Detik.com
– December 30, 2009
Muhammad
Taufiqqurahman, Jakarta – The Solidarity Action Committee for Munir (Kasum)
sees 2009 as a year of gloom that failed to provide any clarity in the ongoing
investigation of Munir's murder.
"2009
was a year without hope for the Munir case. This year, the state hardly made any
progress whatsoever in uncovering the intellectual actor behind the murder of
human rights activist Munir Said Thalib", explain Kasum Executive
Secretary Choirul Anam in a press conference at his office on Jl. Borobudur,
Jakarta, on Wednesday December 30.
In
remembering one year since the release of [former State Intelligence deputy
director] Muchdi Purwopranjono by the South Jakarta District Court, Kasum said
it felt deeply disappointed. The reason being that there were the many
irregularities from the prosecution's case, the trail hearings, the charges and
the court's ruling.
"Kasum
believes that these irregularities indicate that there is a conspiracy to
maneuver the Munir case so that it stops or is put on ice. When the prosecution
said that the motive for the murder was a personal grudge, Kasum began to doubt
that the involvement of other actors higher up than Muchdi Pr would be
revealed," Anam explained.
Kasum is
therefore urging the Attorney General's Office to immediately submit a judicial
review over Muchdi's release, because there are no grounds for the AGO to
delaying doing so.
"[They
should] also replace the AGO team that is responsible for the Munir case and if
necessary replace the entire AGO leadership. Up until now, the AGO as an institution
failed to seriously represent justice," he added.
There is
hope that the national police will be able to reactivate the police team to
work at preparing new evidence and uncovering the intellectual actors aside
from Muchdi.
"We are
also urging the Judicial Commission to complete its investigation into Kasum's
complaint that there are strong indications of professional misconduct and the
code of ethics by the trail judges at the South Jakarta District Court that
ruled [in favour] of Muchdi. We are also calling on the National Human Rights
Commission not to postpone the publication of the results of an examination
into the Muchdi Pr case, which has already been carried out," he said in
closing. (ndr/iy)
[Translated
by James Balowski.]
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
SBY supporters say ‘Octopus' author sowing disunity, promoting separatism
Detik.com
- December 30, 2009
Amanda Ferdina, Jakarta – Shouting "Long live SBY", on Wednesday December 30 scores of protesters form the Indonesian People's Solidarity Coalition (KSRI) demonstrated at the launch of the book Unmasking the Cikeas Octopus: Behind the Bank Century Scandal.
The demonstrators arrived at the book launch at the Doekoen Coffee shop on Jl. Pasar Minggu Raya in South Jakarta at around 13.30pm having walked on foot from the direction of Pasar Minggu.
During the action they sang the song "For You my Country" and shouted slogans such as "Long live SBY", referring to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The protesters’ shouts affected the atmosphere of the book launch somewhat, with guests looking the way during the demonstration.
"We are not willing to see this nation split apart by a person whose citizenship is unclear. He's a foreign lackey!" said action coordinator Abdul Fatah during a speech.
The guests attending the even responded by waving 2,000 and 100,000 rupiah notes at the demonstrators. The protesters responded only by saying, "That is money from foreign lackeys. Indonesian people who have been easily bought by foreign lackeys and wave their money around," said Fatah.
"Sixty percent of the people voted for SBY, we must respect their votes, don't sow disunity," added Fatah. The protesters also brought a number of posters to the action reading "I want to break Papua away from NKRI [the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia]", "I am a provocateur" and "Long live SBY". (nik/iy)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Amanda Ferdina, Jakarta – Shouting "Long live SBY", on Wednesday December 30 scores of protesters form the Indonesian People's Solidarity Coalition (KSRI) demonstrated at the launch of the book Unmasking the Cikeas Octopus: Behind the Bank Century Scandal.
The demonstrators arrived at the book launch at the Doekoen Coffee shop on Jl. Pasar Minggu Raya in South Jakarta at around 13.30pm having walked on foot from the direction of Pasar Minggu.
During the action they sang the song "For You my Country" and shouted slogans such as "Long live SBY", referring to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The protesters’ shouts affected the atmosphere of the book launch somewhat, with guests looking the way during the demonstration.
"We are not willing to see this nation split apart by a person whose citizenship is unclear. He's a foreign lackey!" said action coordinator Abdul Fatah during a speech.
The guests attending the even responded by waving 2,000 and 100,000 rupiah notes at the demonstrators. The protesters responded only by saying, "That is money from foreign lackeys. Indonesian people who have been easily bought by foreign lackeys and wave their money around," said Fatah.
"Sixty percent of the people voted for SBY, we must respect their votes, don't sow disunity," added Fatah. The protesters also brought a number of posters to the action reading "I want to break Papua away from NKRI [the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia]", "I am a provocateur" and "Long live SBY". (nik/iy)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Pro-SBY protesters accuse ‘Octopus' author of being foreign lackey
Detik.com
- December 30, 2009
Amanda Ferdina, Jakarta – Supporters of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) from the Indonesian People's Solidarity Coalition (KSRI), who were protesting against the launch of the book Unmasking the Cikeas Octopus: Behind the Bank Century Scandal, were challenged to take part in the event. In the end however, they chose to disband instead.
During the action at the Doekoen Coffee shop on Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta on Wednesday December 30, around 25 youths shouted slogans and gave speeches outside the venue. "Banish George, he's a foreign lackey!" shouted KSRI coordinator Abdul Fatah in a speech.
Hearing this, participants attending the launch challenged them to come in side. They even waved 50,000 and 1,000 rupiah notes at the protesters. "Ayo, come on in if you want!", they said. The demonstrators meanwhile continued to shout "Banish George! Banish George!"
Confronted by the challenge, instead of joining the event the protesters started to disband. "You're just embarrassing SBY instead!", shouted the participants.
One of the protesters, who decline to give their name, said that they had come from the Gunung Putri in nearby Bogor. They even admitted to not knowing the name of the organisation, the KSRI that they were demonstrating under that day. At 1.20 they disbanded and left in a bus bound for Bogor. (fay/nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Amanda Ferdina, Jakarta – Supporters of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) from the Indonesian People's Solidarity Coalition (KSRI), who were protesting against the launch of the book Unmasking the Cikeas Octopus: Behind the Bank Century Scandal, were challenged to take part in the event. In the end however, they chose to disband instead.
During the action at the Doekoen Coffee shop on Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta on Wednesday December 30, around 25 youths shouted slogans and gave speeches outside the venue. "Banish George, he's a foreign lackey!" shouted KSRI coordinator Abdul Fatah in a speech.
Hearing this, participants attending the launch challenged them to come in side. They even waved 50,000 and 1,000 rupiah notes at the protesters. "Ayo, come on in if you want!", they said. The demonstrators meanwhile continued to shout "Banish George! Banish George!"
Confronted by the challenge, instead of joining the event the protesters started to disband. "You're just embarrassing SBY instead!", shouted the participants.
One of the protesters, who decline to give their name, said that they had come from the Gunung Putri in nearby Bogor. They even admitted to not knowing the name of the organisation, the KSRI that they were demonstrating under that day. At 1.20 they disbanded and left in a bus bound for Bogor. (fay/nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Monday, December 21, 2009
Women in parliament - where are did your vote go?
Kompas -
December 21, 2009
Umi Kulsum and Ignatius Kristanto – Two months have passed, but like an engine, they have also yet to "warm up". Yet, their numbers have increased significantly compared with the previous period. What's going on?
During one particular commission meeting, I asked the members to consider the aspect of gender. All of a sudden, there were shouts and jeers, "Huuu..., gender again, gender again", related Eva Kusuma Sundari, a House of Representatives (DPR) member from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Eva's experience illustrates how women members of parliament in the DPR for the period 2009-2014 do indeed still have to struggle to counterbalance the political domination of men at Senayan (the DPR).
There were in fact high hopes that the presence of women would be able to influence the parliament, one being that the institution would be able to produce decisions or policies that were no longer gender bias. This was one of the reasons why women activists had enthusiastically fought for a 30 percent quota in parliament.
The campaign for a 30 percent quota was defeated and replaced by the direct election of legislators, which as it turned out, resulted in a larger percentage of women in parliament. From 11.8 percent in the 2004 elections, it increased to 18 percent in the 2009 elections (where voters directly ticked the name of legislating candidates on the ballot papers).
On the one hand, this increase did indeed provide a sense of optimism that their presence would have an impact. But, many also expressed doubt bearing in mind that current female legislators do not have any previous experience in political activity or social organisations.
These doubts can be seen from a Kompas research and development survey conducted between 15 and 16 December. The majority (60 percent) of respondents felt dissatisfied with women legislator's performance in parliament. Their voices are yet to be heard "loud and clear" compared with those of male politicians.
In addition to this, the public is also of the view that there performance is inferior to their male counterparts. The majority (61 percent) of respondents believe that the female members of parliament have not yet played much of an active role. In the midst of the political uproar post the presidential election, starting with the "gecko verses the crocodile" (the Corruption Eradication Commission verses the police) case to the Bank Century (bailout scandal), their voices are still being drowned out by male politicians.
Recruitment system
A similar view meanwhile was also raised by University of Indonesia Faculty of Social and Political Science lecturer Ani Soetjipto. Soetjipto suggests that the problem is caused by the political party's system of recruitment. The parties should look at the background of each legislative candidate, not just pursue a 30 percent quota of women.
The mechanisms for determining the legislative candidate list ranking in parties should also give more consideration to candidates' qualifications, prioritising people who have a good track record or will representing the people in parliament.
In addition to this, the legislative candidate list ranking is often still influenced by a person's closeness to or family relationship with party leaders or senior officials. "Indeed, sometimes the top ranking in regional elections are usually filled by people who are close family members of senior party officials," added Soetjipto.
Conversely, it appears to be difficult for women who have long been fighting for women's rights to get into parliament. The evidence being out of the women currently sitting in the DPR, only one activist made it into parliament. The majority of women legislators come from political dynasties, the business sector or families of businesspeople and from celebrity circles. Celebrities have a second advantage aside from being widely known, generally they have quite a lot of money.
So, it is not surprising therefore that an negative view has emerged among the public. The majority of respondents (64 percent) still doubt that women legislators' will be able to free themselves from the domination of the male members of the House so their ability to play an active role in the DPR will remain minimal.
Certainly their numbers have increased. But according to Eva however, their numbers in parliament are still [not] decisive. The figure of 18 percent turns out to be like a drop in the ocean that is still not audible amongst the domination of male politicians.
"I call this the politics of numbers, I [always] loose the vote, particularly if it has to be through a quorum, I will definitely loose," said the former University of Airlangga lecturer.
So, according to Eva, more women are needed in the DPR than there are now. "But it's not just because of numbers, but support from fellow women colleagues is extremely important in the assembly hall," she said.
In addition to this, their "burden" is added to by the deeply entrenched gender bias of male politicians, as related by Eva at the beginning of this article. Apparently the public is also aware of this as reflected by 64 percent of respondents who believe that the political world still discriminates against women.
