Mega 2009

Who would be the best running mate for Megawati in the 2009 election.

Megawati is determined to run once again for president in 2009 , and her chances of success largely seem to depend on forming the best coalition, and having an appealing running-mate, or at least one more appealing than her 2004 partner, dull Hasyim Muzadi . These are the names which are usually mentioned in this …

Comment by tomaculum: Maria Elka Pangestu for President and …

VIP Escort

… so how am I supposed to get there?

VIP's

Other fun walkers with JK were Trade minister Marie Elka Pangestu and Jakarta governor Fuzzy Bozo Fauzi Bowo , although it is not clear whether they are VIP's, or VVIP's like Kalla, or whether they were allowed to violate the sanctity of "Car Free Day" as well. kompas

Battle of the Islam Movies

… along with Tourism minister Jero Wacik, Religion minister Maftuh Basyuni, Trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Womens' Empowerment minister Meutia Hatta, presidential spokesman Dino Pattidjalal, Public Welfare minister Aburizal Bakrie and State Secretary Hatta Rajasa, as well as 107 Jakarta-based diplomats from 53 countries, and some of the stars of the film, Fedi Nuril, Rianti Cartwright, Carissa Putri, Melani Putria, and Zaskia Adya Mecca. antara

False Islam - Lies …

Global Recession

… provided price stabilisation efforts worked, he said. antara

Dumping

Trade minister Mari E. Pangestu worried that Chinese manufacturers, faced with declining American and world demand for their products, would resort to dumping goods on the Indonesian market, and smuggling. Indonesia had to step up anti-smuggling efforts, and may have to use anti-dumping measures.

On prospects for Indonesian export sales to America she said in 2007 a decline had already occurred, and that …

The Jakarta Pest

… Havana, sorry, Jakarta Post, should give an ersatz American's anti-Americanism such star billing.

Comment by Tony: … sons to war (primarily the poor–they have no …

Top Exporters

… PT Indorama Synthetics

PT LG Electronics Indonesia

Meanwhile, Trade minister Mari Pangestu said on 24th October that the Indonesian export sector had recovered to pre-1997 economic crisis levels, "in terms of market share, in terms of the growth rate".

However she said export growth was primarily driven by commodities, rather than manufacturing, the latter of which had an annual growth rate of 5 to 10% in recent years. One problem related to this was that commodities …

Comment by iamisaid: Mari Pangetsu said: “We …

Most Influential Women

… of Bank Indonesia Siti Hartati Murdaya - Social Entrepreneur, businesswoman, politician Mari Elka Pangestu - Minister of Trade Mooryati Soedibyo - Entrepreneur, politician Kartini Mulyadi - Entrepreneur Itjih Nursalim - Entrepreneur Yanti Sukamdani - Head of Hotels Association Butet Manurung - Social Worker Yenny Wahid - Director of Wahid Institute Melinda Tedja - Entrepreneur Shanti Soedarpo - Entrepreneur Erna Witoelar - MDGs Indonesia Chairwoman Siti …

Ramadan Fasting

Video of an FPI raid on people not fasting for Ramadan.

This Ramadan, without much variation on last year , some militant Islamic groups, mainly in West Java and some of the more Islamically austere parts of the other islands, have attacked places selling food, and people eating in them, during the daylight hours, while Muslims are supposed to be fasting.

These news reports show men …

Comment by Raden: … with only 1 Mary Pangestu and 1 arab wannabe Fuad …

National Brand

… "Never Ending Asia", Yogyakarta's brand.

"Bali is my life".

Trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu said the creation of the national branding would take six to eight months. She said Malaysia took ten years to develop the "Truly Asia" brand.

Malaysia Truly Asia.

Mari said the actual concept for the brand had not yet been worked out. mediaindo

Comment by Bugiman: … growth is the maritime tourism sector, but not in …

Anti-Chinese Violence

Anti-Chinese feeling in Indonesia, 1996-1999.

Jemma Purdey, in Anti-Chinese Violence in Indonesia, 1996-1999 , suggests that the anti-Chinese violence which periodically occurred prior to May 1998 had its origins in the policy of the Suharto government of marginalising the ethnic Chinese population, restricting them to certain, mainly business, roles, and portraying them as uncaring and …

Comment by Raden: … contrast, when ibu Mari Pangestu issued the sand export …

Shoe Industry

… Java, contracted by the Adidas Group to manufacture shoes in Indonesia, both the Trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu and the shoe industry group Asosiasi Persepatuan Indonesia (Aprisindo) are attempting to approach Adidas and other shoe makers to convince them to remain committed to sourcing from Indonesia. antara

So far they (the buyers) are still committed to ordering from Indonesia.

Pangestu said after having conducted what were said to be intensive discussions with the Adidas …

Royal Doulton

… in Asia, with the other being located in India. However, according kompas to Trade minister Mari Pangestu's recollection of conversations with Sir Anthony, Indonesia is the preferred location due to the workforce here being more skillful and patient. 150,000 Royal Doulton branded pieces are produced each week at the Indonesian factory.

Ninety-seven percent of the output of Royal Doulton's Indonesian operations are exported, at an annual value of around $30 million. With the new …

Chinese Transhipments

… continued Indonesia could be subject to sanctions.

