[Indonesia] Politics And International Relations [Archive]

Alvin

May 27th, 2004, 06:37 AM

Bambang says he's most suited for top job
Laying out his vision, he cites his years of experience to back his claim that he is best placed to lead his country forward

By Derwin Pereira

PRESIDENTIAL frontrunner Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yesterday staked his claim for Indonesia's top job as he made clear his resolve to address the country's problems if elected to office.

Outlining his vision for the country and his credentials to run it, the former minister in the Megawati administration said that he was the strongest contender for the presidency, which will be decided in the July 5 election.

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Speaking at a conference on the Indonesian presidential election organised by the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) and The Straits Times, he said: 'I am stronger than the others because of my knowledge and experience in government.'

He cited his years of service in government, as well as his leadership in reforming the military and upholding human rights and democracy, to back his claim to being the most prepared to lead the country forward.

He made this point in response to a member of the audience, who asked him to rate his rival contenders and their strengths, relative to his.

The 54-year-old Bambang, who is leading in the presidential race according to several opinion polls, was careful not to be drawn into mudslinging his rivals.

Each of the candidates had their strengths and weaknesses, he said, reeling off their names, but struggled for a moment to recall the name of Mr Wiranto, the other retired general in the running for the presidency.

Indeed, some observers have billed the election as a battle of the generals. Both Mr Bambang and Mr Wiranto are expected to slug it out in the first round.

Some in the Bambang camp, though, see President Megawati Sukarnoputri as an even greater challenge given the powers of incumbency, the Sukarno brand name and the party machinery at her disposal.

But the four-star general, who quit the current government in a huff after falling out with the palace, was more intent on spelling out his vision as leader of the world's most populous Muslim nation.

'I am fully aware that my critics sometimes say that I make nice-sounding speeches about my vision for change but do not have plans and programmes to back them up. But I am here before you to present some of my plans.'

Indeed, compared to most of the presidential candidates, he appeared to have drawn up a much more detailed agenda for resolving Indonesia's multi-faceted problems.

Top of his agenda was strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption - a thorny issue that he was forced to address periodically when pressed by several members of the audience. He was also asked what steps he would take to stop violence in strife-torn provinces.

He said he would try to end armed separatist movements in the resource-rich regions of Aceh and Papua. Separatism, he made clear, was out, but efforts to win over these restive regions should go beyond flexing military might.

On the economic front, he aimed to attain economic growth of at least 7 per cent and bring back much needed investments into Indonesia.

His vision was also aimed at stirring the economic engine at home. This included supporting small and medium enterprises by offering them better credit lines and cutting bureaucratic red tape for setting up businesses.

While giving an insight into his plans if elected, he made clear that it was not going to be a cakewalk.

'I know I am not Superman. I don't have magical powers to make all these things come true overnight. But I do believe in hard work and in the absolute necessity of good governance.

'Change is necessary... That is why I decided to run for the presidency because I truly believe that Indonesia can do better, can be better, and deserves better.'

lumpia

May 27th, 2004, 07:59 AM

Wah! Yudhoyono sounds serious bout wanting to change the economy for the better.. but the problem is "how"; as there is no hint on the details on how he will accomplish the feat if he was president.. vision is one thing, implementation is another :D corruption is something nearly every candidate aims to "stamp out" but without the public's vigilance, it never passes a few years :D lmao

Good agenda tho, Yudhoyono is saying what Indonesia wants to hear at the moment :D if everything he said was already carried out by now, Indonesia will be richer than Malaysia or Thailand! :D LMAO hope hope hope ;) he may be serious!

Alvin

May 27th, 2004, 08:05 AM

I think he probably offers the best hope for Indonesia..
We've seen Megawati in the last 3 years and she hasn't done much.
Wiranto is tainted by his past human rights problems...and close links with the old regime

Alvin

May 27th, 2004, 03:43 PM

Bambang's grand vision for change
Presidential contender spells out in a smart booklet his plans for prosperity, fighting corruption and ensuring security

By Derwin Pereira

JAKARTA - The blueprint comes in a smart blue booklet, titled Vision For Change.

Watch Channel i news clip here

Over 31 pages, presidential aspirant Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono outlines his plans for Indonesia if he is elected to office. It revolves around four pillars: prosperity, peace, justice and democracy.

His critics are bound to chastise him for yet another 'nice-sounding speech'. But the 'blue book', as his aides describe it given the colour of its cover, encapsulates his reform agenda - and its limitations - in what will be his presidential election platform.

It also sets the enigmatic general miles apart from his key rivals - incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri and former military commander Wiranto - in terms of defining what needs to be done to bring back the good old days in Indonesia.

Indonesian politicians almost always talk about peace, prosperity, justice and democracy. But, in most cases, they are mere platitudes, with no real plan of action.

The 'blue book' is far from perfect, but it gives a glimpse of the priorities of a Bambang administration if it came to power. Clearly, the economy is top of the agenda. The 54-year-old general noted that while the macro economic picture might be looking better for Indonesia, this is not translating into a better life for people on the ground.

Many continue to complain about rising prices, lack of jobs and opportunities.

His target is to achieve a 7 per cent annual growth rate. Domestically, he wants to revive the engine of economic recovery: small and medium-sized enterprises.

To do that, he is prepared to offer better credit lines, cut bureaucratic red tape for setting up businesses, and improve labour laws. The bigger challenge is to win over foreign and local investors.

He can only do so by tackling the perennial problem of corruption and strengthening the rule of law. Indonesia's judiciary has come under scrutiny in recent years for a number of 'strange' rulings.

For example, a commercial court in June 2002 ruled Manulife Financial Corp's local unit bankrupt following a dispute between the Canadian insurer and its former joint-venture partner. The Supreme Court overturned the decision months later.

Mr Bambang does offer specifics on how he plans to crack down on a problem so deeply embedded in Indonesia. Those with misgivings about the way the last three administrations have dealt with corruption, will be somewhat assured by his promise to root out the problem from the 'top down'.

Fighting corruption, he said, will require top leaders showing the way and setting an example. It will also involve giving more powers to government bodies and courts.

Linked to the broader goal of attracting investments is political stability. Given concerns of violence in far-flung provinces, Mr Bambang said that he would try to end armed separatist movements in Aceh and Papua.

Again, it is not going to be easy to resolve. But here, his position clearly shows his ideological bent and the limits to how far he is prepared to push the reformist agenda.

Underlying this grand vision are the Pancasila state doctrine and preserving Indonesia's territorial integrity. These are non-negotiable.

He told The Straits Times: 'We need to balance liberty with security. What is the point of having democracy if there is no stability?'

His ideological thinking lies between two of Indonesia's former leaders - Mr Sukarno and Suharto. Mr Sukarno, he noted, had fire in the belly and instilled national pride. Suharto stood for precious order and stability.

The conservative streak can be traced to his military ideals. But he is no ultra-nationalist.

His overseas education gave him a broad view of the world and made him one of the leading reformers in the armed forces where he rose up the ranks to become a four-star general.

His vision is a balance between conservatism and reform. But the underlying theme here is one of change. The blue book is all about bringing change to Indonesia.

'Change is necessary because if we continue like this, Indonesia will descend into decay,' he said.

The real hard work of convincing voters to buy into his vision for change begins next week, when campaigning kicks off on Tuesday.

macgyver

May 27th, 2004, 04:13 PM

Alvin

May 27th, 2004, 05:18 PM

she's pretty hot :)
She's Dian Sastro..right?

baqthier

May 27th, 2004, 08:30 PM

Damn..Dian is HOT! She's still going out with that Malaysian rapper:no:

JAG2

May 28th, 2004, 12:06 AM

:tongue3: she s hot indeed what s her adress because next week I will be in JKt.

Btw : SBY is the best choice for Indonesia

Alvin

May 28th, 2004, 02:27 AM

Go SBY! :yes:

Alvin

May 28th, 2004, 02:28 AM

Alvin

May 28th, 2004, 02:31 AM

No.1 isn't unreachable anymore for Wiranto
Support from Golkar and PKB gives him a major boost domestically while meeting with Timor leader will help on global front

http://www.straitstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-05-28/asia14.jpg

By Derwin Pereira

THE political star of retired general Wiranto appears to be getting brighter.

Mr Wiranto showing the number that will represent him in the July 5 poll. -- REUTERS
The former military commander, who more than three years ago suffered an ignominious exit from politics, has now taken a big step towards clinching the presidency in Indonesia.

In a coup over his rivals, he secured the endorsement of the Nation Awakening Party (PKB) - the country's third largest party, which is linked to the 40-million-strong Nadhlatul Ulama (NU).

And in a charm offensive on the international front, he is plotting a meeting with Timor Leste leader Xanana Gusmao tomorrow. The ex-general is accused of complicity in the 1999 Timor Leste imbroglio.

Winning PKB's backing, however, seems to be more significant in terms of shifting the political balance in his favour.

It is a major boost for the retired general, who also has at his disposal the support of Golkar which won the most seats in Parliament in the April legislative election.

Golkar deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman, who led negotiation talks with PKB, told The Straits Times yesterday: 'This is a major turning point in Wiranto's campaign for the presidency. He has got the support of two big parties, which makes him a major force in Indonesian politics.'

PKB won 10 per cent of the seats in the parliamentary poll, most of the votes coming from the NU home base of East Java.

Mr Wiranto has picked as his running mate Mr Solahuddin Wahid, the younger brother of former president Abdurrahman Wahid who is PKB's chief patron. Both brothers are top leaders of NU which is Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation.

Mr Abdurrahman played a key role in getting PKB to endorse the Wiranto candidacy after having been disqualified by the General Election Commission last week from taking part in the race.

He told reporters: 'We've reached a decision to back Solahuddin Wahid as a vice-presidential candidate from PKB in a ticket with Wiranto. PKB needs someone in the race.'

The Wiranto camp is jubilant. But observers believe it is not going to be easy for him to galvanise total NU support. NU members traditionally do not vote in a single block. Part of the the NU vote could go to Mr Hasyim Muzadi and Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Indeed, at least one opinion poll last month indicated that the vote would split. However, former security czar Bambang remains the more popular candidate, recent polls have shown, with the support of 40 per cent of NU.

Mr Wiranto and Mr Abdurrahman are ranked very low on the list.

Mr Wiranto faces another problem. He also does not have the full backing of the Golkar machinery, with subversive elements in the party - led by chairman Akbar Tandjung - trying to block his chances.

But depending on whether he can strike a deal with Golkar and PKB - which is asking for several Cabinet seats, including a senior post for Mr Abdurrahman - Mr Wiranto has in effect the most potent machinery to deploy for the July 5 election.

The key is whether party machinery will count as much in Indonesia's first direct presidential poll. The Wiranto camp thinks that its huge infrastructure and network will do the job for it.

It is now moving on the international front which has long been the Achilles heel of Wiranto's candidacy.

Mr Marzuki disclosed that meeting with Mr Gusmao in Bali was aimed at 'mending ties' with the Timor Leste leader in the hope that the former Indonesian territory would back down on attempts to incarcerate Mr Wiranto.

A Timor Leste tribunal last week issued an arrest warrant for him over the violence, mostly blamed on pro-Jakarta militias backed by elements of the Indonesian military. Mr Wiranto was armed forces commander at that time.

At a broader level, Mr Marzuki said the goal was to project an image to the international community that the former general was taking the first step at reconciliation.

The key is whether such PR will have any bearing for the hawks on Capitol Hill.

Mr Wiranto's star is shining, but major hurdles remain that make his chances of winning the presidency still far from certain.

Alvin

May 28th, 2004, 02:32 AM

A Wiranto election victory will put US in a spot
Charges of rights abuses cause unease, but this may be allayed if he takes steps to show greater concern for human rights

By Roger Mitton

WASHINGTON - The possibility that Golkar candidate Wiranto may become the next president of Indonesia is causing concern in the United States.

The former Indonesian Army general has been accused of complicity in a notorious massacre of demonstrators in Timor Leste in 1999.

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There has been talk of a United Nations indictment against him for human rights abuses.

Although the allegations remain unproven, they may cause severe problems in relations between Washington and Jakarta if Mr Wiranto wins the presidential election.

Mr William Liddle, a political science professor at Ohio State University, said: 'A Wiranto presidency will make it more difficult for the executive branch of the US government to deal with Indonesia, because there will be constant pressure from Congress and from human rights groups.'

That pressure could lead to Mr Wiranto being refused permission to enter the United States.

More likely in the short term, the US Congress could tighten the legislative restrictions on military ties with Indonesia that were put in place as a result of the Timor Leste atrocity five years ago.

Mr Larry Niksch, a specialist in Asian Affairs at the US Library of Congress Research Centre, said: 'Congress will not look upon a Wiranto presidency with great favour. And one cannot rule out specific legislative action in Congress to impose penalties or sanctions on Indonesia.'

But last month, US Ambassador Ralph Boyce said Washington could work with Mr Wiranto.

'We can work with anybody that comes out of a free election process,' he said. 'We're not involved in selecting individual candidates, supporting or opposing individual candidates...It's the election process that we care deeply about and it seems to be going very well.'

Any qualms about Mr Wiranto could be partly ameliorated in US eyes if he were to take steps showing a greater concern for human rights.

Some feel he has already started to go down that path by choosing Mr Salahuddin Wahid, a former deputy chairman of Indonesia's human rights commission, as his vice-presidential running mate.

Mr Donald Emmerson, an Indonesia expert at Stanford University, California, said: 'If Wiranto's Cabinet choices included individuals known as champions of human rights, that too may stimulate some second thoughts on the part of US legislators inclined to punish Indonesia for electing him.'

But many feel that what is more likely to stimulate such thoughts and thus neutralise US fears about a Wiranto presidency is his strong stance on security and counter-terrorism. That issue transcends all else in American eyes.

Mr Emmerson said: 'Given America's concern with security, including the pursuit and prevention of terrorism in Indonesia, Wiranto's military background and apparent willingness to crack down on Jemaah Islamiah are potential assets to be weighed against his debits on human rights grounds.'

But there is also another candidate who is viewed in Washington as having those same valuable assets, but without the negative human rights reputation that bedevils Mr Wiranto.

Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who propelled his fledgling Democratic Party to major gains in last month's parliamentary elections and who is another retired general, is seen by many in the US as the most desirable candidate.

Mr Niksch said: 'My guess is that within the Pentagon and the State Department, Bambang Yudhoyono is probably looked at with a fair amount of positive optimism.'

Others agree that in Washington, Mr Bambang is widely regarded as a cleaner and firmer candidate than either Mr Wiranto or incumbent President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

He is also perceived in the US as being the candidate who could do the most to restore economic growth and maintain public order in Indonesia.

As regards Mrs Megawati, the US views her presidency as having been defined by under-achievement, both domestically and in the fight against violent extremism.

'Certainly, for those who wanted a tougher stance on terrorism, she's been a disappointment,' Mr Liddle said.

Still, despite privately expressed preferences, officials in Washington have been careful not to publicly extol or disparage any of the candidates.

The official US position is that it is up to the Indonesian people to decide who is going to govern them and it is not the place of the United States to pick favourites.

Of course, Washington has vociferously supported Indonesia's democratisation process and its main concern is to see that process continue in the presidential elections.

Naturally, there is a desire that Indonesians elect someone who has the authority to tackle tough problems like reform in the military and pervasive corruption, as well as being a leader who will continue to drive forward political reforms.

Regardless of who is victorious, Washington hopes that Indonesia will be able to readopt a more decisive role in the affairs of the region.

'The US would like to see Indonesia playing the positive, moderate regional and global role that it played under Suharto,' said Mr Liddle.

'It is hard to see it happening with Wiranto, but it could happen with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.'

Mahaputra

May 28th, 2004, 04:12 AM

Damn..Dian is HOT! She's still going out with that Malaysian rapper:no:

I thought she's going out with and Indonesian race car driver??
oh well.. nevertheless she's damn cute and HOT...

and I also hope SBY will be elected.. as he sounds very promising ehhehe

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 06:36 AM

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 08:01 AM

Five parties set to endorse Amien Rais
JAKARTA - Five political parties in Indonesia are ready to declare their support for National Mandate Party (PAN) presidential candidate Amien Rais, PAN secretary-general Yasin Kara said yesterday.

They are the Marhaenism National Party, the Freedom Bull National Party (PNBK), the Reform Star Party (PBR), the United Indonesia Party (PSI) and the Socialist Democratic Labour Party (PBSD).

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'The political parties will declare their support during a meeting to be held at the Kafe Tenda Senayan restaurant today,' he was quoted by the state news agency Antara as saying. The choice of an open-air restaurant for the declaration of the parties' support for Mr Amien and his vice-presidential candidate Siswono Yudhohusodo shows the people that it is not an exclusive gathering, he said.

The parties had previously chosen the Al Azhar mosque as the venue, said Mr Yasin, who is on Mr Amien's campaign team.

He said the parties were planning to hold the declaration of support last week but the timing did not work out.

Mr Amien recently said it was not easy to unite so many parties: 'The coalition is made for a national leader so it must be formed carefully.' -- Xinhua

My Estimation .... Amin and Wiranto will go for the second round ...

See Below :

Wiranto+ Gus Sholah :
1. Golkar : 24,480,757 21.58%
2. PKB : 11,989,564 10.57%
3. PKPI ( most likely ) : 1,424,240 1.26%
4. PPNUI ( most likely ) : 895,610 0.79%
5. PKPB : 2,399,290 2.11%
6. Partai Patriot ( most likely ) : 1,073,139 0.95%

Hamzah + Agum
1. PPP : 9,248,764 8.15%

Amin+Siswono :
1. Marhaenism National Party : 923,159 0.81%
2. PNBK : 1,230,455 1.08%
3. PBR : 2,764,998 2.44%
4. PAN : 7,303,324 6.44%
5. PKS ( Most Likely ) : 8,325,020 7.34%
6. PSI : 679,296 0.60%
7. PBSD : 636,397 0.56%
8. PBB ( Most Likely ) : 2,970,487 2.62%
9. Partai Merdeka ( Most Likely ) : 842,541 0.74%
10. PIB ( most likely ) : 672,952 0.59%
11. Partai Pelopor ( most likely ) : 878,932 0.77%

SBY+Kalla :
1. PD : 8,455,225 7.45%
2. PDS ( most likely ) : 2,414,254 2.13%
3. PPDK ( most likely ) : 1,313,654 1.16%
4. PPDI ( most likely ) : 855,811 0.75%
5. PPD ( most likely ) : 657,916 0.58%

Mega+Hasyim :
1.PDIP :21,026,629 18.53%

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 08:07 AM

I thought she's going out with and Indonesian race car driver??
oh well.. nevertheless she's damn cute and HOT...

and I also hope SBY will be elected.. as he sounds very promising ehhehe

Indonesian Car Race Driver ( Ananda Mikola ) ??? They just friend ...
Malaysian Rapper ( Too Phat ) : They just friend ....( Dian's Idol ) ..

She is still searching .... :) :) :)
What she is looking for ?? Rich not , famous not, handsome not ....
Just ... love her, care about her , humble .....and accept her as she is
( want to try ur luck ? Alvin ? Jag ? he he he )

David-80

May 28th, 2004, 09:39 AM

LOL....SBY is the best leader IMO, many people in aussie government like him especially after his showup at Bali bombing ceremony last year representing Megawati

GO SBY!

cheers

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 10:07 AM

http://www.detiknews.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2004/bulan/05/tgl/28/time/135825/idnews/158926/idkanal/10

Sorry in Bahasa

Amien Siap Lengser Jika Gagal Berantas KKN
Reporter: Nala Edwin

detikcom - Jakarta, Capres Partai Amanat Nasional (PAN) Amien Rais siap mundur jika gagal memberantas Korupsi Kolusi Nepotisme (KKN). Pemberantasan korupsi harus dibuktikan bukan sekadar mengumbar slogan.

"Nggak usah diminta saya sudah lengser. Kalau ada yang bisa saya banggakan, lima tahun jadi ketua MPR tidak pernah korupsi. Silakan kejaksaan dan kepolisian melihat pembukuan di MPR sedetil-detilnya. Insya allah Amien Rais tidak pernah mengambil uang satu sen pun yang bukan haknya," kata Amien Rais di Hotel Mega Matra, Jalan Matraman Raya No 115, Jakarta Timur, Jumat (28/5/2004).

Menurut Amien, pemberantasan KKN harus dibuktikan."Saya tidak ingin mengumbar slogan. Kalau ada tokoh yang berani menghukum mati koruptor, dia sudah cukup lama di pemerintahan buktinya tidak berani apa-apa," ujar Amien menjawab pertanyan wartawan seputar janji capres-cawapres yang akan menghukum mati koruptor.

Sejumlah capres dan cawapres menjanjikan akan menghukum mati koruptor jika terpilih dalam pilpres 5 Juli. Capres Partai Golkar Wiranto berjanji akan menghukum mati koruptor dalam Rakernas II KNPI di Hotel Millenium Jakarta Pusat, Jumat (28/5/2004) ini. Sebelumnya, cawapres Partai Demokrat Yusuf Kalla juga melontarkan janji yang sama.

Dalam kesempatan itu, Amien mengatakan dukungan PKS sangat menentukan peluangnya memenangkan pilpres mendatang."Saya tidak pernah sedikit pun mempengaruhi keputusan itu. PKS parpol yang solid dan kompak. Mereka juga mengandalkan moral dan akhlaq di atas segala-galanya, yang bisa saya katakan mudah-mudahan hasil ijtihad politik petinggi PKS akan menguntungkan bangsa Indonesia," demikian Amien Rais.(aan)

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 10:09 AM

http://www.detiknews.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2004/bulan/05/tgl/28/time/14340/idnews/158939/idkanal/10

Aa Gym akan Jadi Moderator Debat Capres di RCTI
Reporter: M. Munab Islah Ahyani

detikcom - Bandung, Dai kondang Abdullah Gymnastiar akan menjadi moderator debat capres. Aa Gym, panggilannya, akan mencoba menggali visi dan misi masing-masing capres.

"Saya juga akan bersikap netral dan objektif," kata Aa Gym dalam teleconference dengan sejumlah wartawan Indonesia dan Australia di Pondok Pesantren Darut Tauhid, Geger Kalong, Bandung, Jumat (28/5/2004). Aa Gym saat ini tengah melakukan ibadah umroh di Mekkah.

Aa Gym menjelaskan, debat capres tersebut akan ditayangkan RCTI pada 2 Juni mendatang. Menurutnya, semua pasangan capres dan cawapres akan mengikuti acara tersebut. "Saya berharap bisa menggali visi dan misi masing-masing kandidat," tutur Aa Gym.

Dalam kesempatan itu para wartawan Australia mengajukan berbagai pertanyaan kepada Aa Gym. Mulai soal Ponpes Darut Tauhid sampai sikap dan arah politik Aa Gym. Soal sikap politik, khususnya mengenai capres, Aa Gym tetap tidak mau menyebut nama.

"Saya tetap tidak akan menyebut nama. Saya hanya akan menyebutkan kriteria-kriteria. Yang jelas saya akan tetap bersikap netral," ungkap Aa Gym.

Aa Gym juga mengungkapkan, dirinya tidak sengaja bertemu dengan capres Partai Demokrat, SBY, di Mekkah. Mereka berdua kemudian berbicang-bincang mengenai berbagai hal.

"Saat itu waktu saya mau keluar dari masjid, tiba-tiba ada Pak Yudhoyono. Kami kemudian ngobrol, tapi tidak ada yang khusus," kata Aa Gym.

Mahaputra

May 28th, 2004, 10:10 AM

Indonesian Car Race Driver ( Ananda Mikola ) ??? They just friend ...
Malaysian Rapper ( Too Phat ) : They just friend ....( Dian's Idol ) ..

She is still searching .... :) :) :)
What she is looking for ?? Rich not , famous not, handsome not ....
Just ... love her, care about her , humble .....and accept her as she is
( want to try ur luck ? Alvin ? Jag ? he he he )

not ananda mikola.. ananda mikola is going out with wulan guritno (another indonesian Hottie)..
either ananda mikola's brother or rifat sungkar's brother.. not sure..
ehehhe

Mahaputra

May 28th, 2004, 10:12 AM

okay we're a bit off topic here..
ehhehe
should start a thread of Hot Indonesian chicks
:D :D :devil:

David-80

May 28th, 2004, 10:23 AM

Btw Wulan guritno is half British and Indo rite? shes cute :D

cheers

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 10:31 AM

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 10:36 AM

:) not ananda mikola.. ananda mikola is going out with wulan guritno (another indonesian Hottie)..
either ananda mikola's brother or rifat sungkar's brother.. not sure..
ehehhe

Ok ok ... my fault ... I should say ..... The younger brother of Ananda Mikola ...... Moreno Suprapto ( their father Tinton Suprapto was Indonesia Car Rally racer ) :)

JAG2

May 28th, 2004, 10:44 AM

you re all wrong if I m there she defenitely going out with me , that s for sure. :hug: :hug:

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 11:45 AM

Btw Wulan guritno is half British and Indo rite? shes cute :D

cheers

http://sinergi-web.tripod.com/wguritno.jpg
http://www.sukajadihotel.com/images/photo/wulanguritno2.jpg
http://www.kompas.com/style/people/0202/25/24wu-hnl.jpg http://www.suaramerdeka.com/harian/0201/09/sm1wulbaru9.jpg
http://www.suaramerdeka.com/harian/0212/14/sm1wulan14.jpg

David-80

May 28th, 2004, 11:53 AM

OMG shes cute man!!! anyway lets start a thread about indo chicks :cheers: :D

cheers

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 01:45 PM

http://www.detiknews.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2004/bulan/05/tgl/28/time/18157/idnews/158986/idkanal/10

Didukung 7 Parpol, Amien Dititipi Pemberantasan Korupsi
Reporter: Arifin Asydhad

detikcom - Jakarta, Deklarasi tujuh parpol pendukung Amien Rais-Siswono Yudo Husodo berlangsung meriah. Para pimpinan parpol mendukung duet itu, karena sebagian besar menilai Amien mampu memberantas korupsi.

Deklarasi itu sengaja digelar bukan di hotel berbintang, tapi di Semanggi Expo, kawasan Kafe Tenda Semanggi, Senayan, Jumat (28/5/2004). Semanggi Expo selama ini sering dipakai sebagai tempat pagelaran pameran.

Deklarasi itu dihadiri oleh tujuh pimpinan parpol yang mendukung Dwitunggal Amien-Siswono. Tampak hadir Ketua Umum PBR Zainuddin MZ, Ketua Umum PNBK Erros Djarot, Ketua Umum PPDI Dimmy Haryanto, Ketua Umum PSI Rahardjo Tjakraningrat, dan Ketua Umum PBSD Mochtar Pakpahan.

Ketua Umum PNI Marhaenisme Sukmawati Soekarnoputri berhalangan hadir, karena baru saja dirawat di RS. Sukma mengutus salah seorang ketuanya. Sedangkan, PAN sebagai tuan rumah, diwakili oleh Ketua DPP PAN Abdillah Toha.

Ruangan Semanggi Expo yang luas itu, mirip hanggar itu pun dipenuhi dengan gambar dan spanduk Amien-Siswono. Dalam acara deklarasi yang dihadiri ribuan orang itu, para pimpinan parpol menyampaikan pidato mengenai alasan-alasannya mengapa memilih duet Amien Rais-Siswono.

Sebagian besar pimpinan parpol itu mengaku memilih duet Amien-Siswono karena duet itu berani menyatakan komitmennya dalam memberantas korupsi. Setidaknya ini disampaikan oleh Erros Djarot, Muchtar Pakpahan, Dimmy Haryanto, dan Zainuddin MZ.

Dimmy bahkan mengatakan, bila memang terpilih nanti sebagai presiden dan wakil presiden, duet Amien-Siswono harus berani menegakkan keadilan dan menegakkan hukum, tidak terkecuali terhadap keluarganya. “Kalau sampai nanti, teman-temannya, keluarganya, bahkan anaknya terlibat pelanggaran hukum, maka Pak Amien dan Pak Siswono harus berani menghukum mereka. Jika tidak, silakan mundur,” kata Dimmy.

Sementara Erros Djarot juga mengungkapkan hal yang sama. Erros mengaku sudah berkali-kali bertemu Amien Rais. Dalam pertemuan itu, Erros yakin Amien mampu memberantas korupsi. “Sebelum pertanyaan saya sampai ke titik, pak Amien sudah menjawab berani,” ungkapnya.

Sebenarnya, kata Erros, dirinya disodorkan lima calon presiden. “Semuanya memang terbaik. Tapi, setelah saya berdialog dan juga melakukan istikharah, maka Pak Amien-Siswono adalah pasangan yang paling terbaik,” ujarnya.

Erros juga mengaku Amien sebagai orang yang biasa-biasa saja dalam kesehariannya. “Mungkin, di antara pejabat, Pak Amien orang yang paling gampang ditemui dan paling enak diajak bicara. Saya kalau ketemu pejabat lain, suasananya seram terus,” ujarnya.

Sementara Zainuddin yang kebagian berpidato di urutan keenam, mampu mencairkan suasana yang penuh gegap gempita sebelumnya menjadi penuh humor. Zainuddin berpidato seperti gayanya menyampaikan ceramah.

“Negara kita saat ini adalah negara yang penuh masalah. Karena itu, pemimpin mendatang harus dipegang orang yang tidak bermasalah,” kata Zainuddin menyampaikan alasan mengapa mendukung duet Amien-Siswono. Zainuddin berharap agar duet ini bisa terpilih, sehingga reformasi bisa dituntaskan. (asy)

Alvin

May 28th, 2004, 04:42 PM

Hey MacGyver
I don't think party support provides a good indicator of how the public will vote in the upcoming elections..the electorate is more rational and politically educated these days, and I think a lot of ppl will vote for candidates other than the one their party nominated.
Anyway, I'm predicting an SBY - Megawati clash in the 2nd round :)
what do others think?

macgyver

May 28th, 2004, 05:42 PM

macgyver

May 29th, 2004, 04:18 AM

http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=875

http://www.asianews.it/files/img/875_wahid%20(120%20x%20140).jpg
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The controversial retired General Wiranto, the Presidential candidate for Suharto’s Golkar Party, has received the firm backing of the Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB) founded by former President Abdurrahman ‘Gus Dur’ Wahid. PKB’s full endorsement for Wiranto - once Suharto’s aide-de-camp, protégé, and the former Indonesia Military Chief (TNI) - was announced by Gus Dur on May 26, after the General Election Commission (KPU) dropped Dur’s own name as a presidential candidate due to health reasons.

Wiranto is running despite being indicted by UN-backed prosecutors for alleged war crimes in East Timor. National human rights campaign activists also strongly condemned him as morally unfit for his failure as the Military Chief (TNI) to crack down the social unrest of May 1998 that brought then former President Soeharto’s resignation.

The nearly blind Gus Dur was considered unfit to campaign, but he had previously endorsed his younger brother Solahuddin Wahid, alias Gus Solah, to be Wiranto’s running mate as the vice-presidential candidate. "The PKB executive board, in a plenary session, reached a decision to back Solahuddin Wahid as a vice presidential candidate from PKB in a ticket with Wiranto. PKB needs someone in the race," Gus Dur told reporters in Jakarta, Wednesday afternoon May 26, after chairing a special plenary session with PKB top executives. Solahuddin Wahid is the deputy of Indonesia's top human rights body (Komnas HAM).

Gus Dur added that his PKB Party would have withdrawn its support if he himself had succeeded in a legal battle to prove his ability to run. He was disqualified by the KPU last week.

PKB’s Secretary General Arifin Junaidi stated that the PKB would hold a special meeting with the Golkar Party’s top executives to make political deals. Asked by the press if the PKB would request ministerial positions in the next cabinet, the Secretary gave no clear answer. "We want a balance in the government and we want a binding agreement,” he answered to direct questions.

General Wiranto is the official candidate for Golkar, the party that won most seats (21,6 %) in April's legislative elections. PKB, which has its deep roots in the country’s largest Muslim organization, Nadlatul Ulama (NU), won 10% of the votes. The front-runner in the presidential race is former chief security minister and ex-general, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Current President Megawati Sukarnoputri is also standing. But NU’s chairman KH Hasyim Muzadi has been becoming Megawati’s running mate for the vice-presidential from Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP).

The Golkar Party sees the PKB's support as crucial for Wiranto. It hopes that Solahuddin Wahid, the deputy chairman of NU, will bring votes, both from the party and from NU members, to count for almost 40 million of the entire population in Indonesia. (MH)

macgyver

May 29th, 2004, 04:22 AM

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/asia/story/0,4386,253263,00.html

JAKARTA - Five political parties in Indonesia are ready to declare their support for National Mandate Party (PAN) presidential candidate Amien Rais, PAN secretary-general Yasin Kara said yesterday.

They are the Marhaenism National Party, the Freedom Bull National Party (PNBK), the Reform Star Party (PBR), the United Indonesia Party (PSI) and the Socialist Democratic Labour Party (PBSD).

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'The political parties will declare their support during a meeting to be held at the Kafe Tenda Senayan restaurant today,' he was quoted by the state news agency Antara as saying. The choice of an open-air restaurant for the declaration of the parties' support for Mr Amien and his vice-presidential candidate Siswono Yudhohusodo shows the people that it is not an exclusive gathering, he said.

The parties had previously chosen the Al Azhar mosque as the venue, said Mr Yasin, who is on Mr Amien's campaign team.

He said the parties were planning to hold the declaration of support last week but the timing did not work out.

Mr Amien recently said it was not easy to unite so many parties: 'The coalition is made for a national leader so it must be formed carefully.' -- Xinhua

macgyver

May 29th, 2004, 04:25 AM

100% AGREE ..... :bash: :bash:
She doesn't have the intention to "build" Indonesia ...
Her Intention is to "destroy" Indonesia ....
We don't need person like Ya .....

Her comments Just Worsen the Condition ..... !!!

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/asia/story/0,4386,253268,00.html?

JAKARTA - Indonesia's police commander joined in the government's criticism of the International Crisis Group yesterday, threatening the think-tank with legal action if it issues 'statements that destabilise security' in the presidential election.

The threat comes a day after the Brussels-based group issued a statement saying it was being threatened with expulsion, and Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda complained that its reporting on the government's military offensive in the troubled province of Aceh was biased.

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'We have given a warning to them,' Police Chief General Da'i Bachtiar said.

'Don't give statements that destabilise security in the country. If they continue to do so, we will act according to the law.'

Police on Wednesday said they are monitoring 20 local and foreign groups which they believe are planning to issue reports that could disrupt security ahead of the July 5 presidential election.

They did not name the groups, but the warning was the latest sign that the authorities are increasingly critical of human rights and other groups that have proliferated since the ouster of former dictator Suharto in 1998.

Since President Megawati Sukarnoputri was elected in July 2001, the government has jailed student activists and newspaper editors who criticised the President and other political leaders.

Ms Sidney Jones, who heads the ICG office in Jakarta, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

On Wednesday, she said the authorities had refused to extend work permits for her and other staff members.

ICG has reported on the rising threat of Islamic militants in Indonesia, separatist wars in Aceh and Papua, sectarian violence in Central Sulawesi and the country's struggle to reform its police force and military. -- AP

Alvin

May 29th, 2004, 04:09 PM

http://www.sby-oke.com/pic/visi-misi.pdf

macgyver

June 1st, 2004, 05:36 AM

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/6/1/latest/17566Campaignin&sec=latest

JAKARTA, Indonesia: Campaigning for Indonesia's first direct presidential elections kicked off Tuesday with incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri struggling to keep her job at the helm of the world's largest Muslim nation.

Amid tight security after police warnings that militants might launch attacks to coincide with the polls, the five candidates and their deputies gathered in a Jakarta park to officially start the campaign for the July 5 ballot.

The elections are seen as a milestone in this sprawling and poverty-stricken Southeast Asian nation's transition to democracy six years after the downfall of ex-dictator Suharto.

They are the first in which the country's 210 million people will chose their leader directly. Previously, the president was chosen by lawmakers acting as an electoral college.

Cheered on by hundreds of supporters and with a band blasting out marching tunes, the candidates Tuesday stood side-by-side to sign a plaque bearing the words: "We are prepared to win, but we are also prepared to lose.''

Campaign teams hurled cookies, soft drinks and T-shirts from ornately decorated floats which then toured Jakarta's streets in the first of what will likely be many colorful shows of support over coming weeks.

Megawati, the daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno, trails the front-runner, her former security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, by more than 20 percentage points in opinion polls.

She is also facing a stiff challenge from ex-military chief Wiranto, who is the nominee of the former Golkar party of Suharto. Golkar emerged as the largest party in April parliamentary polls.

Wiranto was chosen despite him being indicted by U.N.-backed prosecutors for war crimes during East Timor's separation from Jakarta in 1999. He denies the charges.

In the April elections, Megawati's political party lost nearly 40 percent of the votes it had won in 1999 amid disappointment at the slow pace of reform, failure to crack down on rampant graft and stuttering economic growth.

Salim Said, a prominent political analyst, said the party's poor showing was a sign that voters thought "there is something wrong'' with Megawati's handling of Indonesia.

"Unless she is aware of that ... and promises to change the way she runs the country, I think her chances will be very slim,'' he said.

If, as widely expected, no candidate wins an outright majority at the July ballot, Indonesians will choose between the two front-runners in a second round of voting in September.

Last week, authorities put nearly 170,000 police on alert amid fears terrorists could launch attacks during election. Several al-Qaida linked terrorists suspected in the 2002 Bali bombings are believed to be at large in the country. - AP

macgyver

June 1st, 2004, 05:37 AM

Jun 1, 2004

Indonesia kicked off campaigning for the country's first direct presidential election on Tuesday, with incumbent leader Megawati Sukarnoputri lagging badly behind the favourite, her former chief security minister.

Opinion polls show former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is the clear frontrunner to take over the world's most populous Muslim nation on a platform of firm leadership, cleaner government and faster economic growth.

Local financial markets have been jittery over the threat of violence from Islamic militants ahead of the July 5 poll and the political uncertainty of a long election process in which the next president will not take office until October.

More than 147 million people will be eligible to vote on July 5 across Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of 17,000 islands and 220 million people.

"This is a new chapter in the history of our country," said political analyst Rizal Mallarangeng.

"It is good for the leaders, they have to compete... They have to learn how to talk directly to people, through the camera perhaps, or by going to the streets and shaking their hands."

A legislative body previously chose Indonesia's presidents.

By early morning on Tuesday, a large parade of colourful floats bearing images of the candidates and their running mates were preparing to parade up Jakarta's main thoroughfare to mark the formal start of the campaign period.

Police have gone on high alert, deploying tens of thousands of extra personnel across the country.

Whoever wins, there is plenty at stake.

Modest economic growth of around four percent has failed to create work for more than five million new job seekers each year. The country's rampant graft and unpredictable legal system are major obstacles to foreign investment.

And a wave of bomb attacks in recent years by Islamic militants linked to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network has put Indonesia in the front line in the war on terrorism and raised questions about the country's tolerant Muslim image.

The three main presidential candidates are secular nationalists. Two others are Muslim leaders.

Criticised for lacklustre and aloof leadership, Megawati stole a march on her rivals by opening her campaign with a rare news conference on Monday. Other candidates are expected to hold events in Jakarta on Tuesday, before hitting the hustings.

Opinion polls show the cool-headed Yudhoyono winning 40% of the vote, easily beating Megawati or his other main rival, former military chief Wiranto, the nominee of Golkar, once the party of former autocrat Suharto.

If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will be held in September between the two top candidates.

Megawati has stabilised Indonesia after chaos that followed Suharto's ouster in 1998, but many see her as too weak to eradicate graft and improve the rule of law.

Her party came second in parliamentary elections on April 5 after losing nearly half its seats. Golkar was first, but won less than a quarter of the seats on offer.

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/news_world_story_skin/428593%3fformat=html

Alvin

June 1st, 2004, 09:03 AM

http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060103.jpg

David-80

June 1st, 2004, 09:20 AM

Thank GOD, gusdur the blind eye dude is not there ! :lol: :rofl:

cheers

Alvin

June 1st, 2004, 12:17 PM

http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060105.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060106.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060107.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060108.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060109.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060110.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060111.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060112.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060113.jpg

Alvin

June 1st, 2004, 03:54 PM

Direct presidential campaign gets under way in Indonesia

JAKARTA: Five presidential candidates have begun campaigning for the votes of some 150 million electors as Indonesia took another big step towards full democracy.

A month-long campaign period, leading up to the first direct presidential election on July 5, began with colourful carnival-style processions through the capital and other cities.

Candidates in the world's third largest democracy promised them everything from firm government to cheap fertiliser.

As they signed a pledge of readiness "to acept victory or defeat" peacefully, the loudest cheers were for ex-general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

An opinion survey to be published Wednesday by the International Foundation for Election Systems shows Yudhoyono with 41 percent support compared to 11 percent for incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri and 10 percent for another ex-general, Wiranto.

Current Vice-President Hamzah Haz and national assembly speaker Amien Rais are seen as underdogs.

No one is expected to secure the outright majority needed to win on the first round. The top two contenders would face a run-off on September 20.

The legislature's upper house previously chose presidents. A Jakart Post editorial called the first direct poll "an important milestone in Indonesia's history."

Islamic preacher Abdullah Gymnastiar, who led prayers at the opening ceremony in Monas park, said he hoped the election would help a "long-suffering nation."

Indonesia's economic growth rate still lags behind its Southeast Asian neighbours and is too low to dent unemployment of around 10 million. An estimated 30 million others in the nation of 212 million have only part-time work.

Corruption is still endemic, utility prices are rising and Indonesia in recent years has suffered a string of terrorist attacks by the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah.

Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle finished only second in an April 5 parliamentary poll, losing almost half its support compared to 1999.

The Golkar party, which backed dictator Suharto's 32-year rule that ended in 1998, topped the April polls. But it failed to improve on its 1999 vote tally. Millions of voters turned to Yudhoyono's new Democrat party.

"Develop an Indonesia which is peaceful and prosperous," read a banner on one of Yudhoyono's floats.

Golkar's candidate Wiranto, a former military chief, promised firm government.

"I want a firm leader. I choose Wiranto/Wahid," read a banner on a daffodil-bedecked Wiranto float.

"I want cheap fertiliser. I choose Wiranto/Wahid," read another.

Wiranto, trying to defuse allegations of past human rights abuses, has picked Solahuddin Wahid as his running-mate. Wahid, a former vice chairman of the human rights commission, once investigated Wiranto.

United Nations-funded prosecutors in Dili have charged Wiranto with failing, as armed forces chief in 1999, to curb atrocities against independence supporters.

He denies the charge and analysts say it is unlikely greatly to harm his chances.

Madi Sulaiman, who earns 15,000-20,000 rupiah (1.60-2.10 dollars) a day as a scavenger after losing his factory job, said Wiranto's human rights record was not a problem.

After who he would vote for, he said: "If possible, Wiranto. He is firm... SBY (Yudhoyono) is also good but he is not that firm."

Under Suharto's New Order, he said, "we were lied to, but people were prosperous. Now everything is hard and what's more, there is corruption under Megawati."

Wiranto, speaking to AFP from his campaign float, said he wanted "to focus on national leadership and how to make decisions when the country is in critical condition."

Retired businessman Suhana, 80, said none of the candidates inspired him.

"I have lived through three eras," he said, adding that the Dutch colonial era was the best because there was rule of law.

"Last time we chose Megawati but she hasn't achieved anything," Suhana said. "There are three military (candidates) so we worry about repression.

"If Wiranto becomes president, it will be the same as before... the military will be in power again.

"The best is SBY but he is a military also. We are going from bad to worse."

- AFP

Alvin

June 5th, 2004, 03:28 PM

By Matthew Moore
June 5, 2004

A former general leading Indonesia's presidential election race is now so popular a new poll suggests he could win in the first round of the vote held on July 5.

The poll, conducted in the last week of May, gives Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 49.8 per cent of the vote, more than three times that of his nearest rival, President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who has 15 per cent support. Just one point behind her on 14 per cent is the former commander of the armed forces, Wiranto, who is the official candidate of the Golkar party of the former Soeharto regime.

The countrywide poll of 2200 people found the two Islamic candidates trailing the field: Amien Rais with 9 per cent and the current Vice-President, Hamzah Haz, with 4 per cent.

Saiful Mujani, director of political research with the Indonesian Survey Institute, which carried out the poll, said it is now "very likely SBY will win in the first round".

To do so, Mr Yudhoyono must get more than 50 per cent of the total vote while also polling more than 20 per cent of the vote in half of Indonesia's 32 provinces.