Minimal experience
In politics, good organisational experience is absolutely vital in order to organise larger issues, but only a small number of members elected to parliament have this.
Eva is one of the DPR members that has a quite strong social and political organisational background, but no more than 10 women in the current parliament has the experience of this PDI-P politician. Indeed there are eight women assembly members who have never been involved in social or political activities.
Viewed from their age however, the women politicians in parliament are very promising. The majority are still in their productive years, being under 36 years old. This is very different from the situation in the previous parliament that was dominated by people in the 50 year and above age group.
In addition to this, their educational levels are also promising. Out of the 102 women in the current parliament, 94 have a university degree or higher. Only eight women are senior high school graduates.
It is these two factors that actually represent a huge capital for women to have a louder and better voice in parliament. It is this capital that makes Eva remain optimistic about the majority of elected legislative members. Although they do not have experience, surely everyone needs to go through process of learning.
"I needed six months before I was able to understand and know what I had to do", said Eva.
A similar sense of optimism and hope was also revealed in the survey. Women politicians in the current parliament are still capable of performing better. At lest this conviction was reflected by 62 percent of respondents who said they had heard that these women politicians are already fighting for women's interests in Indonesia. (Litbang Kompas)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Umi Kulsum and Ignatius Kristanto – Two months have passed, but like an engine, they have also yet to "warm up". Yet, their numbers have increased significantly compared with the previous period. What's going on?
During one particular commission meeting, I asked the members to consider the aspect of gender. All of a sudden, there were shouts and jeers, "Huuu..., gender again, gender again", related Eva Kusuma Sundari, a House of Representatives (DPR) member from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Eva's experience illustrates how women members of parliament in the DPR for the period 2009-2014 do indeed still have to struggle to counterbalance the political domination of men at Senayan (the DPR).
There were in fact high hopes that the presence of women would be able to influence the parliament, one being that the institution would be able to produce decisions or policies that were no longer gender bias. This was one of the reasons why women activists had enthusiastically fought for a 30 percent quota in parliament.
The campaign for a 30 percent quota was defeated and replaced by the direct election of legislators, which as it turned out, resulted in a larger percentage of women in parliament. From 11.8 percent in the 2004 elections, it increased to 18 percent in the 2009 elections (where voters directly ticked the name of legislating candidates on the ballot papers).
On the one hand, this increase did indeed provide a sense of optimism that their presence would have an impact. But, many also expressed doubt bearing in mind that current female legislators do not have any previous experience in political activity or social organisations.
These doubts can be seen from a Kompas research and development survey conducted between 15 and 16 December. The majority (60 percent) of respondents felt dissatisfied with women legislator's performance in parliament. Their voices are yet to be heard "loud and clear" compared with those of male politicians.
In addition to this, the public is also of the view that there performance is inferior to their male counterparts. The majority (61 percent) of respondents believe that the female members of parliament have not yet played much of an active role. In the midst of the political uproar post the presidential election, starting with the "gecko verses the crocodile" (the Corruption Eradication Commission verses the police) case to the Bank Century (bailout scandal), their voices are still being drowned out by male politicians.
Recruitment system
A similar view meanwhile was also raised by University of Indonesia Faculty of Social and Political Science lecturer Ani Soetjipto. Soetjipto suggests that the problem is caused by the political party's system of recruitment. The parties should look at the background of each legislative candidate, not just pursue a 30 percent quota of women.
The mechanisms for determining the legislative candidate list ranking in parties should also give more consideration to candidates' qualifications, prioritising people who have a good track record or will representing the people in parliament.
In addition to this, the legislative candidate list ranking is often still influenced by a person's closeness to or family relationship with party leaders or senior officials. "Indeed, sometimes the top ranking in regional elections are usually filled by people who are close family members of senior party officials," added Soetjipto.
Conversely, it appears to be difficult for women who have long been fighting for women's rights to get into parliament. The evidence being out of the women currently sitting in the DPR, only one activist made it into parliament. The majority of women legislators come from political dynasties, the business sector or families of businesspeople and from celebrity circles. Celebrities have a second advantage aside from being widely known, generally they have quite a lot of money.
So, it is not surprising therefore that an negative view has emerged among the public. The majority of respondents (64 percent) still doubt that women legislators' will be able to free themselves from the domination of the male members of the House so their ability to play an active role in the DPR will remain minimal.
Certainly their numbers have increased. But according to Eva however, their numbers in parliament are still [not] decisive. The figure of 18 percent turns out to be like a drop in the ocean that is still not audible amongst the domination of male politicians.
"I call this the politics of numbers, I [always] loose the vote, particularly if it has to be through a quorum, I will definitely loose," said the former University of Airlangga lecturer.
So, according to Eva, more women are needed in the DPR than there are now. "But it's not just because of numbers, but support from fellow women colleagues is extremely important in the assembly hall," she said.
In addition to this, their "burden" is added to by the deeply entrenched gender bias of male politicians, as related by Eva at the beginning of this article. Apparently the public is also aware of this as reflected by 64 percent of respondents who believe that the political world still discriminates against women.
Minimal experience
In politics, good organisational experience is absolutely vital in order to organise larger issues, but only a small number of members elected to parliament have this.
Eva is one of the DPR members that has a quite strong social and political organisational background, but no more than 10 women in the current parliament has the experience of this PDI-P politician. Indeed there are eight women assembly members who have never been involved in social or political activities.
Viewed from their age however, the women politicians in parliament are very promising. The majority are still in their productive years, being under 36 years old. This is very different from the situation in the previous parliament that was dominated by people in the 50 year and above age group.
In addition to this, their educational levels are also promising. Out of the 102 women in the current parliament, 94 have a university degree or higher. Only eight women are senior high school graduates.
It is these two factors that actually represent a huge capital for women to have a louder and better voice in parliament. It is this capital that makes Eva remain optimistic about the majority of elected legislative members. Although they do not have experience, surely everyone needs to go through process of learning.
"I needed six months before I was able to understand and know what I had to do", said Eva.
A similar sense of optimism and hope was also revealed in the survey. Women politicians in the current parliament are still capable of performing better. At lest this conviction was reflected by 62 percent of respondents who said they had heard that these women politicians are already fighting for women's interests in Indonesia. (Litbang Kompas)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
TNI has no plans to make 'Indonesian version' of Balibo film
Detik.com
- December 2, 2009
Ramadhian Fadillah, Jakarta – The Indonesian military (TNI) is cited as the party that murdered five Australian journalists in the film "Balibo". The TNI however does not plan to make a rival film to straighten out what actually happened.
"Indeed one pubic move would be to counter information with information. But I think that in this case, there would be no use," explained TNI Information Centre Director Air Vice Marshal Sagom Tamboen at his office in the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday December 2.
According to Tamboen, looking at examples overseas, there are indeed still parties that dislike the TNI and Indonesia. So whatever information is released by the TNI or the Indonesian government it will be regarded as untrue.
"So whatever we do, the response will surely be regarded as a fabrication. Yet we would not be fabricating it," he explained.
Tamboen said that if there was a rival film it would only reopen old wounds between Indonesia and East Timor. "If we counter it, think first about [our] duties in East Timor, it would reopen old wounds in Indonesia's relationship with East Timor," he explained.
The TNI also supports the Balibo film not being shown in Indonesia. (rdf/gus)
Notes:
In a related article on the same day, Detik.com quoted Tamboen as saying it was correct for the Film Censorship Institute (LSF) to ban the film. He added that if the film were allowed to be shown in Indonesia, it would "...mean that we would be confirming their [the film maker's] accusations that it's true the TNI shot them."
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Ramadhian Fadillah, Jakarta – The Indonesian military (TNI) is cited as the party that murdered five Australian journalists in the film "Balibo". The TNI however does not plan to make a rival film to straighten out what actually happened.
"Indeed one pubic move would be to counter information with information. But I think that in this case, there would be no use," explained TNI Information Centre Director Air Vice Marshal Sagom Tamboen at his office in the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday December 2.
According to Tamboen, looking at examples overseas, there are indeed still parties that dislike the TNI and Indonesia. So whatever information is released by the TNI or the Indonesian government it will be regarded as untrue.
"So whatever we do, the response will surely be regarded as a fabrication. Yet we would not be fabricating it," he explained.
Tamboen said that if there was a rival film it would only reopen old wounds between Indonesia and East Timor. "If we counter it, think first about [our] duties in East Timor, it would reopen old wounds in Indonesia's relationship with East Timor," he explained.
The TNI also supports the Balibo film not being shown in Indonesia. (rdf/gus)
Notes:
In a related article on the same day, Detik.com quoted Tamboen as saying it was correct for the Film Censorship Institute (LSF) to ban the film. He added that if the film were allowed to be shown in Indonesia, it would "...mean that we would be confirming their [the film maker's] accusations that it's true the TNI shot them."
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Balibo film banning reminiscent of Suharto's New Order dictatorship
Detik.com
- December 2, 2009
Irwan Nugroho, Jakarta – The Indonesian Film Society (MFI) believes that the banning of a film about the deaths of five Australian journalists in East Timor or the Balibo Five makes no sense, saying it was surprised over why the government is so afraid of the film being seen by the Indonesian public.
"How come they're so paranoid? This is exactly the same as [former President Suharto's] New Order period where the state feels the need to protect its people from certain films," said MFI activist Abduh Azis in a discussion with Detik.com on Wednesday December 2.
The banning of the film titled "Balibo" by the Film Censorship Institute (LSF) continued Azis, indicates that the government still has a narrow view of the film rather than seeing the film as a means of promoting dialog and learning.
"The film Balibo is a [chance] to reflect again about what happened in the past. That we once had a bad relationship with East Timor. I think this is healthy and very educational," he added.
According to Azis, as a democratic country Indonesia should abolish the censorship of films, because as long as this censorship remains in force, restraints on the freedom of expression will continue.
"Now, is censorship still relevant? I think not, because we are a democratic country. In democratic countries it is not censorship that is applied, but film classification," he said.
"Balibo" is a work by Robert Connolly about the death of five Australian journalists that took place during the war between the Indonesian military (TNI) and East Timorese guerrillas in 1975. The Indonesian government has stated that the showing of the film would be very sensitive and could reopen the conflict between Indonesia and Australia.
The Foreign Affairs Department said that the five journalists (Gary Cunningham, Malcolm Rennie, Greg Shackleton, Tony Stewart and Brian Peters) were not killed by TNI soldiers, but were died unintentionally during an exchange of fire. The Balibo Five case itself has been declared finished. (irw/iy)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Irwan Nugroho, Jakarta – The Indonesian Film Society (MFI) believes that the banning of a film about the deaths of five Australian journalists in East Timor or the Balibo Five makes no sense, saying it was surprised over why the government is so afraid of the film being seen by the Indonesian public.
"How come they're so paranoid? This is exactly the same as [former President Suharto's] New Order period where the state feels the need to protect its people from certain films," said MFI activist Abduh Azis in a discussion with Detik.com on Wednesday December 2.
