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September
Muslims around the world have just celebrated the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1441 Hijriyah which falls on 1st of September 2019. Starting from the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, 1 Muharram has a profound meaning for every Muslim, especially Muslims in Indonesia in specific as the majority and Muslims or other nations in other countries in general.On the eve of the Islamic New Year, just as on the eve of the New Year, human beings are encouraged to recall what has been done so far or in the past year. Then, they make up their mind to enhance kindness to their fellow human beings.In the current context of life, Hijrah in Arabic has no longer to be interpreted literally as a physical migration. Hijrah can be interpreted as a change of behavior from negative things to positive ones or better aspects. In fact, Hijrah also implies the spirit of struggle with high optimism without despair.The most important meaning of Hijrah in the context of Indonesia today is the spirit of unity and brotherhood, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammah when he united the Muhajirin and the Ansar after the migration. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad had established good relations with several groups of Jews who lived in Medina and surrounding areas at that time. Hopefully, this can be a good example to see the condition of Indonesia which is geographically very wide and inhabited by various tribes and ethnic groups so that it is prone to disunity. Take for example; the recent riots in Papua, not to mention the rampant spread of hoax and expressions of hatred that could threaten the unity that has been fostered since Indonesia's independence.Therefore, it is time for the Indonesian people to move away from bad habits that can harm themselves and others and even, the nation should further enhance brotherhood and unity and avoid things that can split the nation.May the Indonesian people avoid division and remain united to achieve what the nation's founder aspires towards advanced and prosperous Indonesian people.
August
G7 Summit Results and Its Impact on Political and Economic Conditions
Written by Maryati
The 7th high level conference of the industrialized countries, G7, which took place in Biarritz (read: bɪəˈrɪts), France, produced agreements in the fields of economy, trade and international politics. In the field of trade, the G7 which was followed by India and the European Community paid attention to the WTO agreement. Especially regarding copyright protection, efforts to better handle disputes, as well as unfair practices in trade relations. The presence of US President Donald Trump at the summit did not seem to discuss the practice of the trade war that occurred between the United States and China. The G7 also paid attention to the issue of Iran's nuclear reactors and weapons. Politically, the leaders present at the G7 Summit in France shared the same view regarding the prohibition of Iran to own and develop nuclear reactors and weapons. The new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reported to have stated his position on Iran. In his press conference Boris Johnson expressly forbade Iran to use nuclear weapons. Whereas other European leaders tend to use a softer approach. That attitude is certainly different from the United States which has been involved in tensions with Tehran. What is also interesting from the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France this time is the discourse to include Russia. G7 leaders are of the view that Russia needs to be included in the G7. From the results of the G7 agreement in France, it seems the world still has not seen results that will impact the global economic and political fields in the near future. Changes in trade relations marked by the occurrence of the US trade war will still dominate the development of the global economy. Meanwhile, the tension of relations between the United States and Iran may not be eased yet. This can be seen from the statement about Iran's nuclear in the final G7 communique.
August
Moving the State Capital does not need to be done in a hurry
Written by Maryati
On August 16, 2019, President Joko Widodo officially asked permission from the parliament members to move the central government to Kalimantan. One week later, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning / Head of the National Land Agency, Sofyan Djalil said that the new location of Indonesia’s capital would certainly in East Kalimantan Province. However, he emphasized that the land acquisition for the new capital is still awaiting official announcement from President Joko Widodo. President Joko Widodo confirmed that his side is doing a series of studies. But not revealed anything that has not been completed about the transfer plan of the capital. To be sure, President Joko Widodo will immediately announce it when he has received the full results of the study. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), which is the largest environmental movement organization in Indonesia, also responded the statements of the state officials. On one hand, WALHI doubted the government's concern for the environmental impact behind the transfer plan of Indonesia’s new capital. On the other hand, Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR), Herman Khaeron asked the government to first propose the concept of capital relocation openly to the DPR. Although the transfer plan of the capital has been widely reported and is becoming public consumption, Herman emphasized that his side has not received official written notification regarding the government's plan to move the capital of Jakarta to Kalimantan. He considers that the right process is that the government must first propose the concept of moving the capital to the DPR for comprehensive discussion. He also emphasized that the policy of moving the country's capital must be determined by law. Obviously, there are still important matters that must be resolved to seriously move the nation's capital to the right and safe territory for long term. So, moving the capital does not need to be done in a hurry, let alone to cause confusing statements by the public.
