetoric about wanting to reform Indonesia's legal system to cleanse it of corruption and abuses of power, why did he appoint a politician from one of his Awesome Indonesia Coalition parties? Why not appoint a figure that will be independent from all political interest?

The Attorney General's Office badly needs a total overhaul without delay. The institution, which has been rated as one of the country's most corrupt offices, needs a revolution – not merely a business as usual approach – and a politician as its head is the last thing it needs.

The institution needs someone like the president himself, and while finding such a person is not easy, the country can still offer a much better, a more capable and cleaner figure. One previous AGO head, Baharuddin Lopa, for instance, was allegedly murdered because of his tough stance and commitment to justice.

Second, we know that behind Prasetyo is Nasdem chairman Surya Paloh. It has been widely reported that he wanted the post for his party. It was confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto that Prasetyo's appointment was made after intense talks between the president and Nasdem's chairman Surya Paloh, a media mogul and tycoon.

No one can underestimate the power of the AGO. The institution can even influence the Corruption Eradication Commission because the two work together in investigations and court proceedings.

What if Surya Paloh is implicated in a corruption scandal or legal problems? Or worse, what if he uses the AGO as his vehicle to punish his enemies?

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/opinion/editorial-clean-attorney-generals-office-now-just-pipe-dream/