(Sydney Morning Herald)

David-80

June 6th, 2004, 09:18 AM

I think the top three is SBY, Megawati and Amien rais. The rest will probably receive small amount of votes, if theres any :lol:

cheers

Alvin

June 6th, 2004, 10:22 AM

I think there's three scenarios (based on surveys so far):
1. SBY wins in 1st round
2. SBY v Wiranto in 2nd round
3. SBY v Mega in 2nd round

:)
it'll be exciting.
i just hope that it doesn't have to go to the 2nd round...its about time indonesian politicians start focusing on good programs for the future, rather than more politicking..

David-80

June 6th, 2004, 10:59 AM

Yeah, i hope its clean sweep at the 1st round, or else it will violatile the market and rupiah particulary.

cheers

Alvin

June 6th, 2004, 01:43 PM

http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060601.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060602.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060603.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060604.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060605.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4060606.jpg

macgyver

June 9th, 2004, 08:39 AM

I got this email from someone :-)

5 Langkah Mencoblos :

Setelah anda menerima kartu suara dari Panitia Pemilihan, ikuti langkah berikut :

No.1 diBUKA kertas suara, jangan ada yang sobek/bolong
No.2 diAMATI kelima pasang calon,
No.3 diCOBLOS
No.4 diLIPAT dengan rapi
No.5 diMASUKKAN ke kotak suara

Happy Voting ...
Satu kali salah coblos ... 5 Tahun Sengsaranya

================== free translation =====================
5 steps to vote

After getting the ballot paper from the voting staff, follow 5 steps below :

No.1 the voting paper to be OPENED
No.2 all 5 candidates to be carefully EXAMINED
No.3 to be VOTED
No.4 the voting paper to be FOLDED nicely
No.5 to be PUT in the ballot box

Happy Voting ...
Once you vote wrongly ... 5 years of Misery

================== end of free translation ================

I GUESS YOU KNOW THE MESSAGES OF THIS EMAIL ... :cheers: :) :grouphug: :) :cheers:

indistad

June 9th, 2004, 10:03 AM

I'm not gonna vote for the pres election. I didn't get my voting card! :wallbash:

Damn KPU! What a bunch of screw ups!

teddybear

June 13th, 2004, 12:47 AM

David-80

June 13th, 2004, 10:23 AM

Nah, Golkar has no more power like before, one of his man from PP (pancasila pemuda) who have influence in the election with Suharto has been quitting Golkar sometimes ago, but anyway the reason why Golkar won the election is because maybe the people tired of megawati and her party promises which never come true...they missed the old days with Golkar...which i consider Golkar folks are better than any other parties, look at Surya paloh, Aburizal bakrie and even many chinese businessman behind them. Yet one more thing, Golkar won the election doesnt mean corruption will fade away, but there would be less coruption than before. The reason? they had enough for 32 years during Suharto.

Just my 2 cents

cheers

Alvin

June 13th, 2004, 02:58 PM

http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4061301.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4061302.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4061303.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4061304.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4061305.jpg http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0406//big4061306.jpg

macgyver

June 14th, 2004, 10:50 AM

macgyver

June 14th, 2004, 11:17 AM

indistad,
Do not worry! Anyway, voting or not, they will manipulate the vote. I heard this from one of the insider. They did power bargaining, and Golkar has strong power bargaining. Golkar way of manipulating vote is pretty "dirty" if the not the "dirtiest" compare to other party.

Anyway, this is not a country with democracy. Everything can be "diatur".

I thought this might be good info for those that still do not know about Indonesian election... but this is true.

No Teddy ...
It is getting much much better now ...
Indonesia People is smart now ....
even there is a popular song now ..... based on the Yuppie Yuppie Song .. ?
" Ambil saja uang mereka , ... tapi jangan pilih mereka " ...
Meaning .... Just take the money ... but ... pssttt ..... don't vote for them ...... he he he

macgyver

June 14th, 2004, 11:24 AM

No Teddy ...
It is getting much much better now ...
Indonesia People is smart now ....
even there is a popular song now ..... based on the Yuppie Yuppie Song .. ?
" Ambil saja uang mereka , ... tapi jangan pilih mereka " ...
Meaning .... Just take the money ... but ... pssttt ..... don't vote for them ...... he he he

Sing it like : Cucak Rowo ( Inul ) / Say salamat masi neger-neger ( bataknese ) / Yupie2 Yeach ( Dutch ) / ??? ( England ) / ??? ( USA ) .... You know .. the song sang by gold miner in cowboy era ... :-)

The Song

JANGAN-JANGAN PILIH MEREKA YANG BERPOLITIK MENIPU RAKYAT
JANGAN-JANGAN PILIH MEREKA YANG BERPOLITIK MENYUAP RAKYAT

AMBIL SAJA UANG MEREKA
TAPI JANGAN PILIH MEREKA
AMBIL SAJA UANG MEREKA
NYOBLOSNYA PK SEJAHTERA

AMBIL SAJA UANG MEREKA
TAPI JANGAN PILIH MEREKA
AMBIL SAJA UANG MEREKA
TAPI JANGAN PILIH MEREKA

kota16

June 14th, 2004, 11:54 AM

It is looking like Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the next President.

macgyver

June 14th, 2004, 12:04 PM

It is looking like Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the next President.

If SBY want to be the president ... He has to take on the first round straight ...unless ... say good bye ....

The latest Poll ... SBY votes is declining .... Others are increasing ( Mega, Amien, Wiranto ) .. ... but still SBY is 1st in the Poll.

Kompas Today :
Polls : 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 2 June, 9 June

1. SBY : 56.6% , 62.6%, 55.2%, 52.4%,41.8%
2. Amien : 13.9%, 15.1%, 18.2%, 18.3%
3. Wiranto : 4.8%, 4.8%, 6.7%, 10.7%, 12.5%
4. Mega : 7.9%, 7.6%, 10.4%, 10.8%, 12.2%
5. Hamzah : 0.6%, 0.8%, 0.6%, 0.2%, 0.2%

So SBY will definitely be number 1 in the first round ....
However in the second round .. He will come second ...

See My prediction ....

:horse:

sendok

June 14th, 2004, 07:03 PM

E Asians catch Euro football fever

The tournament is thousands of miles away in Portugal
It may be taking place on the other side of the world and not feature a single player from the region, but Euro 2004 will still be watched avidly by millions of football fans in East Asia.
In Thailand, the twin passions of football and gambling have led thousands to cross into neighbouring Cambodia to avoid a crackdown on illegal betting.

In Indonesia, presidential hopefuls are hoping to gain political capital ahead of the forthcoming elections by offering advice on the beautiful game.

Election topic

In Indonesia, a debate between presidential candidates ahead of the July elections focused solely on football.

General Wiranto, whose position in opinion polls has been steadily rising, said the problem with the domestic game was that Indonesian footballers were just too small.

"Surely we can find 11 tall strong young men out of a population of more than 200million," he cried.

Amien Rais, meanwhile, suggested that paying more for referees was the answer.

Perhaps sensing an opportunity to claw back some of her rapidly waning popularity, the current president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, wrote a front page article for one of Indonesia's leading newspapers, promising to build a new national football stadium if she was re-elected.

Then, in a line which could be interpreted as a cry from the heart, Mrs Megawati wrote "The European football championship is nice entertainment for people who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the presidential campaign."

BBC Monday, 14 June, 2004

Alvin

June 15th, 2004, 09:43 AM

www.chinaview.cn 2004-06-15 10:18:32

JAKARTA, June 15 (Xinhuanet) -- After the results of independent polls were announced, rival politicians acknowledged the popularity of Indonesia's presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his running mate Jusuf Kalla.

A survey conducted by the Democracy Study Institute (LKaDe), an institute founded by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politicians, revealed on Monday that Susilo and Kalla were popular among 45.17 percent of respondents, with Megawati Soekarnoputri and Hasyim Muzadi a distant second with 18.88 percent.

Megawati, the incumbent President, chairs PDI-P. She is seeking a full five-year mandate in the July 5 presidential election following her party's poor performance in the legislative election.

The survey was conducted on 1,833 respondents in 15 cities across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Bali, between June 27 and June 29.

"The popularity of Susilo and Kalla showed in almost all of thecities," LKaDe chairman Sukowaluyo Mintohardjo was quoted Tuesday by The Jakarta Post as saying.

Trailing Megawati were Amien Rais and Siswono Yudohusodo with 15.81 percent, followed by Wiranto and Solahuddin Wahid with 12.95percent and Hamzah Haz and Agum Gumelar with 4.7 percent.

The Susilo-Kalla ticket also emerged the runaway leader in previous surveys. The breakdown of the poll conducted by the LKaDealso saw Susilo and Kalla, who are running under the Democratic Party, top the standings.

Most women (50,33 percent) chose Susilo and Kalla, compared to 14.3 percent which went to Megawati.

"This proves there is no gender correlation between women voters and female candidates," Sukowaluyo said.

Although Susilo's party only garnered 7.5 percent of the vote in the April 5 legislative election, Susilo looks set to win the presidential race, thanks to support from 44.57 percent of Golkar Party voters, 24 percent of PDI-P supporters, 40 percent of National Awakening Party supporters, 34 percent of United Development Party voters and 42.39 percent of Prosperous Justice Party supporters, the LKaDe poll revealed. Enditem

macgyver

June 15th, 2004, 09:54 AM

Although Susilo's party only garnered 7.5 percent of the vote in the April 5 legislative election, Susilo looks set to win the presidential race, thanks to support from 44.57 percent of Golkar Party voters, 24 percent of PDI-P supporters, 40 percent of National Awakening Party supporters, 34 percent of United Development Party voters and 42.39 percent of Prosperous Justice Party supporters, the LKaDe poll revealed. Enditem

Big Questions .... 42.39% of PKS votes SBY ??

Right now the PKS supporter is waiting whether to vote Amien or Wiranto.

Anyone knows that both 2 daughters of Wiranto are PKS's Activist ...
:)

Alvin

June 15th, 2004, 10:13 AM

You surely can't allege bias though, as this poll was conducted by Megawati's PDIP! :)

macgyver

June 16th, 2004, 10:33 AM

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7016/AFI_Baru.jpg

kota16

June 16th, 2004, 05:00 PM

Alvin

June 17th, 2004, 02:11 AM

Analysts say polls could indirectly influence election outcome as undecided voters may follow popular preferences

By Robert Go

JAKARTA - Pollsters, who gained credibility after they predicted a win for the Golkar party ahead of April's parliamentary elections, are now forecasting a landslide victory for former military general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the presidential elections.

The numbers so far are stunning.

Jakarta-based Centre for Political Studies (CPS), for instance, said last week that SBY, as Mr Bambang is popularly known, would have bagged nearly 47 per cent of votes if the election were held this week.

CPS figures placed Dr Amien Rais, head of supreme legislative assembly MPR, second with about 20 per cent.

Incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri, who has led the country for the past three years, would have ended up third with around 14 per cent.

Some other surveys may disagree on which candidate will occupy second to fifth spots, and the percentages of votes they will collect.

They include groups with global experience, like the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), or those with a strictly domestic scope, such as the Indonesian Survey Agency (LSI).

But most agree that Mr Bambang looks poised to walk away with the crown in July.

And pollsters are confident that, like in April, they would be on target again on July 5.

The retired general's rise in popularity has been spectacular.

In December last year, IFES gave him a rating of 5 per cent. In May this year, the figure surged to 41 per cent.

LSI, whose projections ahead of the parliamentary elections results had an average error rate of 1.65 per cent, has tracked Mr Bambang moving from 7 per cent last November to nearly 41 per cent in April.

The executive director of LSI, Mr Denny J.A., told The Straits Times that results from its May polling, which was privately commissioned by a domestic television station and not made public, had the front runner increasing his lead to 49 per cent at the end of last month.

Both IFES and LSI are expected to publicise their latest survey results a few days before July 5.

Mr Denny said: 'The science of polling in Indonesia has improved dramatically, and polling groups' success from April presents a good evidence of this.'

Mr Alan Wall of IFES said both international and domestic pollsters are applying better methodologies and therefore getting more accurate projections.

The Indonesian public's greater expectations of polling exercises, and changes that have taken place in the country's media and media laws are also positive factors.

Mr Wall said: 'When newspapers or television stations talk about poll results, they are now required to also talk about how the polls are done.

'This introduces greater accountability and cuts down the chance that poll results can be manipulated.'

The public, pollsters point out, is also getting more sophisticated and is more likely to rely on surveys that are done on a face-to-face basis, rather than over the telephone, or through Web-based or cellular SMS methods.

Analysts argue that polls not only provide a snapshot of political sentiment, but may also influence the outcome of elections, even if indirectly.

At least 30 per cent or more of Indonesia's 147 million eligible voters remain undecided and could make their decisions based on others' preferences.

Some analysts call it the 'snowball effect', while others talk about the 'herd mentality'.

But no matter how the phenomenon is described, there is a sense that undecided voters may flock to Mr Bambang simply because polls are showing that other Indonesians are heading that way already.

Mr Denny said: 'The effect may not be a direct one. It isn't that poll results are convincing people one way or another about the candidates.

'Rather, it may have to do with how poll results are publicised by the media, and this generates greater name recognition for some candidates, like Mr Bambang, right now.'

But pollsters acknowledge that other candidates may yet eat into Mr Bambang's lead in the next couple of weeks of campaigning.

Mr Sukardi Rinakit of CPS said: 'The polls are in favour of (Mr Bambang) now, but things may change as we get closer to the election date itself.'

David-80

June 17th, 2004, 10:09 AM

Current President Megawati was invited many times to make a visit to Australia to foster goodwill with a neighbour. She never accepted the invitation at any time. Yet Amien and SBY are quite well known here as visitors.

I couldnt agree more with you kota16, Remember Bali Bombing anniversary? she didnt come to the ceremony in respect of the balinese, but i think thats only a lame excuse though...but look whos there at the ceremony...SBY and i remember what he said to the australian newspaper

here is the quote from SBY "Nevermind your nationality and races, we are now brother and sister"

cheers

Alvin

June 17th, 2004, 11:23 AM

in relation to the bali bombings, mega failed to make any official statement of condolences whatsoever , let alone attend the commemoration!!

David-80

June 17th, 2004, 11:27 AM

Exactly, if she cant attend, would it be wise to just give some sstatement of condolences at least? first she said because of respecting the balinese, then her secretary told the media its because her schedule to meet with an african president...:bash:

thats why...go SBY ! :D

cheers

JAG2

June 17th, 2004, 11:32 AM

in relation to the bali bombings, mega failed to make any official statement of condolences whatsoever , let alone attend the commemoration!!

Your absolutely right , she should have taken firm action to those who did this horrible and coward act.
I think it s better for Indonesia to have a president who has the guts to take stern actions against those who create disorder and chaos . :bash:

David-80

June 17th, 2004, 11:40 AM

I think its because Megawati has so much influence from her husband....maybe everything that she said are coming from her husband ideas....i hope its not true! :D

cheers

kota16

June 17th, 2004, 11:55 AM

I agree about SBY, I will keep my fingers crossed that he wins the election for President of Indonesia. I think he could do much for Indonesia as Head of State, in much the same way that Nelson Mandela of South Africa, made the whole world smile.

JAG2

June 17th, 2004, 12:06 PM

If I may vote I choose SBY. I think he can make Indonesia great again. Play a major role in ASEAN and the whole region. Where all people can live together in harmony and peace , and that there will be no more 'religious ' wars and no discrimanation among each other.
Satu Nusa Satu Bangsa dan Satu Bahasa.

SeeMacau

June 17th, 2004, 12:25 PM

I reckon Megawati is not going to be re-elected

Mahaputra

June 17th, 2004, 12:27 PM

sanhen

June 17th, 2004, 01:01 PM

yeah.
Indonesia have ALL the capability to become a prosperous country.
We just need someone smart enough to lead the nation.

Alvin

June 17th, 2004, 03:43 PM

Well, there's an old prophecy by Joyoboyo that the presidents of Indonesia will spell 'Notonogoro'
No = SukarNo
To = SuharTo

Habibie, Gus Dur, Megawati arent there because they don't serve a full term

and the next is another 'No'...is it YudhoyoNo?

JAG2

June 18th, 2004, 12:23 AM

Let us vote , who do you think is going to be the next president of Indonesia :

you all know I vote SBY !

macgyver

June 18th, 2004, 04:49 AM

Let us vote , who do you think is going to be the next president of Indonesia :

you all know I vote SBY !

Yo Jag ... you can vote on the thread here

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=111290

Alvin

June 23rd, 2004, 05:08 PM

Survei IFES: Dukungan Amien Rais Bertambah Paling Banyak
Rabu, 23 Juni 2004 | 19:17 WIB

TEMPO Interaktif, Jakarta:Dari hasil survei International Foundation for Election System (IFES) Indonesia, calon presiden Amien Rais memperoleh peningkatan dukungan terbesar pada pekan pertama masa kampanye, 4 hingga 7 Juni lalu.

Jumlah dukungan terhadap calon dari Partai Amanat Nasional ini bertambah lebih dari lima persen dibandingkan dukungan antara 20 April sampai 8 Mei lalu. "Peningkatan dukungan ini mungkin karena pengaruh kampanye," kata Koordinator Survei IFES Indonesia Yanti Sugarda, di kantor KPU, Rabu (23/6).

Dalam survei gelombang XIII IFES terhadap 1.250 responden itu, Amien Rais memperoleh dukungan 9,8 persen. Padahal pada survei gelombang sebelumnya Amien hanya memperoleh dukungan sekitar 4,8 persen. Sedangkan dari survei pertama 1-15 Juni 2003, dukungan terhadap Amien meningkat sekitar enam persen. Namun, dari sembilan kali survei sejak 1 Juni 2003 lalu, dukungan terhadap Amien cenderung tetap, antara 3,9 persen sampai 9,8 persen.

Sementara itu, capres Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono memperoleh dukungan empat persen lebih banyak menjadi 45 persen dibandingkan survei gelombang sebelumnya. Survei yang dilakukan di 31 provinsi kali ini, menunjukkan dukungan terbesar dari responden diperoleh Susilo. "Dukungan besar terhadap Susilo dimulai sejak pemecatannya sebagai Menko Polkam oleh Presiden Megawati," kata Yanti.

Sejak pemecatan itu, dukungan terhadap Susilo meningkat drastis dari sekitar 8 persen pada survei pertengahan Februari menjadi 18 persen pada akhir Maret, 30 persen pada awal April, 41 persen awal Mei dan terakhir 45 persen pada survei terakhir. "Ini kemungkinan karena masyarakat menilai Susilo memiliki figur kepemimpinan yang mereka inginkan," kata Yanti.

Sedangkan kandidat Hamzah Haz dukungannya cenderung konstan sejak survei pertama IFES, yaitu sekitar dua persen untuk keadaan terendah dan enam persen pada keadaan tertinggi. Dukungan terhadap calon dari Partai Persatuan Pembangunan itu pada survei terakhir dua persen. Keadaan ini merupakan dukungan terendah dari survei-survei IFES sebelumnya. "Pada awal survei kami, Hamzah memperoleh dukungan sekitar tiga persen," kata Yanti.

Sedangkan persaingan antara Megawati dan Wiranto sebagai salah satu kandidat peserta pemilu putaran kedua sangat ketat. Keduanya memperoleh dukungan sekitar 11 persen. Megawati memperoleh dukungan 11 persen dan Wiranto 11,4 persen. "Jika kita baca dari hasilnya, ada tiga calon kuat dari satu calon di luar Susilo yang kemungkinan maju putara kedua," kata dia.

Pendukung Amien menjadi presiden, dari hasil survei ini, disebutkan terbesar berasal dari partai Amanat Nasional 78 persen. PKS menjadi pendukung kedua terbesar 29,2 persen, PBR sebanyak 25 persen, sisanya dari partai kecil yang berkisar antara 1,1 persen sampai 11,4 persen.

"Pendukung PAN lebih fanatis terhadapnya," kata Yanti. Dukungan dari PBR akan merata ke tiga calon, masing-masing Wiranto, Amien Rais, dan Susilo. Dukungan PBB juga akan merata ke tiga calon, Susilo, Megawati, dan Wiranto. Sedangkan pendukung empat partai, Golkar, PDI Perjuangan, PPP, dan PKB kemungkinan akan tersebar ke lima calon.

Umumnya responden menginginkan kandidat mementingkan kepribadian dan kebijakan mereka dalam merespon isu tertentu. Hal ini terlihat dari 22 persen yang menginginkan kebijakan yang diambil calon, 31 persen menginginkan kepribadian calon, dan 43 persen lainnya menginginkan kedua-duanya. Akan tetapi, kata Yanti, pribadi dan profil dari calon tetap dianggap lebih penting dibandingkan kebijakan yang akan diambilnya.

Alvin

June 23rd, 2004, 05:09 PM

To summarise, here's the latest IFES poll taken from 4-7 June:
1. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 45%
2. Wiranto 11.4%
3. Megawati Sukarnoputri 11%
4. Amien Rais 9.8%
5. Hamzah Haz 2%

David-80

June 29th, 2004, 04:17 AM

Powell seeks to discuss N. Korean nuke issue in Jakarta

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell wants to hold talks with his six-party counterparts on North Korea's nuclear ambitions when they gather in Jakarta this week for a regional security forum, a U.S. official said Monday.
"I think that obviously we'll be talking about the six-party talks with the foreign ministers there in Indonesia, the six-party foreign ministers," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

But the official said it is uncertain whether the foreign ministers from the six countries -- China, Japan, North and South Korea, Russia and the United States -- will hold a separate meeting on the sidelines of Friday's ASEAN Regional Forum meeting.

The forum brings together foreign ministers from the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, North and South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Russia and the United States.

Powell called the foreign ministers of China, Japan, South Korea and Russia on Monday morning to notify the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi interim government, which was carried out two days earlier than originally planned, and also raised the North Korean nuclear issue.

"The secretary said I look forward to talking to you further about the six-party talks in Indonesia," the official said.

The six countries ended the third round of their talks on North Korea's nuclear programs in Beijing last Saturday with no major breakthrough.

But they agreed to hold the fourth round in Beijing by the end of September and seek a freeze of Pyongyang's nuclear programs and compensation as "first steps" for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

macgyver

June 29th, 2004, 04:52 AM

David-80

June 29th, 2004, 04:57 AM

I hope they also lift the military embargo, since the murder of american in papua wasnt TNI but the papua separatist. Its insane you know, that they asked for Indonesia help combating terrorism but do not lift the ermbargo :bash:

cheers

JAG2

June 29th, 2004, 09:53 PM

[QUOTE=David-80]I hope they also lift the military embargo, since the murder of american in papua wasnt TNI but the papua separatist. Its insane you know, that they asked for Indonesia help combating terrorism but do not lift the ermbargo :bash:

cheers[/QU

I totally agree with you , Indonesia is a big country but it s Armed Forces uses out dated equipment only the Airforce uses 4 modern Russian built SU-27 and SU-30 aircraft. Its Navy uses old ex East Germany equipment.
During president Sukarno era Indonesia has the 2nd biggest Navy Fleet in (SE) Asia.

USA should lift the embargo.

tata

June 29th, 2004, 11:01 PM

they'll lift it with a deal of of buying their weapons?

David-80

June 30th, 2004, 04:29 AM

tata, hopefully they will lift and so we can buy weapon/fighters and spareparts

cheers

David-80

June 30th, 2004, 04:36 AM

jag, Indonesia airforce already signed for another 12 SU-30 and going to have 3 squadron of sukhoi (36 fighters)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8998/tni-au_su-30_1.jpg

this is the new LDP ship from S korea, Indonesia will have 5 more.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4552/tni-al_972-kri-tjdalpele.jpg

Indonesia F-16s

http://www.voodoo.cz/falcon/alex/f164.jpg

Army Mil-35 Attack helo

http://www.kompas.com/koleksifoto/0309//big3092002.jpg

Jag, indonesian navy still the largest navy in southeast asia with more than 100 naval ships

cheers

tata

June 30th, 2004, 11:09 AM

JAG2

June 30th, 2004, 04:51 PM

"Jag, indonesian navy still the largest navy in southeast asia with more than 100 naval ships"

-> are those ships sufficient? provided the vast ocean of the country? And does anyone knows from these 100 ships how many belong to police forces?

Well that s good then , Indonesia should have a well equip and modern Army/Navy and Airforce and good Police force as well A police force who serve the people.

huaiwei

July 1st, 2004, 12:43 AM

Sorry for butting in folks, but here is an article I found in the Straits Times which might be interesting for u guys to look at:

A muted cheer for an intact Indonesia, thanks to Pancasila

By Anthony Paul

THREE cheers for the Indonesian nation-state?

No, not yet. But six years after Indonesians wrenched themselves into a new era, it's an appropriate moment for one muted, cautious hurrah.

The main reason: Despite Timor Leste's independence, there is still, practically speaking, only one Indonesia. That's a substantial result, considering the tumult there since 1998-1999.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2004-06-24/24cpe.jpg
ARTWORK BY ADAM LEE

In a column in Mainichi Daily News in 1999, then Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad implied darkly that Australians were helping East Timor because Australia would be 'the main beneficiary of a broken-up Indonesia'. (He failed to explain how.) Some voices were even predicting that three to five new nations might emerge from the wreckage of president Suharto's regime.

That hasn't happened. And now economic recovery, though moving slowly, seems within grasp. Last week, for example, Fitch Ratings, the London-based international rating agency, noted the Megawati Sukarnoputri administration's economic achievements. The government, Fitch observed, had reduced public debt to 72 per cent of GDP last year from a peak of 100 per cent in 2000.

International interest rate increases, as well as the rupiah's relative weakening and the imported inflation that would result, are going to make that performance difficult - though not impossible - to sustain. But if much-needed reforms succeed, says the McKinsey Quarterly's latest issue, 'the real economy, the financial system and individual banks will be well-positioned to drive sustained growth'.

Meanwhile, let me suggest that Indonesia also benefits from a political fundamental that gets insufficient attention - the national ideology, Pancasila.

In 1945, facing the need to pull to gether a nation of more than 17,000 is lands, at least six major religions, more than 200 ethnic groups and countless languages and dialects, the nation's principal founding father, Sukarno, promulgated Pancasila as a recipe for Indonesian patriotism. He attached to it a Sanskrit word meaning 'five virtues'.

Under Pancasila, the newly independent nation's institutions would conform to belief in one god, just and civilised humanity, Indonesia's unity, democracy and social justice for all Indonesians.

Indonesians have often failed to comply. Nevertheless, Pancasila precepts taught from kindergarten have given their nation remarkable resilience.

Western intellectuals have often scorned what one of them, Mr Hubert Luethy, called 'this incomparable orgy of synthetic emotions'. In Encounter magazine in 1965, Mr Luethy described Sukarno's Indonesia as an 'extreme case' of newly emerging nations' 'unique preoccupation' with 'education in the service of patriotism'.

Wrote Mr Luethy: 'Insofar as a collective psychosis controlled by a charismatic leader is accessible to reason, the case of Indonesia deserves analysis.'

Perhaps so. But his comments are also irrelevant. If this pompous writer were still around, he'd be obliged to note that such nation-building has prevailed over a wide range of enemies.

INVESTORS TAKING NOTE

MANY conservative Muslims objected to Pancasila on the grounds that it threatened to place man-made precepts at a higher level than the Quran. Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the clandestine Islamist terror group, is just the latest anti-Pancasila manifestation.

JI's progenitor was the Darul Islam (Abode of God) movement which in 1948 challenged the new republic. The Islamist-versus-secularist civil war that followed claimed some 27,000 lives.

In the 1950s and early 60s it was America's turn. Suspicious of president Sukarno's flirtations with communism, United States policy factions tried to break up the nation. The Central Intelligence Agency helped secessionist rebellions in Sulawesi, West Java and Sumatra, but to no avail.

In the early 1960s, China, through the Indonesian Communist Party, had a go at taking charge. Failure again - amid massive blood-letting. And by some accounts, Mr Suharto's exit followed his failed efforts to change the system by implying that Pancasila insisted on personal loyalty to him.

But what if there is no 'morning in Indonesia' after next month's presidential election?

Indonesia has strengths other than Pancasila. Though the country recently became a net crude oil importer, it remains the world's biggest natural gas exporter. So Indonesia will benefit from a likely surge in energy prices.

Investors are taking note. Earlier this year, a US$1 billion (S$1.7 billion) sovereign-bond offering was very well-received. McKinsey and Company analysts also point to the government's sale of 10 per cent of Bank Mandiri, the country's largest bank in terms of assets, for US$333 million - 'more than it made a year earlier from the sale of a stake twice as big'.

The analysts offer an agenda for the country's next leader: Transform sectors such as agriculture, energy and manufacturing into 'competitive and efficient drivers of growth, much as (the present administration) has begun to do in the financial sector'.

The message to him or her is clear: Succeed - and listen to all three very loud cheers from throughout the region. Fail - and 238 million Indonesians (the equivalent of about 10 Singapores have been added to the population since Mr Suharto left office) will drift once more into ever more dangerous waters.

David-80

July 1st, 2004, 04:20 AM

tata, Indonesian police and Indonesia navy have different naval ship, while most of Indonesian police or Polri patrol ship were built by PT PAL. Last time the admiral said, they want to buy 5 new corvettes from Netherland (Royal schelde) and 4 more submarines from Daewoo Korea in the next 1-5 years period.

cheers

cheers

David-80

July 1st, 2004, 04:23 AM

macgyver

July 1st, 2004, 05:10 AM

Huaiwei, interesting article, i think Pancasila is playing a greater role in Indonesia..but people nowadays are even ignoring Pancasila, I doubt not many people here even remember what pancasila 5 principal are :D

cheers

I still remember ... :)

I used to speak it out loud ... in front of the primary school ceremony ... every Monday ... :cheers:

macgyver

July 27th, 2004, 05:24 AM

Indonesia's Shining Example

Quoted from The Economist July 10, 2004

Indonesia deserves great praise for its speedy transition from autocracy, through chaos, to democracy.

One thing sceptics say about democracy is that it is well and good in orderly countries but impotent in the face of chaos. Three years ago, a newly democratic Indonesia seemed about to prove the point. Separatist and religious violence stalked the length of the archipleago; the rupiah was in free-fall; politics had descended to a pitiable level of squabbing and incompetence. The world's fourth most populous country, some foresaw, might come apart like a string of pearls; or, almost as bad, avoid disintegration only by the return of a brutal dictatorship such as that of Suharto, the general who was ousted by huge street protests in 1998. The parallels with the Balkans, where the fall of communism unleashed still greater horrors, seemed disquietingly apt. Unlike the Balkans, however, Indonesia contains 220m people, and is far and away the world's largest Muslim country; this would be chaos on an epic scale. In October 2002, such fears suddenly bulked much larger, when Islamist terrorist, linked to al-Qaeda, set off a bomb in Bali that killed more than 200 people.

This week things look wonderfully different. On July 5th, for the first time in their history, Indonesian voted to choose their president. The final result will not be known until late September, since a run-off between the two top candidates if now needed. But the election was free, fair, peaceful and, above all, conducted in a spirit of moderation that was remarkable in a country where democracy is only six years old. Megawati Sukarnoputri, the incumbent, urged everyone to accept the result, whatever it is, even though she seems unlikely to remain in office.

.....
[please read the next portion at The Economist, dated July 10 2004]
.....

Indonesia's example ougth to put paid to the notion, still common in the Muslim world and sometimes heard in the West, that democracy and Islam can never co-exist. One might very well argue that it shows the contrary; democracy is good for Islam. Whenever they are given a choice, Muslim voters --not just in Indonesia, but in Malaysia, India, Pakistan and arguably Turkey too-- reject extermism. Once weighed in the democratic balance and found wanting, the more militant groups tend to lose much of their potency and support. It is the absence of democracy, as can been seen from Saudi Arabia to Uzbekistan, that breeds terror and subversion, and taints the reputation of what waqs once regarded as the most tolerant of religions ...[please read the next portion at The Economist, dated July 10 2004]...

...

Even after this fine week for democracy, it would be dangerous to assume that Indonesia will never return to chaos if the economy sours, or if Mr. Susilo fails too disgracefully in his stated aim of putting an end to corruption. But perhaps there is a lesson in Indonesia's experience not just for Islamic countries, but for one of Asia's other giants too. The party men who run China like to argue that democracy is unsuited to a poor, sprawling country that has no experience of it; chaos is what China's leaders say they fear above all. But it does now seem that Indonesia .... has given the world a powerful counter-example.http://www.indonesian-embassy.or.jp/menue/information/news/indo-shining.htm

JAG2

July 27th, 2004, 08:12 PM

Hurray for Indonesia my beloved country of birth .Indonesia SE Asia biggest gem.

sanhen

July 28th, 2004, 03:24 PM

wah
at last i can read this article
i saw this magazine on the way to the train
but i was to cheapo not to buy the magazine hehehe

Alvin

September 7th, 2004, 05:04 PM

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Janji Hapus Diskriminasi
Selasa, 07 September 2004 | 20:42 WIB

TEMPO Interaktif, Jakarta: Calon presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, di depan sejumlah pimpinan media massa, televisi serta tokoh ekonomi dan politik, berjanji akan menghapuskan semua kebijakan yang bersifat diskriminatif. Dengan jargon "diskriminasi no, kesetiakawanan sosial yes", Yudhoyono menjanjikan lima komitmen utamanya apabila terpilih sebagai presiden.

"100 hari pertama, semua kebijakan yang diskriminatif akan ditinjau ulang," katanya dalam diskusi yang bertajuk "Indonesia untuk Semua" di Jakarta, Selasa (7/9). Untuk memastikan semua komitmennya terlaksana, dia akan menunjuk pembantu-pembantu yang benar-benar se-visi dan ideologi, serta telah teruji kemampuannya.

Tampak hadir dalam diskusi ini sejumlah tokoh pers seperti Djaffar Assegaf, Pemimpin Redaksi Media Indonesia Andi F. Noya, Pemimpin Redaksi Tempo Bambang Harymurti, Pemimpin Redaksi RCTI Derek Manangka, dan Direktur Pemberitaan TV7 Uni Lubis. Sejumlah pelaku ekonomi juga hadir antara lain Lin Che Wei, mantan Kepala BPPN Edwin Gerungan.

Yudhoyono memaparkan, komitmennya yang pertama adalah menciptakan kebanggaan sebagai bangsa Indonesia. Dengan mengutip pernyataan Perdana Menteri Malaysia Abdullah Badawi, dia mengatakan kemajuan suatu bangsa tidak akan ada artinya apabila tidak dapat menumbuhkan kebanggaan. Untuk itu, pembangunan karakter dan bangsa akan dimasukkan dalam sistem pendidikan nasional.

Komitmennya yang kedua adalah menghapuskan semua kebijakan yang diskriminatif dan menumbuhkan kesetiakawanan sosial. Pemerintah, menurutnya, harus secara nyata terlibat dalam program kesetiakawanan sosial untuk membantu mereka yang miskin dan tidak dapat menikmati pendidikan.

Untuk menguatkan rasa sebagai satu bangsa, Yudhoyono juga menilai perlunya pembangunan prasarana transportasi, baik laut, darat maupun udara, yang menghubungkan seluruh Indonesia. Dia berjanji akan membangun sistem transportasi, Trans Indonesia, untuk mewujudkan hal itu.

Dia juga menilai perlunya kembali menghidupkan prestasi olahraga dan seni budaya Indonesia. Hal itu berguna untuk menciptakan kebanggaan sebagai bangsa Indonesia. Yang lebih penting lagi, ujar Yudhoyono, adalah kerja
keras. Mesin birokrasi yang selama ini dinilai lambat dan tidak efisien, harus diubah. "Itu harus dimulai dari orang pertama di negeri ini," katanya.

Soal dukungan partai kepadanya yang kurang dari 50 persen kursi parlemen, Yudhoyono mengatakan akan memperbaiki keseimbangan kekuatan di parlemen apabila terpilih nanti. Menurutnya, komposisi kekuatan politik saat ini masih mungkin berubah setelah pemilihan presiden diketahui hasilnya.

Namun menurutnya, dalam sistem presidensial seperti yang dipakai Indonesia, pemerintahan yang dukungan parlemennya tidak mencapai mayoritas tidak serta-merta akan gagal. "Tujuan DPR kan juga tidak sekedar mau menjatuhkan pemerintahan," katanya.

Alvin

September 7th, 2004, 05:37 PM

Golkar chairman rallies behind Megawati
By Richel Langit

JAKARTA - Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tanjung is not contesting the September 20 election, nor is he a member of either political party whose candidates advanced to the second round of the presidential election. But when compared with presidential candidates Megawati Sukarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of the Democratic Party, Tanjung is obviously the busiest in the run-up to the election run-off.

Since mid-August, Tanjung and other Golkar heavyweights have been visiting party leaders and members across the country, instructing them to throw their support behind incumbent President Megawati, who is still trailing Yudhoyono, a retired four-star army general, just two weeks before voting day. (Late last month Tanjung warned party officials they would face sanctions, including expulsion, if they do not vote for Megawati.)

Tanjung's hard work seems to be paying off. According to the latest surveys, Megawati's popularity rose to around 30% in late August, compared with 26% in the first round of presidential elections on July 5. Yudhoyono's popularity, meanwhile, has slipped to around 60% in the same period, down from 68% in late July. With only two weeks to go, political pundits are now predicting a tight competition between Megawati and Yudhoyono in the election.

"Megawati's chance of winning is greater, while Yudhoyono's camp would have to work hard to maintain its lead," Soegeng Sarjadi Syndicated researcher Sukardi Rinakit a told a press conference early last week. The Jakarta-based institution revealed that 41.3% of survey respondents would vote for Yudhoyono, while 34.68% would opt for Megawati.

After looking at how Tanjung and other Golkar leaders are going out of their way to support Megawati in the upcoming election, suspicions are rife that PDI-P and Golkar entered into "dirty" horse-trading ahead of the election.

Indeed, Golkar, which won the April 5 legislative election, signed onto a loose coalition dubbed the "Nationhood Coalition" with PDI-P, the Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP) and the Christian-oriented Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) on August 19, to support Megawati. They also agreed to join hands in the DPR, where the four parties have a total of 307 seats out of the 550-seat House. Details of the deal, however, have not been disclosed.

Golkar leaders who are against the so-called Nationhood Coalition have suggested that Megawati promised to give Golkar at least eight seats in her cabinet ministry in order to win the party's backing. Both PDI-P and Golkar have neither confirmed nor denied the allegation.

A closer look at Tanjung's political ambitions and rifts within Golkar, however, suggests that the House speaker is fighting for his own political survival rather than Megawati's. More than that, he and other party leaders are also battling to preserve Golkar, the political machinery of former dictator Suharto for more than three decades.

After failing to secure the party's endorsement in Golkar's presidential convention last May, apparently due to money politics, Tanjung has been setting his sights on the 2009 presidential election. Yet he can pursue his political ambition only if he remains Golkar chairman and the party remains intact.

As it stands now, Tanjung, who has successfully consolidated Golkar in the past five years and shaken off waves of protests by pro-democracy activists and students, is losing his grip on the party. Some party leaders have accused Tanjung of half-heartedly supporting Wiranto, Golkar's presidential candidate in the July 5 election. Some Golkar leaders have also publicly pledged to support Yudhoyono's running mate Jusuf Kalla, also a Golkar leader.

A victory by the Yudhoyono-Kalla team in the upcoming election would likely encourage party members to move over to Yudhoyono's Democratic Party or to rally behind Kalla against Tanjung. Using the lure of power and money, Kalla would easily mobilize Golkar leaders at the provincial and regency levels to revolt against Tanjung, a move that would not only dash Tanjung's presidential dream but also threaten party disintegration.

The only way for Tanjung to keep his presidential dream alive is to defeat the Yudhoyono-Kalla ticket. That explains why the Golkar chairman and other party heavyweights have been touring the country to mobilize support for Megawati. Following the declaration of the Nationhood Coalition, the four parties held a coordination meeting, with Tanjung as the coordinator. He and other leaders have threatened to expel party members who do not support Golkar's decision to back Megawati. They also threatened to oust Kalla.

Yudhoyono has started to feel the pinch. While he and running mate Kalla still top all surveys on popular votes, their popularity is diminishing. And Yudhoyono, who has declined to form a coalition with other political parties ahead of the election, appears to be at a loss on how to fend off Tanjung's political guerrilla, thanks to his well-maintained political machinery.

Thus, it is not an exaggeration to say that the September 20 election is not a showdown between incumbent Megawati and her former coordinating minister for political and security affairs, Yudhoyono, but between the Golkar chairman and the former four-star army general.

Megawati knows all too well that Tanjung needs her victory. While she has made frequent visits to Indonesia's rural regions, where she consistently has handed out donations to the country's poor, she appears to be less enthusiastic in mobilizing her political machine. Unlike Golkar, Megawati's PDI-P has refrained itself from publicly mobilizing its supporters.

A Megawati victory would allow Tanjung and his Golkar Party to have access to the government. A source close to Tanjung said that over the next five years the Golkar chairman just wants to be an adviser to the president and to lead the party to ensure that its political machinery is working well in time for the 2009 election. And since Golkar has signed an agreement to form a loose coalition with PDI-P, PPP and PDS up until that time, Tanjung would be certain of support from the three parties in 2009.

Richel Langit is a freelance journalist based in Jakarta and covering topics including education, health, the environment and politics. She worked as a reporter for The Manila Times in the Philippines for five years before moving to Jakarta in 1999.

Yamauchi

September 8th, 2004, 01:37 AM

I hope it includes ending the slaughter of certain religious minorities around the country.

Presidential front-runner Yudhoyono says he'll fight discrimination if he wins

Indonesia's presidential front-runner said Tuesday he would end discrimination in the country, the world's most populous Muslim nation, including the ill-treatment of women, religious minorities and ethnic Chinese, if he wins a Sept. 20 runoff election.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is leading President Megawati Sukarnoputri in popularity polls, said he would ensure his policies were fair.

"I understand that within a democracy there should be no differences in treating its citizens," he said in a speech at a gathering of political and media analysts.

"The spirit of nondiscrimination, pluralism and respect for one another has to be upheld," Yudhoyono said. "We have to end discrimination against women and the Indonesian Chinese. Followers of all religions should be treated fairly with a spirit to ensuring the plurality of Indonesia."

More than 85 percent of the country's 215 million people are Muslim, while the remainder include Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.

Indonesian former dictator Suharto backed laws that kept ethnic Chinese out of politics and banned Chinese writing or other expressions of Chinese culture during his 32 years in power.

However, perceptions that he gave Chinese special privileges to run monopolies and accumulate large wealth fostered widespread resentment.

During 1998 riots that led to Suharto's ouster, thousands of Chinese-owned homes and shops were burned or looted. There were allegations of mass rapes of Chinese women and girls.

The government abolished the discriminatory laws two years after Suharto's downfall in 1998.

Indonesian women still have a low representation in business, government and politics.

Polls released last week showed that Yudhoyono is far in front of Megawati with a 58.2 percent support rating. Megawati trailed with 29.2 percent, while 12.5 percent said they were undecided.

Support for Yudhoyono has skyrocketed since he announced his candidacy in March. Voters view him as a clean, strong leader who could battle Indonesia's widespread corruption, settle its separatist conflicts and revive its moribund economy.

But in recent weeks, polls have shown Megawati closing the gap, partly over fears that Yudhoyono would not do enough to protect the Chinese minority. His running mate, Jusuf Kalla, has also come under fire for suggesting he would favor Indonesian business executives at the expense of Chinese entrepreneurs.

Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle is endorsed by the country's biggest Christian-based party.

Yudhoyono has been chastised by some Muslims for including Christians among his advisers while Christians have expressed concerns over his teaming up with the conservative Islamic Justice and Prosperity Party.

Yudhoyono came in first in the July 5 presidential election with 33.5 percent of the popular vote, while Megawati garnered 26.6 percent. Indonesian law requires a runoff vote if no candidate receives more than 50 percent.

Mahaputra

September 8th, 2004, 04:35 AM

yo guys.. so when is the election gonna end, like when are we gonna find out the results of who's gonna be president and etc..

Alvin

September 8th, 2004, 09:32 AM

I know, it feels like its been a never-ending journey, eh? well, luckily 20 September is the final date, and about 2-3 days afterwards we should know who wins.

David-80

September 8th, 2004, 02:34 PM

Anyway, if Akbar tandjung joins the presidential election in 2009, i think it will be a blunder for him, not that he cant fulfill to be a presidential candidate, but people will still associate him with corruption eventhough hes not convicted.

