Post Fierce Slaughter, Mesuji People Find No More Peace

December 19, 2011 by

Mesuji slaughter has been a hot yet sad topic in Indonesia. There are suspicions that the killings were done by certain military personals. Wayan Sukadana, one of Pelita Jaya resident, said that his brother was shot at that incident. His statement was given at the documentary preview of the slaughter at Pelita Jaya

“That, that is my brother. He was shot from his buttocks and the bullet went through his stomach,” so he said on his speech at Kontras, Jakarta, last Friday. Other than violence, Mesuji people also lost their land to palm oil companies. Their houses are brought down and they also loose their jobs because of no land to plant. Hundreds of people now live at camps. Children no longer study at schools. Practically, Mesuji people loose their life.

“If you can smile, then we have lost our willing to smile because of fear,” said Neneng, one of Mesuji resident. She said that foods and water is difficult to obtain and education is no longer accessible.

“Human Rights violation case in Mesuji is complete. From the lightest until the heaviest case exists there,” said Bob Hasan. Public however thinks that government reaction is not as expected. Saurip Kadi, one of retired military general, said that government and human right commission is very slow in dealing with this case. At the government’s defense, Chief of Indonesia Police Department, General Timur Pradopo stated police takes neutral position toward this. It will always commit to keep everyone safe. It will try to be fair in carrying rules and regulations to all mesuji people.

(Adapted from Antara)

Filed Under: Indonesia Hot Issues, Social Politics Tagged With: , ,

President SBY Confirms; First Lady Will Not Go for the 2014 Election

December 19, 2011 by

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, both as Chief Mentor of Demokrat party and the President of the Indonesia confirms that the First Lady, Ani Yudhoyono, will not go for the 2014 presidential election. This statement is to end the public speculations on AY’s participation at the next election.

“The answer to a question if Mrs. Ani Yudhoyono will go as a presidential candidate or whether Demokrat will support her candidacy is 100% NO. There is no plan or whatsoever from Democrat to support her as a presidential candidate. Both Mrs. Ani and me have stated this several times,” said President SBY in his speech to Demokrat party leaders.

The president delivered this speech on a Demokrat party gathering attended by all of the party leaders including executive directors, senior officials of regional branches from all over Indonesia. At that occasion SBY also said that Demokrat has not yet decided who to carry for the next election. He said that to be a president and a vice not only needs political parties’ supports but most importantly is the support from all Indonesians.

Last statement from him was “There is a question to me, as a retired President is there anyone I will support to be the next President? I said that question is too early to ask. There is also another question if the next Indonesia president should be a fresh look? For me not just for first lady but most importantly is that the election should give an equality of opportunity for all.”

(Adapted from Kompas.com)

Filed Under: Indonesia Hot Issues, Social Politics Tagged With: , ,

Indonesia Refuses to Abide Prohibition of Blue Fin Tuna Trading

October 11, 2011 by

Indonesia refuses a suggestion on banding blue fin tuna trading. In an international trading convention for wild plantation and animals species in Doha, March 12-25, blue fin tuna which mostly lives in the Atlantic Ocean is proposed to be categorized as protected species from any trading activities or Appendix 1.

Chief of Data, Statistics Information Center of Aqua Culture and Fisheries Ministry, Soenan Hadi Purnomo, conveyed in a press conference that there is a raising concern toward categorizing blue fin tuna as a protected species. 175 countries, including Indonesia, are now expecting CITES court which will be held in Bali, Indonesia to discuss about issues regarding Blue Fin Tuna (read Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali).

The raising concern toward Blue Fin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) will be a highlighted topic particularly on the thoughts to include it in Appendix 1. This means that Blue Fin tuna will be protected from any forms of commercial trading internationally under the reason of extinction possibilities. Soenan affirms that Indonesia will not agree on this proposal. The reason is because so far there is no valid and accurate data regarding exact population number of this species. Other than that, the prohibition on tuna trading cannot be seen only from environmental aspects but also economical. Indonesia thinks that ICCA as the international commission for tuna conservation under RFMO is more appropriate to regulate about this. “There is a possibility that CITES uses a look a like species approach which potentially includes all varieties of tuna inside Appendix 1,” said Soenan. Not only Indonesia, Japan as one of the biggest tuna importer also refuses to include blue fin tuna into Appendix 1.