On the 27th of September Trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu, overseen by vice president Jusuf Kalla, signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States' government to increase cooperation in combating transhipments of foreign textiles from Indonesia.

According to US Department of Trade figures the total value of trade between the two countries was in 2005 $15.06 billion, up from $12.48 billion in 2004 and $12,04 billion …

Direct Foreign Investment

… and accompanied by Economy minister Boediono, Security minister Widodo AS, Trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Industry minister Fahmi Idris, and Labour minister Erman Suparno, SBY asked that provincial and island leaders help prove to the world that Indonesia was open to foreign direct investment and capital.

Capital, said the president, is not nationalistic, regardless of where it is planted. But each country had to work hard to attract, to convince international investors that, …

Sukanto Tanoto

… Liem Sioe Liong & family
Mochtar Riady & family
Peter Sondakh
Prajogo Pangestu
Martua Sitorus
Paulus Tumewu
Murdaya Poo and Siti Hartati Cakra
Husein Djojonegoro & family
Chairul Tanjung
Hadi Surya
Tan Kian
Sjamsul Nursalim
George and Sjakon Tahija
Edwin Soeryadjaya
Kartini Muljadi and Dian Paramita Tamzil
Harjo Sutanto & family
Soegiharto Sosrodjojo
Tan Siong Kie
Aksa Mahmud …

Investment from Japan

… declined dramatically. There has been a little improvement of late.

Both the Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Ebihara concurred that in 1997 the value of Japanese investment in Indonesia was at $8 billion while by 2005 it had fallen precipitously to $1.2 billion.

China, Vietnam and Thailand had proven to be more attractive destinations for Japanese capital than Indonesia, said Mari. Ebihara however was somewhat upbeat over the future putting …

Digital Divide

Indonesia still lags well behind its neighbours in proportion of people with internet access.

The General Manager of Telkom's Sumatera Division, M. Awaluddin, said in Medan on 30th June that the proportion of Indonesians who understood and used the internet was still very small compared to countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, that the "digital divide" was still gaping.

In …

Comment author: Marisa

Power Blackouts

Planned electricity blackouts in some areas of Jakarta in July. Don't panic!

The state electricity company, PT PLN (Persero), has announced that between 11-25 July 2008 rolling power blackouts will occur, for seven hours at a time, in Jakarta (certain parts of Gambir, Kebayoran, and Kramat Jati) and parts of Tangerang, between the hours of 08.00-15.00 and 15.00-22.00 WIB.

The reason …

Comment by sputjam: … situation, by submarine cables. This would be ideal for …

Islamic Olympic Games

Hosting the Islamic Games in Serang is Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah's new obsession.

The Governor of Banten province, Ratu Atut Chosiyah , fresh from playing host to a national Quranic recital contest, the 22nd Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran Nasional (MTQN) in Serang, has a new, she says
obsession

to make Banten the host of the Islamic version of the Olympic Games, for the …

Comment author: Marisa

Religion & Religiosity

Rima says religion and religiosity are to blame for much of Indonesia's, and the world's, troubles.

Why religion doesn't matter at all

Once upon a time, Indonesia was well-known in the world as a nation of peace, tolerance and religious pluralism. Other countries even made us their example, a country full of people with various religious beliefs, from various ethnic and language …

My Friend the Fanatic

Sadanand Dhume's My Friend the Fanatic - Travels with an Indonesian Islamist .

My Friend the Fanatic - Travels with an Indonesian Islamist tells the story of Indian journalist Sadanand Dhume's journey across Indonesia and his meetings with political, cultural, and religious figures in 2004, and is written from the standpoint that the country is being torn between two forces, …

Comment by timdog: … who joins the marine corps to “kill a …

Chinese & Asian Stereotype

… people as they are? Maybe we will live in a better world if we stop making silly generalisations about others?

Comment by Lairedion: … risk an extramarital affair for the fun of playing …

FPI, Komando Laskar Islam & Munarman

Arrests of dozens of Front Pembela Islam and Komando Laskar Islam members in Jakarta, and forced closures of FPI branches in central and eastern Java.

FPI - Jakarta

On 4th June 58 members of the Front Pembela Islam (FPI, Islam Defenders Front) were arrested at FPI headquarters in central Jakarta. The leader of Komando Laskar Islam [KLI], the sub-group of the FPI said to be …

Comment by dewaratugedeanom: Marisa said Perhaps people, …

FPI - Laskar Kafir, dikuasai Mossad

Keterangan mengenai kekerasan FPI di Monas, menyalahkan korban, pemerintah dan persekongkolan asing.

Pimpinan Tim Pengacara Muslim (TPM), Mahendradatta, mengatakan bahwa insiden Monas terjadi karena pihak AKKBB dengan sengaja memprovokasi dengan melontarkan kata-kata seperti

FPI Laskar Kafir dan Laskar Setan

Provokasi lainnya termasuk fakta bahwa parade AKKBB ilegal, tanpa ijin …

Comment by tomaculum: … anda memang benar, mari kita tinggalkan debat agama. Lebih …

Insiden Monas, FPI & AKKBB

… dari President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono:

Saya sangat prihatin dengan apa yang terjadi kemarin, terhadap penyerangan yang dilakukan oleh organisasi tertentu dan orang-orang tertentu, hukum harus ditegakkan.