@Alvin, yeap, but i like this kind of election, Indonesian got the taste to elect every aspect and choices from the grass root.

Btw if you havent heard, there are this book just got published and the title is "10 reason why we are NOT supposed to elect SBY-Kalla

I think its really show how desperate the opposition now and its kinda childish if you asked me.

cheers

tata

September 8th, 2004, 03:18 PM

I hope it includes ending the slaughter of certain religious minorities around the country.

Yama, I don't mean to be harsh, but what do you really mean with your comment?

Once again don't be offended with my question... it's only a question ;)

Yamauchi

September 8th, 2004, 04:51 PM

If you've lived in Indonesia your whole life and have turned a blind eye to something a tourist can see in a month there's really no point in talking about. It must be taboo or something along those lines.

Well, let's take for example the Hatam tribe in West Papua. They are a Christian tribe in the Arfak mountains. It was a Hatamer that negotiated the peace deal after the first Papuan revolt against Indonesian rule in the region. The tribe has been selected by the Indonesian government as an economic model for tribal peoples in all of Papua. In the past 4 years Laskar Jihad has set up 12 jihad training camps surrounding the Hatam and Moskona area. Soon, it will begin. And if the Hatam fight back it'll be considered a "war" as it was in Moluccas, rather than the slaughter it is.

tata

September 8th, 2004, 05:51 PM

David-80

September 8th, 2004, 06:14 PM

In the past 4 years Laskar Jihad has set up 12 jihad training camps surrounding the Hatam and Moskona area. Soon, it will begin. And if the Hatam fight back it'll be considered a "war" as it was in Moluccas, rather than the slaughter it is.

This statement is very untrue, Laskar Jihad already disbanded after the Bali Bombing, their leader is now working with the anti-terror unit to arrest all the extremist military that fought in Ambon. Some recent arrest in Ambon by the Brimob Anti terror suggested that the one that killed the christian was actually came from christian group and same goes with the sniper that killed the muslim also came from the muslim group. This kind of propaganda has been solved nicely by the general that calm ambon 3 years ago and now has jakarta authority.

About the training camps, that was the claim by the papuan rebels to attract foreign countries to intervene because they want to resolve it with the UN help, as you know, the US court already ruled that the papuan rebels are behind the killing of an american and an Indonesian teacher. The training camps for all jihadists are not within Indonesia FYI, it is in Mindanao, Southern Philippines where MILF stronghold are there. Even one newspaper already mentioned that the weapons brought to fight in Ambon came from Mindanao.

cheers

Yamauchi

September 8th, 2004, 07:57 PM

Alvin

September 9th, 2004, 01:22 AM

Guys, I think the downside of the reform movement in the last 5 years is that greater freedom and democracy has given room for some extremist groups (i'm not pointing my hand to any religion) to revive and expand their operations...we see what happened in Ambon, Poso from 1999 - 2003, there was virtually a war there though relatively unreported by the press. But I guess the various bombings in the country in the past 5 years, particularly the Bali/Mariott ones have really spurred the police/government into action...

David-80

September 9th, 2004, 01:18 PM

Believe what you will. You can go see it with your own eyes or believe some misinformation. I'm not interested in arguing or offending people, I simply pointed out that I want such issues to be addressed. I went there and saw it, and I'm not too interested in what a bunch of newspapers or international organizations have to say about the issue. We can just wait and see what happens.

Well I am arguing your opinion because simply I disagree with your statement, I know you saw and went to the place, but it could be better if you at least give us some evidences so therefore we can understand the situation more and send the evidences to someone whom we can ask to help so such thing wont happen in the near future.

If you really want to help a country from disaster to happen, would you rather help the country and not just keeping it by yourselves?

I am in no means to offend you as this is the forum we can talk such thing...

cheers

David-80

September 9th, 2004, 03:03 PM

@Alvin

Yeap, I agree with you, the freedom of media has also contributing the rise of radical extremist of a religion (I wont pointing out, what religion).

Anyway, If only the authority wont abuse ISA or Internal security Act, I will support Indonesia to activate ISA like what Singapore and Malaysia have right now.

Because the Bombing in Indonesia is not a matter of "IF" but "When". But again this is my opinion. :)

cheers

Alvin

September 10th, 2004, 01:31 AM

'Religion losing appeal in modern politics'
Tiarma Siboro and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The bulk of Muslim voters will choose Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over Megawati Soekarnoputri in the Sept. 20 election runoff on the basis of his personality rather than his religious affinity, scholars say.

Muslim scholar Ulil Abshar Abdalla said on Thursday Susilo's personal charm would be what counted, although he was known to have built close ties with a number of Muslim figures upon their shared faith.

Ulil made his prediction because most Muslims, including members of the country's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and supporters of the United Development Party (PPP), had voted for Susilo in the first round on July 5.

"The voters' reasoning was clear: They opted for Susilo for his personal image, instead of his religion," Ulil told a discussion here held by the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI).

The discussion focused on new developments that have unfolded in recent years concerning the role of Islam in Indonesian politics.

LSI researcher Syaiful Mujani concurred with Ulil, saying that religion was no longer relevant, regardless that up to 90 percent of the population were Muslims.

Syaiful said the trend of electorates voting for Muslim-based parties had declined compared to the first democratic exercise in 1955, when almost 43.7 percent of voters considered religion the primary factor in deciding who to elect.

PPP executive Lukman Hakim Syaifuddin, who also spoke at the discussion, agreed with the two academics, saying that although the enrollment of students at Islamic-oriented schools had increased over the years, "their political stance ... have nothing to do with their religion."

Separately, the Institute of Research, Education and Social and Economic Affairs (LP3ES) revealed the results of its latest survey, which showed most respondents favored Susilo.

LP3ES found that 55.9 percent of interviewed respondents chose Susilo, compared to 28.7 percent who preferred Megawati, the incumbent president.

"The respondents prefer Susilo not only because of his personality, but also upon the belief that he could resolve the myriad problems afflicting the country now," the survey said.

LP3ES interviewed 2.525 respondents from all 32 provinces between Aug. 20 and Aug. 30, with a margin of error of 2 percent.

Despite his lead, the survey showed a 3.2 percent fall in public confidence in Susilo, down from 58.7 percent in June, while Megawati had improved by almost the same rate from 25.6 percent.

LP3ES found that the Nationhood Coalition -- comprising the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the Golkar Party and a number of minor parties, which was formed to back Megawati's reelection bid -- was unlikely to make much difference in the polls, as 81.6 percent of respondents said they had made up their minds and would not be swayed by outside interference.

Over 70 percent of respondents also said results of opinion polls would not influence them in their vote.

Meanwhile, the survey found that the bulk of supporters of eliminated presidential candidates were likely to throw their support behind Susilo in the runoff.

"Over 60 percent of respondents who voted for Amien Rais-Siswono Yudohusodo and Wiranto-Solahuddin Wahid in the first round will vote for Susilo in the runoff," it said.

Ara

September 10th, 2004, 04:53 PM

To be honest, I don't have confidence in either candidates. Neither candidate has given us a platform that we can see and vote for. Neither has taken a stand which can push forward this nation into a new era. All I hear is how good they are or their personal life. I want to know how they're going to fix the problems.

kikitielman

September 10th, 2004, 06:17 PM

religion in my own opinion is something you have to keep for yourself, coz i believe this kinda thing is between you and your "god" only, there's no two way.
the problem we have in indonesia religion is playing a very great role, why? because we've been fed by those dogma and enuphoria since we're kid....
me myself as a moslem had (not has) been told that die for your religion you will go to the heaven straight away? but what kind of "die"?
i live in a big family with 7 different beliefs/religions including atheis, and do you thing atheis is a wrong belief? no...because they think there's no such thing as "god".... can you argue with that if they've been brought up with that belief?
islam said that they are the real religion for this world, christian said that they are the real religion in the world, so does judism,budhism,etc
none of them are wrong because that's wgat they believe.
my point is we should seperate religion from politic, just like water and oil they don't mix.
if indonesia wants to get out of this mess the first thing they should do is separate religion and politic, so purely government do politic.... if you see that almost none of the politic party of religion base won a great deal in the election, because i believe that religious stuff only become a cultural thingy.

i hope that the new government don't listen to any religious leader, don't accomodate their opinion at all, religious are simply doing moral not politic.... if they want to complain go to the religious department the the ministry tell the president, as simple as that.

Ara

September 10th, 2004, 11:00 PM

Gila Golkar. What u thinking man?

Golkar Kicks Kalla Out
September 9, 2004 01:12 AM,
Laksamana.Net - After initially blessing Kalla’s pairing with presidential aspirant Susilo Bambang Yudyohono, Tanjung said Wednesday (8/9/04) the businessman was no longer one of the party’s cadres.

Tanjung was also quoted as saying he had censured a number of cadres for supporting Yudhoyono in an open show of defiance that has highlighted weaknesses in the strength of the National Coalition in favor of President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Yudhoyono came in ahead of Megawati in the first round of voting on July 5, and polls show he continues to lead ahead of the run-off on September 20, but that the gap is closing.

In other developments, Yudhoyono has continued his attempts to limit damage caused by his running mate’s comments that revealed what some say is a pro-indigenous Indonesian stance over the interests of other ethnic groups, primarily the Chinese community.

The former security czar said everybody was equal in Indonesia, promising to end all discriminatory practices within 100 days of being elected and allowing religious freedom. Yudhoyono, who has also been accused of being anti Islamic, did not respond to a question on his position in regard to shariah law.

Meanwhile Megawati continues her visits to the regions, clearly maximizing the benefits of incumbency.

During a trip to Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi, Megawati inaugurated projects worth Rp267 billion ($28 million). She also handed over billions of rupiah in grants courtesy of some of the government agencies she has enlisted to aid her campaign. She did not speak of the lingering communal violence plaguing the area.

Megawati’s campaign teams in North Sumatra and West Java have been accused of enlisting the support of banks to give cheap and easy loans in a vote-buying scam in the provinces.

The campaign teams says the accusations are part of a smear campaign. The Election Supervisory Committee has pledged to investigate. A spokesman for Yudyohono said there were similar allegations involving state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia.

tata

September 10th, 2004, 11:24 PM

religion in my own opinion is something you have to keep for yourself, coz i believe this kinda thing is between you and your "god" only,

totally agree with you kiki...

David-80

September 11th, 2004, 01:50 PM

Ara, I was just hoping that Kalla resigned from Golkar before he got kicked out, this just direspect him and only boost SBY-Kalla candidates...which means good for him.

And i second kiki, Nowadays, religion play a bigger role in politics...funny thing is the decision makers sometimes are not the house representatives but the influences from the religious leaders....

cheers

kikitielman

September 12th, 2004, 03:48 AM

And i second kiki, Nowadays, religion play a bigger role in politics...funny thing is the decision makers sometimes are not the house representatives but the influences from the religious leaders....

cheers

that's true, and i think this just a camouflage, we live in the country where the heart is still in count but with telling no truth just because we don't want to hurt anyone.
i'm still thinking that religious leader has just to be our moral encounters only period.
does anyone know that jakarta and surabaya and denpasar has already had a swinger and nudist club??? (off the topic, just for your thought only)

Alvin

September 12th, 2004, 02:49 PM

Howard’s Win, Mega’s Loss?
September 10, 2004 11:43 PM,

Laksamana.Net - Australian Prime Minister John Howard is being tipped to win a fourth term in office following the deadly suicide car bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, while the attack is expected reduce Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri’s chances of re-election.

In his campaign ahead of Australia’s October 9 federal election, Howard has often claimed his conservative coalition government would be more effective in handling terror threats than the opposition Labor Party.

Australian gamblers reportedly feel the mood following Thursday’s bombing that killed nine people and injured more than 180 will give Howard the edge over Labor Party leader Mark Latham.

Gerard Duffy, an analyst at one of Australia's largest betting agencies, on Friday (10/9/04) told the Associated Press that in the 24 hours after the blast, gambling enthusiasts had spent A$70,000 ($48,280) on bets that Howard would win, compared with just A$1,000 on Labor.

"It's a fairly significant move. I'd have to say that from what we've seen over the past 24 hours that if the election were held now, John Howard would be straight back in," he was quoted as saying by AP.

He said Friday's reaction was similar to Australia’s 2001 elections, when Howard’s tough security policies boosted his popularity after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US.

Pundits are predicting the bombing could sink Megawati’s chances of re-election on September 20, as her rival Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is seen as a far stronger leader, simply because he is a retired general with a relatively clean record.

Megawati has already been trailing Yudhoyono in opinion polls as many Indonesians feel disillusioned by her administration’s inability to combat high-level corruption and significantly improve their well-being.

Following the embassy bombing, Yudhoyono visited some of the wounded and said Indonesia needs stronger police and military intelligence to combat terrorism.

Yudhoyono received a major boost to his election campaign on Friday with reports saying that former armed forces chief Wiranto had decided to support his presidential bid.

Former justice minister Muladi said Wiranto is committed to supporting Yudhoyono. "There is no doubt that [Wiranto] will support SBY to become the country’s next president through the election," he was quoted as saying by state news agency Antara.

In the first round of the presidential in July, Yudhoyono won 33.57% of the vote, followed by Megawati with 26.6%. Wiranto came third with 22.15%.

Some analysts are saying that if the Indonesian and Australian elections pan out as predicted, the major loser will terrorism, as both Yudhoyono and Howard are seen as being toughest on terror.

David-80

September 12th, 2004, 03:00 PM

does anyone know that jakarta and surabaya and denpasar has already had a swinger and nudist club??? (off the topic, just for your thought only)

Yeap, its everywhere, even they have gay nudist club too.

Alvin

September 12th, 2004, 03:51 PM

Hey guys, have you heard that both Wiranto and Amien Rais are supporting SBY?

this is from Kompas.com (about Amien Rais):
Kriteria SBY memadai

Berkenaan dengan peluang dua kandidat presiden yang akan mengikuti pemilu presiden putaran kedua, ia mengatakan bahwa dalam situasi seperti sekarang ini, calon presiden dari Partai Demokrat, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono mempunyai kriteria yang memadai untuk menciptakan kembali stabilitas nasional.

"Menurut saya Susilo orang yang tepat untuk mennciptakan stabilitas nasional. Apalagi, ia juga seorang jenderal TNI. Saya berharap ia bisa terpilih," katanya. Dalam kesempatan itu, ia juga menegaskan bahwa peristiwa pengeboman Kedubes Australia tidak akan memperburuk hubungan Indonesia dengan Australia. "Saya malah berharap, peristiwa ini dapat mempererat hubungan Jakarta-Canberra," katanya. (Ant/dul)

the WIranto one...Muladi (his supporter) said that Wiranto will support SBY.

David-80

September 12th, 2004, 04:09 PM

I thought Amien rais is neutral?

Btw did you notice if Amien rais is like dissapears from the public after hes losing the election? :rofl: :lol:

cheers

Alvin

September 13th, 2004, 12:30 AM

according to Detik.com, Amien Rais made another comment. He said that institutionally PAN is neutral, but in reality, most PAN constituents support SBY..

Alvin

September 20th, 2004, 06:23 AM

A Broader Agenda For Indonesia

By Lee H. Hamilton and George P. Shultz
Monday, September 20, 2004; Page A21

The development of strong, prosperous and democratic states in the Islamic world is now a vital U.S. interest. Accordingly, much planning has focused on the Middle East. Support for strengthening democracy in Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population, should also be a core U.S. objective.

Indonesia is holding its most ambitious parliamentary and presidential elections since the end of the Suharto era in 1998. Voters all over the archipelago have cast votes for representatives, and today they select their president. Thus far, independent observers and Indonesians have applauded this demonstration of a vibrant and fair democratic process, as well they should. But while open elections are an important step for Indonesia, there is much farther to go on the path to stable democratic government.

_____Today's Op-Eds_____

• A Broader Agenda For Indonesia (Post, Sept. 20, 2004)
• Three Debates About Iraq (Post, Sept. 20, 2004)
• Democracy in Trouble: Now we understand that it's not inevitable (Post, Sept. 20, 2004)
• Time to Lead, Marion (Post, Sept. 20, 2004)

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Democracies depend on more than elections: the rule of law, a dynamic civil society, minority rights and a market economy are key components. The challenge for Indonesia is accelerating reforms in these areas. In particular, corruption and an ineffective judicial system have left many Indonesians skeptical of post-Suharto democracy; they have also turned off some foreign investors.

There is, of course, a security dimension. This traditionally moderate Muslim nation is home to several violent fundamentalist groups, most notably the al Qaeda-affiliated Jemaah Islamiah, which has been tied to terrorist bombings in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, most recently outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. Popular disaffection with government and poor economic conditions can leave the door open for terrorist groups adept at exploiting local grievances and hardships. In a nation of more than 17,000 islands, the danger is that a jihadist group could gain the kind of territorial foothold that enables terrorist indoctrination, training and planning.

The United States has been increasingly concerned with this threat. Since the October 2002 Bali bombings, counterterrorism, understandably, has been the focus of U.S. policy toward Indonesia. But our agenda in Indonesia can be broadened beyond sharing intelligence and making arrests. Simply put, the United States should accelerate efforts to support the long-term growth, stability and democracy that undermine the terrorists.

To begin, the United States can bolster its commitment to Indonesian education. President Bush put us on the right track with a pledge of $157 million over six years. Education initiatives counter those who teach hatred and brighten prospects for the 20 percent of Indonesian children who receive no schooling. Further assistance in areas such as teacher training, school supplies and educational exchange can help Indonesia develop alternatives to those who exploit gaps in education to promote jihadist indoctrination.

Vigorous public diplomacy is also needed in a country where distrust of the United States has become the norm. This should include an explanation of American policies and values that engages Indonesians in a dialogue rather than simply pushing a message through advertisements and brochures. Another necessary element is the kind of support for civil society that the United States has employed in so many countries -- including support for cultural centers, nongovernmental organizations, academia, the media and the private sector. This could improve bilateral relations while helping Indonesians develop the vitality of their own democracy.

The United States should also move toward greater cooperation with Indonesia's police and military. For the judicial system to improve, the capacity of Indonesia's police to enforce the law must be enhanced, and that can be aided by support from this and other countries. Similarly, ties with the Indonesian military will be necessary -- both operational support and education about the relationship between military and civil control. This is controversial; accountability and human rights should be part of the equation. But ultimately the United States and Indonesia will gain more from engagement than estrangement on these issues.

We are not seeking to impose an American agenda. As the elections demonstrate, the vast majority of Indonesians are willing to embrace political, judicial and economic reforms, although they are wary of the United States. Progress on reforms will lead to much-needed foreign investment in this resource-rich country, improving the standard of living for many Indonesians. Meanwhile, by helping Indonesia, the United States can help democracy gain a foothold in the world's largest Muslim country while undercutting efforts of terrorists.

There is great promise and potential peril in Indonesia: promise for a thriving democracy in an important Islamic country; peril arising from the regional erosion of state control that enables terrorism. A sustained and comprehensive U.S. policy of engagement and encouragement of democracy can help ensure that Indonesia's elections are part of a broader democratic success story -- one that someday may be looked back upon as a watershed for the Islamic world.

Lee Hamilton, a former chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, is president of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. George P. Shultz was secretary of state from 1982 to 1989. The authors were co-chairs of the National Commission on U.S.-Indonesian Relations.

tata

September 20th, 2004, 09:36 AM

Can I have your opinion who you like to be Indonesian's President: SBY or Mega?

Alvin

September 20th, 2004, 10:50 AM

I'd go for SBY because I don't think Mega's government has achieved much in the last 3 years in power...not that I have any solid evidence that SBY will do better...i guess its a matter of "hoping" that things will be better under a new leadership.

kikitielman

September 20th, 2004, 02:48 PM

SBY, i think just because we (i) need a person with clear views

Ara

September 20th, 2004, 10:32 PM

I voted for SBY here in Pretoria. He won the Indonesian expat in South AFrica by a wide margin. In Pretoria, he won more then 60 votes and Mega won about 12. Don't know about Cape Town though. I think SBY also won by a wide margin.

Alvin

September 21st, 2004, 09:45 AM

Yudhoyono may bring Indonesia's military under civilian control

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - The retired four-star general heading for victory in Indonesia's presidential elections, may use his background to succeed where the country's post-dictator Suharto politicians have so far failed - bringing the powerful military brass under civilian control.

"If anyone can undertake serious reforms in the military, it's (Susilo Bambang) Yudhoyono,'' said Ken Conboy, a military expert and former deputy director at the Asian Studies Institute in Washington.

"Certainly nobody can doubt his credentials for the job,'' said Conboy, who now lives in Jakarta. The generals have played the role of kingmaker in Indonesian political life since 1966, when a junta headed by Gen. Suharto ousted founding president Sukarno and ushered in 32 years of military dictatorship.

Suharto used the armed forces to repress any opposition.

In exchange, he appointed loyal generals to key government posts and the rubber-stamp legislature.

Although their overt role has been declining since Suharto's ouster in 1998 - this year they gave up their block of 38 reserved seats in parliament - the generals still retain immense behind-the-scenes influence which many say presents a serious threat to democracy.

The generals were instrumental in forcing both of Suharto's successors - B.J. Habibie and Abdurrahman Wahid - from office.

In 2001, they surrounded the presidential palace with tanks, forcing Wahid to stage a quick exit.

His deputy, Megawati Sukarnoputri, was picked for the top job most likely because she promised to give the generals a free hand.

Because the US$2.5 billion defense budget is clearly inadequate, the military has traditionally financed up to 75 percent of its needs through a solid, nationwide network of military-owned companies and foundations.

These institutions are beyond government control and are never audited.

There is widespread speculation that a large chunk of their profits end up in the pockets of the brass.

Paradoxically, the military - long known for human rights abuses - also has found a new path to legitimacy and influence via the war on terrorism.

The U.S. administration, and particularly Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, a former ambassador to Jakarta, see the armed forces as a bulwark against Muslim radicalism in Southeast Asia.

But analysts have repeatedly warned that unless the military is brought under civilian control, Indonesia will never grow into a true democracy.

"If there is ever any threat to democracy in Indonesia, it will always first come from the military,'' said Salim Said, a political columnist and military analyst.

A vast majority of Indonesians have placed their hopes in Yudhoyono, a retired U.S.-trained four-star general who served as Megawati's top security minister, to rein in the armed forces.

Despite his close ties with the top brass - he named 16 retired commanders to his campaign team, including former armed forces chief Adm. Widodo Adisutjipto - he is widely regarded as a reformer.

No one denies that the path of military reform will be slow and tortuous.

"Washington is very keen to offer some carrots (for military reform) and Yudhoyono is just the man to work with,'' said Greg Barton, of Australia's Deakin University.

"He is still well liked enough by his military institution to get the backing for some changes.''

Salim cautioned that Yudhoyono would face an uphill battle if he attempted to implement radical reforms, because serving officers remain indoctrinated with a distrust of civilians and a conviction that they have a right to oversee the affairs of the civilian state.

"We need to pour more money (into the defence budget) if we ever hope to have the armed forces function as a professional military,'' said Erman Amsori from Padjajaran University.

"Yudhoyono is the best man we have to do it.'' Yudhoyono has already demonstrated his willingness to take on the military in matters which he sees as a serious threat to Indonesia's territorial integrity.

In 2002, he negotiated a cease-fire in Indonesia's bloodiest conflict - the long separatist war in Aceh province.

But his efforts collapsed when Megawati pulled out of the deal under pressure from hard-line generals. Still, international mediators say they expect the peace process to restart under a Yudhoyono administration. - AP

Alvin

September 22nd, 2004, 01:10 AM

Tough job ahead for Bambang
With defeat all but certain, Golkar and Mega's party gear up for opposition role

By Derwin Pereira

JAKARTA - As former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono looked all but certain to become Indonesia's next president, his opponents yesterday began lining up their forces against him.

Two of the country's largest parties - Golkar and President Megawati Sukarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P) - have started talks on countering Mr Bambang in Parliament, despite peace overtures on his part.

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With almost two-thirds of the ballots counted last night, the official tally had him winning 60 per cent, to Ms Megawati's 40 per cent.

Despite his popular backing, Mr Bambang has to work with an incoming Parliament where Ms Megawati's coalition holds 307 of the 550 seats.

On Monday night, he sought reconciliation with the rival camp, reaching out with an offer to work together in the national interest.

This was given the brush-off by Mr Akbar Tandjung, chairman of Golkar, the country's biggest party and a member of the Megawati coalition.

Mr Akbar told The Straits Times: 'We don't need any Cabinet positions. We will play the role of the loyal opposition to keep a check on his government.'

Yesterday, Mr Akbar huddled with top Golkar aides for a lunch meeting at which there was only one talking point: How to make life difficult for President Bambang.

Last night, the Golkar chief met Ms Megawati and her husband Taufik Kiemas at their home in South Jakarta to hone the plan.

The alliance proposed by Mr Akbar includes the same parties that backed Ms Megawati for the presidency.

Besides Golkar and PDI-P, it will also feature the Muslim-based United Development Party and the small Prosperous Peace Party.

But splits within Golkar and PDI-P are deepening, blunting the force of their threat.

Significantly also, Mr Bambang's continued strong showing in the polls is strengthening his hand in dealing with a potentially hostile legislature, where his Democrat Party-based alliance has only 103 seats.

Mr Rachmat Witoelar, one of Mr Bambang's political advisers, said: 'The idea of a grand coalition is just an illusion. It is no big deal.

'They don't trust each other and they can't work together. The presidential election provides the best empirical proof of this. How then can you see them ganging up against the president?'

Mr Akbar concedes the point. 'That is my concern. Some of the legislators might be offered lucrative positions and could switch sides. Bambang is trying to break us up,' he said.

Factional rivalry in Golkar and PDI-P may well be a powerful weapon for Mr Bambang, allowing him to tap a large number of disaffected elements in the two parties to push his agenda through Parliament.

Going beyond that, Mr Bambang's aides hope to have Mr Akbar replaced by a more sympathetic Golkar leader.

Given the dissension in the party, they see him as vulnerable to being ousted from its leadership if enough Golkar members could be convinced to vote him out at their party congress in December.

Alvin

September 22nd, 2004, 01:15 AM

Bambang's 5 wise men
Inner circle of advisers who engineered his rise to power now slated for key roles in government

By Derwin Pereira

JAKARTA - Former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono owes his rise to Indonesia's highest office to five men.

They include former Indonesian ambassador to Russia Rachmat Witoelar, economist Joyo Winoto and two former stalwarts of the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P) - Mr Heru Lelono and Mr Suko Sudarso.

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Also on the list is Lieutenant-General Sudi Silalahi, who served as secretary to Mr Bambang when he was the security czar in the Megawati government.

Together, they form an inner circle that began charting a strategy for Mr Bambang as far back as two years ago that will now lead to the Merdeka palace next month.

All five are likely to play key roles in running his administration, with some widely tipped to be in the Cabinet.

Insiders disclose that Lt-Gen Sudi might be offered the powerful position of State Secretary or security czar.

Dr Joyo is slated to head the National Planning Board, a key post that will oversee economic development, while Mr Rachmat may be given the Foreign Affairs portfolio.
A well-placed source in the Bambang election team told The Straits Times: 'They form the first ring of advisers around Bambang.

'The others in his camp are not as significant as this group. They were the ones who lobbied behind the scenes and drew up the plans for him to win the presidency.'

Of the group, Mr Heru, 49, was instrumental in paving the way for Mr Bambang's entry into politics.

The former deputy secretary of the PDI-P's research wing has known the retired general since 1998 when he was territorial chief in the armed forces.

'I had a sense then that Pak Bambang was destined for greater things. He was a natural leader,' he told The Straits Times.

It was Mr Heru who acted as middleman in arranging a meeting between Mr Bambang and PDI-P chairman Megawati Sukarnoputri, whom he was also close to.

Later, he worked behind the scenes to push the general to nominate himself for the vice-presidency in 2001.

At the same time, he lobbied Ms Megawati's husband Taufik Kiemas to get the PDI-P to support Mr Bambang. It did not happen as the Megawati camp went with Mr Hamzah Haz.

But he was critical in shaping those formative years for Mr Bambang and, through the years, has grown close to Mr Bambang.

Sources disclose that he will be appointed in the palace as a senior aide.

Mr Suko is the other PDI-P link. Having also met Mr Bambang in the late 1990s, he was another important channel to the country's then largest party in parliament.

He was seen as 'the operator' who could liaise with members of the PDI-P and other parties for their support.

Some believe that he is unlikely to secure a Cabinet appointment but will continue to play the critical role of dealing with a potentially hostile parliament, where Golkar and the PDI-P are lining up in opposition against Mr Bambang.

The 63-year-old Rachmat, who once served as Golkar secretary-general, will be the point man in dealings with Indonesia's biggest party in parliament.

But he is known more for matchmaking Mr Bambang and his running mate, Mr Jusuf Kalla.

He drew up a list of prospective candidates that comprised Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi, business tycoon Aburizal Bakrie and Mr Jusuf.

He told The Straits Times: 'It was such a natural fit. We had in the two leaders a very saleable commodity to the Indonesian electorate.'

According to the Tempo weekly, Mr Rachmat first met Mr Bambang in 1993 when the career diplomat was envoy to Russia. Mr Bambang was then head of the UN elections monitoring contingency for Bosnia Herzegovina.

The young military officer often visited the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow to discuss developments there with Mr Rachmat.

'Since that time, I have developed a close rapport with him,' he said.

It grew closer when Mr Rachmat, disillusioned by the Megawati administration, initiated a plan in 2002 to bring him to power.

Another key political architect is Dr Joyo, executive director of the Brighten Institute, an economic think-tank.

The US-trained economist was charged with building up a network of NGOs and activists throughout Indonesia for Mr Bambang to mount a challenge for the presidency.

He revealed in an interview: 'We began planning for his presidency two years ago. Everything was well thought out and crafted so that Pak Bambang would win it.'

In fact, Dr Joyo has even prepared a confidential manual that outlines Mr Bambang's political and economic strategies before the polls and after - for the next five years.

Lt-Gen Sudi is a long-time friend of the four-star general. They first met as military cadets more than 30 years ago.

He is important to Mr Bambang mainly because of his links to the Muslim camp.

Drawing on his contacts when he was East Java military commander, Lt-Gen Sudi was used as one of the key contacts with the 40-million-strong NU.

He played a big role in winning NU support for Mr Bambang by attending a meeting of key clerics in East Java two weeks before the run-off polls.

Given his background in socio-political affairs in the military and his network to the vast territorial command structure, he was also important in gathering intelligence in the election run-up.

His most significant role, however, was in triggering Mr Bambang's entry into the presidential race in March, just before the general election.

His public criticism of how the palace shut out Mr Bambang from policy-making triggered a chain of events that catapulted the general to the fore of Indonesian politics.

The Bambang team has altogether some 1,000 members. But it is these five men who stuck it out from the start - and are likely to remain in positions of influence.

Sultan

September 22nd, 2004, 03:26 AM

National Day of Indonesia celebrated in Pakistan

KARACHI (September 22 2004): The very close Pakistan-Indonesia ties of friendship and brotherhood were specially lauded by Sindh Home Minister Abdul Rauf Siddiqui at the National Day reception of Indonesia.

The reception was hosted by Indonesian Consul General and Madame Entjim Herrianto on Tuesday at a local hotel.

Indonesian Ambassador in Islamabad Anwer Santoso and his wife specially attended the reception and welcomed the guests.

The provincial home minister said that Pakistan held the Indonesian nation very close to their heart, especially for the Indonesian support to Pakistan in the 1965 war.

He extended warm greetings on the occasion to the consul general and also prayed for the continued progress and prosperity of Indonesia.

Anwer Santoso and Entjim Herrianto reciprocated the feelings and said they were overwhelmed by friendly feelings shown towards Indonesia in Pakistan.

In the formal cake-cutting ceremony the heads of the consular missions in Karachi took part including UAE Consul General Mohammad Abdullah Amir Al-Falasi, Bahraini Consul General Jamil Abdul Wahab Abdus Salam, Saudi Arabian Consul General Mayman and Deputy Consul General Flimban, Iranian Consul General Musa Hussaini and Deputy Consul General Bakhtiari, Consul General of Thailand Chantabaran, Consul General of China Sun Chunye, Consul General of Italy, British Deputy High Commissioner D. Hamish, several honorary consul generals and consuls as also businessmen, industrialists and educationists.

The Deputy Chief of Protocol Soomro and his wife also attended the reception.

City Nazim Naimatullah Khan came in at the end of the reception and was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Santoso and Consul General Entjim.

On the occasion Naimatullah Khan said that he had proposed naming Karachi and Jakarta as sister cities.

Among Indonesian diplomats in Karachi who attended the National Day reception were Consul Economic Hikmat Moelyawan, Vice Consul Zonal Arifian, Nugraha Purniawan, Copkson along with their wives.

A special ceremony arranged on the reception was the presence of Indonesian boys and girls in traditional dresses of different regions of Indonesia.

Also extending special greetings to the Indonesian ambassador, consul general and other Indonesian diplomats were office-bearers of the Pakistan-Indonesia Friendship Society led by its president Mahmudal Aziz and including senior vice president S.S. Iqbal Hussain, vice president Zia Ahmed, secretary-general Anwer Aziz Jakartawala and joint secretary Ijaz Ali Khan as also leading executive members Nusrat Hussain, former chairman of Cotton Export Corporation, former PPL managing-director Masrt Ahmed and prominent Rotarian Assadullah Khan.

Mahmudul Aziz specially felicitated the Indonesian ambassador and consul general and on the peaceful elections, comparatively to other countries, held for the office of President in Indonesia and the incoming new President-elect in Indonesia. He hoped that relations would continue to grow between the two countries.

Copyright United Press of Pakistan, 2004

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Indonesian envoy hails media

KARACHI (September 22 2004): Indonesian Ambassador Anwer Santoso on Tuesday underlined the important role the media plays in promoting friendly ties between Indonesia and Pakistan.

He specially met editors and journalists who attended the Indonesian National Day reception.

Prominent among them were Business Recorder Acting Editor Arshad Zuberi, Managing Editor of UPP and Pictorial News Review Mahmudul Aziz, Daily Ibrat Chief Editor Qazi Asad Abid, special TV teams of ARY and many photo journalists.

Copyright United Press of Pakistan, 2004

Medan01

September 22nd, 2004, 07:23 AM

Alvin

September 23rd, 2004, 01:41 AM

Bambang plans White House style councils
They will let his govt be more hands-on in tackling security and economic issues

By Derwin Pereira

JAKARTA - The Bambang administration is likely to be styled after the White House, with two powerful bodies set up to tackle the country's two most gripping issues - security and economic recovery.

Mr Bambang (above) will focus on security issues like the separatist war in Aceh, where state troops have been sent. Mr Jusuf, a businessman, will be more involved in getting the Indonesian economy back on track.
On the cards, top aides disclosed, are a national security council and an economic advisory body.

The new bodies might help Mr Bambang do away with the existing portfolios of coordinating ministers - whose incumbents have in the past been seen as economic and security czars - in what could be a major change in how the government is run in Indonesia.

This means that Mr Bambang and his deputy, Mr Jusuf Kalla, are likely to be very hands-on in dealing with two of his government's top priorities - economic recovery and the anti-terrorism fight.

A senior adviser, who is involved in the deliberations, told The Straits Times: 'We are still brainstorming the different options available.

'Setting up these bodies is the most preferred one and has been at the back of Bambang's mind even before he ran for the presidency.

'He finds the White House model to be the most appealing. It will help him streamline a bloated bureaucracy and get things done more efficiently. His plan is to get the executive actively involved in the day-to-day running of the government.'

The national security council would deal with foreign and defence affairs, as well as tackle conflicts in trouble-prone areas such as Aceh, Papua, Poso and Maluku.

More importantly, it would handle the looming threat of terrorism.

While the Megawati government established an anti-terrorism task force, doubts remain whether the military, police and the state intelligence agency can work together, given the pervasive rivalry between these outfits.

Mr Syamsir Siregar, a former military intelligence chief and security adviser to Mr Bambang, explained: 'We need an umbrella agency that will have the power and mandate to oversee and coordinate their activities. If the president is directly involved, it will give the council even greater clout.'

If the security council is set up, Mr Bambang will oversee it. Cabinet ministers and senior officials from different security bodies in Indonesia would also be represented.

Two names are being touted to head this potentially influential agency.

One is Admiral Widodo A.S., a former military commander whom Mr Bambang served under as territorial chief. The other is Lieutenant-General Sudi Silalahi, a close friend of the four-star general who played a key role in his rise to power.

The broad plan is for Mr Bambang to deal directly with security matters and Mr Jusuf, a South Sulawesi-born businessman, to be more involved in economic issues.

The presidential economic advisory body would be loosely styled after the White House Council of Economic Advisers. It would comprise seven to 10 members, mostly businessmen and respected economists.

A well-connected source revealed that Indonesian- Chinese business tycoon Sofyan Wanandi was in the running to head the panel.

Mr Bambang is also reportedly lining up three American-trained economists for key economic posts in his government.

One of them is Dr Sri Mulyani, who spent a year in the International Monetary Fund in charge of South-east Asian affairs. She is being tipped to take over the Finance Ministry.

Dr Mari Pangestu, the former executive director of the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, is being considered for the trade and industry portfolio.

Bambang loyalist Joyo Winoto, who heads the Brighten Institute think-tank, is likely to be chairman of the National Planning Board.

Although plans are under way to establish the two new bodies and restructure the government, there could be obstacles in the way.

The law on the structure of ministries is still pending - and could be delayed if the opposition coalition led by Golkar and current president Megawati Sukarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party -Struggle block it.

Nevertheless, the Bambang team is still intent on exploring the idea.

Golkar executive Marzuki Darusman, who is one of several party members supporting his presidency, said there are also plans for the palace to set up a liaison office in parliament.

'This is to facilitate communication with legislators and keep track of parliamentary debates on security and economic issues,' he said.

'If there is any stand-off with hostile members, it will allow the president's office to step in and deal with the problem. They are really taking a leaf out of the West Wing.'

Yamauchi

September 23rd, 2004, 06:56 AM

Susilo’s moment

Sep 22nd 2004
From The Economist Global Agenda

The world’s most populous Muslim country has a new leader. Will Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono do a better job of tackling terrorism, separatism, corruption and unemployment in Indonesia than his predecessor, Megawati Sukarnoputri?

THE votes are still being counted in Indonesia’s first direct presidential election, but it is already clear that the world’s most populous Muslim country will soon have a new leader. On Wednesday September 22nd, with around 80% of the ballots counted, the challenger, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was assured of victory, having garnered 61% of the vote compared with 39% for the incumbent, Megawati Sukarnoputri. The final result will not be announced until October 5th, and Miss Megawati is not conceding defeat yet. But no one doubts that Mr Susilo has won—least of all him. The former army general and minister, popularly known as SBY, has held several press conferences since the first results were posted and is said to be working on a new cabinet that is due to assume power on October 20th.

The run-off followed a first round of voting in July, in which all but two candidates were eliminated, and a parliamentary poll in April. That all three elections have gone with barely a hitch is remarkable in a country with 220m people, spread across a huge archipelago of 17,000 islands. It is even more remarkable in light of the country’s political history: in just six years, Indonesia has gone from authoritarian rule to the brink of chaos and now to full democracy. Student-led protests forced the resignation of the country’s former strongman, Suharto, in 1998, after 32 years in power. There then followed a period of growing disorder, in which separatist and religious violence threatened to engulf the country.

Miss Megawati deserves credit for overseeing a restoration of relative calm and economic growth since taking office in 2001. But she has been a poor communicator and a weak administrator who has done little to rein in the country’s rampant corruption. Much of her remaining support derives from nostalgia for her father, Indonesia’s founding president, Sukarno. In April’s parliamentary elections, her Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P) lost almost a third of its seats, while Mr Susilo’s recently formed Democratic Party surged in popularity.

Though Indonesia’s voters have now signalled that they want change at the top too, it is not clear that Mr Susilo can deliver on this mandate. He is intellectually curious, more comfortable in the spotlight than Miss Megawati, and widely viewed as a man of integrity who would be strong in times of crisis. But he is also thought to be indecisive and too much of a micro-manager. Nor is there much to separate him from Miss Megawati on policy. He won the election on character, not ideology.

Whether he has the qualities to solve Indonesia’s various intractable problems remains to be seen. He has promised to tackle government corruption, which remains a huge problem and a drag on the economy, and the unpredictable legal system. However, if he is to succeed, he will also have to take on the parliament, where a coalition of parties linked to Miss Megawati and to others with no allegiance to the new president holds just over half of the seats.

Fighting terrorism will also be high on the list. Indonesia has suffered three major attacks in the past two years. The first, and worst, was the bombing of a Bali nightclub in October 2002, which killed more than 200. The most recent was the car bomb that went off outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta on September 9th, leaving nine dead. Mr Susilo was, until earlier this year, Miss Megawati’s security minister and oversaw the arrest and prosecution of the Islamic militants who carried out the Bali attack. His election victory will be seen in the West as good for the war on terrorism. But he has yet to show that he can put a stop to the attacks.

Nor is it clear that he will be any better than Miss Megawati at dealing with those who would break Indonesia apart. With its many local languages and ethnic groups, the country’s unity is threatened by various separatist movements, especially in the provinces of Aceh and West Papua. Though martial law was lifted in Aceh in May, having been imposed a year earlier, the separatist Free Aceh Movement is still active. Inspired by East Timor’s ultimately successful push for independence, these restive regions are likely to vex both the president and the armed forces for years to come.

While some Indonesians want independence, others just want jobs

While some Indonesians want independence, others just want jobs. Though the economy is now growing at around 4-5% annually, it needs to grow even more quickly—by say 7%—to cut the country’s high rate of joblessness: an estimated 40m or so are out of work or underemployed. But the easy work on the economy has already been done: macroeconomic stabilisation. Now Mr Susilo must improve the investment climate, to provide jobs for the hordes of young Indonesians who come on to the labour market each year.

Business leaders and the financial markets think there is a better chance of this happening under Mr Susilo (who has an American management degree) than under his predecessor—the Jakarta stockmarket hit a record high on Tuesday as news of his victory sank in. To be fair to Miss Megawati, she has overseen a smattering of key reforms: on Wednesday, indeed, the parliament passed a new bankruptcy bill that provides a clearer, more robust legal framework for investors.

The PDI-P and Golkar, the country’s largest political grouping, may obstruct Mr Susilo’s efforts to reform the economy, the justice system and so on. However, he may be able to take advantage of the disarray in these two main parties and persuade parts of them to break away and support him. (To this end, he is reported to be sounding out one or two leading PDI-P and Golkar figures for cabinet posts.) Should he fail in this, and therefore struggle to deliver on his promises, he, like Miss Megawati, will most likely be turfed out of office after just one term. For Indonesians, having put up with dictatorship for decades, are all too keen to wield their democratic powers. In doing so, they have unwittingly spawned that rarest of creatures, a vibrant Muslim democracy.

Alvin

September 24th, 2004, 06:31 AM

Sederet Janji Menanti Bukti

http://www.gatra.com/images/gambar/127/1.jpg http://www.gatra.com/images/gambar/127/1.jpg http://www.gatra.com/images/gambar/127/1.jpg

RATUSAN orang berduyun-duyun ke rumah kediaman calon presiden Susilo Bambang "SBY" Yudhoyono, beberapa jam setelah perhitungan suara pemilihan presiden dimulai. Bukan hanya para pejabat, politikus, dan pengusaha yang hendak menghadap SBY. Rakyat jelata pun ingin sowan ke calon presidennya.

Di antara mereka, ada yang bekerja sebagai buruh bangunan, tukang ojek, juga pemulung. Wajah orang-orang kecil itu tampak sumringah saat memasuki kawasan kediaman SBY di Puri Cikeas Indah, Gunung Putri, Bogor. Tatapan matanya berbinar-binar, seakan memancarkan harapan yang tersimpan di palung hatinya.

"Saya ingin ketemu Pak SBY, minta supaya biaya sekolah tidak mahal seperti sekarang ini," ujar Sutarya, 40 tahun, tukang ojek yang bertandang ke rumah SBY, Senin malam lalu. Ayah empat anak ini datang ke rumah calon presiden itu bersama istrinya. Ia mengendarai sepeda motor sejauh sekitar 15 killometer dari desanya, Citeureup, Kecamatan Citeureup, Bogor.

