Articles
Rizqon Bilhuda: The film, set in Menteng, Central Jakarta, where Obama lived between 1967 and 1971 with his mother and Indonesian stepfather, focuses on the story of a young African-American child’s struggle for acceptance in a neighborhood where he is very different from local children. Producers say the story is about 60 percent fact and 40 percent fiction.
Wimar Witoelar: for those not familiar to the Obama Story, the film offers a decent impression of his trials and tribulations and ultimate victory. The alienation of his childhood did not stop when Obama left Indonesia for the States. Living with a multi-ethnic, multicultural background, he overcame the challenges and ultimately turned pluralism from a challenge into his major strength.
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How to Beat the Political CartelBy : Wimar WitoelarIs there a political cartel in Indonesia> It is an intriguing question that used to reside in the realm of political scientists and underground activists. It rose to the surface when Sri Mulyani mentioned the worm in context with her struggle to keep good governance out of the intervention of vested interests. Later she substituted the term 'marriage of convenience' but the sense remained the same as cartel, that of a few parties who together control the pulse of the nation's politics.Later the political philosopher Rocky Gerung (this is an unauthorized label) told me that the cartel indeed is very much present around us. That is why decisions seem to take shape without warning. Or often we see the reverse case of a decision seemingly demanded by acclamation from the public side, but the authorities sidestep the issue and leave the issue open-ended.We know from proven cases elsewhere that there are cartels among political parties, in the parliament, between business and government, and between military in the government. Here in Indonesia we have a powerful cartel between individuals covering areas of government, legislature, political parties, driven by individual business interests. As our democracy progresses we have fallen into the trap of allowing money to reign supreme in politics. Party formation, selection of cadres, parliament memberships, cabinet appointments all are determined by the cartel. Now becoming more powerful by the day, court cases, police arrests, attorney general prosecution are facilitated by cartel operatives given the moniker 'markus' for 'makelar kasus' (case brokers). Many of the operatives have operated before the days of the cartel, then they are either recruited or isolated.It is easy to dismiss these ideas as conspiracy theory, but in the words of the wise, better to be safe than sorry. It is safer to assume the cartel exists in one form or another, then to whistle in the dark and wish the ghosts away. It is also a sounder analytical framework to assume there is a force greater than official and constitutional powers. We are often befuddled and bewildered by policies that go against the logic of the common good, while we know many public officials are good people. The puzzle need not stay longer if people no longer place too much hope in the people we have elected and the people who have been appointed under the electoral mandate. They say that in the semi-feudal society we live in ultimately the people insure their hopes in the president. When a president gets more than 60% of the popular vote that insurance is expected to be stronger. But it seems the president gets his reinsurance from a less benevolent power.The people have representatives in the parliament, but in the same conversation Mr. Gerung observes that the DPR has turned into massive pile of inanimate bodies, moving only when money is waved around at them. With the debate going on about a pork barrel funding scheme, it is apparent that some parliamentarians feel they are more competent than the government in taking care of the people's needs. The dangers of legislative-executive conflict of interest are obvious but the cartel is unheedful of them because of he single-mindedness of their objective.In the end it becomes difficult to separate the legislative from the executive, the legislative from the judicial. A cartel operative can be judge, jury and executioner.The responsibility for healthy political life rests with political parties and the electoral mechanism to integrate them with the public needs. Indonesia has achieved a lot in the ares of political party rationalization and the functioning of an open electoral system, but somewhere along the way the soul was lost somewhere between politicians' callousness and ordinary people's suspicion of politics. As ordinary people get more disgruntled with politics, they turn to their professions and business, little knowing that the very lifestyle they enjoy would vaporize when politics takes over life completely. As the young political observer Benny Handoko said, “You may ignore politics, but politics will never ignore you.”:So here lies the main clue to the fight against the cartel. The struggle can be won not by radical action, but by consistent awareness to the plight of their voices, some unexpressed and some dominated by the media which is partially controlled by the cartel. The task still lies with the political parties. But competition among the parties ahas caused them to be unenthusiastic about forming a political curriculum. No party proactively campaigns for citizens needs. Instead they compete for a place in the ruling coalition, or stay as opposition without a cause.The political structure is correct. Rules and regulations generally abound, but no one has the zeal to apply them except the powerless. Now the powerless can become powerful if they speak in concerted fashion. As an entry point for political novices, the call is for more knowledge and active dialogue among people uncompromised by the politrical cartel. Issues can be identified which lead to better citizenship. It is titillating but a waste of time to dwell on porn, especially when most of the discussion is on private aspects as the case. We do not want the public to continue discussing private issues in public and allow public issues to be negotiated in private between leaders of the cartel.Again paraphrasing Rocky Gerung, integrity is the source of positive change. There is a huge accumulation of energy in the ordinary people currently, among others in groups like 'Kita Percaya Inegritas SMI,' ready to be channeled to productive purposes. It is not a matter of preparing Sri Mulyani for President. It is a matter of empowering the ordinary people as the rightful owners of the political system.DPR has turned into massive pile of inanimate bodies, moving only when money is waved around at them. With the debate going on about a pork barrel funding scheme, it is apparent that some parliamentarians feel they are more competent than the government in taking care of the people's needs. The dangers of legislative-executive conflict of interest are obvious but the cartel is unheedful of them because of he single-mindedness of their objective.
