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December
World Anti-Corruption Day, Momentum for Corruption Eradication
Written by Maryati
Today 9 December, the world communities commemorate anti-corruption day. Indonesia is one of the countries that has made the anti-corruption day commemoration as a momentum. The movement to eradicate corruption can certainly be stimulated through the commemoration of international corruption day.
For Indonesia, fighting corruption is a joint commitment. Through law, Indonesia has formed the Corruption Eradication Commission -KPK. This anti-corruption institution is mandated to carry out prevention and enforcement. Trials of cases pursued by the KPK are processed through the TIPIKOR court. There have been many results realized by the KPK. In the course of carrying out its duties, the KPK underwent various dynamics, or we call ‘tests and pressures’. The case of Novel Baswedan is one of the highlights of both Indonesian community and international community. The case has not been revealed until early December 2019. On Monday (9/12), President Joko Widodo called the Indonesian Police Chief, Idham Aziz to ask for an explanation of the results of the Baswedan Novel case investigation. This case is one of several issues faced by the KPK. The latest controversy is the revision of the KPK Law which triggered a huge demonstration in Jakarta and a number of other big cities in Indonesia. The rejection of the KPK Law revision that led to insist President Joko Widodo in a bid to issue a Government Law ( Perpu) until early December 2019, had not yet been completed.
Whatever happens is that the spirit to eradicate corruption must continue to be sounded. Corruption as white-collar crime is an enemy of virtue and advancement. Indonesia with bad corruption index needs to keep learning from other countries that have better index. For Indonesia, comparing itself with countries that have almost achieved zero corruption such as Norway and Sweden is certainly not balanced. What is really interesting is learning how prevention efforts are carried out. Instilling values of honesty and shame in violating the rules needs to be done continuously.
From such matters, the commemoration of World Corruption Day can be a momentum to build joint spirit to eradicate or at least reduce the number of corruption.
December
Millennial generation seems to be less interested in agriculture. This is one of the biggest challenges in agricultural development in Indonesia as an agricultural country. If this continues, in the future Indonesia will lack of farmers. Being less interested for millennial generation in farming in the long run will make it difficult for the domestic agricultural sector to develop, both in quality and quantity.
To anticipate the problem of the lack of farmers in the future, the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Agriculture launched the "Millennial Farmers Movement" which was carried out early in 2019 and has been promoted in various regions in Indonesia.
The definition of millennial farmers according to the Ministry of Agriculture is young farmers with age between 19 and 39 years or farmers who are not in that age range but having millennial spirit, being responsive to digital technology, and to agricultural tools and machinery.
Through the Millennial Farmers Movement, millennial farmers are considered capable of improving the nation's economy. They are considered to have an adaptive spirit in understanding digital technology, making it easy to identify and verify technology.
To realize this Millennial Farmer Movement, the government recruits millennial youths to be given training or technical guidance, especially in the application of modern farming, so that it is more advanced, creative and innovative.The movement to create millennial farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture is very relevant to be applied because they are very adaptive in understanding digital technology, supporting the transformation of agriculture from traditional patterns to modern agriculture that is being promoted in Indonesia. Modern farming patterns practiced by millennial farmers can increase production and added value. After about one-year running, the "Millennial Farmers Movement" begins to bring about results in several areas, one of which is Central Java which is able to increase its agricultural production from 9.8 million tons to 9.11 million tons.
In addition to increasing production, modern agricultural patterns practiced by millennial farmers contribute to increasing the value of exports of various agricultural commodities in Central Java to a number of destination countries.The results of the Millennial Farmers Movement are clear evidence that only by applying modern farming patterns, Indonesian farmers are able to realize Indonesia as World Food Barn in 2045, and the challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 in all fields.
The Millennial Farmers Movement needs support from the center to the regions, especially the villages. Support from the villages can be provided by expanding wide access of land which is one of the biggest problems in agriculture. Village-owned enterprises must be able to become a bridge to attract young people, by opening access to capital and markets.
December
The 30th SEA Games in 2019 was officially opened by President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan in the Philippines. The Southeast Asian Games which take place every two years involve 11 countries in Southeast Asian region.
The 2019 SEA Games takes place from 30 November to 11 December with 56 sports. The number is a record throughout history, breaking the implementation of the 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta which competed 44 sports. More than 5600 athletes compete for 529 gold medals. At this SEA Games, Indonesia sent the second largest contingent after the Philippines consisting of 1.702 athletes.
