The air commander at Manuhua Biak, Colonel Fajar Adriyanto told reporters the visit was part of a collaboration between the Indonesian military and its Russian counterpart that included choosing Biak as an exercise location.

The Jakarta Post reported the commander saying the Russian planes were not equipped with radar, ammunition, or cameras as the navigation exercises would only consist of checking the accuracy of long-distance flying over the seas.

He said the exercises had no other purpose, but would help to promote Biak as a tourist destination.

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345683/russia-and-indonesia-hold-military-exercise-in-papua

NZ parliamentary committee gets West Papua briefing

Radio New Zealand International - December 7, 2017

A New Zealand parliament select committee has heard there is currently no pathway for West Papua to be put on the UN decolonisation list.

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee was today briefed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about West Papua, following an earlier hearing in June.

A committee member, government MP Louisa Wall, asked about a recent petition to the UN from the indigenous people of Indonesian-ruled Papua region seeking re-inscription with the Decolonisation Committee, or C24. West Papua had been on the list in the early 1960s before being removed when Indonesia took control of the territory.

Ministry officials said that for West Papua to be added to the list again there first needed to be a resolution in the UN general assembly.

"The problem at the moment is there's actually no pathway back for it to go to the C24 if it's blocked by the C24 – Indonesia (which is a member of the C24) would need to agree," said Stephen Harris, the Divisional Director of South and South East Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

But Ms Wall said West Papua was a "growing and emerging issue in the Pacific", suggesting it would increasingly demand a concerted response by New Zealand.

"How interested are we in the Pacific Island interest in the emancipation of Papua? Because it's not going to go away. I can see resolutions in the Pacific islands Forum soon that want us as a block of sixteen countries to be doing something possibly putting an application so they can be added to this non-self governing territory list."

However, Mr Harris said sentiment on this issue amongst Pacific Island countries was "quite varied". "There is not a block of sixteen Pacific Island countries who think the same on this."

He said that reports about Indonesia's official reaction to some of the expressions of political voice in Papua were "disturbing". According to Mr Harris, New Zealand tended to register its concern about human rights abuses at the ministerial level.

"Since June there has been an upwelling of public unrest that I mentioned with the armed insurrection in a couple of villages in Papua. At the same time there's been redoubling, I think, by the Indonesian president Joko Widodo to try and invest more of his personal political capital in to progress there."

Mr Harris said that human and social indicators showed that Papuans generally lagged behind people in other parts of Indonesia by a long way.

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345669/nz-parliamentary-committee-gets-west-papua-briefing

Liberation Movement to remain voice of West Papuans – Wenda

Radio New Zealand International - December 6, 2017

The new head of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, says the organisation's agenda will not change.

Mr Wenda has replaced Octo Mote, its former secretary-general, at the head of the premier organisation pursuing Papuan independence from Indonesia.

The change in leadership came in Vanuatu where the Movement last week held its first major summit since its inception three years ago.

Members of the organisation's executive dismissed suggestions that there was a power struggle within the Movement. The move to a chairmanship structure, they said, reflected the co-operative nature of the organisation so that no one group or individual should dominate.

"We operate on a power-sharing basis, so that's why it's very important to maintain the unity and agenda. That's what the executive council has given us the mandate to continue," said Mr Wenda.

The chairmanship will be rotational, with Mr Mote to be deputy chairman. Mr Wenda said the Movement's new leadership structure would not affect the self-determination push.

"Now we have new leadership so we really need the people – the people back home in West Papua, and in the Pacific – we need you to be our voice, and to maintain the unity to campaign for our right to self-determination. We hope that Pacific leaders will continue to support our right to self-determination."

Benny Wenda has thanked Vanuatu's government for donating a building in Port Vila for the Liberation Movement to use as an international headquarters.

"The government officially handed over the key, and this is a key step for the Movement itself," he said, paying tribute to Vanuatu's ongoing support for Papuan self-determination aspirations.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu has called for members of the Liberation Movement who are based in Indonesian-ruled Papua to be arrested upon their return home.

However the Movement's Pacific regional diplomat Akouboo Douw described the minister's call as abusive, saying his organisation had every right to hold its meeting in Vanuatu, where it has official business as part of its role in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

According to Mr Wenda, the United Liberation Movement's goal was not about dismantling the Indonesian republic.

Mr Wenda said he was not bothered that he has previously been branded a criminal and a fugitive by Indonesia's government which is opposed to the Movement representing Papuans.

"Indonesia will look at it that way, but we are fighting for our right to self-determination. We are fighting, not destroying the Indonesian unitary state of the republic," he explained.

"But West Papua... Indonesia is illegally occupying it. That is the problem, that's the issue."

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345530/liberation-movement-to-remain-voice-of-west-papuans-wenda

The consequences of Friday's peaceful protest

Vanuatu Daily Post - December 5, 2017

Mavuku Tokona – A win for the 'little guys' was marked on the notch of the West Papuan belt as they rallied for a peaceful protest last Friday on the streets, and joined by the young and old advocators of an independent West Papua.

Chants of 'Free West Papua' and 'Papua Merdeka' rung on a Friday afternoon as an orchestra of arbitrary symphonies tagged along; from string bands to little horns, the Morning Star Flag waived side by side the National colours as the protest gained in numbers on its way to Crow's Nest area for the handover of an official West Papuan headquarters in the country.

However, with such events, one can only imagine the dreadful repercussions it would have on the indigenous people in West Papua.

In an interview with Yamin Kogoya, a member of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, he mentioned that they are fully aware of the consequences of their actions but "it is a risk that we have to take".

"We know that every time that we do this kind of event, more lives in Papua are at risk, and there's more violence, imprisonments, and also deaths, this is the retaliation from the Indonesian state, the Indonesian military forces. We are fully aware of the repercussions and the consequences of these sort of actions of these events, but this is a brave action that we have to take to the world, if we do not take this sort of risk, then in the next 10 to 20 years there will not be a single Papuan alive in Papua," Mr. Kogoya alleged.

Many who leave West Papua, don't usually return, but for Daniel Randongkir and Menase Tabuni, members of ULMWP who left for West Papua on Saturday after the protest, are returning without an ounce of fear and expect to be severely disciplined by the Indonesian Military.

Mr. Tabuni explained that he is aware of how dangerous it would be returning but isn't afraid – "Yes very dangerous, but we experience this generation to generation, so why fear now? We are fighting the truth, one day the truth will defend itself".

Mr. Randongkir added: "Maybe they can arrest me or shoot me, we don't care, we are committed to the struggle, we give our life to the struggle."

A David and Goliath feat lays ahead for the West Papauns, after 56 years of determined and motivated protest, the voice of the movement is only growing stronger.

Although it may seem like they are fighting a losing battle; the question was tossed at ULMWP member Mr. Kogoya to which he replied, "It's like an elephant fighting an ant, if an ant gets into the elephant's ears for long, at the end the elephant will give up".

Source: http://dailypost.vu/news/the-consequences-of-friday-s-peaceful-protest/article_cb577c3d-f20e-56ec-a626-13d7509aa495.html

Indonesian minister condemned by Papuan Liberation Movement

Radio New Zealand International - December 5, 2017

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has condemned an Indonesian government call for its members to be arrested.

The pro-independence Movement has just concluded a summit in Vanuatu, where the UK-based activist Benny Wenda was elected its new chairman.

However Indonesia's Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu called for members of the Liberation Movement who are based in Indonesian-ruled Papua to be arrested upon their return.

The Movement's Pacific regional diplomat Akouboo Douw has described the minister's call as abusive.

He says the Movement has every right to hold its meeting in Vanuatu, where it has official business as part of its role in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Mr Douw says the West Papuans' meeting was not against the Indonesian constitution or its Pancasila state philosophy. "It is not going to be big disaster for your nation but also Indonesia has to respect the ULMWP as an entity of the MSG," said Mr Douw.

He has urged Australia and New Zealand to monitor the Papua-based Liberation Movement's members when they return home lest they be arrested by Indonesia.

While the Movement has observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Indonesia's government is opposed to it representing Papuans internationally, as well as its pro-independence activities.

According to Mr Douw, Jakarta should realise that the independent Melanesian member countries in the MSG, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu, support the right to self-determination for all Melanesians.

Meanwhile, he thanked Vanuatu's government for donating a building in Port Vila to the Liberation Movement for use as its international headquarters.

Mr Douw said that West Papuans have rights to come and go, and that Vanuatu is a free Melanesian country which Papuans consider like a home.

Meanwhile, the independent Papua newspaper Tabloid Jubi reported that dozens of Papuans were arrested for publicly marking the anniversary of the first Papuan declaration of independence.

Last Friday was 56 years since the Papua nationalist flag was first officially flown in the former Dutch New Guinea, shortly before Indonesia took control of the territory. The Morning Star flag was subsequently banned.

Each year on 1 December there are demonstrations in cities around the wider Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand, where Morning Star flags are flown to mark the anniversary.

The demonstrations in the towns and cities of West Ppapua and Papua provinces tend not to feature the flag raising, and typically result in arrests by Indonesian police.

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345504/indonesian-minister-condemned-by-papuan-liberation-movement

Indonesian minister wants Papua activists arrested

Radio New Zealand International - December 5, 2017

Indonesia's Minister of Defence has called for members of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to be arrested when they return to the country.

The pro-independence organisation has just concluded a summit in Vanuatu, where the UK-based activist Benny Wenda was elected its new chairman.

Vanuatu's government also donated a building in Port Vila to the Movement for its use as a Pacific regional headquarters.

While the Movement has observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Indonesia's government is opposed to it representing Papuans internationally, as well as its pro-independence activities.

A number of the Movement's executive members live in exile, but some of those who had travelled to Vila for last week's summit face possible arrest when they return to the Indonesian-ruled Papua region.

According to Indonesian media, the Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that those involved in the summit should be arrested on their return.

He also expressed disappointment at the involvement of diplomats from Melanesian countries who actively support the Liberation Movement.

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345463/indonesian-minister-wants-papua-activists-arrested

Wenda elected as new head of West Papuan liberation movement

Radio New Zealand International - December 4, 2017

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has elected the exiled independence leader Benny Wenda as its new leader.

Mr Wenda effectively replaces Octo Mote who was the general-secretary of the Movement, which is West Papuans' premier organisation for advancing independence from Indonesia.

For the past week, the Movement's executive has been in Vanuatu's capital for its first major summit since forming there three years ago.

During the summit, the Movement introduced new by-laws and a change in structure to a chairmanship in the organisation. According to a member of the Liberation Movement executive, Andy Ayamiseba, the chairmanship is to be rotated.

This is a co-ordinative body so we don't want to encourage particular groups or individuals to dominate the Movement," Mr Ayamiseba explained.

"So we from the council committee, which is the supreme authority of the ULMWP, have elected Mr Benny Wenda to take over the leadership."

During the summit, Vanuatu's government also donated a building in Port Vila which will be the Liberation Movement's Pacific headquarters.

According to Mr Ayamiseba, the office building would serve as the Liberation's home base from where its international diplomacy lobbying efforts will be co-ordinated.

"It demonstrated the commitment of the Vanuatu government, as a member of the UN, to our case," he said.

Vanuatu's prime minister Charlot Salwai, and his deputy Joe Natuman, officially handed over the title to the land and the key to the on Friday, which was an important anniversary in the Papuan independence struggle.

The first of December is the anniversary of West Papua's declaration of independence when the Morning Star flag was first raised.

It's 56 years since the Papua nationalist flag was first officially flown in the former Dutch New Guinea, shortly before Indonesia took control of the territory.

The flag was subsequently banned after Indonesia took control of the former Dutch New Guinea in 1962.

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345380/wenda-elected-as-new-head-of-west-papuan-liberation-movement

March for West Papuan independence

Jakarta Globe - December 4, 2017

Jakarta – On Friday (01/12), dozens of demonstrators gathered in Central Jakarta to demand West Papuan independence from Indonesia.

Marchers brought posters and sang traditional West Papuan songs in defiance what the demonstrators see as a foreign occupation of the territory.

"We're not Indonesian, we're the Morning Star, the Morning Star, you've just said red and white," demonstrators chanted, referring to West Papua's historical flag.

Marchers, members of the Papuan Student Alliance and the People's Front of Indonesia for West Papua, also demanded that the Indonesian government force US-based mining giant Freeport McMoran to shut down operations in the province.

The demonstration came on the eve of West Papua's first declaration of independence on Dec. 1, 1961.

"The relationship between Papua and Indonesia is like an illegal marriage," said one activist.

"We are different from Indonesia, it's been a long time. You are white, we are black, your hair is straight, we are curly, we are brothers or you just want our own natural wealth," an orator shouted in front of a police officer.

"After Dec. 1, 1961, [former president] Soekarno declared the Trikora 19 days later in Yogyakarta to seize West Papua and dissolve the country," said Surya Anta, spokesman for the People's Front of Indonesia for West Papua.

In fact, Trikora was the name given to the Indonesian military operation to invade and annex the Dutch territory of New Guinea, which lasted nine months.

Demonstrators planned to march to Freeport's offices in Kuningan, South Jakarta, but were stopped by police in front of the Megaria cinema in the center of the city.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/eyewitness/march-west-papuan-independence/

Papuan Morning Star flag raised in Auckland as Green MP says 'speak up'

Asia Pacific Report - December 2, 2017

The West Papuan Morning Star flag of independence – banned in Indonesia – has been raised on an official local government flagpole in Auckland's Aotea Square as solidarity protests have been held around the Pacific.

Green MP Golriz Ghahraman, a defender of human rights, praised the flag-raising action yesterday when speaking to a small crowd of supporters including visiting international free speech advocates.

"New Zealand has always led on these issues and in a very proud way," she said. She said to remain silent in the face of ongoing human rights violations in Papua by security forces amounted to "complicity".

West Papua Action Auckland spokesperson Maire Leadbeater said it had been the first time official permission had been granted for the flag-raising on a flagpole in front of the central city Aotea Centre.

In Indonesia, protesters raising the Morning Star flag risk up to 15 years in jail.

200 arrested

Last year, more than 200 people were arrested in a flag-raising protest in the capital of Jakarta and authorities used water canon to quell the demonstration.

The Auckland flag-raising marked the 56th year since the Morning Star was first hoisted on 1 December 1961 alongside the flag of the Dutch colonial authorities before Indonesia invaded the territory.

The Auckland protest included Malou Mangahas, executive director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), and other participants at the Pacific Media Centre's "Journalism under duress in Asia-Pacific" event featuring West Papua held the night before at Auckland University of Technology.

Source: https://asiapacificreport.nz/2017/12/02/papuan-morning-star-flag-raised-in-auckland-as-green-mp-says-speak-up/

Papua demands independence during December 1 commemoration

Tempo - December 2, 2017

Hans Arnold Kapisa, Jakarta – The Domberai chapter of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP) in Manokwari held the celebration of the Papua nation's anniversary on Friday, December 1, 2017. The event was attended by youths, college students, and elderly people.

John Warijo, chairman of the Doberai chapter of the Papuan Customary Council, said the native Papuan people remain solid to this date. "After all we've been through, we're still here to safeguard our country as the native people," John said in Manokwari yesterday.

According to John, the 56th anniversary of Papua was celebrated as a statement of the native Papuans that they could not be separated from their history. He also called on the government to listen to the Papuan people's aspiration, which is an independence.

"The Indonesian government will surely reject our aspiration to be independent. But we won't quit. We will continue to voice the aspiration," he added.

John claimed that the Native Papuans have been marginalized. He even expressed his concerns that the native Melanesians in Papua would extinct.

"We may extinct in a half century. This is why we demand independence. The list of human rights violations is getting longer, and people who demand justice are considered as separatists," he said.

Wilson Wader, the coordinator of the event, claimed that the demand for a full independence is not driven by political interests. "To us, this is our needs since the number of native Papuans is getting smaller," he said.

He alleged that the road constructions and other infrastructure developments in Papua were initiated to facilitate transmigrations to Papua.

Wilson added that the Papuan awakening moment on December 1, 1961, was a statement of their wishes to be an independent state.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/02/055913741/Papua-Demands-Independence-During-December-1-Commemoration

December 1 anniversary commemorations in Papua marred by arrests,

KBR - December 1, 2017

Ramadhan, Winna Wijaya, Jakarta – On December 1 several groups held protest actions commemorating the declaration of West Papua's independence and the anniversary of the Free Papua Movement (OPM).

Actions were held in several parts of the country including Jakarta and West Papua. The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) however claims that the commemorations in Papua were marred by arrests and intimidation.

KNPB Secretary Ones Nesta Suhaniap said that police arrested 25 people in Papua including 22 in Merauke and three in Sorong. The KNPB is still attempting to confirm news of arrests in other areas.

"Police made arrests in several areas. In several places security forces prohibited thanks giving events. There was terror and intimidation. The justification being that NKRI [the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia] is non-negotiable, so it's nothing new", Ones Nesta told KBR on Friday December 1.

Ones Nesta said that the main action commemorating the OPM's anniversary at the KNPB secretariat in Jayapura had already been held. The commemoration was attended by hundreds of people and involved prayers, free-speech forums and the cutting of a cake.

"These celebrations show that the Papuan people have never forgotten their historical past. The Papuan people will continue to struggle in order to straighten out history", said Ones Nesta.

Nevertheless said Nesta, the event at the KNPB secretariat was surrounded by police and TNI (Indonesian military).

Moreover, said Ones, several local people were prevented from taking part in the OPM anniversary commemoration at the secretariat. "There has been increased security in Papua since yesterday", said Nesta.

Jakarta action

In Jakarta, a commemoration was held in front of the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) offices in Central Jakarta. The action involved around 280 people from the Papua Student Alliance (AMP) and the Indonesian People's Front for West Papua (FRI-WP).

Hundreds of those taking part in the action had come from cities such as Bandung, Tangerang and Bogor (West Java), Semarang, Solo, Salatiga and Yogyakarta (Central Java), Malang and Surabaya (East Java) and Bali.

The protesters wore white headbands with images of the Morning Star flag while several carried the black flags of the AMP and the white flags of the FRI-WP.

The demonstrators also brought posters with demands such as, "Withdraw Organic and Non-Organic Troops from the Land of Papua", "Close Freeport" and "Give the Right of Self-Determination to the West Papuan Nation".

The action in front of the Jakarta LBH began at 7am. Initially the demonstrators intended to hold a long-march to the PT Freeport Indonesia offices in the Kuningan area of South Jakarta.

But as the demonstrators began moving off in the direction of the Menteng in Central Jakarta they were blocked by police and forced to hold the action in front of the nearby Megaria bus stop.