Artikel ini diterjemahkan oleh Lyn dan Anna dari versi bahasa Inggris - FPI & Aliansi Kebangsaan untuk Kebebasan Beragama .

Comment by Komandan Laskar Muslim Kalimantan: … terus berlanjut? mari kita saling tolong menolong pada …

Cinta Terlarang di Hotel Murahan

… Adib Rojikan (30) dan Rahmawati Wulansari (30), ditangkap karena berzinah. Suami Wulan, Dody Maris Hendrawan (30), melihat istrinya memasuki Hotel Pondok Seturan dengan lelaki lain dan menelepon kepolisian yang akhirnya menggerebek hotel tersebut. Kedua petugas kepolisian menghadapi konsekuesi disiplin internal.

Artikel ini diterjemahkan oleh Lyn dan Anna dari versi bahasa Inggris - Forbidden Love .

FPI & Aliansi Kebangsaan untuk Kebebasan Beragama

Video of the Front Pembela Islam attack on a religious freedom rally in Jakarta, and president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's response.

A video news report of the Front Pembela Islam (FPI) attack on a gathering of the Aliansi Kebangsaan Kebebasan Beragama dan Berkeyakinan (AKKBB) marking Pancasila Day on June 1st at Monas square, Jakarta. About 200 FPI men beat and struck about 100 AKKBB …

Comment by Lairedion: … kekerasan kemarin yang dilakukan oleh organisasi …

Forbidden Love in Cheap Hotels

… West Jakarta, said he had no idea Tangerang authorities took such a hardline stance against extra-marital affairs. He said: okezone

It's different from Jakarta.

Palembang

Palembang, South Sumatra, 14th April. 100 policemen raided a number of hotels looking for illegal drugs. They couldn't find any so turned their attention to other matters and arrested 13 not husband-wife couples. indosiar

Jambi

5th May, Jambi, central Sumatra. A number of hotels were raided and …

Dewi Sandra

… talking about religion but all the rumours in the media have forced her hand. dewi-sandra.com

Comment author: Marisa

Single Indonesian Women

Therry says overseas educated Indonesian women are faced with prejudice back at home and poor choices on the men front.

SOB's, Single Overseas Bachelorettes

For single Indonesian women who

are graduates of overseas universities

or have spent some time overseas

and/or are deeply influenced by the western-ways of thinking

while we're women who are fortunate …

Comment by LavanyaLea: … kuddos to Marisa, we need more critically-minded …

May 1998 Jakarta Riots

… of dominant discourse may lead to a better comprehension on what happened in those three days of atrocities.

Comment author: Marisa

Comment by Marisa: … Peace to the world.

Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories among opinion leaders in Sumatra, American-Zionist and British conspiracies.

Zionist Conspiracies

The President of LBH Perjuangan Hukum dan Politik, Aldian Pinem, said in Medan, North Sumatra, in early April that the Geert Wilders short movie " Fitna " was an attempt to create the impression that all violence in the world was caused by Muslims.

This was not …

Comment author: Marisa

Miss Sandra Angelia

Politically aware young lady Sandra Angelia scores a crushing victory for East Java in Miss Indonesia 2008.

Miss Indonesia 2008

At the Jakarta Convention Center on the night of 13th May Sandra Angelia from East Java became Miss Indonesia 2008, chosen by a seven panel jury which included our hyper-nationalist politician friend from Golkar Yudhi Chrisnandi . Sandra was also chosen as …

Comment by Hardolin: To Kevin Mario who pretend to be….” I …

Amrozi Execution

Bali bomber Amrozi finds love in prison, and marries today, while his execution seems to be nearing.

Love

On May 12th condemned terrorist will re-marry his ex-wife Siti Rohmah/Rahma, who he divorced in 2000.

Amrozi's lawyer from Muslim Legal Team (Tim Pengacara Muslim (TPM)), Mahendardatta, says the love between Amrozi and Rahma had been rekindled of late, because Rahma was a …

Comment author: Marisa

Political Isms

The various ism problems that Indonesia faces, neo-liberalism, capitalism, imperialism, colonialism, and materialism.

Neo-isms

Lieutenant General Soeryadi, the new head of the Retired Officers Association of Sumatra, said in late February that the greatest dangers facing Indonesia today are:

neo-liberalism
neo-capitalism
neo-imperialism

These forces combined …

Comment by Rob: … well and proved by Marisa! Sylvester…. It seems …

Classic Literature Reading Lists

… Will it be better if they ask a question on what have these works contributed to the Indonesian arts and culture?

Comment author: Marisa

Sandra Dewi Blog Boyfriend

Sandra Dewi starts blogging, and her site visitors have the chance to become her boyfriend.

Blogger

Actress Sandra Dewi joins the celebrity blogs ranks of Dian Sastrowardoyo , Maia , Wulan Guritno and others in starting a blog, of sorts.

Marketing 1 - Boyfriend

Sandra says one of the reasons she started a blog was because she is single, and has plenty of time, and …

Comment author: Marisa

Julia Perez & Kamasutra

… CD cover sleeve.

Julia Perez, in some of her glory.