Malam itu, Sutarya tampak rapi, mengenakan kemeja batik cokelat muda dari bahan satin yang kemilau, bercelana warga gelap, dipadu dengan sepatu kulit lusuh. Sang istri berbusana muslimah warna biru menyala, dan berkerudung biru tua. Pasangan suami-istri ini berdesakan dengan puluhan orang yang berjubel di depan pintu gerbang rumah kediaman calon presiden keenam RI itu.

Sutarya dan istrinya gagal berjumpa calon presidennya, lantaran aparat keamanan menutup rapat pintu gerbang. Maklum, pada malam itu, kediaman SBY yang luasnya sekitar 3.000 meter persegi disesaki ratusan orang. Petugas keamanan terpaksa menyeleksi orang yang akan masuk ke sana.

Walau begitu, Sutarya tak kecewa. "Yang penting, saya sudah lihat rumah Pak SBY," katanya. Ia bahkan merasa bangga, karena calon presiden yang dipilihnya menang. Tukang ojek ini yakin, terpilihnya SBY akan mendatangkan perubahan dan perbaikan kehidupan rakyat, seperti dijanjikan pada waktu kampanye.

"Seperti biaya sekolah akan lebih murah, dan gampang mencari pekerjaan," kata Sutarya pula. Dan yang lebih penting, menurut Sutarya, negara akan tenteram dan damai. "Tidak ada bom lagi," katanya. "Saya yakin, Pak SBY bisa. Beliau orang pintar, jujur, dan tegas. Teroris pasti takut," ujar Sutarya, yang cuma tamatan SMP itu, berharap banyak pada calon presiden idolanya.

Sosok SBY memang menjadi tumpuan harapan anak bangsa ini, terutama mereka yang kurang beruntung, para buruh yang terkena PHK, serta guru yang bergaji kecil. Bahkan, ratusan karyawan PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Bandung, yang terkena PHK menyandarkan nasibnya pada SBY. Rabu lalu, mereka mengirim utusan ke Puri Cikeas Indah, minta presiden terpilih ini memperhatikan nasib karyawan PT Dirgantara.

SBY meluangkan waktu menemui utusan karyawan pabrik pesawat terbang itu. Ia menyarankan agar para karyawan PT Dirgantara, yang kini sedang menggugat perusahaannya lewat pengadilan, bersabar menunggu putusan pengadilan. Usai menemui utusan Serikat Pekerja PT Dirgantara, SBY menerima kehadiran enam guru SMU --semuanya perempuan-- dari Desa Cileungsi, Bogor.

Calon presiden terpilih ini ngobrol santai dengan para ibu guru itu, sambil makan mi ayam di depan rumah pendopo joglo, kediamannya. Pada kesempatan itu, para guru menyampaikan bahwa gaji yang mereka terima sangat kecil. "Cuma beberapa ratus ribu, Pak," tutur seorang guru. SBY berjanji akan menaikkan gaji guru. "Saya akan upayakan gaji guru secara perlahan-lahan bisa naik sampai Rp 2 juta per bulan," katanya.

Lebih dari itu, SBY juga menjadi tumpuan harapan masyarakat Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. "Kami berharap Bapak SBY mampu mengambil langkah tepat untuk menyelesaikan masalah Aceh. Serta mengembalikan harga diri masyarakat Aceh yang terkoyak," kata Abu Tumin, ulama karismatik dari Kabupaten Bireuen. Ia menyatakan bahwa akar konflik Aceh adalah ketidakadilan selama puluhan tahun oleh pemerintah masa lalu.

Akibatnya, ada sejumlah orang Aceh yang kecewa dan akhirnya berseberangan dengan pemerintah, ingin memisahkan diri. "Saya yakin, bila Pak SBY terpilih, dia akan berbuat adil pada masyarakat Aceh. Memperhatikan putra Aceh dan tidak mencurigai sebagai pengkhianat," kata Abu Tumin kepada Ibrahim Passe dari Gatra.

Disertai harapan besar itulah, Abu Tumin yang kini mengasuh sebuah pesantren di Bireuen bersedia menggiring masyarakat Bireuen ke tempat pemungutan suara (TPS), memilih pasangan calon presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-Jusuf Kalla (SBY-Kalla). Di Kabupaten Bireuen, pasangan SBY-Kalla menang telak dengan total perolehan suara sebesar 84,7%.

Pasangan Megawati Soekarnoputri-Hasyim Muzadi (Mega-Hasyim) cuma mendapat 15,3% di Kabupaten Bireuen. Bahkan, SBY-Kalla menang di sejumlah daerah pedalaman wilayah Kabupaten Aceh Utara, yang ditengarai jadi basis Gerakan Aceh Merdeka.

Di sebuah TPS di Desa Pantolabu, Aceh Tengah, misalnya, SBY-Kalla berhasil mendapat 200 suara sah, Mega-Hasyim hanya memperoleh empat suara. Ternyata, figur SBY yang berlatar belakang militer tidak menjadi hambatan dalam memperoleh dukungan suara masyarakat Aceh. Di provinsi yang dijuluki "Serambi Mekkah" ini, SBY-Kalla memperoleh dukungan 78,1% pemilih. Mega-Hasyim mendapat 21,8% suara.

Suara masyarakat Aceh ikut menopang kemenangan SBY di skala nasional. Bahkan, dari 32 provinsi di seluruh Indonesia, SBY hanya kalah di dua provinsi, Bali dan Nusa Tenggara Timur. Seandainya ada yang golput, dengan dalih calon presiden pada pemilu putaran kedua tidak layak, semata-mata bukan karena faktor SBY. Boleh jadi, karena pemilih itu sakit hati akibat jagonya kalah di putaran pertama.

Dan hal ini tidak mengurangi kredibilitas pemilu, juga tak akan memudarkan pamor SBY sebagai calon presiden terpilih. Lagi pula, menurut data Tabulasi Nasional Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU) hingga Rabu dini hari lalu, SBY-Kalla berhasil mengumpulkan suara 63 juta (61,1%), sedangkan Mega-Hasyim mendapat 40 juta suara (38,8%). Jumlah suara yang dihitung sudah mencapai 103 juta dari 32 provinsi.

SBY hampir pasti bakal menduduki kursi Presiden RI. Tampilnya Jenderal (purnawirawan) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ini menandai tersingkirnya sejumlah tokoh sipil di era reformasi. Langkah reformasi mulai diayunkan Presiden B.J. Habibie yang menggantikan Soeharto.

KH Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid diangkat menjadi presiden oleh MPR, yang dihasilkan lewat proses pemilu yang bersih dan demokratis. Kemudian dilanjutkan oleh Megawati. Kemenangan SBY dapat juga dibaca sebagai babak akhir dari tahapan terlemparnya tiga tokoh reformasi --Gus Dur, Megawati, dan Amien Rais-- dari orbit kekuasaan.

Satu-satunya tokoh reformasi sipil "kelompok Ciganjur" yang memegang kekuasaan tinggal Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, yang kini menjadi Gubernur Yogyakarta. Gus Dur telah digusur dari kursi presiden setelah kasus "Buloggate", tiga tahun silam. Ia sebenarnya berniat ikut bertarung dalam pemilihan presiden langsung.

Sayang, keinginan Gus Dur terganjal peraturan KPU. Amien Rais, yang sempat berlaga di arena pemilihan presiden, kalah di putaran pertama. Megawati hampir bisa dipastikan tak mampu membendung SBY. Tapi popularitas SBY diramalkan bakal merosot jika dalam 100 hari pemerintahannya tidak memenuhi harapan publik.

Praktisi hukum Todung Mulya Lubis berpendapat, agenda pembaruan di bidang hukum oleh pemerintahan baru perlu ditandai dengan menyeret sejumlah koruptor kakap ke penjara dalam waktu 100 hari pertama. "Pembaruan hukum harus dimulai dengan pemberantasan korupsi yang bukan basa-basi," kata Todung, saat berbicara dalam Forum Anak Bangsa Bersatu di Jakarta, Selasa lalu.

Dalam pandangan pengacara kondang itu, siapa pun tidak akan efektif melakukan pemberantasan korupsi apabila tidak ada beking politik dari presiden terpilih. Dan dalam hal ini, SBY telah menegaskan komitmennya untuk membenahi hukum di Indonesia. Beking politik tingkat tinggi, kata Todung, sangat diperlukan karena korupsi sudah begitu endemik dan merajalela serta menjadi way of life bangsa ini.

Penyakit itu tidak saja menghinggapi para konglomerat hitam, melainkan juga hampir semua pejabat dari tingkat pusat hingga daerah. "Karena itu, tidak ada jalan lain kecuali menjebloskan semua koruptor itu ke penjara," kata Todung, yang banyak disebut-sebut sebagai calon Jaksa Agung dalam kabinet SBY-Kalla.

Namun, Todung melanjutkan, tidak mungkin dalam kurun waktu 100 hari pertama, pemerintahan baru bisa melakukan terobosan menjebloskan semua koruptor itu ke penjara. Setidaknya, dalam masa itu sudah harus ada koruptor kakap yang masuk bui sebagai bukti awal komitmen pemerintah membasmi tindak korupsi.

Todung menambahkan, tidak saja koruptor yang harus masuk penjara. Jaksa hitam, hakim hitam, dan para pengacara hitam pun harus diproses hukum dan digiring ke penjara. Harapan Todung tampaknya akan dipenuhi oleh pemerintahan SBY.

Memenjarakan koruptor kakap, terlebih lagi bila sang koruptor punya koneksi dengan penguasa sebelumnya, besar kemungkinan akan memicu konflik politik di tingkat elite. Padahal, selama ini SBY dikenal sebagai pemimpin yang mengutamakan keselarasan, menjauhkan diri dari konflik.

SBY sering bertindak hati-hati dan penuh perhitungan. Kehati-hatian dan penuh pertimbangan itulah yang membuatnya kerap terkesan lamban dan peragu. Dalam berbagai kesempatan, SBY membantah kesan lamban bersikap dan peragu yang dituduhkan pada dirinya. Ia menyatakan, setiap kebijakan atau keputusan harus dipikirkan matang terlebih dulu, karena banyak yang akan menanggung akibatnya.

Tetapi, untuk urusan memberantas korupsi, SBY mengemukakan tekadnya untuk memimpin langsung upaya pemberantasannya. Peran langsung presiden diperlukan untuk memastikan jalannya upaya pemberantasan korupsi. Pejabat yang terbukti korupsi, Yudhoyono mengemukakan, sangat mungkin akan diberhentikan.

"Nantinya akan dibahas mengenai audit kekayaan pejabat negara setiap tahun," kata SBY, saat menjawab pertanyaan panelis dalam acara "Penajaman Visi Misi Calon Presiden" yang diselenggarakan KPU, menjelang pemilihan presiden putaran kedua. Ia akan mengefektifkan kerja Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi. "Bahkan, semua lembaga yang dibangun untuk mencegah dan memberantas korupsi harus diberdayakan," SBY menegaskan.

Di luar persoalan pemberantasan korupsi, pemerintahan SBY juga akan berhadapan dengan sikap oposisi di parlemen yang digalang Koalisi Kebangsaan. Di atas kertas, Koalisi Kebangsaan berkekuatan mayoritas, menguasai sekitar 60% kursi Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR). Mereka kemungkinan terus mengawasi dengan ketat jalannya penyelenggaraan pemerintahan.

Bahkan, Megawati dalam rapat partainya, Selasa lalu, berjanji bukan hanya akan mengawasi pemerintahan SBY, melainkan juga siap menekannya. Misalnya, DPR akan mencabut subsidi bahan bakar minyak (BBM) untuk bulan Oktober, November, dan Desember yang besarnya Rp 3,5 trilyun.

Bila ini menjadi kenyataan, mau tak mau pemerintahan SBY harus menaikkan harga BBM begitu usai dilantik. Padahal, kebijakan seperti ini sangat ditentang masyarakat. Memang, untuk pencabutan subsidi BBM ini masih ada rentang waktu sekitar tiga bulan. Tapi beban pemerintah akan makin bertambah berat bila langkah ini tidak diambil.

Selain soal subsidi, Koalisi Kebangsaan, seperti dikatakan Akbar Tandjung, akan dijadikan permanen. Kubu Golkar dan PDI Perjuangan sudah mulai menyusun tata tertib persidangan DPR baru, yang dimulai pada 1 Oktober nanti. Tujuannya, tentu saja, menguasai setiap jabatan di parlemen, dari ketua hingga komisi dan badan kelengkapan lainnya.

Dengan kekuasaan itu, DPR, setidaknya menurut tokoh-tokoh kongsi politik itu, akan bisa "menggergaji" kaki pemerintah. "Tak akan mudah lolos dari DPR setiap usulan pemerintah," kata seorang tokoh Golkar. Jika hal ini terjadi, jelas akan menimbulkan ketidakharmonisan antara parlemen dan pemerintah.

Kasus seperti ini pernah terjadi di Peru. Dalam Pemilu 1990, Alberto Fujimori menang dalam pemilihan presiden putaran kedua. Ia memperoleh suara 56%. Tetapi partai yang dipimpin Fujimori hanya menduduki 19 kursi di Majelis Rendah. Selama dua tahun terus-menerus, parlemen menentang program reformasi ekonomi yang dilakukan pemerintah.

Dalam rangka membungkam perlemen, Presiden Fujimori mengambil tindakan kontroversial. Dengan dukungan militer, Fujimori membubarkan parlemen. Tahap selanjutnya, ia menghabisi lawan-lawan politiknya. Mudah-mudahan saja SBY tidak mengikuti langkah Fujimori ini.

Meskipun SBY pensiunan jenderal, menurut seorang pengamat, kecil kemungkinan ia menggunakan kekuatan militer untuk mengamankan kekuasaannya. Terlebih lagi, bukan tidak mungkin Koalisi Kebangsaan justru terpecah belah. Kemudian para elite politik, baik yang ada di dalam parlemen maupun di luar, berlomba mencari kekuasaan dengan merapat ke kubu SBY.

Toh, naiknya SBY yang berlatar belakang militer ke tampuk pimpinan nasional sempat mengundang kecurigaan sebagian orang yang antimiliter. Mengingat, sejak reformasi digulirkan, seluruh komponen anak bangsa bertekad memperjuangkan cita-cita terbentuknya masyarakat madani.

Hanya saja, citra SBY selama ini lebih dekat dengan sosok pemimpin sipil. Ia menyatakan tidak akan mengedepankan pendekatan keamanan. "Pendekatan yang akan saya ambil adalah pendekatan komprehensif. Pendekatan keamanan harus dilakukan. Saya mengerti sistem yang berlaku dalam demokrasi," kata SBY, saat menjawab pertanyaan panelis pada cara "Penajaman Visi Misi Calon Presiden" yang diselenggarakan KPU.

SBY berjanji, tiga isu sentral agenda reformasi internal TNI, yaitu bisnis TNI, komando teritorial, dan impunity alias pembebasan hukuman bagi yang bersalah, akan dilanjutkan. "Teman-teman TNI akan senang jika tidak lagi berbisnis, dan anggaran dipenuhi," kata SBY. Tentang komando teritorial, katanya, yang penting jangan tergoda untuk main politik. "Mengenai impunity, akan didorong ke depan supaya lebih maju dan menyentuh mereka yang bersalah," ujarnya.

Menurut SBY, sekarang ini reformasi TNI belum rampung dan harus diteruskan, untuk memastikan bahwa TNI betul-betul berhenti main politik. Kemudian kembali pada jati dirinya, termasuk penuntasan TNI di lembaga legislatif. "Jika semua agenda reformasi dijalankan, maka saya yakin, lima tahun mendatang TNI akan pas dengan sistem demokrasi yang kita anut," kata SBY, yang ikut membidani lahirnya reformasi TNI.

Walau demikian, sosok SBY tidak bermetamorfosis menjadi pemimpin sipil. Jenderal yang dikenal cerdas dan berpengetahuan luas ini memang banyak bergelut dengan para intetektual. Tapi ia juga tidak meninggalkan kawan-kawan tentaranya. Bahkan sekarang, di sekeliling SBY terdapat puluhan pensiunan jenderal. Dikhawatirkan, kabinet baru kelak didominasi oleh mantan jenderal-jenderal ini.

Selama kampanye, banyak pihak dijanjikan posisi menteri, termasuk para jenderal itu. Padahal, kabinet gaya pelangi terbukti tidak efektif. Sedangkan keberhasilan pemerintahan SBY memenuhi semua janjinya sangat bergantung pada pelaksana kebijakannya. Kalau tak ada terobosan dan perubahan, mungkin Sutarya si tukang ojek tadi harus siap-siap menangguk kecewa.

Heddy Lugito, Luqman Hakim Arifin, dan M. Agung Riyadi
[Laporan Utama, Gatra Nomor 46 beredar Jumat 24 September 2004]

Alvin

September 24th, 2004, 06:33 AM

Kopi Terakhir di Kebagusan

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Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono unggul dalam pemilu presiden putaran II. Di Kebagusan, Taufiq Kiemas meneguk kopi terakhirnya.

KEBAGUSAN, Jakarta Selatan, 20 September 2004, 14.30 WIB. Dua telepon genggam Nokia Communicator Taufiq Kiemas nyaris tak pernah berhenti berteriak. Yang satu masih online, yang lain sudah berdering-dering. "Bagaimana perkembangannya? Kita kalah? Belum, kan? Tolong pantau terus. Maafkan kakakmu ini kalau terlalu cerewet," ujar suami kandidat presiden Megawati Soekarnoputri melalui kabel handsfree yang menempel di telinga. Panas siang melanda Jakarta. Taufiq gerah. Ia sibuk memantau penghitungan suara.

Televisi 21 inci yang mengabarkan hasil pantauan coblosan tak lagi menjadi perhatian pria berbadan lebar itu. Para tamu dari Koalisi Kebangsaan—aliansi partai yang menyokong Megawati—sudah lama pulang. Juru tinta pun sudah berlalu satu-satu.

Yang tertinggal hanya Wakil Sekjen PDIP Pramono Anung, bekas Direktur TV7 August Parengkuan, Menteri Perindustrian dan Perdagangan Rini Soewandi dan suaminya, Didi Soewandi, serta Kwik Kian Gie dan Menteri BUMN Laksamana Sukardi. Ada pula Guruh Sukarno Putra dan Sukmawati Soekarnoputri. Semua sibuk dengan telepon genggamnya masing-masing.

Mega tak ada. Hari itu ia mengaku sedang tidak sehat. Sambil menyeka hidungnya dengan tisu, ia sebentar menyapa Tempo. "Saya agak meriang. Ntar kamu malah ketularan, lho," katanya. Lalu Mega masuk ke dalam.

Tak lama kemudian Guruh dan Sukma beranjak keluar.

"Mas Taufiq, pulang dulu," kata Sukma. Yang disapa mengiyakan.

"Ruh, kamu mau ke mana? Di sini ajalah."

"Pulang dulu, Mas. Ada yang harus dikerjakan."

Taufiq hanya bisa mengangguk. Dering telepon kembali berbunyi.

Hasil penghitungan suara memang membuat Taufiq risau. Hanya delapan jam setelah tempat-tempat pemungutan suara (TPS) resmi dibuka untuk umum, hasil penghitungan cepat (quick count) Lembaga Penelitian, Pendidikan, dan Penerangan Ekonomi dan Sosial (LP3ES) sudah memberi kabar yang menampar kubu Megawati. Ia kalah dari Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dengan perbandingan 38,8 persen berbanding 61,2 persen. Hasil serupa diperoleh dari survei astaga.com, Polling Center, Indonesia Media Technologies (IMT), dan Forum ITB 73 (Fortuga). Lembaga yang terakhir mengambil sampel di 4.000 TPS di seluruh Indonesia.

Taufiq menyeruput kopi instan dari cangkirnya. Ia kembali bicara melalui ponselnya. "Jadi Lampung oke, ya?" ujarnya kepada seseorang di ujung telepon. Sesaat kemudian, Pram, yang termenung di ujung teras, disapanya. "Pram, ke sini dong. Berbagilah. Semua di sini juga tegang," katanya setengah berteriak.

Pram bangkit mendekati Kiemas.

"Gimana perkembangan? Jawa Timur dan Jawa Tengah piye?" tanya Taufiq ke Pramono.

"Belum ada perkembangan, Mas. Masih fifty-fifty. Tapi di Blitar dan Kediri kita dapet."

Taufiq kembali memencet-mencet Communicator-nya.

Sebentar kemudian ia tersambung dengan Arif Wibowo, Wakil Kepala Biro Proses Pemantauan Pemilu Mega-Hasyim. Lalu guntur itu kembali menderu: quick count yang dibuat kubu Mega mengkonfirmasikan kekalahan itu. Dari 2.500 sampel TPS yang mereka pantau, Mega menguasai 46,6 persen, sedangkan Susilo menang dengan 53,4 persen. Taufiq terdiam.

Cikeas, Bogor, 20 September 2004, 17.00 WIB. Rumah besar di kompleks perumahan mewah itu ibarat pasar malam. Ratusan orang, malah mungkin lebih dari seribu orang, menyemut di sekitar rumah Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Bekas pejabat, aktivis LSM, politisi terkenal dan tidak terkenal, juga rakyat jelata tumplek-blek merayakan kegembiraan bersama calon presiden Susilo.

Di pendopo besar di dekat rumah, Susilo menyaksikan penghitungan suara cepat melalui layar besar yang menyiarkan Metro TV. Di sebelah Susilo, tampak Direktur Utama Metro TV, Surya Paloh. SBY—begitu Susilo biasa disapa—mengaku tenang menunggu hasil penghitungan suara. "Semalam Bapak tidur cepat, tidak seperti biasanya," kata Kristiani Herrawati, istri SBY. "Dibanding putaran pertama, saat ini saya lebih santai," kata Yudhoyono sambil tertawa.

Optimisme tampak membayang di wajah bekas Menteri Koordinator Politik dan Keamanan itu. Saat jumpa pers, Yudhoyono mengaku tak berat untuk mendapatkan 55-60 persen suara. Keyakinan itu diperolehnya dari beberapa kali kunjungan ke daerah dan hasil beberapa jajak pendapat.

Sesaat kemudian ia bercanda dengan wartawan tentang kesamaan dengan Megawati: sama-sama doyan cabe. "Dalam rapat kabinet, tidak ada seorang menteri pun yang dapat menyaingi Megawati dalam makan cabe kecuali saya," tuturnya sembari tersenyum.

Sekitar pukul 21.40, Yudhoyono didampingi calon wakil presiden Jusuf Kalla menggelar konferensi pers—acara yang semula dijadwalkan pagi hari. "Pidato ini adalah bentuk pernyataan syukur," ujarnya.

Yudhoyono menolak difoto bersama Kalla. "Wah, jangan. Nanti bisa-bisa diartikan saya sudah menyatakan menang," katanya. Kalla, yang datang bersama istrinya, tak menyampaikan sepatah kata pun. Ia hanya tersenyum tanpa henti.

Soal kabinet, SBY cuma berkata pendek. Menteri Luar Negeri katanya tetap akan dipercayakan pada Hassan Wirajuda, Menteri Luar Negeri saat ini. Yang lainnya, "Ada dua atau tiga menteri yang mungkin akan kami ajak bergabung dalam kabinet yang baru," katanya. Menurut Rachmat Witoelar dari tim sukses SBY, kemungkinan beberapa nama akan dibocorkan Yudhoyono dalam satu-dua hari ini agar ditanggapi publik. "Soal siapa mereka, tanya langsung ke Pak Yudhoyono," ujarnya.

Di luar, para tamu makin menyemut. Tampak di antaranya pengusaha Hartati Murdaya, politisi PPP Aisyah Amini, mantan Direktur Utama Bank BNI Saifuddien Hasan, juga politisi Golkar Idrus Marham. Idrus butuh waktu lama untuk menelepon kanan-kiri supaya bisa masuk ke ruang utama kediaman Susilo. "Biasalah, kalau lampu sedang terang, pasti banyak laron berdatangan," kata Ketua Umum Partai Demokrat, Subur Budi Santoso.

Tak sulit menduga bahwa Susilo Bambang akan unggul dalam putaran kedua pemilu ini. Jajak pendapat yang dilakukan International Foundation Election Systems (IFES) dan Lembaga Survei Indonesia (LSI) menunjukkan Megawati tak pernah mampu mengejar popularitas SBY. Susilo berkutat di angka 60 persen dan Mega hanya bisa mendapat separuhnya (lihat infografik).

Padahal sebelumnya Bambang nyaris gagal menjadi calon presiden. Ia memang disebut-sebut bakal maju sebagai kandidat presiden, tapi berkali-kali ia menampik dikaitkan dengan Partai Demokrat—partai yang mencalonkannya ke pertandingan. Bahkan, saat partai itu didirikan, SBY tak datang. Ia sungkan: bagaimanapun, ia adalah menteri dalam kabinet Mega.

Belakangan, ketika konfliknya dengan Taufiq Kiemas memuncak, SBY memutuskan keluar dari kabinet. Tekadnya tak sia-sia, Demokrat meraih delapan persen suara, lebih dari cukup untuk menyorongkannya ke pemilihan presiden.

Setelah itu, SBY melaju. Dalam pemilu putaran pertama, ia unggul dengan 33,59 persen suara. Koalisi Kebangsaan, yang dibuat Megawati dengan Golkar, PPP, dan beberapa partai kecil lainnya, nyaris tak mampu membendung sang Jenderal.

Golkar agaknya kehilangan mesin politiknya. Semula Akbar memprediksi akan menang di Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur, Banten, Yogyakarta, Sumatera Utara, Sumatera Selatan, dan Lampung. "Jawa Barat agak berat karena persaingan dengan Yudhoyono akan ketat," ujarnya. Di Indonesia Timur, kecuali Sulawesi Selatan, Akbar pun optimistis menang. "Di Kupang dan Sul-Ut, kami optimistis," ujarnya. Di Papua, Sumatera Barat, dan Aceh menurut dia masih berimbang.

Tapi, tengoklah apa yang terjadi. Hingga Selasa siang, pasangan Yudhoyono-Kalla unggul di semua provinsi kecuali Bali, Nusa Tenggara Timur, dan Maluku. Kawasan yang dalam putaran pertama menjadi basis Amien Rais seperti Aceh dan Sumatera Barat juga disapu bersih oleh SBY-Kalla. DKI Jakarta, yang diduga akan dipenuhi warga golput, ternyata juga dikuasai Susilo. Jawa Timur, kawasan yang secara tradisional dikuasai PDIP—seperti Surabaya, Batu, Kediri, Madiun, dan Malang—kini di bawah ketiak SBY. Padahal Malang adalah tempat berdirinya Pesantren Al-Hikam milik calon wakil presiden Hasyim Muzadi.

Koalisi Kebangsaan di Jawa Timur rupanya tidak efektif. Kebanyakan masyarakat desa tidak tahu bahwa di tingkat elite PDIP berkoalisi dengan Golkar. Kelemahan ini ditambah dengan retaknya hubungan anggota DPRD Jawa Timur dari PDIP dan Golkar saat rebutan kursi Ketua DPRD provinsi itu pekan lalu. Mengetahui elite PDIP Jawa Timur setengah hati mendukung Ridwan Hisjam sebagai Ketua DPRD Ja-Tim dari Partai Golkar, elite Golkar Ja-Tim pun setengah hati dalam mengarahkan dukungan kepada Mega.

Terlalu pagi memang bagi kubu Megawati untuk menyerah. Secara resmi Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU) baru akan mengumumkan hasil pemilu pada 5 Oktober nanti. "Masih terlalu prematur untuk mengklaim kemenangan atau mengklaim ketidakmenangan padahal penghitungan baru lima persen," kata Sutradara Gintings dari Mega Center. Gintings adalah anggota Partai Keadilan dan Persatuan (PKPI) yang pindah ke PDI Perjuangan. Sebelum di PKPI, ia adalah aktivis Golkar. Pidato "kemenangan" SBY pun kabarnya dibahas dalam rapat Koalisi Kebangsaan di rumah Megawati.

Menurut Sekjen PDI Perjuangan Sutjipto, Megawati tidak marah ataupun kecewa dengan perolehan suara yang jauh di bawah Yudhoyono. "Ini kan belum separuh, kok pada ribut. Kok, maunya ribut terus, sih," kata Sutjipto menirukan ucapan Megawati.

Motor Koalisi Kebangsaan, Akbar Tandjung, mengaku belum kalah. "Kita tunggu dua-tiga hari ini," katanya. Tapi, seandainya hasil penghitungan quick count ini berlangsung tetap, ia menandaskan bahwa koalisi tidak akan bubar, dan akan terus dipertahankan di parlemen, DPR pusat dan daerah. "Pokoknya, Koalisi Kebangsaan akan menjadi kekuatan penyeimbang bagi pemerintah," ujarnya.

Ketika matahari mulai condong ke barat, suasana di Kebagusan mulai lengang. Televisi 21 inci di beranda masih belum berganti saluran, meski tak lagi menayangkan soal pemilu melainkan talk show tentang ketoprak. Megawati tetap di rumah.

Didi Soewandi bangkit dari duduknya.

"Mas Didi mau ngecek ke mana?" tanya Taufiq.

"Jawa Timur."

Para tetamu pun pelan-pelan beranjak. Kwik berpamitan pada Taufiq. Laksamana menyusul. Lalu Rini Soewandi.

"Laks, mau ke mana?" tanya Taufiq. "Ngapain buru-buru. Di sini saja, nunggu hasil di sini. Kalau di rumah ntar susah tidur, lho," kata Taufiq bercanda. Laksamana tersenyum. Bertahan sebentar, ia kemudian meninggalkan tempat. Putri Mega, Puan Maharani, mewakili ibunya mengantarkan sang tamu ke mobil. Di halaman, empat cucu Mega sibuk berlarian di halaman berumput.

Malam turun. Lampu beranda mulai dinyalakan. Para pelayan membereskan cangkir dan piring-piring kotor serta melipat kursi dan taplak meja. Masih dengan telepon seluler yang tak henti mengirim pesan-pesan pendek, Taufiq bangkit dari kursinya mendekati perancang mode Samuel Watimena dan beberapa rekan lainnya yang sedang asyik makan bakpau. Ia bercanda kecil dengan senyum tertahan. Taufiq Kiemas berniat menyeruput lagi kopinya. Tapi cangkir itu telah lama tandas. Di luar, malam terasa gelap. Teramat gelap.

Hanibal W.Y. Wijayanta, Widiarsi Agustina, Y. Tomi Aryanto, Yura Syahrul, Koresponden Daerah

Alvin

September 24th, 2004, 11:51 AM

In Indonesia, Businesses Hopeful After Election
By WAYNE ARNOLD

Published: September 24, 2004

INGAPORE, Sept. 23 - After suffering through two shambling administrations, Indonesia appears to have a new president who many of its business leaders say they believe will uproot corruption and revive investment.

With the apparent victory - votes are still being tallied - of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a former general experienced in protecting the country's vital resource investments from terrorists and rebels, "the business community is happy," said Remy Sjahdeini, a prominent banking lawyer in Jakarta. "They expect that there will be a great change in the climate."

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Such expectations sent the benchmark stock index in Jakarta up more than 1 percent on Tuesday, the day after the election, an index that has risen 18 percent this year in large part because of anticipation that the general would unseat President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Still, both Mrs. Megawati and her predecessor, Abdurrahman Wahid, had enjoyed brief honeymoons with investors before great disappointment set in.

Investors have already developed a laundry list of changes they expect from the new president, including clearer rules on investing in oil and gas, improved bankruptcy laws and a cleaned-up judiciary. General Yudhoyono, if elected, will have to demonstrate speedy progress toward these goals if he is to restore confidence, analysts say.

Poor legal protections, corruption, red tape and terrorist fears have sent investment by foreign and domestic investors plummeting. So while demand for cars, motorcycles and other consumer goods is booming, the economy is growing only at roughly 4 percent a year, one of the slowest rates in Asia, and the unemployment rate is about 10 percent.

"The one problem that we have with Indonesia is the lack of investment," said Nicholas Bibby, associate director at Barclays Capital in Singapore. "Investment has to pick up before you can say you'll have sustainable economic growth rates that can counter the high unemployment rates we've been seeing."

The general has promised to improve tax policies, clean up the legal system and adopt more business-friendly labor policies, but he has offered few details about how he intends to reach his stated goals. Moreover, his party lacks a majority in Parliament, and will have to work with one or both of its larger rivals.

For now, however, much of his popularity seems to stem from the contrast between him and Mrs. Megawati, in whose cabinet he was security minister until he resigned in March.

"Remember, he is from the army, and they don't teach you to be ambiguous," said Eko S. Budianto, a former senior official at the country's bad-debt agency and now president director of ANJ Finance in Jakarta. "Once he is in charge, he will be in charge. With Megawati you never knew who was in charge."

General Yudhoyono earned a master's degree in management from Webster University in St. Louis and is fluent in English. His forthright recognition of Indonesia's terror networks has won points with Washington, and that analysts say, is likely to help win over foreign investors. His running mate, Jusuf Kalla, is a former businessman. And analysts expect him to fill his cabinet with with pro-business technocrats, even retaining Mrs. Megawati's respected finance minister, known only as Boediono.

But executives and everyday Indonesians agree that fighting corruption, particularly in Indonesia's judiciary, must be at the top of the general's agenda. Arbitrary rulings that flout local law, they say, are a bigger deterrent to foreign investment than the threat of terrorism. While Mrs. Megawati ignored entreaties to intervene in such cases and failed to go after allegedly corrupt officials, General Yudhoyono has pledged to take on cases of corruption personally.

To improve central government revenues, analysts say, the general will need to claw back some of the proceeds devolved to provincial governments under former President Wahid. He will also need to take the politically unpopular step of cutting subsidies on fuel, particularly gasoline. With oil prices rising, such subsidies are an increasing expense for a government that already struggles to pay debts equivalent to 65 percent of the country's gross domestic product. Gasoline subsidies, moreover, benefit middle-class drivers and not the country's poor.

Investors are also hopeful that General Yudhoyono will improve conditions for the country's oil and gas industry, Indonesia's largest source of export earnings and a critical contributor to government revenue.

Indonesia is still the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, but security concerns have hurt its reputation as a stable supplier. China, for instance, chose Australia over Indonesia for one of its biggest L.N.G. contracts.

And investment in oil exploration has failed to keep up with declines in Indonesia's reserves. Output has dropped so far that Indonesia temporarily became a net oil importer in the first three months of this year, the year it assumed the revolving OPEC presidency.

General Yudhoyono's is no stranger to the travails facing oil and gas investors in Indonesia. While in the army, he fought separatist Muslim rebels in Aceh who threatened gas fields operated by what was then Mobil Oil and who in 2001 forced Exxon Mobil to halt production for several months.

As energy minister, General Yudhoyono in 2000 oversaw the overhaul of the notoriously corrupt state-run oil company, Pertamina, as part of preparations to end its monopoly on fuel sales in Indonesia. He also condemned labor protests of conditions at mines and oil fields as part of an international conspiracy to disrupt production.

After the bombing in Bali in 2002, he took what was perhaps the government's most forthright stand against terrorism, announcing the possibility of threats against Western oil operations and saying that the government would increase security around them.

Now, oil companies want the general to fend off intrusions by a new regulatory agency and clarify how much revenue they must share with the government now that they no longer must share production revenues with Pertamina. In particular, industry executives point to an impasse between Pertamina and Exxon Mobil over revenue-sharing that has delayed development of one of the country's largest oil reserves.

General Yudhoyono's background positions him well to address such issues, said John S. Karamoy, president director of the local oil concern Medco Energi. "He knows what the problems are facing the industry."

Alvin

September 25th, 2004, 02:25 AM

Reluctant politician to Indonesia's next president
All he had wanted was to command the armed forces. Instead, Bambang finds himself the commander of the nation

By Derwin Pereira

JAKARTA - It was a twist of fate that led to a change in fortunes.

Mr Bambang, poised to be the next president, greeting children after prayers near his house in Bogor, West Java, yesterday. -- REUTERS
Five years ago, then three-star general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yearned for his fourth star and to be Indonesia's armed forces chief. But then newly appointed president Abdurrahman Wahid thought otherwise.

Instead, he offered Mr Bambang a Cabinet post, something he accepted reluctantly in return for early retirement from the military. It did not have a bitter end, however.

This paved the way for his entry into Indonesian politics that led him this week to the nation's highest office.

He told The Straits Times in a recent interview: 'It is the dream of any officer to be commander of the armed forces. I thought I could have made a difference if I was given that job.

'Today, I find myself with the chance of leading the country. It is an even bigger challenge being commander of the whole nation.'

For him, the presidency is the prize. And he has the credentials for it.

Mr Bambang's star shone from a very young age.

The son of a retired Javanese lieutenant, he graduated top of his 1973 military academy class with a record number of merit medals.

Three years later, he was one of the few sent to Fort Benning in the United States for airborne ranger training.

His military standing increased when he married the daughter of the late lieutenant-general Sarwo Edhie Wibowo, the special forces commander and confidant of former president Suharto.

The classroom was clearly his forte. In 1991, he attended the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. That same year he earned a master's degree in management.

But he was no stranger to combat operations. He served two tours of duty in East Timor early in his career.

In the early 90s, he headed the United Nations military observers' contingent in Bosnia before returning to Indonesia to hold key command appointments in Jakarta and South Sumatra. He reached the peak of his military career in 1998 when he was appointed chief of territorial affairs.

But in 1999, the tug-of-war by rivals for power and influence in a new government under Mr Abdurrahman forced him to leave the military prematurely to become energy minister.

Speaking to The Straits Times then, with his wife Kristiani Herrawati by his side at the dinner table in his Bogor residence, he reflected his deep disappointment with the decision: 'Why did this happen to me? I don't know what this will all mean. The military has always been my life. I am heading into the unknown.'

It marked his fiery baptism into politics.

He took up the post that he held for less than a year before being moved up to security czar. And months later, he was axed by the president for refusing to back his emergency decree.

But he survived to run for the vice-presidential election in the National Assembly in 2001 after Mr Abdurrahman's ouster.

He crashed out in the first round, but found consolation in being co-opted into the Megawati administration as security czar again.

That brief turbulent period - together with his experience in government - has taught him a few valuable lessons in politics.

For one, surviving the rough and tumble of Indonesian politics gave him confidence and zeal to pursue an even greater goal - the presidency.

He began planning for it in early 2002.

With the help of a core group of advisers - such as ex-PDI-P stalwarts Heru Lelono and Suko Sudarso, economist Joyo Winoto and former Indonesian ambassador to Russia Rachmat Witoelar - he built up a network of non-governmental organisations and volunteer networks that proved critical to his victory.

But it was also all about timing and opportunity.

Appearing to dither at times over his political ambition, Mr Bambang could not oversell himself for the presidency without appearing to be disloyal to President Megawati Sukarnoputri while still serving in her Cabinet.

Indeed, he was even prepared to contemplate the vice-presidency under her.

But as one of his top aides disclosed, Ms Megawati did not make any overtures to him.

So, he was forced to do the inevitable: challenge her.

As he worked behind the scenes, the palace saw him as an emerging threat and sought to cut him out from policymaking.

His trusted friend, Lieutenant-General Sudi Silalahi, who served as his secretary when he was security chief, launched a pre-emptive strike by questioning Ms Megawati's decision.

It triggered a chain of events - which included the wild outburst of the President's husband Taufik Kiemas - that catapulted the general to the fore of a popularity contest.

'It was a stroke of good luck that we got the adversary to do our bidding,' noted one of Mr Bambang's aides.

'But it was all about dogged planning and precision. This man is a perfectionist. He wants to study all his options very carefully before making a decision. He does not rush blindly into anything.'

This does have one major drawback for his critics, who charge that he can appear indecisive at times.

A former general who has known Mr Bambang since he was in his 30s explained: 'He is different from some Indonesian generals who can be very impulsive in making decisions.

'For some of them, it is either option A or B. But Bambang prefers to hear all the options, even if there are five of them. He is a very safe player.'

Some even might describe Mr Bambang as a benevolent autocrat.

His ideological thinking lies between two of Indonesia's former leaders - Sukarno and Suharto.

Sukarno, he notes, had fire in the belly and instilled national pride. Suharto stood for precious order and stability.

For him, the Pancasila state doctrine and the preservation of Indonesia's territorial integrity are non-negotiable.

Mr Bambang explains: 'We need to balance liberty with security. What is the point of having democracy if there is no stability?'

The conservative streak can of course be traced to his military background.

Indeed, former generals surround him. In his campaign team alone, there were 15 of them.

But he is no ultra-nationalist.

His overseas education gave him a broad view of the world and made him one of the leading reformers in the armed forces.

Indeed, despite his emotional attachment to the military, he is very much an outsider with the current top brass who are less reform-minded.

The reformist drive is one of the major factors explaining his mass appeal. The tectonic plate has shifted in the country. Indonesians voted him in because they wanted change over the old established forces.

With his imposing frame and clean-cut good looks, the telegenic general was able to build up a persona with wide appeal across the bright lights of major cities and the shimmering paddies of Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Steeped in Javanese culture and tradition, his presidential stature grew even more as he avoided direct confrontation with his opponents and sought reconciliation with them.

Given his roots in East Java, the home base of the 40-million-strong Nadhlatul Ulama, he had little difficulty appealing to religious clerics and their followers who paid little attention to a smear campaign against his Islamic credentials.

Will his mass appeal hold? Much depends on whether he can meet people's expectations.

Another key challenge for him over the next five years will be to balance the reformist impulse with his conservative mindset.

On this score, the most significant issue that will test the 55-year-old soldier is how he deals with the military.

Will he give in to the hawkish generals or will he push it on the path of reform?

He faces a host of other pressing challenges: the war on terrorism, fighting separatist tendencies in Aceh and Papua and bringing peace to conflict-prone regions such as Poso and Maluku.

On the economic front, his priority will be to deal with the budget next year and thorny issue of fuel subsidies.

His reformist inclination will also be measured in how he deals with the age-old issue of corruption.

For a retired general, Mr Bambang now faces the toughest battle yet.

JAG2

September 25th, 2004, 12:44 PM

for the best interest of Indonesia I hope sincerely that Mr.Susilo B Y will be given a chance to achieve this goals. I hope that the people of Indonesia will give him this chance .to make a better Indonesia : economic growth for all his subjects , no corruption , one safe Indonesia ( no more violance , law and order ) :okay:

Ara

September 25th, 2004, 08:07 PM

Let's hope that SBY will be able to form a strong coalition so he can passed the necessary reform. I'm cycnical about it, but in my heart, I hope he can.

David-80

September 26th, 2004, 04:59 AM

I am optimistic about SBY, since he will introduce "West Wing" style for his cabinet. The two are National Security Council and National Economic council.

cheers

tata

September 26th, 2004, 11:05 AM

JAKARTA (AFP): Indonesia's powerful military will bow out of politics for good after losing its reserved seats in the country's top legislative body, the armed forces chief promised on Sunday.

"For the future, we will really leave the arena of practical politics and we will focus ourselves especially on the matter of defence," said Gen. Endriartono Sutarto.

The annual meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which ends later Sunday, will be the last in which unelected seats are reserved for the military and police.

Under democratic reforms agreed in 1999, the military and police lose their 38 appointed representatives at both House of Representatives and the MPR.

The new House which was chosen in April polls will be an all-elected body.

The next MPR will be formed from the House and a new elected body called the Regional Representatives Council and will hold its first meeting on Oct. 1.

The move marks the culmination of democratic reforms which began after the resignation of military-backed dictator Soeharto in 1998. This year Indonesians directly elected their president after decades when the MPR picked the leader.

Endriartono had pledged to keep the military neutral in elections this year and ordered them not to vote in the parliamentary and presidential polls.

He told reporters that soldiers would only vote in 2009 if the political situation is conducive.

"If the political life is already good, democratic life is proceeding healthily and there are no political forces trying to persuade TNI (the armed forces) to support them, then soldiers will have their voting rights and can vote in 2009," the generalsaid.

He called on legislators elected on April 5 to create a professional military.

"If they really feel that this state needs a professional and strong force, strong in its duties and functions, then they should of course fight for the armed forces to really become a professional force," Endriartono said. (**)

Alvin

September 26th, 2004, 05:37 PM

Jakarta welcome to bomb us: Downer
John Kerin
September 25, 2004
ALEXANDER Downer yesterday invited Indonesia to mount a pre-emptive strike on the Kimberley if terrorists were holding out in the remote northwest of Western Australia and Canberra was not prepared to take action.