In response to the police blockade, the protesters shouted, "Free Papua" and "Papua Freedom" and sang West Papuan songs of struggle, "I am not red-and-white [referring to the Indonesian national flag], I am the Morning Star...".

As time for Friday afternoon prayers approached, FRI-WP spokesperson Surya Anta instructed the demonstrators to speed things up.

At 10.18am Surya and AMP Secretary General Adhen Dimi read out a statement. Following this, in a symbolic action, several representatives of the protesters gave flowers to police as a symbol of peace.

"Aside from it being a holiday, and because it is forbidden to wear the symbol of the Morning Star, the police claim that we have not provided them with a notification of the action. Yet we have", said Adhen explaining why they had been prevented by police from marching to the PT Freeport office in Kuningan.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "KNPB: Peringatan HUT OPM Diwarnai Penangkapan dan Intimidasi".]

Source: http://kbr.id/12-2017/knpb__peringatan_hut_opm_diwarnai_penangkapan_dan_intimidasi/93786.html

Protesters in Jakarta demand self-determination, closure of Freeport

Warta Kota - December 1, 2017

Jakarta – Hundreds of people from the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) and the Indonesian People's Front for West Papua (FRI-WP) gathered on Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro in Central Jakarta on Friday December 1.

In speeches during the rally, which coincidently is next door to the Sri Lanka Embassy, they demanded the closure of the PT Freeport Indonesia gold-and-copper mine in Papua and self-determination for the West Papuan people.

"Today is the commemoration of West Papuan independence. Because West Papua declared its independence on December 1, 1961", said FRI-WP spokesperson Surya Anta.

According to Surya Anta, nineteen days later then President Sukarno declared operation Trikora in Yogyakarta in order to seize West Papua and dissolve a country that according to Sukarno was a puppet state.

"Papua was never involved in the process of Indonesia's independence from Holland. Papua had its own trajectory to independence", added Surya.

Although both West Papua and Indonesia were both colonised by the Netherlands, there were however two differences between West Papuan and Indonesian independence.

"First, in terms of administration it was different and in terms of the sense of shared destiny it was also different", continued Surya.

Surya said that these administrative differences were because the centre of Dutch colonial administration in Indonesia was Batavia (now Jakarta), while the colonial administrative centre in West Papua was in Hollandia or Jayapura.

Warta Kota heard singing and shouts from the action participants. "Papua is not red-and-white [referring to the Indonesian national flag]", they shouted.

Currently police are still on alert in the vicinity of the action in order to maintain public order and security.

In addition to this, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro was also closed temporarily to traffic until the action finished and the situation has been declared "conducive".

Notes

Operation Trikora or Tri Komando Rakjat (Triple Commands of the People) was declared by Indonesian founding President Sukarno in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta on December 19, 1961. It was an Indonesian military operation aimed at seizing and annexing the Dutch overseas territory of Netherlands New Guinea in 1961-62 rather than one intended to suppress a nascent independence movement. Under the threat that Indonesia would move from armed infiltrations to a large-scale military attack, US sponsored negotiations led to the signing of the New York Agreement on August 15, 1962 in which the Netherlands agreed to hand over administration of Western New Guinea to Indonesia pending a UN administered plebiscite. Seven years later under the newly installed Suharto dictatorship, the treaty led to the so-call "Act of Free Choice" in 1969 in which 1025 hand-picked Papuans "voted" at gun-point for the territory remain part of Indonesia.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Aliansi Mahasiswa Papua dan Front Rakyat Indonesia untuk West Papua: Tutup Freeport".]

Source: http://wartakota.tribunnews.com/2017/12/01/aliansi-mahasiswa-papua-dan-front-rakyat-indonesia-untuk-west-papua-tutup-freeport

Jakarta rally calls for Freeport closure, self-determination for West

CNN Indonesia - December 1, 2017

Dhio Faiz, Jakarta – A demonstration held in Jakarta this morning by hundreds of students and youths from the Papua Student Alliance (AMP) and the Indonesian People's Front for West Papua (FRI-WP) has ended peacefully.

The action began at 6.30am with a march from the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Jakarta) offices in Central Jakarta to the offices of PT Freeport Indonesia. The protesters only got around 20 metres however before they were blocked by hundreds of fully equipped police.

An advocacy team from the LBH Jakarta then asked police not to forcibly break up the demonstration with a guarantee that the rally would proceed peacefully.

The police then gave the protesting groups a time limit of until 11am to hold an action in front of the Megaria bus stop. The protesters, accompanied by the LBH advocacy team, were eventually able to hold a peaceful action in front of the Megaria bus stop.

During the action they read out a six-point statement. First, they demanded the closure of the Freeport gold-and-copper mine in Papua and called on the government give the Papuan people the right to self-determination.

Next they asked for support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the United Nations.

Finally, they called for the Indonesian people to support Papua's struggle for self-determination.

After reading out the statement and giving flowers to police as symbol of peace, the protesters began disbanding. They also cleaned up the left over rubbish from the rally then returned to the LBH Jakarta offices.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Aksi Tuntut Pembebasan Papua di Jakarta Berakhir Damai".]

Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20171201104422-20-259436/aksi-tuntut-pembebasan-papua-di-jakarta-berakhir-damai/

Local supporters join Papuan flag day demonstrations

SIBC - December 1, 2017

Fred Osifelo – Solomon Islands Solidarity for West Papua joined other groups in the Pacific and around the globe today in raising the West Papuan flag and advocating for the freedom of people in the Indonesian region.

Representative of the solidarity group in Solomon Islands Lily Chekana said people raise the West Papuan flag, the Morning Star, on this day every year.

December 1 marks the anniversary of West Papua's first declaration of independence in 1961 before Indonesia took control of the territory. And the flag symbolises freedom for the people of West Papua.

Ms Chekana said although the loss of independence was unfortunate, it did not steal the people's optimism.

"They look at every 1st of December as a day that will always give hope that one day they will raise the West Papuan flag in their own country," she said.

Local supporters raised the Morning Star on their houses and along the streets, and the solidarity group also asked taxi operators to display the flag on their cars.

But the group's support for West Papua goes beyond the demonstration today.

Ms Chekana said the issues in the region deserve international attention, and she applauded former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's efforts to highlight West Papua on the world stage.

"Without him, the international community would not have heard about the issue of West Papua," she said.

Her group plans to work closely with the new Prime Minister to continue its advocacy for people in the region.

"The West Papua issue is a human rights issue," she said. "And if it is a human rights issue, it's everybody's issue."

Source: http://www.sibconline.com.sb/local-supporters-join-papuan-flag-day-demonstrations/

Demonstrations held in Pacific to mark Papuan flag day

Radio New Zealand International - December 1, 2017

Demonstrations have been held around the Pacific to mark the anniversary of West Papua's declaration of independence when the Morning Star flag was first raised.

It's 56 years since the Papua nationalist flag was first officially flown in the former Dutch New Guinea, shortly before Indonesia took control of the territory. The Morning Star was subsequently banned.

At today's flag Morning Star raising ceremony in Auckland, the New Zealand Green MP Golriz Ghahraman said it was important to maintain vocal about the issue.

"The West Papuan situation is essentially one of the most serious ongoing human rights abuses in and around the Pacific, which is our neighbourhood. So standing by or being silent starts to become complicity on our part and New Zealand's always led on these issues."

Ms Ghahraman said diplomatic pressure should be kept up on Indonesia to push for human rights improvements in West Papua. The New Zealand MP said diplomatic and trade pressure should continue to be applied on Indonesia to push for human rights improvements in West Papua.

The flag was subsequently banned after Indonesia took control of the former Dutch New Guinea in 1962.

Ms Ghahraman says human rights abuses in Papua persist and New Zealand should keep the issue on its agenda with Indonesia. She also says action needs to be taken to halt the destruction of Papuan rainforest.

"I would like us to move to a place where we regulate trade in such a way where we don't trade in a way that benefits from human rights abuyses incluing environmental atrocities," she said.

"So I would like us in our law to take into account the way that products are made and the way that resources are gotten before we buy these things."

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345184/demonstrations-held-in-pacific-to-mark-papuan-flag-day

Vanuatu gives West Papua group access to land, building

Radio New Zealand International - December 1, 2017

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai will hand over the title to a plot of land with a building on it to the leaders of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua this afternoon.

The ceremony to hand over the title marks the end of the first Summit attended by around 50 leaders of West Papua, in Port Vila. The land is sitting on a limestone outcrop above the Port Vila suburb of Tebakor.

The property will be jointed owned by ULMWP and a ni Vanuatu Charitable Organisation called Further Arts – an organisation that has dedicated itself to the West independence movement.

Global West Papua campaigner Benny Wenda said the gift is the best thing that has happened to the West Papua struggle in the last 60 years. He said West Papuan campaigners will now have an office to work, and a place to call home.

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345195/vanuatu-gives-west-papua-group-access-to-land-building

Human rights & justice

Komnas HAM must build culture of human rights in Indonesia: Amnesty

Jakarta Globe - December 7, 2017

Sheany, Jakarta – The new batch of commissioners at the National Commission on Human Rights, or Komnas HAM, must work hard to build a culture of human rights in Indonesia, Robertus Robet of Amnesty International Indonesia said on Monday (04/12).

"Komnas HAM has a great challenge ahead, to build a culture of human rights in Indonesia, one that's not just a state program but part and parcel of the country's sensibility," Robertus, a member of Amnesty International Indonesia's board, told reporters at a press conference in Jakarta.

According to Robertus, Indonesians still lack a "human rights sensibility," as evidenced by their rampant use of social media to humiliate and marginalize minority groups.

He said the commission also has its work cut out to rebuild its reputation, which has been damaged by "strong private interest" in the past and resulted in a series of poor performances.

"The previous batch of Komnas HAM commissioners was one of the worst," Todung Mulya Lubis, chairman of the Amnesty International Indonesia board, said.

The high-profile lawyer said the previous commissioners failed to investigate many human rights abuse cases during their term.

Established in 1993, Komnas HAM plays a key role in the protection and promotion of human rights in Indonesia.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/komnas-ham-must-build-culture-human-rights-indonesia-amnesty-intl/

Gov't must step up focus on human rights: Amnesty international

Jakarta Globe - December 5, 2017

Sheany, Jakarta – With its official launch in the country set for Thursday (07/12), Amnesty International Indonesia emphasized the need for the government to step up focus on human rights issues and warned that neglecting human right violations can impede the country's growth.

Speaking at a press conference in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, chairman of the board for Amnesty International Indonesia, Todung Mulya Lubis, said that despite progress in democracy, political life and the economy, Indonesia still needs to pay more attention to human rights issues.

"There's still plenty that must be done to resolve past human rights violations [...] Indonesia won't have smooth progress if those remain unresolved, it will always obstruct the way," Todung said.

The London-based organization hopes to push Indonesia to be a global player in upholding human rights with its local chapter.

"Amnesty International Indonesia wants to urge Indonesia to take a global role in the human rights movement. That's one of our dreams," Monica Tanuhandaru, one of the board members, said.

She emphasized that economic development in Asia, Southeast Asia and Indonesia will be "meaningless without justice of human rights."

However, as the world bears witness to changing political dynamics across the globe, it is no longer solely the role of the government to ensure protection of human rights. Rather, it should be the product of a collective act from all members of society.

"[The] state is becoming weaker and weaker. Efforts to uphold and protect human rights must be done by civil society, but this doesn't mean that we deny the existence of the state," Todung expressed.

Amnesty International Indonesia hopes to "unite all human rights movements that are present in Indonesia," especially as it aims to urge the government to resolve human rights violations.

For decades, the Indonesian government has provided little clarity on how it will address past human rights violations, including violations allegedly committed in 1965 and 1998, as well as those resulting from past conflicts in Papua, West Papua and East Timor.

Promises that these violations will be duly addressed was popular among candidates during the country's last presidential campaigns, but real commitments to human rights from the current administration seem to have been overridden by priorities on other aspects, such as the economy and infrastructure development.

Sidarto Danusubroto, a member of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres), said that telling the truth in Indonesia is "not a simple process" and will likely require a long time.

While the government has programs for human rights, it is facing "economic issues" that must be resolved, he said.

"I'm afraid that if the government also has to resolve past human rights violations, current programs for the economy will weaken," Sidarto defended.

Countries like South Africa and Chile, Sidarto said, have "built their memories of human rights" through museums.

He reflected on the importance of these countries being able "to admit their dark past without the need to hide," and expressed his hopes that Indonesia will eventually get there.

"I hope, one day, we'll get there – where we don't have to be ashamed to speak of our dark past," Sidarto said.

Amnesty International Indonesia will launch its #JoinForces initiative on December 7, coinciding with the 517th Kamisan – a silent protest in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta – as a form of solidarity to the protesters who have been demanding that the Indonesian government solve past cases of human rights abuses, which was initiated by friends and family members of 1998 student activist victims, every Thursday afternoon for the past 10 years.

The organization will also host simultaneous events across Indonesia between December 7 and 10, including in Bandung (West Java), Solo (Central Java) and Makassar (South Sulawesi).

The initiative is focused on combating growing "scapegoat" politics and the rise of negative populism that the organization said has "undermined the basic rights of minority groups."

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/govt-must-step-focus-human-rights-amnesty-international/

Women's rights & gender

Greater access to clean energy can empower women in rural areas

Jakarta Globe - December 4, 2017

Dames Alexander Sinaga, Larantuka, East Nusa Tenggara – At a time when the Indonesian government is actively pushing for equal development in all provinces throughout the country, many communities in some rural and remote areas in the archipelago are still without basic energy supplies. Limited access to electricity has also caused many communities to rely on kerosene for lighting.

In the East Flores villages of Ile Gerong and Horinara in East Nusa Tenggara, securing electricity sources and clean water is still difficult since the weather is usually scorching hot and dry in the mountainous terrain, making infrastructure development doubly difficult.

Located on the eastern end of the island of Flores – literally "flowers" in Portuguese – both villages ironically suffer from very low rainfall, with the dry season typically lasting for at least eight months.

It is not exactly the best situation to be in, since most people of Ile Gerong earn their living as cashew farmers. Similarly, most people in Horinara are farmers who cultivate corn, tuber, cacao and coconuts.

Kopernik's Wonder Women program

Kopernik – an Indonesia-based non-profit organization that distributes low-cost technologies to recipients in less-developed countries using crowd-funding – reported that women in rural and remote areas are greatly impacted by energy poverty.

"It is because many of them still spend a lot of time in the kitchen. They also need to spend time to gather wood from forests, then spend a lot of time for cooking and boiling water as they still use three-stone cooking fire," Sergina Loncle, communications manager of Kopernik, told the Jakarta Globe on Monday (27/11).

Sergina said that women are also having trouble doing things at night because of a lack of electricity. "Maybe there is electricity in their villages, but it is not reliable as there is often power failure," she said.

Sergina said that according to these experiences, in 2011, Kopernik initiated a program called "Wonder Women," or "Ibu Inspirasi," aimed at empowering women's livelihoods by expanding energy access.

"We recruit mothers and also young women who want to be involved and want to try to become small entrepreneurs, or commonly known as micro-social entrepreneurs, in technology products sales," she said.

Sergina said that the recruited women are assigned to promote and sell clean energy technology products, including solar-powered lamps, non-electrical water filters and environmentally-friendly cooking stoves, to communities.

"These technologies not only save time and money, but also improve health, are safe to use and reduce threats to the environment as well as open up new economic opportunities," she added.

Norbertha Nogo Hipir, one of the recruited Wonder Women, said she has partnered with Kopernik since 2014. Norbetha, who is called Mama Luku by locals, explained that she was briefly introduced to the Wonder Woman program at her friend's wedding where she met up with a woman, who apparently worked at Kopernik.

"I was explained by her about the importance of appropriate technology usage. She said it is energy that doesn't burn fossil fuels. I was then interested, because I am aware that villagers have difficulty accessing energy. They need to go to the city to get it," she said.

Since then, Norbetha, a mother of four children, has traveled to many places in East Flores to promote and sell the clean energy technology products to the public.

"In the town, I introduced these eco-friendly products to the public. I told them that using these products will reduce the cost of electricity, which is getting more expensive. While in the village, these products are also primarily needed," she said.

Norbetha, who also runs small canteens in some schools, said the income she earns from selling clean energy technology products is really useful for herself and for her family.

"My husband retired five years ago and I also have four sons. The oldest is now a police officer. Two of them are currently studying in universities. And the youngest one is still at senior high school," she said.

[The Jakarta Globe was invited by Kopernik to the villages of Ile Gerong and Horinara on November 26-27.]

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/greater-access-clean-energy-can-empower-women-rural-areas/

Sexual & domestic violence

Free hotline for victims of violence against women, children

Jakarta Post - December 7, 2017

Jakarta – Starting Thursday, Jakarta's women and children will have a 112 hotline number to report abuse.

The hotline, which is managed by the city's Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), will be free of charge, the city's Women's Empowerment, Family Planning and Child Protection Agency head Dien Emawati said. The launch of the hotline was on Thursday at City Hall.

She added that the reports would be followed up by an integrated team comprising personnel from the agency, the women and children's unit of the Jakarta Police, the social agency, the health agency and BPBD.

"The integrated service aims to provide a swift emergency service to the victims of violence against women and children," Dien said as quoted by beritajakarta.id.

The victims will be cared for in health facilities, hospitals or in a safe house provided by the social agency. Victims will also be able to receive legal assistance and counseling via the hotline, she said. (cal)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/07/free-hotline-for-victims-of-violence-against-women-children.html

Labour & migrant workers

Ongoing labor abuse found in Pepsi's Indonesian palm oil plantations

Voice of America - December 4, 2017

Krithika Varagur, Jakarta – Workers at several Indonesian palm oil plantations that supply Pepsi and Nestle suffer from a variety of labor abuses, including lower-than-minimum wages, child labor, exposure to pesticides, and union busting, according to a new report from the Rainforest Action Network (RAN).

The report covers three palm oil plantations operated by Indofood, the biggest food company in Indonesia and the country's only producer of PepsiCo-branded snacks, and follows up on previous reports from the same groups of plantation workers.

Indofood remains certified as "sustainable" by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) despite ongoing labor abuses, which activists say raises the question of what possible incentives there are for a mega-corporation to reform its labor practices.

"Since our first report in June 2016, which broke the scandal, to this one nearly one and a half years later, hardly anything has changed," said Emma Lierley, RAN's Communications Manager. "Pepsi hasn't even issued a public response."

Pepsi Co., Indofood, and RSPO could not be reached for comment.