Related articles:

•Signing As A Member of International Tuna Organization, Indonesia Spends Rp. 2 Billion

•Government of Indonesia Intensely Approach Japan on Tuna Prospect

•Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali

•Illegal Practices Threat International Trade of Tuna

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , ,

Illegal Practices Threat International Trade of Tuna

October 11, 2011 by

INDONESIA – The effort to optimize international trading of tuna meets its drawback dealing with illegal trading towards. Indonesia is suspected smuggling blue fin tuna to Japan and is subject to sanctions because of that. General Secretary of People Coalition for Just Fisheries (Kiara), Riza Damanik, stated in one of his visit to Jakarta that based on current reports, the illegal tuna trading took place in 2010.

Blue fin tuna is sold with a commodity name as yellow fin. This is wrong and is a loss for sellers. Blue fin tuna is a high value commodity which can be sold up to 1,500 – 3,000 yen per kilogram while yellow fin tuna can only be sold around 600 – 1,200 yen per kilogram, depending on the freshness and size.

The Minister of Aqua cultural and Fisheries, Fadel Muhammad, admits that Indonesia is indeed accused on smuggling illegal tuna to Japan. “This case is still under further investigation. We don’t have any exact number yet. What I know is only the news that Indonesia is suspected on illegal trading,” so he said. Fadel affirmed comprehensive investigation is needed considering tuna trading at international level is highlighted due to keeping the fish from extinction.

If it’s proven that Indonesia smuggles Blue Fin Tuna to Japan, it will cause a huge damage to its trading activities. Not only it will ruin its image internationally, but will also cause sanction to its quota. International may apply sanction by decreasing Indonesia’s quota in tuna fisheries. “Our government needs to immediately anticipate the possibilities of any sanctions. Thus, we can overcome issues and problems at international level which may hit our credibility in global tuna trading communities,” said Riza.

Director of Fisheries department of Aqua Culture and Fisheries Ministry, Agus Budhiman, confirms that the contraband tuna issues have been tackled by the government. CCSBT has accepted Indonesia’s clarification without any objection as long as no such case will occur again in the future. Other than joins with CCSBT, Indonesia is also a member of Indian Ocean Tuna Comission (IOTC) and temporary member of West Coast Pacific Fisheries Comission (WCPFC).

Related articles:

• Indonesia Refuses to Abide Prohibition of Blue Fin Tuna Trading
• Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali

• Signing As A Member of International Tuna Organization, Indonesia Spends Rp. 2 Billion

• Government of Indonesia Intensely Approach Japan on Tuna Prospect

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , ,

Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali

October 11, 2011 by

The commissioner meeting for the South Blue Fin Tuna Conservation Programme (CCSBT) is held in Bali, Indonesia, from October 10 – 13, 2011. The conference will focus on the main issue, additional quota for blue fin tuna fisheries in the whole world, including Indonesia.

Participants are 6 big members; Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, India and Taiwan. Other than those, also attend the meeting, Philippines, South Africa and Europe. CCSBT is an organization which regulates regional fisheries focusing on South Blue Fin tuna. Indonesia’s quota for tuna fisheries for 2011 is 651 tons, same as the previous year. As for the world’s annual for this fish is 9,749 tons.