Condomization

In the town of Samarinda in Kalimantan on 27th April dozens of women university students staged a protest at a shopping mall to voice their concerns that the Julia Perez condom bonus was an example of the "condomization" of society, and that it was a part of the campaign for free sex.

Fighting AIDS

Julia, usually called "Jupe", however says the free condoms are simply her way of helping the government …

Comment author: Marisa

Shopping Mall Churches

Church services in malls, people in West Java are flocking to shopping malls in order to pray.

"Indonesians seek salvation in shops":

Shopping malls in West Java are home to a growing number of Christian congregations. There are 10 in this mall alone.

Few of them want to talk publicly about why they are here, but off the record they admit it comes down to intimidation by Muslim …

Comment by ultratupai: … write, the new St. Maritz Mall in West Jakarta is boasting …

Al Manar Television

Lebanese Hizbullah television become available to Indonesian viewers courtesy of Indosat.

Since some time this month the Lebanese Shia radical group Hizbullah's own television station, Al Manar , has begun broadcasting to Indonesian audiences via Indosat's Palapa C2 satellite.

Head of Public Relations for Indosat, Adita Irawati, says: detikinet

Al Manar is a new client, they …

Comment author: Marisa

Wag the Dog à la Indonesia

… place? Will tolerance resurrect and save the people from doom?

As always, we shall wait and see.

Comment by Achmad Sudarsono: … suggestion from Marisa. I just don’t want you …

Islamic-Western Civilization

Fatkhuri says Muslim and Christian civilization have much in common.

The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization

The book written by Bulliet titled The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization is a critique of Huntington's work on the Clash of Civilizations .

Islam & the West - Shared Heritage

Bulliet argues that Islam and the West have common roots and share much of …

Comment by Purba Negoro: … as a volunteer submariner or as head peg boy for your …

Hello Dolly! - In Praise of Lokalisasi

Timdog enthuses over the brothel district of "Dolly" in Surabaya.

Hello Dolly! - In Praise of Lokalisasi

On the high ground among the graveyards and working class kampungs above the Banyu Urip canal is Surabaya's most notorious corner.

Mention the East Java capital to people anywhere in Indonesia and they are likely to rattle off a handful of associations: historical heroism, good …

Comment by Mugwump: … with a primarily anti-sex agenda try to …

International Investors: Harm or Help

Whether foreign investment in Indonesia benefits the people.

Health minister Siti Fadilah Supari warned on 11th April in South Kalimantan (Borneo) that regional governments in Indonesia should be on their guard whenever dealing with international investment proposals.

Siti Fadilah Supari

According to Siti these things should be considered by provincial governors and regents in …

Comment by Dykarg: … partner,just as Marissa said. Our local companies in …

Examples of Human Rights Hypocrisy

Sylvester sees power-mongering and the profit motive behind the West's hypocrisy over human rights.

Human Rights enforcement by Western countries: Is it sincere?

We all are aware that Western countries such as the US, the EU, and Australia often promote the human rights to every corner of the globe. Today we see the protests by Westerners against human rights abuse in Tibet, Middle …

Comment author: Marisa

How to Get a Bule Man

A new book giving advice to Indonesian women on how to find an expat man, How to Catch Mr Bule .

Published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama and written by one Erlinawati How to Catch Mr Bule provides tips and advice for Indonesian women on how to snare a foreign man for romance and likely marriage, and how to manage the relationship.

How to Catch Mr Bule.

The book discusses …

Comment by dewaratugedeanom: … resulting from a marital or relational break-up. …

Islamophobia

The president continues his musings on religion, and islamophobia among Australians and Balinese.

Harmony

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in a speech on 25th March marking Muhammad's birth, advised Muslims to avoid being excessive or extreme in the way they viewed their unity as a group, or their solidarity. tempo

[Feelings of] solidarity which are too exclusive or …

Comment by M. Nur: Marissa give another example of dogma …

PDI Perjuangan

Whether the PDI-P is a party of thugs, Christians and communists.

Taufiq Kiemas says the PDI Perjuangan no longer wants to be known as a non-Muslim political party, or what was probably worse, a party of street toughs, Christians and communists.

Taufiq Kiemas and other half.

The allegation of the PDI-P being a haven for communists was particularly hurtful, he said

The saddest …

Comment author: Marisa

Banality and Compassion

Jennie S. Bev says compassion is needed to overcome evil and man's self-destructive instinct.

Banality and Compassion

Modern lifestyle is known to be quite monotonous and routine. Many people work, live, and even breathe on cruise-control auto-pilot mode. Those who follow the rules are oftentimes stamped as "good gatekeepers" and those who despise and challenge the rules are known as …

Comment by Jen: … Thanks. @Marisa, thanks. Yup, not an …

Siti Fadilah Supari

Siti Fadilah Supari, struggling for Islam and Indonesia against the hegemonic bules.

Health minister Siti Fadilah Supari spoke at a seminar hosted by the "Forum Kajian Sosial Kemasyarakatan" (FKSK) in Jakarta on 17th March and said that Islamic ideology was the most complete and was best suited for Indonesia.