Historically, Indonesia's first participation was in the 1977 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Nevertheless, Indonesia immediately entered the top-tier medal table. Even then, several times Indonesia won the title of overall winner of the SEA Games.
Records show that Indonesian contingent won the overall champion 10 times in 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, and finally in 2011 when the SEA Games was held in Indonesia.
Will Indonesia be able to win the overall champion again? Regarding the target for the 2019 SEA Games, President Joko Widodo in his remarks when releasing the Indonesian contingent at the Presidential Palace, Bogor, West Java, Wednesday (11/27) alluded to Indonesia's success when competing at home at the Asian Games in 2018. He is optimistic that Indonesian athletes can excel in the SEA Games this time and can win 2nd place with a target of 45-50 gold medals. This is not an easy job, but the President is optimistic that the Indonesian contingent can fulfill it. The target, if achieved, is expected to improve Indonesia's position in the final standings of the SEA Games compared to the SEA Games two years ago.
A number of sports are expected to become gold sources for Indonesian contingents. Those who have the opportunity to gain gold include athletics, swimming, bicycles, surfing, ice skating, triathlons, and badminton.
The 2019 SEA Games have begun. The Indonesian people hope that Indonesian athletes can achieve or exceed the medal target that has been declared.
November
Islamic Cooperation Organization, OIC, this year has entered the age of 50 years. The 50th anniversary of the OIC which was originally called the Organization of the Islamic Conference, was held in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Governor of the Mecca Region, Prince Khalid al Faisal delivered a speech representing the Arab Group, the African group and the Asian Group.
Since its establishment in Rabbat Morocco on September 25, 1969, the Organization's members have continued to grow. This increase certainly reflects the hope that Islamic state organizations can play an active role in solving various problems that exist in Islamic countries. The commemoration theme of United for Peace and Development is actually relevant to the situation in a number of member states.
The Middle East conflict that occurred in Syria still shows that unity and peace must still be fought for. Disputes and differences in political lines between countries that are members of the OIC are one of the causes of the ongoing civil war which has not destroyed Syria and caused the suffering of the people. The poverty that still befalls the people of a number of OIC member states, makes the development diction which is the theme of the birth of the OIC this year reflecting the desire to overcome the remaining problems.
This OIC anniversary will be an introduction to the holding of the OIC state high level conference on 8 to 9 December 2019 in Istanbul Turkey. As reported by the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet Daily News, the summit will raise the theme of Investment for Solidarity and Development. From that theme, there is hope that OIC countries will be able to concentrate on economic development. Entrepreneurs from leading companies in the banking, construction, tourism and trade sectors operating in the OKI geography will attend the conference. Also of course 56 OIC member states, as well as five observer countries and international organizations
This is very important so that Islamic countries with better economic conditions can support the economies of poor and developing countries through mutual investment.
It is hoped that the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Cooperation Organization which will be followed by this summit conference can be a momentum for efforts to make the organization provide better benefits. Especially for members who are involved in conflict and civil war, and hit by poverty.
November
Brave Step of Minister Thohir in Bringing State-owned Enterprises into Global Level
Written by nuke
State-owned enterprises play a vital role to support Indonesian economic development. As state-owned companies, they are responsible to help the government in making the people prosperous. They also keep developing from year to year. Data from State-owned Enterprises Ministry showed that there are 143 state-owned companies with total asset around Rp 8 thousand trillion. Their contribution towards State Budget in 2018 was Rp 420 trillion.
Indonesian state-owned companies have excellent products. In aviation, various aircrafts are produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia, which have been sold abroad. Then, there are also trains made by PT INKA.
In infrastructure and property, Indonesia has PT Adhi Karya, PT Waskita Karya, PT Jasa Marga, and Wijaya Karya that have penetrated some African countries.
These achievements are the reason why the government keeps pushing the state-owned companies to be a great company, not only inside the country but also in global level. To realize such dream, President Joko Widodo appointed two deputy ministers of state-owned enterprises to increase company performance. They are Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, former President Director of PT Bank Mandiri and Budi Gunadi Sadikin, former President Director of PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium.
State-owned Enterprises Ministry is the only ministry in Joko Widodo’s administration that has two deputy ministers. This certainly aims to make Indonesian state-owned enterprises great with global reputation. President Joko Widodo asked the minister and deputy ministers to cooperate in achieving that global reputation.
To realize the vision and mission of President Joko Widodo, Minister of State-owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir takes a brave step by refreshing the leaders’ organization in his ministry. Seven echelons I have been put into new positions at various state-owned companies.