The banning of the film titled "Balibo" by the Film Censorship Institute (LSF) continued Azis, indicates that the government still has a narrow view of the film rather than seeing the film as a means of promoting dialog and learning.
"The film Balibo is a [chance] to reflect again about what happened in the past. That we once had a bad relationship with East Timor. I think this is healthy and very educational," he added.
According to Azis, as a democratic country Indonesia should abolish the censorship of films, because as long as this censorship remains in force, restraints on the freedom of expression will continue.
"Now, is censorship still relevant? I think not, because we are a democratic country. In democratic countries it is not censorship that is applied, but film classification," he said.
"Balibo" is a work by Robert Connolly about the death of five Australian journalists that took place during the war between the Indonesian military (TNI) and East Timorese guerrillas in 1975. The Indonesian government has stated that the showing of the film would be very sensitive and could reopen the conflict between Indonesia and Australia.
The Foreign Affairs Department said that the five journalists (Gary Cunningham, Malcolm Rennie, Greg Shackleton, Tony Stewart and Brian Peters) were not killed by TNI soldiers, but were died unintentionally during an exchange of fire. The Balibo Five case itself has been declared finished. (irw/iy)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Watch out for traffic jams! Nine demos to colour Jakarta today
Detik.com
- December 2, 2009
Mega Putra Ratya, Jakarta – A number of protest actions will colour Jakarta today with at least nine demonstrations expected to inundate various parts of the capital. Watch out for traffic jams!
According to the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Centre (TMC) website for Wednesday December 2, workers from the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) and PT Uni Enlarge Industry Semarang employees will hold an action in front of the Chinatrush Bank offices at the Tamara Centre building on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman in South Jakarta and the Department of Labour and Transmigration on Jl. Gatot Subroto, also in South Jakarta.
Another action will be held by the Red-and-White Militia Joint Forum (FB-LMP) at the Constitutional Court building on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta.
Following this, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), the Indonesia Farmers Union (SPI), the Anti-Debt Coalition (KAU), the Action Study Circle for Indonesian Democracy (LSADI), Oxfam and the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) will be protesting at the United States Embassy on Jl. Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta.
The next demonstration will be held by the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) at the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives DPRD building on Jl. Kebon Sirih in Central Jakarta.
Then the Indonesian General Insurance Association (AAUI) will hold an action in front of the Government Goods and Services Procurement Policy Agency (LKPP), the SMESCO building on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta and the Finance Ministry's Capital Markets Supervisory Agency on Jl. Lapangan Banteng in Central Jakarta.
Meanwhile the Migrant Workers Defense Team (TPBMI) Alliance for Families of Indonesian Worker Victims and the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) will be demonstrating at the Department of Labour and Transmigration on Jl. Gatot Subroto and the United Arab Emirates Embassy on Jl. Singaraja Block C4 in the East Kuningan are of South Jakarta.
A group calling themselves the Voice of Indonesia (SI, Solidarity Supporters of the Indonesian People’s Mandate) will hold an action at the National Education Department offices on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman in Central Jakarta.
Then the Social Movement to Safeguard the People's Money (Gempur) will be demonstrating in front of the Vice Presidential Palace on Jl. Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta.
Meanwhile the SPI will be protesting in front of the Department of Trade offices on Jl. Ridwan Rais in Central Jakarta.
Looking at the large number of protest actions today, the TMC Is appealing to road users to avoid or find alternative roads to the routes that will be used by demonstrators. (mpr/lrn)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Mega Putra Ratya, Jakarta – A number of protest actions will colour Jakarta today with at least nine demonstrations expected to inundate various parts of the capital. Watch out for traffic jams!
According to the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Centre (TMC) website for Wednesday December 2, workers from the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) and PT Uni Enlarge Industry Semarang employees will hold an action in front of the Chinatrush Bank offices at the Tamara Centre building on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman in South Jakarta and the Department of Labour and Transmigration on Jl. Gatot Subroto, also in South Jakarta.
Another action will be held by the Red-and-White Militia Joint Forum (FB-LMP) at the Constitutional Court building on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta.
Following this, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), the Indonesia Farmers Union (SPI), the Anti-Debt Coalition (KAU), the Action Study Circle for Indonesian Democracy (LSADI), Oxfam and the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) will be protesting at the United States Embassy on Jl. Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta.
The next demonstration will be held by the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) at the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives DPRD building on Jl. Kebon Sirih in Central Jakarta.
Then the Indonesian General Insurance Association (AAUI) will hold an action in front of the Government Goods and Services Procurement Policy Agency (LKPP), the SMESCO building on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta and the Finance Ministry's Capital Markets Supervisory Agency on Jl. Lapangan Banteng in Central Jakarta.
Meanwhile the Migrant Workers Defense Team (TPBMI) Alliance for Families of Indonesian Worker Victims and the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) will be demonstrating at the Department of Labour and Transmigration on Jl. Gatot Subroto and the United Arab Emirates Embassy on Jl. Singaraja Block C4 in the East Kuningan are of South Jakarta.
A group calling themselves the Voice of Indonesia (SI, Solidarity Supporters of the Indonesian People’s Mandate) will hold an action at the National Education Department offices on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman in Central Jakarta.
Then the Social Movement to Safeguard the People's Money (Gempur) will be demonstrating in front of the Vice Presidential Palace on Jl. Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta.
Meanwhile the SPI will be protesting in front of the Department of Trade offices on Jl. Ridwan Rais in Central Jakarta.
Looking at the large number of protest actions today, the TMC Is appealing to road users to avoid or find alternative roads to the routes that will be used by demonstrators. (mpr/lrn)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Kontras call for investigation into Abepura jail beating and riot
Detik.com
- December 1, 2009
Nala Edwin, Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) is urging the government to investigate the beating of Buchtar Tabuni, a prisoner at the Abepura jail near the Papuan provincial capital of Jayapura. The beating triggered a riot at the jail on November 26.
"We are also asking the DPR's [House of Representative's] Commission III [on law and security affairs] to immediately visit the Abepura jail to uncover the real facts," said Kontras coordinator Usman Hamid in a press release on Thursday October 1.
The beating was allegedly carried out by five people, namely Robi Korua, Samsul Bakri, Yancen Korwa, David Ongge and Theo Awii. "Together they overwhelmed the victim and beat Buchtar Tabuni inhumanely," said Hamid.
Central Highlands Students Association (AMPTI) General Secretary Markus Haluk meanwhile stated that this is not the first time that violence has occurred at the Abepura jail. A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Papuan non-government organisations found that there had been more than 20 cases of violence at the Abepura jail. "The treatment of prisoners is absolutely inhuman," he said.
Justice and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar stated earlier that the riot at the jail started when Buchtar Tabuni, who is also a member of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM), was being detained by two members of the Indonesian military (TNI) and left in the care of the military prosecutor and police. A misunderstanding occurred that caused resulted a riot, damaging the jail and leaving its windows shattered. (nal/iy)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Nala Edwin, Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) is urging the government to investigate the beating of Buchtar Tabuni, a prisoner at the Abepura jail near the Papuan provincial capital of Jayapura. The beating triggered a riot at the jail on November 26.
"We are also asking the DPR's [House of Representative's] Commission III [on law and security affairs] to immediately visit the Abepura jail to uncover the real facts," said Kontras coordinator Usman Hamid in a press release on Thursday October 1.
The beating was allegedly carried out by five people, namely Robi Korua, Samsul Bakri, Yancen Korwa, David Ongge and Theo Awii. "Together they overwhelmed the victim and beat Buchtar Tabuni inhumanely," said Hamid.
Central Highlands Students Association (AMPTI) General Secretary Markus Haluk meanwhile stated that this is not the first time that violence has occurred at the Abepura jail. A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Papuan non-government organisations found that there had been more than 20 cases of violence at the Abepura jail. "The treatment of prisoners is absolutely inhuman," he said.
Justice and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar stated earlier that the riot at the jail started when Buchtar Tabuni, who is also a member of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM), was being detained by two members of the Indonesian military (TNI) and left in the care of the military prosecutor and police. A misunderstanding occurred that caused resulted a riot, damaging the jail and leaving its windows shattered. (nal/iy)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
AGO has no excuse to delay judicial review in Munir murder case
Kompas -
November 25, 2009
Jakarta – The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) no longer has any grounds to postpone submitting a judicial review on the release of former National Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy chief Muchdi Purwopranjono in the murder case of human rights activists Munir. Delays in the judicial review are seen as a plot to limit those accused of the Munir’s murder to former Garuda Airlines pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto.
This was conveyed by Choirul Anam from the Solidarity Action Committee for Munir (Kasum) on Tuesday November 24 in Jakarta. According to Choirul, the AGO has postponed submitting the judicial review against Purwopranjono’s aquital because it has not yet received a copy of the ruling from the court.
“But, Kasum itself has already received the Muchdi the appeal decision from the South Jakarta District Court. So, it’s impossible that the AGO has not yet received the ruling,” said Anam.
Munir’s widow Suciwati added that the Supreme Court’s arguments at the time in rejecting the June 15 appeal were extremely weak. The judicial review is very urgent to show that the Indonesian legal system is still functioning. “To this day the case is still being discussed internationally,” she said.
The AGO submitted the Supreme Court appeal after the South Jakarta District Court released Purwopranjono on all charges on December 31, 2008. The appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court. Anam doubts that the arguments presented were legally defective.
Kasum legal team member Uli Parulian said that weak argumentation and unprofessional law enforcement officials are one of the symptoms of the court mafia. “We are demanding that the Muchdi judicial review be submitted along with new evidence (novum) and the replacement of the prosecutor”, said Anam.
Rusdi Marpaung from Indonesian Human Rights Watch (Imparsial) highlighted the actions of law enforcement officials who have tended to put the Munir murder case on ice.
Usman Hamid, the coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence also urged the AGO to immediately submit a judicial review over the Purwopranjono case. He said he suspected that delays in submitting the review are because of the influence of the court mafia. (edn/jos)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Jakarta – The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) no longer has any grounds to postpone submitting a judicial review on the release of former National Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy chief Muchdi Purwopranjono in the murder case of human rights activists Munir. Delays in the judicial review are seen as a plot to limit those accused of the Munir’s murder to former Garuda Airlines pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto.
This was conveyed by Choirul Anam from the Solidarity Action Committee for Munir (Kasum) on Tuesday November 24 in Jakarta. According to Choirul, the AGO has postponed submitting the judicial review against Purwopranjono’s aquital because it has not yet received a copy of the ruling from the court.
“But, Kasum itself has already received the Muchdi the appeal decision from the South Jakarta District Court. So, it’s impossible that the AGO has not yet received the ruling,” said Anam.
Munir’s widow Suciwati added that the Supreme Court’s arguments at the time in rejecting the June 15 appeal were extremely weak. The judicial review is very urgent to show that the Indonesian legal system is still functioning. “To this day the case is still being discussed internationally,” she said.
The AGO submitted the Supreme Court appeal after the South Jakarta District Court released Purwopranjono on all charges on December 31, 2008. The appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court. Anam doubts that the arguments presented were legally defective.
