Speaking to this paper, Mr Samson Faisi said it is disappointing to see a National Leader use West Papua as a reason to topple Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

He pointed out that there are many important reasons the political parties put to represent their point but not West Papua.

Mr Faisi said Political Parties should find arguments on failed party policies the current government fail to deliver as their base of argument.

He strongly condemn Sir Nathaniel Waena's statement in the paper yesterday to support the call for the Prime Minister to step down.

"Leave West Papua out of the political issue, West Papua issue deals with human safety and freedom as a human being we should think again. "It is disappointing to see national leaders acting childish," Mr Faisi said.

He said he is also an active member of a Political Party and that such statement not only shame but also cause embracement on the country.

Mr Faisi said the West Papua issues is dealing with safety and freedom of humanity and that leaders should see the real issue rather than talking nonsense.

He said seven countries in the Pacific are behind the fight to free West Papua and it is a shame for Solomon Islands to pick on West Papua as scapegoat in the current Political uphill.

Meanwhile Mr Faisi salutes Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare for his support toward West Papua.

Source: http://theislandsun.com/leave-west-papua-issue-alone-faisi/

Old problems hinder Papua taskforce

Jakarta Post - November 14, 2016

Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura – The taskforce on human rights in Papua has made slow progress in resolving alleged abuses in Papua and West Papua provinces, largely as a result of the Attorney General's Office (AGO), which has persistently disagreed with the approach of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).

The taskforce was initially set up by then coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister Luhut Pandjaitan on Oct. 25, 2015, with a one-year mandate.

It was hoped the taskforce could help ease the problems that had bedevilled many human rights cases in the country's easternmost region.

However, by the time its initial term ended last month, the taskforce had failed to secure any form of law enforcement against the perpetrators of human rights cases they examined, prompting the minister's office to extend its mandate by another year.

"We will conduct public hearings on the cases so members of the public, as well as activists and legal experts, can see openly the problems [that have hampered our work]," human rights activist and taskforce leader Mathius Murib said over the weekend.

He added that the taskforce would also soon hold meetings with witnesses and victims' families in three cases.

The team has been tasked with overseeing 11 cases of alleged human rights violations but the three cases Mathius was referring to were the Wasior tragedy in 2001, the killings in Wamena (2003 and the bloody conflict in Paniai (2014).

A number of civilians from dozens of villages were allegedly killed and tortured in Wasior during a joint police and military operation following a break-in at a military arsenal. None of the perpetrators in the three cases have been brought to justice.

Komnas HAM has also declared the Wasior and Wamena cases to be gross human rights violations and submitted its findings to the AGO, but the latter has refused to bring the cases to court, citing a lack of evidence.

Mathius said he hoped an open and transparent case hearing could help resolve the problems centering on the different approaches used by the AGO and Komnas HAM.

"While Komnas HAM uses the Human Rights Law, the AGO approaches the cases from the Criminal Code, so they will never be of the same opinion. How can human rights issues be handled using the Criminal Code, which was designed to address regular crimes?" Mathius, who formerly served as the deputy chairman of Komnas HAM's Papua office, said in Papua's provincial capital of Jayapura.

Despite lingering concerns about the matter, such a difference of approach has remained an obstacle in resolving human rights cases for years. As a result, many suspected perpetrators have enjoyed impunity, to the dismay of victims and activists.

Regarding the deadly incident in Paniai, which saw six students killed, Komnas HAM's Papua representative Friets Ramandey said the commission's examination had been constrained by people's resistance to investigative teams that came to Paniai after the tragedy.

Papua human rights observer John Jonga, recipient of the 2009 Yap Thiam Hien Award, lamented the taskforce's poor progress, pointing out that the cases had been discussed at the international level, including at the UN.

"None of the perpetrators have been brought to account and legally processed, thanks to the weakness of law enforcement agencies, including Komnas HAM itself," he said.

Other cases overseen by the taskforce include the 1996 military operation on the Mapenduma abduction, the 1998 Bloody Biak incident that claimed more than 100 lives, the shooting of Mako Tabuni, the torture of Yawan Wayeni in Serui and the conflict during the Third Papua People's Congress.

Regarding the alleged torture of Yawan, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw said the police had grilled 157 Mobile Brigade (Brimob) members. "The reenactment of the case has been conducted and we will soon hold a case expose," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/14/old-problems-hinder-papua-taskforce.html

Opposition urge PM to reassess approach on West Papua

Solomon Times - November 10, 2016

The Parliamentary Opposition Group has urged the Prime Minister and his Government to reassess its approach on the issue of West Papua with Indonesia.

In a statement today, the Opposition Group says the stern warning by the Indonesian Foreign Minister conveyed to his Australian counterpart must not be taken lightly by the Government.

"We all have concerns for human right issues in West Papua. But there are other means of dealing with this issue rather than the confrontational approach taken by the current Prime Minister. This is not only interfering with Indonesia's sovereignty but also with that country's domestic affairs," it said.

The Opposition Group recommended that the Prime Minister embrace the relationship established by the previous government and work through the Solomon Islands Ambassador in Jakarta.

"The continuous disrespect to Indonesia as demonstrated by the Prime Minister will not help the course of West Papua at the international level, not to mention the damage this will cause to Solomon Islands relationship with Indonesia," it said.

The Opposition Group says the Prime Minister has been ill-advised on this important issue, which will not only worsen the cause for West Papua but also hurt Solomon Islands.

"Indonesia is an important partner for our country in trade, energy, fisheries, development, training and cultural exchange. It is an influential member of some of the multilateral agencies and in the Asian region, which Solomon Islands very much rely on," it said.

Therefore, the Opposition Group says the Prime Minister would be well advised to engage with Indonesia on the West Papua issue rather than the current confrontational approach he has taken.

Source: http://www.solomontimes.com/news/opposition-urge-pm-to-reassess-approach-on-west-papua/8638

Labour & migrant workers

Trade union linked to Prabowo camp to join Islamic protests on November 25

Pos Metro - November 14, 2016

Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) President Said Iqbal says that hundreds of thousands if not a million workers affiliated with the KSPI are ready to take part in the Action to Defend Islam by holding a national strike.

"First of all I want to say that the KSPI will officially hold a national strike across 31 provinces, 250 regencies, and cities. But there will be at least 20 provincial industrial cities were we will hold a national strike", he told journalists from United Islam (Islam Bersatu, JITU) in Central Jakarta on the afternoon of Monday November 14.

In principal, the KSPI believes that the government is arrogant in its position of protecting the interests of the owners of capital said Said.

"The national strike will be held on November 25 or December 2. We will indeed join with the people's movement that is raising the issue of blasphemy [allegedly committed by Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama]. Because in principle we will be questioning the arrogance of power that protects the interests of the owners of capital", he said.

And it will not just be about blasphemy, moreover the KSPI believes that the government's stand in setting low wages is an arrogant one that protects the owners of capital.

"The problem of low wages is the arrogance of power in protecting the owners of capital through Government Regulation (PP) Number 78/2015 [on setting the minimum wage], where wages are controlled and kept low and trade unions reject the policy behind the PP 78", he said briefly following the press conference.

With regard to the number of workers that will be mobilised for the national strike, Said said that they are ready to mobilise hundreds of thousands of workers in Jakarta and the satellite cities of Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabotabek) to converge on the State Palace in Central Jakarta.

"The national strike will be a stop production with [workers] walking out of factories in 20 provincial industrial cities in Jabotabek and going to the Palace, and I think that the numbers going to the Palace could be hundreds of thousands, more than 500,000, because there are lot of workers in Jabotabek", he said. [ahc]

Notes

Said Iqbal, who supported former Special Forces (Kopasus) commander retired General Prabowo Subianto's failed 2014 presidential bid and according to recent media reports holds regular discussions with Prabowo confidant and House of Representatives (DPR) Deputy Speaker and Fadli Zon from Prabowo's Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), has on several occasions been criticised by labour activists for organising anti-government labour protests not to fight for workers rights but to support the Prabowo camp.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the report was "Mantap! Jutaan Buruh Siap Mogok Nasional Bergabung dengan Aksi Bela Islam Jilid III".]

Source: http://www.posmetro.info/2016/11/mantap-jutaan-buruh-siap-mogok-nasional.html

Political parties & elections

Golkar faces fresh strife over Ahok

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – The Golkar Party, the country's oldest and second-largest political party, is again facing internal strife, with party elites sharply divided over whether Golkar should retain its support for Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

A group of Golkar elites led by former party chairman Aburizal Bakrie has called on the police to enforce the law against the governor, who has been accused of committing blasphemy and is backed by a majority of the ruling coalition parties.

Since a Nov. 4 rally against the governor, Golkar has yet to make a statement about whether the police should move forward with legal steps against Ahok. Aburizal, who chairs the party's advisory board, complained on Thursday that his party had not taken a law enforcement stance.

"I don't accuse [Ahok] of being guilty [in the case]. But the police should enforce the law and follow up the investigation into Ahok's case, fairly and honestly," Aburizal said in Jakarta at a Golkar meeting attended party bigwigs such as Setya Novanto and Agung Laksono.

"I know our party supports Ahok [in the Jakarta election] and it has made a final decision. But we have to firmly show that the person we are supporting is also not allowed to insult a religion – any religion, not only Islam. Religious blasphemy is a serious matter," he added.

The statement triggered a tense debate between Aburizal's camp and that of party chief Setya. Aburizal warned that Golkar could lose support from the public and senior members if it failed to address the Ahok case accordingly.

Agung, who chairs the party's board of experts, begged to differ, saying the party should promote nationalism and should not get involved in debates on religion as it was a sensitive matter.

The former party deputy chairman, who was also Aburizal's rival during a year-long split over party control, emphasized that the party must back Ahok and entrust the legal process to the police.

"I'm not angry. I am just reminding [the party] that we should have a clear and consistent stance. We can't retreat on our support for Ahok," Agung, an ally of Setya, said.

He argued that the Nov. 4 rally, which saw thousands of protesters hit the streets of Jakarta, was not only about Ahok. The rally, he said, also aimed to oust President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Golkar declared support for Jokowi in July and joined the government coalition after opposing it for one-and-a-half years. It has also decided to endorse Jokowi for the 2019 presidential election. Speculation is rife that Setya is eyeing the country's second-top post in the election.

Aburizal has indicated his objection to the party's decision to endorse Ahok. However, Aburizal is now not as powerful as he used to be in the party. Although his voice is heard for consideration and input, it is Setya that has the final say.

Setya said Golkar would remain consistent in supporting Ahok and pledged to consider input from the advisory board and all senior members. "I am thankful for all advice from Golkar senior members. [...] We'll keep supporting Ahok and let the police work on the legal process."

Aburizal is not the only one opposing Ahok's endorsement. Another advisory board member, Fadel Muhammad, previously recommended that the party evaluate its support for Ahok.

On Thursday, party executive Nurdin Halid announced that Golkar had dismissed Fadel from his board membership, but claimed the dismissal had nothing to do with Fadel's statement against Ahok.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/golkar-faces-

Golkar's unity again in question, this time over Ahok

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – Fragmented support for Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in the Golkar Party has threatened the unity of the party, only months after it was able to resolve a year-long split from infighting for party control.

Chairman Setya Novanto raised the matter when lambasting opposition voices to the party's endorsement of Ahok, as well as President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, in his speech during the opening ceremony of Kosgoro, a Golkar-affiliated multipurpose organization, on Wednesday evening in Jakarta.

"I suggest those who made speeches earlier [questioning Golkar's decision] to once in a while talk with the management board," Setya said.

He was referring to calls made by members of the party's honorary council, including chief Aburizal Bakrie, who lost the party's chairmanship race to Setya in May this year, and council member Fahmi Idris, who questioned Golkar's support for Ahok, as well as the party's "early" endorsement for Jokowi's second term.

Setya's remarks came only days after Aburizal and Fahmi made separate statements at the party's headquarters in Slipi, West Jakarta, questioning Golkar's decision to support Jokowi and Ahok.

Fahmi, an influential figure in the party, particularly warned that Golkar could retract its support from Ahok from the mounting protests against the Jakarta governor for allegedly committing blasphemy.

Golkar is slated to hold a meeting at the headquarters on Thursday, with all its board members expected to attend, including both Aburizal and Fahmi, to discuss the party's different stances on Ahok's case. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/golkars-unity-again-in-question-this-time-over-ahok.html

Blasphemy & the Jakarta elections

'Indonesia is safe, very safe,' Jokowi tells public as he visits military,

Jakarta Globe - November 15, 2016

Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on Tuesday (15/11) his recent visits to the headquarters of the military and police's elite squads were aimed at reassuring the public that the government is in control of the security of the country.

In the past three days, President Jokowi has visited the headquarters of the Army's Special Force Kopassus, the Navy's Special Force Marinir, the National Police's Mobile Brigade, or Brimob and – on Tuesday – the headquarters of the Air Force's Special Force Paskhas at the Sulaiman Airport in Bandung, West Java.

"I visited the military and police bases to reassure the public that the country is safe, very safe. Our special forces are ready to be deployed if an emergency happens," Jokowi said.

In a speech to around one hundred Paskhas personnel, Jokowi asked the unit to take the lead in keeping the country united.

"Let me remind you that this country is made up of many races and ethnic and religious groups. Unity is paramount for us as a nation. The military and the police should take the lead in keeping us united," the president said.

Accompanying Jokowi in his Bandung visit were Chief Security Minister Wiranto, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, TNI chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, Air Force chief of staff Air Marshall Agus Supriatna and West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-safe-safe-jokowi-tells-public-visits-military-police-bases/

Parties continue pointing fingers over Nov. 4 rally

Jakarta Post - November 15, 2016

Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – More than a week after the massive Nov. 4 rally, political parties in the ruling coalition, led by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), scolded three other members of the coalition for joining the street protests and putting the grouping's unity at risk.

Politicians and members of the National Mandate Party (PAN), the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) endorsed the rally and, in fact, participated in the street protest, which ended in violence and looting.

The rally attracted about 100,000 people from various Muslim groups who demanded Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be prosecuted on blasphemy charges.

"[We're] disappointed [with the three parties]. Although it's their constitutional right, their political stance is questionable. [They] seem to be inconsistent," PDI-P executive Eva Kusuma Sundari said on Monday.

Although at the national level, the three Islamic-based political parties are members of the ruling coalition, in the Jakarta gubernatorial election they all back the ticket of Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Sylviana Murni, who were nominated by the Democratic Party. Agus is the oldest son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is chairman of the Democratic Party.

The PDI-P, together with Golkar, the NasDem Party and Hanura, nominated incumbent Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat.

Eva said that a local election, like the Jakarta 2017 gubernatorial election, should not put the ruling coalition at risk and warned politicians from parties in the coalition to maintain ethics.

Earlier, the Golkar Party expressed disappointment over the three parties' maneuvering. The chairman of Golkar's board of experts, Agung Laksono, who is also its former deputy chairman, questioned the motives of the three parties.

Agung also recommended that Golkar set up a "joint secretariat" to consolidate the coalition's members, just like the one formed during Yudhoyono's administration.

"We need a monitoring body to watch how we conduct ourselves in the field. We must be loyal and critical. If [any government parties] decline to meet their commitment, then we should just remove them [from the coalition]," Agung said during the Golkar meeting, which was also attended by party leaders, including party chairman Setya Novanto and advisory board chairman Aburizal Bakrie.

The three political parties balked at the proposal, saying that their participation in the rally had nothing to do with their position in the government coalition.

"The rally was not aimed at attacking the government. It had nothing to with any political party, but was motivated by the demand to start a legal process against Ahok. We didn't see any flags or banners flown by any political parties, did we?" PAN secretary-general Eddy Soeparno said.

PPP secretary-general Arsul Sani said the proposal to have a coalition secretariat should come from the group's leader, the PDI-P.

"If Golkar wants to realize the proposal, we all must ask the PDI-P because the party is the leader of the ruling coalition, while Golkar is new to the coalition," Arsul said.

Many considered the Joint Secretariat of the Coalition Parties under Yudhoyono only as a conduit for parties to engage in negotiations to gain politically and financially, which could lead to corruption.

Political expert Siti Zuhro of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said even if Jokowi decided to set up a joint secretariat, it would be very different than the one under Yudhoyono, given that the current President is not a chairman of any political party.

But Siti suggested that Jokowi only needed to communicate more with members in his coalition. "They need direct communications with the President, not with the PDI-P, because now the President is the unifying figure," Siti said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/15/parties-continue-pointing-fingers-over-nov-4-rally.html

Jokowi moves to bolster govt coalition

Jakarta Post - November 14, 2016

Ina Parlina and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – After visiting the headquarters of the armed forces, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has continued to reach out to influential groups in the country in response to the growing political and social tensions following the mass rally in Jakarta on Nov. 4.

The President spent his weekend taking part in events held by three Islamic parties in the ruling coalition; namely the National Awakening Party (PKB) on Saturday, as well as the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Mandate Party (PAN) on Sunday.

The moves have been seen as a bid to maintain the nation's unity, and consolidate the political parties in the government coalition, which secures more than 65 percent seats in the House of Representatives. PKB, PAN and PPP account for around 24 percent of seats in the House.

"United we stand, divided we fall," Jokowi stressed when he made a speech to thousands of PKB members and clerics gathered at the "a prayer for the nation" event.

On Nov. 4, more than 100,000 people flocked into Central Jakarta to demand that Jokowi push for the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama alleged on blasphemy charges.

"We all must accept the fact that God created diversity and plurality and our constitutional system recognizes and protects such diversity and plurality," Jokowi continued. "It is our responsibility to uphold it."

The President made similar comments at a PPP event, which was a national meeting for party clerics, insisting that the legal process against Ahok would go forward and he would not interfere in the process.

"[The police] were working on the legal process even before the rally. Now the legal process is ongoing. So, be patient," he said.

Although many believe the rally was partially motivated by a desire to undermine Ahok's candidacy in next year's gubernatorial election, the impact has inevitably gone beyond the Jakarta election. Observers say it has also affected the political landscape at the national level especially after the protests were used by those seeking to undermine Jokowi's administration.

"We need better synchronization between the government and political parties within the ruling coalition. We lacked coordination when the rally happened. Where were the government parties? Some of them, indeed, joined the rally," said senior Golkar Party politician Agung Laksono, who now chairs the party's board of experts.

He said the government needed to have a "joint secretariat" to consolidate coalition parties, similar to that during former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration.

Unlike Golkar, which is the second-largest party in the coalition after Jokowi's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the PKB, PAN and PPP openly participated along with other protest groups in the Nov. 4 rally.

Despite their positions as pro-government parties, the PKB, PAN and PPP are rivals to Jokowi's PDI-P in the Jakarta election. While the PDI-P supports the Ahok-Djarot Syaiful Hidayat ticket, the three Islamic parties have joined forces with the Democratic Party to endorse Agus Harimurti, the son of Yudhoyono.

In response to rumors that a larger-scale demonstration will be held should Ahok avoid legal charges, Jokowi said he hoped there would be no more demonstrations. "It's a waste of energy," he said after the PKB event on Saturday.

When asked about the President's concerns, however, PPP chairman Muhammad Romahurmuziy said, "[demonstrations] are not aimed at fracturing the nation. We have the right to express our opinion." He claimed he would remain loyal to Jokowi's administration.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/14/jokowi-moves-to-bolster-govt-coalition.html

Parties fear backlash over Ahok's blasphemy case

Jakarta Post - November 14, 2016

Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – "Where is Pak Ahok? Please come again with Pak Ahok," said residents of Cakung in East Jakarta to the surprise of Djarot Saiful Hidayat, Jakarta's deputy governor and gubernatorial candidate, while he was campaigning in the densely-populated area on Sunday. They were referring to Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

"Oh, is Pak Ahok allowed to come?" asked the candidate. "Of course!" said the excited residents.