The Foreign Minister raised the spectre of a hypothetical Kimberley-based terror group posing an imminent threat to Indonesia as a way of illustrating that Australia's tough line on pre-emption would also work in reverse.

The Opposition reacted angrily to the hypothesising last night, with Labor leader Mark Latham saying Mr Downer's sanctioning the bombings of Australian soil for any reason meant he was "plainly not fit for the job of foreign minister".

Asked on Darwin radio if pre-emption worked in reverse and Asian countries could be expected to attack Australia, Mr Downer said "absolutely, by the way, absolutely".

"If the Indonesians rang us up and said there's a terrorist group in the Kimberleys who are planning to launch an attack on Kupang, and we said well we don't really care; that's your problem ... and (Indonesia) sent an F-16 over and bombed the terrorist group ... you could understand that," he said.

"In fact, it would be very surprising if Indonesia's attitude was, well ... we'll prepare the coffins.

"I mean I just don't think any country is going to do that in the end and I was just flabbergasted that at a time when we've got to be very tough on terrorism and we've got to be ruthless that Mr Latham just didn't get that simple point."

Mr Downer went on to say that such was the relationship between Indonesia and Australia that such a scenario was "unimaginable" in the current climate.

But Mr Latham said Mr Downer's comments suggested he had "lost his bearings". "He's saying that there are circumstances where it would be understandable for another country to bomb Australia," he said.

"He's plainly not fit for the job of Foreign Minister."

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd said Mr Downer's comments were an act of "national security policy lunacy".

"The challenge for Mr Howard is to declare unequivocally that Mr Downer's comments sanctioning a military attack on Australia in certain circumstances are stark raving mad," Mr Rudd said.

Mr Howard earlier this week was criticised by The Philippines, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea after he repeated his December 2002 warning that Australia would go after terrorists in foreign countries if they posed an imminent threat.

The development came as Opposition defence spokesman Kim Beazley said Labor plans to boost the size of the army and introduce a separate Coastguard would provide relief for a defence force "overstretched" by war-on-terror deployments.

Mr Beazley was responding to concerns raised by the Chiefs of Staff Committee over the high injury rate taking a toll on the combat readiness of Australian troops.

Mr Howard said yesterday he would consider inviting interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi to Australia.

David-80

September 26th, 2004, 05:40 PM

LOL, this is getting funny when politics turn out to be a matter of joke, well not sometimes but mostly!

cheers

sanhen

September 26th, 2004, 05:47 PM

Hahahaha
What a funny dialog!!!

Yamauchi

September 26th, 2004, 10:19 PM

I'll have to go with Mr Downer on this one. If there was a terrorist base in Australia and they were unwilling to do anything about it, Indonesia has the right to pre-emptively attack it. I don't know how an FM speaking of his own country in these simple terms somehow, by Mr Latham's suggestion, makes him unfit for office.

Fir3blaze

September 26th, 2004, 11:12 PM

I think that this policy of pre-emptive strikes, whether it is an act of lunacy or not, should ONLY be practiced if you're a world superpower (i.e the USA). If Australia decides to go ahead with strikes to any neighboring countries, it WILL put strain to diplomatic ties with the whole ASEAN (plus PNG, since they're also protesting).

Personally, I think the idea of pre-emptive strikes (not to mention Indonesia bombing Australia) is madness, and something i never expect to come out of an Australian FM.

Alvin

September 27th, 2004, 01:02 AM

Yamauchi

September 27th, 2004, 03:50 AM

It probably has a lot to do with how one perceives global jihad. Either it is a form of terrorism that is threatening regional security and economics, and that a nation has the right to take actions in protecting its citizens if another nation is incompetent or unwilling to do anything about the threat. Or you can take another view that it is much more a domestic issue, and that regional and national security and economics take a backseat national sovereignty.

Fir3blaze

September 27th, 2004, 05:19 AM

Whether terrorism is an imminent danger is inconsequential. If I'm Australia and I hate my neighbors so much (and that they're doing nothing about the terrorists) what i can do is, 1.) persuade them to cooperate with me 2.) if that doesnt work, go and declare open war with them. That is the rules of engagement. One do not attack a country not on their "hostile" llist, even if it only kill terrorists. The action will set precedent to dirty engagements between nations, and will put regional security at even higher risk.

questions to ponder:
1.)Who is a terrorist? (We all know Indonesian hardline muslim clerics often say that US n Australia are the real terrorists). Now if we assume that they got into power, would that justify Indonesia bombing Australian soil?

2.) What do you consider "not doing anything"? No country will every say "yeah, i know there're terrorists here, but we're not going to do anything". That, will make them look real ugly. The proper response would be "yes, we are still investigating the matter", or perhaps they can claim "no, these are only innocent villagers". Now, if Indonesia said one of those, does it justify an Australian attack.

Today's world faces danger from terrorism related threat, but unless we act rationally, we ourselves can pose even greater danger to ourselves and others than the terrorists will ever be.

Ara

September 27th, 2004, 09:01 AM

Alvin

September 27th, 2004, 11:11 AM

Jakarta’s right ‘no’ may be Yudhoyono
Andy Mukherjee bloomberg
A crash course in Javanese mysticism can help explain why Indonesians, let down by three successive leaders in the past six years, are so excited about their incoming president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Fauzi Ichsan, Standard Chartered Bank’s economist in Jakarta, is among the optimists, for reasons that go beyond economics.

“The gods gave Indonesia everything,” Ichsan recounts a widely held local belief about the nation’s abundant wealth of oil, gas, gold and timber, “and then we became greedy.”

Ichsan’s reference is to the plundering of resources during General Suharto’s three-decade dictatorship that ended with the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, and whose scars are still borne by Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

Now, with a new leader about to enter the scene, “soothsayers are saying that Indonesia has paid its dues”, says Ichsan. “I’m kind of pushed to believe them.”

Ichsan is only half-joking.

He points to consumer confidence, which surged to its highest in more than two years in July after Yudhoyono won the first round of presidential elections. Remarkably, confidence rose even as the nation’s inflation rate shot up to 7.2 percent, from less than 5 percent at the beginning of the year. The bank economist also cites a recovery in investor sentiment following Indonesia’s first-ever direct presidential poll. The 10-year rupiah bond yield has fallen to 11.1 percent, from 12.45 percent in June, even though the central bank has raised the spectre of a possible increase in interest rates.

Simultaneously, the battle for Indonesian assets is getting intense. Standard Chartered Bank is in the race with four other lenders to pick up a stake in Bank Permata, Indonesia’s seventh-largest lender. Two years ago, when the UK-based lender was trying to buy Bank Central Asia, the country’s second-biggest lender by assets, its only competition was with Farallon Capital Management, a US hedge fund that clinched the deal.

It’s difficult to see the source of confidence, except that the polls were, by and large, peaceful. After all, there isn’t a quick way around the challenges that await Yudhoyono, a 55-year-old retired army general and a former minister in the President Megawati Soekarnoputri’s administration. The new president will need to fix the country’s unpredictable legal system, tackle corruption, stop harassment of investors by provincial governments, curb labour militancy and combat terrorism. And he has to do all that over a five-year term that will begin with his inauguration next month.

Yet, if you believe the 12th-century prophet-king Jayabaya of Java – the most-populous island in the archipelago of 3,000 inhabited land masses – then Yudhoyono will be among the country’s strong leaders, not only because he’s Javanese, but also because the names of important rulers must follow a Javanese phrase, “no-to-no-go-ro”. Confused? Look for parts of the phrase in the names of previous strong rulers: Sukarno, founder of the Indonesian republic and Megawati’s father, supplied the first “no”. The “to” came from the name of Suharto, who replaced Sukarno.

Therefore, the second “no” in the phrase can only point to Yudhoyono, or so the current interpretation of the legend would have us believe. Yudhoyono will need more than a lucky name.
His success will depend on bringing back investors who can create new jobs for the 40 million people who can’t find work, or are forced to work only a few hours a week.

While Indonesia’s growth engine does seem to need an overhaul, the body looks sturdier than it was a few years ago. The credit goes to Finance Minister Boediono, who has slashed the budget deficit by half in the past three years. The debt burden, still high, is manageable.

Yet, the improvements can dissipate. Retail fuel prices in Indonesia are among the lowest in the world, and the government has kept them there even as world petroleum prices have soared to above $48 a barrel, from $32.50 at the beginning of the year. “Indonesia’s fabulous oil reserve wealth is being rapidly frittered away,” Ross McLeod, a specialist on Indonesia at the Australian National University wrote this month, “by wasteful domestic consumption, encouraged by the government.”

Besides, a rate increase could stall economic growth, which was only 4.3 percent in the quarter ended June, the slowest pace of expansion among 12 major Asian economies excluding Japan.

The growth rate was also insufficient to curb joblessness in the nation of 235 million people. The unemployed have become a recruitment pool for the Southeast Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, blamed for the September 9 bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta that killed nine people and injured 180.

There are other questions about Yudhoyono. An editorial in Thursday’s Jakarta Post titled “A New Dawn Ahead?” said that the incoming president, “admittedly known for his democratic ideas, [is] nevertheless one who rose through the ranks of the military under the dictatorial regime of Suharto’s New Order”.

So, is there a risk that Yudhoyono, in a hurry to deliver, may trample upon Indonesia’s fledgling democratic institutions?

By all accounts, he will be a tough president. If the economy doesn’t improve, there will be speculation on whether he was the right “no” for Indonesia.

David-80

September 27th, 2004, 02:13 PM

This might be stupidity at its finest. Remember when ETAN was a terrorist organization and there were Ozzies org that supported them? Well, using Downer's logic, Indonesia would have the right to come to Australia and bomb them. Now, there are organizations in Australia that supported OPM, I guess we are allowed to come in and take them out.

Terrorist means an organization that poses a threat to a sovereign country, which by any means if they supported, supplied and mobilized an organization of one that can be catagorized as terror organization, they also terrorist.

So i have to agree with ARA.

cheers

Alvin

September 27th, 2004, 04:48 PM

http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501041004-702198,00.html

http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501041004-702199,00.html

sorry to bother u guys, I can't seem to access it from here.. =)

sanhen

September 27th, 2004, 05:48 PM

maybe you can use an anonymous proxy like http://www.guardster.com to bypass the greatfirewall of china?

sanhen

September 27th, 2004, 05:50 PM

Indonesia's New Deal

The nation will soon have a new President, but the same old problems remain. Can Yudhoyono enact the reforms that eluded his predecessors?

Democracy, for all its imperfections, at least offers society's less fortunate the hope that their lives might one day change for the better. This is a perk that Kurnia Riza, one of millions of downwardly mobile Indonesians, does not take lightly. The soft-spoken 28-year-old was until recently a purchasing agent and union representative at a Jakarta factory run by a South Korean company that made backpacks for brands including Adidas and Jansport. But on July 1, management informed the union that the factory was closing and production was being moved to China because the costs of doing business in Indonesia were simply too high. Freshly unemployed and with poor prospects, Riza expressed his frustration at the ballot box on Sept. 20. In Indonesia's first-ever direct presidential election, Riza rejected incumbent President Megawati Sukarnoputri and voted instead for challenger Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "I hope that there will be change under this government, especially in the creation of jobs," Riza says. "I can rely on him."

Now it's up to Yudhoyono—or "S.B.Y.," as he is commonly known—to prove that confidence is not misplaced. Preliminary election results show him winning a commanding 61% of the vote. Although ballot counting will continue for about another week and Megawati has yet to concede, Yudhoyono is widely expected to take the helm of the world's fourth-most-populous country and largest Muslim nation on Oct. 20. The challenges ahead could make even a hard-boiled general like Yudhoyono blanche. Over the past six years, since the 1998 fall of dictator Suharto, Indonesia has been losing ground on several fronts, beset by civil strife, separatist movements and terrorism. Just 11 days before the election, suicide bombers detonated explosives outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta, killing nine and wounding 182. Earlier this year, the military undertook a brutal crackdown on Islamic separatists in the province of Aceh that left 2,200 dead, according to army estimates.

One of the reasons the charismatic, straight-talking military man was elected was the perception that he would be more resolute than the uncommunicative Megawati. Maintaining civil order is a high priority for the incoming administration. But during his five-year term, Yudhoyono's political fate may well depend less on guns than it does on butter—on how successful he is in improving Indonesia's battered economy. His mandate, after all, comes from citizens like Riza and the estimated 40 million other workers either unemployed or without as much work as they need. Megawati "wasted her political capital because of bad economic policy," says Dradjad Wibowo, senior economist at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance. "The same fate could happen to S.B.Y. if he chooses the wrong economic course."

Indeed, the key political element in Indonesia can best be described with a modified Clintonism: "It's the stupid economy." Of all the countries devastated by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Indonesia is the only one that has yet to fully recover. Over the past five years, Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) has on average grown 3.4% annually compared with 6.5% for all of East Asia's developing countries. More than half of the population still lives on $2 a day or less. In recent years, the plight of many has worsened. Morgan Stanley estimates that GDP per capita has decreased by 2.5% annually over the past eight years. While the economies in other populous developing countries such as India and China roar ahead, crucial foreign investors continue to shun Indonesia due to the threat of terrorism, rampant corruption (a survey conducted last year by Berlin-based watchdog Transparency International ranked Indonesia as the 12th most corrupt country in the world), an often whimsical legal system, high labor costs and an obstructionist bureaucracy poisonous to commerce. Last year, investors pulled $597 million in investment capital out of Indonesia; a net $13.6 billion has fled since 1999.

The country isn't returning to the Dark Ages—GDP this year is expected to jump a healthy 5%, the fastest pace since the economic crisis, according to Goldman Sachs—but it is moving in the wrong direction in many sectors. Even as global commodity prices spike, Indonesia's valuable natural resources, including natural gas and minerals, remain untapped because of doubts about the legal system and worries over security. Over the past two years, more than 20% of Indonesia's shoe manufacturers have shut down. "The country has been deindustrializing for several years," says Hans Vriens, managing director of the Indonesia office of consulting firm APCO. "Investors don't even dare to visit this place, how can they invest?"

During the election run-up, Yudhoyono said most of the right things, promising to create jobs, raise growth, build much-needed infrastructure, woo foreign investors and support key sectors like the oil and gas industry. Although the incoming administration has yet to reveal a detailed economic-reform strategy, Sofyan Djalil, a member of Yudhoyono's economic team during the campaign, says corruption is the economy's biggest obstacle—and Yudhoyono plans to follow through on his promise to lead the fight against it personally. Sofyan says the new administration in its first 100 days may file charges against big-name government officials suspected of wrongdoing. There are also plans to strengthen a government antigraft watchdog, and, importantly, to ensure that the incoming Cabinet is uncompromised by questionable business entanglements and conflicts of interest. "To clean the floor, you have to have a clean broom," Sofyan says. "We have to send a strong signal to the markets, and to the society, that this government means business."

So far, the mere prospect of fresh thinking in Jakarta has been enough to send a wave of optimism surging through the capital. After years of dithering leadership, economists, businessmen and ordinary Indonesians are hopeful that Yudhoyono's popular mandate (past leaders were chosen by parliament, not through direct elections) will give him the authority to overcome obstacles that his predecessors could not. "There are grounds for confidence," says Andrew Steer, the World Bank's country director for Indonesia. "The recognition of the problems is now there."

For Yudhoyono to deliver economic reform, though, he must overcome resistance from a legislature dominated by his adversaries: members of Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, who have formed an opposition alliance with members of Suharto's former party, Golongan Karya (known as Golkar). However ineffectual Megawati's administration was perceived to be, it was far from idle on the economy—her team is praised for slashing the national debt, stabilizing the currency, lowering interest rates and selling off state-controlled assets. But the toughest reforms—those that might threaten the interests of powerful bureaucrats and business leaders—have been left to Yudhoyono. "The low-hanging fruit has already been plucked," says Tom Lembong, a manager with a U.S. hedge fund with investments in Indonesia.

Moreover, the unofficial President-elect appears to be on a collision course with his mainstay constituents, Indonesia's working class. To attract investment and new factories, the country needs to overhaul labor laws that businessmen say make it too costly to compete with countries such as China. They especially complain about rules that mandate high severance payouts to laid-off workers, which they contend impedes their ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. According to a study by the World Bank, the cost of firing a worker in Indonesia averages 157 weeks of pay, higher than in any other East Asian country except communist Laos. Union leaders, of course, don't see the labor rules as overly protectionist. Dita Indah Sari, a longtime labor activist and chairperson of the Front Nasional Perjuangan Buruh Indonesia union, says current law doesn't go far enough to protect workers. Business and government leaders "shouldn't scapegoat the workers to hide their economic failures," says Sari, who blames the country's lackluster performance on corruption and bureaucracy.

Labor-reform efforts, Sari says, will probably be met by strikes and protests—the kind of civil unrest Yudhoyono would like to avoid. The potential wrath of the unions was on display Sept. 21 outside the High Court in central Jakarta. Hundreds of workers laid off last year from aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia raged in protest when the court rejected their claim that layoffs were conducted illegally. Nandang Rusmana, a mechanic who worked at Dirgantara for 20 years, is still unemployed more than a year after he lost his job and is borrowing money from his family to keep his children in school. "There's no justice in Indonesia!" he yells.

On that score, management and workers are often in agreement. Indonesian courts have handed down a series of bizarre verdicts in commercial cases in recent years that have eroded the confidence of investors. In April, for example, the Commercial Court declared the very profitable Indonesian operation of Prudential Life Assurance bankrupt after an Indonesian consultant claimed the company owed him money from a terminated contract. The court immediately replaced Prudential managers with a receiver, who fired key staff. By the time Prudential got the Supreme Court to reverse the verdict in June, sales of new policies had fallen 50%. Since then, Prudential has fought off two other attempts to declare the unit bankrupt, including one last week (Sept. 23). Charlie Oropeza, president-director of Prudential's Indonesia operations, calls his situation "wacky." The legal system "is the biggest and most urgent problem for us," he says.

Yudhoyono will also have to set straight the country's stance on the development of key industries such as mining and oil-and-gas production. Although Indonesia is rich in natural resources, investors in recent years have shied away from development projects because of confusion over industry regulations as Jakarta grants more power to local governments. In one case, three years of haggling between Exxon-Mobil and Indonesian oil company Pertamina, now in the process of being privatized, has stalled the development of the massive Cepu oil field on the island of Java. The negotiations were dealt a serious blow in August, when Exxon-Mobil says it was informed by Pertamina that its contract to operate the field, set to end in 2010, would not be continued. Exxon-Mobil says it will hold off on a $2.6 billion investment to develop the field until its contract is extended. With oil prices remaining near $50 a barrel, Indonesia is losing nearly $3 billion a year in oil production due to this one unresolved dispute alone.

That's money left on the table by a nation that is hard pressed to pay for basic infrastructure. Little wonder the pressure will be on Yudhoyono to make swift progress on the economic front. Yudhoyono "gives the impression of someone who has an understanding of the problems and has a clear idea of what needs to be done and how he's going to do it," says Agost Benard, a credit analyst at Standard & Poor's in Singapore. But political honeymoons tend to be short, and the feel-good factor could easily fade if first impressions quickly prove unfounded. After that, the new President will have to answer to voters like Riza, the laid-off backpack maker, who says he'll vote with his wallet in the next election, too, if Yudhoyono doesn't surpass his predecessors in creating jobs. "We will try to find a new person who is better than him," Riza says—demonstrating once again that democracy, like second marriages, represents the triumph of hope over experience.

—With reporting by Jason Tedjasukmana/Jakarta and Marian Im/Seoul

sanhen

September 27th, 2004, 05:52 PM

The New Leader of Indonesia
Battle-Hardened and Book Smart

Two days before the election that propelled him into the presidency of the world's fourth-most-populous nation, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono traveled to the campus of the Bogor Agricultural University for a very serious meeting. Leaving a group of aides waiting outside, the 55-year-old former four-star general strode into one of the institute's classrooms, a laptop tucked under one arm, to face six university professors. For the next three hours, he parried questions about his recently completed Ph.D. thesis: Agrarian and Rural Development as a Strategy to Eradicate Poverty and Unemployment. "We thought it was just going to be a few token questions," says Yudhoyono adviser Rachmat Witoelar. "He was, after all, probably going to be elected President in a few days. But they really grilled him."

The story illustrates much about the man Indonesians overwhelmingly chose to lead them: his undoubted intellectual heft—Yudhoyono's personal library contains 13,000 volumes—and a discipline that allowed him to finish and defend a doctoral thesis in the middle of a presidential campaign. Those were qualities Yudhoyono downplayed on the stump, where he touted a decisiveness honed through a 29-year military career. Unlike the incumbent President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Yudhoyono told voters, he wouldn't shy from tough decisions to tackle the country's social and economic woes.

Still, Yudhoyono's bookish side could translate into a wonk's caution when he assumes office. "Everything is calculated with S.B.Y.," says Salim Said, a military analyst who has known Yudhoyono for two decades. "He is too careful most of the time." Former colleagues agree that Yudhoyono is given to long, sometimes woolly deliberation before making decisions. He likes words like "comprehensive" and "integrated," says Marsillam Simanjuntak, a fellow Minister in the administration of former President Abdurrahman Wahid: "He is very methodical and orderly, and it's almost as if he feels sinful if he leaves some aspect neglected." Old friends from the military have similar recollections. "He won't rock the boat," concludes retired General Agus Wijoyo, who served with Yudhoyono in East Timor and at military headquarters in Jakarta. "Those who want faster reform will see him as too slow."

There's nothing wrong with caution when it comes to decisions that will affect 240 million people. But the political and economic realities facing the country's first directly elected President are big, and some require urgent action. Indonesia's military needs another big push to bring it under civilian control, and yet Yudhoyono's inner circle is crammed with generals and ex-military men. Marcus Mietzner, an Indonesian military researcher at Australia National University, argues that the core of Yudhoyono's problem is "indecision on policy issues." He points out that cleaning up the military was already needed when Yudhoyono held the powerful position of Coordinating Minister of Politics and Security under Wahid and Megawati. "There was no initiative on military reform from his office during his three years as Security Minister."

The new President will also need to engage with parliament, in which his party controls only 57 seats out of 550. "They could refuse to pass legislation in areas such as judicial reform and corruption," says Damien Kingsbury, a lecturer in Indonesian affairs at Deakin University in Melbourne. "And that would badly affect his economic platform."

Yudhoyono's supporters insist the President-elect can be firm when necessary, citing the government's swift arrest and prosecution of the Bali-bombing gang, which happened on Yudhoyono's watch as security czar. "He is persuasive, not authoritative," says Sudi Silalahi, a retired three-star general and one of Yudhoyono's key advisers. Silalahi points to the success Yudhoyono had in stopping religious fighting in areas such as Poso and Maluku through lengthy negotiations and peace agreements. "He can use both methods," concurs adviser Rachmat, who is widely tipped for a senior Cabinet position. "If the road is straight he will step on the accelerator hard. If it's winding then he'll go a little slower." Indonesians dumped Megawati to hand Yudhoyono the wheel—but they're expecting him to get out of first gear pretty fast.

—With reporting by Zamira Loebis and Jason Tedjasukmana/Jakarta

Alvin

September 28th, 2004, 01:38 AM

Indonesia seeks permanent UN Security Council seat, joining Brazil, Germany, Japan and India

RI seeks permanent seat on UN council

Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia's success in promoting democracy and peace both at home and internationally has bolstered its confidence in pursuing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told the 59th UN General Assembly on late Monday in New York that the country's achievements in the area of international peace and its commitment to democratic values had set a good precedent, not only for other Muslim nations, but also for Western countries.

"A developing world striving not only for social and economic progress but also for democratization must have a voice on the Security Council. Moderate Islam must have a voice on the Council. Indonesia would be that voice.

"That voice will insist, as we now insist, that the fight against terrorism, like the related fight against poverty, can be won," Hassan said in his speech, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post on Monday by the foreign ministry.

Indonesia has joined the group of countries -- Japan, India, Germany, Brazil and South Africa -- vying for permanent membership on the Security Council.

The UN Security Council comprises five permanent members -- China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States -- and 10 other countries on a two-year rotational seats. Non-permanent members have no veto power.

Last year, Australian Prime Minister John Howard proposed to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the Council revamp itself to include a permanent seat for Indonesia as the world's most populous Muslim nation.

Hassan mentioned last week's successful election as proof that democracy and Islam could go very well together.

"As the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia has proven that Islam can be a bastion of democracy and social justice. Indeed, our deep sense of spirituality inspired our people to resoundingly reject money politics, corruption, terrorism and all forms of extremism. It was also our beacon toward reform," he said.

He also said Indonesia had continued to strengthen its relations with neighboring countries, particularly through regional groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In addition, the country's achievements in maintaining peace was evident in its participation in more than 30 peacekeeping operations since 1957.

While condemning terrorism, Hassan said Indonesia, a victim of three deadly terror attacks, was certain that the fight against terror could be won through a global coalition with open membership.

Finally, Hassan called on all nations to join hands in promoting democracy.

"Democracy is never a miracle. Never a gift nor something imposed. It is always hard earned, often the fruit of many sacrifices. And its ultimate worth depends entirely upon us, the people -- whether we have the political maturity, the wisdom and the courage to make it work and make it endure.

"To that end, we in Indonesia are devoutly committed."

Alvin

September 28th, 2004, 05:42 PM

Yudhoyono's signs of style, not substance
By Gary LaMoshi

DENPASAR, Bali - A week after his apparent landslide victory, the policies of presumptive president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono remain unclear. People still don't know what the former general and cabinet minister known as SBY will do with his mandate to succeed President Megawati Sukarnoputri, but it's becoming clearer how he'll do it.

In his first public speech since the voting, Yudhoyono appealed for unity without clarifying policies to rally around. "Let us all increase our brotherhood, and, more importantly, let us work very hard together to rebuild Indonesia," he told Friday worshippers at a mosque near his home in Bogor.

"Nobody knows Yudhoyono's party, political line, or agenda," University of Indonesia philosophy professor and veteran activist Gadis Arivia said. "It's not about his program; it was, 'Asal bukan Mega' [Anbody but Megawati]."

Leading political commentator Andi Mallarangeng declared, "Yudhoyono is going to do something. He needs to deliver on his mandate. But we don't know what specifically yet."

Mallarangeng added that changes in approach may be more important than specific policies. "Take corruption, for example. The legal framework is there, the infrastructure there. We just need leadership."

Signs of Yudhoyono's leadership style are emerging as he and the country await the final vote count and October 20 presidential inauguration. Yudhoyono has polled nearly 61% of the 91% of votes counted so far. Final election results are due to be announced on October 5.

So far, the newly minted PhD holder - he defended his doctoral dissertation on agricultural economics during the quiet period before the September 20 run-off vote - has lived up to his reputation for deliberate decision making, befitting an outstanding military staff officer not known as a battlefield commander. However, Yudhoyono's relationship with his former armed forces colleagues is one of many unknowns about him and his upcoming tenure.

Trial balloons
One key feature of Yudhoyono's developing leadership style is floating ideas publicly through allies in the media, allowing him to gauge public reaction ahead of putting himself in the line of fire. Supporters say Yudhoyono won't change his mind if there is a negative reaction to the trial balloons, but that he'll know better how to try to sell the policies.

Last week he floated trial balloons about establishing a national security council and an economic advisory council. The former would bring together top government defense and law enforcement officials, including the armed forces and police chiefs, to focus initially on the separatist conflict in Aceh and the continuing threat of terrorism. The economic council would include government officials and outsiders, such as business leaders and academics, to address the country's sluggish growth, persistent unemployment and anemic investment.

The trial balloon on these two US-style councils, according to a source close to Yudhoyono's inner circle, foreshadows a larger innovation, an executive office of the president modeled after the West Wing of the White House. This new structure would let Yudhoyono "take charge of policy," according to the source. "He's going to have his own body to formulate policies. Before, the president was dependent on the ministers for policies. Now he'll have independent sources."

Some reformers have expressed doubts about the return of a former general to Istana Merdeka, citing numerous Suharto era generals backing Yudhoyono's campaign. But the Prosperous Justice Party, a leading champion of reform, is one of several parties in Yudhoyono's coalition from the generally anti-military Islamic camp.

The source close to Yudhoyono's camp dismissed concerns that a former general consolidating power in his presidential office signals a turn back toward authoritarianism. Trial balloons could deflate that issue. Allies could advance the new structure as Yudhoyono asserting the stronger leadership that anecdotal evidence says Indonesian voters want, even if they didn't expect it to be cautiously test marketed.

Nationhood Coalition in opposition
There is also a case study and an emerging long-term strategy for Yudhoyono to overcome his meager support in the incoming House of Representatives. Yudhoyono's new Democratic Party and its allies have about 90 seats out of 550 in the legislature. The Nationhood Coalition, formed to support Megawati's presidential bid, includes Indonesia's three Suharto-era political parties - the authoritarian government's ruling vehicle Golkar, Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP) of outgoing Vice President Hamzah Haz - and it holds more than 300 seats in the new House of Representatives.

Even though it would be easier to nail yogurt to a wall than pin down any of Yudhoyono's key policies, Nationhood Coalition leader Akbar Tanjung declared that the group would sit in opposition to Yudhoyono's presidency. In opposition, the group could obstruct the new president's legislative agenda and pursue its own.

But cracks have appeared in both the partnership and the component parties. "The Nationhood Coalition is not a cohesive bloc," Mallarangeng says, forecasting an end to the failed electoral alliance. "The reason for its existence is finished."

Some PDI-P leaders already have called for a break up, partly out of dissatisfaction with Nationhood Coalition efforts on behalf of Megawati, partly because they'd like to see what Yudhoyono offers, policy-wise and politically, before taking sides. Internally, PDI-P faces a struggle between its old guard, which was increasingly sidelined during Megawati's presidency, and newcomers often linked to her husband, Taufik Kiemas. The newcomers will likely take the fall for Megawati's electoral failure.

Kalla change for Golkar?
While trying to keep the alliance intact, Golkar chairman Tanjung has been purging his own party of dissidents who didn't support Megawati. But surveys show the majority of local chapter leaders and more than 70% of Golkar members supported Yudhoyono. Yudhoyono's running mate Jusuf Kalla, a Golkar executive under suspension, is likely to challenge Tanjung for the party leadership in December. A Kalla victory could bring Golkar's 128 House seats into Yudhoyono's camp.

To survive, Tanjung will need to do a better job in Golkar's leadership contest than he did in his first attempt to flex the muscles of the Nationhood Coalition. Last week, the House budget committee reversed its previous decision and voted to cut fuel subsidies in the budget, reportedly on orders from Tanjung.

Those subsidies keep the price of petroleum products for Indonesian consumers well below world levels - a liter of premium gasoline costs about US$0.50 - in deference to Indonesia's oil-producer status. However, that production is dwindling and refined products such as gasoline need to be imported, making the subsidy an expensive luxury.

Originally budgeted at Rp14.5 trillion ($1.6 billion) for oil prices under $20 a barrel, the revised budget allocates Rp63 trillion for subsidies. The government pledged not to raise pump prices in order to keep peace during this election year. Previous attempts to trim subsidies and increase fuels costs have been greeted with sometimes violent demonstrations.

So, when the budget committee voted to cut the subsidy, it seemed the Nationhood Coalition had set a trap for the incoming administration: Yudhoyono would have no choice but to make an unpopular fuel price hike one of his first acts. But now the move seems to have backfired, thanks to some clever political jujitsu from Yudhoyono's team.

After the decision, a parade of experts quickly emerged to agree that it is time to cut fuel subsidies on most items, since the middle and upper class enjoy most of the benefits. They cited Yudhoyono's forgotten campaign promise to institute subsidies geared more toward helping the poor. While raising prices could result in some bellyaching from the effected parties, making the tough choice to cut subsidies could gas up Yudhoyono's reputation for strong leadership.

Gary LaMoshi, a longtime editor of investor rights advocate eRaider.com, has also contributed to Slate and Salon.com. He's worked as a broadcast producer and as a print writer and editor in the United States and Asia. He moved to Hong Kong in 1995 and now splits his time between there and Indonesia.

Alvin

September 28th, 2004, 06:11 PM

Thanks Sanhen for the article :) I'll check out that site

Alvin

September 29th, 2004, 02:25 AM

Indonesian intelligence agencies face major revamp
Changes in top ranks expected; tougher laws may be passed

By Derwin Pereira

JAKARTA - There will be a major shake-up of the state intelligence apparatus (BIN) in the new Bambang administration as it gets ready to battle the most pressing security issue that Indonesia faces: terrorism.

Blame has been heaped on the police for failing to prevent attacks such as the recent blast outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. -- REUTERS
High-level sources connected to Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the former general who is likely to become president of Indonesia next month, said that changes in personnel - even at the very top - are to be expected.

Civilians are being recruited from different government agencies - the police, the Attorney-General's Office and the Foreign Ministry - to fill key leadership positions in BIN.

A Bambang confidante involved in drawing up the Cabinet list and structure of the new government told The Straits Times: 'There have been three terrorist attacks in Indonesia in the last two years. If the country's main intelligence agency had been alert to such threats, there would not have been such bombings.

'So there will be new blood, mostly professionals whom we have begun identifying, to take over a stagnant organisation to make it the main focal point in fighting terrorism in Indonesia.'

Indeed, Mr Bambang made it clear in his live TV election debate days before the presidential run-off vote that one of his key priorities would be to boost the capability of security agencies like BIN.

'They need to work 24 hours a day to protect the public,' he noted then. 'We can stop more attacks if their operational effectiveness is increased.'

On the cards now is a fundamental restructuring of how Jakarta will confront the terrorist scourge.

The senior aide, who advises Mr Bambang on security matters, revealed that BIN would be the key agency for battling militancy in the country. It would take over the role from the police, who have been taking the lead under the Megawati government.

The police, thrust to the fore after the Bali bombings in October 2002, have been criticised widely for doing little to pre-empt last year's Marriott hotel attack and the recent blast outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

A two-star army general summed up the police performance like this: 'There is a lot of hot air but little action. They have caught the small fry but the big ones are still running around.'

Intelligence officials estimate that there are 300 members of the Jemaah Islamiah terrorist network still operating in the country. But the amorphous nature of the Al-Qaeda-linked outfit has made it difficult to track down the members, given the limited network of the police across the vast archipelago.

But the police, even if their role looks likely to be reduced, would continue to be part of a wide BIN-led counter-terrorism structure. This would also include the military intelligence wing, Bais.

With its extensive territo- rial command structure and intelligence capabilities across the archipelago, the military can easily uncover and smash terrorist cells.

Mr Bambang's aide noted: 'The aim is to get BIN, the police and military to sit down together and plan a course of action, not to fight among themselves for the limelight.

'Indonesia has so far been the weak link in fighting terrorism because of rivalry between security agencies and poor organisation.'

A reorganisation of the security structure will go some way towards fighting terrorism. But will it be enough in the face of weak laws?

Hardliners in the Bambang camp are calling for amendments to existing regulations - or even for new ones to be passed.

Detention without trial is an option seriously being considered by his team of legal and military experts.

Mr Syamsir Siregar, an ex-military intelligence chief and one of several retired generals in his election team, told The Straits Times in a recent interview: 'What is the point of catching terrorists after an attack? We should catch them way before. That is why we need tougher laws.'

Mr Bambang will tread carefully, given a feared domestic backlash from the Muslim ground and concerns from human rights groups, which could accuse the ex-general of resorting to Suharto-style repression.

But as Mr Syamsir noted, this could turn out to be 'not a major political impediment'. 'Indonesians have been the victims of these terrorist attacks,' he said.

'They want justice. For Abu Bakar Bashir and his proteges from Jemaah Islamiah, they will be executed by a firing squad if found guilty.'

Such views reflect the more hawkish elements in his camp. How effective Mr Bambang will be in combating militancy in Indonesia will depend on him convincing the ground of the need for tough new measures.

Alvin

October 1st, 2004, 09:50 PM

Australia backs Indonesia, others for UN Security Council

UNITED NATIONS (AFP): Australia on Thursday came out in favor of Indonesia's bid for a seat on an expanded UN Security Council but did not express support for Germany, a vocal critic of the war in Iraq.

Germany has launched a joint campaign with Brazil, India and Japan for permanent seats if agreement can be reached on the politically tricky question of reforming the 15-nation council.

UN ambassador John Dauth said Australia backed the other three but was conspicuously silent on Germany, which bitterly opposed the U.S.-led war that was firmly supported by the Australians.

"Australia has advocated expanding the permanent membership of the Security Council to make it more compatible with geographical realities through the addition of Japan, India, Brazil, an African country and Indonesia," he said.

Indonesia on Monday asked for a permanent seat, saying it would represent the voice of "moderate Islam" on the UN's top decision-making body.

The council has had the same five permanent members with veto power -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- since the United Nations was established in the wake of World War II.

Ten other nations are elected for two-year terms each. (**)

sanhen

October 1st, 2004, 09:56 PM

Yes, Indonesia need to be on the security council.

But, I wonder.. remember days ago Aussie announced they going to acquire long range missile that can reach Indonesia soil.. but Indonesian goverment said they does not really care coz Aussie will not use it againts Indonesia?

Maybe there is some kind of deal here.. Indo says ok for Aussie missile, and Aussie support Indo for UN council seat.. hehehehehehe.. me and my political theory :D:D:D

Alvin

October 13th, 2004, 11:18 AM

What do we all think about SBY's plan to strengthen the Presidential office by setting up an official Presidential staff/adviser body , Economic Council and Security Council?

Yudhoyono plans to be more hands-on
Incoming Indonesian leader aims to centralise presidential bureaucracy and establish inner circle of advisers

By Derwin Pereira

JAKARTA - Indonesia's next leader Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is fashioning a highly centralised government with powers that will increasingly revolve around his presidential office.

The Merdeka Palace might even eclipse the Cabinet on important state matters as he develops a White House-style administration that represents a break from the last three Indonesian leaders since Mr Suharto's fall in 1998.

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Fresh indications of the style of the Yudhoyono government have emerged with the incoming president planning to do the following:

Establishing a formal inner circle of advisers;

Placing the presidential and vice-presidential offices and State Secretariat under one roof for the first time since 1945;

Setting up two powerful councils in the palace to deal with security and economic issues.

Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng told The Straits Times: 'Bapak will be a more hands-on president. He wants to show he is in charge. He wants to recharge the institution of the presidency, which seems to have lost its influence over the last six years.'

Dr Yudhoyono aims to do this by creating a powerful presidential office with a formal inner circle of advisers who will provide him with round-the-clock assistance.

Mr Denny Januar Aly, a member of a team of 11 aides who has been working closely with the new president, told reporters yesterday: 'The function of the Office of the President will be to provide day-to-day advice and information to help the president face various matters.'

It could inform and advise Dr Yudhoyono on anything ranging from the evaluation of his Cabinet and addressing of international issues to dealing with other higher state institutions and the public, said Mr Denny.

The office would comprise trusted aides and 'experts who have been with him a long time, who really share his thoughts'.

The Straits Times understands that besides Mr Andi and Mr Denny, others in this circle of advisers could include economist Muhammad Chatib Basri, adviser on religious affairs Muhammad Fuad, and businessman M. Lutfi.

According to Dr Yudhoyono's blueprint, the presidential office will essentially be a triumvirate of three institutions - the offices of the president and vice-president, and the State Secretariat.

Since independence, Indonesia's top two leaders have had separate offices located 2km apart.

The impulse to centralise the presidential bureaucracy stems from Dr Yudhoyono's experience in the outgoing administration where he once served as security czar.

Both Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri and her No. 2 Hamzah Haz pursued their duties independently at the expense of maintaining a common platform on national policies and issues.

Their conflicting positions on terrorism are a glaring example of this.

Mr Andi explained the rationale for the initiative: 'It will allow the President to govern more effectively.

'The whole aim is to ensure that the country's decision makers are all kept in the loop.'

David-80

October 13th, 2004, 04:45 PM

I am supporting SBY's plan 100%

Good way to cooperate and asking for advices from those councils, which later will give him a very important information, so whatever he will make decision, it will do
something good for the country and the Indonesians.

cheers

Ara

October 13th, 2004, 08:36 PM

Indonesian politician turns down luxury car

Jakarta - The new chief of Indonesia's legislature turned down a smart Volvo sedan that goes with the job on Wednesday, saying the car is too luxurious.

Elected politicians in Indonesia get a range of perks from washing machines to home loans, in addition to generous salaries, drawing criticism from many in a country where dire poverty is still widespread.

"We have decided not to use a Volvo during our tenure, if we are given a company car, let's not have a luxurious one," Hidayat Nur Wahid said after a meeting of parliament officials.

Nur Wahid, an influential Muslim politician and supporter of president-in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was chosen head of the People's Consultative Assembly this month.

He leads the newly-formed Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic party that has won support from all sections of society with an image of clean politics and a tough anti-corruption stand.- Reuters
-----------------------------------------------------
Good start. Hopefully this send a message, along with SBY's platform of anti-corruption, that Indonesia has turn a new page in our history.

tata

October 13th, 2004, 10:14 PM

Well nice to hear that while I'm still sure that hundreds of MPR members are grumbling behind Nur Wahid's back about this.

BTW, just read detik.com that SBY mulls implementing the Chinese way of figthing corruption in Indonesia.

Watch out all corruptors...... attention pls... you better dig your own grave NOW! OR you'll be hang or shot to dead!

Indonesian politician turns down luxury car

Jakarta - The new chief of Indonesia's legislature turned down a smart Volvo sedan that goes with the job on Wednesday, saying the car is too luxurious.

Elected politicians in Indonesia get a range of perks from washing machines to home loans, in addition to generous salaries, drawing criticism from many in a country where dire poverty is still widespread.

"We have decided not to use a Volvo during our tenure, if we are given a company car, let's not have a luxurious one," Hidayat Nur Wahid said after a meeting of parliament officials.

Nur Wahid, an influential Muslim politician and supporter of president-in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was chosen head of the People's Consultative Assembly this month.

He leads the newly-formed Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic party that has won support from all sections of society with an image of clean politics and a tough anti-corruption stand.- Reuters
-----------------------------------------------------
Good start. Hopefully this send a message, along with SBY's platform of anti-corruption, that Indonesia has turn a new page in our history.

Alvin

October 14th, 2004, 02:22 AM

I think SBY can do it if someone credible and brave, like Todung Mulya Lubis, or Marsillam Simandjuntak, is appointed Attorney General. He needs to apply Chinese-style shock therapy by catching just 2 big fishes as a deterrent to all potential corruptors

Mahaputra

October 14th, 2004, 02:29 AM

Mahaputra

October 14th, 2004, 02:31 AM

Foreign leaders may attend Susilo's inauguration as president

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

For the first time ever, the inauguration ceremony of an Indonesian president may see foreign heads of state in attendance.

People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid said on Wednesday at least three foreign leaders had expressed their intention to attend the induction of president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and vice president-elect Jusuf Kalla during the Oct. 20 plenary session of the Assembly.

"The head of government who has expressed his intention (to attend) is Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia. The embassies of Japan and Singapore have also conveyed similar intentions," Hidayat told the press after a meeting of Assembly leaders and State Secretariat officials to prepare for the inauguration.

Also present at the meeting were Assembly deputy speakers A.M. Fatwa, Mooryati Soedibyo and Moh. Aksa Mahmud.

The officials agreed to accommodate the intentions of the foreign leaders, and formal invitations are to be sent out in the next few days.

Aksa said outgoing President Megawati Soekarnoputri would also be invited to the ceremony, but did not speculate on whether she would accept.

As of today, Megawati has still not conceded defeat publicly to her former security minister, although Susilo has indicated a willingness to meet and ensure a smooth transition of government.

Aksa added that until the new president was sworn in, Megawati would remain the acting President.

Although the inauguration ceremony takes place in a week, Hidayat said Assembly members in charge of the event would discuss its arrangement on Oct. 18 -- a day before its first session opens.

Apart from witnessing the inauguration of Susilo and Kalla during the Oct. 20 meeting, the Assembly may also discuss a proposal from the 128-member Regional Representatives Council to amend the Constitution to gain legislative standing on a par with the House of Representatives.

The regional council was introduced this year as Indonesia moved toward a bicameral representation system in light of flagging public trust in political parties.

The council was set up in emulation of the United States Senate, and while it has little legislative power, the council can make suggestions to the House regarding the deliberation of bills on the state budget and the regional administration; its members are not directly involved in deliberations.

"Whether or not the Assembly will discuss constitutional amendments will depend on motions from Assembly factions or the council," Hidayat said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, deputy speaker Fatwa said the council's demand would spark a heated debate among House legislators.