Widespread abuse

Workers at palm oil plantations on the islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra reported the same catalog of abuses that they suffered 17 months ago, such as exposure to dangerous pesticides with inadequate protective equipment.

They also complain of withheld wages and unpaid overtime, as well as frequent use of daily contract workers and unpaid laborers (like workers' wives), which the study authors say are all also risk factors for child labor.

"We're asking that Indofood reform labor practices on its plantations immediately," said Lierley. "PepsiCo has a significant amount of leverage." "Indofood could certainly move the needle" as well, she said.

But the RSPO has no clear path forward, admitted Robin Averbeck, a RAN campaigner.

"The RSPO has failed to include workers as critical stakeholders in its system since its creation up until this very day," said Averbeck.

"Fundamentally it will never address labor rights issues in a meaningful way unless workers are integrated as key constituents in the system and play an active role in monitoring and enforcing the standard themselves."

RSPO has never revoked a company's sustainability certification for labor violations.

"After nearly a year and a half of an official RSPO complaint containing indisputable evidence documenting widespread labor violations on multiple Indofood plantations, the RSPO has failed to sanction or suspend Indofood," said Averbeck, who said the inaction was a "fundamental failure" and suggested that the RSPO suspend Indofood immediately.

The palm oil problem

Labor abuse in Indonesia is not unique to the palm oil industry – it has been documented widely across the garment, domestic work, and mining sectors, among others – but in recent years, palm oil has become particularly ripe for exploiting workers.

Palm oil is found in countless household products and foods, from lipstick to potato chips, and it grows very well in the tropical rainforest of Southeast Asia. It is cheap and easy to plant at great scale and swathes of the Borneo rainforest in both Indonesia and Malaysia, have been transformed in recent years into the trademark bright green grids of a palm oil plantation.

But the crop has displaced dozens of indigenous communities and employed thousands of child laborers and unpaid, underpaid, and abused workers. Global demand for palm oil shows no sign of slowing down – the industry is estimated to be worth $93 billion by 2021.

Difficulty of labor reform

The best mechanism for workers' rights remains trade unions, but there are a number of obstacles to effective organizing among palm oil workers, according to Andriko Otang of Indonesia's Trade Union Rights Commission.

"For one thing, there is the sheer difficulty of organizing," said Otang. "A worker has to spend 400,000 rupiah (about $28) for a one-way ticket to the regional capital." A roundtrip could turn out to be half their monthly salary, he said.

Another factor is the logistical barriers to organizing in places like rural Kalimantan, where there is weak cell signal and low access to information. "If you want to organize even a single strike, it's so difficult," said Otang.

Beyond discriminating against actual and potential union members, according to the RAN report, Indofood employs a large impermanent workforce, who cannot unionize. According to its 2016 Sustainability Report, Indofood's plantation arm, IndoAgri, reported 38,104 permanent workers and 34,782 casual workers.

Despite the formidable odds, said Otang, there have been success stories for palm oil workers: in South Kalimantan and Palembang, workers have organized multi-company collective bargaining agreements and abolished the practice of casual work.

"As long as you have a strong independent union and solidarity between officials and members, labor reform is possible," he said.

Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/labor-abuse-at-palm-oil-plantations/4148103.html

Freedom of speech & expression

FPI 'arrests' man they say insulted their leader Rizieq Shihab, deliver

Coconuts Jakarta - December 4, 2017

Rizieq Shihab, the founder and leader of the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) remains a fugitive from Indonesian law hiding in Saudi Arabia, even after being named "high priest of the Indonesian people" by his followers at the 212 anti-Ahok protest reunion on Saturday.

But even in his absence his followers are fiercely defending his honor, and last night they crossed a line that many would argue is illegal by saying they "arrested" a man who they suspect insulted Rizieq on social media.

The director of the Legal Aid Institute of Bang Japar (LBH Bang Japar), a civil society and legal organization officially formed in August claiming to represent the interests of Jakarta's indigenous Betawi people, said a member of the group along with a member of the FPI "arrested" the man, identified by the police by his initials AS after he allegedly posted insulting messages about Rizieq on Facebook.

"The person who insulted (Rizieq) on social media has been arrested by a member of Japar named Endin, together with a member of the FPI," LBH Bang Japar head Juju Purwantoro in a statement today as quoted by Detik.

Shortly after that statement was released though, Juju contradicted himself when contacted by Kumpuran for a clarification, changing his story to say that the police were actually the ones who detained and arrested AS and that they had only tracked him down and "supervised" the operation.

Why would he change his statement? Perhaps because he realized that neither Bang Japar nor FPI has absolutely no legal right to arrest anybody for any reason, defamation or otherwise? We'll let you decide.

At any rate, the Central Jakarta Police have confirmed that they have proceeded with AS's defamation interrogation.

"What is clear is that there were postings (on social media). He is being interrogated," said Central Jakarta Police Detective Reskrim Jakarta Central Police Tahan Marpaung when asked for confirmation today.

Tahan noted that an allegation of defamation should be reported by the victim (which of course Rizieq cannot do since he's hiding in Saudi Arabia) and without such a criminal report cannot be authorized.

Which makes it even more confusing as to why the police are interrogating AS, when a proper defamation report against him can't even be filed since the supposed victim is a criminal fugitive hiding in another country.

The incident in some ways echoes an ugly incident from June in which a Jakarta teenager was tracked down by members of the FPI for allegedly posting insulting memes about Rizieq online and was forced to apologize after they abused and berated him at his home. Enormous public outcry eventually forced the police to go after the teen's persecutors.

We'll just have to wait and see if that will be the case once more light is shed on this case.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/fpi-arrests-man-say-insulted-leader-rizieq-shihab-deliver-police-now-interrogating/

Political parties & elections

Indonesians called to vote for only Muslim leaders

UCA News - December 6, 2017

Konradus Epa – Leaders of hard-line Islamic groups in Indonesia have called on Muslims to only vote for co-religionists in elections for public office.

The rationale was that not electing non-Muslims would improve the implementation of Islamic teachings.

On Dec. 2 about 40,000 Muslims from Jakarta and West Java gathered to commemorate a rally held a year ago targeting former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian also known as Ahok.

Ahok was sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy after challenging claims that the Quran required Muslims to be led only by fellow Muslims.

He essentially claimed that the Quranic verse at the center of the row was misinterpreted by his Muslim electoral opponents.

The Dec. 2 commemorative rally was coordinated by various Muslim groups including the Islamic Defenders Front, which claims 7 million members.

The aim was to promote Muslim leaders ahead of 2018 provincial, district and municipal elections as well as a presidential election due in 2019. Various speakers called on voters to seek advice from Muslim clerics before casting ballots.

"Now Indonesia is in need of more Islamic leaders from national to regional levels, who can defend Islam and make sure that Islamic teachings are applied," Ahmad Sobri Lubis, chairman of the Islamic Defenders Front, told ucanews.com after the event. "We don't want people like Ahok to lead."

However, some radical Muslims have criticized Indonesian President Joko Widodo for targeting groups who are religiously intolerant, including by banning the militant Hizbut Tahrir group.

Slamet Ma'arif, a coordinator of the 2016 anti-Ahok rally, also expressed frustration with the present government, even though a Muslim leads it.

"Muslims have been fragmented and only good Muslim leaders can unite them, by putting forward Islamic teaching," he said. "I believe that can overcome the nation's problems."

Meanwhile, Islamic Defenders Front fugitive leader Muhammad Rizieq Shihab, who has been in exile in Saudi Arabia since Indonesian police named him as a primary suspect in a sex scandal, could only greet his supporters via a video teleconference.

"Let's fight for an Indonesia that is based on sharia," he said when referring to Islamic law that can entail severe punishments for perceived wrongdoing. "That's the only way to save the country and protect its religions from blasphemy and harassment."

Mitha Aulia, 23, a former member of dissolved Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, said she joined the rally because she was disappointed with Widodo for disbanding her group. "I'm here to show concern that Indonesia is in desperate need of a leader who can unite all Muslims," she told ucanews.com.

However, Mafud, 21, a Muslim student who participated in the rally, said not all Muslims agreed with the calls to elect only Muslim leaders. "We need leaders who can advance Indonesia, no matter what religion he belongs to," he said.

Bonie Hargens, a political analyst at the University of Indonesia, said the rally on Dec.2 was politically motivated to target Widodo.

"After Ahok, now they aim for President Joko Widodo," he said, adding that their calling on Muslims to vote only for Muslim leaders is their right.

"This is a democratic country," he said. "They are welcome to determine their own candidates or even to establish a political party."

Source: http://www.eurasiareview.com/06122017-indonesians-called-to-vote-for-only-muslim-leaders/

Fadli Zon comments on Jokowi's high electability rating

Tempo - December 4, 2017

Adam Prierza, Jakarta – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Fadli Zon said that there is nothing special about the high electability rating of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in a survey conducted by pollster Indo Barometer.

He said that incumbent Jokowi has the advantage to be engaged in indirect political campaign activities.

"It is normal for Jokowi to have a high electability rating. He can conduct 'structurized political campaign' on a daily basis," Fadli Zon said yesterday in a discussion with Indo Barometer in Jakarta.

He said that Jokowi has a privilege to talk about his success in infrastructure development, health care cards, etc.

Indo Barometer survey says that Jokowi has the highest electability rating with 34.9 percent, followed by Gerindra chairman Prabowo Subianto with 12.1 percent, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan with 3.6 percent, former Jakarta governor Basuk Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) with 3.3 percent and Indonesian military chief Gatot Nurmantyo with 3.2 percent. Some 1200 respondents from 34 provinces were involved in the survey.

The DPR Deputy Speaker said that President Jokowi's electability rating has been stagnating over the past three years.

Fadli Zon compared Jokowi electability rating in the survey with that of Prabowo. He said that the Gerindra chairman has yet to launch any political campaign activities. "Even without [political campaign], he already garnered such percentage," he said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/04/055913778/Fadli-Zon-Comments-on-Jokowis-High-Electability-Rating

Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation warns against politicians using

Channel News Asia - December 4, 2017

Amy Chew, Kuala Lumpur – Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has warned that politicians who use Islam to win votes inevitably end up discriminating against minorities and provoking intolerance that can lead to religious conflict.

"There are political actors who have used Islam as a weapon and have succeeded (in winning elections). Using religion in a heterogenous society (ends up) discriminating against people of other faiths," Yahya Staquf, secretary-general of NU, told Channel NewsAsia.

"This has the potential to trigger conflict with other faiths that can easily be turned into violent conflicts. We cannot afford any more religious conflicts," said Staquf.

In making these comments, NU is adding its voice to others, including Muslim leaders and human rights groups, who have highlighted how some politicians in Indonesia and Malaysia are using religion to win votes.

NU claims 50 million followers and is known as the face of moderate Islam in the world's largest Muslim country.

Staquf was in Kuala Lumpur as a keynote speaker in the Istanbul Network 5th International Conference on Democractic Transitions in the Muslim World which ended on Nov 28.

"I speak about Islam because I am Muslim. I know what is happening in the Muslim world. But that doesn't mean other religions don't have problems," Staquf added.

Yahya Staquf, secretary-general of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation which claims 50 million followers. (Photo: Amy Chew)

"This is not a problem of Malaysia and Indonesia. This is a problem of our civilisation. We need to give attention to the security of our entire civilisation. Do we want to have peace or do we want the world to end quickly?" asked Staquf.

"We need a global consolidation to deal with this problem. The key is to build awareness... don't allow Islam to be used to trigger conflict," said Staquf.

Indonesia was rocked by massive demonstrations led by Islamist groups to protest against Jakarta's former ethnic Chinese Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known by his nickname Ahok, in the run-up to May 2017 gubenartorial elections which he eventually lost.

Islamist parties and hardline Islamic groups told Muslims it was forbidden to vote for Ahok as he does not follow that faith. The anti-Ahok Islamist groups came to be known as Movement 212.

On Friday (Dec 1), the Jakarta-based Setara Institute said the anti-Ahok movement was a political movement that will continue to exist with the aim of controlling public space.

"Controlling public space is the target of the 212 elites to raise their political bargaining power with those seeking political power or with political groups who are currently in power," said Setara in a statement.

"Religious populism leads to a loss of rationale amongst believers. People should be aware that such movements are a danger to social cohesion in a multi-ethnic nation," said Setara.

Malaysia's Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) says that exploiting religious sentiments to win votes has become part of the political strategy of politicians.

According to IDEAS chief executive Wan Saiful Wan Jan, this pattern could be observed all around the world, but it was most prevalent in developing countries where good governance and public policies are not part of mainstream discussions.

"Identity politics works especially in countries where public policy, good governance are not the mainstream discussion that's taking place," Wan Saiful told the Istanbul Network 5th International Conference last week.

"There are irresponsible people who are failing to provide leadership and exploiting the weaknesses of human beings by exploting those emotional issues.," Wan Saiful added.

"I have been going round the country asking people what they are most concerned about... and people are most concerned over "what will happen to Islam, what will happen to our ethnic group," said Wan Saiful.

He said politicians who wanted to win votes are exploiting voter sentiments and in Malaysia, people are most sentimental about religion.

"It is brilliant to abuse (exploit) religion (to win votes). If I were advising a politician on how to win votes and I wanted to be crude, that's exactly what I'd tell him to do," said Wan Saiful.

Exploiting religion for political votes is a factor that leads to intolerance, he said.

"As soon as you become emotional abut anything, intolerance comes into play and religion is a very emotional issue. It is not just about intolerance but it is about political strategy as well."

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/indonesia-s-largest-muslim-organisation-warns-against-9460576

Setya Novanto responsible for Golkar's plummeting electability

Tempo - December 3, 2017

Arkhelaus Wisnu Triyogo, Jakarta – Pollster Organisasi Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Orkesta) chairman Poempida Hidayatullah said the Functional Group (Golkar) Party's electability has plummeted to 7.3 percent due to a post-General Election 2014 dualism and Setya Novanto's corruption case.

"Setya Novanto's leadership that is tainted by a graft case exposed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have a significant impact on Golkar's current electability," Poempida said when releasing Orkestra's survey results in Jakarta on Sunday, December 3.

Previously, Poempida revealed, the party's electability during the 2014 General Election stood at 14.75 percent. Orkestra's survey on Golkar's electability involved 1,300 respondents across the country.

The Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra Party), on the other hand, has topped the list with a 15.2-pecent electability, followed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) at 12.5 percent, and the Democratic Party at 7.4 percent.

Polcomm Institute Heri Budianto said the survey results served as a warning for Golkar and Setya Novanto. "It's time for Setya Novanto to step down," he suggested.

Heri advised Golkar to hold a national congress soon to replace Setya Novanto and look for young figure to lead Golkar. According to Heri, voters will be dominated by young generations in the upcoming election.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/03/055913773/Setya-Novanto-Responsible-for-Golkars-Plummeting-Electability

Surveys & opinion polls

Survey: 34.9% would pick Jokowi for president, 12.1% for Prabowo, 3.6%

Coconuts Jakarta - December 5, 2017

A new survey by polling group Indo Barometer questioning people's presidential candidate preferences ahead of the 2019 election continue to show that President Joko Widodo continues to hold a strong lead over his strongest potential rival, Prabowo Subianto, whom he defeated in the 2014 election.

What is perhaps more surprising from the survey is the notion that former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama still has a small but significant amount of support from people who would like to see him become president, despite the fact that he is currently incarcerated after being found guilty at the conclusion of his sensationalized blasphemy trial. In fact, the survey puts him just a few tenths of a percentage point behind Anies Baswedan, who ultimately defeated him in this year's Jakarta gubernatorial race.

The Indo Barometer survey was conducted from November 15-24 November with 1,200 respondents chosen from a mutlti-stage random sampling of citizens from all 34 Indonesian provinces. The results of the survey were released on Sunday.

The survey's lead result was from an open question asking respondents name anybody who they would pick to be the president of Indonesia. With the opportunity to pick anybody, 34.9% would choose President Joko Widodo to continue to lead the country.

Prabowo, the former military general and head of the Gerindra party, was picked by 12.1% of respondents.

Those results show a slight increase in support for Jokowi compared to a poll conducted in September by National Survey Media Institute (Median) in which 36.2% of respondents said they would vote for Jokowi while 23.2% said they would pick Prabowo.

No other potential candidate from the survey comes close to Jokowi or Prabowo, but Anies Baswedan is the closest at 3.6% with his former election rival Ahok close behind with 3.3%.

Rounding out the rest of the results are Gatot Nurmantyo, the outspoken commander of the Indonesian military who Jokowi just recently indicated he would like to replace, with 3.2%; Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil with 2.8%; Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, the son of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who finished 3rd in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, with 2.5%; former president Megawati Soekarnoputri with 2.0% and Indonesian National Police Chief Tito Karnavian with 1.8%.

In a second question asking respondents to choose from a list of 16 national political figures (and which did not include Ahok), Jokowi's electability increased to 41.8% while Prabowo's dropped to 13.6%:

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/survey-34-9-pick-jokowi-president-12-1-prabowo-3-6-anies-3-3-ahok/

Jokowi better with military running mate, Prabowo with civilian: Survey

Jakarta Post - December 3, 2017

Safrin La Batu, Jakarta – A recent survey revealed President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo would be better off with a running mate that has a military background for the 2019 presidential election.

Pollster Indo Barometer found in its study released on Sunday that 22.5 percent of all the 1,200 respondents interviewed from Nov. 15 to 22 said they preferred Jokowi to run with someone who had a military background, compared to only 1.9 percent who said he should pick someone with a civilian background.

Moreover, 14.3 percent of the respondents said Jokowi, a member of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), should pick a person with adequate experience in government, with 12.3 percent saying he should choose a person "close to the people."

When asked who would be the best running mate for former military general Prabowo Subianto, chairman of the opposition Gerindra Party, 20.5 percent of respondents said he should run with someone with a civilian background, compared to only 0.9 percent who said his running mate should come from a military background.

Indo Barometer executive director Muhammad Qodari said while both Jokowi and Probowo had high electability ratings so far, choosing the right running mate could be a game changer for them.

"They should look for someone with a different background from them," Qadari said.

Several names of people with military backgrounds have been mentioned as Jokowi's potential candidates for vice president, including the current Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, who will retire next year, and former TNI chief Gen. Moeldoko, who is retired.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/03/jokowi-better-with-military-running-mate-prabowo-with-civilian-survey.html

Survey: Prabowo toughest rival for Jokowi in 2019

Tempo - December 3, 2017

Arkhelaus Wisnu Triyogo, Jakarta – A survey conducted by pollster Organisasi Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Orkestra) shows that President Joko Widodo or Jokowi's electability can only be equaled by Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party chairman Prabowo Subianto.