Kasum legal team member Uli Parulian said that weak argumentation and unprofessional law enforcement officials are one of the symptoms of the court mafia. “We are demanding that the Muchdi judicial review be submitted along with new evidence (novum) and the replacement of the prosecutor”, said Anam.
Rusdi Marpaung from Indonesian Human Rights Watch (Imparsial) highlighted the actions of law enforcement officials who have tended to put the Munir murder case on ice.
Usman Hamid, the coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence also urged the AGO to immediately submit a judicial review over the Purwopranjono case. He said he suspected that delays in submitting the review are because of the influence of the court mafia. (edn/jos)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
LMND-PRM calls for free education, united government of the poor
KRjogja.com
- November 17, 2009
Yogyakarta – Scores of students from the Politics of the Poor-National Student League for Democracy (LMND-PRM) held a protest action at the University of Gajah Mada traffic circle on Tuesday November 17 urging the government to provide free education and review education policies that harm the people.
Action coordinator Kholis Annasir said that government policies such as the Education Legal Entity (BHP) Law, the National Education System (Sisdiknas) Law and others have resulted in the majority of the poor being unable enjoy prosperity because the cost of education is becoming increasingly out of reach.
“Yet the state has prioritised a minimum education budget of 20 percent from the state budget. But so far the available funds have never reached 10 percent. An allocation of 20 percent for education meanwhile is still too small compared with the funds used to pay off the foreign debt of around 35-40 percent annually from the state budget”, he said.
Annasir added that the education funds that actually reach the public are still very small due to administrative dedications and corruption. On the other hand, the country’s natural wealth – which should be a mainstay to fund education – is instead robed by foreign companies in the name of privatisation.
“Concretely the government has no intention or will to improve the education system in Indonesia. The government is instead busy bailing out companies hit by the impact of the [global financial] crisis. In the end the poor continue to be buried under defective legal regulations and are increasingly far from being prosperous,” he said.
In commemorating International Students Day, which falls today, in addition to calling for free education and rejecting the BHP law, the LMND-PRM also called for an end to the privatisation of education, creating democracy in campuses and schools, transparency in educational funding as well as improvements to facilities and the educational curriculum.
“For us, the solution to all of these problems is to replace the imperialist agent administration of SBY [President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono] and [Vice President] Boediono with an honest, united government of the poor,” he asserted. (Ran)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Yogyakarta – Scores of students from the Politics of the Poor-National Student League for Democracy (LMND-PRM) held a protest action at the University of Gajah Mada traffic circle on Tuesday November 17 urging the government to provide free education and review education policies that harm the people.
Action coordinator Kholis Annasir said that government policies such as the Education Legal Entity (BHP) Law, the National Education System (Sisdiknas) Law and others have resulted in the majority of the poor being unable enjoy prosperity because the cost of education is becoming increasingly out of reach.
“Yet the state has prioritised a minimum education budget of 20 percent from the state budget. But so far the available funds have never reached 10 percent. An allocation of 20 percent for education meanwhile is still too small compared with the funds used to pay off the foreign debt of around 35-40 percent annually from the state budget”, he said.
Annasir added that the education funds that actually reach the public are still very small due to administrative dedications and corruption. On the other hand, the country’s natural wealth – which should be a mainstay to fund education – is instead robed by foreign companies in the name of privatisation.
“Concretely the government has no intention or will to improve the education system in Indonesia. The government is instead busy bailing out companies hit by the impact of the [global financial] crisis. In the end the poor continue to be buried under defective legal regulations and are increasingly far from being prosperous,” he said.
In commemorating International Students Day, which falls today, in addition to calling for free education and rejecting the BHP law, the LMND-PRM also called for an end to the privatisation of education, creating democracy in campuses and schools, transparency in educational funding as well as improvements to facilities and the educational curriculum.
“For us, the solution to all of these problems is to replace the imperialist agent administration of SBY [President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono] and [Vice President] Boediono with an honest, united government of the poor,” he asserted. (Ran)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Friday, November 13, 2009
House represents less than 50 percent of voting population
Kompas -
November 13, 2009
Jakarta – The number of voters represented by the nine political parties that obtained seats in the national House of Representatives (DPR) following the 2009 legislative elections is less that who are not represented.
This was revealed by former General Election Commission (KPU) Deputy Chair Ramlan Surbakti during a discussion titled "Evaluating the Integrity of the 2009 Election Results" in Jakarta on Thursday November 12.
The number of voters registered for legislative elections by the KPU in November 2009 was 171.27 million. However the number of votes represented by the nine political parties with seats in the DPR is only 85.05 million people or 49.66 percent. The remainder, 86.22 million voters, is not represented by the 560 members of the DPR.
The number of unrepresented voters is based on the 49.68 million registered voters who did not use their right to vote and the 17.49 million voters who did vote, but whose vote was declared invalid, plus 19.05 million voters who cast a valid vote but the parties they voted for did not obtain a seat because they failed to reach the electoral threshold (parliamentary threshold) to get into parliament.
Surbakti added that the number of citizens not represented by the parties in the parliament would be even greater if the number of people who were entitled to vote but were not registered are included. This would swell further if the total number of "ghost" voters on the electoral list were also counted.
University of Indonesia political science lecturer Andrinof Chaniago said that the low level of representation in the DPR has resulted in legislators having no roots in society. It is this situation that has triggered a discrepancy between the DPR's attitudes and the wishes of broader society, as has occurred in a number of recent cases. The DPR often runs away from the demands of the people they represent.
Those elected to the DPR, who have no roots in society, are the result of an elitist electoral system that functions in the name of the people, yet, in reality, the members of the DPR are not one with the ordinary people. (MZW)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Jakarta – The number of voters represented by the nine political parties that obtained seats in the national House of Representatives (DPR) following the 2009 legislative elections is less that who are not represented.
This was revealed by former General Election Commission (KPU) Deputy Chair Ramlan Surbakti during a discussion titled "Evaluating the Integrity of the 2009 Election Results" in Jakarta on Thursday November 12.
The number of voters registered for legislative elections by the KPU in November 2009 was 171.27 million. However the number of votes represented by the nine political parties with seats in the DPR is only 85.05 million people or 49.66 percent. The remainder, 86.22 million voters, is not represented by the 560 members of the DPR.
The number of unrepresented voters is based on the 49.68 million registered voters who did not use their right to vote and the 17.49 million voters who did vote, but whose vote was declared invalid, plus 19.05 million voters who cast a valid vote but the parties they voted for did not obtain a seat because they failed to reach the electoral threshold (parliamentary threshold) to get into parliament.
Surbakti added that the number of citizens not represented by the parties in the parliament would be even greater if the number of people who were entitled to vote but were not registered are included. This would swell further if the total number of "ghost" voters on the electoral list were also counted.
University of Indonesia political science lecturer Andrinof Chaniago said that the low level of representation in the DPR has resulted in legislators having no roots in society. It is this situation that has triggered a discrepancy between the DPR's attitudes and the wishes of broader society, as has occurred in a number of recent cases. The DPR often runs away from the demands of the people they represent.
Those elected to the DPR, who have no roots in society, are the result of an elitist electoral system that functions in the name of the people, yet, in reality, the members of the DPR are not one with the ordinary people. (MZW)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
If the poor can be jailed for stealing fruit, what about Munir's killer
Detik.com
- November 11, 2009
Anwar Khumaini, Jakarta – The wife of the late human rights defender Munir, has lamented the application of the law in Indonesia, saying the state only prosecutes the poor.
Suciwati made the remark during a press conference at the Indonesian Human Rights Watch (Imparsial) offices on Jl. Diponegoro in Central Jakarta on Tuesday November 24. Suciwati said that a grandmother called Minah in Purwokerto, Central Java, was a case in point.
"The law is just applied to poor people only," related Suciwati. "Just look at the case of Ibu Minah, she picked three cocoa fruits and was prosecuted by the law. Meanwhile the corrupters and Munir's killer are left untouched", added Suciwati.
Suciwati explained how rotten the law is in Indonesia because it is selective in how it deals with cases.
Related to the murder of her husband, Suciwati has not yet lost hope that it will soon be solved. The Attorney General's Office has been asked to immediately submit a judicial review over the release of former State Intelligence Agency deputy Muchdi Purwoprandjono.
"We are calling for the judicial review to be submitted immediately", said the slender woman. (anw/nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Anwar Khumaini, Jakarta – The wife of the late human rights defender Munir, has lamented the application of the law in Indonesia, saying the state only prosecutes the poor.
Suciwati made the remark during a press conference at the Indonesian Human Rights Watch (Imparsial) offices on Jl. Diponegoro in Central Jakarta on Tuesday November 24. Suciwati said that a grandmother called Minah in Purwokerto, Central Java, was a case in point.
"The law is just applied to poor people only," related Suciwati. "Just look at the case of Ibu Minah, she picked three cocoa fruits and was prosecuted by the law. Meanwhile the corrupters and Munir's killer are left untouched", added Suciwati.
Suciwati explained how rotten the law is in Indonesia because it is selective in how it deals with cases.
Related to the murder of her husband, Suciwati has not yet lost hope that it will soon be solved. The Attorney General's Office has been asked to immediately submit a judicial review over the release of former State Intelligence Agency deputy Muchdi Purwoprandjono.
"We are calling for the judicial review to be submitted immediately", said the slender woman. (anw/nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Monday, October 26, 2009
Labour union launches national campaign for 50 percent wage increase
Detik.com
- October 26, 2009
Baban Gandapurnama, Bandung – Workers from the Preparatory Committee for the Indonesian Labour Movement Union (KP-PPBI) are demanding a minimum wage increase across all regions in 2010 of as much as 50 percent.
According to KP-PPBI provisional coordinator Sulaeman, their demands are based on an assessment of workers’ wages that are still not enough to survive on. “This 50 percent increase for workers will also stimulate an increase in purchasing power, and thereby stimulate Indonesia’s stagnating economy,” said Sulaeman during a KP-PPBI press conference at the Hotel Bandung Permai on Monday October 26.
Sulaeman also said that this demand should be viewed from the aspect of living conditions in Indonesia that are in a state of crisis, which can be seen from the huge jump in the price of goods and services.
In addition to his, according to Sulaeman, the working class is concerned that the regime of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono plan to increase fuel prices, electricity rates, the price of LPG and other prices in 2010. “This cannot just be ignored, the working class in Indonesia can no longer adopt and attitude of defeat. Even though Indonesia is still experiencing an economic crisis,” said Sulaeman.
The KP-PPBI will be campaigning for this demand throughout the country, particularly among labour organisation and workers' networks to encourage them to support a wage increase in 2010. “Fifty percent is in fact not enough, but this is an effort to improve the welfare of the working class, so we ask workers to keep supporting [the demand]”, said Sulaeman.