"Forum Kajian Sosial Kemasyarakatan" (FKSK), is a front organisation for the …

Comment by Lairedion: … Cuk agrees. About Marisa, I’m afraid she’s a …

Sexy Dewi Persik

Ross urges readers to support sexy dangdut singer Dewi Persik.

The disgraceful behaviour of the primitives in Tangerang towards that splendid young lady Dewi Persik deserves our interest.

Dewi Persik, wardrobe accident.

To listen to some mediaeval oaf likening the cheery, pretty singer to a prostitute, because presumably she makes their Darth Vadar-lookalike women seem dowdy, was …

Comment by Ross: … but also Tessa Mariska (does anyone know if …

Ketika Cinta Bertasbih

… Anwar Abbas, said the example of Ayat Ayat Cinta should be followed. When the character of Maria ( Carissa Putri ) converts from Christianity to Islam the saying by her of the Muslim profession of faith (syahadat) was not shown in the film - if it had been this would likely have hurt the feelings of Christian Indonesians, he said. antara

Jalan Jaksa Under Threat

Ross fears that Jalan Jaksa in Jakarta is going to suffer re-development.

Jalan Jaksa at Risk?

Last month I had a chat with an expat on Jalan Jaksa who told me he'd seen plans to develop the famous little street, including a huge hypermarket on its corner with Jalan Wahid Hasyim.

I should state at this point that the talk occurred during my once-a-week afternoon visit, when - …

Comment by Achmad Sudarsono: @ Marisa Funny’s hard work. …

Sandra Dewi

Sandra Dewi on quickies, spying, faith, naked photos, and Keanu Reeves.

Lovely actress Sandra Dewi, who says her idol is the Hollywood star Keanu Reeves, plays a secret agent in a new sinetron production "Elang".

She says the role is a big challenge for her, and that she had to learn self-defence moves, because there are fight scenes in the soap opera. antara

"Elang" also …

Comment by Rob: Marissa, Publish or perish! Hold on a …

Carissa Putri & Melanie Putria

… one wit has dubbed "Ayat Ayat Poligami " detik , the lovely Miss Carissa Putri, who plays Maria the Copt-turned-Muslim in the movie, says being in a polygamous marriage would be acceptable to her: kapanlagi

Polygamy can be beneficial to some people.

But

I wouldn't want to be the second wife.

In general polygamy was OK, she said, provided it was done to help the other woman, and not done out of lust. radarlampung

Melanie Putria

Meanwhile, fellow …

Film Ayat Ayat Cinta

… Adya Mecca ), an ungrateful Egyptian girl (Fahri saves her life but she betrays him later).
Maria (Carissa Putri) a Coptic Christian living next door to Fahri, who inexplicably converts to Islam at the end of the film.
Aisha (Rianti Cartwright), from a wealthy German-Arab family.

In the end Fahri plumps for the rich girl Aisha and they no doubt live happily ever after.

Ayat Ayat Cinta.

The book and film have been taken up by some on the Islamist side of politics, …

Comment by Sammy: … Fahri & Maria (Christian) was done when she’s …

Fitna by Geert Wilders

… could be a possible date. For anyone interested bookmark www.fitnathemovie.com in your favorites.

Comment author: Marisa

Female Genital Mutilation

Foreign efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation.

United Nations

On February 27th ten United Nations agencies pledged to engage in a renewed effort to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM), or female circumcision , within a generation.

UN Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro said:

If we can come together for a sustained push, female genital mutilation can vanish …

Comment by Janma: … Summarily, these ‘Islamic’ behaviours- …

Regional Arms Race

… Indonesia is also now hoping for more from its new Russian best friend forever, including six submarines, air defence systems, helicopters, boats, and other systems that could add up to about $3 billion, and this has Washington worried about losing market share and influence.

Pacaran dengan Gadis-gadis Indonesia

Berpacaran dengan perempuan Indonesia bukan untuk semua orang.

Perempuan Indonesia, khususnya yang berada di Pulau Jawa, sangatlah cantik. Biasanya mereka cenderung amat feminin, berkulit indah, tidak terlalu tinggi, dan memiliki senyuman yang mempesona. Banyak keuntungan dari segi tersebut.

Bila kita mesti jujur, kebanyakan lelaki menginginkan wanita yang mau mengurusnya, mengerjakan …

Comment author: Marisa

Interview with Indonesia Matters

Just for fun... Janma interviews Indonesia Matters.

IM (Indonesia Matters)
J (Janma, intrepid reporter)

IM:

You know I do think it's quite odd all these questionnaires flying around and not a single person has asked my opinion in all this time....

J:

Well, that's about to end you know.....I am really interested in your views on the kinds of posts or comments you get and …

Comment by timdog: … funny post… Marisa, surely you can’t go …

Cultural Diversity

… party based on the slogan:

Rise up Indonesia, there is still hope.

And a party which is primarily focused on increasing general prosperity, creating jobs, and ensuring security, all in the interests of attaining a 20% share in the 2009 elections, or about 110 seats, thereby joining the "big league" of political parties. beritabali

February 1st 2008. A PKS leader, Heri Sukarmeni, said in Bali that the party was open to receive non-Muslim members.

