Editorial

Constitutional Court Verdict on the 2024 Election Dispute

2024-04-23T17:15:13+07:00

The Indonesian 2024 presidential election dispute is over after the Constitutional Court rejected all challenges from the presidential candidates with ballot number 1, Anies Bawedan and Muhaimin Iskandar, and ballot number 3, Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD. All efforts presented by the two pairs of candidates, such as evidences that corroborate non-neutrality during the general election period until voting day were rejected by the 5 judges of the Constitutional Court.

Something is interesting about the Constitutional Court's verdict regarding the election dispute this time, in which three out of the eight members of constitutional judges accepted some of the reasons for the lawsuit of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates. So, the Constitutional Court's verdict regarding the rejection of the lawsuit remains legally valid.

Previously, the Constitutional Court held a series of hearing sessions from 27 March to 5 April 2024 to hear the applicants’ request, the respondent's and related parties' answers, testimony from witnesses to experts, factual evidence, and testimonies from four ministers. The Constitutional Court also received amicus curiae, or "friends of the court", from various parties before finally announcing the verdict.

After the election dispute hearing, several presidential and vice-presidential candidates met the media, including Mahfud MD. He said he accepted everything that became the Constitutional Court's verdict. He also respected what had been outlined by the Constitutional Court in an exhausting trial during the month of Ramadan and days after Eid al-Fitr.

Meanwhile, regarding the Constitutional Court's verdict on the election dispute lawsuit, Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said on Monday (22/4) that the Presidential Palace respects the Constitutional Court's verdict on the 2024 Presidential Election Results Dispute (PHPU) case which is the final and binding. According to Ari, the verdict debunks allegations against the government, ranging from fraud to the politicization of social assistance, as well as the assumption of state apparatus mobilization.

Finally, whatever has been decided by the Constitutional Court, as the highest institution for legal products must be accepted, respected, and obeyed.

The verdict was quite tough, but the results went through a fairly tough process and were carried out by legal and other relevant experts. Thus, the verdict is not based on likes, dislikes, or any subjective reasons.

Therefore, the 2024 election dispute lawsuit filed by Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md to the Constitutional Court was legally rejected. This means that the victory of Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka in the 2024 presidential election is undeniable.

US Foreign Policy in the Middle East, the Antithesis of the Spirit for Peace and Anti-Genocide

2024-04-22T17:16:27+07:00

The United States (US) on Saturday (20/4) vetoed the United Nations Security Council Resolution Draft, which demands full membership of Palestine in the UN.

Despite getting 12 votes and 2 abstains, the veto destroyed the dream of Palestine to fully join the UN.

On the same day, the United States Congress, the US parliament, ratified the draft bill on war funds for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Specifically, the US Parliament agreed to some US$26 billion to be handed over to Israel. This will only result in more dead Palestinians, thanks to Israel's attack.

As of Sunday, Palestinian Health Ministry announced that the casualties from Israel's assault in Palestine were 34,000 people.

Until now, the US was known as the world's biggest democracy. Yet this title was so different from the nation's foreign policy in the Middle East by giving war support for Israel and rejecting Palestine's full membership in the UN.

US Deputy Permanent Representative, Robert Wood said the US will keep supporting the two-state solution for the Palestine and Israel issue. But somehow, the US still vetoed Palestine's full membership in the UN. Russian Ambassador for the UN, Vassily Nebenzia said this was the fifth time the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution since conflict broke out in Gaza. In the meantime, most parts of the planet supported Palestine's plea to join the UN.

Such an obscure attitude of the UN in doing democracy is totally disappointing. It is not only bringing into the daylight a great betrayal against peace efforts in the Middle East but also convincing the world that the US is vividly supporting genocide by Israel.

Russian Missile Kills Dozens of Ukrainians

2024-04-19T18:08:16+07:00

The Russian-Ukrainian war has entered its 786th day on Friday (19/4/2024), but there are no signs of it ending soon. The conflict between the two countries is still ongoing with casualties on each side.

Last Wednesday (17/4/2024) Russia launched a missile attack on the historic city of Chernihiv in Ukraine, killing at least 18 people and leaving 77 people injured. The attack caused extreme panic.

The Chernihiv region, which borders Belarus to the north, was partially occupied by Russia at the start of the invasion. The city avoided fighting for about two years after Russian troops withdrew. However, last Wednesday's attack changed the situation.

Chernihiv acting mayor Oleksandr Lomako said dozens of buildings were damaged in the attack. Another official said dozens of vehicles, as well as medical and educational facilities, were also damaged.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not only blame Russia for the attack. He also said Western countries must do more to help defend Ukraine's territory.