Both Ahok and Djarot have confronted animosity from people during their campaign stops in several areas due to the governor's controversial remarks in reference to a Quranic verse that Islamic hard-liners have deemed blasphemous.

As the electability of the Ahok-Djarot ticket continues to be threatened, their political backers have begun to worry. Two of four political parties supporting the ticket may distance themselves from the beleaguered incumbent should he be charged with blasphemy.

As pressure on the National Police to charge Ahok intensifies, party elites in the Golkar Party and the NasDem Party have voiced concerns over a possible electoral backlash if they keep supporting the governor, who has vowed to stay in the race despite his present legal quagmire.

Last Friday, NasDem chairman Surya Paloh, an influential figure within President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration, said his party would evaluate its support for Ahok.

"If [Ahok] is named a suspect then we will carry out two kinds of evaluations, a legal and moral evaluation. [We need to consider] our morality as a party that supports [him]," Paloh told reporters.

A day earlier, Golkar patron Aburizal Bakrie warned his party's rank and file that the party could lose public support if it failed to address Ahok's blasphemy case accordingly.

"I know our party supports Ahok [in the Jakarta election] and that is its final decision. But we have to show firmly that the person we are supporting is also not allowed to insult religion – any religion, not only Islam. Religious blasphemy is a serious matter," he added.

Golkar and NasDem are not able to formally withdraw their support for Ahok though, as such a move would be considered illegal.

The 2016 Regional Election Law stipulates that leaders of political parties that withdraw their support for a candidate whose candidacy has been validated by the General Elections Commission (KPU) may be criminally charged. If found guilty, they could be sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of between Rp 25 billion (US$1.8 million) and Rp 50 billion.

"We still support Ahok because the Regional Election Law does not allow us to back out from our support," NasDem executive Irma Suryani Chaniago told The Jakarta Post.

Nevertheless, losing Golkar's and NasDem's political backing would still deal a blow to Ahok, who needs all the help he can get to weather the political storm he is now facing. The former Belitung regent, who claims to have been pressured by certain parties to drop out of the gubernatorial race, has said he would rather go to jail than quit.

Jokowi has ordered the National Police to follow up on the blasphemy allegations against Ahok, his former deputy when he served as Jakarta governor, and has promised Muslim leaders that he will not protect him.

The latest survey by the Indonesian Survey Circle (LSI) shows that while he remains the frontrunner, Ahok's electability has dropped from 31 percent in October to 25 percent on in November. In March, Ahok's electability was at 59 percent.

LSI researcher Adjie Alfaraby said the blasphemy allegations contributed to Ahok's declining electability, with 73 percent of 440 respondents in the survey saying Ahok's remarks in Thousand Islands regency in September were a mistake.

Political analyst Hendri Satrio of Paramadina University said parties behind Ahok did not want to lose support from Muslims. "When they decided to support Ahok, they only considered Ahok's strong chance [of being reelected]. Now they are afraid to lose Muslim voters," Hendri said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/14/parties-fear-backlash-over-ahoks-blasphemy-case.html

Transparency remains elusive in campaign finance

Jakarta Post - November 14, 2016

Indra Budiari, Jakarta – The contenders of the Jakarta gubernatorial race finally got what they wanted: a higher campaign finance ceiling, which is crucial in allowing them to take and spend more money for their campaigns.

Budget watchdogs, however, have cast doubt over the higher ceiling's ability to make candidates more transparent in regard to their finances.

After weeks of deliberation with campaign team members, the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) finally set the campaign finance limit at Rp 203 billion (US$15.4 million), a more than 100 percent increase from its initial proposal of Rp 93 billion.

The candidates claimed they would be transparent with the sources of their campaign funds and that not a single penny would go unreported to the KPU.

The Agus Harimurti-Sylviana Murni pair said they had been relying on volunteers and a coalition of political parties that supported them to fund their campaign.

They claimed that they distributed an official bank account number to volunteers and political parties to raise election funds.

Nachrowi Ramli, chairman of the Agus-Sylviana campaign team, told The Jakarta Post that he agreed with the KPU's decision, saying that Rp 203 billion would be more than enough to run an effective campaign.

But as of last Thursday, or about two weeks after the campaign period started on Oct. 28, the pair had only collected Rp 50 million from volunteers and political parties. When they registered their candidacy, the pair deposited Rp 5 million into their official bank account.

Nachrowi claimed the money was enough to finance Agus' campaign as the campaign team also received donations in the form of campaign merchandise like banners and T-shirts. "And please remember that when Agus and Sylviana made visits during the campaign, it was because they were invited. So they are not required to spend a lot of money," Nachrowi said.

Sandiaga Uno, deputy governor candidate for Anies Baswedan, said most of his campaign funds would come from his "own pocket". The Anies-Sandi pair deposited Rp 407 million when they opened their official bank account.

The recent economic condition, he said, prompted a lot of people and companies that had supported him to call off their donation pledges.

He added that his campaign team had been holding various social activities to raise funds. "But what do you expect, this condition makes all of us struggle to raise money," he said.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama initiated a public fund raising program to run his day-to-day campaign. The program allows anyone to donate from as low as Rp 10,000 to Rp 75 million for individual donations or Rp 750 million for corporate donations as regulated by the KPU. The pair had Rp 207 million in their bank account when they registered at the KPU.

Ahok said he and his running mate, Djarot Saiful Hidayat, had vowed to conduct transparent and accountable fund raising activities.

Ucok Sky Khadafi of the Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (FITRA) said the weak implementation of the campaign finance regulation alongside financial pressure on the candidates could lead to them resorting to illicit practices to raise money.

Based on KPU regulation No. 8/2015, candidates are required to submit their campaign funds and expenses to the commission before having it audited by an independent accountant. However, the audit mechanism is far from rigorous.

"The commission and auditors only see the figures submitted by the candidates as it is and do not examine to see if the numbers are realistic, nor do they fact-check the companies to see if the donations they made really exist," Ucok said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/14/transparency-remains-elusive-campaign-finance.html

No more rallies against Ahok: Jokowi

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo says he expects to see no more rallies over inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama's alleged blasphemy.

"We hope there are no more demonstrations. They are a waste of energy," Jokowi said in front of a meeting of Muslim scholars from the National Awakening Party in Ancol, North Jakarta, on Saturday as reported by tribunnews.com.

Jokowi reiterated that he was not taking Ahok's side, but only wished to let law enforcement bodies handle the case. "Since the beginning I have said that I would not intervene in any legal issues. Let the law enforcement personnel handle it," the president said.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims staged a demonstration in front of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Nov. 4, demanding that the government jail Ahok for blasphemy. The rally ended in violence with two cars set on fire.

Ahok has repeatedly apologized and said he never intended to insult Islam and the Quran during a speech he gave in the Thousand Islands regency. The accusations began after an edited video of his speech there went viral last month. (jun)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/no-more-rallies-against-ahok-jokowi.html

Disruptions to incumbent's campaign might be organized: Ahok team

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Safrin La Batu, Jakarta – Groups of people causing disruptions at several campaign stops of inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama recently might have been organized by an individual or certain party, Ahok's campaign team suspects.

A spokesman for the team, Jerry Sambuaga, said Saturday that the people disrupting the campaigns were not residents of the places where they had protested.

"I think it would be strange if [the disturbances] were not organized. Why? Because the local residents welcomed Ahok and they were even angry at the people [who protested his visit]," he said without mentioning the names of any parties suspected of being behind the protests.

On Nov. 2, Ahok had to cut short a campaign stop in Rawa Belong, West Jakarta, and be rushed to safety by security personnel when a protest against his visit turned violent. The incident left one of his aides hospitalized.

Most recently, the incumbent governor had to cancel another visit to Kedoya, also in West Jakarta, on Thursday after a group of people claiming to be local residents rejected the visit.

Ahok's team has reported the incident to both the Jakarta Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) and the police. Bawaslu Jakarta chairman Mimah Susanti said the agency was following up on the report, including communicating with the police.

Mimah said every candidate had the right to campaign and disrupting campaigns was a criminal act according to prevailing laws. (jun)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/disruptions-to-incumbents-campaign-might-be-organized-ahok-team.html

Ahok still eligible if named suspect: KPUD

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Safrin La Batu, Jakarta – Inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama would still be eligible to run for reelection even if he was named a suspect in an ongoing blasphemy case, the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) said on Saturday.

KPUD Jakarta chairman Sumarno said the only thing that could invalidate Ahok's candidacy was if a court sentenced him to five years' imprisonment or more. "If the sentence is fewer than five years, [he] can continue participating in the election," Sumarno said.

If a candidate is sentenced to five years' imprisonment, Sumarno said, political parties endorsing the candidate were required to find a substitute at the very latest 30 days before the election.

"That means political parties should submit a substitute before Jan 15 [if Ahok's candidacy is invalidated], because the election will take place on Feb. 15," Sumarno explained.

Ahok was accused of religious blasphemy after a video that went viral last month showing him commenting about a verse in the Quran. The blasphemy case is now being investigated by the National Police and Ahok has been summoned to give a statement.

Ahok has repeatedly said he did not mean to insult the Quran and Islam and apologized. He also said on Thursday that he would "rather be arrested and jailed than drop out of the race". (jun)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/ahok-still-eligible-if-named-suspect-kpud.html

President's tour of armed forces goes on

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Ina Parlina, Depok, West Java – The headquarters of the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and the Navy's Marine Corps are the latest stops on President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's attempt to reach various elements of the country after the religiously-driven rally on Nov. 4 that almost brought the capital to a standstill.

Repeating the same message he conveyed while visiting the headquarters of other military units, including the elite Kopassus corps in the past couple of days, President Jokowi told the Marines on Friday that he was the highest authority of the military, instructing them "to be the forefront [of power] in facing any power that aims to disrupt nation's unity".

In the Brimob headquarters earlier that day, Jokowi's voice sounded firm when he carefully delivered his points on the nature of Indonesia as a country that consisted of diverse ethnicities and faiths.

"We will move backward if our energy is wasted on arguing about religions and ethnic groups," he said. "Many countries have expressed appreciation for our diversity, and we want to be the best example of a country that successfully manages diversity."

On the sidelines of Jokowi's visit, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian declared full support for the President and called on members of his force to be loyal to him. "As servants of the country, we must show loyalty, especially when there are dynamics in the country."

Tito also repeatedly emphasized the non-negotiable loyalty of all members of the police institution to serve the legitimate government of Jokowi, the highest commander of the National Police, who was elected by the people through a constitutional mechanism.

He even specifically cited the crucial role of all Brimob personnel to protect the President, as well as the nation, during any rebellion against the legitimate authority.

"You are the hope when insurgency emerges," Tito said. "Our highest commander will come and deliver his orders, which we must obey".

Jokowi's visits to the armed forces have sparked speculation that there is a real threat against the government following the Nov. 4 rally and ahead of another large rally that is expected to take place on Nov. 25.

But presidential spokesman Johan Budi toned down the speculation, saying that Jokowi was confident that his moves would bring national unity and stability. "Well, people can have different perceptions of Jokowi's moves and those depend on the person who has the perception and what interest he has," Johan said.

Other than the armed forces, Jokowi, who met with a number of religious leaders from different groups following the rally, is also set to meet political figures over the weekend, particularly those from Islamic political parties.

Political analysts have also praised Jokowi's moves, saying that the President has run the right strategy to deliver the message that he is present as the highest commander of the country's armed forces.

Yunarto Wijaya of the Jakarta-based Charta Politika said Jokowi had shown to the public that Indonesia's defense and security instruments are all solid under his command. Through his tour, Jokowi has answered the people who questioned his whereabouts during last Friday's rally.

"It makes the public, both those who are involved [in the sectarian conflict] and those who are not, feel that the nation is in a safe condition. It's a symbol that the President is here," Yunarto told the Post.

[Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Margareth S. Aritonang contributed to this story.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/presidents-tour-of-armed-forces-goes-on.html

Ahok-Djarot faces continual opposition on trail

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Corry Elyda and Callistasia Anggun Wijaya, Jakarta – The political campaign of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has suffered a setback as a result of frequent disruptions from protesters who gather near his campaign stops.

On Thursday, Ahok canceled a campaign rally in North Kedoya, West Jakarta, following a protest from local residents who rejected his presence in the area.

Media reports said that when Ahok arrived at the location, there was already a strong presence from riot police, who tried to prevent protesters from taking to the streets and disrupting traffic.

More than 200 police personnel in riot gear and two water cannons were on standby to secure the location prior to Ahok's arrival. Concerned that his presence would create tension and traffic congestion, Ahok's campaign team decided to call off the event.

On Friday, Ahok's running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat ordered his campaign team to identify individuals responsible for disrupting the campaign and filed a report with the police.

"I have asked our legal team to file a police report against people who mobilize others to disrupt the AhokDjarot campaign. This is a criminal offense," Djarot said as quoted by Antara news agency on Friday.

Following a large-scale anti-Ahok rally on Nov. 4, opposition against the governor has intensified, with some even calling for him to drop out of the gubernatorial election.

More than 100,000 Muslim protesters took to the streets last week, calling for the prosecution of Ahok, who they accused of blasphemy.

Ahok has been accused of making a blasphemous remark that some Muslims considered had insulted Islam, regarding the Quranic verse of Al-Maidah: 51 during an official visit to Thousand Islands in September.

On Thursday, Ahok rejected the call for him to quit the race. "I have told [them]. If I am asked to drop out of the race, it's better for me to be apprehended and imprisoned," he said.

Ahok suspected that the protests against him were also aimed at President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who has backed him in the election.

"The President could be ousted as the situation could be uncontrollable. People will stage protests for days. Everything will be more chaotic," he said as quoted by kompas.com.

Ahok said the blasphemy case was being used by several parties as a pretext to prevent his reelection. "What is the ultimate goal if I back down? I think in the end, it is because they are afraid that I [could] become governor again. How come they are so afraid of me becoming governor?" he said.

Meanwhile, the National Police have dropped a plan to provide greater transparency in the handling of the blasphemy claims.

The National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) chief Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto said on Friday that a case screening on the alleged blasphemy would not be televised as planned. The screening is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Ari maintained that although no television cameras would be present, the process would proceed in a transparent manner. He said case screenings should always be held behind closed doors but as per the President's request for transparency, members of the public could attend an open session.

Representatives from the police's General Supervision Inspectorate (Irwasum), internal affairs division (Propam) and legal division, as well as the Indonesian Ombudsman and the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) are expected to attend the session. Journalists will be allowed to cover the opening session.

The police have sought testimony from Islam Defenders Front (FPI) chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab and Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Ma'ruf Amin regarding the blasphemy allegations.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/ahok-faces-continual-opposition-on-trail.html

Govt's Muslim outreach may come too late

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – The administration of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has been trying to reach out to as many Islamic organizations as possible to prevent another large-scale rally in the capital to push for the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaha Purnama for alleged blasphemy, but an analyst says the move comes too late.

On Friday, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu initiated a friendly gathering with several Muslim figures during which he called on Muslims to set an example in maintaining harmony among religious groups in the country.

"As Muslims we are bound to uphold Islamic teachings of the Quran and hadith; however, as good citizens we shall obey all laws and regulations to protect the unity of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia," Ryamizard said in his keynote speech.

Muslim groups staged a massive demonstration in Jakarta on Nov. 4, calling on the National Police to prosecute Ahok. The rally almost brought the capital to a standstill and forced President Jokowi to postpone a planned visit to Sydney and Canberra.

The President has since met with several Muslim leaders in a bid to calm the anger of some Muslims who feel offended by Ahok's statement about the Quran.

The authorities have received information that another large-scale rally is set to be held on Nov. 25. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said that he was aware of the planned rally and that his force would prepare for it.

Representatives of the nation's two largest Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, attended the gathering at Ryamizard's office. The firebrand leader of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Rizieq Shihab, was invited to the meeting as well but failed to show up.

Former NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi, now a member of the Presidential Advisory Board, called on Muslims who felt offended by Ahok's statement to focus only on the blasphemy allegation and not politicize the issue.

"If what [Muslim communities] want is justice and a legal process [against Ahok], stay on that focal point. It's citizens' right to ask for legal certainty from the state, and the latter has a responsibility to fulfill that right," Hasyim said.

The principal of Islamic boarding school Az-Zikra, Ahmad Raodl Bahar, who also attended the event, criticized the government for showing a will to approach and strengthen ties with Muslim communities only after tensions had arisen over Ahok's blasphemy case, saying that what Muslims wanted now was that justice be upheld. "If justice is not upheld, the tensions will not ease off," he warned.

The government's moves to alleviate tensions by approaching Muslim groups came too late, and Jokowi had missed the momentum to control the situation, said Hendri Satrio, a political analyst from Paramadina University.

Jokowi should have seized the momentum of last Friday's rally to reduce the tension, he said, adding that Jokowi's decision to refuse to meet the protesters had worsened the situation.

Ryamizard denied he had reached out to Muslim groups only to prevent another major rally in Jakarta. "My relationship with Islamic figures continues with or without problems [...] whether there is an issue or not, it's my responsibility as the defense minister to guard the nation's security," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/govt-s-muslim-outreach-may-come-too-late.html

Avoid laying criminal charges in blasphemy cases: YLBHI

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Safrin La Batu, Jakarta – The police have been suggested to use criminal charges only as a last resort in dealing with any reports of religious defamation, including the case currently implicating inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) said Friday that charging somebody under the Blasphemy Law could violate the person's freedom to express his or her thoughts.

"We have to use the perspective of human rights and democracy first and use a criminal charge as the last resort," YLBHI chairman Alvon Kurnia Palma said.

Alvon said the problem with the Blasphemy Law was that it was too broad with no clear-cut boundaries, meaning that anything could be considered a violation of its articles. In particular, he said, the articles of the law could be used to silence people expressing their thoughts.

Ahok is currently being investigated by the police after being reported last month over remarks he made that were considered to be an insult of the Quran and Islam. The remarks appeared in a video that went viral last month.

On Nov. 4, thousands of Muslims staged a rally in front of Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta, demanding that Ahok be jailed. The rally ended violently with two police cars set on fire.

Alvon said the police should, rather than processing the criminal report, facilitate a meeting between the conflicting parties to resolve the issue. (jun)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/avoid-laying-criminal-charges-in-blasphemy-cases-ylbhi.html

Election watchdog calls for end to disruptions of Ahok campaign

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Jakarta – The Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) has warned Jakartans not to disrupt the election campaign of any candidate because to do so is against the law and such actions can be categorized as a crime.

"There should be no more disruptions if the candidates are campaigning according to the law," said Bawaslu chairman Muhammad as reported by tribunnews.com in Jakarta on Friday. He said any effort to disturb campaigns was a crime, as outlined in the Law on Regional Elections.

Muhammad, however, admitted that his organization had not prepared for the scale of anger presently being directed toward incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and his running mate Djarot saiful Hidayat.

"We did not expect these kinds of practices to happen. It is really new. After the incident in Rawa Belong, we are coordinating with the Jakarta Police," said Muhammad.

In Rawa Belong, West Jakarta, on Nov. 2, Ahok was forced to leave the area after protestors turned aggressive. One of Ahok's supporters was hospitalized as a result of the incident.