"The majority of respondents voted for Jokowi as the president. Jokowi's current electability stands at 24.38 percent, followed by Prabowo's at 21.09 percent," Orkestra chairman Poempida Hidayatullah said when releasing the survey results in Jakarta on Sunday, December 3.

Other names below Jokowi and Prabowo are Gatot Nurmantyo with an electability level of 2.8 percent, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono at 2.31 percent, Anies Baswedan at 2.14 percent, Sudilo Bambang Yudhoyono at 1.81 percent, and Jusuf Kalla at 1.48 percent. Meanwhile, 34.43 percent of the respondents are still undecided.

The national survey was conducted on November 6-20 involving 1,300 respondents across the country. The survey employed a random sampling technique with a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.

Polcomm Institute director Heri Budianto said with the margin of error of 3 percent, Jokowi and Prabowo could be equally strong in the upcoming presidential election. "This is a warning for Jokowi," Heri said.

However, Heri views that Jokowi as the incumbent candidate would have the best odd to win the election. Heri added that Jokowi's achievement in developing infrastructures would be an advantage.

"It's a strong point [for Jokowi]. If [Jokowi] knows how to promote it, the result will be favorable for him in 2019," he suggested.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/03/055913769/Survey-Prabowo-Toughest-Rival-for-Jokowi-in-2019

Environment & natural disasters

Deforestation in Sumatra carves up tiger habitats into ever smaller

Asian Correspondent - December 7, 2017

Mongabay – Extensive deforestation in Sumatra has corralled the island's native tigers into fragmented habitats, only two of which contain a sufficiently robust population of the nearly extinct big cat, a recent study suggests.

The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) has since the 1980s been driven to the brink of extinction by a combination of severe loss of habitat – to logging and oil palm plantations – and poaching for its body parts.

The animal's dwindling population of less than 600 individuals in the wild rates it "Critically Endangered" status, or a step away from extinction, under the IUCN. None of the few scattered tiger subpopulations that remain holds more than 50 individuals.

"I think our report provides the most comprehensive and robust evidence to date that habitat loss [is] pushing Sumatran tigers dangerously toward extinction in the wild," Matthew Luskin, a researcher with the Asian School of the Environment at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, the lead author of the report published Dec. 5 in the journal Nature Communications, said in an email.

Luskin's team studied 15 Sumatran tiger forest landscapes, including the national parks listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Mount Leuser, Kerinci Seblat and Bukit Barisan Selatan, which run from north to south along the mountainous western coast of Sumatra.

The total population of Indonesia's last tiger subspecies dropped by 16.7 percent to an estimated 618 individuals in 2012, from 742 in 2000, due to forest loss and habitat degradation, the study said. It also found that the tiger-occupied forests at large declined by 16.5 percent in the same 12-year period.

The total extent of lowland and hill forest, which have higher concentration of tigers, declined by 21 percent, due largely to the expansion of oil palm plantations, according to the study. It also noted that 80 percent of the remaining hill and lowland forest was degraded in quality as of 2012.

"Conservationists want to evaluate the importance of different threats to tigers," Luskin said. "We found that the primary threat to tiger populations has switched from poaching to habitat loss over the last two decades."

The habitats have also become significantly more fragmented, leaving the smaller populations at an increased risk of inbreeding, thereby posing yet another threat to their long-term survival, the study said.

Only Mount Leuser and Kerinci Seblat national parks have sufficiently large Sumatran tiger populations, with more than 30 breeding-age females each, that can be sustained over the long term.

"Conservationists must know population sizes of endangered species in order to estimate their chance of survival, since small populations often go extinct," Luskin said. "The Mount Leuser and Kerinci Seblat populations are crucial to the long-term persistence of Sumatran tigers in the wild."

The Sumatran tiger is a key conservation focus for the Indonesian government and wildlife activists; two other tiger subspecies native to Indonesia, the Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) and the Bali tiger (Panthera tigris balica), were officially declared extinct in 2003 due to poaching and habitat loss – the same threats stalking the Sumatran tiger today.

Luskin said clamping down on deforestation and poaching in Sumatran tiger habitats would stave off the march to extinction, to the extent that the habitats could hold over 40 breeding females each and likely sustain the population without supplemental breeding programs for more than 200 years.

"The threats to tigers' survival in Sumatra are critical," Luskin said. "We would like a complete stop to all future deforestation and zero tiger poaching in all remaining tiger landscapes."

But Sumatra's forests continue to come under threat, most recently in the form of multiple road development plans backed by the government. The planned projects are expected to cut through Mount Leuser, Kerinci Seblat and Bukit Barisan Selatan national parks.

The illegal wildlife trade, meanwhile, continues to flourish. Law enforcement against poaching in Indonesia has been widely criticized as ineffective; perpetrators are rarely prosecuted, and when they are, they receive token sentences that are far lower than the maximum prescribed punishment.

Conservationists have also pointed out the seeming impunity in the case of influential figures and officials involved in the illegal wildlife trade. "We hope [our report] serves as a wake-up call," Luskin said.

[This article is by Basten Gokkon and was originally published on Mongabay.]

Source: https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/12/sumatra-tiger-endangered-deforestation/

Palm oil driven deforestation driving critically endangered Sumatran

Agence France Presse - December 6, 2017

Deforestation to make way for palm oil plantations is driving critically endangered Sumatran tigers towards extinction, researchers warned on Tuesday.

The imposing carnivore has already disappeared from the neighbouring Indonesian islands of Java and Bali, and if its remaining refuge continues to shrink so will its chances of survival, they reported in the journal Nature Communications.

Its habitat declined by 17 percent between 2000 and 2012, and the population dropped from an estimated 742 to 618 adults in the wild over the same period, they found.

Between 1990 and 2010, Sumatra lost nearly 40 percent of its primary forest. As devastating, the tiger's remaining range is being chopped up into isolated pockets of forest.

"The erosion of large wilderness areas pushes Sumatran tigers one step closer to extinction," said lead author Matthew Luskin, a graduate student at the University of California at San Diego.

"Tiger subpopulations also became significantly more fragmented, greatly increasing the threat of extinction in each individual forest as a species."

There remain only two habitats big enough to host more than 30 breeding females, seem by experts as the threshold for a viable population over the long term.

The other main cause of decline is poaching, driven by a market in the Chinese-speaking world for tiger body parts, thought to boost vitality and virility.

Luskin and two colleagues spent a year trekking through remote Sumatran forests, mounting hundreds of still and video cameras that automatically captured images when a tiger, or other large animal, passed by.

Individual tigers were recognisable through the unique patterns of their stripes. Based on the data collected, the scientists calculated that a single tiger's home range was roughly 400 square kilometres (150 square miles).

"This is much larger than tiger home ranges in other regions such as India, and indicates they need larger parks to survive," they said in a statement.

There was a sliver of good news in the findings, they added. The camera traps clearly showed that the density of tigers in untouched primary forests has increased, and is about 50 percent higher than in forests where logging has occurred.

"Safeguarding the remaining expanses of primary forest is now absolutely critical," said co-author Mathias Tobler of San Diego Zoo Global.

The most famous tiger preserve is the Gunung Leuser National Park in northern Sumatra.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/palm-oil-driven-deforestation-driving-critically-endangered-sumatran-tigers-towards-extinction/

Health & education

Indonesia fights 'extraordinary' diphtheria outbreak that has killed 32

Reuters - December 7, 2017

Jakarta – Indonesian health authorities will launch an immunisation drive next week to contain a sharp rise in cases of diphtheria, which has killed at least 32 people, including many children, in the world's fourth most populous country this year.

The health ministry said at least 591 cases had been reported since January, a 42 percent increase from last year, and called the outbreak an "extraordinary event".

"We have seen an acceleration in cases compared to last year... We are implementing an immunisation programme to prevent a pandemic," said Dr Mohamad Subuh, director general of disease prevention and control, at the ministry.

The ministry recorded 415 cases and 24 deaths last year. Indonesia has among the world's highest rates of diphtheria – along with India and sub-Saharan African countries – even though vaccinations have helped minimise global cases over the past 30 years.

The World Health Organisation recorded about 7,000 cases around the world last year. In 1980, the figure was 100,000.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that spreads through close physical contact or through the air and can be fatal. Symptoms include fever and a sore throat, and the airway can sometimes become blocked.

None of those affected in Indonesia had been vaccinated against the disease. The rise in cases was attributed to several reasons, including some people rejecting vaccinations and a lack of access to healthcare, Subuh said.

The Pediatric Society of Indonesia urged the public to participate in vaccination programmes. "Immunisation is the best protection," it said.

Immunisations will be carried out in the capital, Jakarta, and two neighbouring provinces, which have reported the highest concentration of new cases. The campaign would be stepped up in other regions from January.

[Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Robert Birsel.]

Source: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-indonesia-health-diphtheria/indonesia-fights-extraordinary-diphtheria-outbreak-that-has-killed-32-idUKKBN1E117M?rpc=401&

Stigma obstructs rights protection of children with HIV/AIDS

The Conversation - December 6, 2017

Atin Prabandari, Dedi Dinarto, Irfan Ardhani and Putri Rakhmadhani Nur Rimbawati – The World AIDS Day on December 1 has been commemorated for 30 years, yet the children who suffer from HIV/AIDS in Indonesia has yet to receive as much attention as the adults who are infected by the virus.

Children with HIV/AIDS experience discrimination and have been obstructed from accessing their basic rights, such as education and shelter, from a young age.

Jakarta and Surakarta have seen children who either have parents with HIV/AIDS or suffer from the virus themselves being expelled from schools due to pressure from other parents. This kind of treatment is not limited to schools. In Surakarta, a shelter for children with HIV/AIDS run by Lentera Surakarta Foundation had to relocate several times in one year due to the rejection from the local community.

Our research that we conducted in 2016 in Jakarta and Surakarta shows that stigma and discrimination are two main factors that stops children with HIV/AIDS from receiving their basic rights.

Indonesia's central and local governments have enacted a number of regulations to ensure these rights are met. But implementation have floundered.

Meanwhile, the number of people with HIV/AIDS, including children, has been increasing. As of December 2016, Indonesia's Ministry of Health has counted more than 5,000 Indonesian citizens aged between 0-19 years old suffer from HIV/AIDS.

Support for children who live with HIV/AIDS

There are a number of community organisations in Indonesia that specifically advocate for children who live with HIV/AIDS.

Lentera Anak Pelangi has accompanied 96 children in Jakarta. This institution provides health and psychosocial support, case management, as well as advocacy. They believe that the best place for children to grow is with their families, so they can live and be taken care of in a community of caregivers.

In Central Java, Lentera Surakarta Foundation, founded by Puger Mulyono, has a shelter to accommodate a dozen children. The children in this house are not only from Solo, but also from another districts, like Batam and even Papua.

Following the rejection from the locals about living among children with HIV/AIDS that were staying in Lentera Surakarta's shelter, the Surakarta administration is building a new shelter house at a location in the city.

This shelter is expected to provide children with HIV/AIDS a permanent space that meets their health requirements. This shelter house children with HIV/AIDS who rejected by their families.

Besides managing shelters, Lentera Surakarta also looks after 101 children with HIV/AIDS who live with their family in Central Java and East Java.

Duty bearers commitments and challenges

The government has actually shown its commitment to fulfil the rights of children with HIV/AIDS by issuing regulations that impact various sectors.

Beyond regulations about HIV/AIDS, rights protection of children with HIV/AIDS has also been reinforced through the Health Law (Article 137), Social Security, Child Protection Law (Article 2 and Article 67C), Law on Education System (Article 4, 5, 6, dan 12), Law on Social Welfare and a 2010 ministerial decree about the Guidelines for Children's Social Welfare.

The government is also working on a HIV/AIDS National Prevention Strategy in the education sector. The draft is currently being reviewed by government institutions, such as the Ministry of Education and Culture, the National AIDS Commission, and other institutions.

Unfortunately, the government's commitment has not translated to policy implementation. Some classic problems in terms of coordination between different institution and budget allocation still occur. Furthermore, not all government sectors work in sync to protect basic rights of children with HIV/AIDS.

It's informative to learn that when the government takes firm actions against perpetrators of discrimination against children with HIV/AIDS, such as replacing headmasters and giving warnings to the discrimination act perpetrators in the case of public school in West Jakarta this year, it doesn't necessarily bring positive changes to the child's life.

The child who were involved in the case still could not access formal education after his expulsion. In other words, law enforcement might deter discriminative practices, but it does not ensure the rights of the child are fulfilled.

Stigma in the community

This shows that there are structural problems in the protection of children with HIV/AIDS in the form of stigma. The government and the civil society acknowledge that stigma against children with HIV/AIDS creates an obstacle to effectively protect their rights.

In general, people understand that HIV/AIDS is an infectious disease. However, this knowledge has not been followed by an understanding that the HIV/AIDS transmission is not that simple compared to the transmission of another infectious disease such as tuberculosis.

Additionally, people have no understanding on how to live side-by-side children with HIV/AIDS. People also still associate the children with HIV/AIDS with the actions of their parents which they consider as negative.

Encouraging the role of communities

There should be efforts to ensure that all elements of the society, not just the government, support the protection of rights of children with HIV/AIDS. Even though it is undeniable that the government still needs to improve the managerial and budget allocation capabilities.

The government should provide a complete and accurate information about HIV/AIDS to reduce and eventually eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Communities need to be involved as much as possible.

Communities need to be involved in ensuring children with HIV/AIDS receive their basic rights. They should be encourage to show solidarity with children with HIV AIDS.

[Atin Prabandari is a lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dedi Dinarto is a Research Associate with the Indonesia Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Irfan Ardhani is a Peneliti di ASEAN Studies Center FISIPOL UGM, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Putri Rakhmadhani Nur Rimbawati, is a Researcher and Project Manager ASEAN Studies Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Muhammad Diaz Kurniawan, an intern researcher in UGM's ASEAN Studies Center, was involved in the article's writing process.]

Source: http://theconversation.com/stigma-obstructs-rights-protection-of-children-with-hiv-aids-88700

LGBT & same-sex marriage

LGBTI groups face more death threats because of the Indonesian

Gay Star News - December 7, 2017

Shannon Power – A government crackdown on Indonesian LGBTI people has caused an increase in death threats against advocates and organizations working with the LGBTI community.

Irish NGO Front Line Defenders discovered this alarming trend during interviews for a report on the country.

The NGO released the report, 'Government Crackdown on LGBT Rights Emboldens Extremist Attacks on Peaceful Activists', on Thursday morning.

Researchers spoke to human rights defenders who have felt pressure since the government's crackdown began in 2016.

They have also faced ongoing violent raids of LGBT gatherings, threats against community leaders are increasingly frequent, personal, and violent.

'Our investigation illustrates that the government's own crackdown on LGBT rights in 2016 emboldened those who want to terrorize human rights defenders into silence,' said Front Line Defenders executive director, Andrew Anderson.

'Ongoing police raids and a failure to respond to attacks against HRDs send the message that violence against peaceful activists is acceptable in Indonesia.'

Islamic extremism

Some of the key findings of the report found that almost all of the human rights groups had received multiple death threats since 2016.

The groups had also noticed an increase of religious extremists calling for the public to attack them. The use of religious terminology had increased in the threats against the human rights groups. One example of a threat was, 'your blood is halal', meaning that to kill them is religiously sanctioned in Islam.

Three of the groups were forced to move offices after a raid or physical intimidation. The raids and threats were perpetrated by extremist groups, local religious police, and state police.

In several cases, state police ignored activists' requests for protection when an extremist group announced in advance its intention to attack an event.

'We knew ahead of our event that it would be attacked – the extremists called and told us they planned to attack. We called the police beforehand, they wouldn't come,' one human rights advocate said.

'We called them during the event, they wouldn't come. So some of us put our own bodies between the attackers and our friends. The police showed up at the very end and watched us be beaten.'

Sex workers facing intimidation

Sex workers both trans and cis gendered were at the 'forefront' of intimidation in Indonesia.

Trans sex workers who also work as advocates for their community said food and housing security was a massive issue for them. Pervasive homelessness, poverty and food insecurity mean that the need to make money at night limits the number of hours they can devote to protection work during the same hours.

Yogyakarta is a city on the island of Java. Sex worker rights defenders there said there had been an increase police targeting 'at night' when they were trying to work. They said due to their visibility as activists 'during the day' they were more likely to be targeted by police.

Front Line defenders

Front Line Defenders undertook its research in July this year. Researchers met at-risk human rights defenders in four provinces: Aceh, Makassar, Yogyakarta and Jakarta.

The group interviewed more than a dozen LGBT activists in Aceh, the only province in Indonesia governed by Islamic Sharia law. Earlier this year two men in the earlier twenties were convicted of homosexuality in Aceh and convicted to 85 lashes.

Source: https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/death-threats-against-indonesian-lgbti-groups-inspired-by-government-crackdown/

Corruption & abuse of power

House speaker to stand trial on graft charges for embezzling funds

Jakarta Globe - December 6, 2017

Alin Almanar, Jakarta – Defiant graft detainee Setya Novanto will soon stand trial as the House of Representatives speaker's case dossiers have officially been declared complete, an antigraft spokesman said on Tuesday (05/12).

The move ended a months-long investigation against Setya, who was recharged in late October for embezzling funds related to the implementation of national electronic identity cards, known as e-KTP.

The naming of Setya as a graft suspect in mid-July was declared "procedurally flawed" in late September by a Jakarta court where Setya had lodged a pretrial motion to get his case removed.

But antigraft investigators have managed again to bring charges against Setya, said Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) spokesman Priharsa Nugraha.

"The process of investigation into the case with S.N. as a suspect has already concluded and has been declared complete," Priharsa said in a statement late on Tuesday night, referring to Setya by his initials.

Setya, donning the trademark orange KPK detainee vest, earlier declined to comment to reporters at KPK headquarters.

"A formal aspect of the subsequent handover of the suspect and the dossiers from investigators to prosecutors will be processed further," Priharsa said.

In typical KPK proceedings, prosecutors file a complete dossier against a suspect to the antigraft court in order to commence the scheduling of the trial.

Setya stands accused of having embezzled Rp 574 billion ($42 million) from the Rp 5.9 trillion procurement of e-KTP that caused the state to lose Rp 2.3 trillion.

The House Speaker has repeatedly failed to show up for KPK questioning as a suspect as well as a witness in the case and has denied any wrongdoing. Setya had also made attempts to evade arrest before eventually being placed in custody in late November.