Related articles:
•Illegal Practices Threats International Trade of Tuna

•Indonesia Refuses to Abide Prohibition of Blue Fin Tuna Trading

•Signing As A Member of International Tuna
Organization, Indonesia Spends Rp. 2 Billion

•Government of Indonesia Intensely Approach Japan on
Tuna Prospect

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , ,

The Ring of Fire: Exploiting the Beauty of Batur and Agung Mountain

October 10, 2011 by

The geologists in the team, Indyo Pratomo and the rest of the team have finished exploring the caldera of Batur Mountain, Bali last week. They returned to Denpasar on Saturday to gather every pieces of information they got as a result of an adventurous journey there. Team has spent a week since October 3 to investigate geological area of an active volcano, its archeological attributes and disaster mitigation of the locals.

This time the route was divided into three smaller teams. First team hiked to the top of Agung Mountain (3,142 meters) which took 2 days hiking through Pura Besakih at Karangasem district. At this mountain, team observed the mountain summit and the crater which last erupted in 1963 and took around 1,000 lives.

Second team studied disaster mitigation at Kampung Sogra, Sebudi Village also in Karangasem. Various stories from the local who witnessed eruption of Agung Mountain reveals the issue in mitigation policies and practices. “Mitigation system at Agung Mountain is still relatively weak. Local authorities are not yet well prepared meanwhile surrouding residences aren’t knowledgeable about mitigation,” said A Handoko, a member of the team.

The third team moved with the geologist, Indyo Pratomo, to explore the caldera of Batur Mountain at Kintamani district. Team observed crater of Batur starting from the shape of the first caldera which was formed around 29,300 years ago until the second caldera formed around 29,000 years ago. Then, the cone tip of an active volcano started to form 5,000 years ago and keeps growing until now.

There is a unique cave at Batur and Agung Mountain. The whole cave is made from frozen lava, magnificently beautiful. We can also see fumarol field around the mountain summit. Usually tourists use this gas to experience a natural, primitive yet exotic way to cook eggs. This site is a very beautiful geological tourism and suitable for holidays destination from adventurous journeys to romantic getaways.

Filed Under: Travel and Leisure Tagged With: , , ,

Indonesia Investment Board is Optimistic on Google

October 10, 2011 by

Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) confirms on Google’s investment plans in Indonesia this year. BKPM is sure the permit issuance will be smooth and there will be no regulation difficulties that may hinder Google from investing. “They (Google) have confirmed their investment here,” said Gita Wirjawan, Chief of BKPM.

However, Gita admitted that he hasn’t known yet about the numbers invested. He predicted investment value in Indonesia will be bigger than the ones in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. “According to calculation, the value will be much bigger,” he stated. For BKPM, this plan is a positive signal for global business that Indonesia can be a profitable investment destination. “This can be a good branding for Indonesia. It shows to all investors in the world that a company as big as Google trusts its investment portfolio in Indonesia.”

The Director of Investment Deregulation, Indra Darmawan, adds Google needs to settle all matters regarding regulations in online advertising and security of data center. This far Indonesia hasn’t yet had clear and firm regulations about those subjects particularly about advertising through online media. “Google asks for clarity on whether or not it is permissible to generate revenue through online advertising because so far it’s not clear yet,” he said.

BKPM admits on the rigidity to regulate businesses involve in cross-border internet trading. On the other hand, a company as big as Google wants the policies, rules and regulations firm and standardize. Moreover, as stated by Indra, BKPM hasn’t yet had any instruction from Ministry of Information and Communication regarding policies on data center. He promised to monitor the progress closely and find the best solution so that this grand investment plan can go smoothly. BKPM informs that it has communicated all aspects of regulations regarding development of data center to Google. “We help in terms of making sure that no problem occurs in issuing business permit. But, so far all is clear,” he said. For more reading, go to “About Google’s Plan in Indonesia, The Minister of Economics is Not Yet Sure”

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , , ,

About Google’s Plan in Indonesia, The Minister of Economics is Not Yet Sure

October 10, 2011 by

Regarding Google’s plan to have its representative office in Indonesia; the Minister of Economics, Hatta Rajasa, said that he has not been informed yet. Many have been waiting for his comments and strategies to make use of this momentum. “I’m not yet informed about that. Thus, I haven’t made any strategy and not even ready to make any comments on that matter. I will consult with Mr. Gita immediately,” he said after a Master plan of Economic Development and Expansion meeting. Mr. Gita is the Chief of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board.