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Even as our electoral system matures, Indonesia politicians cast doubt on the efficacy of our democracy. Obama’s boyhood country has not really grown up. Ten years ago Gus Dur joked that the DPR was like a kindergarten. It is still a kindergarten, grown more raucous because the teacher does not seem to be there. With Sri Mulyani gone, the Golkar Party is continuing their quest for an “aspiration fund” - a proposal to allocate Rp 8.4 Trillion (US.6 million) to legislators to develop their election areas
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There have been disappointments on both sides, painful reality checks. The spring of democracy in Indonesia is giving way to a long hot summer of political acrimony. Even as our electoral system gains amazing strength and draws favourable response from across the world, the results are so mediocre as to seem counterproductive. Many in Indonesia are starting to doubt the efficacy of the democratic system. Some are beginning to see that through the years as Barack Obama grew up, his boyhood country has not really grown up.
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SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Yahoo! has announced that it has acquired Koprol, an Indonesian Internet service that lets people use mobile telephones to instantly connect with nearby people and places. "Koprol was uniquely designed for mobile phones and within a year has already built a strong user base." Yahoo! planned to use its global presence to introduce Jakarta-based Koprol to other parts of the world. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. But in answer to the question "What does joining yahoo mean to you guys?", co-founder Daniel Armanto said: "It's great for us. Back then our main concern was the resources. By joining Yahoo Now we have unlimited resources."
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In this sense Sri Mulyani could win the battle. She does not have to wait until 2014. “I can cry now because I am no longer finance minister. The minister is not allowed to cry as it would shake the rupiah. So it’s an expression of relief,” The victory for Sri Mulyani is her triumph over pressure. For the Indonesian public it is the revelation of truth and the blossoming of a new solidarity. This is people power much stronger than any amount of money from uncertain sources. Much has yet to be done to translate static power into a winning combination. My twitter friend with the moniker @mushroomteaser tweeted: ‘We need a new spirit. A sense that we are all in this together.’
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Here for your easy access is a list of popular links of videos known to wimar tv audiences. It is a growing list, and you are welcome to submit any links not included here
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FootballPlus - Bandung-based FootballPlus claimed two titles at the ANZA Soccer International Youth Cup in Singapore this weekend. The U16 team came runner-up, coming second to the Jakarta Youth Soccer team, and the U12s won the plate after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. The club only lost one game over the whole weekend.
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Berita baru buat saya, mungkin orang lain sudah tahu. Sekonyong-konyong dapat email memberitahu ada sekolah bola untuk anak kurang mampu di Bandung, dipimpin oleh mantain pemain bola dan futsal profesional dari Belanda, dan orang Inggeris bersertifikat pelatih UEFA-A. Mereka mendirikan FootballPlus di Bandung. Saya akan tengok dan laporkan. Sementara itu, ini press release mereka menjelang ikut turnamen di Singapura.