The non-active Golkar party chairman could face up to 20 years in jail if found guilty.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/house-speaker-stand-trial-graft-charges-embezzling-funds-related-e-ktp-project/

KPK to challenge court ruling revoking justice collaborator status of

Jakarta Post - December 1, 2017

Kharishar Kahfi, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to challenge the Jakarta High Court's ruling to revoke the justice collaborator status of former Home Ministry senior officials and e-ID graft convicts Irman and Sugiharto at the Supreme Court.

"The revocation of the justice collaborator status will be one of our points in our cassation [appeal to overturn the court ruling] that will be filed with the Supreme Court," KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah told journalists on Thursday. He said the appeal process was underway and the antigraft body was waiting for the next step.

KPK prosecutors filed an appeal with the high court regarding the verdict at the Jakarta Corruption Court on the two defendants because, according to the prosecutors, the panel of judges had yet to include pieces of evidence and several testimonies from figures implicated in the e-ID graft case.

Among the names include embattled House of Representatives Speaker and Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto, who was accused of playing a key role in the graft case that resulted in Rp 2.3 trillion (US$170 million) in state losses.

However, the high court rejected the appeal and revoked the justice collaborator status of Irman and Sugiharto. The KPK granted the status to the two defendants during the trial of their case. In its ruling on the appeal, the court also imposed larger fines on the two defendants. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/01/KPK-to-challenge-court-ruling-revoking-justice-collaborator-status-of-irman-sugiharto.html

Freedom of religion & worship

Circular containing strict prohibitions on non-Muslim worship rescinded

Coconuts Jakarta - December 7, 2017

A village in Tangerang Regency, just outside of Jakarta, has been accused of religious intolerance after a photo of a circular going around the village containing strict regulations on the religious practices of non-Muslims went viral.

The circular was issued to residents of Rajeg Village's RW 6 neighborhood. In it, neighborhood chiefs signed off on regulations limiting the religious freedoms of non-Muslim residents, only allowing them to hold religious activities as long as no guests from outside the village are invited, no loudspeakers are used, and no religious figures are invited.

The circular also prohibited houses from being turned into places of worship (which would be a fair rule, if not for the fact that the circular is specifically targeted towards non-Muslims) and that it is expected that the deceased be buried within 24 hours of their passing, in accordance with Islamic custom.

After the circular went viral and was, justifiably, condemned by many, Rajeg Village Chief Yanto Firmansyah – who signed off on the circular – said he has rescinded the discriminatory set of regulations after reviewing it with local police and the regional government.

"The circular was just a miscommunication. In the field there's actually nothing wrong (between residents)," Yanto said, as quoted by Detik today.

Yanto did not elaborate on how "miscommunication" played a part in the creation of a disgustingly discriminative circular. "There will be a circular about the annulment of those rules," he said.

There are no reports yet of Yanto, or anyone else involved in the circular's creation, receiving any kind of sanctions for trying to pass the bigoted regulations, which means he could very well hide behind his ridiculous excuse while this controversy passes.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/circular-containing-strict-prohibitions-non-muslim-worship-rescinded-going-viral-village-chief-blames-miscommunication/

Sex, pornography & morality

Mass campaign flags obscene 'Balinese' dance on YouTube

Jakarta Post - December 7, 2017

I Wayan Juniartha, Denpasar – The first ever collective flagging campaign was undertaken on Wednesday to alert popular video sharing service YouTube on what the Balinese have deemed an offensive interpretation of their Joged traditional dance.

The campaign, which involved more than 80 representatives from universities and youth organizations in Denpasar, was triggered by a public uproar over female Joged dancers who performed movements simulating sexual acts with male audience members, often in front of children who were also watching the show.

"Joged is a social dance performed during community events as entertainment. It has been recognized by UNESCO as [an Intangible Cultural Heritage]. In its original and most widely performed form, it is a dynamic dance with flirtatious elements, but never vulgar or sexually explicit gestures," arts professor Made Bandem said.

The public uproar was further inflamed by the circulation of "Joged jaruh" (obscene) videos on YouTube, with one footage showing it had been watched 10 million times.

The performance was held at the main campus of information technology university STIMIK-STIKOM Bali. The university's representatives were briefed on the vulgarity of the Joged that had been performed before they were directed to report the YouTube channels that featured the videos.

"We expect to file at least 5,000 reports today. This is the first step of the campaign, and we expect to involve more people in the coming days, since anyone with a smartphone can participate," said Marlowe Makaradhwaja, who is organizing the mass flagging campaign.

The campaign, he added, had two objectives: convincing YouTube to suspend the channels and educating the public on the authentic Joged dance.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/07/mass-campaign-flags-obscene-balinese-dance-on-youtube.html

Indonesian Foreign Ministry's Twitter account posts 2 pornographic

Coconuts Jakarta - December 4, 2017

Pornography is strictly illegal in Indonesia, which makes what appeared on the official Twitter account of the country's Foreign Ministry account at around 7 pm yesterday all the more shocking.

Around that time, two tweets featuring pornographic pictures appeared, seven minutes apart, were sent out by the official government account. The first was a photo of a naked woman with an Arabic caption, while the second obscene photo featured a Japanese caption.

The photos were taken down very soon after and the account then tweeted out an apology blaming the incident on "irresponsible spammers."

#SahabatKemlu terkait adanya post yang tidak relevan di akun Twitter Kemlu. Dapat kami informasikan bahwa itu adalah spam dari pihak yg tidak bertanggung jawab. Kami mohon maaf atas ketidaknyamanan yg ditimbulkan. – KEMLU RI (@Portal_Kemlu_RI) December 3, 2017

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/indonesian-foreign-ministrys-twitter-account-posts-2-pornographic-pictures-investigation-underway/

Students demand EDM festival DWP be banned for 'immorality'; Vice Gov.

Coconuts Jakarta - December 4, 2017

Many lovers of electronic dance music in Jakarta and around Asia are looking forward to this year's edition of the Djakarta Warehouse Project, touted as the biggest EDM festival in the region, which is taking place on Dec. 15-16 and will feature a number of world-famous international DJs as well as some of Indonesia's most talented musicians.

But one group that is not looking forward to DWP is a group called the Student & Youth Caring for the Nation Movement. About a dozen or so members of the little-known organization carried out a protest at Jakarta City Hall last Wednesday to demand that Governor Anies Baswedan retract the government's permission for the music festival to take place.

In a press release to the media condemning DWP, the group wrote, "Activities such as dancing, stomping one's feet, raising your hands and wiggling your body in a mini-dress plus drinking alcohol with Disc Jockey (DJs) makes this an alcohol party for the youth, and it is clear that indigenous eastern values and Indonesian civilization are being eroded from Indonesian culture. Therefore foreign culture must be resisted because it can damage the morality of the young generation."

Because we all know how much Indonesian culture reject things like people raising their arms and wiggling their bodies with women wearing revealing outfits. Totally imported from the West.

When asked about the group's protest against DWP yesterday, Vice Governor Sandiaga Uno said he supports the event, noting that his children have attended the event in the past. "Oh (DWP), my son usually goes there," Sandiaga said Sunday as quoted by Tempo.

Some might find Sandiaga's support for DWP funny considering how often he has talked about introducing more sharia-based nightlife to Jakarta and wanting to make Jakarta into a halal tourism destination (even suggesting that the infamous Alexis Hotel be changed into a sharia hotel called Al-Iklas).

But the vice governor said that events like DWP were good because they improve the economy and create jobs. He also said that events like DWP should motivate the community to make Indonesian culture more competitive, adding that he would propose to music festivals like DWP that they also include Indonesian cultural performances such as dance or traditional music.

"Yes, we will make sure that there will also be Indonesian culture that is as cool as DWP. If we compete, it will be better in the future," he said.

In fact, a number of notable Indonesian musicians are already performing at DWP including EDM producer Andre Dunant and viral sensation Brian Immanuel aka Rich Chigga, both of whom hail from Jakarta. They'll be joining world-famous headliners including Marshmellow, Hardwell, Steve Aoki and Tiesto when DWP takes place Dec. 15-16 at the JIExpo Center in Kemayoran.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/students-demand-edm-festival-dwp-banned-immorality-vice-gov-sandiaga-oh-yeah-kid-usually-goes/

Poverty & social inequity

Hartono brothers extend gap on 2017 Forbes Indonesia rich list

Jakarta Post - December 2, 2017

Jakarta – The Hartono brothers, who have topped the Forbes Indonesia Rich List for nine years in a row, extended their gap at the top with their net worth rising to US$32.3 billion from $17.1 billion last year, largely thanks to a nearly 50 percent rise in the value of their stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA).

This year, the Hartono's, who inherited clove cigarette maker Djarum several decades ago but later diversified by buying a stake in BCA during the 1998 financial crises, increased their stake in BCA to 55 percent, from 47 percent.

Meanwhile, palm oil tycoon Eka Tjipta Widjaja rose two spots to second place, as he saw his fortune rise to $9.1 billion, up $3.5 billion from a year ago. Susilo Wonowidjojo, the owner of kretek maker Gudang Garam, was third place with a fortune of $8.8 billion, rising from $7.1 billion last year.

All but one of Indonesia's 10 richest saw their fortunes increase by at least 10 percent in the past year, partly due to higher stock values. Indonesia's stock market rose 17 percent over the same period. The total net worth of the country's 50 richest is now $126 billion, up from $99 billion a year ago.

Another factor responsible for the higher valuations is tax amnesty last year that allowed the country's tycoons to declare previously hidden assets. As a result of this, Jogi Hendra Atmadja, the Mayora Group president commissioner, jumped 25 spots to 10th place this year with a net worth of $2.7 billion, up $850 million.

"This year, the notable achievement is that the total net worth of the 50 richest surpassed $100 billion for the first time ever. Indonesia's standing, as measured by the list of its 50 richest, is rising in the global business community," Forbes Indonesia chief editorial advisor Justin Doebele said in a statement on Thursday.

There are two newcomers among this year's top 50 richest Indonesians. Arini Subianto (No. 37, $820 million) inherited the fortune of her father Benny Subianto after his death in January. She is now the president director of the family's holding company, Persada Capital Investama, and oversees its investments in everything from wood-processing products and palm oil to rubber processing and coal. Hartono Kweefanus (No. 46, $540 million) joins the ranks based on his ownership of biscuit empire Monde Nissin, which spans across Asia.

Two people also returned to the ranks after a year or more of absence. They are Sritex Group's founder Iwan Lukminto (No. 48, $490 million), and The Ning King (No. 50, $450 million) of Argo Manunggal Group.

However, the fortunes of 16 tycoons fell compared to a year ago. Longtime listee Arifin Panigoro is one of the three dropping out of the list because of a lower stake in Medco Energi Internasional.

The top 10 richest in Indonesia are:

1. R. Budi and Michael Hartono; US$32.3 billion
2. Eka Tjipta Widjaja; $9.1 billion
3. Susilo Wonowidjojo; $8.8 billion
4. Anthoni Salim; $6.9 billion
5. Sri Prakash Lohia; $6.4 billion
6. Boenjamin Setiawan; $3.65 billion
7. Chairul Tanjung; $3.6 billion
8. Tahir; $3.5 billion
9. Mochtar Riady; $3 billion
10. Jogi Hendra Atmadja; $2.7 billion

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/02/hartono-brothers-extend-gap-on-2017-forbes-indonesia-rich-list.html

Parliament & legislation

House urged to protect human rights, prevent excessive criminalization

Jakarta Post - December 6, 2017

Jakarta – The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) has called on the House of Representatives to focus its attention on protecting human rights and reducing excessive criminalization during the deliberation of draft laws in the upcoming legislative program.

The House held a plenary meeting on Tuesday to finalize the 2018 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas). Eight out of the 50 bills on the program are related to criminal laws, including a bill to revise the Criminal Code and another bill on terrorism.

"The House must ensure that human rights are protected, especially in the use of criminal punishments," ICJR executive director Supriyadi Eddyono said in a statement on Wednesday.

He further said the House should address the problem of excessive criminalization, which he said had reached "a worrying level."

"Pasal karet [catchall articles] should be repealed," Supriyadi said. "Alternative criminal punishments should also be considered, not just prison sentences," he added, citing fines, social work and suspended sentences as examples.

Supriyadi also urged the House to make the deliberation process of the bills more transparent and open to the public.

The ICJR noted that out of the eight criminal-law related bills, four were still being deliberated. They are the Criminal Code bill, the sexual assault bill, the alcoholic beverages bill and the terrorism bill.

"The deliberation process is taking much longer than it needs to," Eddyono said. "The House should manage its time and energy so that it can hold serious discussions and fulfil the Prolegnas target." (kmt/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/06/house-urged-to-protect-human-rights-prevent-excessive-criminalization.html

Lawmakers should use anti-snooze seats: VP

Jakarta Post - December 5, 2017

Jakarta – Vice President Jusuf Kalla has suggested that lawmakers, who are infamous for dozing off during meetings at the House of Representatives, use anti-sleep seats designed by Brawijaya University students.

"It would be very good for House members in the assembly room," Kalla said at a seminar on business start-ups at the University's campus in Malang, East Java on Monday as reported by tempo.co.

The vice president said the seats would be very useful in the House, given the many photos and videos of house members nodding off or dozing during sessions. "I will ask the House Speaker to make these anti-sleep seats available in the House," he said.

The seat, dubbed Alakantuk, is the brainchild of three Brawijaya mechanical engineering students named Wahyu Tasry Naufal, Asri Anjasari and Prayoga Bintang Primawan. They came up with the idea as a way to decrease the number of car accidents caused by sleepiness.

The innovation consists of a cushion and a bracelet that contains a heartbeat sensor. When the user's heartbeat slows, the cushion will vibrate.

"When the cushion vibrates, your heart rate will go up and your blood flow will improve, so you will be more focused as you drive," Prayoga said, adding that the seat could also be used by university students to stay alert during lectures. (kmt/rin)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/05/lawmakers-should-use-anti-snooze-seats-vp.html

Jakarta & urban life

Jakarta's one-fare transportation system to be on trial next year

Jakarta Post - December 7, 2017

Agnes Anya, Jakarta – Jakarta will implement a one-fare public transportation system called OK Otrip next year in an attempt to encourage more people to use public transportation.

Under the system, which is expected to be on a limited trial next year, passengers can travel across the capital using different modes of transportation for three hours by paying only Rp 5,000 (36 US cents), said Andri Yansyah, Jakarta's transportation agency head. "For instance, a passenger leaves the first point at 9 a.m. and travels around until 12 p.m. No matter how many modes of transportation are taken, [the passenger's] total fare is only Rp 5,000," said Andri recently, adding that there were no specific conditions.

Responding to the plan, Organization of Land Transportation Owners chairman Shafruhan Sinungan said the organization supported the plan and was ready for the trial next year.

"We basically support the move but we call on the governor to ease the bidding requirements so that middle-sized enterprises can meet the eligibility," he added.

Shafruhan further said the administration had told Organda about the trial, which would be implemented to certain routes in five municipalities.

During the trial, some angkot (public minivan) routes will be changed so that they only transport passengers to and from neighborhoods and the nearest Transjakarta shelters.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/07/jakartas-one-fare-transportation-system-to-be-on-trial-next-year.html

Jakarta deputy governor promises 'pain' for Jakartans averse to public

Jakarta Globe - December 7, 2017

Sarah Yuniarni, Jakarta – Jakarta deputy governor Sandiaga Uno said on Wednesday (06/12) he wants to make it "painful" for Jakarta residents to bring their own vehicles into the city once the first phase of the city's new Mass Rapid Transit system begins in March 2019.

"We want to make it 'painful' [for users of private vehicles]. There will be enough disincentives to drive your own cars or ride motorcycles. We want to force people to use public transportation," Sandiaga told reporters at a Bloomberg forum in Jakarta.

Jakarta, a city of more than 10 million people, is notorious for its traffic gridlocks – caused by an ever-increasing number of private vehicles and long delays in road and public transportation infrastructure projects.

According to Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data, the number of four-wheeled vehicles in Jakarta grew by 6.48 percent on average from 2012 to 2016. The corresponding figure for two-wheeled vehicles is 5.3 percent.

Last year, more than 13 million motorcycles and 3 million cars were on Jakarta's streets, a huge strain on the city's logistics and severely weakening economic activity in the capital.

According to National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) data, gridlocks in Greater Jakarta result in Rp 100 trillion ($7.4 billion) of economic losses each year.

Sandi said the Jakarta administration will impose higher vehicle tax to persuade people to use public transport. It will also issue new regulations for transit-oriented development (TOD).

Sandi believes the city's horrific traffic can also be reduced by implementing the long-planned electronic road pricing (ERP) by March 2019 when MRT service commences.

"We don't know yet how much we will charge for the ERP. The government tender to choose an ERP vendor is still ongoing," Sandiaga said.

The ERP system is expected to reduce the city's traffic woes by forcing drivers to pay considerable fees if they want to pass through certain streets or areas in the capital.

It will be implemented at first in several major thoroughfares in the city, including Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan M.H. Thamrin – all in Central Jakarta.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-deputy-governor-promises-pain-jakartans-averse-public-transport/

West Jakarta mayor (allegedly) falls asleep sitting next to Governor

Coconuts Jakarta - December 7, 2017

West Jakarta Mayor Anas Effendi now holds the incredible, potentially unassailable record of sleeping in front of four Jakarta governors.

The latest dozing off incident was captured by Kompas reporter Jessi Carina on Tuesday during a Quran recital at a government event in Kalideres, West Jakarta.

Sitting next to Anas while he continuously struggled and failed to keep his eyes open was Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

Anies didn't seem to notice his subordinate's escape to dreamland (the governor was looking at his phone throughout much of the video), but the public clearly did.

When asked about the incident, however, Anas denied he fell asleep (we're surprised he didn't use the "I shut my eyes to deeply focus on the Quran recital" excuse).

"I wasn't sleeping; sleeping is for on the bed. I was on a chair, slightly tilting my head down, that's understandable," Anas told reporters yesterday, as quoted by Kompas.

However Anas did admit that he might have been tired because of the time and energy he dedicates to his job.

"I work until night time. At night I still monitor Kota Tua (Old Town) among other things, attending events here and there," he said.

Vice Governor Sandiaga Uno also came to Anas' defense. "Our mayor in West Jakarta, poor guy, he must be exhausted. He works 24 hours (a day), he must be tired," Sandiaga said.

Incredibly, Anas has been caught sleeping (or at least shutting his eyes) in front of three previous Jakarta governors. In March 2013, he fell asleep during a plenary meeting headed by then-Governor Joko Widodo discussing the city budget.