After the incident, the Jakarta Police deployed more officers to Kedoya, West Jakarta, on Thursday, to support Ahok's attempt to campaign and meet with voters. However, Ahok was again forced to cancel the event. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/election-watchdog-calls-for-end-to-disruptions-of-ahok-campaign.html

Islamic student leader says Yudhoyono, Prabowo paid them 12 billion to riot on

Berita Teratas - November 11, 2016

Political and intelligence observer Boni Hargens claims there was a flow of funds for the protest action in Jakarta last week that originated from the proceeds of corruption during former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's (SBY) two terms in office.

He is calling the police and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to investigate the flow of funds behind the demonstrations against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama on November 4.

"The movement was huge. Once again please investigate whether there were funds accumulated from corruption in relation to funds for the mobilisation. The demonstrations it is said will continue until Lebaran Kuda [until the cows come home] as said by SBY", said Boni following a discussion in Jakarta on Friday November 11 titled "Who were the Actors Behind the 411 Movement".

In addition to claiming that the funds for the November 4 demonstration came from the proceeds of corruption during Yudhoyono's presidency, Boni also called on Yudhoyono to be held accountable for his statement that the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) had not provided accurate data.

According to Boni, if there were intelligence errors, then they were errors derived from intelligence analysis when Yudhoyono was in power. "Throughout his 10 years in power there was intervention in BIN, so if there were errors then it was 10 years of intelligence errors", he said.

In recent days another issue has been circulating concerning one of the Islamic Student Association (HMI) activists arrested on November 4, fifth semester sociology student Ismail Ibrahim (23), who was caught on camera attacking police with a sharpened bamboo stick.

Following his arrest, HMI Secretary General Ami Jaya [who was also arrested] made a very surprising outburst in relation to the November 4 protests.

"Initially we were paid 500,000 rupiah to take part in the demonstrations. People from SBY and [Gerindra Party patron] Prabowo [Subianto] said they would pay us 2 billion if there was a riot. Initially we refused but they guaranteed the security of our members and that it would be kept secret", said Jaya.

Jaya explained that he had originally asked that his arrested members be released. But because there was no response from Pak SBY he plucked up the courage to reveal everything about the masterminds behind the riots.

Jaya also corroborated the remarks by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo that there were "political actors" behind the riots saying that the actors behind all of it were Yudhoyono and Prabowo.

Jaya also called on Jakarta residents not to be provoked by ugly issues about Ahok because the entire affair is a maneuver by other candidates to ensure that Ahok fails to take part in the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial elections. (vr)

Notes

Lebaran Kuda – Only days after President Widodo posed for awkward photos on horseback alongside his former presidential rival Prabowo Subianto in a measure apparently intended to ease tensions in the lead up to the November 4 protests, Yudhoyono told reporters at a press conference that if the government doesn't listen to the aspirations of people protesting against Ahok there will be demonstrations until Lebaran Kuda. The phrase, literally meaning "the holy day of Eid for Horses", which was a play on the idiom Lebaran Monyet meaning "when hell freezes over", sent Netizens into hysterics and propelled Lebaran Kuda and Pak SBY into trending topics on Twitter.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the report was "Orang Ini Beberkan Demo 4 November Dibiayai Uang Korupsi SBY".]

Source: http://www.beritateratas.com/2016/11/orang-ini-beberkan-demo-4-november.html

Jokowi flexes muscles to maintain stability

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Ina Parlina and Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – Thursday saw the second time within a week that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo made gestures seemingly designed to send the message that he was the highest commander of the country's armed forces, following the Nov. 4 anti-Ahok rally that the President claimed had been orchestrated by "political actors".

Jokowi, unlike his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, is a civilian with no military background. On Thursday he visited the headquarters of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) in Cijantung, East Jakarta, a visit he claimed was part of National Heroes Day commemorations.

To balance against the threat of another street protest that many expect to take place on Nov. 25, Jokowi signalled that as the highest commander of the armed forces, he could deploy the elite forces at a moment's notice.

"Here, there is the Sandhi Yudha [unit], other commandos and the Gultor [unit]. These are the reserve forces that I, as the highest military commander, through the chief of the Indonesian Military [TNI], could deploy for certain needs," Jokowi said.

Sandhi Yudha is a combat intelligence unit that runs clandestine operations and counterinsurgency, and Gultor is an anti-terrorism unit.

As a follow-up to the Nov. 4 rally, which ended in violence, Muslim groups have pledged to stage another rally on Nov. 25 to put pressure on the Jakarta Police to expedite their probe into the alleged blasphemy involving incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

In the days following the rally, Jokowi took steps to tell the public that he was in charge of the situation.

Jokowi started his week by visiting the Army's headquarters, where he told more than 2,000 military personnel from various elite units, such as the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), Air Force Special Forces (Paskhas) and the Navy's Marine Corps, that he was the highest military commander in the land and ordered them "not to tolerate any movement aimed at dividing the nation with provocative [actions]".

On Tuesday, Jokowi paid a visit to the National Police headquarters where he also told the police to remain steadfast against pressures from provocative groups and certain interests.

During his visit to the Kopassus headquarters, Jokowi was joined by TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, an apparent move designed to quash speculation that Jokowi would dismiss Gatot for his defense of the rights of Muslim groups to stage a protest against Ahok.

Unconfirmed reports have published quotes allegedly from Gatot, criticizing Jokowi for treating protesters like terrorists.

Jokowi shrugged off the rumors on Wednesday, saying that: "This is why I brought along the TNI chief with me here to emphasize that there is no plan to dismiss the TNI chief. The rumors are aimed at increasing tension."

Gatot also denied that he made statements criticizing the President. Gatot stated that he would continue to pledge his loyalty to the President. Gatot blamed the rumors on a proxy war aimed at attacking the country's unity.

Two years into his administration, Jokowi is getting more confident in dealing with the military as indicated by his decision to wear a suit and tie during his trip to the Kopassus headquarters.

Last year, Jokowi was seen at least twice wearing military fatigues, including during an occasion when he met with leaders of a Muslim group at the State Palace. The State Palace immediately said that Jokowi did not have time to change and was forced to hold the meeting in military fatigues.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/jokowi-flexes-muscles-maintain-stability.html

I'd rather be arrested and jailed than drop out of race: Ahok

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Jakarta – Incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has said certain parties have asked him to drop out of the gubernatorial race.

"I'd rather be arrested and jailed than drop out of the race," Ahok said in the Pantai Mutiara area, North Jakarta, on Thursday as reported by kompas.com.

Without naming the parties, Ahok said he had been asked to drop out on security concerns in the capital. He claimed the parties said demonstrations against him would continue if he stayed in the race.

He added that the situation would affect the stability of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration.

"If the President was forced to step down, the situation would become uncontrollable in Jakarta," he said. He said the parties had used blasphemy allegations lodged against him as reason to reject him.

Ahok has apologized for a statement he made during a visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September in which his remarks were deemed blasphemous. "So, at the end, they [the parties] are just afraid of me being governor. Why they are so afraid of me?" Ahok said.

Earlier, a group of people staged a rally against Ahok, who was campaigning in the Rawa Belong area, West Jakarta.

Thousands of people took part in a demonstration in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Nov. 4, demanding the police press ahead with legal action against Ahok over allegations of blasphemy. (jun)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/id-rather-be-arrested-and-jailed-than-drop-out-of-race-ahok.html

Ahok disappointed with 'barbaric' measures to force his withdrawal

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Jakarta – Incumbent Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has expressed his disappointment at the objections his campaign visits to several residential areas have received, saying that it is a barbaric way to force him to withdraw his candidacy.

"Why do they use such barbaric ways? There is also a hoax message circulating, saying that on Nov. 18, there will be between 5 to 25 million people [taking part in an upcoming rally]. This country could disintegrate if they continue using such ways," said Ahok in Jakarta as reported by kompas.com.

Ahok, and his running mate Djarot saiful Hidayat, had faced objections when carrying out their campaign in several areas because of the religious defamation allegations against Ahok.

Ahok told his detractors to not vote for him in the Feb. 15, 2017 gubernatorial election if they did not want him elected. He stressed that elections were a peaceful way to elect a leader, in contrast to deploying mass protests, which risked public security.

"This is no longer an era for deploying large numbers of people [to demand things] as everything will be decided in the election. If in the past people used bullets [to decide a leader], now we use the ballot paper.

Ahok said he did not care about the rejection he was receiving for his visits to certain areas as they were being conducted not to garner votes, but instead only to evaluate the performances of his subordinates tasked with serving the people. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/ahok-disappointed-with-barbaric-measures-to-force-his-withdrawal.html

Ahok calls off campaign despite extensive security

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Agnes Anya and Liza Yosephine, Jakarta – In a rare sight during an election season, as many as 300 police personnel stood by on Jl. Raya Kedoya Utara in West Jakarta on Thursday, all to safeguard a gubernatorial candidate who wanted to reach out to his voters.

The police lineup extended up to 150 meters. The men were armed with helmets, body protectors, shields, batons and long-barreled weapons. Each of them was also equipped with 10 tear gas canisters.

Behind them also stood on guard other security forces, including policewomen with headscarves and a number of tactical vehicles such as a Barracuda vehicle and another equipped with a water cannon, kompas.com reported.

The large-scale security measures were taken to safeguard Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who has been facing campaign disruptions and even security threats from Islamists who accuse him of committing blasphemy. But even with the presence of hundreds of security officials, the incumbent candidate still failed to campaign in the area as the police advised him to leave to avoid possible clashes with protesters, some of whom claimed to be members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

"We do not want to taint the election process with violence," said Bestari Barus, a spokesman from the Ahok-Djarot Saiful Hidayat campaign team, told The Jakarta Post.

The Jakarta Police confirmed that they decided to boost security for Ahok's campaign visit to Kedoya after receiving intelligence of a possible security threat. The police refused to elaborate on how serious the threat was.

"Basically, if we are asked about security, we will say that we deploy force based on how many people will come [to the area]," said the Jakarta Police's spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono.

Ahok has been dealing with animosity and protests during his campaign visits throughout the capital. Last week, for example, he became the target of an angry mob while he was carrying out a campaign stop in Rawa Belong, West Jakarta. Because of the mob, which turned aggressive, the police forced him to flee in a public minivan.

Some days later, more than 100,000 protesters gathered in front of the State Palace to demand that Ahok be prosecuted for alleged blasphemy. Earlier this year, Ahok talked about a verse in the Quran with some residents from Thousand Islands regency. These remarks set off a fire-storm of anger in the country after they were leaked online. The investigation into Ahok's remarks is ongoing, as promised by the government.

Aside from Ahok, Djarot also faced protests last week while visiting a fishing village in Cilincing, North Jakarta, on the back of protests over the eviction programs planned by the city administration.

On Wednesday, he confronted a dozen of men wearing Islamic garb in Kembangan Utara, West Jakarta. The men urged Djarot and his team to stop campaigning in the area and leave. Kembangan Utara and Kedoya Utara are known to be FPI territory.

Later in the evening, the team immediately reported Wednesday's protest to the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) in order to ensure security for Ahok and Djarot, as well as secure the team's ability to promote its programs for the city.

"[The FPI] was reported last night," said Bestari. "[With the report], we want to say that we have the right to campaign. If they don't like us, they can just not choose us."

Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) chairman Sumarno said it was up to the police to decide whether or not they needed to boost security for Ahok. "It is the police who must examine how precarious the situation is," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/ahok-calls-campaign-despite-extensive-security.html

President reaches out to more Islamic groups

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Ina Parlina and Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo tried to reach out to more Muslim groups on Wednesday to seek their support in lessening the anger over the blasphemy allegedly committed by Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

The allegation sparked nationwide protests last Friday, forcing the President to postpone a state visit to Sydney and Canberra, Australia.

After visiting Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) on Monday and Muhammadiyah on Tuesday, Jokowi invited 17 other Islamic organizations to the State Palace for a dialogue.

The groups – among others, Al-Washliyah, the Tarbiyah Islamiyah Association (Perti), the Indonesian Islamic Preaching Council (DDII), the Islam Union (Persis), Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiyyah and Syarikat Islam – were established before independence and played a part in the nation's history.

"Because the President believed there are [Muslims] who still feel the pain and [such a feeling] is normal, we are trying to calm them [as] the President has promised to be fair [in this matter]," Yusnar Yusuf of Al-Washliyah said.

"[The President] indeed showed seriousness in the meeting," said Yusnar, who revealed that initially he doubted Jokowi would act fairly.

The Wednesday meeting at the palace did not involve the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) or the Muslim Students Association (HMI). The FPI had spearheaded the anti-Ahok rally in Jakarta, which saw more than 100,000 people swarming Jakarta's streets, while HMI members have been charged with instigating violence during the rally.

The President has instructed the National Police to conduct a fair and transparent investigation, as rumors were rife that another protest would be held on Nov. 25.

Yusnar said he could not promise there would not be another rally and that the groups have yet to hear information about one. "We should see first [if another rally occurs]. What actions could we take? What would be the problem, the demands and the goals [of the rally]?" Yusnar asked.

The President said he was hoping the ulema (muslim scholars) could help calm the public over the blasphemy brouhaha.

"Currently, we need calming statements from ulema that will cool down [the situation] amid the various issues and statements that are actually sharpening differences among members of the public," Jokowi, who earlier expressed hope that there would be no more such rallies in the near future, said in Wednesday's meeting.

Jokowi has said that he will not tamper with the ongoing police investigation into Ahok's case. "I hope tomorrow, during National Heroes Day, we can maintain unity in all our diversity, remain united in our brotherhood and be an example for the world that we can build a diverse society that lives in harmony," he added.

Separately on Wednesday, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which has issued a formal statement accusing Ahok of committing blasphemy, gathered 70 leaders of Islamic organizations across the country and 29 Islamic scholars.

The council stands by its contention that Ahok committed blasphemy when he accused people of using a Quranic verse to "deceive" other people to convince them not to vote for him in the gubernatorial election.

The chairman of the MUI advisory board, Din Syamsuddin, praised Jokowi's efforts to initiate political communications to bring him closer to Muslim communities in Indonesia. However, he said in his view the President made his move too late.

Besides, he explained, since Jokowi only invited figures from a small number of Indonesian Islamic groups, out of the hundreds spread across the country, the move seemed unfair, especially after he refused to meet with Muslim protesters from other organizations who were involved in the rally on Friday.

"I regret [Jokowi's choice] to refuse to meet [the demonstrators]. The move could be viewed as abandonment or neglect. It should not be like that. It is an injustice when there were other groups invited to the State Palace," Din said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/president-reaches-out-more-islamic-groups.html

Anti-Ahok protesters face criminal charges for inciting riot

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Indra Budiari, Jakarta – Several individuals who were alleged to have played a part in inciting the violence that took place during and after the anti-Ahok rally on Nov. 4 are now facing criminal charges brought by the Jakarta Police.

Following the arrest of five members of the Association of Muslim Students (HMI) by the Jakarta Police for allegedly instigating a riot during the massive rally, authorities are now launching a probe into outspoken lawmaker Fahri Hamzah and rock singer Ahmad Dhani.

On Wednesday, Ronny Talapessy, who claims to represent an organization known the Indonesian Entrepreneur Community, filed a report with the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department against Dhani, alleging that the singer had insulted President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo during the rally.

"If Dhani could get away with insulting the President, people will question the law of this country. It is not good for investments and the economy," Ronny told reporters.

In his speech during the Nov. 4 rally, Dhani lambasted Jokowi for not respecting ulema as he refused to have a meeting with them during the rally. In part of his speech, Dhani used the names of animals when referring to the President, which was considered an insult by Jokowi supporters.

If found guilty, Dhani could be sentenced to between six months and one year in jail.

The move against Dhani and five HMI students was taken after Jokowi instructed the National Police to "exhaust any legal avenues" to prosecute those inciting hatred and violence during the rally.

On Friday, more than 100,000 took to the streets of Jakarta to demand that the police prosecute on-leave Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for allegedly insulting the Quran. The rally ended in violence after protesters ignored a police order to disperse at 6 p.m.

Bareskrim chief Insp. Gen. Ari Dono said the police were pursuing the "political actors" who were alleged to have masterminded the Nov. 4 rally and had questioned individuals participating in it.

It has been suggested that the police have obtained the names of several people believed to have used the demonstration for their personal gain. Ari, however, declined to give details regarding the matter, saying the investigation was underway.

Dhani was not the only person throwing insults at Jokowi during the rally. House of Representatives deputy speaker Fahri was also accused of making hate-filled comments about Jokowi, on top of calling for his impeachment.

A volunteer group supporting Jokowi, Bara JP, has filed a complaint against Fahri, claiming that his speech during the rally was an act of treason subject to articles 110 and 160 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.

"In his speech, Fahri said there were two ways an impeachment proceeding could start against Jokowi: through the legislature or through the 'street legislature'. His speech got an enthusiastic response from protesters, who shouted back: 'Impeach Jokowi!'" Bara JP activist Birgaldo Sinaga told reporters on Wednesday.

Both Fahri and Dhani, loyal supporters of Jokowi's rival Prabowo Subianto during the 2014 presidential election, have repeatedly launched criticisms at Jokowi on various occasions.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Jakarta Police apprehended the five HMI members for instigating a riot in front of the State Palace during the rally. The police identified two of the five arrested students as HMI secretary-general Ami Jaya and Ismail Ibrahim, who was allegedly caught on camera attacking a police officer during the rally. The other three have been identified only by their initials: RR, MRD and RM.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/anti-ahok-

Lawmakers must stay hands off in Ahok blasphemy case, observer warns

Jakarta Globe - November 10, 2016

Jakarta – Police investigators cannot involve lawmakers in a blasphemy probe against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purmama as it would undermine the case's independence, an observer has warned.

Police have vowed a planned expose of the high-profile blasphemy case against Basuki, who made remarks about a Quranic verse in October, will be televised live to uphold transparency as instructed by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

The move follows mounting pressure from some groups in the Muslim community, which staged a large-scale protest rally against the Christian and ethnic-Chinese governor in Central Jakarta last week.

Lawmakers have planned to establish a team to oversee the investigation and have been welcomed by police to the hearing, aimed at determining if Basuki's comments constitute a criminal offense.

Ismail Hasani, research director at the Jakarta-based Setara Institute, called on police to invite only "relevant elements" to the case expose, which is part of preliminary investigations.

"The plan for involving House of Representatives members is a mistake. They are not investigators or law enforcers," Ismail, an expert in state administrative law, said in a statement released on Wednesday (09/11).

Lawmakers from the House Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, said they will "ensure the legal process will run its course" by forming a supervisory team, a move Ismail calls "offside."

"The function of the House is to oversee the government in realizing what is mandated by laws, not to oversee specific cases," he said. "Their involvement will only lead to the potential for politicizing the case further and eroding the independence of investigators."

Police are now questioning a number of experts on crime, religion and language in the preliminary investigation into the case, which comes in the lead-up to February's Jakarta gubernatorial race.

Tens of thousands of Muslims took to the streets of Jakarta last Friday in protest of Basuki, who is seeking re-election. The rally proceeded peacefully for most of the day before clashes erupted between demonstrators and police officers after nightfall.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/lawmakers-must-stay-hands-off-ahok-blasphemy-case-observer-warns/

Djarot confronts anti-Ahok protesters on campaign trail

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Agnes Anya – The Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama-Djarot Saiful Hidayat pair continues to face disruptions on their campaign trail as the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) calls on the city's residents to give access to all contenders.

During his campaign visit to Kembangan Selatan, West Jakarta, Djarot encountered a group of people carrying banners opposing their presence in the area.