The brave step of Minister Erick Thohir should be supported and the people are waiting for the result. Hopefully, Minister Thohir will be consistent in taking brave step, apart from political intervention that can disturb performance of the state-owned enterprises.
November
The discourse about the proposal to add the term of office for the president is heating up again. It is related to the plan for a limited amendment of the 1945 Constitution. The ongoing discourse is related to the changes in presidential terms. Some figures propose the president's term of office to be only one period for eight years and some also propose to be extended to 3 periods.
Based on the current rules, the president and vice president hold a five-year office and can be re-elected for one term. Thus, the president and vice president can serve a maximum of 10 years in two periods as stipulated in Article 7 of the 1945 Constitution. Actually, the proposal related to changes in the term of office of the president does not emerge for the first time. Previously, this matter also came up.
Inevitably, some people are now enthusiastically talking about the discourse which is rejected by several parties, especially political parties. Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Soesatyo said the president's tenure for two periods and the direct presidential election by the people are already appropriate.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the majority in parliament as well as the supporting party of President Joko Widodo assesses that the current presidential term is still ideal and it does not need changing.
Senior Golkar Party figure, Andi Mattalata said that the discourse of three periods for presidential tenure could lead to authoritarian rule. According to him; limiting the president's term as now is the main essence of reform and amendment.
The opposition party, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) considers the discourse to be a dangerous proposal. The PKS said the decision to limit the president's term of office for two periods was obtained through the struggle in “bloody reform”. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Gerindra Faction at MPR, Ahmad Riza Patria said, the two terms of leadership are the ideal periods for presidential terms. He considers that the decision is final because it is regulated in the 1945 Constitution. Riza also said that the current presidential term of office does not need changing. Because it is in accordance with the spirit of reform; the power and authority must be limited.
The president's tenure of two periods, each for 5 years, is the outcome of the "bloody reforms" in 1998 to step down the Old Order government presided by Suharto who served as president for 32 years. Determination of the term of office of 2 periods also came through in-depth discussions. Currently, the system which has been agreed upon is the most ideal. Extending the term of office to 3 periods is likely to propose the return of Old Order system in which the president will tend to be authoritarian.
November
Iran has again been hit by demonstrations. People took to the streets in Tehran and other cities. The demonstration, marked by the destruction of public facilities, was triggered by the government's decision to raise fuel prices. It was reported, in the demonstration that began 3 days ago, more than 10 people were reportedly died . In addition to deploying security forces, the Iranian government has also closed national internet networks in almost all regions of the country. At least 100 demonstrators have been arrested by security forces.
Widespread demonstrations in Iran have not only happened once. The economic hardships that hit the middle and lower classes had previously led to demonstrations. In the midst of this difficult economic situation, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made the decision to raise fuel prices. The decision was actually a difficult one. But the government was forced to do it. The main reason was for overcoming the country's economic problems. As a result of the imposition of US sanctions, Iran can no longer export oil. While in fact oil exports are the mainstay of the government to sustain and maintain the country's economy.
The policy of the Iranian President which was also supported by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, immediately ignited the demonstration as a form of rejection. Rising fuel prices by around 50 percent were indeed very unpopular. Even though President Rouhanni has stated that the proceeds from the sale of domestic oil will be used to subsidize the poor.
The latest conditions in Iran which were rocked by massive demonstrations also marked the deterioration in Tehran's relations with Washington. Tehran accuses Washington of supporting the rallies. The accusation is indeed reasonable. In Washington, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo even made it clear that the United States government was with the protesters. Pompeo accused the Iranian government of using violence against the protesters.
The demonstration that caused death in Tehran has led to a new dispute between Iran and the United States. This condition certainly makes it increasingly difficult to overcome or at least reduce tensions between the two countries. Previously the Tehran government had succeeded in quelling demonstrations which had also been triggered by the deteriorating economy due to US sanctions. How about this time? It is yet still to be seen.
November
Tomorrow on November 20, 2019, the world communities commemorate World Children’s Day. This commemoration is to promote the welfare of children throughout the world. The aim is to respect the rights that must be received by a child. World Children's Day was established by the United Nations -UN in 1954. Five years later, in 1959, the UN adopted the declaration of children's rights and set November 20 as World Children's Day. Under the Convention on the Rights of Children, those under the age of 18 are children.
Indonesia has high expectations for children today. The theme of the commemoration of Indonesia's Independence Day this year, "Excellent Human Resources, and Advanced Indonesia" is one of the proofs. Those who are at the age of the child today are expected and directed to become excellent human resources to bring Indonesia to be more advanced. The challenges and hopes to make Indonesian excellent people must be acknowledged by all relevant stakeholders such as parents, teachers, government officials and environmentalists.