In another budget meeting two years later under former Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Widodo, Anas was again observed with his head down and eyes closed. Then, in June, he also had his head down and eyes shut while former Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat gave a speech.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/watch-west-jakarta-mayor-allegedly-falls-asleep-sitting-next-governor-anies-quran-recital/

Jakarta transportation body lays out strategies to fix the capital's $7b

Jakarta Globe - December 5, 2017

Amal Ganesha, Jakarta – The Greater Jakarta Transportation Body, or BPTJ, an agency under the Ministry of Transportation that oversees transit issues in and around the capital, has prepared a comprehensive outline to reduce congestion in one of Southeast Asia's largest metropolitan areas.

According to the National Development Planning Agency, or Bappenas, traffic congestion in Greater Jakarta wastes around Rp 100 trillion ($7.4 billion) each year due to the high number of motorcycles and cars on the roads and poor infrastructural planning.

Congestion is also exacerbated in the capital by a strikingly low number of residents who use public transportation systems, like the TransJakarta busway. An estimated 20 percent of city residents use those systems, compared to neighboring Singapore, where about 60 percent of residents use public transport each day to commute to and from work.

The agency reported that the number of daily commuters in and around Jakarta climbed to 1.1 million people recently, 1.5 times higher than the number in 2002.

To lessen rising traffic congestion, BPTJ announced in a statement that it has formulated at least 11 strategies to resolve the issue.

"First, push and pull policies like the odd-even restriction rule, a motorcycle ban in certain areas and providing lots of alternative shuttle transport," the statement said.

"Second, fixing 17 congestion spots caused by overcrowding at 17 train stations," the agency added, while mentioning the Sudirman Station in Central Jakarta, where about 60,000 passengers transit each day.

Integrated electronic payment systems, motorcycle bans, electronic road pricing (ERP), developing elevated looplines and mass rapid transit systems are among other strategies BPTJ deems effective to resolve the traffic jam.

"Elevated looplines can avoid train conflicts with other vehicles on the crossroad," BPTJ explained.

"TransJakarta's 13th corridor [which runs from Jalan Kapten Tendean in South Jakarta to Ciledug in Banten] should provide more routes in Tangerang," BPTJ added.

These strategies are expected to yield significant outputs by 2019.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/business/jakarta-transportation-body-lays-comprehensive-plan-fix-capitals-7b-traffic-problem/

Jakarta provincial government to allow Christmas event at National

Coconuts Jakarta - December 5, 2017

After Governor Anies Baswedan overturned the ban on Monas (National Monument) being used for religious and political events and allowed the 212 anti-Ahok "grand reunion" to take place over the weekend (which he opened with a speech), there's only one thing he can do from now on regarding requests from followers of other faiths who want to use the space for their events: approve them.

True enough, Anies said yesterday that Christians will have Monas for themselves for one day in order to celebrate Christmas this year.

"I don't know the exact date yet. But we will hold an activity to celebrate Christmas together," Anies said, as quoted by Metro TV.

Anies added that he is still in discussions with the leaders of many Christian organizations in the city to determine the date of the event.

"I suggested that it should be held right around Christmas day. But they (organization leaders) suggested some time in January because of the long holiday," he said.

The ban on religious activities at Monas was passed by former Governor Basuki "Ahok" Thajaha Purnama in 2015, solidifying previous governmental decrees prohibiting religious, commercial, and political events from taking place at the symbolic site.

When Anies was elected as governor in October, he moved quickly to repeal the ban, just in time for Islamic hardliners to hold a one-year anniversary of the 212 anti-Ahok rally (which many say Anies greatly benefited from during the election this year).

Anies' move was criticized by many, including the chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (the world's largest Muslim organization), who warned the governor not to use religion as a political tool and that he now has to give all faiths equal treatment regarding the use of Monas for religious activities.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/jakarta-provincial-government-allow-christmas-event-national-monument/

Grant for Jakarta teachers susceptible to fraud: Unions

Jakarta Post - December 4, 2017

Agnes Anya, Jakarta – Jakarta's 2018 draft budget has once again garnered criticism, with education experts claiming that a Rp 430.7 billion (US$31.8 million) grant set aside for teachers' associations would be susceptible to fraud.

According to the Indonesian Teacher Unions Federation (FSGI) and Jakarta Teacher Union (SEGI), the funds should be given directly to teachers.

"[Distributing the grant through organizations] will trigger discrimination and jealousy," Heru Purnomo, FSGI's general secretary, said in a press conference on Sunday.

Jakarta administration has set aside funds for three teacher organizations in its 2018 draft budget. The Association of Indonesian Educators and Teaching Practitioners for Early Childhood Education (Himpaudi) is set to receive Rp 40.2 billion, the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) is slated to get Rp 367 billion, while Rp 23.5 billion will go to the Indonesian Association of Kindergarten Teachers (IGTKI).

The administration said that the funds were a show of its appreciation for teachers.

Furthermore, if the funds were channeled through specific organizations, only teachers who were a part of those organizations would receive their share, Heru said.

"It will not reach all teachers in the capital who did not join those organizations. If the administration wants to improve the quality of teachers, it should provide workshops instead of giving cash," he added.

Education Agency deputy head Bowo Irianto assured that all Jakarta teachers would receive a monthly share of the grant, adding that the three organizations were selected to help the administration distribute the funds accordingly.

Moreover, these three groups were the ones that had made a formal request for a grant for Jakarta's teachers, he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/04/grant-for-jakarta-teachers-susceptible-to-fraud-unions.html

Gov. Anies opens anti-Ahok protest reunion at which fugitive FPI leader

Coconuts Jakarta - December 4, 2017

So Saturday saw the one year anniversary of the December 2 protest against former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama take place, with an estimated 30,000 "212 alumni" (212 because of the date of the protest, alumni because in Indonesia you can be an "alumni" of a one-day protest) turning up at the grounds of the National Monument (Monas) to not only celebrate their day of political triumph but also make some big announcements about the direction they want to see the country take in the future.

The event was opened with a speech by Governor Anies Baswedan, the man who most directly benefited from the heavily-politicized blasphemy charges against Ahok, which eventually led the Chinese-Christian leader's election loss and imprisonment.

Before the anniversary event, Anies had, on multiple occasions, denied responsibility for the event being allowed to take place at Monas, but was forced to admit he had given it his go-ahead after a permission letter from the Jakarta Tourism Board with his signature was revealed to the press.

He had also refused to comment on whether he had accepted the 212 alumni's invitation to the rally making it a surprise to some that he not only showed up but gave the opening speech.

Anies has often sought to distance himself from the Islamic hardliners behind the anti-Ahok protests and so his speech did not touch on any overtly political issues. He began by noting that he had given Jakartans the ability to hold religious and cultural events at Monas.

"Jakarta is ours. It doesn't only belong to some of us. The city should be happy, calm and comfortable because of our faith and piety," he said as quoted by Tribun.

Anies was referring to his overturning of a regulation from the previous administration banning religious and political (but not cultural) events from taking place at Monas, a regulation he repealed just in time for the 212 reunion to take place there.

Anies ended his speech by telling the crowd, "Let's fight for unity".

Not in attendance but also giving a speech at the event was Rizieq Shihab, the founder and leader of the infamous Islamic Defenders Front and a fugitive from Indonesian law currently hiding in Saudi Arabia. There was some talk of him returning to Indonesia for the 212 reunion but ultimately he decided the risk that police would arrest him on pornography charges was too great.

Instead, Rizieq had a recorded speech was that was played for the crowd in which he called on his followers to fight for a sharia-based government, which he called the Sharia Unitary State of the Republic Indonesia (NKRI).

Rizieq asserted that this sharia state he was calling for would not violate the state ideology of Pancasila, even though the founders of Indonesia explicitly choose Pancasila as an alternative to Islamist who wanted a government based on sharia law.

"The Sharia NKRI consists people who love their ulemas, instead of criminalizing and terrorizing them," he said as quoted by Detik. Rizieq believes that the numerous pending criminal cases against him (he has also been named a suspect in cases of defamation and blasphemy) are the result of a conspiracy by the government of president Joko Widodo.

"Sharia NKRI is a country in which pribumi (a controversial term for "native Indonesians") are the masters of their own lands. Sharia NKRI is anti-corruption, anti-gambling and drugs, anti-pornography, anti-prostitution, anti-LGBT, anti-defamation, anti-lies and anti-injustice," said the man who has been reported numerous times for defamation, blasphemy and pornography.

Despite the fact that Rizieq remains a fugitive from Indonesian law, the "congress of 212 alumni" decided that he is the best person to spiritually lead the Muslim people of Indonesia

"The essence of the edict from all the congress participants reaffirms the commitment of all alumni 212 that Rizieq is the high priest of the people of Indonesia. Therefore, we plead with the government to stop criminalizing or manipulating his case," said Presidium Alumni 212 chairman Slamet Maarif.

We should note that there is no such position as "high priest of Indonesia" for Muslims, it's completely made up, and many major Muslim groups such as Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama had a big problem with him being called by the phony title.

So after fugitive "high priest of Indonesia" openly called for a sharia state in which pribumi Muslims are the masters, will we finally see Governor Anies Baswedan denounce Rizieq and his ilk or will he just call on them to keep "fighting for unity"? You tell us.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/gov-anies-opens-anti-ahok-protest-reunion-fugitive-fpi-leader-rizieq-named-high-priest-indonesia/

No MUI endorsement for 212 reunion rally

Jakarta Post - December 2, 2017

Jakarta – Despite being one of the main backers of the 212 rally last year, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has not given its endorsement for this year's reunion rally taking place at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Saturday.

MUI chairman Ma'ruf Amin said the rally held on Dec. 2, 2016 had achieved its goals and there was no need to hold a reunion event.

"The issues surrounding the rally last year have been concluded, so we don't need to revive the 212 rally. It is better for the people to gather and celebrate Maulid [the birthday of Prophet Muhammad] that could strengthen our unity," he said on Friday as reported by tempo.co.

The 212 rally called for the imprisonment of former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for his comments that were deemed to have insulted Islam last year. This year's reunion event saw a smaller number of participants compared to the hundreds of thousands who gathered last year.

Ma'ruf added that the reunion would only provoke prejudice and insinuate criticism toward the government. "[The event] was not tausyiah [sermon] but rather provoked agitation," he added. (nmn/rin)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/02/no-mui-endorsement-for-212-reunion-rally.html

Anies attends 212 reunion rally

Jakarta Post - December 2, 2017

Jakarta – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan attended the 212 reunion rally at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Saturday morning, giving the opening remarks at the event.

The reunion was held to celebrate the anniversary of a rally held in Jakarta on Dec. 2 last year that demanded the prosecution of then Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama after he was accused of blasphemy.

Anies was welcomed by thousands of participants at the rally. He began by telling the participants that he had permitted residents of Jakarta to hold religious and cultural events at Monas.

"Jakarta is ours. It doesn't only belong to some of us. The city should be happy, calm and comfortable because of our faith and piety," Anies said as quoted by wartakota.com.

He went on to suggest that the participants should repeat the peaceful rally last year, where they "disappointed the pessimists."

He was referring to people who believed the rally last year would end in chaos. "In fact, you held the event with peace, comfort and calm," he said according to Tempo.co.

Anies went on to suggest that the participants should fight for societal unity. "Let's fight for unity," he said. (Cal)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/02/anies-attends-212-reunion-rally.html

Rizieq calls for sharia state during 212 Alumni reunion

Tempo - December 2, 2017

Untung Widyanto, Jakarta – Islam Defender Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab sent a recorded message from Saudi Arabia for participants of the 212 Rally Alumni Reunion held at the National Monument (Monas) on Saturday, December 2.

"In this 212 Alumni Reunion, I call on all Muslims in Indonesia to fight for the Sharia Unitary State of the Republic Indonesia (NKRI)," Rizieq said in a recording.

Rizieq explained that the Sharia NKRI is a religious NKRI that upholds state ideology Pancasila values. He added that the Sharia NKRI must be led by trustworthy people.

"The Sharia NKRI consists people who love their ulemas, instead of criminalizing and terrorizing them," he said.

Rizieq also denied that the Sharia NKRI would pose threats against the country's constitution. He also called on participants to maintain order. The FPI leader hopes that the reunion would be peaceful.

Ridwan Juwardi, one of the participants, expected to meet Rizieq at the event. However, he said that he was not disappointed although Rizieq could not attend the event.

Serdang Habibullah Rangkuti, one of the FPI members, said he supported Rizieq's decision to be absent from the event. He expressed concerns that the FPI leader might be criminalized. "We don't want Habib [Rizieq] to die in vain," he said.

Attending the 212 Rally Alumni Reunion were National Mandate Party (PAN) politician Amien Rais, House of Representatives Deputy Speakers Fadli Zon and Fahri Hamzah, local celebrity Ahmad Dhani, and Buni Yani.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/02/055913743/Rizieq-Calls-for-Sharia-State-during-212-Alumni-Reunion

Rizieq Shihab to attend 212 reunion rally, lawyer says

Jakarta Post - December 1, 2017

Jakarta – Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab, who is on the police's wanted list for allegedly violating the Pornography Law, has planned to attend a 212 reunion rally on Saturday, his lawyer said.

The event, named after the date on which it took place, is to commemorate last year's rally on Dec. 2, which demanded the resignation of then-Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

"Habib Rizieq will be present physically," Rizieq's lawyer, Kapitra Ampera, said on Friday as quoted by kompas.com.

Kapitra, however, refused to elaborate on the exact arrival time of the firebrand cleric, who is believed to have been in Saudi Arabia since May, when he was named a suspect.

FPI spokesperson Slamet Ma'arif could not confirm whether Rizieq would attend the event, which is planned to take place in Istiqlal Mosque and at National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta.

Rizieq was named a suspect after alleged steamy WhatsApp chats with a woman named Firza Husein, also a suspect in the case, went viral on the internet. He was named a suspect without undergoing questioning as he had evaded two summons from the police. (fac)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/01/rizieq-shihab-to-attend-212-reunion-rally-lawyer-says.html

Sport & recreation

It's a 'bit tight': Asian Games face race against time

Agence France Presse - December 2, 2017

Half-finished venues and an air of unpreparedness raise an uncomfortable question for Indonesia: will it be ready for next year's Asian Games?

With less than nine months to go, earthmovers and cranes dot construction sites and plans for logistics remain hazy, pointing to a frantic build-up to the regional Olympics in August.

Turbulent preparations for major events are nothing new: the 2004 Athens Olympics stadium was only completed weeks before the opening ceremony, and Brazil's 2014 World Cup went ahead in unfinished venues.

The doomsday scenario remains New Delhi's 2010 Commonwealth Games, where problems ranged from filthy conditions at the athletes' village to collapsing infrastructure.

Indonesia had its own problems with the 2011 Southeast Asian Games – which, like the Asian Games, were split between Jakarta and Palembang in South Sumatra – following corruption scandals and a deadly stampede at the football final.

But the Asian Games are on a different scale altogether: 9,500 athletes in 40 different sports, compared to 28 for the last Olympics, and held in two different cities for the first time in the event's history.

With at least one venue, the velodrome in Jakarta, not expected to be ready until June, chief organizer Erick Thohir admitted the schedule was "a bit tight" for the 30 trillion rupiah ($2.2 billion) Games.

But Thohir, the media tycoon who is president of Inter Milan and owns DC United, pledged that Indonesia will be ready to host its biggest sports event yet from August 18 to September 2.

"Actually we're doing something that's impossible but became possible," he said this week during an official media visit and venue tour.

"We're still in progress but we will make sure that the (work) is finishing up and we will make everything ready on time," he added.

'Pray for us'

Hosting the Asian Games is an ambitious endeavor for any country, as underlined in 2014 when Vietnam pulled out as hosts of the upcoming tournament, citing concerns over preparations and the heavy financial burden.

Indonesia, facing five years to prepare rather than the usual seven, then opted to bring the Games forward from 2019 to 2018 to avoid a clash with national elections, losing another year.

A change of president in 2014 slowed efforts to push forward the project, as has repeated tinkering with the sporting schedule.

"We hope that this (sporting program) is not changing any more – hope for us and pray for us," said an exasperated Harry Warganegara of the Games' organizing committee, INASGOC.

In sleepy South Sumatra, an hour's flight from Jakarta, large parts of Palembang's Jakabaring Sport City remain a building site, permeated with the screech of angle-grinders and smoke from bonfires on nearby wasteland.

At the bowling venue, teams of carpenters are laying down chipboard underflooring for the 40 bowling lanes, while piles of bricks and debris are heaped on the dirt forecourt outside.

Nearby, the skeletons of unfinished buildings stand next to the white grandstand at the rowing venue, which will be the "best... in the world", according to provincial governor Alex Noerdin.

"(The venues are) not ready 100 percent," admitted the ambitious Noerdin, who also hopes to attract a MotoGP motorbike race to Palembang, and jokes that he even has his eye on the Olympics.

"Some infrastructure is under construction, so apologies for the traffic jams, for so many cars everywhere," he said. "But we promise you, six months before the Asian Games Palembang will be the most beautiful city in Indonesia."

Toxic river

At the Palembang athletes' village, originally built for the 2011 SEA Games, workers are painting curbstones black and white and an unidentified man is asleep in one of the bedrooms.

Meanwhile the Jakarta athletes' village, seven tower blocks housing 5,400 small apartments, is nearing completion but backs on to a foul-smelling, toxic black river.

The target seems to be that Indonesia will be more or less ready for the Games, and that they will be held without too many of the organizational hitches that often plague major events.

But for many Indonesians, holding the competition at all is already a triumph for a country which has weathered severe difficulties since independence in 1945 to become one of the world's biggest emerging economies.

"Not only do we want to host something for the international audience, but also we want to build something for the people of Indonesia. I think that's something that's important for Indonesia," said Thohir.

"We want to show Indonesia has really changed over the past 50 years... the image we want to show is the transformation of Indonesia."

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/bit-tight-asian-games-face-race-time/

Armed forces & defense

Hadi Tjahjanto: TNI remains neutral in 2019 elections

Tempo - December 7, 2017

Antara, Jakarta – Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander candidate Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto promised that the TNI will remain neutral in the upcoming 2019 Elections.

"The most important thing is to maintain neutrality and solidity; that's all," Hadi said today after receiving attending a meeting with members of House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission I at his official residence in East Jakarta.

Hadi also promised the TNI will not get involved in practical politics during the fit and proper test at the DPR yesterday. Hadi Tjahjanto, who currently serves as the Indonesian Air Force chief of staff (Kasau), also mentioned the challenges faced by the TNI, adding that the strategic plan (Renstra) will be synchronized with national development.