This time, the deputy governor, who is currently on leave, decided to confront the protesters even though his security guards and aides had asked him to return to the car.

Djarot told the mob, who started to yell out "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar [God is greater]", that they violated the 2016 Regional Elections Law for hindering election contenders from campaigning, a felony that could send them to jail for six months. He said such a protest could create political instability in the capital.

The protesters refused to accept Djarot's statement. "This is not a matter of the election. It is about blasphemy," said one of the men, referring to the blasphemy allegations made against Ahok. Hearing the answer, Djarot said that both he and Ahok had the right to campaign wherever they wanted.

"I have the right to go wherever I want. If you do not like us [Ahok and Djarot], don't vote for us. About the [alleged] blasphemy, let's leave that to the court. Let the court decide [whether or not it is true]," he said. "I beg you [not to protest this way again]. Islam is a friendly religion and full of love."

Djarot failed to calm the protesters and decided to leave the premises to prevent a clash between the protesters and his security guards.

Responding to the latest campaign disruption incident involving the Ahok-Djarot pair, the KPU Jakarta head Sumarno said that his office would coordinate with the Jakarta Police and the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) to address the problem.

Merry Hotma, a spokeswoman of the Ahok-Djarot campaign team, said her team was suspicious that the protesters were not local residents and that they were now collecting evidence to prove their allegation.

"They could be people from some local mass organizations," she said. Asked whether the team would provide tighter security assistance for the candidates, she said it would be unnecessary,

The Ahok-Djarot team had asked not to deploy many officers to assist Ahok and Djarot despite the protests. "I do not believe they will kill Ahok and Djarot although they say they will," Merry said.

Wednesday's protest was not the only backlash received by Ahok and Djarot. Ahok was the target of an angry mob last week during a campaign stop in Rawa Belong, West Jakarta. Police had to rescue him in a public minivan.

The attack occurred prior to massive protests by about 100,000 Muslims initiated by hard-line organization Islam Defenders Front (FPI) on Nov. 4 in Central Jakarta. They demanded that the outspoken governor be prosecuted over his alleged blasphemous remarks in which he cited a verse from the Quran.

Djarot also faced protests, when he visited a fisherfolk's village in Cilincing, North Jakarta, last week, concerning the eviction programs planned by city administration.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/djarot-confronts-anti-ahok-protesters-campaign-trail.html

Jokowi scrambles to keep nation stable

Jakarta Post - November 9, 2016

Ina Parlina and Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo should have been on a state visit to Australia this week, but instead spent the past two days visiting the country's armed forces and major Islamic organizations in a bid to maintain stability in the country amid public outrage involving blasphemy allegations made against the Jakarta governor.

After visiting the headquarters of the Indonesian Army and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the nation's largest Muslim organization, on Monday, Jokowi on Tuesday paid a visit to the Police Higher Education College (PTIK) in South Jakarta and the headquarters of Muhammadiyah, the second largest Muslim group in the country after NU, in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

In a speech before the police's top brass at PTIK, Jokowi asked the force to remain steadfast against pressure from any group.

"The National Police is a big institution with 430,000 personnel. Therefore, do not hesitate to sternly carry out law enforcement," Jokowi said. "A big institution like the police must not be doubtful and discouraged when dealing with small groups, any organizations or any individuals," he added.

The President was forced to postpone his visit to Canberra, scheduled for Nov. 6 to 8, after more than 100,000 people took to the streets in Jakarta to demand the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for allegedly insulting the Quran.

The Islam Defenders Front (FPI), which strongly opposes Ahok's bid to extend his term through the upcoming Jakarta election, spearheaded the rally, which was supported by various Islamic groups, including the Muslim Students Association (HMI).

The rally, which initially ran peacefully, turned violent after dark, leaving one protester dead and several police officers injured. Five HMI activists, including its secretary-general, have been charged with instigating the violence.

In the past two days, the President has been scrambling to maintain national stability after the Friday rally.

When addressing 2,000 military personnel on Monday, Jokowi reminded them that he was the highest military commander and, therefore, they should follow his orders to not tolerate any provocations aimed at dividing the nation.

Jokowi said that during the closed-door meeting with Muhammadiyah leaders he told them he would not tamper with the ongoing police investigation into Ahok's case.

"I'd like to underline that I will not protect Basuki Tjahaja Purnama since there is already an ongoing legal process [over blasphemy allegations]; the public needs to know this," Jokowi said.

The President has instructed the National Police to run a fair and transparent investigation into Ahok, but rumors that another large rally would take place in the capital in the next two weeks were already rife on Tuesday. The protesters have said they would continue their protests until Ahok is jailed.

The police had promised to decide whether to charge Ahok with blasphemy within two weeks of the rally.

Jokowi has several times sought support from Muhammadiyah and NU for different reasons, including when he was accused of not being Muslim during his presidential campaign in 2014 and also when he was severely criticized for his tough stance on drug convicts.

After assuming office, the President granted a number of positions to figures affiliated with the two organizations, including seats on the Presidential Advisory Board, known as Wantimpres, and in his Cabinet.

On Tuesday, Jokowi reiterated his claim that "political actors" had exploited the Nov. 4 rally, saying that their identities would be revealed after a thorough investigation by police.

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said there was strong information about the suspected political actors who allegedly took advantage of the rally. "There needs to be [sufficient] evidence. Once there is and it proves a clear violation occurred, we will enforce the law," said Tito.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/09/jokowi-scrambles-to-keep-nation-stable.html

HMI activists charged with instigating Nov. 4 violence

Jakarta Post - November 9, 2016

Indra Budiari, Jakarta – The Association of Muslim Students (HMI), the nation's largest student organization, is under fire after five of its members were charged with instigating a riot in front of the State Palace during a massive rally by Muslim groups against the Jakarta governor on Friday.

The Jakarta Police apprehended the five HMI members in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The arrests strengthen earlier media reports claiming that it was members of the student organization, and not the hard-line Islam Defenders Front (FPI), who were allegedly responsible for Friday's clash between security officers and protesters.

One protester was killed and several police officers were injured in the clash.

The police identified two of the five arrested students as HMI secretary-general Ami Jaya and Ismail Ibrahim, who was allegedly caught on camera attacking a police officer during the rally. The other three have been identified only by their initials: RR, MRD and RM.

"They assaulted our officers in the field with various weapons, such as sharpened bamboo sticks and rocks," Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said Tuesday, adding that video footage and photos had been obtained to support the criminal charges against them.

The suspects have been charged under articles 214 and 212 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on attacking police officers, which carry maximum punishment of seven years in prison.

On Friday, more than 100,000 took to the streets of Jakarta to demand that the police prosecute Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for allegedly insulting the Quran.

The rally, one of the largest the nation has ever seen, ended in violence as protesters ignored a police order to disperse at 6 p.m.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has accused "political actors" of exploiting the rally and instigating a riot after the rally, which was supposed to end peacefully at 6 p.m. Jokowi did not name names, creating tension among his allies in the ruling coalition and politicians in the opposition camp.

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the police would look into the possibility that the disgraced university students had been instructed by the said "political actors" to create mayhem during Friday's rally.

"There was no violence until the masses from the right of the Presidential Palace started it," he told reporters last week.

Previously, the police charged 13 people with instigating a riot in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, which was initially alleged to be related to the rally in Central Jakarta as it took place on the same day.

The HMI is an influential student organization that has produced top public intellectuals and political leaders in the country. Former members of HMI include Nurcholis "Cak Nur" Madjid and Ahmad Wahib, two of the most influential Indonesian Muslim thinkers who initiated the liberal Islam movement in the country.

HMI chairman Mulyadi Tamsir, who called on HMI members to take part in the rally against Ahok, said the organization would provide legal assistance to its members. He added that he would report the arrests to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), saying they were excessive.

The student organization reiterated its claim that it had nothing to do with the violence during the rally, saying the incident was initiated by unidentified provocateurs.

Mulyadi demanded that Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Muhammad Irawan issue a public apology for accusing the organization of instigating the riot.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/09/hmi-activists-charged-with-instigating-nov-4-violence.html

Lawmakers to form team to oversee police probe into Friday's riot

Jakarta Globe - November 9, 2016

Jakarta – Lawmakers said they will form a team to oversee police investigations into the violence that erupted at the end of a rally by Muslim protesters against Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in the capital last week.

Police have arrested several demonstrators suspected of sparking off violence during the rally on Friday (04/11), when officers fired tear gas into protesters who pushed and pelted rocks at police barricades.

Police have defended their move to arrest the suspects, saying they have followed proper procedures, a claim questioned by Muslim groups whose members have been detained.

Amid controversy over the investigation, the House of Representative's Commission III lawmakers now plan to form a special team to "ensure the legal process will run its course."

"The team will prevent people from meddling with the investigation," Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, a member of the commission which oversees legal affairs said on Tuesday in a statement.

"The team will make sure no one will be criminalized or made a scapegoat," the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party politician said.

Police are currently investigating at least five members of the Association of Islamic Students (HMI), one of the groups taking part in Friday's rally.

HMI secretary general Ami Jaya is one of them, accused of committing violence against police and could face up to seven years in prison under the criminal code.

Tens of thousands of Muslims protested against Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent, accusing him of blasphemy for his remarks in a speech two months ago about how some politicians had referred to a verse from the Quran to warn people not to vote for him in next year's governor race.

Hundreds of protesters, as well as officers, were injured after the rally that also saw dozens of public minivans, police cars and military vehicles damaged, three of them torched.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/lawmakers-form-team-oversee-police-

House deputy speaker reported to police for calling to 'impeach' Jokowi

Jakarta Globe - November 9, 2016

Jakarta – The House of Representatives' deputy speaker Fahri Hamzah has been reported to the police for allegedly provoking protesters during the anti-Ahok rally on Friday, including apparently calling on people to impeach President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

BaraJP, a volunteer group who campaigned for Jokowi during the 2014 presidential election, reported Fahri, a lawmaker from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), to the National Police's criminal investigative unit, or Bareskrim, on Wednesday (09/11).

BaraJP representative Birgaldo Sinaga claimed Fahri should be charged with treason for his provocative comments during the rally on Nov. 4, which was organized by a coalition of Muslim groups to demand that Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be investigated for alleged blasphemy.

"Fahri's provocations at the rally were not based on facts. He was blaming President Jokowi for insulting Muslim clerics and protecting a blasphemer," Birgaldo said.

He claimed that Fahri also called on the protesters to gather again for a "street parliament" session to "impeach" President Jokowi and demand for his resignation.

"Fahri's set a dangerous precedent. We've reported him for provocation and treason. No one else should attempt to overturn a government illegally in the future," Birgaldo said.

The group handed in news articles from Kompas.com and CNN Indonesia and a recording of Fahri's speech at the rally as evidence on Wednesday. Fahri could face up to 15 years in jail if he is found guilty of the charges.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/house-deputy-speaker-reported-to-police-over-provocation-against-jokowi/

Indonesian President Joko Widodo a target over governor's alleged blasphemy

Sydney Morning Herald - November 8, 2016

Jewel Topsfield, Jakarta – This city's embattled governor was interrogated by police over alleged blasphemy on Monday, amid fears that opponents of the government are deliberately fomenting unrest to destabilise Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Up to 200,000 Muslims took to the streets on Friday demanding that Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, widely known as Ahok, be jailed for allegedly insulting Islam.

The rally was largely peaceful but erupted into violence on Friday night. One man died, a police officer lost his eye and 300 people were injured. Many at the protest accused the president of protecting Ahok, a political ally who is Christian and from the country's Chinese minority.

Indonesian rock musician Ahmad Dhani told the crowd: "I am very sad and crying for having a president who does not respect the habibs (men who claim descent from the family of the Prophet Muhammad) and ulema (Islamic scholars). I want to say dog! I want to say pig!"

A poster has been circulating on Whatsapp messaging groups spruiking a so-called "defending Islam demonstration" on November 25, calling for President Jokowi to be brought down if Ahok remains a free man.

The president was sufficiently spooked by the volatility in the nation's sprawling capital to postpone his state visit to Australia, blaming unnamed "political actors" who he said hijacked the otherwise peaceful rally "to take advantage of the situation".

"[President Jokowi] would undoubtedly be feeling under pressure because he has a lot invested in Ahok," said Greg Fealy from the School of International, Political and Strategic Studies at the Australian National University. "If Ahok is charged [with blasphemy] it makes it extremely difficult for him to win the gubernatorial election."

The position of governor is often a springboard for higher office, as demonstrated by the ascent of President Jokowi, himself a former Jakarta governor. "Jokowi would be anxious about candidates emerging to challenge him in 2019," Dr Fealy added.

Former education minister Anies Baswedan and Agus Harimurti, the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, are both standing in the February 15 gubernatorial elections.

"Ahok is the intermediate target, not the real one," said Muradi, a lecturer in political science at Padjadjaran University. "The president is the real target, maybe not to topple him but to downgrade his performance."

President Jokowi's ruling coalition accounts for more than 70 per cent of MPs and he is enjoying popularity levels not seen since Suharto.

"There are at least four elements mixed together: the involvement of the political elite, the huge amount of money behind the rally, groups who always oppose the government and the radicals," Mr Muradi said.

Dr Yudhoyono, whose relationship with President Jokowi is understood to be hostile, held a press conference last week to vehemently deny he had orchestrated the rally.

Ahok was accused of defaming the Koran after he appeared to suggest in an edited video transcript that voters were being deceived by a verse in the Koran.

Some Islamic groups had urged voters not to re-elect Ahok on the basis of verse 51 from the fifth sura or chapter of the Koran, al-Ma'ida, which some interpret as prohibiting Muslims from living under the leadership of a non-Muslim.

Ahok apologised for the offence caused by his comments and insisted he was not criticising the Koranic verse but those who used it to attack him.

The man who instigated the outrage when he transcribed Ahok's comments, PhD student Buni Yani, has admitted to making a mistake, claiming he misheard what Ahok said in the video.

In a carefully worded statement, Police Chief Tito Karnavian said seven expert witnesses, including linguists, would be quizzed on whether Ahok's words constituted blasphemy.

He also took the unusual step of inviting the media to cover the hearing to determine if there was sufficient grounds to name Ahok a suspect, saying the president had stressed the need for transparency.

"I think Jokowi made the right call not intervening in any way," said Evan Laksmana from Indonesia's Centre for Strategic and International Studies. "A lot of this is obviously opening salvos for the 2019 election."

However Mr Laksmana believed attempts to paint Ahok and President Jokowi in the same light and weaken the appeal of the popular president were unlikely to stick, given the election was still three years away. (with Karuni Rompies)

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/world/indonesian-president-joko-widodo-a-

Police at full speed on Ahok blasphemy allegation

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Indra Budiari, Jakarta – "I want to go home. I am hungry. Thank you," Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who is on leave to campaign, told reporters after being questioned for about nine hours at the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta on Monday.

Ahok looked tired. Accompanied by his lawyers and advisors, including legislator Ruhut Sitompul, Ahok refused to answer questions from reporters who had been waiting for him since morning.

"I think [my lawyer's statement] is very clear, and if you have further questions, please ask the police investigators," he responded briefly when asked about the topics covered by his interrogation.

This was Ahok's second visit to the police office. On his own initiative, he went there on Oct. 25 to clarify his position concerning the blasphemy allegations made by a group of Muslim organizations. At that time, police asked 18 questions, and on Monday, Ahok had to answer 22 more.

"So in total there were 40 questions," said Ruhut, who identified himself as Ahok's spokesman. Sirra Prayuna, Ahok's lead counsel, said his client provided "good answers" to the questions. Sirra leads Ahok's legal team, which consists of dozens of legal experts.

Ahok, who is currently seeking to retain his office through the Feb. 15 gubernatorial election, was reported by a number of Islamic organizations for a speech in which he mentioned Surah al-Maidah, Verse 51 of the Quran, while visiting the Thousand Islands regency in late September.

His reference to the verse was believed by a number of Muslim groups to be an insult to the Islamic scripture, which prompted a mass rally on Friday.

Demonstrators demanded police immediately arrest Ahok on allegations of blasphemy. Ahok has made a public apology for his statement, but the protesters refused to accept it. Ahok insisted, however, that his remarks had been selectively edited.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla told representatives of the protesters on Friday that police would conclude the investigation within two weeks when it would be decided if the case could be brought to court.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo ordered National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian to conduct the case screening in an open manner, especially as it would be covered live by TV stations.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Agus Rianto said great transparency would ensure that the mission of the police was solely to uphold the truth. "If we allow everyone to see the case screening, people will see that there is no intervention in this case," Agus told reporters.

A case screening is one of the phases of a criminal investigation, during which it is decided if the case is solid enough for the police to name someone a suspect, or if they should drop the case and clear the accused party of all charges.

Meanwhile, another police spokesman, Sr. Comr. Rikwanto, said it was not impossible for the case to be dropped as the police found that the length of the speech had been cut by the uploader of the circulated video.

"The video has been cut or edited because the duration of Ahok's speech at that time was more than one hour. The uploader only took some parts of it," Rikwanto said after Ahok's interrogation. "But then again, we need to see the case screening results first."

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/police-at-full-

5 Islamic student association members arrested over alleged attacks

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Jakarta – The Jakarta Police arrested five Islamic Student Association (HMI) members early on Tuesday in connection with an attack on police officers during a massive rally in Jakarta on Nov.4.

The police identified one of the five HMI members arrested as Ismail Ibrahim, who was allegedly caught on camera attacking a police officer during the rally.

"He [Ismail Ibrahim] was arrested at the residence of a Regional Representatives Council [DPD] member, Basri Salama, in Pejaten, South Jakarta," Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said as quoted by kompas.com in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said Ismail had been living at Basri's house since 2015 as they were both from the same hometown. "He moved to Basri's house in 2015 because he could not afford to pay his boarding house. Basri offered him a place in his house because they are both from Tidore," said Awi.

The four others arrested comprise HMI general secretary Amy Jaya Halim and three HMI members, identified only by their initials, RR, MRD and RM.

Awi said the police had arrested the five HMI members for suspected involvement in rioting following the massive rally. They are all undergoing intensive questioning at the Jakarta Police headquarters.

Thousands of members and sympathizers of several Islamic organizations participated in the Nov.4 rally calling for the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy.

Although the rally itself was peaceful, after it officially ended protesters clashed with police who fired tear gas in response. One protester is reported to have died following an asthma attack during the incident. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/5-islamic-student-association-members-arrested-over-alleged-attacks.html

Jokowi thanks military, NU following Nov. 4 rally

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Ina Parlina, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo paid visits to a number of institutions he considered helpful in maintaining a peaceful rally last Friday, which saw thousands of people demanding Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be charged with blasphemy. In front of more than 2,000 military personnel from various elite units, like the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), Air Force Special Forces (Paskhas) troops and the Navy's Marine Corps, who gathered at Army headquarters on Monday, Jokowi personally thanked them for completing their jobs in backing police officers throughout the rally.

"As the highest military commander, I have ordered [the military] to be intolerant of any movement aimed at dividing the nation with provocative [actions]. Do not hesitate to act on behalf of maintaining unity for our country," Jokowi said.

Jokowi made the speech only days after he made the statement suggesting that "political provocateurs" were behind the violent portion of Friday evening when protesters defied a police order to disperse.

A violent brawl also broke out in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, later that day and a number of residents and shops were attacked.

Ahok, regarded by some as Jokowi's "golden boy", is the incumbent gubernatorial candidate. Later on Monday, Jokowi paid a visit to the headquarters of the country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), to thank them for playing a part in ensuring a peaceful Nov. 4 rally.