The KP-PPBI is also urging labour delegations on wage councils to fight for the 50 percent wage increase. In addition to this they are appealing to regional labour organisations to hold actions either at government offices or Regional House of Representatives and to produce leaflets or pamphlets on working class resistance, as well as establishing cheap wage opposition committees on a national scale. “Hold mass marches or mass meetings in industrial areas, in open areas, or meeting halls to jointly call for a 2010 wage increase,” said Sulaeman.
The KP-PPBI is comprised of a number of labour organisations, including among others the Solidarity Alliance for Labour Struggle (GSPB), the Cross-Factory Labour Forum (FBLP), the Solidarity Forum for Labour Struggle (FSPB) and the Association of Concerned Labour Youth (PPMP). (avi/ern)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Baban Gandapurnama, Bandung – Workers from the Preparatory Committee for the Indonesian Labour Movement Union (KP-PPBI) are demanding a minimum wage increase across all regions in 2010 of as much as 50 percent.
According to KP-PPBI provisional coordinator Sulaeman, their demands are based on an assessment of workers’ wages that are still not enough to survive on. “This 50 percent increase for workers will also stimulate an increase in purchasing power, and thereby stimulate Indonesia’s stagnating economy,” said Sulaeman during a KP-PPBI press conference at the Hotel Bandung Permai on Monday October 26.
Sulaeman also said that this demand should be viewed from the aspect of living conditions in Indonesia that are in a state of crisis, which can be seen from the huge jump in the price of goods and services.
In addition to his, according to Sulaeman, the working class is concerned that the regime of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono plan to increase fuel prices, electricity rates, the price of LPG and other prices in 2010. “This cannot just be ignored, the working class in Indonesia can no longer adopt and attitude of defeat. Even though Indonesia is still experiencing an economic crisis,” said Sulaeman.
The KP-PPBI will be campaigning for this demand throughout the country, particularly among labour organisation and workers' networks to encourage them to support a wage increase in 2010. “Fifty percent is in fact not enough, but this is an effort to improve the welfare of the working class, so we ask workers to keep supporting [the demand]”, said Sulaeman.
The KP-PPBI is also urging labour delegations on wage councils to fight for the 50 percent wage increase. In addition to this they are appealing to regional labour organisations to hold actions either at government offices or Regional House of Representatives and to produce leaflets or pamphlets on working class resistance, as well as establishing cheap wage opposition committees on a national scale. “Hold mass marches or mass meetings in industrial areas, in open areas, or meeting halls to jointly call for a 2010 wage increase,” said Sulaeman.
The KP-PPBI is comprised of a number of labour organisations, including among others the Solidarity Alliance for Labour Struggle (GSPB), the Cross-Factory Labour Forum (FBLP), the Solidarity Forum for Labour Struggle (FSPB) and the Association of Concerned Labour Youth (PPMP). (avi/ern)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Police break up student demonstration in Solo before it even starts
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Muchus Budi R., Solo – A demonstration by students in the Central Java city of Solo on October 20 against the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was broken up by police before it could even start.
Around 30 students calling themselves the Greater Solo Student Movement (GMS), which is comprised of Student Executive Councils from various Solo universities, the Indonesian Association of Catholic Students and the Indonesian Christian Students Movement, arrived at the Gladag traffic circle at around 10.30am. They were immediately intercepted by police and taken away to the Surakarta (Solo) Municipal Police Headquarters.
Although police asserted that the students had held the action without providing the police with prior notification, the students said that they had already informed the police verbally. They added that they were arrested before they had even done anything. Police also secured a number of posters brought by demonstrators condemning Yudhoyono and Boediono as being neoliberal lackeys.
A short time later, scores of Islamic Students Association (HMI) held an action at the same location, but were not stopped by police on the grounds that they had already provided notification. (mbr/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Muchus Budi R., Solo – A demonstration by students in the Central Java city of Solo on October 20 against the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was broken up by police before it could even start.
Around 30 students calling themselves the Greater Solo Student Movement (GMS), which is comprised of Student Executive Councils from various Solo universities, the Indonesian Association of Catholic Students and the Indonesian Christian Students Movement, arrived at the Gladag traffic circle at around 10.30am. They were immediately intercepted by police and taken away to the Surakarta (Solo) Municipal Police Headquarters.
Although police asserted that the students had held the action without providing the police with prior notification, the students said that they had already informed the police verbally. They added that they were arrested before they had even done anything. Police also secured a number of posters brought by demonstrators condemning Yudhoyono and Boediono as being neoliberal lackeys.
A short time later, scores of Islamic Students Association (HMI) held an action at the same location, but were not stopped by police on the grounds that they had already provided notification. (mbr/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Students in Yogya protest by burning presidential campaign T-shirts
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Bagus Kurniawan, Yogyakarta – Hundreds of students from various groups in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta held an action opposing the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono on October 20. The protest was marked by the burning of T-shirts with pictures of Yudhoyono and Boediono.
Members of the Gadjah Mada University Student Executive Council (BEM) held an action at the campus traffic circle in Bulaksumur. The other action by members of the Yogyakarta Muslim Students Association for Reform (HMI-MPO), Yogyakarta People’s Solidarity (SRY), the National Student League for Democracy (LMND), the National Alliance and the Muhammadiyah Students Association (IMM) was concentrated at the Yogyakarta Monument and in front of the central post office.
In opposing Yudhoyono and Boediono’s inauguration, the demonstrators said that the new administration was like the New Order Volume II (referring to the New Order regime of the late President Suharto), foreign and colonial lackeys, pro-capitalist and neoliberal. They also brought posters with messages such as “SBY, your homework isn’t finished”, “SBY, where are your promises” and “Alas SBY if you lie disasters will come”.
The demonstrators also questioned Yudhoyono’s campaign promises demanding that the government restore the function of the Corruption Eradication Commission, sack National Police criminal investigation agency chief Susno Duadji and resolve human rights violations such as the assignation of Munir and the 1997-98 abduction of student activists, revoke the Education Legal Entity law and fully investigate the Century Bank corruption scandal.
Following speeches, National Alliance members set fire to presidential campaign T-shirts with pictures of Yudhoyono and Boediono, which were placed on posters reading “Reject neoliberalism”. (bgs/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Bagus Kurniawan, Yogyakarta – Hundreds of students from various groups in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta held an action opposing the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono on October 20. The protest was marked by the burning of T-shirts with pictures of Yudhoyono and Boediono.
Members of the Gadjah Mada University Student Executive Council (BEM) held an action at the campus traffic circle in Bulaksumur. The other action by members of the Yogyakarta Muslim Students Association for Reform (HMI-MPO), Yogyakarta People’s Solidarity (SRY), the National Student League for Democracy (LMND), the National Alliance and the Muhammadiyah Students Association (IMM) was concentrated at the Yogyakarta Monument and in front of the central post office.
In opposing Yudhoyono and Boediono’s inauguration, the demonstrators said that the new administration was like the New Order Volume II (referring to the New Order regime of the late President Suharto), foreign and colonial lackeys, pro-capitalist and neoliberal. They also brought posters with messages such as “SBY, your homework isn’t finished”, “SBY, where are your promises” and “Alas SBY if you lie disasters will come”.
The demonstrators also questioned Yudhoyono’s campaign promises demanding that the government restore the function of the Corruption Eradication Commission, sack National Police criminal investigation agency chief Susno Duadji and resolve human rights violations such as the assignation of Munir and the 1997-98 abduction of student activists, revoke the Education Legal Entity law and fully investigate the Century Bank corruption scandal.
Following speeches, National Alliance members set fire to presidential campaign T-shirts with pictures of Yudhoyono and Boediono, which were placed on posters reading “Reject neoliberalism”. (bgs/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Students in Palembang demand Yudhoyono abandon neoliberal policies
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Taufik Wijaya, Palembang – The inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono on October 20 was also greeted by protest actions in Palembang, South Sumatra, demanding that Yudhoyono and Boediono prove that they are not adherents of neoliberalism.
The action by around 100 students from the Indonesian National Students Movement (GMNI) began at around 9am with a long march to the South Sumatra governor’s office then on to the Palembang Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). The protests also brought leaflets, pamphlets and a red-and-blue banner reading “Oil, gas and coal, sold cheap overseas.”
During the action at the governor’s office, two GMNI representatives read out a statement condemning the slow pace of the investigation into the Century Bank scandal and saying that the government officials involved in the case – including Boediono as the then governor of the central bank – must be purged. They added that the Century Bank case was just part of Yudhoyono’s administration’s failures along with economic, social and security problems that occurred due to the application of neoliberal policies.
The group also accused Yudhoyono of seeking loans from colonialist countries, which have not only placed a burden on the state budget, but have also become an entry point for the neoliberalism, privatisation, trade liberalisation, bank deregulation and unemployment. (tw/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Taufik Wijaya, Palembang – The inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono on October 20 was also greeted by protest actions in Palembang, South Sumatra, demanding that Yudhoyono and Boediono prove that they are not adherents of neoliberalism.
The action by around 100 students from the Indonesian National Students Movement (GMNI) began at around 9am with a long march to the South Sumatra governor’s office then on to the Palembang Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). The protests also brought leaflets, pamphlets and a red-and-blue banner reading “Oil, gas and coal, sold cheap overseas.”
During the action at the governor’s office, two GMNI representatives read out a statement condemning the slow pace of the investigation into the Century Bank scandal and saying that the government officials involved in the case – including Boediono as the then governor of the central bank – must be purged. They added that the Century Bank case was just part of Yudhoyono’s administration’s failures along with economic, social and security problems that occurred due to the application of neoliberal policies.
The group also accused Yudhoyono of seeking loans from colonialist countries, which have not only placed a burden on the state budget, but have also become an entry point for the neoliberalism, privatisation, trade liberalisation, bank deregulation and unemployment. (tw/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Papuans demand Yudhoyono fulfill promise to improve regional welfare
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Elvan Dany Sutrisno, Jakarta – Twenty ‘black pearls’ formed an orderly line in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) Gelding Nusantara Building on October 20 demanding that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono fulfill his promise to improve the welfare of their country.
“We are waiting for what was promised by SBY, that after the inauguration we will hold a meeting to discuss Papuan development,” said Abdul Rahman Kossay, one of the leaders of Suku Lembah Baliyem, a group concerned with poverty in the western corner of Papua, speaking in front of the DPR building in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Standing in a line wearing black suits, the group said that they wanted the fortunes of their sisters and brothers to improve and hoped that with the regional decentralisation promised by Yudhoyono, they could eat better. “We want our region to be split up so we will advance more,” said Kossay.
Kossay said they would remain in Jakarta until Yudhoyono granted their request and realised his promise. “We will wait in Jakarta until it comes true”, he asserted. (van/nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Elvan Dany Sutrisno, Jakarta – Twenty ‘black pearls’ formed an orderly line in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) Gelding Nusantara Building on October 20 demanding that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono fulfill his promise to improve the welfare of their country.