He added that the Assembly might form an ad hoc committee to discuss the proposal and follow up the work of the Constitutional Commission, which assessed all constitutional amendments made between 1999 and 2003.

Mahaputra

October 14th, 2004, 02:35 AM

I think SBY will do a good job, I mean.. he surely has a goal and a vision for Indonesia, and the most important thing is that, he's actually gonna do something to reach that goal.. from his speeches and news about him and stuff, I have a good impression about him ... hopefully everything turns out well under his leadership

Alvin

October 14th, 2004, 02:38 AM

I think its important that SBY restore the dignity and authority of the presidential office after the backlash caused by anti-SUharto sentiments following the fall of the Orde Baru, in my opinion he is in the right direction. But it'll be interesting to see how this new strengthened presidential office will interact with both Cabinet and Parliament, hope they can all work together for the good of the nation!

macgyver

October 14th, 2004, 07:56 AM

macgyver

October 14th, 2004, 08:03 AM

:cry:
=INDONESIA RAYA
= Indonesia tanah airku, Tanah tumpah darahku.
Disanalah aku berdiri, Jadi pandu ibuku.
Indonesia kebangsaanku, Bangsa dan Tanah Airku.
Marilah kita berseru "Indonesia bersatu." Hiduplah tanahku, Hiduplah negriku,
Bangsaku, Rakyatku, semuanya.
Bangunlah jiwanya, Bangunlah badannya
Untuk Indonesia Raya.

CHORUS: Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, Merdeka
Tanahku, negriku yang kucinta.

Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, Merdeka
Hiduplah Indonesia Raya.

CHORUS
English Translation
=GREAT INDONESIA
= Indonesia, our native country,
Our birthplace,
Where we all arise to stand guard
Over this our Motherland:
Indonesia our nationality,
Our people and our country.
Come then, let us all exclaim
Indonesia united.
Long live our land,
Long live our state,
Our nation, our people, and all
Arise then, its spirit,
Arise, its bodies
For Great Indonesia.

CHORUS:
Indonesia the Great, independent and free,
Our beloved country.
Indonesia the Great, independent and free,
Long live Indonesia the Great!

CHORUS

Ara

October 14th, 2004, 10:10 AM

Arrest wives of corruptors

Various newspapers have reported that the police arrested Munfiatun alias Fitri, the second wife of Noordin M. Top, a suspect being hunted down for his alleged involvement in bombing cases in Indonesia.

Noordin M. Top first met Munfiatun around the beginning of June 2004 and married her on June 22, 2004. Thereafter, they only communicated by e-mail and telephone. Physically, they were in contact for a very short time (early June to June 22).

However, Munfiatun was taken into police custody at the National Police Headquarters on charges of involvement in the bombing Hotel JW Marriott, while the incident took place on Aug. 5, 2003.

With the serious police action against the wife of a terrorist suspect, it should be questioned why the police have not detained wives of corruptors and delinquent conglomerate bosses who have fled abroad. In fact, they enjoy the gains from their husbands' practices while terrorists' wives do not.

As the wives of terrorists have been held for allegedly providing assistance and protection in terrorist acts, why aren't the same charges applied to wives of corruptors and delinquent tycoons?

The wives of corruptors and delinquent magnates even serve as intermediaries between their husbands and government authorities for political lobbying and other mutually profitable deals.

PUTU YASA Jakarta

tata

October 14th, 2004, 08:31 PM

I pray SBY will impose capital punishment for coruptors.
Reading the news below, I felt treated unfairly *deeply sad*

Tata

Pengemplang Pajak Rp 7,2 Miliar Cuma Dikurung 3,5 Bulan
Kamis, 14 Oktober 2004 | 19:37 WIB

TEMPO Interaktif, Tangerang:Pengemplang pajak negara senilai Rp 7,2 miliar hanya divonis hukuman 3,5 bulan kurungan penjara di Pengadilan Negeri Tangerang, Kamis (14/10). Sidang baru dilaksanakan sekitar pukul 16.00 WIB secara sembunyi-sembunyi.

Majelis hakim juga memutuskan hukuman secara kilat. Mestinya, sidang dijadwalkan tahap tuntutan. Tetapi proses persidangan dipercepat, tahap tuntutan, melangkahi duplik dan replik langsung putusan. Terdakwa dijerat dengan pasal 480 KUHP tentang penggelapan dan sebagai penadah dengan hukuman 3 bulan penjara, lebih kecil dari tuntutan jaksa, yakni lima bulan penjara.

Padahal, menurut ketentuan pasal 39 UU No. 6 Tahun 2000 tentang Perpajakan, kata seorang pegawai pajak yang hadir, terdakwa semestinya dikenai hukuman maksimal enam tahun penjara atau denda empat kali pembayaran pajak yang digelapkan.

Yang menarik, terdakwa dua, Husen, akuntan PT Aneka Megah Perkasa (AMP) yang bergerak dalam penjualan barang eletronik dinyatakan meninggal di Cina pada 7 Juli lalu. Sebelumnya, pihak kejaksaan hanya menerima surat pemberitahuan tentang kematiannya pada 10 Juli. Dalam sidang kemarin, yang hadir hanya terdakwa satu, Harjanto Halim, 31 tahun, Direktur PT AMP.

Dalam pantauan Tempo, PN Tangerang telah mengecoh wartawan yang hendak meliput persidangan itu. Semula pada siang hari jaksa penuntut umum atas perkara pemalsuan dan penjual faktur pajak fiktif, Jaksa Sultoni, menyatakan persidangan ditunda pekan depan.

Tetapi begitu wartawan tidak kelihatan di lingkup PN, mendadak sidang dibuka dengan mejelis hakim diketuai Suprapto. Tetapi yang aneh, begitu sidang hendak dimulai dan wartawan kembali memasuki ruang sidang, acara persidangan segera dibubarkan.

Bahkan ruang sidang sempat beberapa kali pindah. Dan terakhir, sidang tetap digelar sekitar pukul 16.00, dan dari tahap yang semestinya tuntutan langsung dibacakan vonis tanpa ada ruplik dan duplik lagi.

Majelis hakim Suprapto ketika dikonfirmasikan membenarkan ia telah memutus hukuman 3,5 bulan dan hukuman 3 bulan penjara kepada kedua terdakwa. "Putusan itu memang lebih rendah dari tuntutan jaksa," kata Suprapto melalui telepon. Namun, ia tidak mau menjelaskan lebih jauh tentang kejanggalan itu. Alasannya ia masih sibuk di kantor memimpin persidangan lain.

Tak urung sikap aparat Pengadilan Negeri Tangerang dan Jaksa itu membuat curiga sejumlah praktisi hukum di Tangerang. Husen Tuhuteru misalnya, ditemui di PN mengatakan, jaksa dan kepolisian harus bertanggung jawab atas perkara ini.

"Perkara ini jelas ada pihak yang bermain, di kepolisian kedua tersangka waktu itu penahanannya ditangguhkan. Lalu ketika ditahan di kejaksaan, kenapa satu terdakwa bisa lolos sampai Cina? Mestinya ini harus dimonitor, berarti ada kelalaian yang dilakukan pihak kejaksaan," kata Husen.

sanhen

October 15th, 2004, 01:50 AM

The other thing that we really need is an overhaul in the law and justice system.
But maybe not now.. can cause evenmore confusion and instability

Mahaputra

October 15th, 2004, 03:46 AM

Jumat, 15 Okt 2004,
Menhan Tetap Sipil

http://www.indopos.co.id/images/1097779238b

SBY Perhatikan Tokoh yang Membantunya saat Pilpres
JAKARTA - Presiden terpilih Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) kemarin mengumumkan kisi-kisi kabinetnya. Sejumlah pos menteri yang dihapus pada era Gus Dur dan Megawati akan dihidupkan kembali. Bukan hanya itu, Deperindag dipastikan dipisah menjadi Departemen Perdagangan dan Departemen Perindustrian.

Pos yang kembali ’bernapas’ adalah Kementerian Perumahan Rakyat dan Kementerian Olahraga. Dua kementerian itu selalu ada pada era Kabinet Pembangunan. Namun, begitu Gus Dur naik, Kementerian Perumahan Rakyat langsung dihapus. Gus Dur tetap mempertahankan Menpora (menteri pemuda dan olahraga), namun pada era Megawati pos Menpora tersebut hilang.

Departemen Perindustrian dan Departemen Perdagangan merupakan pecahan Deperindag. Kepada wartawan, SBY menjelaskan bahwa pemisahan kementerian tersebut telah melalui suatu kajian mendalam, termasuk cost benefit analyze. Hasilnya, pemisahan Deperindag lebih efektif dibandingkan dengan kondisi sekarang. "Kami melihat hal ini dari pengalaman empiris. Penyatuan dua bidang ini tidak lagi cocok diterapkan di Indonesia," terang SBY dalam jumpa pers yang berlangsung di kediamannya.

Jumpa pers itu berlangsung santai. Dalam acara tersebut, SBY yang tidak didampingi Jusuf Kalla mengajak para wartawan menikmati bakso. Calon penghuni istana itu hanya didampingi orang-orang dekatnya, seperti M. Luthfi, Denny J.A., Andi Mallarangeng, Joyo Winoto, Chatib Basri, Heru Lelono, Dino Pati Djalal, dan Djali Yusuf. Mereka disebut-sebut bakal menjadi awak Kantor Presiden.

SBY lantas memaparkan alasannya menghidupkan kembali Menpera? "Perlu menteri yang tepat untuk mengelola kebijakan dan kementerian agar tersedia perumahan bagi rakyat," jelasnya.

Selain itu, SBY menginginkan agar Menpera dapat memastikan bahwa para pengembang dan developer bukan hanya ditujukan untuk kepentingan komersial. Namun, kata SBY, mereka juga harus memperhatikan masyarakat kalangan menengah ke bawah.

SBY juga menguraikan alasannya membentuk Kementerian Olahraga. Mantan Menko Polkam tersebut mengungkapkan bahwa alasan membentuk kementerian itu adalah untuk meningkatkan prestasi olahraga Indonesia yang selama ini terpuruk. "Saya lihat, selama masa transisi ini, bidang olahraga ini tidak lagi diperhatikan," terangnya.

Padahal, menurut SBY, bidang olahraga sangat penting untuk mendongkrak kehormatan dan martabat bangsa Indonesia di mata dunia internasional.

Sedangkan Kementerian Budaya dan Pariwisata yang sebelumnya hanya berstatus kementerian negara nondepartemen, nantinya menjadi departemen. SBY juga menekankan, dalam kabinet baru nanti, bidang kebudayaan lebih mendapatkan prioritas. "Saya tidak ingin nantinya kebudayaan ini hanya sekadar menempel pada pariwisata saja," tegasnya.

Satu hal lagi yang dijelaskan SBY, yakni menteri pertahanan. Menurut politisi asal Pacitan itu, pos Menhan akan diserahkan ke sosok sipil. "Menteri pertahanan nanti berasal dari kalangan sipil, namun yang mengerti benar soal tentara," katanya.

Menurut SBY, penunjukan seorang sipil pada posisi Menhan itu sangat penting. Salah satu alasannya, kata SBY, agar reformasi internal TNI terus berlangsung. Namun, SBY tidak bersedia menyebutkan sosok yang akan dipilih sebagai Menhan.

Hanya, SBY sempat memberikan beberapa petunjuk mengenai sosok Menhan pilihannya itu. Menurut SBY, seorang Menhan harus memiliki pandangan yang luas. Tidak hanya soal militer, tetapi juga mampu mengkaji berbagai kebijakan negara dari sudut pandang pertahanan negara. "Menhan nanti adalah seorang sipil yang menguasai masalah pertahanan," terangnya.

Dia mengatakan, sosok Menhan harus memiliki hubungan yang luas dengan negara asing. Termasuk memiliki pengalaman diplomatik.

Kriteria yang disebutkan SBY itu langsung memunculkan berbagai spekulasi. Sampai saat ini nama yang sering disebut menduduki Menhan adalah Juwono Sudarsono yang kini menjabat Dubes di inggris. Juwono juga menjabat Menhan pada era Gus Dur.

Menko Kumpolkam

Dalam kesempatan tersebut, SBY juga menjelaskan bahwa dirinya juga akan mempertahankan tiga menteri koordinator. Itu dilakukan, kata SBY, untuk menghindari rentang kekuasaan presiden yang terlalu jauh. "Bayangkan, presiden membawahkan 30 lebih menteri dan 30 lebih gubernur di seluruh Indonesia. Karena itu, presiden memerlukan menteri koordinator yang akan membawahkan bidang tertentu," tegas lulusan terbaik Akmil 1973 itu.

Khusus mengenai pos Menko Hukum, Politik, dan Keamanan (Kumpolkam), SBY menjelaskan bahwa kementerian itu tidak hanya akan mengurusi soal politik dan keamanan. Namun, Kumpulkam juga akan memfokuskan diri dalam penegakan hukum, termasuk penindakan terhadap pelaku tindak pidana korupsi.

Kriteria Menteri

Dalam dialog tersebut, SBY juga menyebutkan beberapa kriteria utama sosok menteri dalam kabinetnya nanti. SBY mengungkapkan bahwa dalam menunjuk menteri, dirinya akan memperhatikan soal integritas, kapabilitas, dan akseptabilitas kandidat menteri yang bersangkutan.

SBY menjelaskan, calon menteri dalam kabinetnya nanti relatif harus dapat diterima oleh masyarakat luas. Salah satu indikatornya adalah pemberitaan media massa. Menurut dia, bila kandidat menteri memiliki akseptabilitas yang rendah, tentu akan menjadi bahan kontroversi jika namanya disebut masuk bursa pencalonan menteri. "Ini menunjukkan penerimaan yang rendah dari masyarakat," jelasnya.

Hal lain yang juga akan mempengaruhi penilian SBY adalah usia kandidat menteri. "Meski tidak terlalu menentukan, usia sangat mempengaruhi penilaian," katanya. Menurut SBY, dirinya tidak akan mengangkat seorang menteri yang berusia 17 tahun. Meskipun kandidat itu gesit, cerdas, dan energik. Sebab, kata SBY, kandidat yang bersangkutan belum memiliki pengalaman, khususnya dalam bidang kenegaraan.

Demikian halnya dengan kandidat menteri yang berusia lanjut. Misalnya, berusia 70 tahun. Menurut SBY, meskipun kandidat itu memiliki kearifan dan pengalaman yang banyak, sosok itu tidak akan sanggup mengikuti ritme kerjanya selama 5 tahun mendatang. "Meski sangat berpengalaman, tugas-tugas yang akan dibebankan selama 5 tahun mendatang mungkin akan menyulitkan beliau," terangnya.

SBY juga mengungkapkan bahwa dirinya nanti mengikat kontrak dengan kandidat menteri yang akan benar-benar dilantik. Menurut dia, kontrak tersebut merupakan bentuk komitmen dan pertanggungjawaban menteri kepada dirinya. "Sebagaimana saya berkomitmen kepada rakyat yang memilih saya," tegasnya.

Komitmen Berantas Korupsi

SBY menegaskan bahwa menteri-menterinya nanti harus memiliki komitmen menjadi pejabat yang bersih dan tidak melakukan penyimpangan.

SBY menuturkan, semua poin penilaian tersebut akan diujikan dalam uji kelaikan dan kepatutan yang dilakukan mulai hari ini. Menurut SBY, dirinya akan melakukan tatap muka dengan satu per satu calon menterinya.

Secara implisit, SBY menyebutkan bahwa dirinya akan memperhatikan tokoh-tokoh yang selama ini membantu perjuangannya selama pilpres. "Tentu saja kebersamaan saat berjuang dan saat memerintah nanti," terangnya. Dia menambahkan, calon-calon yang dipanggil akan dilantik sebagai menteri pada 20 Oktober mendatang. Hanya sosok yang dinilai sesuai dengan kriteria yang akan melaju ke istana bersama SBY.

Sementara itu, soal penilaian, SBY mengaku tidak akan terpengaruh oleh orang-orang di sekitarnya. "Otoritas tetap pada saya. Meskipun ada pihak-pihak yang akan memberikan rekomendasi, putusan akhir ada pada saya," tegasnya.

SBY menuturkan bahwa kalau ada partai-partai yang memberikan usulan, SBY tetap berkomitmen terhadap kriterianya. "Saya tidak akan menabrak aturan dan tetap pada kriteria yang telah ditetapkan," katanya.

Lantas, siapa saja nama calon menteri yang akan mengikuti uji kelayakan dan kepatutan hari ini sampai 19 Oktober mendatang? Dari informasi yang berhasil dihimpun di Cikeas, sejumlah nama yang sudah beken di masyarakat bakal dipanggil SBY. Beberapa orang di antara adalah Juwono Sudarsono, Mahfud M.D., Alwi Shihab, Meuthia Hatta, Maftuh Basyuni, Saifullah Yusuf, Muhammad Nazif, Rahmat Gobel, dan Sudi Silalahi. Selain itu, sejumlah menteri di kabinet Megawati dikabarkan bakal dipanggil SBY. Misalnya, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Bachtiar Chamsyah, Hassan Wirayuda, dan Boediono.

Sejumlah sumber di sekitar SBY menyebutkan, komposisi menteri nanti adalah sebelas kursi menjadi jatah parpol, sebelas kusrsi lagi untuk orang yang ikut andil dalam tim sukses saat pilpres, dan 12 orang berasal dari kelompok profesional.

Dari komposisi parpol, yaitu PBB (2), PD (2), PKPI (1), PKB (2), PAN (2), dan PKS (2). Parpol tersebut sudah mengirim nama kadernya yang akan diseleksi SBY.

Menurut kabar, PBB mengirimkan empat nama, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Sahar L. Hasan, Hamdan Zoelva, dan M.S. Ka’ban. Sedangkan sumber di PAN menyebutkan, partainya memasukkan nama Hatta Radjasa dan Bambang Soedibyo. Sedangkan PKS memasukkan nama, antara lain, Irwan Prayitno dan Soeripto. (agt)

macgyver

October 15th, 2004, 04:36 AM

similar article to the one ara posted

from Jakarta post, today

MPR leaders spurn Volvos, royal suites

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Apparently wishing to prove their commitment to leading modest lifestyles, all four leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) said on Wednesday that they would refuse the Volvo cars to which they were entitled.

They also said that they would eschew staying in royal suites in the Mulia Hotel during the Assembly's plenary session scheduled for Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, saying they wanted standard rooms instead.

"The message is clear, we want to reduce state expenditure. We hope the example we are setting will be followed by other state officials," Assembly Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) told the press here.

He said he had told the Assembly secretariat to convey the message to the State Secretariat, the institution that finances the purchase of official cars for state officials.

Hidayat was accompanied by his three deputies, AM Fatwa of the National Mandate Party (PAN), and Mooryati Soedibyo and M. Aksa Mahmud of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

By tradition, senior state officials, including the House speaker and deputy speakers, Assembly speaker and deputy speakers, and Cabinet ministers are given Volvo cars as their official vehicles. The speaker of the newly-established DPD was also in line for a Volvo.

Volvo cars cost between Rp 378.5 million and Rp 950 million each, depending on the type.

Fatwa, who is the House deputy speaker for the 1999-2004 period, was Wednesday using a Volvo S-90 series car. He promised, however, that he would soon return the official car to its garage.

Hidayat said the cost-saving moves were necessary to reduce the burden on the state budget. Although the Assembly leaders said they would be willing to accept other, cheaper cars, they did not say what their preferred cars were.

"The most important thing is that the official cars do not give the impression that the Assembly leaders are living in luxury," he said.

He said the move would also counter speculation that the plenary session to elect Assembly leaders from Oct. 1 through Oct. 6 had to be extended due to rivalry among the candidates -- all anxious to get their hands on state facilities.

Aksa Mahmud, meanwhile, acknowledged that the royal suites were equipped with saunas. "It's excessive. All we need are rooms for sleeping and discussions. We only need standard rooms that cost Rp 400,000," he said.

The Hotel Mulia charges US$370, or around Rp 3.33 million per night, for its royal suites.

"We will be staying at the hotel for work, not for leisure and saunas. We have to end all this luxury," said Mooryati, the owner of cosmetics producer PT Mustika Ratu.

Commenting on public suspicions that the move was a political one designed to ensure his reelection in the 2009 election, Hidayat said that he was only fulfilling the aspirations of the people, who want their leaders to have a sense of crisis.

"I've never thought about campaigning (for 2009). My concern is that the people need serious and committed leaders," Hidayat added.

Aksa and Fatwa said that they hoped their moves would be followed by other state institutions, including state enterprises.

http://www.republika.co.id/ASP/online_detail.asp?id=175740&kat_id=23

Kamis, 14 Oktober 2004 19:00:00
Pimpinan DPR Belum Ikuti Langkah Pimpinan MPR

Jakarta-RoL -- Pimpinan DPR belum menganggap bahwa penggunaan kendaraan dinas bermerek Volvo merupakan pemborosan keuangan negara sehingga mereka belum akan mengikuti langkah yang ditempuh pimpinan MPR untuk tidak menggunakan fasilitas mewah dalam tugasnya.

Ketua DPR Agung Laksono kepada pers di Gedung DPR/MPR Jakarta, Kamis mengatakan, belum membahas penghematan keuangan negara melalui pengurangan standard fasilitas yang diterima pimpinan DPR, seperti kendaraan dinas.

Agung mengatakan, hingga saat ini DPR masih membicarakan mengenai pembagian komisi dan ruang persidangan. Semangat yang ada dalam hal ini adalah tetap mengarah kepada efektif dan efisiensi.

Agung mendukung langkah yang ditempuh pimpinan MPR untuk melakukan pengematan anggaran. Namun penghematan tidak semata-mata hanya bisa ditempuh melalui penolakan fasilitas kendaraan bermerek Volvo.

Ada banyak langkah yang bisa ditempuh untuk melakukan penghomatan uang negara. Sebenarnya ada empat hal perlu diperhatikan sebagai langkah pengehamatan keuangan negara, yaitu biaya otonomi daerah, subsidi terutama pada golongan menengah ke atas, bunga obligasi, dan utang luar negeri.

Namun apa yang ditempuh pimpinan MPR juga memiliki semangat yang baik dan patut diukung. Hanya saja, penghematan tidak semata-mata hanya diukur dari penolakan penggunaan fasilitas kendaraan bermerek Volvo.

"Saya tidak mengatakan Pak Hidayat salah. Secara semangat dan moral bagus. Tapi soal penempatannya saya kira lebih pada hal-hal yang secara proporsional lebih besar dan punya dampak yang riil pada bangsa," kata Agung.

Dia mengatakan, penggunaan mobil Volvo bukan sesuatu yang bisa dianggap pemborosan. "Karena sudah standar dari pemerintah akan ada kendaraan dan fasilitas yang diberikan kepada pejabat negara. Sepanjang itu dibeli dengan cara transparan, tidak ada mark-up dan dilakukan sesuai prosedur UU, saya kira tidak masalah," katanya.ant/aih

Ara

October 15th, 2004, 11:49 AM

CONFUSION OVER HOWARD INDONESIA VISIT
15.10.2004. 13:30:32

There is confusion over whether Australian Prime Minister John Howard will attend the swearing-in of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono when he becomes Indonesia's new president.

It appears the attendance of foreign leaders at the event has caused some political ructions in Indonesia.

A report on Indonesian television said that up till now, Indonesia has regarded the ceremony as an internal matter.

Indonesia's Foreign minister Hasan Wirayuda says his department will consult with the MPR or People’s Consultative Assembly following an MPR statement that the leaders of several nations will attend the swearing-in ceremony for the president and vice president on the 20th of October.

Mr Wirayuda said foreign affairs will consult with any foreign leaders who request to attend.

It is unclear if Mr Howard's visit will now go ahead or whether Indonesia will make an exception this time and allow foreign leaders to attend.
:wtf:

tata

October 15th, 2004, 12:54 PM

Dia mengatakan, penggunaan mobil Volvo bukan sesuatu yang bisa dianggap pemborosan. "Karena sudah standar dari pemerintah akan ada kendaraan dan fasilitas yang diberikan kepada pejabat negara. Sepanjang itu dibeli dengan cara transparan, tidak ada mark-up dan dilakukan sesuai prosedur UU, saya kira tidak masalah," katanya.ant/aih

According to head of DPR Agung Laksono, buying Volvo for member of parliament is not considered as wasting money.... UNBtELIEVABLE!

He better checks, for instance, the condition of public school even in Java island... That's really sad.

peseg5

October 15th, 2004, 03:59 PM

Jaka Sembung makan soto, kagak nyambung soal Volvo. Demikianlah kiranya kalau kita bicara soal mobil dinas Volvo yang dijatahkan buat pimpinan DPR/MPR.

Rabu (13/10) lalu, Ketua MPR Hidayat Nurwahid mengatakan, bahwa pimpinan MPR menolak penggunaan mobil dinas Volvo untuk menghemat anggaran. Alasan lain, mobil dinas produksi Swedia itu bisa menimbulkan kecurigaan dan kemewahan.

Sebuah sikap yang patut diacungi jempol. Sebab, di tengah kuatnya gelombang materialisme dan hedonisme yang menyelimuti pejabat negara, ternyata masih ada pimpinan yang bersikap secukupnya, sederhana. Tidak mengumbar kemewahan di hadapan rakyat yang setiap hari mengalami kesulitan hidup.
Pesan itu yang sebetulnya ingin disampaikan oleh Hidayat Nurwahid dkk. Namun pilihan sikap pimpinan MPR ini ternyata salah dimaknai oleh pimpinan DPR. Menurut Ketua DPR Agung Laksono, kalau sekadar tidak memakai mobil dinas Volvo, maka dampak penghematan anggara tidak signifikan. Apalagi jatah pimpinan MPR itu hanya empat buah.

"Saya melihat, penghematan sebenarnya ada empat hal, yaitu bidang otonomi daerah, subsidi terutama pada golongan menengah ke atas, bunga obligasi dan utang luar negeri," bual Agung, menjelaskan hal-hal yang sudah biasa kita dengar dari pengamat ekonomi, Kamis (14/10) lalu.

Di sinilah masalahnya. Hidayat berpendapat bahwa penghematan bisa dimulai dari hal-hal yang kecil, yang kongkret, yang sederhana, tidak membutuhkan teori ndakik-ndakik, tapi langsung bisa dilaksanakan, oleh siapa saja dan kapan saja, tanpa mengganggu kepentingan orang banyak.

Sementara Agung menempatkan penghematan dalam kerangka besar masalah negara, yang untuk mengatasinya membutuhkan keputusan besar. Alih-alih bisa merealisasi keputusan yang sudah ditetapkan, mengambil keputusan saja belum tentu bisa, mengingat banyak pihak yang berkepentingan atas keputusan tersebut.

Agung hanya terpaku pada jumlah mobil Volvo yang menjadi jatah MPR. Dia tidak berpikir panjang, bahwa pilihan sikap pimpinan MPR itu akan berdampak panjang, tak hannya di pusat, tetapi yang lebih penting lagi adalah di daerah-daerah. Sebab, tindakan kongkret yang dilakukan pimpinan MPR itu bisa menjadi rujukan dan panutan pejabat lain, sehingga kelak polisi dan jaksa tidak habis waktunya untuk mengurus anggota dewan yang membengkakkan anggaran seperti saat ini. Dan bila sikap Hidayat Nur Wahid itu bisa dicontoh oleh 80% pejabat di Indonesia... coba bayangkan berapa trilyun uang yang bisa diselamatkan oleh negara dan digunakan untuk memberi makan rakyat miskin dan uang sekolah anak putus sekolah ? ( Volvo baru pejabat seharga 200 - 500 juta. bila ada 1000 orang pejabat mengikutinya jadi dihemat 500.000.000.000 itu belum termasuk penghematan BBM, biaya hotel ( rencana penghematan biaya hotel seharga 20 juta permalam menajdi 400 ribu permalam ) dan lain-lain )
Penghematan anggaran negara tidak akan selesai hanya dikumandangkan. Namun butuh contoh kongkret dari para pejabat negara. Memang kita tidak bisa menghidupkan kembali Soekarno dan Hatta yang selalu hidup sederhana, tapi para pejabat bisa menirunya, dan Hidayat Nurwahid telah memulainya .

--- Mohon Diforward ke rekan anda sebagai usaha kecil kita memberantas korupsi dan dukungan perilaku hidup sederhana ----

Ara

October 16th, 2004, 08:54 AM

Indonesia Seeks Extradition of BNI Fugitive
October 15, 2004 11:58 PM,
Laksamana.Net - The government and police are hoping the US will arrest and repatriate an Indonesian businessman who recently fled to Los Angeles to avoid prosecution over his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of Rp1.7 trillion ($187 million) from state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI).

Gramarindo Group director Adrian Waworuntu recently fled Indonesia after allegedly paying a bribe of about $20,000 to police.

National Police economic crime division head Brigadier General Samuel Ismoko and another officer are now being investigated over allegations they helped Waworuntu to escape.

Police have offered a reward a reward of Rp1 billion for anyone who provides information that leads to the fugitive's arrest.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said Friday it had obtained information that Waworuntu is in Los Angeles, but admitted it would be difficult to bring him home due to the absence of extradition treaty between Indonesia and the US.

"We've heard that Adrian is in Los Angeles. So we're making efforts to deport him to Indonesia. Meanwhile, I've also heard the police are sending a team to LA," ministry spokesman Yuri Thamrin was quoted as saying Friday by detikcom online news portal.

"Clearly it won't be easy because we don't have an extradition agreement with the US. To catch Adrian, it's essential that he be named in a Red Notice," he added.

A Red Notice is issued by Interpol to seek an arrest with a view to extraditing a wanted person.

"There is goodwill and cooperation from the US police. So we hope he can be returned," said Thamrin.

Separately, Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda said Indonesia's Interpol branch had sent a Red Notice to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"Our police have sent a Red Notice, but US Immigration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have asked that the Red Notice contain more specific information," he asserted.

He said the notice should include the suspect's full identity, details of his alleged criminal offence, and the punishment facing him in Indonesia.

Wirajuda said his ministry was considering other possible avenues to bring Waworuntu home. "In the past, legal problems have been resolved without utilizing an extradition order," he said.

Despite the absence of an extradition treaty, the US and Indonesia have cooperated in several cases to repatriate criminal suspects to Indonesia.

In 1995, US authorities deported Indonesian businessman Harnoko Dewantono alias Oki, who was accused of murdering three people - his younger brother, Indonesian girlfriend and Indian business partner - in Los Angeles. In May 1997 a Jakarta court
found him guilty of the murders and sentenced him to death. He remains on death row.

In November 1996, Indonesian soap opera star Zarima Mirasfur was arrested in Houston, Texas, for allegedly using fake documents to enter the US after "escaping" from police custody in Jakarta in August. She was later deported and tried in Jakarta for possession of nearly 30,000 ecstasy pills. In 1999 the so-called 'Ecstasy Queen' was sentenced to four years in jail. She was released in April 2003.

Already Arrested?
National Police headquarters secretary Brigadier General Sisno Hadiwinoto said Friday a team of three officers had departed for the US to ascertain the veracity of reports that Waworuntu had already been detained in LA.

"It's quite true that we received information that Adrian has been captured in Los Angeles. We received this information from our colleagues in Interpol and the FBI," he was quoted as saying by detikcom.

"We are yet to receive confirmation from out police team because the trip from Indonesia to Los Angeles takes approximately 16 hours. So possibly later today we will receive confirmation," he said.

"If it's true that he's been caught, Adrian will presumably be brought immediately to Indonesia," he added.

But Ismoko, the officer who allegedly helped Waworuntu to escape the country, denied the fugitive had been arrested in LA. "No, he hasn't been captured yet," he said tersely.

Alvin

October 17th, 2004, 03:09 AM

Mega to give SBY inauguration a miss

Fabiola Desy Unidjadja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

While leaders of neighboring countries are confirmed to attend Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's inauguration, outgoing President Megawati Soekarnoputri has decided to stay away.

Pramono Anung, deputy secretary-general of her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), said on Saturday that Megawati and Vice President Hamzah Haz would not be present when Susilo takes his oath of office on Oct. 20.

"Neither of them will attend the inauguration because there is no regulation requiring the incumbent president and vice president to attend the event," Pramono said after attending a party meeting.

Neither Hamzah nor his close aides were available for comment on Saturday.

A reliable palace source said on Friday that Megawati, who suffered a crushing defeat to Susilo in the Sept. 20 election, would attend the inauguration of Susilo and his vice president Jusuf Kalla. Both Susilo and Kalla were Megawati's coordinating ministers.

"As the agenda is only the inauguration of the president and vice president, the party leadership has decided that both of them (Megawati and Hamzah) will not attend the event," Pramono said.

Pramono also emphasized that Megawati had no plan to meet Susilo in the near future and rejected suggestions that Megawati had to meet the incoming president for the sake of national reconciliation.

"Reconciliation comes after a conflict or a clash. Ibu Mega has clearly said that she has no problem with the election result," Pramono said.

Susilo and Kalla have on several occasions publicly expressed their desire to meet Megawati before the inauguration to facilitate the transition of power.

Pramono said Megawati has instructed her Cabinet ministers to prepare for the transfer of power to ensure a smooth transition of government.

"It is sufficient that the transfer of government be done at the ministerial level," he said.

Meanwhile, detik.com reported on Saturday that Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong would attend Susilo's inauguration ceremony, making him the fourth head of state of a neighboring country to attend the event.

Quoting television station Channel News Asia, detik.com said Lee's participation in the ceremony was announced by his personal secretary Ong Ye Kung.

Foreign ministry officials were not available for comment on the news on Saturday.

Earlier, government officials here said that Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and East Timor Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri would also attend the ceremony.

Yamauchi

October 18th, 2004, 12:49 AM

Cracks emerge in SBY coalition

Tiarma Siboro and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Signs of cracks in the coalition of political parties that support president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono are emerging as they question his choice of several ministerial candidates.

The Muslim-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) said on Sunday it was considering withdrawing its support for Susilo, should the president-elect press ahead with his appointment of ministerial candidates whose future policies would lean towards the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other figures who were implicated in legal problems.

Susilo, however, defended his stance, saying he had checked with watchdog institutions and found the candidates were eligible. No one should "dent their chances of becoming ministers", he said.

The president-elect continued his one-on-one interviews with prospective aides at his residence in the Puri Cikeas Indah housing complex in Bogor later in the day. EE Mangindaan, of the Democratic Party that Susilo cofounded, Suryadarma Ali, of the United Development Party and Anggito Abimanyu, who chairs the Agency for Economic Analysis and International Cooperation (Bapekti), turned up for the interviews that started at about 8:30 p.m.

Former Indonesian ambassador to Russia Rachmat Witoelar also appeared at Susilo's residence but was tightlipped as he rushed to his waiting car.

PKS acting chairman Tiffatul Sembiring said Susilo should drop candidates who were mired in financial and legal problems.

"If our warnings fall on deaf ears, we will evaluate our presence in the coalition," Tiffatul said. The PKS had also been flooded with demands to reject pro-IMF candidates from its members, non-governmental organizations and concerned individuals, Tiffatul said.

Economist Mari Elka Pangestu and Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who currently serves as the IMF executive director for Southeast Asia, are two candidates for the position. While Mari was interviewed on Saturday, a source said an interview with Sri Mulyani was being arranged.

Echoing the PKS, the executive board of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) said it was considering abandoning the coalition but for a different reason.

PBB deputy chairman Sahar L. Hasan said Susilo had not done justice to the party, which had supported him all along.

Sahar also said the appointment of ministers with professional backgrounds might not be a good idea. "Those who are considered professional may not have a managerial capability. They even could have contributed to wrecking the country," he said.

The PBB is led by Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who currently serves as Minister for Justice and Human Rights.

Susilo dismissed fears his Cabinet would be influenced by the IMF, saying that Indonesia had severed ties with the international donor in regards to the Letter of Intent that had spelled out the country's agreement to carry out IMF-prescribed economic recovery programs.

He also said he had checked with the Enterprise Assets Management, which is to take over the unfinished jobs of the now-defunct Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, over allegations some of his candidates were blacklisted.

"As I have found out these rumors are not true, no one should forbid me from appointing them as my ministers," Susilo said.

He said he would reserve high-ranking government posts for political parties, whose members might not secure ministerial jobs.

"Believe me, I will remember the parties' contributions to my success and I will grant their members appropriate posts which, of course, should not be in my Cabinet," Susilo said.

Mahaputra

October 18th, 2004, 02:21 AM

Govt keen on Jakarta security pact
09:51 AEST Mon Oct 18 2004

The federal government would inform Australians if it went ahead with a new security agreement with Indonesia, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

Australia was considering negotiating a renewed security deal with its northern neighbours but the deal would not be discussed during Prime Minister John Howard's visit to Indonesia this week, Mr Downer said.

Mr Howard will travel to Jakarta for Wednesday's inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Dr Yudhoyono has previously said the Australian and Indonesian governments should revive a now-defunct security treaty which was signed in 1995 by former Prime Minister Paul Keating and former Indonesian President Suharto.

Mr Downer said Mr Keating signed the pact in secret and if the Howard government negotiated a fresh agreement it would be done with the Australian people's knowledge.

"I'm making it clear that it's something that we would be prepared to have a look at," he told ABC radio.

"I'm not giving a commitment that we'll negotiate such an agreement but that's something that cabinet would have to consider at an appropriate time.

"I don't think the fact of negotiating such a treaty, if you were to have one, would need to be secret at all."

Mr Downer said he would like to see any agreement with Indonesia incorporate counter terrorism work established between the countries.

"Perhaps we'd look at police co-operation there is between us and other areas where we could enhance co-operation between Australia and Indonesia and make it something of substance," he said.

Mr Downer said while it was important Mr Howard be present at Dr Yudhoyono's inauguration on Wednesday, there were no plans to discuss a security agreement.

"This won't be a visit where they'll be negotiations about further arrangements," he said.

"This is more a celebration of the inauguration of a new president."

Mr Downer acknowledged there would be some elements in Indonesia who would be opposed to a new security pact with Australia.

"For some Indonesians they don't want a foreign policy which is too close to the west," he said.

Ara

October 18th, 2004, 10:39 AM

I wonder if a security pact is necessary. We already have MoUs and other agreements when it come to security. I guess it doesn't hurt. Although, I would strongly urged SBY to have a non pre-emptive strike clause under any circumstances.

Ara

October 18th, 2004, 10:46 AM

Poll question of the day. I believe he should answer for his crime against Indonesia.

JAG2

October 18th, 2004, 11:02 AM

Poll question of the day. I believe he should answer for his crime against Indonesia.
Yes he should standdd trial in Indonesia , but I think it could triggered into violance should he stand trial in this country..

Some elements in the Indonesian society will create nasty things

Alvin

October 19th, 2004, 09:03 AM

Howard has high hopes for Indonesian ties

SYDNEY (DPA): Prime Minister John Howard said Tuesday his visit to Jakarta this week for the swearing in of incoming president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono demonstrates the strength of his commitment to Australia's relationship with Indonesia.

Howard leaves Tuesday for Jakarta for the inauguration of the successor to Megawati Soekarnoputri.

"The new president has a very strong commitment to the relationship, as I do," Howard told reporters in Canberra. "I wanted, by my presence at his inauguration, to signal not only great personal goodwill but also the great importance that Australia attaches to the relationship."

Howard is believed to have received an invitation to the Wednesday inauguration when he phoned Yudhoyono last week to congratulate him on being named Indonesia's first popularly elected president. He denied a press report that he had effectively invited himself.

"The Indonesians made it plain that they would welcome the attendance of heads of government, ambassadors or special envoys," Howard said. "I thought it appropriate that I go."

The prime minister said Yudhoyono's election was a big boost for democracy. "The most important thing I want to convey to him during this visit is how much we admire the way in which there's been this transition to democracy in Indonesia," Howard said. (*)

Alvin

October 19th, 2004, 09:06 AM

Howard to be first leader to meet Indonesia's Yudhoyono

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Newly re-elected Australian Prime Minister John Howard will meet Indonesian President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday, a sign of the improving ties between the neighboring countries in the wake of the Bali nightclub attacks.

The 2002 Bali bombings, in which 88 of the 202 dead were Australians, and last month's suicide bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, have put combatting terrorism at the top of the two countries' agendas.

"I'm looking forward to a very close relationship with the new president,'' Howard told Indonesia's Metro TV station before leaving for Jakarta. "We see Indonesia as an ally and a friend in the fight against terrorism, terrorists are as much the enemy of Indonesia as they are of Australia.

The talks late Tuesday were not expected to touch on substantial issues, officials said. On Wednesday, Howard will join other regional leaders at Yudhoyono's inauguration ceremony.

"We see these talks more as a first get together,'' said Foreign Ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa.

In his comments to Metro, Howard also backed away from pre-election comments in which he said that Australia had the right to launch a pre-emptive attack on terrorist cells in Indonesia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

"I wouldn't envisage that would occur in relation to Indonesia,'' he said.

Howard's largely hypothetical remarks were widely seen in the context of his re-election campaign, but nevertheless drew criticism from several Asian neighbors.

Australia and Indonesia's ties were strained after East Timor's break from Jakarta. Australia led an international peacekeeping force into the tiny country to stop a brutal rampage by pro-Indonesia militias after the independence votes.-AP

Alvin

October 19th, 2004, 09:09 AM

John Howard on his way to Indonesia for SBY inaugurationThe World Today - Tuesday, 19 October , 2004 12:10:00
Reporter: Louise Yaxley
ELEANOR HALL: First, as we go to air, the Prime Minister is flying north to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, to attend the inauguration of the new Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Before he left, John Howard heaped praise on the new leader, singling out his commitment to combat terrorism in the region. But Mr Howard said while he will meet the Indonesian leader later today, he will not be raising specific bilateral issues like the security treaty.

As Louise Yaxley reports from Canberra, Mr Howard also rejected claims made in a newspaper report this morning that he was not invited to attend the Indonesian President's swearing in ceremony.

LOUISE YAXLEY: The Prime Minister's flown out of Canberra, full of praise for Indonesia.

JOHN HOWARD: I'll be seeing the President-Elect tonight when I get there, but we'll be talking very generally. The most important thing I want to convey to him during this visit is how much we admire the way in which there's been this transition to democracy in Indonesia, that you've had this huge popular election in the largest Islamic country in the world… it's been carried out with a very pleasing lack of bloodshed and violence and I think it's terrific, and I think it's a huge salute to the Indonesian people.

LOUISE YAXLEY: Mr Howard dismisses a suggestion that he's gatecrashing or that he wasn't invited.

JOHN HOWARD: That stuff in the paper this morning was ridiculous. The Indonesians made it plain that they would welcome the attendance of heads of government, ambassadors or special envoys, and I thought it was appropriate that I go.

LOUISE YAXLEY: The new President has a huge task before him, with challenges including to tackle corruption, terrorism and the economy.

John Howard is expressing his faith in him.

JOHN HOWARD: I have a lot of confidence in him, and I'm not going to talk about internal matters in Indonesia. That's a matter for the Indonesian Government.

But he's a very experienced person. He has a very strong commitment to good governance. He has a very strong commitment to the fight against terrorism. I know that we'll have a good relationship between Australia and Indonesia under his leadership.

LOUISE YAXLEY: And the Prime Minister reinforced that just minutes before he flew out at the airport.

JOHN HOWARD: And I remember the very powerful words of President-Elect Yudhoyono at the first anniversary of the Bali attack, when he spoke with passion and emotion on behalf of Indonesia about the need to pursue terrorists, and it made an enormous impression on the Australians in that audience.

I share all of that passion and that commitment, but it's a passion and commitment I want to discharge side by side with Indonesia. We see Indonesia as an ally and a friend in the fight against terrorism.

Terrorists are as much the enemy of Indonesia as they are of Australia, and that strike outside our embassy was not only a strike at Australia, but it was also a strike at Indonesia, and it claimed the lives of Indonesians, and we together have a common interest in continuing the fight against terrorism.

But our relationship naturally involves things other than the fight against terrorism, but in recent years that has become a very significant element of it.

LOUISE YAXLEY: This visit is meant to send a positive message, but there are still lingering sensitivities, such as over Australia's views about launching a first strike against another country. It was raised with Mr Howard this morning during an interview with Indonesian television.

JOHN HOWARD: Well, I certainly wouldn't envisage that that would occur in relation to Indonesia. I was… I was not really stating that in relation to any country and I have the very strong view that countries like Indonesia, with whom we have very close relationships, if action were needed to be taken against groups that might threaten Australia, then that action would be taken by the Indonesian forces.