In an apparent preemptive measure to anticipate possible violence at the rally, Jokowi had invited leaders from various Islamic organizations, including NU and the second largest Islamic organization, Muhammadiyah, to the Palace a few days before the rally, in which the Muslim leaders agreed to encourage their members not to take part in the rally and that they respected the ongoing legal process of Ahok's case.

"Clearly, the NU has served as a supporter of Pancasila, our unity in diversity and tolerance for all citizens," Jokowi said.

NU chairman Said Aqil Siradj said that leaders should provide good examples for followers, and therefore, "a leader should refrain from bad-mouthing public officials".

"A leader should not spark controversy or ignite discord, as a proverb says, 'salvation is gained by controlling one's tongue,'" Aqil said, calling on everyone to promote the country's unity.

Aqil also lamented the government for being sluggish with respect to "political communication" with the public, particularly the leaders of various religions, adding that "it would be wise for everyone to learn from the rally."

On Tuesday, the President is set to visit Muhammadiyah's national office and the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta. He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with a number of political figures.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/jokowi-thanks-military-nu-following-nov-4-rally.html

Journalism & press freedom

Lack of adequate guidelines prove difficult for journalists in Indonesia: PWI

Jakarta Globe - November 11, 2016

Jakarta – There are around 80,000 journalists in Indonesia, but only 9,000 have been certified by the Indonesian Press Council, Indonesian Journalists Association secretary-general Hendry Ch. Bangun said at the Germany-Indonesia Media Dialogue in Jakarta on Monday (07/11).

Indonesia doesn't have any specific regulations or set of guidelines governing the profession. The only regulation is the 1999 Press Law aims to protect journalists. However, this at times falls short of its intended purpose. With the lack of adequate guidance, there is a greater need for journalists in Indonesia to understand and adhere to the Indonesian Journalist Code of Conduct.

According to the Indonesian Press Council survey in 2012, only 41 percent of journalists have read the code. While the other 59 percent says that they have only read half of it or have not read it at all.

Hendry believes that the figures are in line with the number of complaints that the council receives about the lack of news coverage on certain issues, news bias generally as well as information being published that is factually incorrect.

"Journalists have a special place in the society so it's often mistakenly used by irresponsible people just to get money," Hendry said referring to the practice of those who accept money in exchange for publishing work that is favorable to the donor.

In Indonesia, there are no set of guidelines for compensation and salary. Hendry explained that many journalists are underpaid and some work on a commission basis and only receive compensation after securing advertisers, contrary to the internationally established practice that journalists should remain impartial from those with vested interests.

According to the same data, there are 2,000 online news outlets across Indonesia and there are 3,500 media outlets including print media, television and radio. Despite the number of outlets, Hendry says there is still room for improvement.

"The media have been absent in covering gender bias and issues affecting women, the poor, children and sick people," Hendry added.

He also said that media owners tend to step in and choose what events should get coverage and what should not and this interference extends to politics. In addition to the intervention, violence against journalists is still a common occurrence in Indonesia, Hendry said.

On Aug. 15 this year, a violent clash occurred in Medan Polonia, Medan, between the Indonesian Air Force and local residents. During the event, two male journalists claim to have been physically abused and another female journalist alleges that she was violated by air force personnel.

More recently, during the rally against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama last Friday, a journalist claims to have been physically assaulted and the memory card of his digital camera was snatched by the protesters.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/lack-adequate-guidelines-prove-difficult-journalists-indonesia-pwi/

Environment & natural disasters

Indonesia sees highest number of natural disasters in 10 years

Jakarta Post - November 14, 2016

Jakarta – Indonesia was hit with 1,985 natural disasters from Jan. 1 to Nov. 11, the highest in 10 years. Disaster numbers are expected to increase due to unstable hydrological conditions, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has said.

The agency predicts Indonesia will face more natural disasters until January next year because of this year's strong La Nina weather phenomenon, which has caused heavy rains and extensive flooding across the nation.

"Regions previously unaffected by natural disasters are now susceptible to calamities. Several areas in Bandung, West Java, for example, have flooded on account of not being able to accommodate extremely large volumes of rain," said BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho in a data released on Sunday.

The BNPB states 659 out of the 1,985 natural disasters were floods, followed by whirlwinds and landslides, which reached 572 and 485 incidents, respectively.

It further says the disasters have affected 2.52 million people, 375 of whom have died and 383 were injured in the incidents.

Although there is still one month left before the end of the year, the BNPB data, which records 1,985 natural calamities, suggests that 2016 is the most devastating year Indonesia has seen in the last 10 years. The second-worst year was 2014, during which the country suffered 1,967 disasters.

"We predict rainfall will increase until it peaks in January next year. Our data shows that in Indonesia, January is the month with the most disasters," Sutopo said. (adt/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/14/indonesia-sees-highest-number-of-natural-disasters-in-10-years.html

Greenpeace questions KLHK's refusal to disclose forest map

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – Environmental activists have lambasted the government for refusing to abide by a Central Information Commission's (KIP) ruling that ordered them to publish a forest cover map in shapefile format.

Shapefile format for maps enables users to analyze data by overlaying different maps. It functions to provide greater transparency about who controls areas of land and what happens within those areas.

The KIP ruled in favor of Greenpeace in October, saying that geospatial information or maps in shapefile format is public information that should be published by the Forestry and Environment Ministry (KLHK).

The commission ordered the ministry to publish data on forest fires in 2012 and 2013, the permits and maps of Industrial Plantation Forest Concessions (HTI) and Production Forest Concessions (HPH), all of which are in shapefile formats. The ministry, however, has decided to challenge the ruling at the State Administrative Court.

The KLHK argued that the ruling may violate a law on geospatial information. The law only allows the ministry to uncover maps that have been validated, while no technology can validate the maps that use shapefile format because the data entered is dynamic.

The ministry has refused to elaborate on the reasons why it refused to follow the KIP ruling. "We will elaborate [on the reasons] during the trial," ministry spokesman Helmi Basalamah said.

Greenpeace Indonesia has accused the government of trying to cover up corruption behind the land concessions it has given to major companies.

"It has become an old issue where [the government] misuses spatial layout. For example, we often find that [the government] suddenly issues concession permits in areas that are supposed to be protected forests," Greenpeace Indonesia head Leonard Simanjuntak said on Wednesday. "Our bureaucracy isn't ready to be transparent, which is a big problem," he added.

To enable users to analyze data by overlaying different maps, shapefile format maps are required. Greenpeace used to receive maps of forest cover in such a format from the ministry, but since 2013 the ministry prohibited all shapefile data from being published.

The ministry only makes it available in JPG and PDF formats, meaning that NGOs and analysts would have to do manual digitization, which could result in minor differences from the original maps.

Therefore, the shapefile format is important to help forest fire mitigation as it can give accurate information regarding hotpots and land ownership, so the country will not see a repeat of the 2015 forest fire in Sumatra and Kalimantan, which caused 100,000 deaths, according to a recent study.

The KLHK's move contradicted President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's commitment he made last year during Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in Paris that the country would uphold data transparency.

Deputy director of the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL), Raynaldo Sembiring, said the definition of information under the Freedom of Information Law mentioned no limitation regarding the file format.

"The government is supposed to be able to provide information regardless of format type. The ministry has no reason to file an appeal," Raynaldo said. "If the ministry does file an appeal, it means there's something wrong with its transparency and accountability."

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/greenpeace-questions-klhk-s-refusal-disclose-forest-map.html

Judge turns down lawsuit on forest fire case in Riau

Jakarta Post - November 9, 2016

Rizal Harahap, Pekanbaru – Citing legal technicalities, the Pekanbaru District Court turned down a lawsuit filed by a local resident demanding a pretrial hearing against a controversial warrant (SP3) issued by Riau Police to terminate investigations into 15 companies suspected to have been involved in several forest fires and illegal land clearings in the province last year.

The court did not touch on the substance of the lawsuit, which included the contention that the police did not have a strong reason to drop the case. Instead, judge Sorta Ria Neva focused her ruling on procedural matters.

The judge concluded that Ferry Sapta, as plaintiff, did not meet the legal requirements to file a civil lawsuit (CLS) on behalf of other citizens. Like all citizens, said the judge, Ferry had the right to file a CLS, but the plaintiff failed to send the required notifications to the defendants.

According to law, notification letters have to be sent to defendants 60 days before a lawsuit is filed with a court and copies of the letters have to be sent to the local district court. However, no such notification letters were found.

"That's why the pretrial hearing proposed by the plaintiff has been denied," said Sorta, adding that Ferry was also obliged to pay Rp 5,000 for court expenses. "The ruling on the pretrial hearing is final. There are no further legal avenues available after that," said the judge.

The police claimed they decided to discontinue investigations into the companies in January because of a lack of evidence. The decision sparked anger among local farmers and environmentalists.

The Environment and Forestry Ministry expressed deep disappointment because the police's decision went against the government's determination to punish those who were responsible for the severe forest fires caused by land clearings.

Last year's forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan attracted global attention because they caused severe health problems for people in the provinces and neighboring countries and massive damage to forests.

The House of Representatives demanded National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian replace the provincial police chief. Newly appointed Riau Police chief Brig. Gen. Zulkarnain indicated that the force had made procedural mistakes in issuing the SP3.

"We have made an internal evaluation. It is true that there are a few things that should be corrected," Zulkarnain said at the House last month.

Meanwhile, a lawyer with the Riau Police, Nirwan, said that the ruling was in accordance with the evidence presented during the hearing. "There was no preliminary evidence found indicating that the corporations committed the crime of burning fields," Nirwan said after the court ruled.

The spokesman of the plaintiff's legal team, Mayandri Zuzarman, expressed disappointment against the ruling, saying that the fires and the smoky haze had severely harmed people.

"As he is one of the affected people, how come the plaintiff was declared to have no legal standing to file a lawsuit for a pretrial hearing?" Mayandri asked.

"This is not over yet. The lawsuit for a pretrial hearing is just an initial stage. We will show the government that the people will not remain silent against the SP3," he said.

A group of non-government organizations have also planned to challenge the police decision.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/09/judge-turns-down-lawsuit-forest-fire-case-riau.html

Marriage & polygamy

Child marriage thrives in urban areas too

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Lies Marcoes, Jakarta – Between 2014 and 2016, Rumah Kita Bersama (Rumah KitaB) conducted research on child marriage in Banten, West Java (Cirebon, Cisarua/Bogor, Sukabumi), East Java (Lamongan, Madura), West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi.

This study noted the impact of socio-ecological changes in the change of gender relations in families, which has contributed to the practice of child marriage.

It also examined the influence of formal and informal institutions, as well as religious views perpetuated through cultural beliefs and practices, all of which have an impact on the practice of child marriage.

Migration, as a consequence of the changes in socio-ecological space, leaves many girls as the substitute for their parents at home. At the same time, female sexuality is considered alarming; therefore, it should be expressed only within the institution of marriage.

Meanwhile, those who join the exodus from the countryside to other areas, especially to urban areas and bring along the entire family, threaten the continuity of their children's education. Such moves can lead to a loss of access to education, for both boys and girls.

As new arrivals with no fixed abode, they bring along their family members to contribute unpaid labor, just so that the family can survive. They live in the outskirts of the cities, in no man's lands and do various odd jobs in the informal sector.

This interrupted access to education has different impacts on boys and on girls. Boys will become underage workers. While girls also experience this, they are more often encouraged to get married as early as possible. This is not only to reduce the family's economic burden; many parents feel they can no longer control their daughters' social relations.

In Asia, Indonesia receives attention as one of the major contributors to this negative practice. In the SDG targets, Indonesia has committed to eliminate all harmful practices, including child marriage.

Yet according to the Central Statistical Agency (BPS), 25 percent of ever-married women aged 20 to 24 were married before the age of 18. And because of its large population, Indonesia is among the top 10 countries in the world in absolute terms in the number of child brides.

In early August 2016, BPS, supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), launched a report on "Analysis of Data on Child Marriage in Indonesia" based on data from the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas)and the 2010 Population Census (SP 2010).

The report stated that the prevalence of child marriage in Indonesia has declined more than twofold over the past three decades, but is still among the highest in the East Asia and Pacific region.

Meanwhile, the result of the Susenas conducted by BPS in 2012 showed that more than one sixth of girls in Indonesia marry before they reach adulthood. The report concluded that the prevalence of child marriage in Indonesia is not merely remaining high but actually rising again.

To date, most studies on child marriage have focused on rural areas. This is understandable, as the occurrence and support factors such as poverty, limited access to schooling, and strong traditional values, as well as changes in access to economic resources, especially land, can be identified as factors promoting the practice of child marriage in rural areas.

Yet statistically, there is also a significant level of child marriage in urban areas such as Jakarta, Surabaya and Makassar (BPS, 2013). This generally happens among the urban poor and migrants to the cities.

As new arrivals living in isolated environments such as illegal slums, they are hidden from the affluence of the cities. They rarely have any contact with formal institutions or interact with the moderate religious activities conducted by moderate Islamic organizations such as NU and Muhammadiyah.

Instead, they fall prey for fundamentalist groups, which are more active in going into localities considered socially vulnerable (Testimony of the Faithful Servants, 2013). The conservative views that these groups bring in pose a great risk to the safety of girls, such as the appeal to marry off girls in monogamous or even polygamous unions, to give the parents a sense of security from sinful acts.

Apart from parents, an even greater influence on the practice of child marriage comes from informal institutions such as relatives, neighbors, and "institutions" that are not obvious but persist in the minds of the community or certain groups: for example, fear of embarrassment from being ridiculed by neighbors, fear of sin, the obligation for girls to relieve the burden on their parents, fear of becoming an "old maid", and so on. In this perspective, formal and non-formal institutions are important elements that also condition or at least condone the occurrence of child marriage through these unseen pressures.

Rumah KitaB's study also mapped various ways that are used by formal institutions in perpetuating child marriage, such as the mechanism of granting dispensations and isbat nikah (retroactive confirmation) for underage marriages that have occurred and require legality from the state, and the use of the "N5" form – a statement letter from the parents granting permission for the Religious Affairs Office (KUA) to conduct a marriage for their child.

Village religious figures also play a role in accommodating illegal marriages, and village officials falsify girls' ages on official records under pressure from parents and the community, all leading to practices of low-level corruption to earn a bit of extra money. The picture above shows that child marriage occurs not just in rural areas but also in the cities.

More than that, it also indicates that the strategies to address child marriage need to look at the very different conditions between the rural and urban contexts.

The need for contraception services, information for adolescents on their bodies and sexuality, and changes in the content and methods of religious outreach, are all agendas that require attention.

At the same time, the effort to eliminate the corrupt practices in formal and non-formal institutions that support the practice of child marriage is a more complex aspect that also needs to be in the agenda of advocacy to combat the practice of child marriage in urban areas.

[The writer is executive director of Rumah Kita Bersama Foundation, an Islamic learning organization.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/child-marriage-thrives-urban-areas-too.html

Group wants court to nix prenuptial regulation

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Liza Yosephine, Jakarta – No one can predict who they will end up marrying or whether that person will be a foreign citizen, but that should not prevent Indonesians from owning property in their own homeland, says Ike Farida about the woes transnational couples face in Indonesia.

Ike, who is married to a Japanese citizen, was denied an apartment that she had paid for in full due to her husband's citizenship.

"We don't know with whom we will be married. I think [almost everyone], whether woman or man, who is now with a foreign spouse, probably did not have the goal of marrying a foreign citizen," Ike said on Wednesday.

Referring to her own religion, Ike said according to the Muslim faith nobody knows when they would die, nor could anyone negotiate which parents one is born to. The same went for marriage, she said.

In May 2012, Ike had finalized payments for an apartment in Jakarta. However, the developer refused to give her ownership rights to the property after becoming aware that her husband was a foreign national.

Supported by her background in law, Ike was determined to bring the matter before a district court to claim her rights. Earlier this year, her case was dismissed by the judge on the basis of a government regulation (PP) released in December last year, namely PP No. 103/2015, which regulates property ownership by foreigners who reside in Indonesia.

It was a blow she had not expected, especially since she had bought her property before that regulation was implemented. Furthermore, she noted the peculiarity of the regulation in that it pertains to foreigners yet also impacts Indonesians that are married to foreigners.

The regulation stipulates that Indonesians who marry foreign nationals require a notarized prenuptial agreement in order to buy and own property after they marry.

That stipulation, she said, referred to a now-abolished Article 29 of the Marriage Law to prevent mixture of spouses' assets.

Last September, prior to the abolition of Article 29 on Oct. 27 by the Constitutional Court, Ike had filed for a review of PP No. 103/2015 by the Supreme Court.

Following the Constitutional Court's decision to eliminate the requirement for a prenuptial marriage agreement in Article 29 of the 1974 Marriage Law, Ike saw more reason for a review of the 2015 regulation, as it had created confusion through the non-uniformity of rules on property ownership.

As a member of the Indonesian Mixed-Marriage Society (Perca), Ike assisted the organization in filing for another judicial review of the same government regulation Wednesday, this time also pointing to the contradictions with existing laws.

In their petition, Perca specifically cites three laws, the 1960 Agrarian Law, which stipulates that all land ownership should have a social benefit, Law No. 12/2011 on the formation of legislation, and Law No. 39/1999 on human rights.

"How is it possible to discriminate against Indonesian citizens [just because] they are married to foreign spouses?" Ike noted on her human rights concerns about the regulation.

The document called on the government to pay attention to confusion caused by the laws, she said, but would leave it up to the authorities whether to revise it, create new regulations or abolish it completely.

"It's sad that we are discriminated against, it's extremely sad. And it's not only us who are discriminated against, but also our children," Ike says.

Perca head Juliani Luthan noted that the review petition on PP No. 103/2015 was important for the organization, as it affected its more than 1,140 members. She urged clarification on the regulation, which she said appeared to be out of sync with existing rules, especially the 1945 Constitution.

"The Constitution clearly states that an Indonesian citizen has full rights to property ownership, both right-to-own permits and right-to-build permits," Juliani said.

She called on the government to eliminate PP No. 103/2015 entirely or at least abolish Paragraph 2 in Article 3 of the regulation.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/group-wants-court-nix-prenuptial-regulation.html

Refugees & asylum seekers

UNHCR urges Indonesia to sign convention on refugees

Jakarta Post - November 15, 2016

Tama Salim, Jakarta – The UN High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) has urged Indonesia to reconsider signing the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees as part of concerted efforts to resolve the issue of irregular migration.

As issues of irregular migration and forced displacement of people garner a broader audience on the global stage, the UN refugee agency raised the need for countries to come together in finding a global solution.

The UNHCR Assistance High Commissioner for Protection, Volker Türk, argued that all countries were affected by the forced displacement of people and suggested that Indonesia would be best served by being a party to the convention.

"We've always been hoping that Indonesia would sign the 1951 refugee convention," Türk told a press conference in Jakarta on Monday. "The solution doesn't lie in one country alone; it requires an approach with all countries in the region."

He argued that countries involved in aiding refugees stood to benefit from the strong international framework of support that comes with it.

The Foreign Ministry could not be reached for comment.

As a non-signatory of the Refugee Convention, Indonesia does not have the authority to determine the status of asylum seekers and must wait for verification by UNHCR.

Indonesia is also not obliged to allocate resources to support UN operations, although it has continued to play a pivotal role in tackling the issue of irregular migration in Southeast Asia through the Bali Process mechanism.

Meanwhile, there is also an emerging realization from actors in the field that refugees are increasingly making an enormously valuable contribution to host communities and societies.