“We are waiting for what was promised by SBY, that after the inauguration we will hold a meeting to discuss Papuan development,” said Abdul Rahman Kossay, one of the leaders of Suku Lembah Baliyem, a group concerned with poverty in the western corner of Papua, speaking in front of the DPR building in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Standing in a line wearing black suits, the group said that they wanted the fortunes of their sisters and brothers to improve and hoped that with the regional decentralisation promised by Yudhoyono, they could eat better. “We want our region to be split up so we will advance more,” said Kossay.
Kossay said they would remain in Jakarta until Yudhoyono granted their request and realised his promise. “We will wait in Jakarta until it comes true”, he asserted. (van/nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Spartan demands government free of foreign intervention
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Triono Wahyu Sudibyo, Semarang – Around 100 activists from the Volunteers of the People’s Struggle for the Liberation of the Motherland (Spartan) demonstrated in the Central Java provincial capital of Semarang on October 20 calling on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to reject foreign intervention in his administration.
Starting in the Simpang Lima area, the protesters then moved off to the Waterfall traffic circle then on to the Central Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) carrying posters reading “End foreign intervention” and “Don’t let the country be pawned off”.
The demonstrators, who released red-and-while coloured balloons when they reached the DPRD, said that over the last five years the Yudhoyono administration has depended upon foreigners and said they hoped that in his second term, he and Vice President Boediono would show more courage.
After the Spartan activists disbanded, a second wave of demonstrators from the Indonesian Student Secretariat (SMI) then held an action at the waterfall traffic circle at 12.30pm, also condemning the inauguration of Yudhoyono and Boediono.
Police remained busy throughout the day dealing with the waves of student actions. As one group disbursed, another started protesting. Some even occurred at the same time. Aside from Spartan and the SMI, three different groups held protest actions to condemn Yudhoyono’s inauguration, namely the Central Java Love the Corruption Eradication Commission Movement (Cicak Jateng), the Central Java Indonesian Islamic Students Movement (PMII Jateng) and the Semarang Axis. (try/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Triono Wahyu Sudibyo, Semarang – Around 100 activists from the Volunteers of the People’s Struggle for the Liberation of the Motherland (Spartan) demonstrated in the Central Java provincial capital of Semarang on October 20 calling on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to reject foreign intervention in his administration.
Starting in the Simpang Lima area, the protesters then moved off to the Waterfall traffic circle then on to the Central Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) carrying posters reading “End foreign intervention” and “Don’t let the country be pawned off”.
The demonstrators, who released red-and-while coloured balloons when they reached the DPRD, said that over the last five years the Yudhoyono administration has depended upon foreigners and said they hoped that in his second term, he and Vice President Boediono would show more courage.
After the Spartan activists disbanded, a second wave of demonstrators from the Indonesian Student Secretariat (SMI) then held an action at the waterfall traffic circle at 12.30pm, also condemning the inauguration of Yudhoyono and Boediono.
Police remained busy throughout the day dealing with the waves of student actions. As one group disbursed, another started protesting. Some even occurred at the same time. Aside from Spartan and the SMI, three different groups held protest actions to condemn Yudhoyono’s inauguration, namely the Central Java Love the Corruption Eradication Commission Movement (Cicak Jateng), the Central Java Indonesian Islamic Students Movement (PMII Jateng) and the Semarang Axis. (try/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Students in Makassar accuse Yudhoyono of being ‘neoliberal lackey’
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Muhammad Nur Abdurrahman, Makassar – It has not just been in Jakarta and Java that mass actions opposing the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono have taken place.
On Tuesday October 20, some 500 people calling themselves the Makassar Parliament of the Streets Alliance (APJ) also held a demonstration in front of the Mandala Monument in the South Sulawesi provincial capital of Makassar.
The protesters, who said that Yudhoyono and Boediono are neoliberal lackeys and pro-foreign capital, warned that they would again bring suffering to the ordinary people as was the case over the last five years.
According to action coordinator Wahida, the signs of the Yudhoyono administration’s failures were easy to recognise, namely fuel price increases on at least two occasions, the abolition of education subsides along with the high cost of education for the poor and the law on foreign investment that emasculate workers’ rights.
“The parliament and cabinet that have just now been put together by SBY really make us even more doubtful about their quality and support for the people. They are in fact only lackeys of foreign powers labeled neoliberal, moreover Boediono is a member of the International Monetary Fund,” said Wahida. (mna/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Muhammad Nur Abdurrahman, Makassar – It has not just been in Jakarta and Java that mass actions opposing the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono have taken place.
On Tuesday October 20, some 500 people calling themselves the Makassar Parliament of the Streets Alliance (APJ) also held a demonstration in front of the Mandala Monument in the South Sulawesi provincial capital of Makassar.
The protesters, who said that Yudhoyono and Boediono are neoliberal lackeys and pro-foreign capital, warned that they would again bring suffering to the ordinary people as was the case over the last five years.
According to action coordinator Wahida, the signs of the Yudhoyono administration’s failures were easy to recognise, namely fuel price increases on at least two occasions, the abolition of education subsides along with the high cost of education for the poor and the law on foreign investment that emasculate workers’ rights.
“The parliament and cabinet that have just now been put together by SBY really make us even more doubtful about their quality and support for the people. They are in fact only lackeys of foreign powers labeled neoliberal, moreover Boediono is a member of the International Monetary Fund,” said Wahida. (mna/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Students demand Yudhoyono solve five key issues in first 100 days
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Didi Syafirdi, Jakarta – Only half a day after being inaugurated as the president and vice president for 2009-2014, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Boediono are being urged to solve five key problems in the first 100 days of the new administration.
This request was conveyed during an action by the All Indonesia Student Executive Council (BEM-SI) in front of the State Palace on Tuesday October 20.
The five demands took up a number of issues. First, the allocation of 20 percent of the budge for education, the annulment of the Education Legal Entity law and opposing the national exam system. Second, following up the Supreme Audit Agency’s audit of Century Bank and maintaining the powers of the Corruption Eradication Commission. Third, an even distribution of development, particularly in less developed areas. Fourth, improving the people’s welfare and finally, upholding human rights.
During the action, around 500 students wearing university jackets brought a huge banner reading “We will be a permanent opposition” and posters reading “We want to meet the president”.
The protest was closely guarded by around 100 police supported by military police and fully soldiers wearing camouflage uniforms. (amd/nrl)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Didi Syafirdi, Jakarta – Only half a day after being inaugurated as the president and vice president for 2009-2014, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Boediono are being urged to solve five key problems in the first 100 days of the new administration.
This request was conveyed during an action by the All Indonesia Student Executive Council (BEM-SI) in front of the State Palace on Tuesday October 20.
The five demands took up a number of issues. First, the allocation of 20 percent of the budge for education, the annulment of the Education Legal Entity law and opposing the national exam system. Second, following up the Supreme Audit Agency’s audit of Century Bank and maintaining the powers of the Corruption Eradication Commission. Third, an even distribution of development, particularly in less developed areas. Fourth, improving the people’s welfare and finally, upholding human rights.
During the action, around 500 students wearing university jackets brought a huge banner reading “We will be a permanent opposition” and posters reading “We want to meet the president”.
The protest was closely guarded by around 100 police supported by military police and fully soldiers wearing camouflage uniforms. (amd/nrl)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Anti-Yudhoyono protesters in Bali blocked by police
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Gede Suardana, Denpasar – Demonstrations during the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono on October 20 also occurred in the resort island of Bali.
The planned action by scores of people from the Anti-Neoliberal Social Union (PMAN) was take place in front of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). Before being able to move off from the East Renon Square in Denpasar however, the protesters were blocked by police who said that they did not have a permit to march to the DPRD.
Determined to reach the DPRD building, the demonstrators used motorbike on the pretext of wishing to hold a public hearing with legislators. However they were again stopped by police when they tried to enter the lobby of the parliament building. As a result the protesters sat and waited patiently on the DPRD grounds until regional assembly speaker Nyoman Parta came out to meet with them.
Action coordinator Iqbal Tanthowi said the action opposing Yudhoyono’s inauguration was to warn the public about the dangers of neoliberalism that is being practiced by the Yudhoyono administration. This they said endangered the ordinary people’s standard of living and the government should be criticised by the people and the legislator. (gds/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Gede Suardana, Denpasar – Demonstrations during the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono on October 20 also occurred in the resort island of Bali.
The planned action by scores of people from the Anti-Neoliberal Social Union (PMAN) was take place in front of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). Before being able to move off from the East Renon Square in Denpasar however, the protesters were blocked by police who said that they did not have a permit to march to the DPRD.
Determined to reach the DPRD building, the demonstrators used motorbike on the pretext of wishing to hold a public hearing with legislators. However they were again stopped by police when they tried to enter the lobby of the parliament building. As a result the protesters sat and waited patiently on the DPRD grounds until regional assembly speaker Nyoman Parta came out to meet with them.
Action coordinator Iqbal Tanthowi said the action opposing Yudhoyono’s inauguration was to warn the public about the dangers of neoliberalism that is being practiced by the Yudhoyono administration. This they said endangered the ordinary people’s standard of living and the government should be criticised by the people and the legislator. (gds/djo)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Thousands of workers in Jakarta reject Yudhoyono’s inauguration
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Ari Saputra, Jakarta – Hundreds of workers from various labour organisations held a protest action at the front gates of the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Jakarta on October 20.
The demonstrators were opposing the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono. “Reject SBY-Boediono!”, shouted one of the speakers during the action on Tuesday.
The 500 or so demonstrators from the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) walked on foot from the Republic of Indonesia TV station to the DPR. In order to anticipate anything “undesirable” occurring, hundreds of police officers kept guard over the march.
Appearing cohesive, they wore bright red shirts and headbands. Several also carried flags identifying their organisations.
At around 2.30pm the demonstrators disbursed peacefully and the earlier traffic jam in front of the DPR on Jl. Gatot Subroto began to flow soothingly again. “We will continue to reject the SBY-Boediono leadership who are capitalist lackeys. We are the opposition”, asserted one of the demonstrators from KASBI.
The hundreds of police guarding the DPR drew a sigh of relief and disbanded. A vehicle carrying razor wire was withdrawn and three water cannons were also secured.
[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski compiled from two reports in Detik.com.]
Ari Saputra, Jakarta – Hundreds of workers from various labour organisations held a protest action at the front gates of the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Jakarta on October 20.
The demonstrators were opposing the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono. “Reject SBY-Boediono!”, shouted one of the speakers during the action on Tuesday.
The 500 or so demonstrators from the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) walked on foot from the Republic of Indonesia TV station to the DPR. In order to anticipate anything “undesirable” occurring, hundreds of police officers kept guard over the march.
Appearing cohesive, they wore bright red shirts and headbands. Several also carried flags identifying their organisations.
At around 2.30pm the demonstrators disbursed peacefully and the earlier traffic jam in front of the DPR on Jl. Gatot Subroto began to flow soothingly again. “We will continue to reject the SBY-Boediono leadership who are capitalist lackeys. We are the opposition”, asserted one of the demonstrators from KASBI.
The hundreds of police guarding the DPR drew a sigh of relief and disbanded. A vehicle carrying razor wire was withdrawn and three water cannons were also secured.