The government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to freeing the education unit to design innovations in education sector. Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Nadiem Makarim in his remarks at the 107th anniversary of Muhammadiyah in Yogyakarta on Monday (11/18) said that his side wants to continue to proclaim and advance character education. One of them has been done through Early Childhood Education -PAUD.
Through the PAUD, there are five main values of character to be built. They are religiosity, nationalism, independence, mutual cooperation, and integrity. These values are expected to strengthen Indonesian children into human resources who do not give up easily in facing challenges. Excellent human resources must be formed since the golden period of children. For Indonesia, it is not just awareness about this that must be strengthened, but concrete actions that must be taken. It is hoped that through early childhood education carried out in more than 230 thousand education units or schools throughout Indonesia, generations of religious, nationalist, independent, strongly cooperative and highly integrated will be created. Of course, the character that is built from an early age must develop even better in the next level of education. Each education unit must continue to innovate in a bid to motivate every student to develop their abilities, skills and characters to be the frontline that will bring Indonesia to reach Indonesia Golden 2045.
With the efforts of all related stakeholders, hopefully the Indonesian children today will become not only the leaders of Indonesia, but also the world’s leaders. Happy World Children's Day!
November
Earthquakes in Indonesia viewed from a Tourism Perspective
Written by Maryati
More recently, earthquakes have shaken several parts of Indonesia. Last week, another earthquake occurred in the provincial capital of Maluku, Ambon, Indonesia. Around 90 houses in Ambon City were damaged by the earthquake. Parts of Bali and North Sulawesi were also hit by the earthquake which caused damage to people's homes and public facilities. Some areas hit by the earthquake are tourism spots. In addition to the earthquake, the disaster was also caused by a volcanic eruption. Mt. Merapi in Central Java often erupts. Hot clouds have caused the area around the volcano to be affected by dust. Like Bali and North Sulawesi, the area around Mt. Merapi is also a tourism destination, one of which is Borobudur Temple which is the target of foreign tourists’ visit.
Natural disasters are one of the frightening events for tourists who intend to visit Indonesia. Perhaps, information about the disaster has delayed a planned visit or canceled a scheduled trip. But for some tourists, the earthquake or eruption of Mt. Merapi is no longer a factor that can discourage to make a visit to Indonesia. Bali which is often shaken by either an earthquake or the eruption of Mt. Agung remains a favorite location for tourists.
The enthusiasm of visiting Indonesia is not reduced due to a better information system. The Indonesian government agencies responsible for disaster information have sought to improve performance and equip its institutions with good and early detection equipment. The slightest earthquake that occurs is always detected. In regard to this, preventive efforts are also carried out quickly.
Indonesia is one country that is often hit by earthquakes and mountain eruptions. Certainly, it is not as frequent as Japan for instance. However, this is certainly not the main reason to make Indonesia scary.
November
The presence of international institutions required in Gaza
Written by Maryati
Finally, after a series of fierce battles since Tuesday 12 November and killing 34 Palestinians, the Islamic Jihad Militant Group announced a ceasefire agreed with Israel. Islamic Jihad militant spokesman, Musbab Al-Berim said that the ceasefire came into effect on Thursday November 14 at 5:30 local time. Unfortunately, there has been no confirmation from Israel at the ceasefire. Fierce fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad broke out on Tuesday 12 November morning after an Israeli air strike killed a Senior Islamic Jihad Militant Commander, Material Abu el-Atta who was thought to be responsible for a series of rocket attacks and planning large-scale attacks. If Islamic Jihad considers that a ceasefire agreement had been reached, the Israeli side did not comment at all. The Islamic Jihad group submitted a list of demands, including that Israel stop the targeted attacks on Islamic Jihad militant leaders and open the blockade on Gaza, that has been in place for the past 12 years.
The Gaza militant ceasefire agreement with Israel mediated by Egypt almost never ends smoothly. A truce is rarely recognized by Israel. Even last year, exactly 15 November 2018, Israeli Minister of Defense, Avidgor Lieberman announced his resignation from the right-wing coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Avidgor protested the ceasefire in Gaza at that time. He instead asked Israel to be more aggressive in Gaza.
Learning from the previous conditions, it is appropriate for the international community to be pessimistic about the ceasefire reached in Gaza today. The presence of international institutions, especially the UN peacekeeping force is jointly needed to ensure the peace realization between Palestine and Israel in Gaza.