"If you work well the host community could benefit and the refugee community can benefit, it is a win-win situation," he said.

At the UN General Assembly in September, the organization's 193 member states agreed to adopt the New York Declaration, which aims to achieve a more equitable sharing of the burden and responsibility for hosting and supporting refugees.

Türk further argued that the New York Declaration provided a blueprint of action in achieving equitable burden-sharing.

"By [seeking] win-win solutions, you can actually do this responsibility sharing, taking into account that some countries have more resources than others," he said.

Meanwhile, the UNHCR representative also lambasted Australia for its recent deployment of naval vessels to ward off any refugees who tried to enter the country by boat.

Türk argued that Australia was in violation of the basic right for family unity and the right to seek asylum in and of itself, and that the restrictions Canberra imposed on family reunification was one of the reasons behind irregular movements in the region.

"One of the important concerns we have expressed is we do think Australia has to be part of the solution," he said. "If people have strong, close family links in Australia, for example, it is really key that they are able to reunite as families."

Türk did however welcome the recent announcement on Sunday by Australia on a resettlement deal with the US for refugees being held in offshore facilities after attempting to reach Australia by boat.

"Looking at the people who are directly affected there is a glimmer of hope now with the announcement," he said. "Lives of people are at stake and it's good to find a solution."

Under Australia's tough border security laws, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach the country by boat are sent for processing at detention camps on Papua New Guinea's Manus island and the tiny South Pacific island nation of Nauru.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/15/unhcr-urges-indonesia-sign-convention-refugees.html

Group threatens to burn refugees' tents in Batam

Jakarta Post - November 14, 2016

Fadli, Batam – Dozens of people under the banner of the People's Information Center (Lira) gathered on Sunday at Aspirasi Park in Batam, where scores of refugees have been staying for months, and threatened to burn their tents.

The Lira crowd visited the park at noon and ordered the refugees to leave their tents and assemble in one place. Aksa Halatu, the leader of the Lira group, asked the refugees to follow him so his friends could dismantle and burn the tents.

However, the mob was prevented from burning the tents by volunteers from Batam University and nearby police officers. The Lira members then went to the Batam Immigration Office to air their grievances.

Ayu, one of the volunteers defending the refugees, said she and her friends had heard about Lira's plan to kick out the refugees. "After we heard about it, we contacted the police. The refugees are illegal, but Lira's actions are unacceptable," she said. "The refugees are in a state of panic right now," Ayu said.

Aksa, known in Batam as a member of the Democratic Party, said Lira wanted the refugees out of the park to keep the area clean. "Illegal houses are demolished everywhere; why are these refugees not evicted as well?" Aksa said.

Batam Immigration Office head Teguh Prayitno said his office regretted Lira's actions. "I told them, evacuating [people from] the park without providing replacement [accommodation] is not the solution. I don't know why they became emotional," Teguh said.

Teguh said his office would discuss relocating 102 refugees to another place. "Relocating 100 people is not easy. They are not chickens; we have to pay attention to their rights," he said.

Soleh Waziq, 28, a Sudanese refugee, said he was afraid that the mob would try again to kick them out. "We fear they will come again at night. Who will help us? We also do not want to stay here."

Soleh said he had been living in a tent for six months because he did not know where else to go. The Batam Immigration Office said there were 280 migrants at the Kolekta Hotel in Batam and 61 in an immigration detention center. (evi)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/14/group-threatens-to-burn-refugees-tents-in-batam.html

Terrorism & religious extremism

Nation outraged over church attack

Jakarta Post - November 15, 2016

Haeril Halim and Apriadi Gunawan, Jakarta/Medan – When his 2-year-old daughter Intan Olivia asked to be allowed to join her cousin playing on the front porch of the Oikumene Church, Anggiat Marbun let her go without a giving it a second thought. It was the last time Anggiat would see his daughter alive.

Intan was pronounced dead at 3.05 a.m. on Monday from severe burns to her body caused by a home-made bomb thrown at the church compound by Juhanda, a former terrorism convict linked to the Islamic State (IS) movement.

"I was holding her close to me while I was praying in church before her cousin came to ask me to let her go outside and play with the other kids. As the prayer concluded, I said 'amen' and the bomb went off at the same time. All I could think of at that moment was my daughter," said Anggiat.

"She is my first child and she is the only one I have," Anggiat Marbun told The Jakarta Post on Monday. "I rushed to rescue her [but to no avail]," Anggiat said, before calling for the interview to end.

Three other toddlers were seriously injured in the blast and as of Monday were still receiving intensive medical treatment at a hospital in Samarinda.

Many have reacted with outrage to the latest attack, with the hashtag #RIPIntan becoming a trending topic in the country on Monday on social media site Twitter.

A photo of Intan with a backpack strapped on her back has gone viral with thousands of Twitter users uploading a stylized photo of the 2-year-old on various social media platforms. Many pictures based on the original photo with the addition of angelic wings have also been uploaded onto the internet.

Lawmaker Budiman Sudjatmiko of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) wrote from his Twitter handle @budimandjatmiko that "Intan is proof that in Indonesia, terrorism can kill people very close to us. They kill from a blind fanaticism."

The country's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) meanwhile has condemned the terror attack, labelling it a true act of blasphemy. NU chairman Said Aqil Siradj called on Muslims in the country to fight terrorist acts.

"What happened in Samarinda was an act of blasphemy of Islam. It is real blasphemy because the act is against the teaching of Islam. Such conduct shatters the image of Islam as a peaceful religion" Said told the Post.

The NU chairman said that any Muslims who launched a terror attack in the name of Islam were in fact not Muslims, because in principle Islam respected pluralism in society.

Representing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, Culture and Education Minister Muhadjir Effendy flew to Samarinda to express condolences to Intan's family.

"On behalf of the government and the President, we offer our deep condolences. We condemn the act, especially because the victims are toddlers, who are innocent.

Children only want to play in peace and receive love from those around them," said Muhadjir, who could be seen holding back tears while speaking to Intan's family.

In the wake of the attack, the National Police's counterterrorism unit Densus 88 has questioned 15 witnesses and declared Juhanda a suspect on Monday. At least five individuals have also been arrested as alleged accessories to the attack.

The suspect, Juhanda, who lives in a mosque in Samarinda, learned how to assemble a bomb in Aceh between 2009 and 2011, said the police.

National Police spokesman Ins. Gen. Boy Rafly said Juhanda learned the bomb-making technique in Aceh from the group of Southeast Asia's most wanted terrorist Dulmatin, who was killed in 2010.

"After the explosion, the team launched an investigation and searched a house in Lowojana Indah block VV No. 13 where personnel seized a laptop, a cellphone and documents," Boy said, adding that the National Police would step up their investigation to pursue more suspects in the case.

One day after the Samarinda attack, a group of people also reportedly threw a handmade bomb at a Buddhist monastery in Singkawang City in West Kalimantan on Monday. No victims were reported in the latest attack.

It is not yet known if the incidents in Samarinda and Singkawang are connected. The West Kalimantan Police are still investigating the attack.

Meanwhile, a Catholic church in Batu city in Malang also reportedly received a bomb threat on Monday. Police officers from Batu and Malang police offices were dispatched to comb the area after receiving a report of a bomb threat at the church.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/15/nation-outraged-over-church-attack.html

Failure of deradicalization blamed on poor coordination

Jakarta Post - November 15, 2016

Haeril Halim and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – The effectiveness of the country's deradicalization program has been put under scrutiny in the wake of the attack at a church in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on Sunday, the chief suspect in which is a former terrorism convict.

The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has blamed poor coordination among related institutions for the failure to monitor terrorism convicts in society after they have finished their prison sentences.

The BNPT has become the subject of criticism since it became known that Johanda, the suspected perpetrator of the Samarinda attack, which claimed the life of a toddler and left three others injured, had returned to join radical groups after he was released on parole in July 2014.

Data from Law and Human Rights Ministry's Directorate General of Penitentiaries show that, as of September this year, there were 242 terrorist convicts in 70 penitentiaries and two detention centers across the country, most of whom will be released back into society sooner or later.

BNPT chief Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius maintained his office alone could not conduct de-radicalization and post-release monitoring programs. According to him, the BNPT had secured commitments from 17 relevant institutions to support post-release monitoring programs in order to ensure that former terrorism convicts would not rejoin radical groups after release.

The 17 institutions include the Religious Affairs Ministry, the Social Affairs Ministry, the Culture and Education Ministry, the Home Ministry and the Communications and Information Ministry.

As for Johanda, Suhardi cited difficulties in monitoring his activities as a result of his frequent moves from island to island after his release. "We do manage to reduce convicts' radicalism in prisons. Reception by society is also a determinant factor," Suhardi told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Suhardi said Johanda turned back to radical groups after he was rejected by his family in South Sulawesi. He then reportedly joined an East Kalimantan branch of the Islamic State (IS) movement-linked Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

In addition, many former terrorism convicts also become mosque caretakers. In such a situation, the BNPT will work with the Religious Affairs Ministry, which has access to mosques across the country.

"For example, if they have no job, radical groups are more than happy to re-embrace them. That's why we need a collective effort to solve recurring problems by involving all related ministries," Suhardi said.

Contacted separately, Religious Affairs Ministry spokesman Muharram Marzuki confirmed that the ministry was working with the BNPT on post-release monitoring programs for terrorism convicts.

The ministry is tasked with cooperating with Islamic organizations across the country to welcome former terrorism convicts back into society and involving them in any organizational activities among the public.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/15/failure-deradicalization-blamed-poor-coordination.html

Four injured in firebomb attack on Samarinda church

Jakarta Globe - November 13, 2016

Jakarta – Four people were injured when a Molotov cocktail exploded in front of a church in Samarinda district, East Kalimantan, on Sunday morning (13/11).

"It is true. Four people were injured, including a toddler," East Kalimantan Police chief Insp. Gen. Safaruddin told news portal Detik.com.

The incident occurred at around 10.30 a.m. local time during Sunday Mass at the Ecumenical Christian Church located in Jalan Cipto Mangunkkusumo in Loa Janan Ilir village, Samarinda Seberang subdistrict.

Four motorcycles were also damaged in the attack. The four victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. "The alleged suspect has been arrested," Safaruddin said.

The alleged attacker, who was only identified by the initial J., is a 33-year-old resident of Bogor, West Java. He reportedly wore a black shirt featuring the word "Jihad" when police arrested him.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/four-injured-firebomb-attack-samarinda-church/

Kalla touts RI's tolerance at Interpol meeting

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Haeril Halim, Nusa Dua, Bali – Despite last week's anti-Ahok rally, which turned violent in the capital, Vice President Jusuf Kalla maintained that the country's religious tolerance was the most effective tool in the fight against the growing threat of religion-inspired radicalism.

Kalla told participants of the 85th International Police (Interpol) General Assembly in Bali on Monday that in addition to a legal instrument that Interpol member countries would establish during the four-day meeting to combat terrorism, Indonesia could share its experience in promoting religious tolerance.

He said that Indonesia had a Muslim-majority population that subscribed to democratic principles and espoused religious tolerance, a statement that now rings hollow especially following the massive street protest last Friday involving more than 100,000 hard-line Muslims who demanded the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent, for alleged blasphemy.

"I emphasize that terrorism is a global challenge and it takes both soft and hard powers to address it. Indonesia is ready to contribute to the cause in the field of tolerance," said Kalla in his opening remarks before police chiefs and delegations of around 167 Interpol member countries attending the general assembly in Bali.

Kalla said that for its proposal for the counterterrorism agenda, Indonesia encouraged Interpol member countries to step up efforts against global cybercrimes.

Kalla also said that Indonesia would push for intelligence reform in Interpol in order to ease the exchange of information on transnational crimes and terrorism and other global threats.

"The National Police have been given plaudits for their work on counterterrorism, but we still have things to improve in that field," Kalla said, adding that the advance in technology had, unfortunately, allowed radicalism to grow as members of radical groups could study bomb-making techniques and spread violent ideas through the internet.

"The existence of IS [Islamic State]-linked groups in Indonesia is proof that Indonesia is not immune to radicalism," Kalla said.

Indonesian National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said mutual legal assistance and joint cooperation among Interpol members were key to combating terrorism. "Thousands of people have joined IS in Iraq and Syria. We need to focus more on prevention and employing severe measures to combat terrorism," Tito said.

Interpol secretary-general Jürgen Stock said foreign fighters in conflict zones were now more connected than ever with radical groups and followers in their home countries amid technological advances, adding that most of their communications were encrypted.

Stock further said that Interpol member countries would work on a scheme under which member countries would exchange real time information on the movement of foreign terrorist fighters around the globe.

The scheme would allow member countries to quickly inform one another should they detect information on the movements of the fighters hailing from over 100 countries.

"They [foreign terrorist fighters] are well trained in conflict zones, which makes them more radicalized. This is posing a threat and it requires strong cooperation among law enforcement agencies globally," Stock said.

"This meeting in Bali is important to discuss the level of information exchange. The level of real time information exchange. How can we get the relevant information to protect our society from this threat? This is in the middle of the agenda at the general assembly," Stock said.

Interpol president Mireille Ballestrazzi said the organization was ready to deal with the challenges currently being faced by global communities.

"Interpol's strategies to counter terrorism, organized and emerging crime and cybercrime, which will be presented during this conference, will provide crucial support in our united response to these global threats. However, to transform these plans from words into action requires full cooperation from all member countries," said Ballestrazzi.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/kalla-touts-ri-s-tolerance-interpol-meeting.html

Freedom of religion & worship

NU's program to tackle discrimination in regions

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Islamic organization, has pushed for inclusiveness across the country by launching a program aimed at bridging the gap between the government and minority groups who have faced discrimination.

Initiated by NU's Institute for Research and Human Resources Development (Lakpesdam) and Program Peduli (Program for Caring), the program intends to bring together local citizens, activists and advocacy groups to help minorities get basic rights as citizens.

This includes the right to public service, such as issuance of ID cards, birth certificates as well as marriage registration, where officials are known to discriminate against native faiths and religious minority groups.

"We cannot close our eyes to religious minority groups who have become victims [of intolerance]. They are often excluded and their rights as citizens are being denied," Lakpesdam chairman Rumadi Ahmad said in his keynote speech at Program Peduli National Conference on Monday.

Beginning in 2014, the initiative has spread to thirteen cities and regencies, including Jember and Sampang (East Java); Cilacap and Jepara (Central Java); Indramayu, Tasikmalaya, Cimahi and Kuningan (West Java); Bulukumba (South Sulawesi); Banda Aceh (Aceh); Sampit (Central Kalimantan); Mataram and Bima (West Nusa Tenggara).

Under the leadership of the Coordinating Human Development and Culture Ministry, the program has run in collaboration with the Asia Foundation, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as Australian Aid.

"Our strategy is empowering locals to settle problems in conflict-prone areas. We try to build acceptance within the majority," Lakpesdam NU research and advocacy head Ufi Ulfiah said.

The initiative has succeeded to summon civil registration officials to remote areas of Oi Bura Village in Tambora Mountain, Bima, to process administrative documents for locals.

In Cimahi, a city neighboring Bandung, the program has brought women together from different religious backgrounds, including mainstream Sunni Muslims and Ahmadiyyah Muslims, to work together by crafting hand-made bags.

"We want to create space for dialogue, not only in formal settings but in casual settings, as well," Diana Handayani, the Lakpesdam NU program officer in Cimahi, said.

In Mataram, where hundreds of Ahmadi families were evicted from their homes years ago following sectarian conflicts in West Nusa Tenggara, advocates in the program have successfully endorsed the Ahmadiyyah's rights to public services.

Ahmadiyyah, considered to be heresy by both ministerial decree (SKB) and the Indonesian Ulema Council's (MUI) religious edict (fatwa), has been subject to repeated attacks by hard-liner groups for years.

During the two years of the program, seven Ahmadi married couples have been able to register their marriages in an isbat (confirmation) meeting at the Mataram District Court, while the members of at least 32 Ahmadi families have obtained ID cards.

All children of the Ahmadiyyah Community, who are still living in the Wisma Transito building in Mataram, have been granted birth certificates. The Ahmadis now have access to health services and social assistance from the social agency in Mataram.

"Our programs focus more on how to fulfill the Ahmadi's rights to access public services. Raising awareness for locals on the importance [of promoting acceptance] is important, and we strive to involve them in conversations," Syamsul Rahman, an officer at Program Peduli in Mataram said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/nu-s-program-tackle-discrimination-regions.html

Jakarta & urban life

Women want more pink Transjakarta buses

Jakarta Post - November 14, 2016

Jakarta – For 22-year-old female student Ricke, safe and comfortable public transportation means separation from male passengers, as she has had several bad experiences involving men on buses.

She told The Jakarta Post on Friday that some years ago when she was standing in a bus heading to her house in Grogol, West Jakarta, from her school in Blok M, South Jakarta, a man who was standing in front of her touched her breast.

"I didn't know whether he did it intentionally or not, but I could feel his hand on my breast," Ricke said, adding that it was not her only bad experience while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with male passengers on public transportation.

"I have experienced sexual harassment twice on buses. The experiences are really, really awful."

To avoid similar incidents, Ricke said she now preferred to take female-only buses operated by city owned bus management company PT Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta).

However, Ricke is disappointed with the scarcity of such buses, saying that she needs to wait for up to an hour at a shelter to get one. "If I am in a rush, I will take any Transjakarta bus that passes," she said.

The same thing was echoed by 22-year-old Transjakarta customer Filzah. She said she liked taking female-only buses because it made her feel more comfortable, but added that she rarely rode such buses because they only served certain routes.

"I usually take Transjakarta buses to Tanjung Priok [in North Jakarta] from PGC [in East Jakarta]," Filzah said. The route does not provide female-only buses.

She added that she had a bad experience once while taking a regular bus. "I had a bad experience when I sat next to some men on a crowded bus. I lost my mobile phone that time," she told the Post.

A similar incident was also reported by Nur Emilia, a 22-year-old cleaning service worker at a shopping center in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) in South Jakarta. She lost her mobile phone while taking a regular Transjakarta bus from her work to her home in Roxy, West Jakarta, last year.

"That is why I prefer to take a female-only bus if one arrives when I am waiting at a shelter," she said.

Transjakarta launched two female-only buses on April 21, the birthday of Indonesian women's emancipation heroine RA Kartini. The buses have provided much needed relief for women who are not comfortable standing shoulder-to-shoulder with male passengers.

In October, the company released an additional 10 female-only buses. All of the 12 female-only buses are painted pink to distinguish them from Transjakarta's regular buses, whose colors are red, grey and blue.

The buses currently serve passengers along Transjakarta Corridor I from Blok M to Jakarta Kota in West Jakarta and Corridor IXA from PGC to Grogol in West Jakarta.

Transjakarta spokesman Prasetya Budi told the Post separately over the weekend that the company planned to add more pink buses in the near future but he refused to disclose a specific number. "I hope the plan can be realized next year," he said.

In recent years, a number of incidents of sexual harassment have been reported on Transjakarta buses and some of them have made their way to court.

In early 2014, for example, the Post noted that a woman reported four Transjakarta employees for sexually harassing her.

The police said the four suspects were charged under Article 281 of the Criminal Code carrying a maximum three-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, Transjakarta said it had suspended the four employees.