According to him, the Russian attack would not have occurred if Ukraine had received adequate air defense equipment and if the world's determination to fight Russian terror had been strong enough. Zelensky also repeated his call on his Western allies to increase support.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal even told the BBC there would be a "Third World War" if Ukraine lost its conflict with Russia. He urged the US Congress to pass a long-stalled foreign aid bill. Shmyhal expressed "cautious optimism' that US lawmakers would pass a bill with the $61 billion earmarked for Ukraine.

Since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine erupted, hundreds of thousands of victims have died accompanied by extraordinary material losses. Only the strong will and determination of the two countries' leaders can stop the war, because the efforts of third parties including the United Nations, have been unable to stop this protracted conflict.

All Must Prevent Escalation in the Middle East

2024-04-15T17:40:33+07:00

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of dozens of drones and missiles to Israel, around the occupied territory of Palestine on Saturday (3/4) evening. The launch was a response to Israel's attack on the Iran Consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1.

The Foreign Ministry of Iran on Sunday (14/4) stated that the attack against Israel was a reasonable right in defending themselves from Israel's assault on Iran's diplomatic facility in Damascus, Syria which killed 16. Among them were two Iranian generals, namely Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi.

Iran's Military Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Baqeri said Iran will not continue the operation against Israel, and stated that the military operation has ended. However, this operation made some countries in the Middle East close their airspace. Some were Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq.

Iran's attack against Israel made the world's concern over tension escalation in the Middle East. Many believed this attack was the result of the escalation in Palestine, where there is still the war between Israel and Hamas militants - which was thought to get support from Iran.

The world including Indonesia did not want this situation to worsen. Airspace shutdown was a small example of the attack's impact in the Middle East.

The conflict resolution in Palestine is the only solution to stop security escalation in the Middle East. The two-state solution, according to the United Nations' mandate, would create peace with the independence and recognition of Israel for Palestine as a nation.

It was expected that the UN, through the Security Council, would make the attack an additional reason to strengthen the importance of achieving the two-state solution in Palestine. Meanwhile, all should forbear to prevent further casualties. Because in the end, the victim is always the people.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of dozens of drones and missiles to Israel, around the occupied territory of Palestine on Saturday (3/4) evening. The launch was a response to Israel's attack on the Iran Consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1.

The Foreign Ministry of Iran on Sunday (14/4) stated that the attack against Israel was a reasonable right in defending themselves from Israel's assault to Iran's diplomatic facility in Damascus, Syria which killed 16. Among them were two Iranian generals nameli Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi.

The world including Indonesia did not want this situation to worsen. Airspace shutdown was a small example of the attack's impact in the Middle East.

It was expected that the UN, through the Security Council, would make the attack as an additional reason to strengthen the importance of achieving the two-state solution in Palestine. Meanwhile, all should forbear to prevent further casualties. Because in the end, the victim is always the people.

President Joe Biden Criticizes Israel's Approach to War in Gaza

2024-04-12T16:31:07+07:00

President of the United States, Joe Biden criticized Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the conflict in Gaza, calling it a mistake. He also criticized Israel's handling of the conflict. According to President Joe Biden, Israel should call for a cessation of fighting to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

President Biden's statement was one of the harshest criticisms from the United States, Israel's close ally. Last week, in a phone call with PM Netanyahu, President Biden diplomatically called the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza “unacceptable.” He also demanded Israel implement specific and concrete steps in a bid to address civilian losses and ensure the safety of all humanitarian aid workers. President Biden then threatened to reassess "US policy with respect to Gaza" if PM Netanyahu failed to take immediate action to protect humanitarian aid workers and civilians. President Biden's threat came following an Israeli airstrike that killed seven staff of the World Central Kitchen aid group.

So far, all international criticism and pressure have never been heeded by Israel. However, this is not the case when it comes from its closest ally, the United States. At the moments after the telephone conversation with President Joe Biden, PM Netanyahu took several steps to try to answer at least some of President Biden's demands. He hastily convened a Cabinet meeting to approve the opening of three aid routes to Gaza.

Apart from conveying harsh criticism of Israel, the United States has also reduced its diplomatic support for Israel by abstaining from the ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council last month, thereby allowing the resolution to pass.

It is hoped that this kind of harsh criticism from the US government will continue to be carried out to encourage changes in Israel's approach to the conflict in Gaza. The United States should take more serious steps in that direction. One way is by reducing or placing stricter conditions on US arms sales to Israel. In addition, the US could also take steps to limit military assistance. If the US dares to take this serious step, Israel may immediately change its approach to the conflict in Gaza.