[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski compiled from two reports in Detik.com.]
Yudhoyono and Boediono inauguration convoy greeted by protesters
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Ari Saputra, Jakarta – Around 100 demonstrators succeeded in reaching the road opposite the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday October 20.
As soon as the convoy transporting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono to the DPR for their inauguration passed by, the protesters immediately began shouting and yelling.
The demonstrators from the People’s Struggle Front (FPR) and the Association of Independent Trade Unions (GSBI) were able to reach the location by crossing the Farmasi flyover then following the Slipi-Cawang toll road until they arrived across from the DPR.
When the president and vice president’s entourage along with invited guest passed by, the demonstrators shouted accusing Yudhoyono and Boediono of being US lackeys. “SBY-Boediono are American puppets!” shouted the demonstrators as they held up posters and pamphlets containing their demands.
Hundreds of police officers could be seen on guard who had setup a fence to block the protesters. The VVIP entourage meanwhile was not disrupted and continued on its journey.
According to information the action will be continued in front of the DPR. Traffic in the direction of Cawang meanwhile was congested because one of the lanes was being used by the protesters. (mok/nwk)
[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Ari Saputra, Jakarta – Around 100 demonstrators succeeded in reaching the road opposite the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday October 20.
As soon as the convoy transporting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Vice President Boediono to the DPR for their inauguration passed by, the protesters immediately began shouting and yelling.
The demonstrators from the People’s Struggle Front (FPR) and the Association of Independent Trade Unions (GSBI) were able to reach the location by crossing the Farmasi flyover then following the Slipi-Cawang toll road until they arrived across from the DPR.
When the president and vice president’s entourage along with invited guest passed by, the demonstrators shouted accusing Yudhoyono and Boediono of being US lackeys. “SBY-Boediono are American puppets!” shouted the demonstrators as they held up posters and pamphlets containing their demands.
Hundreds of police officers could be seen on guard who had setup a fence to block the protesters. The VVIP entourage meanwhile was not disrupted and continued on its journey.
According to information the action will be continued in front of the DPR. Traffic in the direction of Cawang meanwhile was congested because one of the lanes was being used by the protesters. (mok/nwk)
[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]
Thousands of protesters to target Yudhoyono’s inauguration
Detik.com
- October 20, 2009
Hery Winarno, Jakarta – The inauguration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Boediono as the president and vice president of the Republic of Indonesia for the period 2009-2014 will be the target of thousands of protesters. Scores of mass organisations will hold protest actions in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building.
As reported by the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Center (TMC) on Tuesday October 20, the demonstrators will arrives in waves at the DPR building on Jl. Gatot Soebroto, Jakarta.
8am
1. Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI): FBSKU, SPEK, GSBN, PROGRESIF, Jamsostek Workers Union-RMM (SPJ-RMM), National Solidarity Committee (KSN), Working People's Association (PRP), Indonesian Independent Union (SMI), JGM, Carrefour Indonesia Trade Union (SPCI) and Gemerik Trade Union (SP Gemerik).
2. Street Parliament Alliance: Indonesian Poor People’s Union (SRMI), Indonesian Student League for Democracy (LMND), Indonesian National Front for Labour Struggle (FNPBI), Betawi Traditional Buggy Struggle Front (PPDB), Volunteers of the People’s Struggle for the Liberation of the Motherland (SPARTAN), Jakarta Artists, National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) and the Political and Social Sciences Institute Union (IISIP) Students Association.
3. People’s Alliance for the SBY Current (ARSBY-ARUS).
9am
1. People’s Struggle Committee (KPR): Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM), Greater Jakarta Workers Federation of Struggle (FPBJ), Indonesian Student Union (SMI), KPOP, Indonesian Transportation Trade Union of Struggle (SBTPI), GESBURI, Solidarity Alliance for Labour Struggle (GSPB), Indonesian Buskers Union (SPI), Union for the Politics of the Poor (PPRM), Greater Jakarta Railway Workers Trade Union (SPKAJ), the Independent Trade Union (SBI), Karawang Peasants Union (SEPETAK) and the Agrarian Reform Consortium (KPA).
2. People’s Struggle Front (FPR): Migrant Care, Association of Independent Trade Unions (GSBI), All Indonesia Workers Organisation (OPSI), Indonesia Workers Solidarity (SBB), Cengkareng Labour Forum (FBC), Indonesian Workers Association (ATKI), National Students Front (FMN), Bung Karno University Student Movement Centre (CGM-UBK), Indonesian Christian Students Movement (GMKI), Indonesian Association of Catholic Students (PMKRI), Indonesian Buddhist Students Association (Hikmahbudhi), Bekasi Youth League (LPB), Indonesia People’s Movement (GRI) and Green Indonesia Union (SHI).
3. Greater Jakarta Student Action Union (KAMRJ): Islamic State University (UIN), Bung Karno University (UBK), APP, BSI Bekasi and the Victims of the Palimanan Toll Road Construction (Cirebon).
4. University of Indonesia Student Executive Council (BEM-UI).
5. Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front (KAMMI): Jakarta, Bekasi, Depok, Bogor, Banten, Purwokerto, Socialist Youth and Students Movement, At-Tahiriyah.
6. Red-and-White Movement (GPM): KM LASKI, Jakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMJ), Atma Jaya University (UAJ), Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka University (UHAMKA), Borobudur University (BU) and Jayabaya University (JU).
7. Joint Forum: National Forum of Young Indonesians (FKPI), Youth Movement Network (JAMPER), RPM, Christian University of Indonesia (UKI), Indonesian Administration Foundation Student Action Front (FAM-YAI), Volunteers of Democracy in Struggle (REPDEM), Gunadharma University (Gunadharma), Pro-Democracy Activists (PRODEM), Anti-Debt Coalition (KAU), Indonesian National Students Movement (GMNI), People's Democratic Defense (Bendera), Democrat Youth Front (BMD), National Gathering of 1998 Activists (PENA 98).
8. All Indonesia Student Executive Council: Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Jakarta State University (UNJ), Islamic State University (UIN), Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS), University of Airlingga (Unair), UK Petra, August 17 University (Untag), University of Wijaya Kusuma (UWK), University of Diponegoro (Undip) and Indonusa Esa Unggul University (UNESA).
10am
1. Jakarta Workers Federation of Struggle (FPBJ)
2. Arrest the BLBI Corruptors People’s Alliance (ARTK-BLBI)
3. Indonesian Student’s Forum (FMI)
In addition to the protest actions during Yudhoyono’s inauguration, the TMC also notes that there will be an demonstration in support of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Organised by the Anti Corruption Youth and Students Action Network (JAM’S), the protest is planned to start at 12noon in front of the KPK building on Jl. Rasuna Said in South Jakarta. JAM’S is made up of elements from the Borobudur University Community of Students (KM-UB), the Trisakti Student Action Front (FAM Trisakti), the August 17 University Community of Students (KM-Untag), the Anti Corruption Volunteers (RAK), the Anti Corruption Youth Movement (GPAK) and the Anti Corruption Functional Youth (PKAK). (her/irw)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Hery Winarno, Jakarta – The inauguration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Boediono as the president and vice president of the Republic of Indonesia for the period 2009-2014 will be the target of thousands of protesters. Scores of mass organisations will hold protest actions in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building.
As reported by the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Center (TMC) on Tuesday October 20, the demonstrators will arrives in waves at the DPR building on Jl. Gatot Soebroto, Jakarta.
8am
1. Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI): FBSKU, SPEK, GSBN, PROGRESIF, Jamsostek Workers Union-RMM (SPJ-RMM), National Solidarity Committee (KSN), Working People's Association (PRP), Indonesian Independent Union (SMI), JGM, Carrefour Indonesia Trade Union (SPCI) and Gemerik Trade Union (SP Gemerik).
2. Street Parliament Alliance: Indonesian Poor People’s Union (SRMI), Indonesian Student League for Democracy (LMND), Indonesian National Front for Labour Struggle (FNPBI), Betawi Traditional Buggy Struggle Front (PPDB), Volunteers of the People’s Struggle for the Liberation of the Motherland (SPARTAN), Jakarta Artists, National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) and the Political and Social Sciences Institute Union (IISIP) Students Association.
3. People’s Alliance for the SBY Current (ARSBY-ARUS).
9am
1. People’s Struggle Committee (KPR): Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM), Greater Jakarta Workers Federation of Struggle (FPBJ), Indonesian Student Union (SMI), KPOP, Indonesian Transportation Trade Union of Struggle (SBTPI), GESBURI, Solidarity Alliance for Labour Struggle (GSPB), Indonesian Buskers Union (SPI), Union for the Politics of the Poor (PPRM), Greater Jakarta Railway Workers Trade Union (SPKAJ), the Independent Trade Union (SBI), Karawang Peasants Union (SEPETAK) and the Agrarian Reform Consortium (KPA).
2. People’s Struggle Front (FPR): Migrant Care, Association of Independent Trade Unions (GSBI), All Indonesia Workers Organisation (OPSI), Indonesia Workers Solidarity (SBB), Cengkareng Labour Forum (FBC), Indonesian Workers Association (ATKI), National Students Front (FMN), Bung Karno University Student Movement Centre (CGM-UBK), Indonesian Christian Students Movement (GMKI), Indonesian Association of Catholic Students (PMKRI), Indonesian Buddhist Students Association (Hikmahbudhi), Bekasi Youth League (LPB), Indonesia People’s Movement (GRI) and Green Indonesia Union (SHI).
3. Greater Jakarta Student Action Union (KAMRJ): Islamic State University (UIN), Bung Karno University (UBK), APP, BSI Bekasi and the Victims of the Palimanan Toll Road Construction (Cirebon).
4. University of Indonesia Student Executive Council (BEM-UI).
5. Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front (KAMMI): Jakarta, Bekasi, Depok, Bogor, Banten, Purwokerto, Socialist Youth and Students Movement, At-Tahiriyah.
6. Red-and-White Movement (GPM): KM LASKI, Jakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMJ), Atma Jaya University (UAJ), Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka University (UHAMKA), Borobudur University (BU) and Jayabaya University (JU).
7. Joint Forum: National Forum of Young Indonesians (FKPI), Youth Movement Network (JAMPER), RPM, Christian University of Indonesia (UKI), Indonesian Administration Foundation Student Action Front (FAM-YAI), Volunteers of Democracy in Struggle (REPDEM), Gunadharma University (Gunadharma), Pro-Democracy Activists (PRODEM), Anti-Debt Coalition (KAU), Indonesian National Students Movement (GMNI), People's Democratic Defense (Bendera), Democrat Youth Front (BMD), National Gathering of 1998 Activists (PENA 98).
8. All Indonesia Student Executive Council: Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Jakarta State University (UNJ), Islamic State University (UIN), Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS), University of Airlingga (Unair), UK Petra, August 17 University (Untag), University of Wijaya Kusuma (UWK), University of Diponegoro (Undip) and Indonusa Esa Unggul University (UNESA).