Budi said the company was serious about the safety of its female passengers as 40 percent of its passengers were women. The company transports around 345,000 passengers daily on its fleet of 1,200 buses. (vny)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/14/women-want-more-pink-transjakarta-buses.html

Armed forces & defense

Indonesia's weaponry goals at stake

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – Indonesia may face hurdles in its efforts to set up an independent defense industry by 2024 as the government is experiencing obstacles with the transfer of technology required in weapon purchases, says an official.

In a bid to improve the country's obsolete primary weaponry system (Alutsista), the government passed a law in 2012 on the defense industry, stipulating that Indonesia must obtain weapons technology every time it purchases a new weapon from abroad.

Despite the law, however, Indonesia not being involved in international defense or military alliances, such as the Five Power Defense Arrangement (FPDA) or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has hindered the country's efforts to obtain technology knowledge.

During Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's presidency, the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP) developed a strategic plan to propel the national defense industry. The focus during the first phase of the plan, from 2010 to 2014, was on obtaining knowledge and skills for design control.

In the second phase, 2015 to 2019, the focus has shifted to technology control, which aims to enhance joint production with foreign suppliers to develop new weaponry. This concentrates on lessening the dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Committee previously decided that Indonesia should implement technology transfer mechanisms in procurements of seven prioritized weapon systems, namely warships, submarines, tanks, jet fighters, missiles, radars and propellants.

Indonesian state-owned explosive manufacturer PT Dahana has formed a joint venture with Anglo-French propulsion-systems company Roxel Group and French chemical firm Eurenco to develop propellants. The factory is in Subang, West Java, operating since 2014.

Recently, Indonesia has ordered three submarines from a Korean defense company as part of efforts to fulfill Indonesia's minimum essential force (MEF) program. The government said it would ensure knowledge transfers if the partnership was made a priority.

"The first and second submarines were developed in South Korea. For the first submarine, we sent Indonesians to South Korea for training whereas for the second submarine, our engineers were already involved in the construction. The third submarine will be developed by [state-owned shipbuilder] PT PAL," KKIP executive team deputy chairman Eris Heriyanto said, explaining the technology transfer process.

Some foreign companies, including Swedish defense company Saab, Lockheed Martin (US) as well as Leonardo-Finmeccanica (Italy), have expressed their readiness to transfer knowledge and technology if Indonesia decides to cooperate.

However, KKIP head of technology transfer and offset division Rachmad Lubis said the country's limited defense budget has prevented Indonesia from acquiring transfers of knowledge and technology.

He cited an example of China promising Indonesia technology and to transfer knowledge, if the latter purchased at least 150 missiles. Otherwise, Jakarta would pay US$250 million to Beijing to purchase technology only. However, with the available budget Indonesia could only afford five missiles, Rachmad said.

"Imagine, the price offered for the missiles from China was 60 percent cheaper than the price of European-made missiles with relatively similar capability, but we were hampered by our limited budget," Rachmad told reporters.

However, he remained optimistic that weapon producers would continue to see Indonesia as a potential partner given the government's policy to speed up modernization of weaponry systems.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/indonesia-s-weaponry-goals-stake.html

Indonesian military must keep country united, says Jokowi

Jakarta Globe - November 10, 2016

Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo led a simple ceremony to commemorate National Heroes Day at the Indonesian Special Forces headquarters in East Jakarta on Thursday (10/11).

In a brief five-minute speech, Jokowi called on the Indonesian Military (TNI) to keep to the country's motto of "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," or Unity in Diversity.

"As your commander-in-chief, I urge the TNI to embrace diversity. Help keep us united as a nation," Jokowi said, stressing that the military should remain impartial and put the nation's interests above everything else.

"Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is an important principle for our diverse country. We have so many races, religions and tribes, we've got to keep all of them united," the president said.

Jokowi also said the military should always prepare themselves to be deployed anywhere and in any condition. The TNI should hold fast to the national ideology, Pancasila, stick to its main task of defending the country and stay loyal to the 1945 Constitution, the president added.

Several senior state officials also attended the ceremony, including TNI Chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, State Secretariat Minister Pratikno, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mulyono, Jakarta Military Chief Maj. Gen. Teddy Lhaksmana and Jakarta Police Chief Gen. Insp. Mochamad Iriawan.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesian-military-must-keep-country-united-says-jokowi/

Indonesia to purchase three more submarines

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Nani Afrida, Jakarta – After ordering three submarines from South Korea, Indonesia plans to buy three more as part of the country's minimum essential force (MEF) program.

The Committee for Defense Industry Policy (KKIP) said Indonesia had yet to decide the producer of the submarines.

"The first, second and third submarines were developed in South Korea," KKIP corporation and marketing department head Rear Adm (ret) Yussuf Sollichien told The Jakarta Post in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said Indonesia had yet to decide whether it would purchase the three submarines from South Korea.

Indonesia has ordered three types of 209/1400 Chang Bogo- Class diesel attack submarines from Korean defense company Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine engineering (DSME).

The Navy currently operates two German-made submarines, the KRI Cakra (401) and KRI Nenggala (402), which were built in the 1980s. The submarines are due to be decommissioned in 2020.

Besides three new submarines, Indonesia also plans to purchase guided missile frigates and fast missile boats.

"Indonesia doesn't want to downgrade the operational and technical requirements, so we will buy from foreign countries. However, we need the transfer of technology [TOT] as that is mandated by the law," Yussuf said. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/indonesia-to-purchase-three-more-submarines.html

47 soldiers dismissed for drugs, desertion

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Medan – The Bukit Barisan Regional Military Command in North Sumatra dismissed with disgrace 47 soldiers for drug abuse and desertion during a dismissal ceremony on the Benteng Medan field in Medan on Monday.

There were 11 soldiers dismissed for drug abuse and 36 others for desertion, Bukit Barisan Military Command chief of staff Brig. Gen. Tiopan Aritonang said, adding that the dismissal was carried out in order to uphold fair law enforcement.

"No Indonesian Military [TNI] soldiers are immune from the law. We will take firm action if there are soldiers found violating the law," he said during the ceremony on Monday.

Besides those that had been dismissed from TNI, there are also 21 soldiers of Bukit Barisan Military Command currently being tried for drug cases. They could face dismissal, if found guilty, Tiopan said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/island-focus-47-soldiers-dismissed-drugs-desertion.html

Foreign affairs & trade

Jokowi congratulates president-elect Trump

Jakarta Post - November 10, 2016

Ina Parlina and Tama Salim, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo congratulated the newly-minted US commander-in-chief Donald Trump late Wednesday, saying the election results reflected "the will of the majority of American people".

Jokowi added Indonesia was ready to continue working with the US in a mutually beneficial relationship.

"I invite the US president-elect to continue cooperating to build world peace and prosperity," he added during a visit to nearby Tangerang in Banten. The US is among the five largest investors in Indonesia.

International relations expert Dewi Fortuna Anwar said the outcome of this year's US election could not have been in greater contrast to Barack Obama's win in 2008.

The election of Obama as the first black president who believed that the US should work in partnership with other countries to deal with global problems produced a worldwide euphoria of a more benign US as a global power, she said.

"Now the whole world is stunned and cannot yet reconcile to the idea that Donald Trump has won the presidency," Dewi told The Jakarta Post.

Scenes of such candid stupor were evident during Wednesday's election results countdown event held in the @america complex, home of the sociocultural arm of the US Embassy in Jakarta.

Scores of local and foreign media outlets, as well as Jakarta-based American diplomats and analysts, waited ardently for the final tally to appear live on-screen on CNN, before giving way to a lull when Trump had secured 245 out of the 270 votes needed from the electoral college to win. He finally gained 276 votes.

By midday, most US Embassy staffers had left the event, the big screen was turned off and people were scurrying home with an almost obvious sense of devastation that Trump had all but won the race to the White House.

One Indonesian diplomat at the scene raised the great task ahead in formulating a workable foreign policy stance for the Trump administration, which throughout his campaign had so often irked Indonesia's Muslim-majority population. In the meantime, firebrand legislator Fadli Zon posted a congratulatory tweet alongside a selfie he took with Trump during their meeting in New York early last year, which sparked controversy among civil society groups and watchdogs.

Fadli and former House of Representatives speaker Setya Novanto were reported to the House ethics council for allegedly endorsing Trump's campaign. Both got off with a light warning.

Antara on Wednesday quoted international relations lecturer Teuku Rezasyah as suggesting that the Trump administration would likely be "interested in making investments in [Indonesia's] infrastructure, including air, land and sea ports, especially investments that have potential to lessen the influence of [China] in Southeast Asia".

The AFP meanwhile quoted China's President Xi Jinping as saying, "I highly value China-US relations, and look forward to working together with you and holding fast to mutual respect and nonconflict, nonconfrontation."

From Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered "heartfelt congratulations": "Japan and the United States are unshakable allies connected by common values such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights and rule of law."

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said that "Mr. Trump's success shows that politicians should never take voters for granted."

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that like Brexit, Trump's victory reflects "a deep frustration with the way things are" in the West "and a strong wish to reassert a sense of identity and somehow to change the status quo".

The spokesman of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Duterte "looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippine-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law", the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/jokowi-congratulates-president-elect-trump.html

Indonesia eyes electricity exports to neighboring countries

Jakarta Post - November 9, 2016

Anton Hermansyah, Jakarta – Indonesia plans to sell electricity to Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore as the government is targeting greater profitability from several coal mine-mouth power plants that are anticipated to soon be completed in Sumatra.

National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) head Bambang Brodjonegoro said the plan was feasible as the power plants would have excess capacity.

"We can sell the electricity abroad via underwater cables," the former finance minister said during the ASEAN G2B Infrastructure Investment Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Bambang said electricity demands were huge in peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand, where Indonesia could meet those demands at competitive prices. "As long as Sumatra's electricity needs are fulfilled, we can export the excess capacity," he added.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration is targeting to complete its ongoing 35,000 megawatt (MW) electricity procurement program by 2019. Of the target, 7,800 MW will be supplied from mine-mouth power plants. (hwa)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/09/indonesia-eyes-electricity-exports-to-neighboring-countries.html

Economy & investment

Indonesian markets panic over Trump's policies

Jakarta Post - November 12, 2016

Prima Wirayani, Jakarta – Panic hit domestic financial markets on Friday as investors showed concern over the anticipated policies of US president-elect Donald Trump that may negatively affect Indonesia's economy.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) – the benchmark of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) – ended in the red on Friday after falling 4 percent to 5,231.97 points, its lowest level in the past two months.

Almost all sectors ended in negative territory, as investors sold a net of Rp 2.46 trillion (US$184.27 million) worth of securities throughout the trading day.

Net sales jumped more than eightfold from the previous day, when investors ditched less than Rp 300 billion worth of securities.

The situation was just as bad in the foreign exchange (forex) market, with the rupiah sinking as low as Rp 13,865 per US dollar, the lowest point since June 24. Market intervention by Bank Indonesia (BI) propped up the currency, enabling it to end at Rp 13,383 to the greenback.

Friday's development sent the government, financial authorities and analysts rushing to calm panicked investors. They attributed the market rout to speculation that Trump might push up fiscal spending after taking office.

Higher spending may translate into higher inflation and interest rates in the US, which is not good news for Indonesia and other emerging markets that rely heavily on foreign funds, as some of those funds would return to the US.

"Up to this day, the developments of the rupiah, the JCI and securities are greatly affected by regional and global sentiment impacted by the US political situation," Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Friday.

"It is natural to see that every decision made in the US, as the world's largest economy, even in the form of a statement, can have a significant impact."

She said investors, including those holding government debt papers (SUN), did not have to be worried, as Indonesia had a low debt risk with a relatively long maturity profile and a relatively small state budget deficit.

Moreover, with various fiscal measures to control the state budget deficit, spending and tax revenues, government debt papers had a very low risk profile. "There is no need to be trapped in groundless fear," she stated.

The IDX and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) also tried to calm investors, saying any impact of Trump's policies would be temporary.

BI senior deputy governor Mirza Adityaswara admitted the central bank had intervened in local forex and sovereign bond markets to stabilize the rupiah. Selling by forex traders, particularly in non-deliverable forward (NDF) derivative contracts, he went on, had triggered the market volatility.

NDF contracts, unlike forex forwards, are settled in dollars determined by reference to a daily fixing, which in some jurisdictions is set by a survey of lenders.

"The NDF market weakened and affected traders without considering Indonesia's economic fundamentals. That's why the rupiah was traded at Rp 13,400 [per US dollar] during opening, because the market followed what occurred in Mexico, Brazil and other places," he said.

Mirza emphasized that the country's fundamentals remained strong, with economic growth of 5.02 percent in the third quarter, higher than in most of Indonesia's Southeast Asian peers.

Meanwhile, stock market analysts deemed investors' reaction exaggerated and urged a more cautious manner. They said the market should actually have priced in the expectation of a December rate increase in the US, with further increases in 2017 and 2018.

Separately, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said investors should wait until Trump formed his team. He expressed optimism that economic relations between the two countries would remain positive, despite Trump's seemingly protectionist stance.

"But we also need to keep our market strong. With a population of 250 million people, we have enough bargaining power," he said. We'll push local industries here, so that money circulation will happen much more domestically," he added. (wnd)

[Grace D. Amianti, Viriya P. Singgih, and Stefani Ribka contributed to this story.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/indonesian-markets-panic-over-trumps-policies.html

Risks persist in RI economy

Jakarta Post - November 11, 2016

Grace D. Amianti, Prima Wirayani, Stefani Ribka and Fedina S. Sundaryani, Jakarta – Indonesia will continue to face a challenging economic outlook in 2017 as global uncertainties persist and domestic consumption remains subdued.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Thursday that the government would focus on domestic sources of growth and continue strengthening coordination with other financial authorities.

Her comments came on the back of an unexpected Donald Trump victory in the US presidential election. She acknowledged that, based on his previous statements and debates, his upcoming economic policies would affect international trade quite significantly as the US was still the world's largest economy.

"His views and policies regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership [TPP] and global trade, as well as relations with China, will affect the world. In terms of US-China trade, this will affect Indonesia as we are more exposed to Asia," she said in a press conference.

Both the US and China are Indonesia's top trading partners and among its largest investors as well. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows the US was listed as the country's largest export destination and its fifth-largest import source.

Apparel and clothing accessories were the top products exported to the US, while machinery was what Indonesia imported the most of from the US.

There is also concern about the future path of global financial markets, as Trump previously indicated he might replace US Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen. The move, if realized, would likely spell trouble for global markets.

In Indonesia's case, a market rout would pose a challenge as the country needs to raise financing from global investors to support its 5.1 percent economic growth target next year.

Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Agus Martowardojo said in the press conference that global markets had previously predicted the Fed would postpone its plan to raise its policy rate one time in December this year, but Trump's victory and his previous statements on the US economy had reversed the prediction.

"The prediction on the Fed's plan to raise its rate one time in December was included in our calculation when we cut our seven-day reverse repo rate by 25 basis points in October. The Fed is also predicted to increase its rate twice next year and thrice in 2018," he said.

As the risks loom, the silver lining may be in the government's massive infrastructure projects that are expected to bear fruit next year.

Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution claimed that infrastructure and deregulation would remain key priorities next year, along with other improvements to reduce the dependency of domestic industries on imports.

The infrastructure projects, as they roll out, are expected to have trickle-down effects triggering loan demand and pushing credit growth to between 7 percent and 11 percent in 2017, higher than this year's prediction of about 7 percent to 9 percent.

Meanwhile, economists suggest the government strengthen domestic purchasing power and continue its taxation reform, including by improving the taxpayer database, to help increase state revenues.

CIMB Niaga chief economist Adrian Panggabean predicted a 5.1 percent growth next year that could only be achieved if the government continued spending efficiently and provided an economic catalyst that would accelerate private investment and trigger state revenues, such as lowering tax rates.

Improving economic growth through infrastructure projects will help fuel positive sentiments among stock market investors as well, said Danareksa analyst Lucky Bayu Purnomo, who projects the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) would reach the level of 5,700 sometime next year.

Consumer goods and retail sectors are still favored by investors, followed by banking, property and infrastructure. "Stocks in the mining sector are already too expensive and overbought," Lucky said.

The financial market will also get some boosts from BI's dovish monetary policy, Daewoo Securities Indonesia research head Taye Shim said, although it will take time for the real sector to feel the effect.

The JCI, the benchmark of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), gained more than 18 percent of its value so far this year, the most among its peers. It peaked at 5,472 on Oct. 4, but has yet to return to its all-time record high of 5,518 booked on March 31 last year. (win)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/risks-persist-ri-economy.html

Certainty sought to lure investors for Indonesian infrastructure projects

Jakarta Post - November 9, 2016

Anton Hermansyah, Jakarta – Indonesia needs to convince investors that its infrastructure projects could run in a structured manner in an effort to cover the US$146 billion financing gap by private funding, global banking giant HSBC said.

HSBC Asia-Pacific Infrastructure and Real Estate Group co-head James Cameron said the combined government budget and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) could only provide $254 billion, or 63.7 percent, of the total $400 billion needed to support the government's strategic infrastructure projects for the next few years, leaving the gap to be potentially filled by private funding.

However, technical difficulties, such as prolonged land acquisition, has discouraged private investors and left the government struggling to offer projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme, he said.

"The gap is a result of not having many bankable projects. If there were more, a lot of investors would come," Cameron said on the sidelines of the ASEAN G2B Infrastructure Investment Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Cameron also praised the government's initiatives to speed up land procurement through the incorporation of the National Asset Management Agency (LMAN). However, the effects have yet to be seen as the institution will only start operations next year.

On Tuesday, nine ASEAN infrastructure projects worth between Rp 600 trillion ($45.84 billion) and Rp 700 trillion, were presented to potential investors during the ASEAN G2B Infrastructure Investment Forum. Of the nine, eight belong to Indonesia and one belongs to Laos.

National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) head Bambang Brodjonegoro said Indonesia was in a unique position as the largest economy and the most populated among ASEAN countries, which has consequently turned it into a potential market for the region to invest in physical connectivity projects. (hwa)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/09/certainty-sought-to-lure-investors-for-indonesian-infrastructure-projects.html

Lenders discouraged by high risk fisheries industry

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Jakarta – Indonesia is likely to face a bumpy road ahead to boost its fisheries sector as banks are showing a reluctance to disburse loans to players in the industry, citing high risks and the sector's vulnerability to regulatory changes.

Fishery products are perishable; thus, they must be preserved using good cold storage facilities. Without careful handling, businesspeople and fisherfolk have to incur losses from damaged goods, Indonesia's vice president director of state-owned lender Bank Rakyat Wahyu Sulistiono said on Monday.

"Only about 1 percent of the bank's total loans have been channeled to the fisheries industry; this sector is very risky," he said during the national working meeting organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The industry, he added, was also highly sensitive to changes in regulations. For example, after the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry issued Ministerial Regulation No. 2/2015, which bans the use of all types of trawls and seine nets, fisheries production declined significantly.

Bank Negara Indonesia's (BNI) general manager Josie Situmorang said the state-owned bank also faced similar challenges, as the uncertain nature of the industry was making it prone to creating bad loans.

"BNI conducts risk mapping and found out many risks in the fisheries sectors, including the risks of raw materials supply and sustainability, weather changes and fish price fluctuations," he said. (win/hwa)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/lenders-discouraged-by-high-risk-fisheries-industry.html

State spending in hot seat

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Grace D. Amianti and Ina Parlina, Jakarta – Indonesia's economy slowed in the third quarter, as widely expected, with a government spending contraction in the spotlight despite high hopes for the state budget to stoke growth amid unfavorable economic conditions.