This Year's Eid al-Fitr and Indonesian Economic Turnover

2024-04-10T16:11:32+07:00

Joy colors the Eid al-Fitr celebration. Every Muslim worldwide certainly feels happiness every time they celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Not only because Muslims have observed fasting and other religious observances a month before, in the month of Ramadan, but Eid al-Fitr is a long-awaited moment to meet family, relatives, and friends.

Most Indonesians, who are predominantly Muslim, have a tradition of celebrating Eid al-Fitr, or what is popularly known in Indonesia as Lebaran, with extended families, both in their residence and hometown. For those celebrating in their hometown, they started traveling back to their hometown a few days before Eid, known in Indonesian as "mudik".

This year's mudik is predicted to be the most festive compared to previous years. As the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, wrote on his Instagram account on April 8, "This is the most festive mudik in history."

It is estimated that 193.6 million people are doing the mudik. It means almost 70 percent of Indonesians spend some of their money in their hometowns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. As reported from rri.co.id on Monday (8/4), the Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno revealed a conservative target for money turnover during mudik and Eid al-Fitr this year of 276 trillion rupiahs, or about 17.3 billion US dollar, originating from mudik travelers spread across all regions in Indonesia.

Public spending during Eid will significantly increase Indonesia's economic growth in the first quarter of 2024. Besides that, it will increase local revenue in each region. What is no less important is that many micro, small, and medium businesses will enjoy public spending during this Eid period. It is hoped that their income during 2024 Eid al-Fitr can become capital for their business sustainability.

Hopefully, the joy of celebrating Eid al-Fitr by spending some money will be able to realize Indonesia's 2024 economic growth target of 5.2 percent. It is also hoped that the joy of celebrating Eid with family and relatives will increase the Indonesian's enthusiasm to improve their work performance, which in turn will increase their income.

Eid Brings Blessings for All

2024-04-09T17:18:07+07:00

After fasting during the month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting from eating and drinking, including Muslims in Indonesia. Although the celebration of Eid al-Fitr is different for those who believe in it, the main purpose of the celebration is to purify the heart like a newborn baby to the world. Fasting is not just about restraining the lust for food and drink, but also being able to control and train emotions, and thoughts from excessive desires that tend to be negative.

This year's Eid al-Fitr may be a little special for Indonesians, mainly because it coincides with the end of the general elections, which are presidential-vice presidential and parliamentary elections - both at the central and regional parliaments. After the elections, the election dispute trial takes place at the Constitutional Court (MK) in Jakarta. The outpouring of emotions, joy, sadness, accusations, and hatred during the campaign period and after voting can be at least reduced and even muted in the month of Ramadan.

The existence of Eid al-Fitr also offers joy for some Indonesians, especially those who work as public servants, private employees, etc. Because they get additional funds for holiday allowance -THR. The government provides the holiday allowance to its employees, while the private sector provides it in accordance with government directives by referring to existing regulations. Indeed, such an allowance can boost the national economy, especially with the support of 'Mudik' or homecoming activities that have made the economy move and the circulation of money go well. Everything becomes interrelated and symbiotic mutualism with the existence of THR and Eid al-Fitr.

Eid celebrations also affect not only Muslims in Indonesia but also all people of other religions. The movement of the economy also makes non-Muslims feel the impact of Eid. They also enjoy the positive economic effects of Ramadan and Eid celebrations, such as the strengthening demand for food, clothing, and other necessities. Thus, the fashion industry and garments, as well as intercity and interisland trade increases, especially with the movement of online trade which makes all aspects of the industry, small, medium, and large, enjoy the blessings of Ramadan and Eid.

Tolerance also grows during Ramadan when all parties understand that Ramadan reduces work activities, as well as the activities of stalls and restaurants. They reduce their opening hours even though they open by using certain methods to respect the Muslim community fasting in the morning and evening. Thus, Ramadan, which ends with Eid al-Fitr, should be a way to reunite the people of Indonesia who have different views during the recent elections. By fasting during the month of Ramadan and ending with the Eid al-Fitr celebration, Muslims should forgive each other, both Muslim and non-Muslim brothers and sisters. May this Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri bring blessings to all.

Pellegrini wins election in Slovakia

2024-04-08T16:08:13+07:00

Peter Pellegrini won the presidential election of Slovakia on Saturday (6/4), defeating opposition-backed diplomat Ivan Korcok. Ivan Korcok admitted the defeat since the almost complete election result showed he got 47 percent of the votes while Pellegrini got 53 percent.

In Bratislava, Pellegrini convinced the public that Slovakia would stay with peace, not war. Earlier, Pellegrini said whatever the election result is, Slovakia will keep being a strong member of the European Union and NATO.

Although most of the title will be ceremonial, the president of Slovakia has the power to ratify international agreements, veto the constitution ratified by the parliament, and appoint a supreme judge. The position is also the Commander of the Army. Pellegrini will be sworn in on June 15.