As reported, Google Inc. announces through a press release last Wednesday that it’s planning to build its data centers in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Indonesia itself has signed up to be one of the Asian destinations for the data centers but Google is still worry about the insufficient electricity supply. Regular blackouts raise doubts that it may disturb stability of data processing.

Google has been the most powerful search engine so far. It plays an important role in bringing the World Wide Web into another level. Nowadays, millions of people access it everyday for many purposes, from browsing for information to online business. In business, it helps people to advertise their websites, blogs, profiles, etc. It opens up new business opportunities such as SEO services, web designs, web hosting and many more. Not even mentioning work from home opportunities like pay per click, pay to review, press release writing, AdWords, AdSense, affiliate business and many more.

For the data centers in Taiwan and Hong Kong, Google spends more than USD 100 million of investment on each country. Meanwhile, in Singapore Google doesn’t give away the investment numbers. On Indonesia, even though it’s still not ready to build the data center but it commits to have a representative office. This rep office is planned to be launched by Barack Obama on his visit to Indonesia this November. To read more news on this, go to Indonesia Investment Board is Optimistic on Google.

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , , ,

9/11 Ambon: Another Horizontal Conflict in Indonesia

October 7, 2011 by

Not only the world commemorates the mourning of 9/11 tragedy, this year on September 11th Indonesia also mourns on a horizontal Ambon conflict between civilians in Ambon. Ambon is the capital city of Maluku. The conflict was a result of a simple misunderstanding of a traffic accident. It started when Darkin Saimen, a local people, rode his bike and crashed to a house on his way to Pos Benteng, a place in Ambon. He died. However, there was a rumor which said that Darkin was killed by the angry surrounding neighborhood because he caused damage to the house he crashed into. It is said that he was beaten to death by the people.

As a response, Darkin’s family and friends could not take the beating and they took revenge to the people where the accident took place. This expanded to a big chaos and fight. 4 people died as a result of this conflict.

The Head of PR Department of Indonesia Police Department stated that despite the autopsy report saying that there is no proof that Darkin was abused to death and that was pure single traffic accident, people lost their temper and created a big chaos in Ambon. He also said that the fight was between 2 infamous groups that often caused civilians conflicts.

“There were 2 groups throwing rocks to each other and vandalize several public facilities. However, police managed to control them. They were 2 well known groups, well… I don’t need to mention the name. Most importantly, now police has managed to stop the fight and control the situation. We are monitoring the situation and updates”, said Anton (kompas.com)

Ambon is one of the most beautiful cities in Indonesia. It has magnificent beach with superb corals and reefs. However, civilian conflicts often occurs there mostly are caused by tribal and religion issues. It is a classic problem to an area where a lot of transmigrates take place. To read about Ambon and its conflicts history read Ambon Conflict: A Closer Look to Indonesia

Filed Under: Social Politics Tagged With: , , ,

Samsung for Apple: His Innovative Spirit will Stay Forever in the World’s Hearts

October 7, 2011 by

The tension between Apple and Samsung due to tablet issue is easing as the world is mourning on Steve Jobs’ death. CEO of Samsung, Choi Sung Gee, stated his condolences through his official corporate e-mail. “His remarkable spirit of innovation will be forever remaining in this world,” he said.

Both companies currently are at legal dispute regarding smart phone and tablet patent. Apple claims that Samsung violates its patent by having Samsung Galaxy Tab. It accuses Samsung does plagiarism on the designs of both iPhone and iPad. On the other hand, Samsung accuses Apple violates their patent on wireless technology. These 2 IT giant has been arguing in the USA, Europe, South Korea and Australia since April 2011.

In September, Samsung had to pull out its newest product, New galaxy Tab 7.7 from German market after the court granted Apple’s request to forbid Samsung selling their product in there. Samsung is also forbid to sell its product Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia.

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , ,
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