10am
1. Jakarta Workers Federation of Struggle (FPBJ)
2. Arrest the BLBI Corruptors People’s Alliance (ARTK-BLBI)
3. Indonesian Student’s Forum (FMI)
In addition to the protest actions during Yudhoyono’s inauguration, the TMC also notes that there will be an demonstration in support of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Organised by the Anti Corruption Youth and Students Action Network (JAM’S), the protest is planned to start at 12noon in front of the KPK building on Jl. Rasuna Said in South Jakarta. JAM’S is made up of elements from the Borobudur University Community of Students (KM-UB), the Trisakti Student Action Front (FAM Trisakti), the August 17 University Community of Students (KM-Untag), the Anti Corruption Volunteers (RAK), the Anti Corruption Youth Movement (GPAK) and the Anti Corruption Functional Youth (PKAK). (her/irw)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Monday, October 19, 2009
Week kicks off with more protest actions across greater Jakarta
Detik.com
- October 19, 2009
Moksa Hutasoit, Jakarta – For the start of the week, Jakarta and surrounding areas will again be treated to widespread demonstrations, with five protest actions being held at a number of different locations.
Based on the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Centre (TMC) website for Monday October 10, a succession of demonstrations will be held at the offices of the Directorate General for Oil and Gas (Ditjen Migas), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the state-owned oil company PT Pertamina. The actions will begin at 10am.
The next protest will be held in front of the South Tangerang Mayor’s office, which will also start at 10am.
The State Palace in Central Jakarta will also not be spared. Based on a received schedule, an action will begin at 11am.
The “favourite” location for protest actions, the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle will still be the “Prima Donna” today. Two actions will be held there, the first starting at 11am and the second at 1pm.
It is not know exactly how many people will take part in the demonstrations at these locations, however it is advisable to avoid these areas if you do not wish to be caught in traffic. (mok/amd)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Moksa Hutasoit, Jakarta – For the start of the week, Jakarta and surrounding areas will again be treated to widespread demonstrations, with five protest actions being held at a number of different locations.
Based on the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Centre (TMC) website for Monday October 10, a succession of demonstrations will be held at the offices of the Directorate General for Oil and Gas (Ditjen Migas), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the state-owned oil company PT Pertamina. The actions will begin at 10am.
The next protest will be held in front of the South Tangerang Mayor’s office, which will also start at 10am.
The State Palace in Central Jakarta will also not be spared. Based on a received schedule, an action will begin at 11am.
The “favourite” location for protest actions, the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle will still be the “Prima Donna” today. Two actions will be held there, the first starting at 11am and the second at 1pm.
It is not know exactly how many people will take part in the demonstrations at these locations, however it is advisable to avoid these areas if you do not wish to be caught in traffic. (mok/amd)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Today's demos to target palace, election commission and police headquarters
Detik.com
- October 7, 2009
Didi Syafirdi, Jakarta – Five protest actions and one silent action will enliven Jakarta today. In order to avoid traffic jams, road users are asked to stay clear of stretches of road in the vicinity of the demonstrations.
According to information obtained from the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Center (TMC) for Wednesday October 7, the first action will take place at 9am at the Horse Statue traffic circle in front of the State Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara.
A demonstration will also take place at the offices of the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Jl Imam Bonjol in Central Jakarta.
Also at the same time, an action will be held in front of the Nikko Hotel on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta, in the shape of a solidarity campaign for the prevention of leprosy.
Then at 10am, protesters will hold demonstrations at the KPU, the Constitutional Court followed by the National Police headquarters.
At 1pm a protest action will be held at the Jakarta City Hall, which will be continued at the Buddha Bar restraint.
Also at the same time, demonstrations will be held at two other locations, namely the West Irian Jaya liaison office on Jl. Cilosari in Central Jakarta and at the office of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). (did/lrn)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Didi Syafirdi, Jakarta – Five protest actions and one silent action will enliven Jakarta today. In order to avoid traffic jams, road users are asked to stay clear of stretches of road in the vicinity of the demonstrations.
According to information obtained from the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Center (TMC) for Wednesday October 7, the first action will take place at 9am at the Horse Statue traffic circle in front of the State Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara.
A demonstration will also take place at the offices of the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Jl Imam Bonjol in Central Jakarta.
Also at the same time, an action will be held in front of the Nikko Hotel on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta, in the shape of a solidarity campaign for the prevention of leprosy.
Then at 10am, protesters will hold demonstrations at the KPU, the Constitutional Court followed by the National Police headquarters.
At 1pm a protest action will be held at the Jakarta City Hall, which will be continued at the Buddha Bar restraint.
Also at the same time, demonstrations will be held at two other locations, namely the West Irian Jaya liaison office on Jl. Cilosari in Central Jakarta and at the office of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). (did/lrn)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Jakarta to see at least eight protest actions today, watch out for traffic
Detik.com
- September 10, 2009
Novi Christiastuti Adiputri, Jakarta – Protest actions will be widespread today in Jakarta and surrounding areas with at least eight actions being held in already congested area of the capital. Watch out for traffic jams!
According to the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Centre website for Thursday September 10, the first action will be held at 10.30 am directly in front of the Attorney General’s Office on Jl. Sultan Hasanudin in South Jakarta.
Following on from this, at around 11am protest actions will be held in front of the United States Embassy on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan and the International Labor Organisation representative office on Jl. MH Thamrin, both in Central Jakarta.
At 1pm a demonstration will be launched in front of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) offices.
This will be followed at 2pm by a group of demonstrators who will hold an action at the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta.
Also at the same time, the National Police Headquarters on Jl. Truno Joyo in South Jakarta will see the arrival of protesters who are planning an action until 5pm.
Between 2-4pm meanwhile, a protest action will be held at the Century Tower building located on Jl. HR Rasuna Said in South Jakarta.
Then at 4pm, protesters will pay a visit on the Malaysian Embassy, also on Jl. HR Rasuna Said.
Between 4-5pm meanwhile, a protest action will be held in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta.
It seems that the flow of traffic will be congested due the large number of demonstrations being held. Although it is not yet known how man protesters will take part, you are advised to avoid these stretches of road in order not to get caught in traffic jams. (nvc/mad)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Novi Christiastuti Adiputri, Jakarta – Protest actions will be widespread today in Jakarta and surrounding areas with at least eight actions being held in already congested area of the capital. Watch out for traffic jams!
According to the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Centre website for Thursday September 10, the first action will be held at 10.30 am directly in front of the Attorney General’s Office on Jl. Sultan Hasanudin in South Jakarta.
Following on from this, at around 11am protest actions will be held in front of the United States Embassy on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan and the International Labor Organisation representative office on Jl. MH Thamrin, both in Central Jakarta.
At 1pm a demonstration will be launched in front of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) offices.
This will be followed at 2pm by a group of demonstrators who will hold an action at the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta.
Also at the same time, the National Police Headquarters on Jl. Truno Joyo in South Jakarta will see the arrival of protesters who are planning an action until 5pm.
Between 2-4pm meanwhile, a protest action will be held at the Century Tower building located on Jl. HR Rasuna Said in South Jakarta.
Then at 4pm, protesters will pay a visit on the Malaysian Embassy, also on Jl. HR Rasuna Said.
Between 4-5pm meanwhile, a protest action will be held in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta.
It seems that the flow of traffic will be congested due the large number of demonstrations being held. Although it is not yet known how man protesters will take part, you are advised to avoid these stretches of road in order not to get caught in traffic jams. (nvc/mad)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Happy birthday Mr President, don’t forget your promise to Munir
Detik.com
- September 9, 2009
Shohib Masykur, Jakarta – The coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Usman Hamid, took time out on Wednesday to wish President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) a happy birthday.
Hamid, the suspect in a case of alleged defamation against former top spy Muchdi Purwoprandjono, also demanded that Yudhoyono fulfill his promise to resolve the murder of renowned human rights activist Munir.
“To Mr. SBY, I want to say happy birthday. Consider this as a gift to remember that there is still a promise that has to be fulfilled,” said Hamid during a break in a press conference at the Kontras offices on Jl. Borobudur in Central Jakarta on Wednesday September 9.
The promise referred to by Hamid was Yudhoyono’s pledge to resolve Munir’s murder, as Yudhoyono once stated that the Munir case represented ‘homework’ for the upholding of human rights.
Without a resolution of Munir’s murder, said Hamid, the upholding of human rights in Indonesia will be under threat. If people in the past can arbitrarily do away with other people and not be punished in kind, cases such as Munir’s murder will occur again.
It is also not impossible that in the future there will be other victims, not just activists but attorney generals, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the House of Representatives, and even presidents. “We still have to see whether with his increased political powers SBY will be capable of resolving human rights problems or not,” said Hamid.
Second police summons
Meanwhile a member of the Solidarity Action Committee for Munir (Kasum), Choirul Anam said that they will respect the laws that are in effect. Hamid will fulfil the second summons from the Metro Jaya regional police after failing to appear earlier in the morning.
“We will respect the laws that are in effect. We will attend (the second summons). But because Hamid had an event, he was unable to attend earlier,” said Anam. (sho/anw)
Notes:
Yudhoyono was born in Pacitan, a small town in East Java, on September 9, 1949.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “Expressing happy birthday to SBY, Usman demands fulfillment of promise to resolve Munir case”.]
Shohib Masykur, Jakarta – The coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Usman Hamid, took time out on Wednesday to wish President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) a happy birthday.
Hamid, the suspect in a case of alleged defamation against former top spy Muchdi Purwoprandjono, also demanded that Yudhoyono fulfill his promise to resolve the murder of renowned human rights activist Munir.
“To Mr. SBY, I want to say happy birthday. Consider this as a gift to remember that there is still a promise that has to be fulfilled,” said Hamid during a break in a press conference at the Kontras offices on Jl. Borobudur in Central Jakarta on Wednesday September 9.
The promise referred to by Hamid was Yudhoyono’s pledge to resolve Munir’s murder, as Yudhoyono once stated that the Munir case represented ‘homework’ for the upholding of human rights.
Without a resolution of Munir’s murder, said Hamid, the upholding of human rights in Indonesia will be under threat. If people in the past can arbitrarily do away with other people and not be punished in kind, cases such as Munir’s murder will occur again.
It is also not impossible that in the future there will be other victims, not just activists but attorney generals, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the House of Representatives, and even presidents. “We still have to see whether with his increased political powers SBY will be capable of resolving human rights problems or not,” said Hamid.
Second police summons
Meanwhile a member of the Solidarity Action Committee for Munir (Kasum), Choirul Anam said that they will respect the laws that are in effect. Hamid will fulfil the second summons from the Metro Jaya regional police after failing to appear earlier in the morning.
“We will respect the laws that are in effect. We will attend (the second summons). But because Hamid had an event, he was unable to attend earlier,” said Anam. (sho/anw)
Notes:
Yudhoyono was born in Pacitan, a small town in East Java, on September 9, 1949.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “Expressing happy birthday to SBY, Usman demands fulfillment of promise to resolve Munir case”.]
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