Non-Muslims could even …

Comment by Lairedion: … If I was Marisa’s (ex-)boyfriend I …

Blog Rank Widgets/Buttons

… :

Indi & Rani :

Yusril Ihza Mahendra :

Oigal :

Marisa :

Anita :

Ecky :

Parvita :

Spew :

Comment author: Marisa

Israeli Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Indonesia's relationship with Israel.

Visiting Israel

In early December of 2007 five representatives of Indonesian Islamic organisations, including Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, travelled to Israel and met its president, Shimon Peres, their trip sponsored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the LibForAll Foundation.

Shimon Peres said he was …

Comment by Dragonwall: … of Judea and Samaria, that the myth of a Palestinian …

Anti Communist Massacres

… Imprisonment

The fates of victims in prisons were not better than those who were summarily executed. Tortures and killings could happen even in the prisons. Some commentators suggested that the number of inmates shrank in several regions. Zakaria, a leader of youth organisation, who carried out interrogations of prisoners in Lombok, admitted that after August 1966, the number of communist prisoners had decreased. Roosa (et al), 'Tahun Yang Tak Pernah Berakhir', p. 16.

In …

Comment by Adrian Vickers: … OK to summarily execute one person, let along …

Ahmadiyya

Ahmadiyah makes changes to its beliefs and avoids being banned by the government.

Continued from Religious Intolerance and Banning Islamic Sects .

No Ban

Pakem (Pengawas Aliran Kepercayaan Masyarakat, Overseers of the Peoples' Beliefs), made up of representatives of the Attorney General's Office, police, the State Intelligence Agency and the Religious Affairs Ministry, …

Comment by Aluang Anak Bayang: … Lime juice or tamarind juice, Salt, Oil, Shallots, …

2007 Investment

A big increase in foreign direct investment in 2007, with Singapore leading the way.

Foreign Investment

According to the National Investment Coordinating Board, (Badan Koordinasi Penanaman Modal, BKPM) realised foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia rose by 72% on 2006 , reaching $10.34 billion.

The countries investing the most in Indonesia:

Singapore - $3.75 …

Comment by Dragonwall: … with offices in Samarinda and other parts of Kalimantan …

Pengampunan Pak Harto

… pendapat, paling tidak sampai Soeharto jelas meninggal dan telah masuk liang kubur.

"Mari kita hentikan polemik, debat, silang pendapat yang kurang bijak dan kurang tepat diangkat saat ini."

Soeharto sudah banyak berbuat baik untuk Indonesia, ujarnya:

"Namun [kekurangan-kekurangannya] tidak menghalangi kita untuk memberikan rasa terima kasih dan penghargaan terhadap jasa dan pengabdian beliau."

Artikel ini diterjemahkan oleh Hannah Mulders dari versi bahasa Inggris - …

Comment by asmawi: … sampai Maroke mari saat nya kita sebagai anak bangsa …

Soft Islamization

The experts say soft Islam is sweeping the country, not hard Islam.

In a similar vein to Time's " Vespa Girls " story of 2007 the Economist says Indonesia is a place where "Where 'soft Islam' is on the march" economist The story begins:

Is Indonesia, the most populous Muslim-majority country, undergoing creeping Islamisation?

Some examples of Islamic extremism, such as …

SMS Fortune Telling

Have your fortune told via your hand phone.

Indonesia's Hand Phone Networks - Thumbs Up

I'm really impressed with Indonesia's hand phone networks. It all just seems to work so well. Buying pulsa could never be easier and, in my and my wife's experience at least, never had black spots which seem to be everywhere in Australia, drop outs or much network downtime.

In Australia, hand …

Comment author: Marisa

Letter to the President

… cogent and strong strategy to win. It must be one that resonates from Aceh to Zbolo (don't ask me where it is).

I wish you success.

Comment by dewaratugedeanom: … of State: Marisa Ministers: “¦. …

Oddities & Peculiarities

… to Bangkok. And that is four times the distance compared to the travel that I make to reach Indonesia.

Comment by cheerstospears: … salt, and tamarind) and you’ll end up with a …

Selamat Natal

For those who celebrate it:

Also retrospectively covering Idul Fitri, and a pre-emptive strike on New Year, to keep almost everyone …

Comment by dewaratugedeanom: Hi Marisa. Nice gravatar.

Sex Crazy

… in this activity, as for people with married life should refrain in extra curricular and extramarital affairs.

My witnessing in countries I travelled, tells me that there are people who rather splattered their wealth just for a one night stand that usually turn out to be their worst nightmare.

Indonesians Abroad

In the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi, Europe and Netherlands especially the US to many who have consider this country a land of greener pasture which many Indonesian …

Comment by Dragonwall: … to Indonesia and marital life and divorce rates starts …

Aburizal Bakrie

Aburizal Bakrie is Indonesia's richest man.

Forbes Asia list of Indonesia's richest men and families, the top ten: forbes

Aburizal Bakrie and family (Bakrie Group): $5.4 billion

Sukanto Tanoto (April and Asian Agri): $4.7 billion

R. Budi Hartono: $3.14 billion

Michael Hartono (Budi and Michael Hartono, part owners of Djarum and BCA): $3.08 billion

Eka …

Comment by Cukurungan: … Dresser, Intermarine etc etc. I perhaps acquire more …

Dukun

… do not agree with the law. The moot point is - given that Dukuns are outlawed, it would also summarily outlaw the antidote for a victim of a black Dukun.