I was simply stating a principle. That principle merely was that if you ever had – how remote the likelihood a situation in the future – where a country were unable or unwilling, and the only way to protect Australia was to take action, that that action would be taken, but I imagine that that's a view that many countries hold.

I don't think Australia would be alone in holding that view, but I certainly don't regard that as a statement of a last resort principle, as something that should be seen as being in any way antagonistic to any of our friends in the region, and most particularly Indonesia.

LOUISE YAXLEY: The Prime Minister says this is a general visit and emphasises it's not the time to discuss issues like a security treaty.

JOHN HOWARD: I don't see the achievement of this or not as being some kind of test or benchmark of the relationship. It's something that might emerge, but it would be in a different form than last time, and it would have to be something that both sides felt would better express the relationship between the two countries, but whether or not we have it the relationship is going to be very strong, and is going to mature and further develop in the years ahead.

ELEANOR HALL: The Prime Minister ending that report from Louise Yaxley in Canberra.

Alvin

October 19th, 2004, 09:24 AM

Big business spells out economic agenda for new Indonesian president
By John Roberts
19 October 2004
Use this version to print | Send this link by email | Email the author

In the lead up to his inauguration as Indonesian president tomorrow, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has remained tight-lipped about the make-up of his cabinet, and, as throughout the election campaign, any policy details. However, representatives of big business, inside Indonesia and overseas, have made clear that they expect his administration to impose tough new economic measures.

A closed-door meeting on October 13 attended by outgoing US Ambassador Ralph Boyce, Japanese Ambassador Yutaka Iimura and World Bank representative Andrew Steer spelled out the agenda to Yudhoyono. Those present were acting on behalf of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI)—a group of donor countries and institutions that have pledged $2.84 billion in aid to Indonesia for 2004. Prior to the meeting, Boyce told the media that the discussion would focus on “ideas on winning investment” in preparation for a full CGI meeting.

No details were released after the meeting but business spokesmen have listed a series of demands including an end to corruption, legal reform to protect foreign investors, and the abolition of investment regulations. Since the end of the presidential election campaign, however, two clear priorities have emerged: the reduction or abolition of government fuel subsidies and amended labour laws to allow employers to sack workers more readily.

Yudhoyono is already signaling that his government will proceed along these lines. He has promised to fight corruption, stimulate the economy and review tax and labour laws that discourage foreign investment. Irzan Tandjung, one of Yudhoyono’s principal economic advisers and chairman of his Democratic Party, has indicated that the new president will also review the fuel subsidy.

Any cutback to the fuel subsidy or changes to the labour laws will impact directly on the living standards of tens of millions of people—particularly the most impoverished social layers—and will have potentially explosive political consequences.

Subsidies on fuel and other basic necessities were among the concessions granted by the Suharto dictatorship to avert mass discontent and shore up its rule. In the wake of the 1997-98 Asian economic crisis, the IMF and World Bank insisted on the abolition of fuel subsidies as part of an extensive restructuring package. Suharto’s decision to raise fuel prices in line with IMF demands heightened the protests that led to his resignation in 1998. After his fall, successive presidents have baulked at cutting fuel subsidies.

In 2000, President Abdurrahman Wahid attempted to increase fuel prices by 10 percent but was forced to back down after large-scale demonstrations in Jakarta. In 2003, President Megawati Sukarnoputri announced limited plans to cut back on subsidies on fuel and other essentials but dropped the proposals after a series of protests. This year, in a bid to boost her popularity prior to the election, Megawati pledged that the price of fuel and electricity would not rise.

The government plans to spend $US6.5 billion this year in subsidising the price of petroleum products—equivalent to more than twice its budget deficit. The subsidy has kept the price of fuel well below world prices with petrol currently costing just 20 US cents a litre in Jakarta.

The subsidy not only keeps the cost of motor fuel low. Tens of millions of poor Indonesians depend on gas or kerosene for their cooking stoves. Spending on cooking fuel is a large part of family expenditure and any price rise would have a dramatic effect on the cost of living. Big business, however, regards the subsidies as an intolerable drain on the government budget, particularly when the country’s oil and gas could be sold on the world market at far higher prices.

With world oil prices of oil at more than $US50 a barrel and rising, the strain of the fuel subsidy on the national budget will only increase and undermine the reduction of the public debt that took place under Megawati. Writing on the Bloomberg.com website, analyst Andy Mukherjee, echoing the sentiments of other commentators, bluntly stated that “soon after his inauguration” Yudhoyono will “have to risk a popular backlash and raise fuel prices.”

Mukherjee noted approvingly: “There’s a strong indication that Yudhoyono may indeed make a reduction in the fuel subsidy his priority.” He quoted Arfan Karniody, a Jakarta investment firm manager, as saying: “Reducing oil subsidies will be in the right direction. It’s not a populist policy. If oil prices go up, people may object because everything will go up, electricity, even water” but it is a “necessary policy”.

Jakarta has also been reluctant to change the existing limited labour laws. There are already officially 40 million unemployed and underemployed throughout the country. In a bid to slow retrenchments, Megawati issued a presidential decree placing restrictions on the sacking of workers. But business leaders are demanding that such measures be scrapped.

At a major business conference this month, Singapore’s foreign minister George Yeo told a delegation from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry that unfavourable labour laws, along with legal uncertainties and complex investment regulations, had to be changed to attract new investment. In 2003, Singapore companies invested $US692.4 million in Indonesia, making it the fifth largest source of investment funds.

What is galling to investors is the labour “inflexibility” caused by the relative high cost of sacking workers. According to the World Bank, companies pay an average of 157 weeks’ wages to sack an Indonesian worker—the highest cost anywhere in East Asia, apart from Laos. Yudhoyono adviser Irzan Tandjung told Bloomberg.com on October 1 that the changes to labour laws would be a priority for the new government.

Driving these policies is the country’s underlying economic crisis and growing competition for foreign investment, particularly from China. In the first seven months of 2004, foreign direct investment in Indonesia fell by a third to $US3.3 billion compared with the same period last year. The lack of investment in the oil industry has led to reduced production, transforming Indonesia this year into a net oil importer for the first time and compounding the country’s economic problems.

But any economic restructuring will have a savage impact on the living standards of the poor. About half the population lives on $US2 a day or less. Unemployment is likely to rise. Economists estimate that a growth rate of 6 percent is necessary to keep pace with the annual growth in the labour force. But the current growth rate is estimated at around 4.8 per cent.

In the course of the election campaign, Yudhoyono appealed to popular resentment and anger over the failure of Megawati’s administration to lift living standards. The former general presented himself as “a man of the people” and made vague populist pledges to improve the lot of the ordinary workers. In office, he will be compelled to implement measures that further undermine the social conditions of the masses.

The Time Asia website pointed to the political implications. After praising Megawati for slashing national debt, selling off state enterprises and reducing interest rates, it noted that “the toughest reforms—those that might threaten the interests of powerful bureaucrats and business leaders—have been left to Yudhoyono... Moreover, [Yudhoyono] appears to be on a collision course with his mainstay constituents, Indonesia’s working class.”

In comments to Bloomberg.com, Takeshi Kohno, a former Japanese diplomat in Indonesia, was just as blunt, declaring: “The labour issue and fuel subsidy problem—essentially a class issue—will be a test for Yudhoyono as he has to balance between populist policies and market-orientated policies... [he] will need to override temptations to fall in populist policies as they will irritate the market and investors.”

While Yudhoyono will announce his cabinet tomorrow, there are already strong indications that he has heeded the demands of international capital and chosen ministers known for their tough economic measures. According to the Singapore-based Straits Times, Yudhoyono’s economic adviser Irzan Tandjung or Megawati’s finance minister Boediono are likely to be appointed to the top economic post.

The implementation of economic austerity measures will rapidly dash the hopes of many of those who voted for Yudhoyono and will inevitably lead to social unrest. When that happens, Yudhoyono’s real political character as a leading figure in the Suharto military dictatorship that ruthlessly crushed any opposition to its rule will rapidly come to the fore.

Yamauchi

October 20th, 2004, 09:19 PM

According to Transparency's Corruption Index, in 2004 Indonesia was in the top 15 most corrupt nations on the planet.

Ara

October 20th, 2004, 09:31 PM

According to Transparency's Corruption Index, in 2004 Indonesia was in the top 15 most corrupt nations on the planet.

Were we in the top 5 last year?

Mahaputra

October 21st, 2004, 01:39 AM

on the other thread.. someone put up the rank for this year's rank for Indonesia.. we're ranked 5th out of 146 nations...

Alvin

October 21st, 2004, 02:11 AM

Indonesia world's no. 5 most corrupt nation: TI
Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia remains one of the world's most corrupt nations, despite the current reform era that began after the 1998 fall of president Soeharto, indicates a report from the Berlin-based Transparency International (TI) Indonesia.

TI announced on Wednesday that Indonesia was ranked the fifth most corrupt nation along with Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Georgia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, who received the same score as Indonesia among 146 countries surveyed.

Among the ASEAN-member countries, Indonesia is ranked above Myanmar based on TI's global corruption index. Last year, the international graft watchdog put Indonesia No. 6 in its index.

In a press release, TI said that based on the index of 146 countries perceived by business leaders, academics, antigraft activists and risk analysts across Indonesia, the country's score was only 2.0, an increase from 1.9 last year.

Although Indonesia's index increased or rather improved by 0.1, Its ranking dropped because other countries managed to improve their performance, it added.

Indonesia's index has moved between 1.7 and 2.0 since 1999, indicating that the current reform movement had failed to significantly reduce the public perception of corruption in the country.

The watchdog said systemic corruption was the biggest challenge for the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who was sworn in on Wednesday, to tackle, as he was directly elected by the people for his pledge to fight graft.

Many have said his predecessor, Megawati Soekarnoputri, failed to be reelected in the Sept. 20 election for being not serious in eradicating corruption.

In his inaugural speech hours after taking his oath of office, Susilo renewed his pledge that he would lead the antigraft drive by his government to show his commitment to eradicate corruption.

TI said factors contributing to the index included a report from the State Audit Agency (BPK) which revealed Rp 166.5 trillion in extensive irregularities in the use of state funds from 1999 to 2004.

Quoting the BPK report, the graft watchdog said losses through corruption amounted to some Rp 37.39 trillion in the first semester of 2004 alone.

Ironically, the Attorney General's Office, which is mandated to prosecute corrupters, failed to boost its performance, while the BPK report showed the office as having the largest amount in fund irregularities.

TI said the BPK report only reflected the suspected embezzlement of funds from state budgets and excluded other graft cases, such as project markups and bribery among government officials.

Based on its interviews with businesspeople in 15 cities across Indonesia, the watchdog concluded that bribery and other unauthorized fees were widespread between businesspeople and state officials in order to obtain business permits and during court trials.

TI urged President Susilo to fulfill his promises by pursuing his antigraft programs consistently, as the nation has already pinned high hopes on him to eradicate corruption.

The organization said Susilo should adopt anticorruption programs submitted to him by various non-governmental organizations, including the Indonesian Corruption Watch.

Yamauchi

October 21st, 2004, 05:33 PM

It's a clear-cut way to put a headline. However, it didn't rank 5th. There were 15 countries in the same category or below.

Yamauchi

October 21st, 2004, 06:55 PM

The organization said Susilo should adopt anticorruption programs submitted to him by various non-governmental organizations, including the Indonesian Corruption Watch.It's too bad I only hear Indonesians complaining about NGOs.

Ara

October 21st, 2004, 09:49 PM

Brief Cabinet Profiles
October 21, 2004 06:20 AM,
Laksamana.Net - Following is a quick look at the members of Indonesia’s new cabinet.

Widodo Adisutjipto: Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs
Adisutjipto, a retired admiral and former Navy chief, served as Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) commander under former president Abdurrahman Wahid from October 1999 to July 2001.

Aburizal Bakrie: Coordinating Minister for the Economy
A prominent indigenous tycoon with a vast range of business interests, Bakrie is the former chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). Earlier this year he ran unsuccessfully in a convention to become Golkar Party’s candidate for the presidential election.

Alwi Shihab: Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare
A moderate Islamic scholar who promotes tolerance, Shihab served as foreign minister under Wahid. He is presently chairman of Wahid’s National Awakening Party (PKB).

Mochtar Maruf: Home Affairs Minister
A retired lieutenant general, he served as the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) chief of social-political affairs over 1995-96.

Hassan Wirajuda: Foreign Affairs Minister
Wirajuda held the same cabinet position under former president Megawati Sukarnoputri. A career diplomat, he was Indonesia’s permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations until July 2000. He subsequently served as director general for political affairs at the Foreign Ministry. He has also served as ambassador to Egypt.

Juwono Sudarsono: Defense Minister
A prominent military analyst and former ambassador to Britain, Juwono previously served as defense minister under Wahid. He is also a former deputy governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas).

Hamid Awaluddin: Law and Human Rights Minister
Awaluddin is a member of the General Elections Commission (KPU). He headed the KPU’s division for the procurement of ballot papers, which critics claimed lacked transparency, raising suspicions of possible collusion and kickbacks.

Jusuf Anwar: Finance Minister
Anwar is the Asian Development Bank’s executive director for Indonesia. He has previously served as chairman of the Indonesia Capital Market Supervisory Board and secretary general of the Finance Ministry.

Purnomo Yusgiantoro: Energy and Mineral Resources Minister
Purnomo held the same position under Megawati and Wahid. The decision to re-appoint him means that Indonesia will keep the OPEC presidency until the end of this year.

Andung Nitimihardja: Industry Minister
Andung Nitimihardja is chief commissioner of state electricity company PLN. He is also a former executive of the State Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), where he served as deputy chairman for national business development.

Marie Pangestu: Trade Minister
A US-trained economist, Pangestu is a former executive director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Anton Apriyantono: Agriculture Minister
Apriyantono is a lecturer at the prestigious Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), which earlier this month awarded Yudhoyono a doctorate in agricultural sciences for his thesis on the development of rural areas and analysis of fiscal policies.

M.S. Kaban: Forestry Minister
Kaban is secretary general of the Islam-based Crescent Star Party (PBB) of Yusril Izha Mahendra. He is also chairman of parliament’s recently formed 20-member Democratic Pioneer Star faction. In the past he has said political demonstrations tarnish Indonesia’s reputation.

Hatta Rajasa: Transportation Minister
He served as research and technology minister under Megawati. He is a member of the National Mandate Party (PAN) of Amien Rais.

Freddy Numberi: Maritime and Fisheries Minister
A retired rear admiral, Numberi was the first Papuan to reach a senior rank in the armed forces. He is a former governor of Irian Jaya (now Papua) province and also served as administrative reforms minister under Wahid.

Fahmi Idris: Manpower and Transmigration Minister
A powerful member of Golkar Party, Idris served as manpower minister under former president B.J. Habibie. He was recently suspended from Golkar’s executive board for defying an order to support Megawati in last month’s presidential election. Several reports have wrongly stated that Idris served as manpower minister under Suharto.

Joko Kirmanto: Public Works Minister
Kirmanto served as director general for housing and settlement at the Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Ministry during the Wahid administration. Under the Megawati administration he became secretary general of the ministry.

Siti Fadilah Supari: Health Minister
A health professional, Supari is a doctor in cardiology.

Bambang Sudibyo: National Education Minister
Sudibyo, a professor of accounting, is a member of PAN and served as finance minister in the Wahid administration.

Bachtiar Chamsyah: Social Affiars Minister
Chamsyah is a member of the Islam-based United Development Party (PPP) of Hmazah Haz. He held the same cabinet position under Megawati.

Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni: Religious Affairs Minister
Basyuni is currently serving as Indonesian ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He served briefly as state secretary in Wahid’s short-lived final cabinet in June 2001. He was previously an ambassador to Kuwait and formerly head of the Presidential Household Staff under Suharto.

Jero Wacik: Tourism and Culture Minister
Wacik is a senior member of Yudhoyono’s Democrat Party, serving as head of the central board of directors.

Kusmayanto Kadiman: Research and Technology Minister
Kadiman is rector of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).

Suryadharma Ali: Cooperatives and Small-Medium Enterprises Minister
Ali is a senior member of PPP and a strong supporter of Yudhoyono. As a legislator, he played a key role in the June 2001 impeachment of Wahid.

Rachmat Witoelar: Environment Minister
A former Indonesian ambassador to Russia, Witoelar has long been close to Yudhoyono and helped to orchestrate his rise to power.

Meuthia Farida Hatta-Swasono: Women’s Empowerment Minister
Hatta-Swasono is a lecturer in postgraduate studies at the University of Indonesia and the daughter of Indonesia’s first vice president Muhammad Hatta. She is also a member of the nationalist Justice and Unity Party (PKP).

Taufik Effendi: State Apparatus Efficiency Minister
Effendi is deputy chairman of the Democrat Party and a former consulate general in Toronto.

Syaifullah Yusuf: Minister for the Acceleration of Development in Less-Developed Regions
Yusuf is a nephew of Wahid. He was once a member of Megawati’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) but is now secretary general of PKB.

Sri Mulyani Indrawati: National Development Planning Minister
A US-trained economist, she spent a year with the International Monetary Fund, where was in charge of Southeast Asian affairs.

Sugiharto: State Enterprises Minister
Sugiharto is chief financial officer of oil and gas company Medco Energi Internasional. He was born in the North Sumatra capital of Medan on April 20, 1955. He joined Medco Group in 1991. He received his MBA degree from the Indonesian School of Management in Jakarta in 1993 and also studied at the Amsterdam School of Management in the Netherlands in 1997.

Sofyan Djalil: Information and Communication Minister
Djalil served as a deputy minister of state enterprises under Wahid. This year he was a member of Yudhoyono’s campaign team. He presently runs a consulting firm, Sofyan Djalil and Partners, which specializes in corporate governance and communication.

Adhyaksa Dault: Youth Affairs and Sports Minister
Dault is a former chairman of the National Indonesian Youth Committee (KNPI). He is also the former head of a youth group called Garda Muda Merah Putih (Red and White Youth Defenders), which was formed by former military commander Wiranto.

Muhammad Yusuf Ashari: People’s Housing Minister
Ashari is a member of the Islam-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Abdul Rahman Saleh: Attorney General
A Supreme Court judge, Saleh hit the headlines in February 2004 when he was on a panel of five judges that overturned Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tanjung’s corruption conviction. After the ruling, Saleh read out a lengthy dissenting decision, saying Tanjung had engaged in "corrupt practice" and was guilty of "shameful conduct because he failed to show minimal appropriate efforts to protect state money”.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra: State Secretary/Minister
Yusril is chairman of the Islam-based PBB. He served as justice and human rights minister under Megawati and Wahid. He is also a former speechwriter of Suharto. Earlier this year he complained that his official salary is too small. Under his leadership, the Justice Ministry has proposed the criminalization of sorcery, sex outside of marriage, oral sex and anal sex. Yusril was also at the forefront of efforts to make Western tourists to pay for visas to enter Indonesia. His PBB wants Indonesia to adopt Islamic law.

Sudi Silalahi: Cabinet Secretary
Silalahi, a retired three-star lieutenant general and former East Java Military Command chief, previously served as secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs. He played a key role Yudhoyono’s rise to power. Their friendship dates back more than 30 years when they were military cadets.

tata

October 22nd, 2004, 12:07 PM

It's too bad I only hear Indonesians complaining about NGOs.

A friend of mine a doctor in west java worked with an NGO from foreign country for child health. People loves it since they bring tangible values to them.
So, NOT all Indonesians complaining about NGO. Or We dont ONLY complain but also praise the ones who bring real values.

Yamauchi

October 22nd, 2004, 12:36 PM

Yeah, I was just being pessimistic at that time for no real reason.

tata

October 22nd, 2004, 12:47 PM

Yeah, I was just being pessimistic at that time for no real reason.

no problem dude ;)
I share same feeling.

Yamauchi

October 23rd, 2004, 02:45 AM

Indonesia still 'non cooperative' on money laundering

Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

International money-laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided on Friday to retain Indonesia and five other nations on its list of non-cooperative countries and territories in the battle against money laundering.

No immediate details were available on specifically why the Paris-based organization decided to keep Indonesia on its list of uncooperative countries, despite Indonesia's recent amendment to the money laundering law.

Indonesia's Financial Transaction and Report Analysis Center (PPATK) chairman Yunus Husein said on Friday there were three nagging problems that the country had to resolve in order to get off the list.

First, Indonesia's money-laundering law must identify clearly and in greater detail, any transaction that can be categorized as money laundering and must impose harsh sanctions on violators.

Next, the adoption of mutual legal cooperation with other countries regarding money laundering, and thirdly, there must be an operable reporting system on suspicious financial transactions by banks to the central bank, or Bank Indonesia.

Yunus also said that PPATK had sent an invitation to FATF to send its representatives to Indonesia and review the infrastructure, including laws and regulations, as well as the efforts already adopted by the government to stamp out money-laundering practices in the country.

He said FATF had agreed to send their envoys, possibly in January 2005.

"Hopefully, after they come here and have discussions with us, they will remove us from the list in their next meeting in February," Yunus explained.

Besides Indonesia, according to an AFP report, those remaining on the list are the Cook Islands, Myanmar, Nauru, Nigeria and the Philippines.

However, the FATF decided to withdraw counter-measures against Myanmar and Nauru as the two nations "have now introduced new measures to remedy deficiencies", but would keep them on the list until further measures were taken.

FATF president Jean-Louis Fort told a news conference that Myanmar had adopted mutual assistance legislation and that Nauru had taken important steps to stamp out offshore banks.

FATF was set up by developed nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Indonesia has been on the list of non-cooperative countries since June 2001.

Being on the list, Indonesia is considered a high-risk country to make financial transactions in. Consequently, international financial institutions often impose premium charges on transactions involving Indonesian financial institutions.

Also, being on the list often makes it very difficult for Indonesians living overseas to open accounts, especially in branches of multinational financial institutions.

Indonesia has made some attempts to get off the list by adopting a number of measures, but to no avail. They include the drafting of the anti-money laundering law and the establishment of PPATK.

Under the law, PPATK is tasked with collecting, recording and analyzing all suspicious financial transactions provided by banks and non-bank financial institutions in the country.

PPATK has the authority to carry out audits on banks and other financial institutions and freeze assets and/or accounts belonging to suspected money launderers.

It is also authorized to monitor phone calls and e-mail, as well as to secretly record interviews or conversations involving suspected money launderers.

Yunus said he hoped that the new government under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would do something to lift Indonesia off of the list of non-cooperative countries.

"I'm sure Pak Susilo understands the urgency of this issue since he was the leader of the committee when he was still the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs," he said.

Alvin

October 27th, 2004, 11:10 AM

Yudhoyono: Corruption top priority
From CNN Jakarta Bureau Chief Maria Ressa
Wednesday, October 27, 2004 Posted: 0150 GMT (0950 HKT)

Yudhoyono: Indonesia must remain a moderate society.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- Newly elected Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono faces immense challenges -- from fixing the economy to stopping religious and separatist conflicts and dealing with al Qaeda linked militants.

But in a wide-ranging interview with CNN's Jakarta Bureau Chief Maria Ressa, the former army general and cabinet minister said his top priority was fighting corruption.

"It is our biggest weakness. Because of corruption, we are hemorrhaging economically," Yudhoyono said.

"In order to fight injustice, poverty and mismanagement, we need to eradicate corruption. I've asked the police and the attorney general to look into the big corruption cases and the ones that do the most damage to the country.

"These need to be processed and the guilty parties should be brought to justice. I want the whole nation to realize that corruption cannot go any longer like this."

Yudhoyono also pledged to take firm action against terrorists in Indonesia following three deadly attacks in the past two years, but he ruled out banning the al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiya group.

"My government will take firm action against whatever organization or individual who commits acts of terrorism based on the law .... For me personally, what is important is that whoever commits acts of terror will have to be dealt with firmly," Yudhoyono said.

"The Indonesian government can only dismantle or ban an organization that formally exists. For that reason, there is no need for debate whether the organization has to be officially dismantled or banned.

"What is clear, all our efforts by the police, intelligence, legal procedures need to be carried out firmly against those who may be part of the Jemaah Islamiya or other terrorist organizations."

Since the Bali nightclub bombings just over two years ago, which killed more than 200 people, Indonesian security forces have arrested about 150 suspected terrorists, most tied to Jemaah Islamiya.

And radical cleric and alleged spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiya, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, was earlier this month formally charged with instigating last year's bombing of the J.W. Marriott hotel in Jakarta which killed 12 people.

Yudhoyono also said he was committed to a policy of counteracting extremism and radicalism in Indonesia, the world's most-populous Muslin nation.

"We have to make sure Indonesia remains a moderate society. We are facing the problem of rising radicalism and increasing violence in different forms," he said.

"As president I am committed to start a social movement that will help mitigate radicalism and extremism.

"I will engage religious and community leaders so that we can work together in promoting a moderate, tolerant and peaceful Indonesia."

Ara

October 31st, 2004, 09:23 AM

Did you guys know that Megawati is one of the leading candidate to the next UN Secretary General? Story is at

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4&section=0&article=53728&d=31&m=10&y=2004

It is all the way in the bottom of the story. I'm shock that she's even considered. If anybody from Indonesia that should be the next Sec Gen, it should be Ali Alatas.

Alvin

October 31st, 2004, 10:22 AM

wow, putting aside doubts for the moment about Megawati's capability to lead the UN, should she succeed, that would go a long way in promoting Indonesia to the world. :)

Yamauchi

October 31st, 2004, 07:41 PM

That would be awesome.

macgyver

November 1st, 2004, 09:35 AM

wow, putting aside doubts for the moment about Megawati's capability to lead the UN, should she succeed, that would go a long way in promoting Indonesia to the world. :)

I am supporting Ibu Mega ....
Terima Kasih Ibu Mega yg telah meletakkan dasar2 demokrasi ....
menstabilkan makro ekonomi .... dst dst
[kayak iklan di TV ] :)

Ara

November 2nd, 2004, 12:33 AM

Ali Alatas should be Indonesia's candidate for the UN Sec Gen. He is a widely respected diplomat with a very good record behind him. I do think his age might go against him though.

Alvin

November 4th, 2004, 02:52 PM

interesting article about US-Indonesia relations post-US election

A win for Indonesia's military
By Gary LaMoshi

DENPASAR, Bali - Indonesia's military scored a major victory this week without firing a shot. The re-election of US President George W Bush ensures restoration of full military ties between the US and Indonesia, including millions of dollars in aid, and also ensures that US demands for military reform will remain muted. That's bad news for democracy in Indonesia and the United States' standing in Indonesia in the long run.

In addition to its symbolic value as the world's largest predominantly Muslim country, Indonesia also lies along the strategically vital Strait of Malacca shipping lanes. But the Bush administration has seen Indonesia largely through the prism of its "war on terror", and despite a brief presidential fly-in last year, the administration's policy has mainly been one of neglect (see Bush in Bali: Hello, you must be going, October 29, 2003).

The administration of president Bill Clinton cut off aid to the Indonesian military, known by its Indonesian abbreviation TNI (Tentara Nasional Indonesia), in 1999 after TNI-backed militias, if not army units, killed hundreds in East Timor. However, as part of its declared "war on terrorism", the Bush administration wants to get back into bed with TNI.

Indonesia's then-president Megawati Sukarnoputri's lucky star made her the first foreign leader to visit the White House after September 11, 2001. She secured a promise of increased aid, including funding for the police force that, until 1999, was part of the military. After the Bali bombings of October 2002, the US, its ally Australia, and other countries have stepped up cooperation with the police.

Help, police
While the police gained stature for cracking the Bali case (see Police earn 'A', Megawati gets 'F', November 29, 2002), the increased engagement with the West hasn't encouraged deep reform. Endemic corruption has not eased; a police job in Bali requires a gratuity of Rp20 million (US$2,200) despite a salary of Rp500,000 per month. Last month, police stood by as Muslim vigilantes sacked a bar in Jakarta for serving alcohol during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. While the attackers wore the robes of Islam, these attacks are often associated with payoffs or failure to make them.

In his valedictory address at the end of his tenure in Jakarta, US ambassador to Indonesia Ralph Boyce called the failure to reinstitute full military ties as his biggest disappointment. Boyce laid the blame on TNI for failing to reform. The carrot of restored US aid hasn't encouraged TNI to change meaningfully.

It's been a very good four years for the Indonesian military during Bush's watch. TNI remains dominated by henchmen of deposed president Suharto and his autocratic regime. No military officers have been convicted for the atrocities in East Timor, or the murder of Theys Eluay, leader of a peaceful separatist movement in Papua. The war against separatists in resource-rich Aceh in the far western corner of the archipelago grinds on with widespread reports of abuses against civilians, lucrative shakedown opportunities, and no prospect of a political settlement.

Despite giving up its appointed seats in parliament, TNI remains deeply enmeshed in politics. TNI has not scrapped its regional command system of troops posed in the provinces, a remnant of its "dwi fungsi " (dual function) doctrine that put it in charge of internal security. Suharto's last chief of staff, Wiranto, under United Nations indictment for his role in the East Timor killings, won the former ruling party's nomination for the presidency and nearly made it to a runoff against another former general, newly elected President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who appointed Wiranto's successor, retired admiral Widodo A S, as his top minister for political, security and legal affairs.

Play ball
Rather than push for reform, the Bush administration has shown it's willing to play ball with the brass in the name of fighting terrorism. Ironically, TNI bears a great deal of the responsibility for unleashing the forces of radical Islam behind Indonesia's most recent terror attacks. The military's support of jihad against Christians in Ambon and central Sulawesi gave Muslim militants legitimacy and a fertile breeding ground. That was part of generals' campaign to destabilize the regime of then-president Abdurrahman Wahid, who threatened real military reform, a campaign that included the 1999 bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange Building (see Terrorism links in Indonesia point to military, October 8).

None of that seems to matter to the Bush administration. The US Justice Department has endorsed the indictment of a petty crook for the attack on a convoy of Americans and Indonesians working at the Freeport MacMoRan mine in Papua in 2001, when all signs point to military involvement. (see Terrorism key in US support for Indonesian army, September 23). That incident has been the latest roadblock to resumed military aid. Expect the second Bush administration to fight to sweep this attack under the rug and sweep aside congressional opposition.

Embracing TNI distances the US from the forces of reform and democracy in Indonesia, and carries a double or triple whammy for long-term US interests. The most successful reform party in Indonesia's new parliament is the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and former president Wahid, a Muslim cleric, remains the leading figure of reform and moderate Islam. Despite its use of Muslim militants to do its dirty work as far back as the mass killing after the 1965 coup that deposed founding president Sukarno in favor of Suharto, TNI is seen as an enemy of Islam in Indonesia.

Low ratings
Under Bush, specifically since the invasion of Iraq, favorable impressions of the United States plummeted from 61% to 15%. Even though it has been a victim of Muslim terrorists, Indonesians largely see the "war on terror" as a war on Islam, and the Bush administration's policies in the Middle East, featuring unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and opposition to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, as well as the occupation of Iraq, are red meat for radical Islam and push Muslim reformers toward anti-Americanism.

Despite Indonesia's strategic and symbolic importance, the Bush administration hasn't made Indonesia a priority. The country's 220 million people in need of economic and political help are likely to continue to take a back seat to Thailand and its Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, with his free-market rhetoric and authoritarian streak, as well as Singapore and even Malaysia, among US favorites in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations group.

The second Bush term may feature a larger role for Paul Wolfowitz, the current deputy secretary of defense. Wolfowitz was a respected ambassador to Indonesia in the 1980s, though that may have had to do with his then-wife, a student of Javanese culture. Despite its lip service to building bridges to the Islamic world and the vital plank Indonesia could play in it, Wolfowitz has never traveled to Indonesia as an emissary of goodwill. In fact, he's one of the architects of the Iraq invasion that has destroyed US standing in Indonesia. The Bush administration's neglect of the past four years could wind up looking good compared with the four years ahead.

Gary LaMoshi, a longtime editor of investor rights advocate eRaider.com, has also contributed to Slate and Salon.com. He has worked as a broadcast producer and as a print writer and editor in the United States and Asia. He moved to Hong Kong in 1995 and now splits his time between there and Indonesia.

(Copyright 2004 Asia Times Online Ltd. All rights reserved. Please contact content@atimes.com for information on our sales and syndication policies.)

David-80

November 4th, 2004, 03:25 PM

Commenting on Megawati appointment as UN general, Its all just rumours which is not true, ASEAN is represented by the Thai foreign minister, anyone in ASEAN has been agree with the decision.

I myself doesnt want to see Megawati there, Ali alatas is great choice.

Now for that article above, I told ya that Bush win is good for Indonesia, because:

1. US dollars will keep weakening, good for Rupiah as the US trade and Budget deficit will increase.

2. Indonesia wont losing any of the conflict area, as unstable Indonesia will mean Bad for the region.

cheers

Yamauchi

November 5th, 2004, 06:07 AM

http://au.news.yahoo.com/041105/2/rlfa.html

East Timor's Ex-Governor Walks Free

---

Guys, I'm not too learned on the subject, but why has no one been punished for the carnage?

This quote caught my attention:

"Twelve Indonesian military and police officers were acquitted. Three others have had their sentences overturned on appeal. Appeals in the cases of two remaining defendants are expected soon."

Is there a reason for it? Not trying to start any debate, just looking for an answer.

Alvin

November 5th, 2004, 07:58 AM

John Howard - Indonesia's next US lobbyist???

Republican's re-election a victory for the anti-terrorism cause - Howard
By Tom Allard, Foreign Affairs Reporter
November 5, 2004

The Prime Minister will urge the US to step up the fight against terrorism in South-East Asia when he meets President George Bush later this month.

In the wake of Mr Bush's decisive victory in Tuesday's poll, John Howard yesterday expressed delight at his close friend's re-election. The two men spoke for about 10 minutes.

"This was a strong affirmation for his leadership of the United States in its fight against world terrorism," Mr Howard said. "It's a victory for the anti-terrorism cause. It's a signal to the rest of the world."

It was also a vindication for those who pledged to stay the course in Iraq, he said.

Mr Howard will meet Mr Bush in two weeks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum (APEC) annual summit in Santiago, Chile, when the fight against terrorism in South-East Asia will be top of his agenda.

Mr Howard and Mr Bush spoke yesterday about Indonesia, the challenge of terrorism in the archipelago and its new President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Australia wants the US to give Dr Yudhoyono as much assistance as possible.

Indonesia - the world's largest Muslim country - is considered a successful and moderate democracy, and Mr Howard sees it as the model for a Western-friendly government in the Islamic world.

He believes its economic success and social stability has never been of more strategic interest to the US.

The free trade agreement between Australia and the US - stalled over the handling of generic drugs and local media content - is also expected to discussed in Santiago.

The US ambassador to Australia, Tom Schieffer left for Washington last night in a bid to break the impasse.

But both countries believe the deal will pass the final hurdle in time for it to be ratified in the new year.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader reflected on the victory of the man he once described as the most dangerous and incompetent US leader in living memory. Saying he could work with Mr Bush, Mark Latham identified the war on terrorism and America's massive budget and trade deficits as priorities for the new Administration.

Mr Schieffer, who ends his term in Australia early next year, urged Mr Latham to go to Washington because "we need to get to know each other better".

David-80

November 5th, 2004, 03:29 PM

Yamauchi I tried to answer based on my knowledge in the cases,

Most of the soldiers or ex general on trial are mostly only following orders from the top class general, So the supreme court overturned their conviction with that reason.

Now, where are the top class generals and their counterparts? and why dont they get arrested? I think anyone here knows why :)

cheers

Yamauchi

November 5th, 2004, 06:02 PM

Australia and the USA are getting ever closer as allies, and are probably each other's closest friend at this point in time. Australia is investing and acquiring extensively in American equipment such as Aegis warfare ships, aircraft, etc.

Howard is looking to restart cooperation with Kopassus, and if he wants America to help Indonesia it will probably get done.

Alvin

November 7th, 2004, 03:24 AM

Indonesia's Papua a time bomb
November 7, 2004 - 11:49AM

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The restive Indonesian province of Papua was a ticking time bomb that could drag Australia into its wreckage, a prominent Papuan human rights campaigner has warned.

John Rumbiak, international advocacy coordinator for the human rights group Elsham, said increasing militarisation, coupled with human rights abuses and unmet demands for independence had turned Indonesia's easternmost province into a "time bomb waiting to go off".

"There's a whole series of triggers that you can pull and it's going to go off," he told AAP in Melbourne.

"The tensions are already there."

As evidence of a worsening human rights situation, Mr Rumbiak cited a recent military operation in the central highlands region that had left six people dead, including a popular pastor, and forced 5,000 villagers to flee their homes.

Locals were losing patience with Jakarta after moderate independence leader Theys Eluay was assassinated in November 2001 and efforts to establish a "zone of peace" throughout the province by humans rights workers had failed.

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AdvertisementAn extra 25,000 troops had poured into the mineral and timber-rich province since 2000.

And more than a million migrants have moved into the province from elsewhere in Indonesia, rapidly closing the gap on the 1.5 million native Papuans.

"People are frustrated, they could just pull the trigger and that's it," Mr Rumbiak said.

"If they can't fight against the military, they will turn their anger on the migrants."

Militia groups added to the explosive mix and they had experienced a recruitment surge last December during a visit by Eurico Guterres, the notorious leader whose own militia wreaked havoc in East Timor.

Mr Rumbiak warned Australia and neighbouring countries would be affected if widescale violence broke out and refugees began fleeing over the border to Papua New Guinea.

More than 12,000 refugees have crossed the border since 1984 and more recently guns and drugs are also being ferried into PNG.

A "failed state" crisis in Papua could also threaten security in the wider Pacific region, he said.

Mr Rumbiak said Indonesia's new President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had expressed a willingness to resolve the conflict in Papua.

He called on the Australian government to "support and encourage" Mr Yudhoyono to establish the "necessary pre-conditions" for peaceful dialogue.

They included a withdrawal of the massive troop presence in Papua, dismantling the militias and dropping a decree that had redivided the province into three new provinces.

Papua is home to the world's largest gold and copper mine at Freeport, while British energy giant BP plans to start the construction of the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) next year, and BHP Billiton is hoping to go ahead with an open cut nickel mine.

But the province has also been wracked by sporadic clashes between the military and the independence fighters since Indonesia assumed control from the Dutch in the early 1960s.

Mr Rumbiak said human rights workers had estimated 100,000 Papuans had died at the hands of the military.

The activist himself fled his homeland two years ago after a series of death threats and has since lived out of a suitcase in the United States, Europe and Australia.

Alvin

November 7th, 2004, 03:33 AM

Downer wants US and Indonesia closer
November 7, 2004 - 10:02AM

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Australia would like the United States to build up its relationship with a more democratic Indonesia, Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said.

Mr Downer said the US already played a major role in counter-terrorism across South-East Asia.

But in terms of Indonesia, with the direct election of new President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, there was a greater role for the US to play.

"We would like them to gradually and progressively and in a sensitive way build up their cooperation and engagement with Indonesia, and obviously that extends beyond just counter-terrorism activities but it includes counter-terrorism activities," he told the Seven Network.

"We now have a completely new Indonesia, in the sense it is a country with a directly-elected president for the first time, a country with very genuine democratic legitimacy and America will now be able to engage more successfully with Indonesia and the prime minister's made that point to President Bush."

Mr Downer said no one should underestimate the importance of the US contribution to fighting terror in South-East Asia.

"I'd like the Americans to continue very substantially to make a contribution to the fight against terrorism in South-East Asia," he said.

"I don't know if it gets much publicity but the Americans, not just us, have been making a very strong contribution clearly in the Philippines ... but also in Indonesia, they've been providing assistance to the Malaysians, to the Thais and Singapore.

"You wouldn't want for one minute to underestimate the enormous role the Americans play in South-East Asia in counter-terrorism."

Yamauchi

November 7th, 2004, 08:42 PM

Indonesia's Papua a time bomb

The restive Indonesian province of Papua was a ticking time bomb that could drag Australia into its wreckage, a prominent Papuan human rights campaigner has warned.

John Rumbiak, international advocacy coordinator for the human rights group Elsham, said increasing militarisation, coupled with human rights abuses and unmet demands for independence had turned Indonesia's easternmost province into a "time bomb waiting to go off".

"There's a whole series of triggers that you can pull and it's going to go off," he told AAP in Melbourne.

"The tensions are already there."

As evidence of a worsening human rights situation, Mr Rumbiak cited a recent military operation in the central highlands region that had left six people dead, including a popular pastor, and forced 5,000 villagers to flee their homes.

Locals were losing patience with Jakarta after moderate independence leader Theys Eluay was assassinated in November 2001 and efforts to establish a "zone of peace" throughout the province by humans rights workers had failed.

An extra 25,000 troops had poured into the mineral and timber-rich province since 2000.

And more than a million migrants have moved into the province from elsewhere in Indonesia, rapidly closing the gap on the 1.5 million native Papuans.

"People are frustrated, they could just pull the trigger and that's it," Mr Rumbiak said.

"If they can't fight against the military, they will turn their anger on the migrants."

Militia groups added to the explosive mix and they had experienced a recruitment surge last December during a visit by Eurico Guterres, the notorious leader whose own militia wreaked havoc in East Timor.

Mr Rumbiak warned Australia and neighbouring countries would be affected if widescale violence broke out and refugees began fleeing over the border to Papua New Guinea.

More than 12,000 refugees have crossed the border since 1984 and more recently guns and drugs are also being ferried into PNG.

A "failed state" crisis in Papua could also threaten security in the wider Pacific region, he said.

Mr Rumbiak said Indonesia's new President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had expressed a willingness to resolve the conflict in Papua.

He called on the Australian government to "support and encourage" Mr Yudhoyono to establish the "necessary pre-conditions" for peaceful dialogue.

They included a withdrawal of the massive troop presence in Papua, dismantling the militias and dropping a decree that had redivided the province into three new provinces.

Papua is home to the world's largest gold and copper mine at Freeport, while British energy giant BP plans to start the construction of the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) next year, and BHP Billiton is hoping to go ahead with an open cut nickel mine.

But the province has also been wracked by sporadic clashes between the military and the independence fighters since Indonesia assumed control from the Dutch in the early 1960s.

Mr Rumbiak said human rights workers had estimated 100,000 Papuans had died at the hands of the military.

The activist himself fled his homeland two years ago after a series of death threats and has since lived out of a suitcase in the United States, Europe and Australia.

macgyver

November 8th, 2004, 04:18 AM

Alvin

November 8th, 2004, 11:14 AM

Australian dream of ASEAN place unlikely
November 8, 2004 - 6:04PM

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Australia's chances of securing a permanent seat at South-East Asia's annual summits are "unattainable" and Canberra will not win Jakarta's agreement for a new security pact anytime soon, a top Indonesian official said.

Prime Minister John Howard travels to the Laotian capital, Vientiane, later this month for a meeting with the leaders of the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The invitation is the first for Australia in almost three decades of ASEAN gatherings.

But Indonesia's director-general of ASEAN affairs, Marty Natalegawa, was circumspect about its long-term significance.

"We certainly see this as being a one-off," he told AAP.

"Do we ever imagine an ASEAN which includes Australia and New Zealand? No."

Dr Natalegawa said Australia should not "set itself for disappointment", as ASEAN membership would always be limited to the geographic region.

"We should not dream of the unattainable," he said.

"We would rather have Australia, as now on the eve of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand summit, to work within what is possible."

Even so, the November 29 meeting will pave the way for talks on a free trade pact with the region, including New Zealand.

That in turn could open the door to an eventual emerging European Union-style trade zone with a 500 million-plus population.

Mr Howard will also meet with new Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the summit sidelines to push for a new security treaty between Australia and its giant neighbour, replacing one abandoned during the 1999 East Timor carnage.

Australian officials had hoped the invitation could lead to a permanent seat for Australia's prime minister at the yearly ASEAN meeting.

"We'll see what happens next year and take it a year at a time," one official said.

While Dr Natalegawa doesn't have the same hopes, he denied Australia was being singled out following Mr Howard's threats to carry out pre-emptive strikes on regional terrorism bases - threats which enraged some in several ASEAN nations, including Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Dr Natalegawa said other important ASEAN partner nations including China, Japan and India were also locked out of membership of the bloc.

He said Australia should work harder to improve its image within South-East Asia, which has been affected by the row over pre-emptive strike threats and portrayals of Australia as a deputy sheriff in the region for the US.

"I don't think there is a negative view about Australia," Dr Natalegawa said.