August
US ground missile tests could trigger military tension with Russia
Written by Maryati
The United States of America tested medium-range cruise missiles on Sunday (18/8), a few weeks after withdrawing from the Cold War era nuclear treaty with Russia, Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). The US Department of Defense reported that the missile was launched from the US Navy base on San Nicolas Island, California. The missile is capable of reaching distances of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. Data collected and lessons learned from this test will provide information for the development of medium-range missile capabilities for the US Department of Defense. After leaving INF on August 2, US President Donald Trump insisted that his side canceled the treaty because he suspected Russia violated a number of requirements. Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council (UN) to meet on Thursday (22/8) to discuss "statements by United States (US) officials to develop and use medium-range missiles". The two countries want to bring together 15 councilors on the agenda to discuss "threats to international peace and security. Moscow and Beijing have also asked Head of UN Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu to urge Washington to reconsider its missile development.Of course, the US medium-range missile test has raised international concern, especially when the United States has left the INF, because the treaty actually bans the development of missiles both conventional and modern nuclear that can reach between 500 to 5,500 kilometers. Since the United States disobeys the INF, some possibilities may happen next.A thorough ban on nuclear test is an indispensible step in achieving the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons both medium and long distance. Efforts by the international community to realize the ban on nuclear test have been carried out since the early years of the establishment of the United Nations -UN. In its development, the UN created the Partial Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (PTBT) in 1963. This treaty bans nuclear tests in the air, in space and at sea. Then, the Threshold Test-Ban Treaty (TTBT) created in 1976 also bans nuclear tests above a capacity of 150 kilotons, and the Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty in 1976 bans nuclear tests for military purposes.Of course in general, the world community and in particular, the international organizations such as the United Nations as the world's police must reach a binding consensus that development and nuclear test of any kinds must be prevented immediately. If not, this will trigger and exacerbate military tension either inter-nation or inter-continent.
August
Since the end of the Cold War, marked by the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 90s, the threat of a potential world war through a nuclear weapons has declined. The hegemony of 2 superpowers has disappeared, but fears of a nuclear war remain. It is known that several countries of the Soviet Union fraction are apparently still storing nuclear warheads which security is very doubtful. But Russia took over the position of the superpower after the breakup of the Soviet Union and continued to ask the United States to comply with the nuclear treaty agreement Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty-START I and II. The first was signed on July 31, 1991 by George H. W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachov. This agreement is valid from 5 December 1994 and ends 5 December 2009. On 8 April 2010 START II was signed by Russia and America in Prague. After ratification, START II entered into force 5 February 2011 until 2021.But the nuclear threat came back after President Donald Trump declared his exit from the nuclear agreement in early August and shortly after August 18 the United States tested its new cruise missile.After the nuclear testing, the US Defense Ministry reported that the launch of missiles from the US Navy base on San Nicolas Island off the coast of Los Angeles, California was a success. According to the US government, the data collected and lessons learned from this trial will provide information for the development of medium-range missile capabilities carried out by the Ministry of Defense.Meanwhile, the US missile launch test will invite sharp criticism from UN Security Council members.The Chinese government criticized the test of land-based cruise missiles conducted by the United States (US). China assesses that it will have a serious negative impact on the international and regional security situation. According to a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Geng Shuang, Tuesday, August 20, what was done by the US will trigger a new round of arms races that will lead to increased military confrontation. Washington must let go of its cold war mentality to create a situation conducive to international and regional peace and tranquility.The effect of the missile test on the international community is the emergence of anxiety about the potential return of nuclear war. Although some countries such as North Korea, India, Pakistan have done the same thing,but the fear that emerged not as strong as the US and Russia did. Moreover, the world situation is currently being hit by various crises, ranging from the economic crisis, the energy crisis, especially fossil energy, and environmental problems that threaten the survival of the world's population.Hopefully what Russian President Putin has said, that there will be a "Global Disaster" if the US does not want to sit together again to discuss the nuclear agreement, will never become a reality.