Dukun Practices

I find that despite the law, Dukuns continue to thrive and Indonesians continue to indulge.

To cite a few examples:

1. A teacher never gave up hope that she would marry her first love whom she met when she studied in Yogyakarta.

They parted ways after completing their University course but kept their …

Comment by dewaratugedeanom: Marisa I love this blushing emoticon. …

Police Bribery & Graft

The police object to being labelled the most commonly bribed institution.

Transparency International released its "Global Corruption Barometer 2007" on 6th December ranking state institutions on a corruption scale of 0-5.

The results, based on questions asked to 1,010 people in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung, show the competition for most corrupt was fierce, with the police narrowly …

Comment by Dragonwall: … . The words like Marisa put them as “Damai aja de …

Ojek Ride

… at the Port of Arrival to render assistance to Calamity IamIsaid.

Before my good Indonesian Samaritan returned, I gave him a large amount of money to reimburse, to thank and to reward those who helped me unselfishly and with such humanity.

The Indonesians who helped me are neither rich nor considered middle class folk. They remind me of the Biblical parable about the Widow's mite.

It is only after my family doctor had my left leg x-rayed that I knew how serious the injury …

Comment by iamisaid: Hi Marisa, Thanks for your good wishes. …

Minority Groups

Indonesia is founded on discrimination against minorities, says Dragonwall.

Bribery, Corruption and Discrimination

New Order

After the ending days of President Soekarno, General Soeharto then took command as President and Supreme Commander of the Indonesian Armed Force (TNI) and began his rule of Indonesia from 1966-1998.

To commoners in Indonesia, at that time, when …

Comment by Dragonwall: … and thief like Marif said ‘Bangsa kita sekarang …

Travel Horror

… would certainly help whoever travels or has plans to travel to new locations in Indonesia.

Comment by iamisaid: Hi Marisa Duma, Hmmm train travel too …

Picking Up Girls

Achmad's Tips on Picking Up Babes in Malls: Part 1.

Achmad's Tips on Picking Up Babes in Malls: Part 1.

Not all of you can expect to achieve the nation-wide fame and sex appeal of Achmad overnight. It takes class, effort, and mastery of an elusive art such as hoola-hoop dancing or playing the Ukuele. But with dilligent study of Achmad's timeworn techniques, most of you gentlemen …

Comment by Achmad Sudarsono: … Va Voom ! Dear Marisa, My hometown is Purbolingo. …

Flood Disaster

Doomsayers predict disaster for Indonesia as sea levels rise.

As last week tides burst through sea walls, briefly cutting a key access road to Jakarta 's international airport, some predictions for Indonesia if sea levels rise, from the UN climate change conference on Bali:

Jakarta airport to be under water by 2035.
about 25% of Jakarta will vanish by 2050.
…

Comment author: Marisa Duma

Indonesian Blogs

The 'beta' version of "Top 100" Indonesian blogs list. Read more or go straight there .

(December 5th, 2007)

A ranking list of the most popular blogs in and about Indonesia, at http://blogs.indonesiamatters.com/ .

The list of blogs is far from complete, so as below, keep sending in new blogs, currently there are about 90 each in the English section and the Indonesian section, …

Comment author: Marisa

Bahasa Indonesia

Australians don't want to learn Indonesian.

Australian ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said in Surabaya on 16th November that in recent years the demand for studying bahasa Indonesia in Australian schools had continued to fall.

When Indonesia was ruled by Suharto learning Indonesian in both Australian elementary and high schools became somewhat popular but in the last 10 years …

Comment by Teng: … Jakartan, like Marisa already has shown, and while …

Education Philosophy

Sylvester questions the philosophy of education in Indonesian schools.

Good education for Indonesians

We are aware that there are many problems with Indonesian society today. Corruption, weak law enforcement, low morality particularly in the government and legislative levels, poverty, bad education, etc. I would like to focus on the problem in Indonesian educational system.

It is …

Comment by iamisaid: … social writer summarises the Management of Education. …

Bali Sex Tourism

Bali as a target for pedophiles.

A photo exhibition to highlight the problem of child sex tourism was opened at the Gedung Kriya Art Center, Denpasar, Bali, on 28th October entitled "Jauhi Anak dari Kaum Pedofil" (Keep children away from pedophiles).

Former police chief of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, said that Bali was thought of as a safe place for pedophiles to operate and there were a …

Comment by Ross: … of Sex & Marital Therapy, 1984; …

Bahai

… leaders. Four others refused to change back to Islam, while the seventh did not turn up. antara

Comment by iamisaid: … boots. draws out a marijuana stick and floats into …

Smoking Sin

Whether smoking is sinful in Islam.

In a country where cigarette production is high, providing a living for millions, and consumption also high, the Clerics' Council, Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), is having a difficult time deciding whether to issue a fatwa against smoking, or make it haram within Islam.

Maruf Amin of the MUI said on 25th October that the fate of the farmers who grow …

Comment by Yoshi: … believe marijuana is haram. Logically, it makes …

Geothermal Energy

Developing geothermal energy with Iceland.

Over 15 foreign companies are said to be lining up to invest in the geothermal power industry in Indonesia, as world oil prices remain high, and Indonesian oil production declines.