DPR's Commission I deputy chairman TB Hasanuddin said a plenary meeting would be held this noon to decide the nomination of Hadi Tjahjanto as the TNI chief after a fit and proper test.

"Upon approval by all factions, the DPR speakers will report to the Palace. After that, it's up to the Palace when the inauguration will be held. We will wait for the invitation," Hasanuddin said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/07/055913911/Hadi-Tjahjanto-TNI-Remains-Neutral-in-2019-Elections

Timing of massive TNI rotation raises questions, expert says

Jakarta Post - December 6, 2017

Jakarta – Military expert Mufti Makarim said the process to rotate 85 Indonesian Military (TNI) senior officers revealed in a letter dated Dec. 4 might have started several months ago.

"It's a long process. So, there is nothing political about this," he told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. However, Mufti said, the timing of the rotation of the high-ranking military officials did raise questions.

"The commander must clearly explain the reassignment so that the public will not make certain assumptions," Mufti said, referring to TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo.

It is also particularly important for Gatot to clarify the process he had taken to reassign officers who would hold strategic command positions, he went on.

"Otherwise there might be a sense that Gatot aims to put 'his people' on important posts, making it harder for Hadi to deal with them," Mufti said.

As reported earlier, Gatot signed a letter on Monday on the reassignment of 85 senior military officers, only a few months before his retirement in March. The 85 officers comprise 46 Army officers, 28 Navy officers and 11 others from the Air Force.

The reassignment comes on the heels of the announcement of Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto as Gatot's possible successor. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo submitted a letter to the House of Representatives on Monday, informing his plan for Gatot's replacement with the Air Force Chief of Staff.

Gatot said as quoted by kompas.com on Wednesday that he had signed the rotation letter before he learned about Jokowi's letter. (kmt/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/06/nothing-special-with-massive-tni-rotation-but-timing-raises-questions-expert-says.html

TNI Commander orders massive reshuffle ahead of April retirement

Jakarta Post - December 6, 2017

Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – Eighty-five high ranking Indonesian Military (TNI) officers are set to be rotated or promoted, a statement released on Tuesday by the TNI headquarters has confirmed.

The rotation and promotion is conducted based on an ordered by TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo through a decree dated on Dec.4. The decree was issued on the heels of Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto's sole candidacy as Gatot's successor.

Among the rotated officers include Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) commander Lt. Gen. Edy Rahmayadi, who will be replaced by the Army Chief of Staff's operation assistant Maj. Gen. Sudirman.

Edy, who will be assigned as officer at the Army headquarters, is given an early retirement because he is set to run for a governor in North Sumatra in next year's election. He has secured political supports from the Gerindra Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Sudirman will be replaced by Maj. Gen. AM Putranto, the commander of the Sriwijaya Military Area Command. The latter's position will be filled by Maj. Gen. Subiyanto, who currently serves as the Army Chief of Staff's personnel assistant.

The TNI commander decree stipulates 85 senior officers, comprising 46 officers from the Army, 28 from the Navy and 11 from the Air Force, will be rotated.

The reshuffle came in less than two months after Gatot rotated 91 TNI senior officers in a decree dated on Oct. 27.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has supported Hadi's sole candidacy to take over the TNI's top post from Gatot, who will retire in April next year, until his retirement in 2020. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/06/tni-commander-orders-massive-reshuffle-ahead-of-april-retirement.html

Jokowi reveals reasons to nominate Hadi Tjahjanto for TNI chief

Tempo - December 5, 2017

Istman MP, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has revealed the reason to nominate Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto for the Armed Forces (TNI) chief. Jokowi said that Marshall Hadi has strong leadership skills and ability to make the TNI more professional.

The nomination of Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto was revealed on Monday morning when State Secretary Minister Pratikno met the House of Representatives (DPR) to forward a nomination letter for Hadi to replace the TNI chief General Gatot Nurmantyo.

President Jokowi said that he has nominated Tjahjanto as Nurmantyo is retiring. "It's a normal mechanism because Pak Gatot is retiring," he said.

He added that Hadi will still have to undergo a fit and proper test at the DPR before replacing Gatot.

Earlier, many said that Jokowi's decision to nominate Hadi was taken to accelerate Gatot's retirement. Tempo gathered that in the letter sent to the DPR the President has planned an honorable discharge for Gatot.

"The mechanism [nomination to the DPR] will be followed. We nominate Hadi Tjahjanto, the Air Force chief of staff, for the TNI chief for the DPR approval," the President concluded.

Hadi is not new to President Joko Widodo. The former served as the commander of Adi Sumarmo Airbase in Solo when Jokowi was Solo Mayor. The rule says that all chiefs of staff have the same opportunity to be named, appointed and sworn in as the TNI chief.

In early reform era, many suggested that the position of TNI chief be held in turn by three chiefs of staff: the Army, the Navy and the Air Forces. The proposal never materialized due to the dynamics of Indonesia politics and the fact that the president reserves the prerogative to nominate the TNI chief.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/05/055913816/Jokowi-Reveals-Reasons-to-Nominate-Hadi-Tjahjanto-for-TNI-Chief

Gatot Nurmantyo wary of new TNI chief in upcoming political year

Tempo - December 5, 2017

Istman Musaharun Pramadiba, Bogor – Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander Gatot Nurmantyo said that the atmosphere of the upcoming general election will be a particular challenge for his potential replacement, Air Force Chief of Staff Martial Hadi Tjahjanto.

"We saw how tense the Jakarta Gubernatorial Election was. It was so tense that we had to deploy many of our troops," said Gatot Nurmantyo on Tuesday, December 5.

Hadi Tjahjanto was suggested by President Joko Widodo as the next TNI Commander to replace General Gatot Nurmantyo who will retire in March 2018. The President's letter of recommendation was already handed over to the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday, December 4, for a further selection process.

Gatot explained that Hadi will face Indonesia's political year throughout 2018, where the simultaneous regional election will be held in 171 regions. It will be followed by the Legislative and Presidential Election in 2019.

General Gatot Nurmantyo said that the political tension during those times will be severely tense. Therefore, he advised Hadi Tjahjanto to prepare to handle the upcoming situation once he is appointed as the new TNI Commander.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/05/055913829/Gatot-Nurmantyo-Wary-of-New-TNI-Chief-in-Upcoming-Political-Year

Indonesia president nominates air chief to replace controversial

Reuters - December 4, 2017

Jakarta – Indonesian President Joko Widodo has nominated the chief of staff of the air force to be the new head of the armed forces (TNI), to replace a controversial general who is due to retire in April.

Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto has close ties to the president and was previously in charge of an air base in the city of Solo, on the island of Java, when Widodo was its mayor.

Since then, Tjahjanto has been promoted a number of times including to inspector general of the defence ministry and the president's military secretary.

"Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto is considered capable and qualified to become TNI commander," presidential spokesman Johan Budi told reporters on Monday after confirming the nomination. The proposal had been sent to the parliament, which needs to approve it, he said.

Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, chairman of a parliamentary commission with oversight of defence and security, said the commission would do a "fit and proper" assessment of the nomination, which hopefully could be completed by a Dec. 14 recess.

The outgoing armed forces chef, General Gatot Nurmantyo, who will step down at the end of his term in April, has often courted controversy over what analysts see as his political ambitions.

He has been accused of whipping up nationalist sentiment by promoting the notion that Indonesia is besieged by "proxy wars" waged by foreign states looking to undermine it.

In October, Widodo said the armed forces should stay out of politics and ensure their loyalty was only to the state and the government – a statement many believed referred to Nurmantyo's actions.

There has been speculation that Nurmantyo would seek to run for vice president or even president in 2019.

Nurmantyo has not confirmed any political ambitions. He told a briefing in October the military was "neutral in practical politics".

[Reporting by Agustinus Beo Da Costa; Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Robert Birsel.]

Source: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-indonesia-politics-military/indonesia-president-nominates-air-chief-to-replace-controversial-military-head-idUKKBN1DY0SY?rpc=401&

TNI signs MoU with Education Ministry to formalise 'Military into the

Detik News - December 4, 2017

Samsudhuha Wildansyah, Jakarta – Indonesian military (TNI) chief General Gatot Nurmantyo and Education and Culture Minister (Mendikbud) Muhadjir Effendy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Expanding and Improving the Quality of Education and Culture Services.

The TNI will be involved in the Ministry of Education and Culture's (Kemendikbud) Educational Character Building (Penguatan Pendidikan Karakter, PPK) initiative, which will include a "Military into the Schools" (Tentara Masuk Sekolah) program.

The signing of the cooperation agreement was held in the Quiet Room at the TNI's headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday December 4. Effendy said that cooperation with the TNI has in fact being going on for some time and has been very good.

"We have evaluated the cooperation so far and now we are complementing it with various things, particularly in relation to the Kemendikbud program, namely the excellent Education Character Building program", said Effendy at the TNI headquarters.

Effendy continued by quoting the words of General Nurmantyo: outermost, backward and frontier areas will be prioritised. In addition to this, the Mendikbud has also asked the TNI to provide regular assistance in schools.

"We know that in almost every village there is a babinsa officer and every sub-district has a Koramil [sub-district military command], so there are personnel which we can use to carry out the Military into the Schools program. Soldiers will go into the schools and conduct various kinds of training activities in schools including extra-curricular activates such as drills and marching, flag raising teams and so forth", he said.

Effendy said that currently there are around 2,000 TNI personnel available to assist in the program, although he admitted that they have yet to process the data more fully. "So with this cooperation we can exchange data", he said.

General Nurmantyo meanwhile said that the TNI will only be assisting the Kemendikbud with this one program. It is hoped that with the involvement of TNI soldiers all of society will be able to enjoy an education in accordance with what has been underlined by the Mendikbud.

Nurmantyo explained that the number of soldiers that will be mobilised to assist the program will depend upon the Kemendikbud's needs. Nurmantyo however said that they would prioritise isolated areas.

"The (number of personnel) will depend on the need right. [As] I said earlier in isolated, frontier and outermost places. Now, these are the places that will be filled. I don't know [exactly] how many yet", he said. (idh/imk)

Notes

Babinsa or Bintara Pembina Desa, are non-commissioned military officers posted in villages and wards and affiliated with the civilian administration. These officers provide a community level presence for TNI's territorial command structure which mandates the deployment of military command posts and detachments at all levels of the civil administration: provincial, district, sub-district and village. This structure provides the organisational framework for the TNI to act as a political security force at all levels of society.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Panglima-Mendikbud Teken MoU, Bakal Ada 'Tentara Masuk Sekolah'".]

Source: https://news.detik.com/berita/d-3753614/panglima-mendikbud-teken-mou-bakal-ada-tentara-masuk-sekolah

Criminal justice & legal system

Arief responds to backroom deal allegation before ethics council

Jakarta Post - December 7, 2017

Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – Constitutional Court (MK) chief justice Arief Hidayat has responded to allegations that he lobbied the House of Representatives to secure a second tenure as justice.

A House faction, as reported by various news outlets, had suggested that there had been a "political barter" between Arief and the House over his reappointment and an ongoing judicial review on the House's inquiry rights.

The court's ruling on the inquiry rights will determine the fate of the House's ongoing inquiry into the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which critics see as an attempt by lawmakers to weaken the KPK amid its investigation into a massive graft case implicating dozens of politicians.

"[Arief] has delivered clarification before the ethics council related to the recent media reports," MK spokesperson Fajar Laksono said on Thursday, after Arief had been summoned to a one-hour meeting with the court's ethics council on Thursday morning.

Fajar refused to detail Arief's arguments, noting that the ethics council hearing had taken place behind closed doors.

Arief, whose current tenure ends in March next year and who is the only MK justice candidate nominated by the House has previously denied allegations of a backroom deal.

Despite mounting protest over what critics call a lack of transparency in the vetting process, House Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, decided to grant Arief a second tenure as justice following a confirmation hearing on Wednesday. (ipa)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/07/arief-responds-to-backroom-deal-allegation-before-ethics-council.html

Forum expected to produce recommendations for RI's troubled court system

Jakarta Post - December 4, 2017

Jakarta – The Institute for Research and Advocacy for Independent Courts (LeIP) is set to hold the first Indonesian Judicial Reform Forum (IJRF), scheduled for Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2018.

Indonesia's court system has undergone changes since the start of the Reform Era in 1998, but it remains plagued by wide-ranging problems, from long case backlogs to corrupt judges.

The institute hopes that the forum will be a biennial event that provides important feedback to the Indonesian judiciary, LeIP researcher Liza Farihah told The Jakarta Post on Monday. "There have been several law summits in the past, but the focus has been very narrow," she said.

In contrast, the IJRF will hold eight panels on topics ranging from jurisprudence and transparency to corrupt practices. The forum will also feature panelists from the Netherlands' Constitutional Court and Australia's Judicial Commission.

LeIP is holding several pre-event discussions in the lead-up to the forum. In the first of these, held on Monday, the institute invited journalists to share the problems they faced in covering the courts. Chief among the problems was the Supreme Court's perceived lack of openness toward the press.

In the coming weeks, LeIP will also conduct discussions with other non-governmental organizations and donor organizations. The results of the discussions will be further evaluated in the IJRF and will then be compiled into a set of recommendations.

"After the forum, we will compile everything that was discussed and formulate recommendations that we will submit to the Supreme Court and related government bodies," said Liza. (kmt/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/04/forum-expected-to-produce-recommendations-for-ris-troubled-court-system.html

Police & law enforcement

Police attacked while dispersing gang planning brawl in Bekasi

Jakarta Post - December 4, 2017

Jakarta – Two police officers were attacked while carrying out their duties at Jatimakmur subdistrict in Pondok Gede, Bekasi, West Java on the early hours of Sunday morning.

A mob that attacked Chief Brig. Slamet Aji and First Insp. Panjang, were reportedly members of a gang known as Rawa Lele 212, who were celebrating the anniversary of their formation and looking for other gangs for a brawl. Several of the attackers had reportedly consumed alcohol, kompas.com reported.

While patrolling the two police officers approached a group of gang members, mostly teenagers, and ordered them to disperse. However, they attacked the officers with a variety of sharp and blunt weapons.

The police have apprehended 10 suspects and are seeking other people in connection with the attack. "We are still hunting down other suspects that stabbed and threw rocks," Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said on Monday. (fac)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/04/police-attacked-while-dispersing-gang-planning-brawl-in-bekasi.html

Mining & energy

Indonesia in energy crisis: Pertamina director

Jakarta Post - December 7, 2017

Jakarta – Upstream director Syamsul Alam of state-owned energy firm Pertamina has called on the government to declare that the country is facing an energy crisis, as it is now a net oil importer and would soon become a net gas importer, kompas.com reported on Wednesday.

Syamsul said that current global oil reserves was 1,700 billion barrels, while Indonesia had oil reserves of only 3.7 million barrels, about 0.2 percent of the global reserves.

If the government was targeting annual economic growth of 5 percent, it needed to use more than just petroleum as its main energy source, but also natural gas as well, he said.

He added that this was because renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind and geothermal still played an insignificant role in powering the nation.

"The government does not need to hide the condition of the Indonesian oil and gas [industry]," said Syamsul, adding that with the current level of natural gas exploitation, Indonesia would become net natural gas importer by 2023.

He revealed that Indonesia produced 800,000 barrels of crude oil per day, while Indonesian oil refineries had the capacity to produce 1 million barrels per day. As a result, the government needed to import 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day for optimum production. The country consumes 1.4 million barrels of oil per day.

The State-owned Enterprises Ministry is establishing an oil and gas holding company and assigning Pertamina to head other state-owned energy companies, including PT Perusahaan Gas Negara. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/07/indonesia-in-energy-crisis-pertamina-director.html

Government mulls fuel price hike to keep up with oil prices

Jakarta Post - December 6, 2017

Jakarta – The government is considering increasing the prices of subsidized fuel next year because of the rising global oil prices. Previously, the government had said it would keep fuel prices unchanged until December 2018.

The government increased the Indonesian Crude Price (ICP) to US$59 per barrel in November from $54.02 per barrel in the previous month.

"If the price of crude oil reaches $60 per barrel, we may adjust [fuel prices]," said the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Oil and Gas Director General Ego Syahrial in Jakarta, as reported by kontan.co.id on Wednesday.

Previously, the government had stated there would be no fuel price hike until late 2018, despite calls from state-owned energy firm Pertamina for an increase.

Ego said the government might, for example, be compelled to increase the price of Premium-branded gasoline to Rp 6,750 per liter from currently Rp 6,450 per liter. Subsidized diesel is currently priced at Rp 5,150 per liter.

"The current price is $58 or $59 per barrel. If the price exceeds $60 per barrel, we need to react. The price of Premium may be increased to Rp 6,750 per liter," Ego added.

Ego explained, however, that the government would try to maintain the current price by, for example, increasing cost efficiency at Pertamina. "But if we have to increase the fuel prices based on the formula, the government will not hesitate to increase the prices," he added. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/06/government-mulls-fuel-price-hike-to-keep-up-with-oil-prices.html

Economy & investment

Jokowi says his reforms are a success with growth above 5%

Bloomberg - December 5, 2017

Karlis Salna and Haslinda Amin – Indonesian President Joko Widodo said government reforms to boost the economy are starting to pay off, enabling it to embark on the biggest infrastructure plan in the nation's history.

Conditions are much better now than when he took office three years ago, with economic growth back at above 5 percent and the currency rebounding, Widodo, known as Jokowi, said in his speech at Bloomberg's Year Ahead Asia Conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

"These positive developments are thanks to one thing and one thing only: reform," he said.

The economy grew more than 5 percent every quarter this year and is forecast by the government to expand 5.4 percent in 2018. While that's still below the 7 percent target set by Jokowi when he came to power three years ago, a recovery in exports and rising investment are underscoring the strength in Indonesia's economy, he said.

Jokowi has been rewarded for his economic reforms with an investment-grade credit rating from S&P Global Ratings this year and a flood of foreign investment in the nation's bonds. After dropping to its weakest level since 1998 in September 2015, the rupiah has gained nearly 9 percent against the dollar.

Foreign borrowing

Indonesia, which is rated by Moody's Investors Service at Baa3 with a positive outlook, should continue pursuing economic reforms, Michael Taylor, managing director and chief credit officer for Asia Pacific at Moody's, said at the conference. The measures have started to bear fruit in the form of higher foreign direct investment, he said.

Still, the nation is heavily reliant on external borrowing and a shift toward more domestic sources of financing would be a positive development, he said.

The government has worked hard on reforms, including removing fuel subsidies to free up funds to finance building roads, railways and ports, the president said.

"We are on track to complete the most amount of infrastructure ever built during a five-year period in Indonesia," he said.