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“Ms. Indrawati brings a unique set of skills and experience to the World Bank Group, from the vantage point of an advancing Middle-Income country that still faces significant challenges of poverty. She has received global recognition for her success in combating corruption and strengthening good governance,” noted Mr. Zoellick. “She has been a leader in the developing world on climate change, and active in the international arena through the G-20, APEC, ASEAN and other groups.”
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[The Jakarta Globe] However, Wimar’s openness and sense of fairness sometimes backfire. On Twitter, Wimar criticized a TV station for including a member of conservative Islamic organization Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia in a discussion about the planned visit by US President Barack Obama. “I criticized and regretted that they invited people who just agitate the public,” Wimar says. “I too have termites in my house, but I don’t serve them on a plate for my guests.” The day after that, he says, the TV station canceled his appearance on a show to comment on Obama’s then-planned visit.
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The more America came closer to change, the deeper the divisions showed. But in the end President Barrack Obama can claim the maturity and effectiveness that been his strong promise. He demonstrated the steeliness to risk political survival in transforming his convictions into the law of the land. In that respect, we stand to learn a very important lesson. When you are sure of your convictions, let the hundreds of legislators follow a strong leader. Do not worry about postponing your important state visit and personal reunion with Indonesia. When you have part of our nation in you, we will make sure it stays there as long as you can lead your countrymen as we bring our people to a formidable alliance of change.
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Wimar Witoelar says President Obama is quite popular in Indonesia because most people believe the president understands Indonesian culture and values. "We have a predominately Muslim population and we like to think of ourselves as going on the pluralistic road and he readily accepts and understands that. We don't have to explain that we are Muslims yet not terrorists,"
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Relations have been constantly improving. The people who are in the government are the ones with the most to gain from good international relations. Those who are xenophobic, those who try to make trouble, are in the parliament. If they keep on making that noise they could well be isolated by the people at large.
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Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is facing a tough political choice as he deals with a crisis involving two of the most respected and influential members of his cabinet. President Yudhoyono may be forced to make concessions to his coalition partners over unproven allegations involving the government bailout of a bank in 2008. The crisis has the potential to affect Indonesia's international standing.
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The euphoria for democracy and free media showed its power as a double-edged sword when they merged into an irresistible parliamentary force. The good news is that the defeat brought into sharp focus the dangerous elements in our nation. Abuse of democracy, Power of illegal money, media dictated by money. We can fix these problems, and when it is done we will have a new Indonesia, better than we have ever had.
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Real danger presents itself now as we face real issues that required a lot of homework, homework that has been left unattended as the petty parliamentarians obstruct the running of government and divert public attention. We have the president of the most important nation on earth coming to town in March. Members of the special committee Pansus of the parliament ignore the need for consolidation to maximize the benefits of Barack Obama’s visit, which has been presented in good faith as a hometown visit by the Menteng kid who used to play in neighborhood streets. This is understandable as many parliamentarians have an archaic culture of inward looking, regarding foreign countries as merely place to visit. At the beginning of President Yudhoyono’s second term we had looked forward to the US president state visit as one of the steps to take Indonesia to the world stage. Now we are lucky if we can take ourselves out of the hostage situation by the money politics refueled by the Bakrie money.
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It has been awhile since the name Perspektif has been a houseword word related to public ommunications. The history is available on the left sidebar, but lest it be overlooked, here it is
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Surya Paloh is looking for his cues. One of the early initiatives Paloh took was defining his stance on the Century case. Observing the surge in support for Sri Mulyani, he is throwing his weight behind her. The corollary is to attack Bakrie’s tax liabilities, which he has done in a television special on the case that could well amount to more than Rp 10 Trillion. Renewed publicity on the Lapindo disaster will come . If all this happens, Bakrie will see his chances sink into the mud. [includes Radio Australia excerpt]
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Substitute Aburizal Bakrie for Amien Rais in the leading role, and you have the same scenario now as we had back then. Bulog-Bruneigate was the excuse for wanton attacks on the president in 2001 and Bank Century is the issue in 2010. Buloggate was never proven as a crime and neither will the Bank Century case. Amien Rais went for straight impeachment instead, explaining that it doesn't matter what he is guilty of, he has been removed. Aburizal may yet desert Century and aim at impeachment, all or nothing.
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