Bambang Kustono of Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) says the companies include Suez International Energy, Chevron, Star Energy, and others from New Zealand, …

Comment by Sputjam: … Connect submarine line (can JV with Sarawak state …

Rasa Sayange

Malaysian theft of the "Rasa Sayange" song.

"Rasa Sayange" is a traditional or folk song believed to have come from the eastern Indonesian islands of Maluku, or the Moluccas, whose modern version was first recorded in the 1950's. Following is a recording of it:

However in the latest instalment of the "Truly Asia" advertising campaign the song has been appropriated by the …

Comment by Dragonwall: … one word to summarize the whole issue. …

Mojopahit Empire

Achmad envisages a new Mojopahit Empire with Australia as vassal state.

New columnist Achmad Sudarsono sees Australia destined for client state status under a revived Mojopahit Empire.

Australia's defeat in the Rugby World Cup at the hands of Britain on October 6th was more than a humiliation. It was a sign of a culture that is failing on every level and won't admit …

Comment by Aluang Anak Bayang: Dear mbak Marisa, I can’t think of any …

Al-Qiyadah Al-Islamiyah

Mini theocracy in Bogor and Padang.

MUI Fatwa

On 4th October the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa against the "Al-Qiyadah Al-Islamiyah" sect, which is led by Ahmad Moshaddeq, real name Salam.

MUI Chairman, Ma'ruf Amin said the sect had grown rapidly since 2000 and that since July 23rd 2007 Ahmad Moshaddeq had been claiming to be a prophet after he spent 40 days and …

Comment by Idam H.: … ANOTHER IGNORANCE Marissa says Everything have the own …

Stoning

Indonesians are divided on the question of stoning people to death for extra-marital affairs.

1200 people were surveyed by the Indonesian Survey Institute, LSI, 88% of them Muslim, and asked to agree or disagree on various statements or questions. lsi

Public Policy

The government should punish adulterers by stoning them to death. - Yes 43%, No 48%, Don't Know 9%.
Police should make sure that women wear head covering in public. - Yes …

Comment by sm4lange: … to death for extra-marital affairs.’ Are they are to …

Indonesian Women

Laws that discriminate against women.

The recent 39th meeting of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in New York recommended Indonesia revoke all laws that are viewed as biased against women, said the Minister for Women's Empowerment, Meutia Hatta, on 26th September.

Although Indonesia ratified the Convention 23 years ago Meutia …

Comment by Ade Wanto: … allow polygamy, marital relationships more healthier. …

Trans Java Highway

The Trans Java toll road is probably going to be built shortly.

A highway linking Jakarta in the west of Java and Surabaya in the east is hoped to be completed by 2009, says Gembong Priyono, a staffer for vice-president Jusuf Kalla, starting at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta and ending at Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya, taking the northern coastal route via Cirebon and Semarang.

…

Comment by Sputjam: … such as offshore marine vessels and oil rigs should be …

Fundamentalist Mosque

An LDII mosque is attacked in Jember.

A mosque or musholla belonging to the fundamentalist Indonesian Islamic Propagation Institute, (LDII, Lembaga Dakwah Islam ) was attacked and reduced to rubble by hundreds of local men in Tanggul Wetan village, Tanggul district ( map ), Jember, East Java, on 19th September.

An LDII person said:

It happened really quickly, about 500 men suddenly …

Comment by Odinius: … Theonas of Marmarica in Libya, and Secundus of …

Women in Mosques

Women are not allowed in the Sultan mosque in Ternate.

Women & Their Unholy Voices

While almost all mosques in Indonesia allow women to come inside and pray, although they have to sit behind the men, the Sultan mosque in Ternate, North Maluku (Maluku Utara, Malut) ( map ) is unique in forbidding women from entering.

Djafar, a local figure, explains:

Only men can pray in …

Comment by Ade Wanto: … to buy a soap (see Marin Sorescu, “The Glass …

Batam Radio

The Batam airwaves are often a mix of foreign and religious content.

What is broadcast on the radio stations of Batam island ( map ) has frequently been raised in the media of late, with specific concerns related to foreign use of Batam airwaves.

Falun Gong

In May of 2007 Chinese embassy officials complained that the station Radio Era Baru 106.5 FM (Xi wang zhi sheng, New Era …

Comment by Hassan: … Theonas of Marmarica and Secundus of Ptolemais and …

Metro TV Xin Wen

Ross on Metro TV's Chinese-language news service, Xin Wen.

The Metro TV Chinese-language news reported on the APEC conference in Sydney on its morning news. What did Metro show the Indonesian viewers? None other than the President of Red China making his speech. But Indonesia's own President, SBY, attended that gathering.

Jakarta's Metro TV is quite a young channel, which has …

Comment by Peter: … is focusing primarily on news from China) 2) …

Put Downs & Insults

Australia insults president Yudhoyono.

Golkar parliamentarian Yuddy Chrisnandi said on 9th September that Australia had insulted president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the APEC summit in Sydney by placing him in the back row of the final photo shoot.

Regardless of our critical stance towards the president, as loyal patriots we want the president to be respected as the leader of the …

Comment by dewaratugedeanom: … call in the Marines.