Jokowi, who is yet to commit to running for re-election in 2019, still faces plenty of economic challenges. Indonesia has a poor record of tax compliance and he needs to raise revenue to help keep the budget deficit under control.

While Indonesia has jumped 19 places to be ranked 72 out of 190 countries in the World Bank's latest ease of doing business index, the nation still needs to reduce regulatory uncertainty to spur foreign investment.

That's a sentiment echoed by Thomas Lembong, chairman of Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board, known as BKPM.

"We definitely admit that the top complaint of investors is regulatory uncertainty," Lembong said in an interview on Bloomberg TV. Having joined the public sector from the business world, "I'm quite startled by how under-developed our policy-making processes are," he said. "The way we formulate policy has fallen far behind the cutting edge."

The president is aware of the challenges and is making an effort to reform the bureaucracy, Lembong said.

"Government needs to be a public servant, and supportive, rather than talking a lot," he said. "We need to be a great listener, and that's what President Jokowi is."

The dramatic growth of the digital economy will continue to boost Indonesia's growth, Jokowi said.

"Indonesia is today experiencing a historic boom in e-commerce," he said, citing the rise of three so-called unicorn companies. "Given the size of our domestic market we will have many more in the years to come."

– With assistance by Yudith Ho, Rieka Rahadiana, and Yumi Teso

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-06/jokowi-says-his-reforms-are-a-success-with-growth-back-above-5

Farmer wages may offer clues as weak demand baffles Indonesian officials

Reuters - December 1, 2017

Gayatri Suroyo & Bernadette Christina Munthe, Jakarta – In trying to solve a major economic headache, large fluctuations in food prices, Indonesia may have unintentionally exacerbated another: domestic demand, the archipelago's main economic engine, which remains stubbornly sluggish.

Consumer sentiment has been hitting record highs this year in the country of 250 million, which economists and retail experts have long touted as a future Mecca for consumer goods.

Yet growth in domestic demand has lingered at rates below 5 percent, underperforming headline growth this year. Officials in the government and at the central bank, which has surprised markets by cutting interest rates twice in recent months, have said they were "baffled" by how weak domestic demand was.

Economists and agricultural experts, however, point to a steady, three-year drop in the average real incomes of Indonesia's 40 million farmers, who account for a third of the labor force.

In an interview with Reuters in November, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government needed to take a closer look at farmers' incomes, which are 3 percent lower in real terms than they were three years ago. "We really need to watch what's behind these statistics," the minister said.

Farming experts say falling rural incomes are partly a side effect of recent government policies to stabilize food prices, which account for 35 percent of the inflation basket.

Rice floor price

In 2015, the government set its floor price for unhusked rice of Rp 3,700 (27 US cents) per kg and has not changed it since, while consumer prices have risen 15 percent.

That helped stabilize food inflation below 1 percent. But production costs, which include machinery maintenance, pesticides and fertilizers, have risen to Rp 4,400 per kg of rice this year from Rp 4,199 per kg in 2016, according to Dwi Andreas Santosa, a professor at Bogor Agricultural University.

In theory, the floor price should protect farmers from sharp falls, while allowing them freedom to negotiate upwards.

In practice, however, most rice is sold at or close to the floor price, because farmers rely on short-term loans to cover their production costs. The loans usually need to be repaid shortly after the harvest, leaving them little leeway.

That means at harvest time, a large supply of rice hits the market over a short period of time, weighing down prices.

"Farming machinery from the government doesn't work, fertilizer is expensive and we're being played around during harvest, too," said Wignyo Sunarno, a 62-year-old farmer in Karanganyar, Central Java, referring to having to quickly repay loans often taken from rice traders rather than banks.

The finance minister said incomes will only improve if productivity picks up and the government is trying to help by investing in irrigation systems. Data from Indonesia's Planning Ministry shows that Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration aims to build 1 million hectares of new irrigation networks in 2015-19.

That could solve some of the problems that face farmers like 57-year-old Bibit in Klaten, in central Java province. Because he depends on rain, he cannot grow rice in the dry season, when prices are higher.

"I haven't planted rice because rain is still rare," he said. "If my income came only from farming, it would not be enough," Bibit said, adding that his pension as an air force retiree fills the gap.

No smartphones

Things might get even worse. In August, the government introduced a cap on retail prices for some types of rice, aiming to trim the margins traders and middlemen get from rice trading.

But farming experts warn traders are exacting lower prices from farmers, because living from one crop to another puts them in a poor bargaining position.

"You shouldn't reduce farmers income to provide good prices for consumers. This will only lead to an increase in the poverty rate," said Dwi at the Bogor Agricultural University.

Lower farming incomes are a significant drag on consumption as farmers, unlike urban workers, are more likely to spend than save as they aspire to catch up with city lifestyles.

Entin, a farmer in Majalaya, in the province of West Java, said the profit from her plot of land was falling, forcing her husband to leave the area to find work. She also had to fend off requests from her three children to buy smartphones she could not afford.

"Being a farmer is giving me headaches," she said, sitting in the living room of the house she shares with her husband's parents and siblings.

[Additional reporting by Hidayat Setiaji, Ed Davies and Fransiska Nangoy.]

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/business/farmer-wages-may-offer-clues-weak-demand-baffles-indonesian-officials/

People & places

Foreign Policy magazine includes Ahok in top 100 global thinkers list

Coconuts Jakarta - December 7, 2017

If there's a silver lining to former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama's controversial imprisonment for blasphemy, it's that it has served as a wake up call to the reality that fundamentalism is on the rise in Indonesia.

For that reason, esteemed American global affairs publication Foreign Policy has included Ahok in its list of top 100 global thinkers of 2017. Ahok is credited for "standing up to Indonesia's creeping fundamentalism" despite his failed bid for reelection and eventual incarceration this year.

The magazine paints Ahok as a kind of martyr figure for "the country's sometimes-complacent moderate majority" since "by losing his own freedom, Ahok just might encourage others to steer the country back to the middle ground."

While that might be true to an extent, what the magazine didn't mention is how the whole saga surrounding Ahok has polarized Indonesians on both sides of the political spectrum.

Ahok's opponents have continued using religious identity politics and divisive tactics to gain and consolidate power, perhaps best highlighted by Ahok's successor, Anies Baswedan, giving the opening speech at a "reunion event" for a massive anti-Ahok rally organized by Islamic hardliners – who played an instrumental part in Ahok's imprisonment and defeat in the election – in the heart of Jakarta.

Furthermore, hardliners and fundamentalists have been emboldened by the toppling of Ahok and conservatism is still very much on the rise – a recent survey showed that more and more Indonesians are becoming open to the country implementing sharia law.

In any case, Ahok was the only Indonesian to make Foreign Policy's list this year where he was included alongside of the Women of the #MeToo Movement, Britain's opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Source: https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/foreign-policy-magazine-includes-ahok-top-100-global-thinkers-list-standing-indonesias-creeping-fundamentalism/

Djohan Effendi: a passionate defender of pluralism

Indonesia at Melbourne - December 5, 2017

Ihsan Ali Fauzi – When the news finally came that former State Secretary Djohan Effendi had died in Geelong on 17 November, few who knew him were surprised. Pak Djohan had a long struggle with illness. It was this illness that motivated him to finish his final work in 2012, "Messages from the Qur'an" (Pesan-Pesan Al Quran). But although we had some time to prepare for his passing, it still hurts to know that he has left us.

With several of his other students, I met him every time he returned to Indonesia from Australia. Although he was clearly unwell, he was otherwise little changed from when we first met him three decades earlier: a spirited debater of ideas – particularly pluralism and how it could be promoted. In his later years, he was not always able to argue his points directly, but his gaze remained sharp and his movements determined. Djohan might have been a man of few words, but his incorruptible mind was never idle.

This principled character is what we will miss most about Djohan. Not only did he preach the importance of openness and mutual understanding in the practice of religion but he was an active defender of religious minorities, including so-called "deviant sects". When the government debated disbanding the Ahmadiyah community in 2008, he exploded: "So what is the minister of religious affairs going to do? Expel the Ahmadiyah community from the country, put them in prison, or in a mass grave?"

His impassioned defence of the Ahmadiyah often saw him labelled by conservative groups as an Ahmadiyah follower himself, or "an accomplice of the Jews". Fortunately Djohan was the kind of person who did not dwell on others' opinions of him. He was resolute in his defence of the Ahmadiyah community, because he believed that was what Islam instructed: there is no compulsion in religion, and the right to choose one's own religion must be respected. In fact, the attacks he faced only made him more militant in his efforts to challenge religious exclusivism.

Djohan's defence of religious minorities often saw him compared to Nurcholish Madjid (Cak Nur) and former President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). But apart from the fact that he wasn't Javanese like his two friends and contemporaries, he was a sometimes-reticent figure and didn't have the same gift for rhetorical flair. This meant he was never as well known as Cak Nur or Gus Dur. But knowing Djohan I don't think this concerned him much.

While he was sometimes reluctant to take centre stage, he played a crucial role behind the scenes. A close friend of Islamic thinker and reformer Ahmad Wahib, he contributed a great service to Indonesian Islamic scholarship in recording Wahib's ideas and thoughts in "Restlessness of Islamic Thought: The Diary of Ahmad Wahib" (Pergolakan Pemikiran Islam: Catatan Harian Ahmad Wahib) (1981). This book continues to be a crucial reference and source of inspiration for critical religious studies in Indonesia.

When assisting former Minister of Religious Affairs Mukti Ali in the early 1970s, he pioneered interfaith dialogue in Indonesia, a movement that continues to grow. And as the head of the Centre for Research and Development at the Department of Religious Affairs, he helped to foster a tradition of social research that had previously been lacking.

Another of Djohan's great contributions was his activism. He was involved in the establishment of the Institute for Interfaith Dialogue (Interfidei) and the Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP), two of the most prominent civil society organisations working on religious tolerance in Indonesia. He also understood the importance of leadership transition in a way that neither Gus Dur or Cak Nur did. He made an effort to nurture young scholars, holding study groups in his home, lending books, and offering to edit or provide feedback on young scholars' articles (including one of my own). I know many friends with fond memories of the guidance and mentorship Djohan provided.

Aside from this, Djohan was a great Sufi who never acknowledged he was a Sufi, let alone preached it. His frugal nature was legendary. He was a fine example of the difference between living a simple life and living in poverty – an example that many contemporary activists could live by.

I'm convinced it was this asceticism that allowed him to remain independent when dealing with those in power. Because the authorities needed him and not the other way around, any interactions occurred on his terms. This was the case when Djohan served as speechwriter for President Soeharto from 1978-1995. Djohan wrote whatever he thought was important, it was up to Soeharto whether he wanted to deliver the speech as written or not.

We remain in debt to Djohan for these and many other lessons. Rest in peace, Pak Djohan.

[Ihsan Ali Fauzi is director of the Centre for the Study of Religion and Democracy (PUSAD) Paramadina and a lecturer at Paramadina Graduate School. This article was originally published in Indonesian in Tempo Magazine.]

Source: http://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/djohan-effendi-a-passionate-defender-of-pluralism/

Analysis & opinion

What does Indonesia's new military chief nomination mean?

The Diplomat - December 6, 2017

Prashanth Parameswaran – On Monday, the Indonesian government confirmed that Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had nominated the country's air force chief, Hadi Tjahjanto, as its next military chief. The nomination confirms months of speculation about his likely ascension to the post in a move that holds significance within the context of the evolution of Indonesia's military as well as the country's politics.

As I have noted before, Tjahjanto, who was just sworn in as air force chief earlier this year, had served previously as the Indonesian Defense Ministry's inspector-general and, prior to that, he also served as military secretary, the National Search and Rescue Agency's director for operations and training, spokesman for the Air Force, and the commander of an airport in Malang, East Java.

Tjahjanto has risen quickly within the military ranks in recent years and was already said to be Jokowi's preferred candidate to replace the current commander of the Indonesian military (TNI), General Gatot Nurmantyo. Nurmantyo is no stranger to controversy, with recent incidents seeing him complicate military ties with Australia and the United States abroad as well as courting nationalists and Islamists at home. Nurmantyo was officially set to retire next year following the end of his term in April, and speculation continues about his future political ambitions as Indonesia prepares for elections in 2019

On Monday, House Deputy Speaker Fadli Zon confirmed that the House of Representatives (DPR) had officially received a letter from Jokowi on the appointment of Tjahjanto as TNI commander, after which it was handed over for processing and deliberation. Tjahjanto's nomination will require a fit and proper test by parliament, a process that is expected to be completed quickly within the next few weeks before it breaks for recess.

If it occurs as planned, Tjahjanto's quick ascension from air force chief to military chief would be in line with traditional practice, whereby the Indonesian military chief position has rotated between the army, navy, and air force in a move to reverse the traditionally dominant role of the army (though Jokowi had departed from this by electing Nurmantyo to the post, since he replaced Moeldoko, who was also from the army).

Tjahjanto, unlike Nurmantyo, is not known to harbor major political ambitions, and having such a figure as military chief could be useful for Jokowi as he prepares for reelection in 2019. Some of Nurmantyo's recent antics raised concerns about civil-military relations and growing religious extremism in the country, and Jokowi himself has had to occasionally weigh in. Tjahjanto is also a known quantity given his longstanding relationship with Jokowi and usually operates without drumming up the kind of controversy Nurmantyo sometimes stirs.

In commenting about his selection of Tjahjanto, Jokowi suggested that he would further the transition of the TNI to a professional force. Though it is far from surprising that Jokowi would speak highly of his own pick for the post, Tjahjanto has indeed made a series of statements as air force chief around the need to eradicate corruption and to ensure transparency and proper oversight in the procurement of equipment, which remain key challenges for the Indonesian military.

Source: https://thediplomat.com/2017/12/what-does-indonesias-new-military-chief-nomination-mean/

Book & film reviews

My Pain, My Country: New novel seeks to bring nuance to 1998 Jakarta

ABC Radio Australia - December 4, 2017

Sastra Wijaya – Indonesian-Australian author Dewi Anggraeni seeks to bring cultural nuance to the 1998 protests that overthrew President Suharto while the Chinese community was being targeted and dozens of women reportedly gangraped.

"I got the impression that people living outside of Indonesia, even in Australia, did not understand the 1998 riots properly," author Dewi Anggraeni says, reflecting on why she wrote her latest novel which tells the story of a Chinese-Indonesian woman caught up in the violent protests that led to President Suharto's fall.

"There is also the view outside that the Chinese diaspora story around the world is [all the same] when in reality it is much more complicated than that."

The 276-page novel – My Pain, My Country – was written and published in English, and looking back at the chaotic events some 20 years later, it seeks to bring cultural nuance to the anti-government protests in which the Chinese community was also specifically targeted, their houses burned down, and many women reportedly gangraped.

In the book, Nina, a young Indonesian woman of Chinese descent, feels compelled to help her fellow student activists during the protests but finds herself in harm's way amid the targeting of Chinese women.

Despite the Indonesian Government's best efforts to deflect the allegations throughout the book, the lives of many of the novel's characters are forever altered by a series of horrific and traumatic events.

"After I met with and interviewed some of the perpetrators and victims who had experienced, known, or been involved in the 1998 attacks, I felt a need to write something because the specifics [in relation to Chinese individuals] have long-been largely ignored," she said.

Anggraeni, an Indonesian-Australian journalist and writer of Chinese descent, previously wrote a 2014 non-fiction Indonesian book – titled The 1998 Tragedy and the Birth of the National Commission for Women – which detailed accounts and reports of Chinese people being targeted and gangraped, but the book was never translated into English.

Anggraeni said despite attempts and commissions set-up by the Indonesian Government to investigate the reports of gangrapes, the story has gone largely unaddressed until this day, and therefore many Chinese-Indonesians still suffer from a lack of reconciliation.

40 years of the ABC in Indonesia

In the ABC's Indonesia bureau in Jakarta, office manager Yanti – who is of Chinese descent – has been a constant presence for nearly 40 years as her country braved turmoil and unrest.

"There has been recognition – though somewhat reluctantly – about the burning of buildings, the looting of Chinese-owned goods, as well as the shooting of students," Anggraeni said. "But until now there has been no official acknowledgment as to the existence of rape of women."

Anggraeni said the Indonesian Government has downplayed the targeting of Chinese during the riots – despite US State Department and human rights reports noting dozens of cases of rapes – by maintaining that there is no forensic evidence to examine or victims willing to come forward.

"So at that time, I wrote the book in Indonesian, because many people in Indonesia still did not know about the rape," Anggraeni explains, when asked why the book was never translated.

In the years since, Anggraeni said she was inspired by the accounts of many of the victims, as well many of the 2014 books readers and her colleagues urging her to translate it into English.

Breaking stereotypes through storytelling

But without a translator, Anggraeni said she herself was too drained from the labour-intensive experience of writing the historical account in Indonesian to translate it herself, so instead opted to use the research to create a new novel, in English – My Pain, My Country.

Anggraeni said she also believed the fiction format would be more appropriate for English readers, as it offers the freedom to interweave stories with more emotional depth, rather than academically detailing historical accounts.

My Pain, My Country interweaves the life journeys of three generations of women in Indonesia – many of Chinese descent – as they try to deal with and make sense of the 1998 "tragedies" from a variety of perspectives.

Anggraeni added that since she was approaching the book with English readers in mind, she also decided to target larger global issues surrounding the Chinese diaspora, which she maintains is stereotyped.

"Each and every history and movement [of Chinese people, country to country] has a unique story behind it," she said.

Anggraeni – who lived through and survived the 1965 massacre as a child – first visited Australia in the 1970s for an opportunity to teach Indonesian and French, which she said she has done for many years since.

But she became better known later in life as a writer for the English-language daily The Jakarta Post and as a journalist for Tempo magazine in Australia.

Anggraeni now resides permanently in Melbourne, and she said sweeping generalisations about Chinese-Indonesians, Chinese people, and Indonesians, persist to this day.

"People outside of Indonesia tend to only think about Indonesians in [a uniform] and stereotypical way, [similar to] how people [stereotypically] believe Chinese people dominate the economic sector and live exclusively," she said.

"The stereotypes may be true to an extent, but the underlying dilemmas and individual histories [person to person, generation to generation] are much more complex.

"So I wanted to convey all of these experiences in my book, and felt that using the novel [fiction] format as form of storytelling would be the most effective to do that."

My Pain, My Country is the twelfth book written by Anggraeni – a few thousands copies have been published in the United Kingdom and are available in Australia.

Source: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2017-12-03/my-pain-my-country-new-novel-seeks-to-bring-nuance-to-1998-jakarta-riots-chinese-diaspora/1720834