Prime Minister Robert Fico welcomes Pellegrini's win in the presidential election. Fico supported Pellegrini as a moderate candidate who recognizes peace values.

Pellegrini's affirmation of Slovakia's position in the Russia-Ukraine War that will prioritize peace should be something since the war broke out in February 2022. Slovakia, through Prime Minister Fico, had stopped war support for Ukraine. But, along with Czech, Slovakia opened doors for hundreds of refugees from Ukraine.

After stopping military support, Fico also implied his support for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Pellegrini's win as the president, along with Robert Fico as the Prime Minister, is expected to push forward the peace process between Russia and Ukraine.

Besides, Pellegrini's win is also expected to encourage bilateral cooperation with Indonesia. Until now, Indonesia and Slovakia have established tight diplomatic relations since 1993 and cooperated in various sectors. Slovakia plays an important role as an entrance for Indonesian products to the European Union. Slovakia also can press forward with the acceleration of the Indonesia-EU CEPA, which is expected to finish immediately.

South Korean Legislative Election and Fake Information

2024-04-05T17:15:11+07:00

South Korean legislative elections will be held on April 10, 2024, to elect 300 members of parliament or the National Assembly. The election comes nearly two years after conservative President, Yoon Suk-yeol won the 2022 presidential election, defeating Democrat Lee Jae-myung by a margin of 0.73%.

According to predictions, the legislative elections in April 2024 will be very tight. The two major parties, namely the ruling People's Power Party (PPP) and the opposition Democratic Party (DP), are ready to engage in a fierce battle to win the most parliament seats.

The ruling PPP is very intent on achieving victory in the upcoming elections. For this party, it is necessary to win a majority of parliamentary seats so that government policies can run smoothly without obstruction from the opposition. So far, government policies have often been obstructed by the opposition in parliament, which dominates the assembly.

Meanwhile, the opposition party, which narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election, wants to win this April's election to maintain its majority in the assembly.

Even though it is only to elect representatives to the National Assembly, this election seems to be a battle between President Yoon Suk-yeol and the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, as in the previous presidential election.

For President Yoon Suk-yeol, winning the majority of parliamentary seats must be achieved to support his strategic policies. So far, they have not received legislative or National Assembly support, because the opposition controls almost 60 percent of all parliamentary seats. If he fails to achieve a parliamentary majority, strategic policies in the remaining two years of Yoon's leadership will be hampered by the opposition in the parliament.

This election will also be a reality test for the Democratic Party's main opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung. Success in this election could provide the momentum needed to confirm his re-nomination in the 2027 presidential election.

Two major parties are carrying out campaigns to attract the sympathy of the South Korean people. Unfortunately, the implementation of the campaign was overshadowed by the problem of false information. According to Yonhap news agency, as of March 18, there were more than 400 allegations of criminal activity related to the election, with 676 people named suspects. Of the total number of cases, 352 involved spreading false information.

Less than a week before South Korea's parliamentary elections on April 10, authorities have vowed to take firm action against anyone who tries to influence the election results by spreading false information.

Firm action against spreaders of false information needs to be taken, because false information in any country, including South Korea, has significant implications for the integrity of elections. False Information prevents voters from making decisions based on factual information.

Humanitarian Aid Attacked, Gaza Urgently Needs Ceasefire

2024-04-01T17:24:36+07:00

The delivery of aid in Gaza was thrown into chaos on Saturday after an Israeli attack. Paramedics from the Red Crescent reported that 5 people died in the attack. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are currently in dire need of assistance after being bombarded by Israel for 6 months.

Two charity organizations have arranged to send aid by sea from Cyprus and set sail on Saturday. Organizers said the aid, repeatedly delayed due to bad weather, was carrying around 400 tonnes of supplies.

Previously, the UN high court had ordered Israel to allow the aid entrance. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council had also adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. However, this was proven to remain the same in the field.

Neither Israel nor Hamas could reach an agreement to a ceasefire in indirect talks in Qatar. They are just blaming each other.

Still, there seems to be a glimmer of hope, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday giving the green light to a new round of talks with negotiators expected to resume their talk this Monday.

It cannot be denied that negotiations are difficult to carry out if both parties are still prioritizing their respective egos and ignoring the thousands of people who have become victims in this conflict. All parties should forward discussions leading to a ceasefire, to achieve peace in Gaza. Their egos are no longer important when compared to the thousands of victims who have fallen and the humanitarian disaster caused by a prolonged war.

A ceasefire supported by the release of hostages in accordance with UN resolutions could be an important point capable of saving millions of Palestinian lives who are currently threatened not only by war but also by hunger.