The country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 5.02 percent in the July to September period compared to the same period a year ago, lower than the 5.19 percent in the previous quarter because of declining government spending and exports.

Economists highlighted the minus 2.97 percent contraction in government spending because it was the one segment that was previously expected to properly grow amid global economic uncertainties that have severely affected exports while domestic consumption and investment remained stable.

"Without sustained improvement in export earnings, about the only possible boost to GDP growth would need to come from government spending," said Gundy Cahyadi, a Singapore-based economist with DBS Bank.

The lower government spending in the third quarter is attributable to austerity measures taken by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration following a Rp 137 trillion state budget cut made in early August and calls directly from the President for efficiency measures on less important spending, economists said.

The weak government spending became a concern for economists because it was also reflected in a decline in investment figures. Investment rose 4.06 percent in the third quarter year-on-year (yoy), contributing almost a third to the nation's economy, lower than the 5.06 percent recorded in the second quarter.

UOB economist Ho Woei Chen said the government's budget spending cut would continue to weigh in on the outlook for economic growth in the fourth quarter, but overall the economy would benefit from stabilization of oil and commodity prices.

President Jokowi said he was optimistic that government spending would be better disbursed in the final months of the fourth quarter.

"We expect that the budget realization rate would be slightly better [in the fourth quarter], although we should also understand that the global economy is in a position that continues to decline," he said, responding to journalists' questions after an event at the Army headquarters.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) explained that the government spending contraction occurred because of administrative spending, with the civil servants' bonuses now paid in the second quarter as opposed to the third quarter last year. "There was also a decline in realization of government spending in goods," BPS head Suhariyanto said.

Going forward, the government's ongoing tax amnesty could help provide more revenues and a seasonal spike in budget disbursement toward the end of the year is expected to drive growth in government spending, economists said.

"Government spending could be higher in the fourth quarter as the government usually increases consumption at year-end to meet the budget target, alongside reimbursement of project costs to contractors," said Kenta Institute chief economist Eric Sugandi.

The government is aiming for economic growth of 5 percent this year and 5.1 percent in 2017, higher than the 4.79 percent last year – the lowest rate in six years – against a backdrop of weak global demand and business appetite.

Meanwhile, domestic consumption, which accounts for more than half of the country's economy, grew by 5.01 percent yoy, about the same level as in the past few quarters.

OCBC Bank economist Wellian Wiranto said the overall household consumption sector remained robust enough to continue being a key support for growth in the fourth quarter and into next year.

"Overall, the third quarter GDP print, while proving to be slightly disappointing, still suggests to us that the economy is bottoming out and would likely pick up modestly next year," he said, predicting an average growth of 5 percent and 5.2 percent in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Bank Indonesia (BI) also forecast stronger consumption in the fourth quarter stemming from campaigns for the simultaneous regional elections, while also expecting the impacts from the implementation of 13 economic stimulus packages issued in September 2014 to bear fruit.

[Prima Wirayani contributed to the story.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/state-spending-in-hot-seat.html

Analysis & opinion

Indonesia on Trump

Indonesia at Melbourne - November 15, 2016

Tim Mann – Donald Trump will be the 45th president of the United States of America. This is not the outcome Indonesians wanted. Trump's call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States had made him deeply unpopular in the country. A poll of 1,000 listeners by Radio Elshinta, for example, found that 86 per cent of respondents supported Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton. Indonesians were as shocked as many other communities around the world by Trump's upset win.

But given Trump's remarks on Muslims, Indonesian politicians were relatively restrained in their criticism of Trump, even before the election. There was certainly nothing on the same scale as Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's description of Trump as "barking mad". The day before the election, Vice President Jusuf Kalla commented that he hoped that Clinton would win because Trump was a protectionist but most politicians avoided making statements beyond the usual platitudes. President Joko Widodo cautiously said: "Our relationship will still be good, particularly in trade. America is a major investor in Indonesia and I believe that will not change."

Trump's victory was predictably welcomed by the two lawmakers whose appearance at a Trump campaign event in September 2015 resulted in them facing a House of Representatives (DPR) ethics probe. Golkar Party Chairman Setya Novanto congratulated Trump on the win and said that he hoped Trump would be a leader for all ethnicities, groups and religions. House of Representatives (DPR) Deputy Speaker Fadli Zon, meanwhile, congratulated Trump and reposted the selfie he took with the Republican candidate in 2015. Fadli said he was certain that Trump would win. "It will be better for Indonesia, because under Trump, cooperation will be more focused on business, and entrepreneurs," he said. Social media users got stuck into him immediately, mocking him for attending the "rally to defend Islam" on 4 November then a few days later fawning over the "anti-Islam" candidate.

In the days following Trump's win, much of the commentary in Indonesia continued to be careful, and focused largely on what a Trump presidency would mean for the Indonesian economy. Koran Tempo commented that despite his lack of political experience, voters chose Trump because he promised to protect them from internal and external threats, including in terms of trade. And it was in this sector where the impact of Trump's win would be felt most acutely by Indonesia. Trump's threat that he would cancel any trade agreements that did not benefit the United States should not be taken lightly, it said. Coverage of Trump's win has been exhaustive in Indonesia's largest national paper, Kompas. The day after his upset win, Kompas expressed surprise at Trump's victory speech, noting that "the arrogant, aggressive and fierce style so closely associated with him during the campaign was no longer visible". Trump had realised that he would be president for all Americans, it said, not just those who voted for him.

On 11 November, it published an editorial speculating what Trump's win would mean for US economic and foreign policy, noting that it was the first time in US history that a president had reversed the internationalism so long favoured by US leaders. It reflected on the businessman's proposed bans on Muslims and Syrian refugees entering the United States and questioned whether all of his foreign policy proposals would actually be implemented. In short, it said, Trump's win has led to uncertainty and fear around the world, even though it might have satisfied US citizens who felt neglected by leaders more focused on acting as "world police".

Over the past few days, Kompas has also published a flood of opinion pieces as Indonesia's prominent economic and foreign policy commentators have ruminated on what a Trump presidency might mean for Indonesia. University of Indonesia academics Makmur Keliat and Hikmahanto Juwana, for example, both suggested that US institutions could temper some of the Republican candidate's excesses. Former Minister of Trade Mari Pangestu, meanwhile, said although it was too early to know the extent to which Trump would follow through on his campaign rhetoric, his win was an important lesson for Indonesia about addressing the problems that had led to sections of the community feeling angry and fearful. It was therefore important to ensure that growth and development was inclusive, she said.

The Jakarta Post wrote a strangely upbeat editorial, congratulating Trump and the United States on a peaceful election. "By American standards it was the most divisive," the Post said, "but despite the war of words, however vile, it was still an orderly election in our eyes". The piece made note of Trump's "scary rhetoric" but said that "Trump's promise to get along with all nations is indicative that the US under him could do Indonesia good".

Typically, Tempo magazine was most direct in its criticism – this week's edition is titled "Oh no, Trump". The magazine said in an editorial that Trump's victory showed that irrationality, indifference and stupidity was on the rise. Tempo did not buy into the view that Trump's hateful campaign rhetoric was only designed to secure victory, and that he would be forced to change when he got into power. His track record was too difficult to ignore, it said, describing Trump as "an accomplished liar and a deceitful businessman who often degraded women and minorities". Tempo also worried about how Trump's anti-foreign rhetoric would affect the world. With Trump at the helm, the United States would be viewed as a single entity, without any nuance. The country would become the portrait of evil, Tempo said, a giant at war with the east and Islam.

Tempo founder and Indonesian literary icon Goenawan Mohamad used his weekly column to rail against the populism taking hold in the United States. Donald Trump was not the main concern, Goenawan said, he was merely a symptom of a broader malaise in America. According to Goenawan, the primary concern was that a country with the best education institutions in the world, capable scientists, literature and art of unrelenting creativity, could so easily descend into ignorance.

Unsurprisingly, the Islam-oriented Republika was concerned with what Trump's win would mean for the Islamic world. But it, too, moderated its criticism. In an editorial on 10 November, it said that it won't be easy for Trump to foster harmonious relations with the Islamic world given his divisive rhetoric about Muslims. It was quite possible, the daily noted, that all US citizens would be associated with these comments, making it difficult for them to travel abroad. But at the same time, the editorial called for harmony, hoping that the world would not become more polarised, but work towards the unity of all humans sharing the one planet.

An opinion piece published on 14 November was more forthright. Republika columnist Ikhwanul Kiram Mashuri looked at what Trump's win would mean for the Middle East. He commented that no matter who was in the White House, foreign powers would continue to exploit and divide the region. "They care about terrorists and immigrants not reaching their countries. They care about oil and gas fields not being damaged because they are an energy source for them. And that's it!" he said.

Finally, Viva News ran a playful piece describing a US Embassy-organised election viewing event at @america, the American cultural centre at Pacific Place mall in Jakarta. It said although the deputy ambassador was set to speak, when it became clear that Trump was going to win, the deputy abruptly said his goodbyes and left – apparently to attend a meeting. The atmosphere in the room became tense, and one by one people started to leave. Trump won, and @america was deserted. Without any announcement or concluding remarks, the event broke up.

[Tim Mann is the editor of Indonesia at Melbourne.]

Source: http://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/indonesia-on-trump/

Interpreting the Qur'an: Ahok's blunder

Indonesia at Melbourne - November 14, 2016

Lies Marcoes – On 4 November, Jakarta saw one of the largest protests in Indonesian history, as an estimated 100,000 Muslims took to the streets to demand that Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) be tried over allegations of blasphemy. The source of the controversy relates to Ahok quoting a passage of the Qur'an in a campaign speech in the Thousand Islands, which was then uploaded to the internet. But looking deeper, the controversy also provides lessons about the way Muslims read and interpret the Qur'an in Indonesia.

In the Islamic tradition there are two ways to interpret the Qur'an: the textual approach and the contextual approach. Textualists attempt to read the Qur'anic text literally, accepting its revelations at face value. Contextualists, however, provide more room for flexibility in interpretation, in accordance with developments of the time. The conflict between these two approaches has lasted for almost as long as the science of Islamic interpretation, which was born in the eight century, soon after the death of Muhammad.

The textual approach becomes a problem when it is used as a guideline for life. For women, Qur'anic verses on polygamy, the division of inheritance, leadership, an interfaith marriage are unfair if read textually. Consequently, experts in Qur'anic interpretation, not necessarily feminists, discuss the text using a contextual approach. Usually they will attempt to determine the goal or meaning of the law contained in the Qur'anic verse. For example, a particular verse might attempt to describe methods for the implementation of justice, contain prohibitions on hurting women, or abandoning orphans or other marginalised groups. Using a contextual approach will give rise to a different interpretation than a purely textual reading of the text.

Take the issue of polygamy, for example. With a contextual interpretation, the meaning of verses on polygamy is not to recommend or suggest polygamy, rather the verses seek to restrict or prohibit it, because the underlying aim of the verse is justice for women and orphans. Muhammad Abduh, for example, the modernist scholar from Al Azhar University in Cairo, favoured a contextual approach to keep up with the pace of change in Egypt, and believed that polygamy should be prohibited.

In Indonesia, both these approaches are often used, in formal and informal settings. Many families that rely on the Qur'an for family law take a contextual approach. When dividing inheritance, for example, many families will give equal portions to the male and female children, although a literal reading of the Qur'an says that women should get half as much as men. Contextual interpretation is used because most recognise that male children are no longer expected to be "protector of their extended family", even though the relevant verse explains that this is a burden that male children must bear. Textualists rationalise the greater portion given to male children by saying "males get two portions, the gross amount, while women get one, the nett amount".

Families use a variety of methods to get around a textual interpretation of this passage. Commonly, families will divide assets and inheritance according to a textual interpretation, but then the males will "grant" the extra amount to their female siblings so that all have an equal amount. Last century, the sultan of Banjarmasin, Muhammad Arsyad al-Banjari, used a contextual approach to divide his assets equally among his male and female children. Former Minister of Religion Munawir Sjadzali recommended the same approach, referring to the important role played by women in the family economy. Nevertheless, mainstream interpretations of Islamic family law continue to take a textual approach. "It says two portions to men, so they should get two portions" is the common understanding.

In relation to political leadership, one of the main reference points is verse 51 of the fifth chapter in the Qur'an, Al Ma'idah. In Indonesia, this verse is commonly understood to read "O you who believe, do not take Jews and Christians your leaders (auliya), they are but leaders to one another. And if any among you takes them as your leader, then surely that person is one of them. Allah does not guide such wrongdoers (zalim)." There is some debate about the translation of the word "leaders". In many places around the world, the Arabic word auliya is translated as friends, allies, protectors or guardians, although in Indonesia, this passage is universally understood to refer to leaders.

Textualists interpret this verse as a prohibition on taking non-Muslims as leaders. In a textual reading of this passage, if Muslims were to do so, it would mean that they were essentially abandoning their faith, and becoming one of "them" (a Christian or Jew). It's no wonder that Muslims take it so seriously.

But for some Muslims, this verse should be read contextually. The first step is to try to determine the intended goal of the verse. The verse makes a point of mentioning that wrongdoers are not provided with guidance. Does it prohibit Muslims from selecting leaders from other religions, or does it prohibit choosing wrongdoers as leaders?

Feminist interpreters of the Qur'an would undoubtedly suggest the second option. In doing so, contextual interpretation would provide room for women to become leaders, as long as they are not wrongdoers. Using this approach, the verse that says "men are leaders for women", which has long been used by textualists to reject female leadership, can be reinterpreted.

Returning to Ahok's controversial speech in the Thousand Islands, debate centres on the fragment where Ahok says "you have been lied to using Al Ma'idah verse 51". Many believe that the source of the problem is that when the video was uploaded to the internet, the word "using" was removed by the person who transcribed Ahok's remarks, so that Ahok appears to say "you have been lied to by Al Ma'idah verse 51". There is obviously a stark difference between the two meanings. In the first case, where the word "using" is still present, the one doing the lying is the person interpreting the Qur'an to suggest that Muslims should not take non-Muslims as their leaders. When the word "using" is omitted, however, Ahok appears to suggest that the verse itself is a lie, which, in fact, he did not do. (Many Islamic scholars would of course argue that a text can never speak by itself, so accusations of lying can only ever be levelled at those interpreting the text.)

But even if the word "using" is present, textualist Islamic scholars would still no doubt take offence, refusing to accept that they can be labelled liars. In fact, because they take a textual approach, they feel that their interpretations of the Qur'an are the most accurate and authentic.

Even contextualists, including feminists such as myself, do not say that people who prefer a strict textual interpretations are liars, rather that they have failed to pay attention to the core meaning of the verse, which is to reject leaders who are wrongdoers.

If I am right, then a different question arises: can Ahok be considered a "wrongdoer", for his leadership of Jakarta? Now this is a much more interesting debate. As a Muslim feminist I would say that he could be considered a wrongdoer, when his eviction policies ignore the rights of marginalised and poor Indonesians, including women, children, orphans, the elderly and people with disability. Wallahu'alam bishawab – Allah knows best.

[Lies Marcoes is a women's rights activist, writer and researcher and the director of Rumah Kita Bersama Foundation. Lies holds a master's in anthropology from the University of Amsterdam. She lives in Bogor.]

Source: http://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/interpreting-the-quran-ahoks-blunder/

Jakarta election: Anies, Agus must stand up for Ahok

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2016

Ary Hermawan, Jakarta – Gubernatorial candidates Anies Baswedan and Agus Yudhoyono now bear the responsibility of keeping the already tense Jakarta gubernatorial race from descending further into sectarianism.

The huge rally by thousands of Muslims against the Christian frontrunner, incumbent Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, last Friday may genuinely reflect Muslims' anger about the governor's alleged blasphemy, but it is hard to ignore the impression that the Agus and Anies camps have exploited the rising religious sentiment against Ahok to win the election.

Anies boasted a day after registering his candidacy that he would turn the election into "a festival of ideas", a rather corny, but sufficiently encouraging phrase only the eloquent former education and culture minister could pull off. But the candidate has said and done too little to help prevent the election from turning into what it is today: an orgy of hatred and bigotry.

His silence about the sectarian attacks on his rival, Ahok, is inexcusable. The incumbent's safety could be under serious threat amid angry vitriol by hard-line Muslims calling for his murder. The threat may have significantly restricted his movements, hence putting the fairness of the election into serious question, as the situation has clearly disadvantaged him.

To be fair, Ahok is not completely blameless in this brouhaha. His statement about an abstruse Quranic verse that has long been a bone of contention among Muslim scholars, even progressive ones, is regrettable. The radicals, for sure, will not let this go easily.

His ruthless eviction policy has fueled resentment among the grassroots, who, as some observers have argued, may decide to channel their anger through radical Islamic groups in the glaring absence of support from top Muslim intellectuals and moderate clerics who are supposed to help and comfort them.

But all that cannot justify the use of sectarianism in the election.

Anies, who was listed among the world's top 100 public intellectuals by Foreign Policy in 2008, should have known that the Blasphemy Law is a threat to democracy due to its draconian nature. Whether or not Ahok's statement in Thousand Islands regency in September can be considered sacrilege, pushing a legal prosecution against him for a slip of the tongue is preposterous. Ahok has said he did not intend to insult the Quran.

Radical Sunni-Muslim groups have repeatedly used the blasphemy law to rile up the masses to press the government to persecute minority groups like the Ahmadis and the Shias. The use of the archaic law to undermine a gubernatorial candidate in an election would be a new low for Indonesia's pluralism.

Furthermore, Ahok should have the equal rights as other candidates to have his safety guaranteed on the campaign trail. All parties involved in the election, including Ahok's rivals, should take part in ensuring that the election is fair, by strongly denouncing attacks on Ahok and encouraging voters to refrain from engaging in violence in expressing their anger at the governor.

The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) and the Jakarta Police may also need to take additional measures to warrant his security.

It is true that Anies and Agus might only be facades of a larger political game controlled by powerful elites.

In a speech he delivered hours after the Nov. 4 rally, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, a close ally of the embattled governor, accused his political rivals of "free-riding" the peaceful rally that eventually turned violent.

The President did not name names, but many alleged he was referring to opposition leader Prabowo Subianto, who backs Anies, and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Agus' father, who had strongly denied allegations he had orchestrated and funded Friday's rally before it took place.

While it is reasonable to suggest Agus and Anies may have little say in devising their respective election strategy, the two young leaders, regardless of their clout on the nation's political landscape, are the ones running for governor. Their leadership qualities will be judged by how they compete in the election, particularly the way they respond to the sectarian attacks on Ahok.

And if they are using the Jakarta election as a springboard to get to the State Palace, as Jokowi did, their actions will say a lot about the country's future.

In a previous US election, the former rival of President Barack Obama, John McCain, confronted his supporters who falsely suggested that Obama was a Muslim and considered him unfit to become president.

The Republican politician, who has been involved in a slew of scandals and is not without his flaws, showed statesmanship that any dignified election contender should possess.

One may find it is naïve, if not outright unrealistic to give Anies and Agus the benefit of the doubt that they were not involved in fomenting religious sentiment against Ahok. But this election is bigger than Ahok, Anies, Agus and their respective patrons – this is about the fate of our democracy.

We should hope Anies and Agus can be like McCain: They must stand up for Ahok and play their part in ensuring the gubernatorial election is fair to everyone, including their strongest rival. They have to be able to convince Jakarta's voters that if they win the election, they did it fair and square.

We cannot afford to let bigotry be the real winner.

[The author is a staff writer with The Jakarta Post.]

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/commentary-jakarta-election-anies-agus-must-stand-ahok.html