"But I think there is a view still that we want to believe that Australia is serious, wants to engage, wants to work together with ASEAN.

"Give us reasons to believe."

He said while Canberra's relations with individual countries like Singapore and Thailand were close, relations with ASEAN as a bloc tended to be "less than the sum of its parts".

Dr Natalegawa said the Vientiane summit would not lead to a new security pack between Australia and Indonesia, as Jakarta would prefer Canberra reverse its opposition to signing on to ASEAN's linchpin Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).

The treaty, signed at the first ASEAN summit in 1976, calls for signatories to respect the independence, sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of all members.

"If there is one most efficient and effective way to dispel any misperception about Australia's intentions in Asia associated with these ideas about pre-emptive strikes, about missiles and about this (missile) defence shield ... simply come on board the TAC," he said.

Korea and Japan had reversed their opposition to signing the treaty along with China, India and Russia, he said.

"It simply highlights this absence of a positive view on the part of Australia," Dr Natalegawa said.

Alvin

November 9th, 2004, 07:50 AM

@David80: Could you change this thread's name to 'Politics and International Relations' rather than just Politics? Cheers :)

Nov 9, 2004
Economic ties to bind Singapore and Jakarta

PM and Yudhoyono see bilateral relations flowering on improved trade and investment
By Paul Jacob
Deputy Political Editor
In Jakarta

VISITING Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono agreed to move forward bilateral relations with trade, investment and other economic issues set to be the glue that cements ties further.

NO 'MEGAPHONE DIPLOMACY': Discussions will be held out of the public eye, say PM Lee and President Yudhoyono, seen here in the grounds of Istana Merdeka. -- PHOTO: ONG CHIN KAI

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In the months ahead, economic ministers from both sides will be looking at issues such as having an investment guarantee agreement, cooperation in tourism, getting the stock exchanges to work together and enhancing civil aviation links.

Dr Yudhoyono, who welcomed Mr Lee and his delegation at the Istana Merdeka yesterday, shortly before they settled down to nearly two hours of talks, also flagged several areas of interest to Indonesia where there was 'scope for complementarity'.

These include cooperation between small and medium enterprises and the use of Singapore's status as a financial hub for 'foreign investment and capital mobilisation, which is part of my government's immediate priorities'.

Both leaders agreed that their economic ministers report back in three months on worthwhile priority projects to pursue.

They also agreed that on outstanding bilateral issues - identified by Indonesia as territorial sea delineation, an extradition treaty, and sand mining and its export - both sides would address them in a rational and constructive manner.

They would not engage in megaphone diplomacy, meaning through public statements and the media.

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Click here to view Channel i news clip
Speaking to reporters after the talks, Dr Yudhoyono noted that Mr Lee had attended his inauguration on Oct 20 and was now the first head of Government to make a working visit here since then.

'All this demonstrates the strong commitment of Prime Minister Lee and I to work together to strengthen bilateral relations between the two close neighbours,' he said.

Mr Lee, whose trip here follows introductory visits he made last month to Brunei and Malaysia, told reporters it was in Singapore's 'fundamental interest that our relations with Indonesia are good and that Indonesia is stable and prosperous and thriving and at peace with the region.'

'My meetings today with the President gave me comfort that Indonesia is moving in this direction and that between Singapore and Indonesia, there are many areas where we can work together to cooperate for mutual benefit,' he said.

Mr Lee cited two in particular: tourism and the investment guarantee agreement, which he said would provide a framework and a reassurance to investors.

He also acknowledged that between close neighbours, there were bound to be issues and said the way to handle them was in a manner that did not further complicate them.

He noted that both sides agreed this should be done rationally and out of the public eye.

Doing so through 'megaphone diplomacy' would not only complicate matters, but could also put off investors, who would be watching carefully the atmospherics between the two countries to decide whether this was a favourable investment environment.

'We want to make sure that everybody understands that the overall tone of the relationship is a positive one. There are issues... but the issues do not define the relationship,' he said.

'So on that basis, I think there is a good, sound common understanding for Indonesia and Singapore to work together to grow our cooperation beyond what we have established and to set our relations on a constructive course for another five to 10 years to come.'

At the joint press conference, Dr Yudhoyono, who described ties as sound and stable, also told Mr Lee: 'I have found you are as bright and vibrant as the city state you lead. This is a very good start as we both embark on nurturing a relationship that is so important to our countries.'

Mr Lee meets Vice-President Jusuf Kalla and key legislative leaders today.

Alvin

November 10th, 2004, 04:15 AM

Singapore PM Calls for Closer Cooperation
November 10, 2004 03:57 AM,

Laksamana.Net - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has concluded a two-day visit to Jakarta by calling for more constructive bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries to boost investment, combat poverty and fight terrorism.

Lee on Tuesday (9/11/04) held talks with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, House of Representatives speaker Agung Laksono, People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid, Regional Representatives Council chairman Ginandjar Kartasasmita and news editors.

On Monday he met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Lee said they agreed the two nations should address matters such as a possible bilateral agreement on criminal extradition, the demarcation of maritime boundaries, and how to increase economic and tourism cooperation.

Yudhoyono expressed hope that a “Joint Cooperation Council” could be established to address such matters of mutual concern in a rational and neighborly manner.

Singapore has long been regarded as a safe haven for corrupt Indonesian tycoons due to its unwillingness to sign an extradition agreement with Jakarta.

Lee said the two countries agreed to quietly resolve bilateral concerns “out of the public eye” and avoid “megaphone diplomacy” because such a confrontational approach would only deter investors.

It was Lee’s second visit to Indonesia in less than a month, after he attended Yudhoyono’s inauguration on October 20.

"I think the mood is right for us to work towards cooperation between the two countries, improving it and taking it another step forward. Interests are parallel; perspectives may differ but interests are parallel," he was quoted as saying Tuesday by Channel NewsAsia.

He said business potential in Indonesia is great, adding that Singapore was Indonesia's top investor in 2002.

Lee also said the new Indonesian government is addressing business concerns, but said there is room to further improve economic ties. "If we can open up and have more links between Singapore and Indonesia - have flights 49 cents to Phuket and have 49 cents to Jakarta, same distance - then volumes will grow... Right now it's Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, why not Indonesia?"

MPR speaker Hidayat said Lee discussed ways of combating terrorism in Southeast Asia. "With less poverty and more welfare, we can cultivate good democracy, and in a good democracy terrorism can be erased," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

He also said Singapore could help Indonesia to eradicate corruption by signing an extradition agreement.

Laksono said Lee congratulated Indonesia on its successful elections this year and expressed interest in learning about the country’s political system. Despite the successful democratic elections, widening feuds in the new parliament and spats between hostile legislators and the president are unlikely to have investors queuing up at Indonesia’s door.

Ginandjar meanwhile said Lee’s visit was very significant and the two nations had already achieved much in economic relations.

Kalla said Lee discussed ways to increase investment by Singapore and how to encourage other countries to invest in Indonesia. "Legal and political problems in this country could be improved, but better infrastructure will also make this more easy," he was quoted as saying by the Kompas daily’s online edition.

He said Lee understood the government’s efforts to facilitate investment by improving infrastructure and governance in the framework of regional autonomy.

Asked how much Indonesia could expect in future investment from Singapore, Kalla said the meeting only touched on general problems of investment. “Certainly there will be more details later,” he said.

Lee on Tuesday afternoon departed Indonesia for Thailand, where he will meet with
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and sign a defense cooperation agreement.

Lee became prime minister in August 2004, replacing Goh Chok Tong. His pragmatic approach, willingness to explore new ideas and cast aside historical baggage bodes well for improved ties between Singapore and Indonesia.

Relations between Singapore and Indonesia soured in February 1998, when Lee’s father, then-senior minister Lee Kuan Yew, said financial markets were “disturbed” by B.J. Habibie's appointment to the vice presidency by then-president Suharto. After assuming the presidency a few months later, Habibie responded by referring to Singapore as “a red dot on the map”.

“Look at that map. All the green is Indonesia. And that red dot is Singapore,” said Habibie, who lasted only 19 months in office.

Several anti-Singapore rallies were staged in Indonesia in early 2002, after Lee senior said Singapore was at risk of possible attacks because masterminds of a regional terrorist group were still at large in Indonesia.

Yamauchi

November 10th, 2004, 04:54 AM

Anti-Singapore protest?

huaiwei

November 10th, 2004, 06:16 AM

Well..the term little red dot continues to be in fashion here (although pisai and lampa are increaingly becoming fashionable)...goes to show how influencial the 18-month president was and still is! :D

David-80

November 11th, 2004, 04:12 PM

Finally SBY administration is listening, unlike Megawati. But I dont know if this good or bad for the papua province, your thoughts?

Indonesia overturns law carving Papua into three provinces

JAKARTA (AP): Indonesia's Constitutional Court struck down a law on Thursday that would have carved three new provinces out of resource-rich Papua, where separatists have long fought a low-level insurgency.

The province in Indonesia's far east, however, will still be split in two, the court's chief said.

Three people have been killed and dozens injured in the past year in clashes over a government plan to divide the region on the western half of New Guinea Island into three provinces - West Papua, Papua and Central Papua.

Constitutional Court Head Jimly Asshidiqie said the 1999 law paving the way for the split contradicted later amendments to the constitution, which gave locals with "traditional rights to special regions" greater say in running Papua.

"The team of judges declare that the 1999 law is against the constitution," said Asshidiqie, reading out the ruling as opponents of the law cheered outside the building. "We declare that it is no longer legally binding."

However, Asshidiqie said the process of creating one of the proposed new provinces - West Papua - had fulfilled constitutional requirements, including the election of local representatives. As a result, Papua will now be split into two provinces. (**)

Ara

November 12th, 2004, 10:03 AM

I am very worried about this. We need to be proactive to counter this problem before it gets carried away. More educations are needed, which means more funding for education.
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Survey shows significant support for radical Islam in Indonesia

JAKARTA (AP): A survey showed on Friday that many Indonesians support the implementation of strict Islamic law, with nearly 60 percent saying they want adulterers to be whipped and 40 percent backing cutting off a thief's hand.

The survey, conducted by the U.S.-funded Freedom Institute, also found 16 percent of people polled refused to condemn terror attacks by the al-Qaeda linked regional terror group Jamaah Islamiyah if they were committed to fight Muslim oppression.Still, 59 percent condemned the attacks, while 25 percent said they had no opinion.

The findings will likely rekindle concerns that radical Islam is gaining a foothold in the world's most populous Muslim nation, which has long embraced a moderate form of the religion.

"It is a worrying phenomenon," said Ulil Abdala, theinstitute's head. "There is a strong indication that radical Islam is gaining ground. It's definitely something that moderate Indonesian Muslims must take note."

He added many uneducated Indonesians may not have access to information about the terror attacks that have hit the country in recent years or their only sources of information are militant Islamic groups.

Since 2002, Indonesia has suffered three major bombings blamed on Jamaah Islamiyah that have killed 224 people.

The survey, which was carried out for the first time earlier this month, showed many Indonesians support the establishment of laws based on the Muslim holy book Koran.

Fifty-nine percent of people polled backed whipping adulterers and 40 percent said thieves should have their hands hacked off.

Meanwhile, 39 percent said they support polygamy for men and 40 percent oppose a women becoming president. (**)

Alvin

November 12th, 2004, 10:13 AM

a worrying trend...

David-80

November 12th, 2004, 02:09 PM

Sadly, the survey isnt detail enough, where the survey is located in Indonesia?, whom they ask the questions? How many people they asked?

I stand that radical muslims wont get a place in Indonesia society, looking on how many votes they got in the last election......(less than 1%).

Funny, when Hizbut tahir were doing demonstration in Surabaya, they asked people to sign a petition of agreement to implement islamic law, only less than 2,000 people signed but they told the media if most Surabaya residents wanted the law to be exists.

Cheers

Alvin

November 12th, 2004, 06:38 PM

Singapore, Indonesia meet, greet and run

By Bill Guerin

JAKARTA - Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the son of the tiny republic's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, held a one-on-one meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during a two-day visit to Jakarta this week.

Loong, 52, the third prime minister of Southeast Asia's most technologically and economically developed country, met with Yudhoyono, the sixth president of the region's largest economy, for only 25 minutes. During the short meeting, the two leaders agreed to resolve bilateral issues rationally and avoid the "megaphone" diplomacy of the media.

Despite having fought over the formation of Malaysia in 1965, Singapore's relationship with Indonesia during the New Order regime was exceptionally good, largely due to Lee Kuan Yew's close personal relationship with strongman president Suharto.

After Suharto's downfall in 1998, however, Lee Kuan Yew upset the apple cart with a series of critical statements about Indonesia. He expressed shock that Indonesia was trying to take Suharto to court, criticized security conditions as hampering foreign investment, and claimed that Malays, including Indonesians, did not have a strong work ethic.

Bilateral relations under Goh Chok Tong, who led Singapore for 14 years before Loong took the reigns in August, were then subject to severe strains during the brief Indonesian presidencies of B J Habibie and Abdurrahman Wahid. Singapore earned the derision of Habibie, who said the island republic was just a "tiny red dot on the map". It didn't stop there.

Habibie later lashed out with a racist card, saying, "In Singapore, if you are Malay, you can never become a military officer. They are the real racists, not here. You can go and check it out."

Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur in Indonesia, when winding down after an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) informal summit in what he thought was a closed-door session with Indonesian community members in Singapore, slammed Singaporeans - the majority of them ethnic Chinese - for looking down on ethnic Malays and thinking only of how they could profit from their poorer neighbors. The story leaked and Singapore's government-controlled media had a field day.

When addressing reporters after meeting Yudhoyono on Monday, Loong said negotiations between the countries should be rational and constructive so the result is a "win-win" outcome. Several thorny issues remain to be resolved, such as extradition, trade transparency, smuggling and, last but hardly least, the approach to terror and security in the region.

Singapore was Indonesia's fifth-largest investor last year, buying up chunks of assets of former conglomerates and state enterprises, such as banks and telecommunications, but so far there has been little else of the "winning" bit for Indonesia.

Major investments
The investment drive started much earlier, in 2001, when Singapore's Cycle & Carriage group bought 35% of Indonesia's car giant, Astra International.

Bank Danamon, Indonesia's fifth-largest lender, is now 62% controlled by Temasek Holdings - the Singapore government's investment company - and Deutsche Bank AG. Temasek is a wholly owned arm of Singapore's Finance Ministry, which was headed by Loong when he was deputy prime minister. The executive director, Ho Ching, is Loong's wife. She controls more than S$70 billion (US$42.3 billion) of government investments, including 67% of Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) and 100% of Singapore Technologies, which Ho used to run.

SingTel, whose chief executive Lee Hsien Yang is Loong's brother, has been the biggest player. It paid more than US$1 billion for a 35% stake in Indonesia's leading mobile-phone operator, Telkomsel. SingTel also has a 40% interest in Bukaka SingTel International, which has a fixed-line monopoly in less populated eastern Indonesia.

ST Telemedia, an offshoot of government-owned Singapore Technologies, has also grabbed a slice of the action in Indonesia's most promising sector. It bought 41.94% of the country's giant satellite telecommunications company, publicly listed Indosat, for US$650 million.

Indonesia's natural gas fires Singapore's power stations, generating valuable foreign exchange revenue for Indonesia. Singapore's high-technology products made on Indonesian territory on Bintan and Batam islands are included in its free-trade pact with the United States. Under the deal, Singapore is allowed to export high-technology products assembled on the islands to the US duty-free.

Bilateral trade
Trade figures released publicly for the first time this year showed that Indonesia is Singapore's seventh-largest trading partner. Official figures from International Enterprise Singapore, the government's trade body, show trade with Indonesia reached US$15.41 billion in 2003. Major imports from Indonesia were parts of office and data processing machines, telecommunication equipment and petroleum products. The main exports to Indonesia were electric machinery, petroleum products and telecommunication equipment.

For 30 years trade figures had been kept secret, reportedly after a request by Suharto, so that discrepancies arising from rampant smuggling could be concealed. It was claimed that the "secret" trade between the two countries was never revealed because it was in Singapore's interests to collude with the Indonesian leader's desire to keep the scale of the illicit trade quiet, given that they were in on the take from billions of dollars in smuggled goods that passed through Singapore.

Former president Megawati Sukarnoputri's Minister for Industry and Trade Rini M S Soewandi, irked that, despite Indonesia being Singapore's fifth-largest export market, it was not included on Singapore's list of 150 trading partners, pressed the city-state to acknowledge the need for clarity in trade statistics to help curb smuggling.

Trade data for 2002 compiled by Singapore had put non-oil exports to Indonesia at US$5.25 billion, compared with the $2.44 billion reported by Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Import statistics showed similar levels of discrepancies, with Singapore saying non-oil imports from Indonesia were $7.41 billion last year, and BPS saying they stood at only $4.6 billion. The implication was that the discrepancy represented the amount of smuggled goods that pass through Singapore. Exposing the barons behind the smuggling clearly carries a high degree of risk to the bilateral relationship.

Territory
Crowded Singapore has been reclaiming land from the sea to provide more room for its more than 4 million residents. Sand-mining exports from the Riau Islands to Singapore first began in 1976, following a plan by the islands' government to start land-reclamation projects to expand on its total area of only 647.5 square kilometers. Indonesia has accused the city-state of buying sand illegally mined and exported by Indonesian businessmen for the projects, which affects the demarcation of the seas between the two countries.

Sand smuggling, mostly by Singaporean-owned ships, became worse after Suharto stepped down. The ships, decked out with advanced technology-dredging equipment, sucked up the sand from these coastal areas at night, up to 10,000 cubic meters of sand an hour, and brought it back to Singapore for construction and reclamation projects. Jakarta banned all sand exports from Indonesia to Singapore in February last year.

Singapore maintains all reclamation is within its territorial waters, but Indonesia fears it could lose out if the city-state were to redraw its borders after the reclamation. In February, former president Megawati sailed on a warship to the small island of Nipah on the maritime border with Singapore to reinforce Indonesia's claim to the island.

Illegal timber
Singapore has been less than helpful on another major economic issue dogging Indonesia: trade in illegal timber. Only days before Loong's visit, Yudhoyono pledged that his government would take "tough action" against illegal loggers. He described widespread deforestation - much of it done with the complicity of corrupt government officials - the hunting of protected wildlife and maritime pollution as "serious" problems. Yet, like Malaysia, Singapore has ignored all Indonesian requests to help stop the traffic in illegal timber.

Safe haven
Though several Indonesians living in Singapore are wanted in Indonesia on corruption charges, Singapore has refused to include economic crimes in the draft of an extradition treaty between the two countries, citing vast differences in the two legal systems. Former justice and human rights minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, described this "excuse" as laughable. "We already have extradition agreements with Australia, Malaysia and Hong Kong, and they all adhere to a similar system as Singapore - that is British common law," said Mahendra, who now heads the very powerful State Secretariat.

Adrian Waworuntu, a key suspect in the Rp1.7 trillion (US$190 million) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scandal, fled to Singapore. Another suspect, Maria Pauline Lumowa, a Dutch citizen, but Indonesian by birth, is reportedly living in Singapore. The absence of an extradition treaty with Singapore has made it difficult for the Indonesian authorities to prosecute her in Jakarta, National Police chief General Da'i Bachtiar said last week. Several suspects in the misuse of Bank Indonesia liquidity support funds, including David Nusa Wijaya, have also been able to avoid justice by fleeing to Singapore.

Indonesian officials have complained that Singapore is dragging its heels in signing an extradition deal because it does not want to lose billions of dollars allegedly deposited there by corrupt Indonesian businessmen. Many Indonesian businessmen fled to Singapore following the 1997 regional economic crisis, leaving huge debts to the government.

House of Representatives speaker Agung Laksono said on Tuesday after meeting Loong that he hoped Singapore would establish a treaty, the "sooner the better". Laksono's direct take on the issue confirms the view by some analysts that public opinion in Indonesia may shape Jakarta's foreign and bilateral policies much more than in the past. If true, this will be bad news for Singapore and its new leader.

The way ahead?
Security characterized the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Singapore in the 1980s. But Singapore now lives in constant fear of the terror threat emanating from its two biggest neighbors. It has historically been sensitive to racial matters, being an ethnic Chinese-majority state, surrounded by the much more populous and predominantly Muslim nations of Indonesia and Malaysia. Singapore's poor understanding of Islam has hardly helped.

In his memoirs Lee Kuan Yew recalls how Singapore's ambassador to Jakarta, Rahim Ishak, warned him that Singapore would be a "convenient whipping boy whenever there was discontent in Indonesia". Singapore's new leader, whose given name means Illustrious Dragon, needs to reflect on this and find ways to reach out beyond Indonesia's political elite to ordinary Indonesians themselves.

Commonly known as B G Lee, from his rank as a brigadier general, Loong, together with Yudhoyono, dubbed the "smiling general" can move ahead in cementing the bilateral relationship by resolving the issues that cause these same Indonesians to see Singapore simply as a greedy exploiter of Indonesian resources and say strategic assets are falling cheaply into powerful foreign hands.

Bill Guerin, a weekly Jakarta correspondent for Asia Times Online since 2000, has worked in Indonesia for 19 years in journalism and editorial positions. He has been published by the BBC on East Timor and specializes in business/economic and political analysis in Indonesia.

Ara

November 15th, 2004, 10:24 AM

What do you guys think about the whole spy thing with Australia. I wonder why the Ozzie's are so up and arm. They have spies in our country, so we have spy in their country.

I do have a problem with Hendropriyono exposing the state secrets like that. He should have never admit to anything.

Alvin

November 15th, 2004, 10:56 AM

well, IMO this is a non-issue which should be kept as a non-issue. It is well known that all countries have their own intelligence apparatus and and the hiring of spies is one means of achieving intelligence goals, and Indonesia - Australia are not exactly the least likely pair to spy on each other. What Hendropriyono says was simply common sense (though he should not have said it at all - what is he trying to achieve??), and Howard's "no comment" stance is appropriate.

Alvin

November 15th, 2004, 11:07 AM

Prime Minister says Australia had been preoccupied with Asia? (updated AM 9:48)

2004/11/14
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)

Prime Minister John Howard said Sunday that Australian foreign policy was preoccupied with Asia before his coalition government came to power in 1996, as he prepared for a meeting of region leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Howard said his government had balanced the nation's foreign policy by increasing the importance of the United States and Europe.

"I've always sought to balance our foreign policy; I thought it was too heavily skewed toward an over preoccupation with Asia when I became prime minister," Howard told Nine Network television. "Now I haven't reduced the Asian emphasis _ if anything, I've increased it further _ but at the same time I've increased very much the importance of our links with the United States and Europe."

Howard will hold talks with new Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, U.S. President George W. Bush and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at next week's APEC leaders' forum in Chile.

"It's a great opportunity to see these people who are so important to us at the beginning of the government's fourth term," Howard said, referring to his election victory on Oct. 9.

While Howard said Australia's relationship with Indonesia "remains very strong and good," two former Indonesian presidents pointed to friction between the two close neighbors.

Megawati Sukarnoputri, who was ousted in September's presidential election, described a "lack of harmony" between the two governments.

"I really don't think we communicated openly," she told Nine through an interpreter. "If we are going to be more open, then of course we can't be suspicious of each other."

Abdurrahman Wahid, who preceded Megawati, said Indonesians were "inflamed" by Australian police and intelligence officers working in Indonesia to help fight terrorism.

He told Nine that terrorists bombed the Australian embassy in Jakarta in September "because Australia meddles in our affairs."

Meanwhile, Howard predicted the final agreement would be in place between Australia and the United States before the APEC summit to allow a free trade agreement between the two allies to come into force on Jan 1. The governments missed a deadline late last month to exchange letters required for the deal to take effect.

Australia blamed unfounded U.S. concerns about the wording of the Australian laws for the delay.

Alvin

November 15th, 2004, 11:11 AM

Work cut out for Australia and Indonesia

By ERIC TEO CHU CHEOW
Special to The Japan Times

SINGAPORE -- John Howard ensured his control over Australian politics for the next four years on Oct. 9 when he swept to an impressive fourth term as prime minister and his Liberal Party-led coalition increased its lead over Labour in both Houses. Howard's victory was attributed to the recent good performance of Australia's economy as well as to the strong security assurances he gave the Australian electorate.

In the same week, the results of the Indonesian presidential election were officially announced in Jakarta, with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono claiming victory with 60.6 percent of the popular vote vs. 39.4 percent for the incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri. Yudhoyono was inaugurated as Indonesia's sixth president Oct. 20.

The surprise in Jakarta was not so much Yudhoyono's triumph but rather the wide margin of victory. Given the formation of the Nationhood Coalition by Megawati and the powerful grass-roots machineries of major political parties such as Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), one would have expected a smaller gap between the candidates.

The results reflect spectacular gains in the sway of public opinion and the decline of party or organizational politics in Indonesia. Indonesians appear to have bid goodbye to the Suharto era of grass-roots organizations and institutions and embraced a more "popular" presidency that is somewhat reminiscent of the fiery tone of the Sukarno era.

The increasing power of Indonesian public opinion will test future Australian-Indonesian relations. Howard indicated immediately after his victory that he would seek to meet Yudhoyono as soon as possible to increase cooperation.

Indonesia is both Australia's biggest challenge and most important neighbor. Indonesian public opinion has not been very amenable to Australia in the past few years. Many members of the Indonesian elite still blame Canberra for Jakarta's "loss" of East Timor.

Indonesians also question Canberra's desire to purchase missiles from Washington. Given the missiles' 700-km range, many Indonesians feel that Canberra is targeting their country, particularly since Howard stated, following the 2002 Bali nightclub bombing, that Australia would launch preemptive attacks on terrorist cells found in Southeast Asia, and the perception that he serves as America's deputy sheriff in the region.

The biggest challenge for Howard will be to mollify hostile Indonesian public opinion. The fact that Howard was the only Western leader to attend Yudhoyono's Oct. 20 inauguration demonstrates his awareness of the hostility.

Yudhoyono will also look for signs that Canberra will adopt a less hostile posture toward Indonesia at a time when Jakarta is not only seeking a rapprochement with Washington but also contending with rising anti-Western sentiment among Indonesia's Muslim population.

Howard must also mend strained ties with Australia's other Southeast Asian neighbors, which are concerned with his antiterror drive and his close strategic ties with Washington. Suspicious of Australia's "true" intentions, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines have all stated that they would not allow Australian forces to strike at terrorist cells in their countries, as such an action would amount to a blatant violation of their sovereignty.

Finally, Howard will have to contend with mounting cross-strait tensions. China was delighted in September when Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer stated in Beijing that his country would not recognize Taiwanese independence, clearly distancing Canberra from Washington on this issue.

Howard sees the strategic importance of both China (especially for his announced "regional policy" of consolidating better ties with Asia) and Washington, and thus will seek to better balance Australia's ties with the two powers.

The success of Howard's attempt to re-engage his country with Asia will hinge on how much he can improve ties with his neighbors in Southeast Asia and on whether he strikes a finer balance between Beijing and Washington in a time of increasing cross-strait tension.

Eric Teo Chu Cheow is council secretary of the Singapore Institute for International Affairs.

The Japan Times: Nov. 15, 2004
(C) All rights reserved

Alvin

November 19th, 2004, 03:51 AM

Hopes rise for better US-Indonesia ties
By Eugene Low
Us Correspondent
In Washington

THE United States is optimistic that bilateral ties with Indonesia will improve under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a top State Department official has said.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Marie Huhtala told a conference that both countries have a 'better opportunity now that at any other time in the past' to strengthen their relationship.

Reiterating America's commitment to Indonesia, she said: 'We continue to support Indonesia's democratisation process.

'The stakes are enormous and we believe that Indonesia is essential to the peace and prosperity of South-east Asia.'

She was speaking at a meeting to discuss Washington's ties with Jakarta by the US-Indonesia Society.

President George W. Bush is due to meet his Indonesian counterpart for the first time tomorrow on the sidelines of the Apec summit in Santiago, Chile. All eyes will be on that meeting.

Ms Huhtala, who was the US ambassador to Malaysia from 2001 until May this year, was confident both men would establish 'a certain level of rapport'.

'The conditions are there, it just feels right,' she said.

The Bush administration is 'excited about the future of US-Indonesian relations', and will pursue a 'broad agenda' with Jakarta, she added.

A key priority for the US would be to ensure that Indonesia's democracy and reform of its judicial system continue to progress.

The US will also support Jakarta's efforts to reform the country's military and to bring it under civilian control, said Ms Huhtala.

On security issues, the US is keen on enhancing joint efforts to combat terrorism.

'The threat of future attacks remains serious,' she said. 'We intend to explore such cooperation further.'

The US currently provides assistance and training to Indonesia's police force.

However, links between the armed forces of both countries - which were increasingly restricted by the US Congress during the 1990s - are expected to remain on hold.

The sale of US weapons to Indonesia, as well as the training of Indonesian military personnel, have been banned.

Mr Larry Niksch, an analyst with the Congressional Research Service, said at the conference that several issues concerning the Indonesian military's human rights record had yet to be resolved.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are unlikely to favour a normalisation of ties between the US and Indonesian armed forces.

He said: 'Within Congress, there is a perception that the Indonesian army commits human rights abuses.'

Acknowledging the difficulties dogging US-Indonesian ties, Ms Huhtala hoped both sides would work to smooth out the rough edges of their relationship.

The US should be willing to listen and not 'slip into a hectoring mode', she said.

Alvin

November 19th, 2004, 06:46 AM

'Closer relationship' with Indonesia
From correspondents in Santiago, Chile
November 19, 2004
A CLOSER relationship between Australia and Indonesia is on the cards, encompassing more than just tighter security ties between the countries, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said today.

Fresh from bilateral talks with Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirajuda in the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Chile, Mr Downer said he believed links between the two neighbours would intensify in coming months.

Mr Downer said both he and Dr Wirajuda had to discuss a range of proposals with their leaders, and in Mr Downer's case with the national security committee of cabinet.

But there were good signs the relationship would include much more than just tighter security ties.

"I think this is one of those watershed moments in the history of Australia and Indonesian relations where we can really move forward," he told reporters.

"We did talk quite a lot about the different facets of our security relationship.

"I think over the next couple of months we'll see that evolving very constructively.

"We have a lot of very similar views on how to take forward that part of our bilateral relationship."

Mr Downer said a key to the strengthening relationship was the re-election of Prime Minister John Howard and the election of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"We now have a re-elected Howard government, we have President Yudhoyono in place, someone who is well known to us, who've we've worked very closely with over the years in his different capacities," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for us to take the relationship forward."

Mr Downer said better relations between Australia and Indonesia would help pave other areas of difficulty.

"Being next door neighbours inevitably there will be issues that come up from time to time that will cause at least some controversy in the relationship, probably not much more than that," he said.

"We need to give the relationship greater strength so that it can just march through that controversy without doing any damage at all."

Alvin

November 20th, 2004, 03:23 AM

Susilo and Howard agree to address defense concerns

SANTIAGO(JP):Indonesian and Australian leaders agreed on Friday to address concerns about defense and security matters to prevent possible misunderstandings in the future.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister John Howard during their brief meeting here on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum decided that their respective defense ministers should meet soon to address any problem that might come up between the two countries.

Dino Patti Jalal, the president’s spokesman, told Indonesian reporters that the two leaders did not go into details about any misunderstanding that have developed in the bilateral relationship. But Dino recalled a recent incident when Indonesia raised questions about Australia’s plans to develop its missile defense system.

This is the second time that Susilo and Howard met in less than a month. The first one was when Howard, who had just won his reelection for a record fourth term in office, went to Jakarta for the inauguration of President Susilo.

Dino described the meeting here as very cordial and very amicable.

“From my own personal observation, they seem to have hit it off, judging from their body language, their remarks and their jokes.”

The two have known quite well before. As Indonesia’s chief security minister under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Susilo led Indonesia’s campaign against terror.

The two countries, which had their share of differences in the past, were brought closer together when two huge explosions killed more than 200 people, including many Australians, in Bali in October 2002.

Indonesia and Australia have since forged closer ties in fighting the threat of terrorism in the region, and at the meeting on Friday, the two leaders underscored the need for their police, attorney general office and intelligence to sustain their cooperation.

Susilo and Howard also discussed about the trilateral forum involving Indonesia, Australia and East Timor, and the wider South West Pacific Forum as ways of enhancing regional cooperation.

The Indonesian president used the half-hour meeting to talk about his effort to revive the Indonesian economy, underlining his plan to organize an “Infrastructure Summit” in Jakarta in January, an event in which he hoped Australian companies would attend.

Howard promised that he would encourage Australian investors to take part, according to Dino.

The Australian leader also sympathized with Indonesia’s economic efforts.

“He (Howard) basically said that he saw Indonesia as a partner and a friend, and that he wanted to see Indonesia succeed,” Dino said.

Susilo is planning to make Australia one of the first destinations for his overseas official visits once the first 100 days in office is completed at the end of January.

He has defended his decision to come to Santiago, and to the ASEAN summit in Vientiane next weekend, saying that such summits presented him with the rare occasions to meet with as many leaders as he could.

In Santiago, he had met with Chinese, Vietnamese, New Zealand leaders as well as the host president on Friday. On Saturday, he has scheduled meetings with the leaders from Canada, Russia, the United States and Japan.

Alvin

November 20th, 2004, 03:35 AM

President SBY makes international debut in Chilean capital

Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Santiago

What is the prospect of Indonesia trading with Chile? Given the vast expanse of water that separates the two countries, probably not a lot, but that has not stopped Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono from making the long journey to make his international debut here since becoming Indonesia's President in October.

The Garuda Indonesia Airbus A300 carrying the President and his entourage touched down at the Santiago International Airport on Friday morning (evening Jakarta time) after a tiring 32-hour journey from Jakarta, with brief refueling stops in Tokyo, Vancouver and Lima.

Santiago this weekend hosts the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum -- a grouping of 21 countries that includes almost every country that borders the Pacific Ocean.

President Susilo is availing of this opportunity to the full to meet with as many leaders as he can fit into his less than 60-hour stay, besides attending the summit proper.

According to his schedule he will meet with nine APEC leaders and the chief executive officer of Mexican cement giant Cemex, address a business forum, give two interviews to the Chilean media, and meet with members of the tiny Indonesian community in Chile.

"International cooperation is part of the solution to our economic problems," Susilo told a media briefing on board the plane shortly before landing in Santiago. Such cooperation, he said, would bring mutual benefits and greater interconnectedness.

"We cannot live in isolation," he said, pointing to such areas as debt reduction mechanisms, infrastructural investment and exports, where international cooperation could benefit Indonesia.

There is hardly time for the President to enjoy the view in Santiago, a sprawling city of 5.5 million people that faces the Pacific Ocean to the west and the snowy Andes Mountains to the east.

The tasks of sightseeing and attending cultural events will fall to Ani Yudhoyono, who will be joining other first ladies for a series of programs for spouses organized by the host government.

Susilo's entourage includes the minister for the economy, Aburizal Bakrie, foreign affairs, Hassan Wirayuda, trade, Mari Pangestu, who arrived in Santiago earlier in the week, and energy and mineral resources, Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

Purnomo's presence is crucial. He is currently president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and so represents the oil cartel in discussing the problem of high world oil prices, a source of concern for every country today.

The President has also brought members of the House of Representatives, the Regional Representatives Council, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Indonesian National Youth Committee.

"Rebuilding the economy is our common goal," he said, explaining the presence of representatives from many Indonesian institutions in Santiago. "Let's play as a united football team."

After checking into his hotel and taking a quick lunch, the President will have no less than seven meetings on Friday, including meetings with Tran Duc Luong of Vietnam, the CEO of Cemex, John Howard of Australia, Ricardo Lagos of Chile, Helen Clark of New Zealand, Hu Jintao of China, and members of the Indonesian community for dinner. His schedule for Saturday includes meetings with Paul Martin of Canada, Vladimir Putin of Russia, George W. Bush of the United States and Junichiro Koizumi of Japan.

To complete his debut, President Susilo has also been asked to deliver a keynote address at the meeting between APEC leaders and the APEC Business Advisory Council. His paper is aptly titled, "Security Challenges to the World Economy".

The APEC conferences, or "retreats" as they are officially called, will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

Among the chief issues at the APEC summit are the terror threat, trade and investment liberalization, and governance -- issues that are also important to Indonesia.

"I will show them our commitment to building and strengthening economic cooperation. I will show them the economic opportunities Indonesia has to offer," the President said.

There is another good reason why SBY should be present here, besides making his international debut: The APEC discussions and their communiques will still have regard to the Bogor Goals, so named after the APEC summit that Indonesia, then under Soeharto, hosted 10 years ago in Bogor.

The Bogor Declaration calls for the establishment of a Pacific free trade and investment region, setting a deadline of 2010 for developed countries and 2020 for developing countries.

"We're still committed to these goals," he said.

Alvin

November 20th, 2004, 09:07 AM

Positive developments in Australia-Indonesia relations

Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard has indicated that Indonesia and Australia could be entering a new era in their relationship.

He made the statement after meeting the new Indonesian President Bambang Yudhoyono on the sidlines of the Asia-Pacific summit in Chile.

Catherine McGrath reports from the APEC summit say John Howard says he always wanted a good relationship with Indonesia and he believes with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as President that may be possible.

"I said to him at the meeting it was a very important relationship there is great will to him and his country."

Mr Howard said the two did not discuss a possible security Treaty. The Prime Ministers met also the leaders of Singapore, New Zealand and Chile.

Howard talks up closer ties with Indonesia
November 20, 2004 - 4:07PM

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Prime Minister John Howard has spoken of greater personal links between Indonesia and Australia after meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the APEC meeting in Chile.

Following a bilateral meeting with the new Indonesian President at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, Mr Howard played down the importance of striking a new security agreement with Indonesia.

The security agreement, first signed by then prime minister Paul Keating, has been the focus of Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer in recent discussions with Indonesia.

Mr Howard says quite apart from the security agreement, his discussions with Mr Yudhoyono had instead focused on closer cooperation in counter terrorism.

They'd also discussed the importance of Indonesian economic growth and ways Australia could help the archipeligo develop its infrastructure.

He says that although a security agreement would be a major boost to the relationship, it isn't the most pressuing issue between Australia and Indonesia.

Mr Howard says too much focus on a security deal could actually skew the relationship in the wrong direction.

Mr Howard and the other national leaders at the APEC forum will hold their annual retreat tomorrow, with discussion to focus on a proposal for an Asia-Pacific free trade agreement.

Yamauchi

November 20th, 2004, 09:37 PM

Bush looks happy...

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20041120/capt.chpm11211201447.bush_apec_chpm112.jpg

Alvin

November 21st, 2004, 02:27 AM

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Alvin

November 21st, 2004, 02:44 AM

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/11/images/20041120-6_bushindonesiamtg1-515h.jpg

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/11/images/20041120-6_bushmtg2-515h.jpg
Before the beginning of an APEC summit, President George W. Bush talks with Indonesian President Susilo Yudhoyono in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 20, 2004.

Alvin

November 21st, 2004, 02:46 AM

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Alvin

November 21st, 2004, 02:47 AM

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20041120/capt.xbm11011202223.chile_apec_xbm110.jpg

Alvin

November 21st, 2004, 05:02 PM

TV PROGRAM TRANSCRIPT

LOCATION: http://www.abc.net.au/insiders/content/2004/s1248030.htm

Broadcast: 21/11/2004

Howard eyes new era in Australia-Indonesia relations
Political commentator Paul Kelly says Prime Minister John Howard feels that the new Indonesian leader, President Yudhoyono, is someone that he can do business with, ushering in a new era of cooperation and friendship between Australia and Indonesia.

BARRIE CASSIDY: And now for his thoughts on the APEC Summit, and the other political events of the week, we're joined as always on a Sunday morning, by political commentator with 'The Australian', Paul Kelly. Good morning, Paul.

PAUL KELLY, POLITICAL COMMENTATOR, THE AUSTRALIAN: Good morning, Barrie.

BARRIE CASSIDY: Well, it does appear Paul, that we're looking at a new era of cooperation and friendship between Australia and Indonesia?

PAUL KELLY: I think so. John Howard certainly feels that the new president of Indonesia, President Yudhoyono, is someone that he can do business with. The two men have a good rapport.

John Howard paid his respects by going to Jakarta for the inauguration of the new president. President Yudhoyono knows Australia quite well. He's had a lot of dealings with this country, both as a military officer and then as a politician. It is most interesting when you look at what John Howard is saying.

He saying that he wants a relationship with Indonesia which is not just about closer economic links, closer links when it comes to counter-terrorism, but a much closer people-to-people relationship. And that's of course, exactly what Paul Keating was saying 10 years ago.

BARRIE CASSIDY: And what about this talk of a treaty, talking of Paul Keating, is that going to happen?

PAUL KELLY: The treaty is very much on the agenda of the Howard Government and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer would like very much to get up a treaty.

He's discussed this with the Indonesian foreign minister, and he's been encouraged to go ahead. And Downer's department is at the present time, drafting a form of words, for a draft treaty, which would be discussed with Indonesian officials several months down the track.

I think the interesting point to make about this, is that John Howard is quite cautious, quite realistic. He doesn't want the relationship to be benchmarked, according to whether or not they get up a treaty. It won't be easy to get this new treaty through the Indonesian political system at all. It is a major challenge, it is a major ask for both for Howard and Downer. But the fact that they're talking about doing this, indicates that they're very ambitious about the relationship with Indonesia and I think that's a good sign.

Alvin

November 22nd, 2004, 02:43 AM

SBY dons diplomatic and marketing hats in Chile

Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Santiago

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono raised the Palestinian issue with U.S. President George W. Bush; explored ways of improving defense ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and of jointly fighting terrorism with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin; and sought greater investment from Japan during his meeting with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. And he urged all four to send investors to the infrastructure summit he plans to hold in Jakarta in January.

On top of all that, he took part in an informal meeting, or retreat, with the other 20 leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which held its summit here this weekend. The former Army general also managed to find time to gave a speech to APEC business leaders on the security challenges facing the world economy.

And so passed the second day of the new President's international debut here. Susilo the diplomat at times also became Susilo the salesman.

By the time he leaves Santiago and heads home for Jakarta on Sunday night (Monday morning in Jakarta), the Indonesian president will have held individual meetings with nine leaders, attended two rounds of APEC summits, and met with many business leaders either individually or in groups.

Shortly after his arrival here on Friday following a 34-hour flight, Susilo met with Trand Duc Luong of Vietnam, John Howard of Australia, Ricardo Lagos of Chile, Helen Clark of New Zealand and Hu Jintao of China.

Dino Pati Jalal, his chief spokesman, said that during the meeting with Bush, Susilo had asked that he restart the Middle East peace process with the objective of establishing a viable, sovereign and independent state of Palestine.

In spite of the seriousness of the matters discussed, Dino described the meeting as very cordial and very friendly, interspersed with humor.

"There was good chemistry. This is a good sign (for future relations between the two countries," pronounced Dino, who was director for North and Central America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before joining Susilo's team last month.

The two leaders congratulated each other following their recent election victories, and Susilo used the occasion to discuss political reform and the future of democracy in Indonesia.

Bush also assured Susilo that his administration would strive to fully normalize military-to-military relations between the two countries. An embargo on the sale of lethal weapons to Indonesia remains in place at Congress's insistence until Indonesia shows some measure of credible accountability for the mayhem in East Timor, then still under Jakarta control, in 1999.

The embargo has forced Indonesia to turn to other sources, including Russia. The issue of Indonesia's desire to purchase more weapons was discussed by Susilo and Putin in Santiago.

Their discussion also touched on the insurgencies that both were facing, Putin in Chechnya and Susilo in Aceh, according to Dino.

Susilo and Prime Minister Martin discussed a new bilateral program to jointly combat terrorism through the early detection of "chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear weapons".

Martin also urged Susilo to reopen Indonesia's market to Canadian beef, which has been banned because of the outbreak of mad cow disease last year.

Koizumi pushed for a new economic partnership agreement to lay down new foundations for economic relations between the two countries.

The Japanese leader asked Indonesia to address the problem of piracy in the Strait of Malacca, pointing to recurring attacks on ships carrying vital goods bound for or coming from Japan.

One thing that is clear from the matters Susilo discussed with all of these leaders is that his planned "infrastructure summit" has become something of a personal obsession.

The President has said that the key to sustainable economic development is the putting in place of the necessary infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports and airports, clean water and irrigation facilities, and power plants.

The total cost? $72 billion over the next five years.

To raise that kind of money, President Susilo will probably need a lot more than his diplomatic and marketing hats.