August
August is a sacred month for the Indonesian people. Seventy-four years ago, precisely on August 17, 1945, the Indonesian people declared their independence, after more than 350 years of colonialism by the Dutch. The independence that has been achieved by the warriors and founders of the nation is certainly not just empty sentences without meaning. In the achieved independence, there is a long history full of endless struggle. History records that Indonesian independence was not easily obtained, especially as a gift. Warriors and founders of the nation were willing to sacrifice their lives and property to achieve independence, free from the occupation of other nations.Independence becomes one of the moments that make all Indonesian people united. Even for hundreds of years, the Indonesian people fought for independence. However, these efforts were less successful because the struggle was regional at the time. As a consequence, the Indonesian people were not united. After the establishment of the organization 'Boedi Oetomo' in 1908 and the holding of the Second Youth Congress which produced the 'Youth Pledge' in 1928, the Indonesian people began to understand the meaning of unity in a bid to gain independence.Now, after 74 years of Indonesian independence, unity and integrity of the nation is absolutely mandatory, especially after the simultaneous general elections in April 2019. At that time, the Indonesian people seemed to be divided into two camps, due to differences in the choice of prospective national leaders. Now, it is the time for the Indonesian people to re-establish the unity. As President Joko Widodo said shortly before the commencement of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day Commemoration Ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Saturday (August 17), the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is above everything. He advised not to sacrifice the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, only because of differences in the choice of leaders such as regents, mayors, governors, and presidents.Hopefully in the 74th anniversary of Indonesian Independence, the Indonesian people will increasingly understand the meaning of unity in a bid to achieve the targeted goal towards ‘Advanced Indonesia’. In the past, the predecessors of the Indonesian nation fought for independence. Now, the Indonesian nation struggles to be able to maintain and fill independence with concrete work towards ‘Advanced Indonesia’.
August
Tourism sector in Indonesia keeps receiving serious attention from the government, because the contribution of this sector in state revenue also keeps increasing. Tourism integrated with creative industries can be an amazing attraction and good competitiveness. Both of them are inseparable, because they support one another. Therefore, awareness and commitment need to be built to advance both sectors. The progress of these two sectors is very positive in increasing the country's foreign exchange. Indonesia, which is rich in cultural diversity and natural attractions, can be a magnet for foreign tourists. The natural beauty and excellent service from the creative industry sector can make tourists stay longer and in the end, they can spend more money for shopping, too.
Creative industry development in one region can create tourism attractions. This was said by Director of Inter-Institutional Relations of the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), Hassan Abud. The regional government has mapped the needs of creative industry. One of them is West Java provincial government which has grouped the potential of creative industries spread across 27 regencies / cities, such as the rattan industry center in Cirebon, the bamboo industry center in Tasikmalaya, and the performing arts in Karawang. Yogyakarta, Bali, Riau, Surabaya and Banyuwangi are also considered ready. The holding of 99 festivals to attract tourists and make tourists stay longer in Banyuwangi proves that creativity can drive the tourism sector.
Besides, the Banyuwangi government has made the location of the agro-tourism park, Taman Suruh at the base of Mt. Ijen for the 'Agro Expo Festival' as a tourism destination every weekend. Economic activity takes place in line with the increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists to Banyuwangi. Another region that also benefits from tourism activities is North Sulawesi. In 2015, there were 20 thousand foreign tourists visiting this area and by 2018, this number had risen to 120 thousand. This year, North Sulawesi holds 14 main activities in 15 cities and regencies.
Therefore, the tourism sector and the creative industry must synergize in creating a variety of interesting activities and innovative products that can be competitive. Certainly, the tourism potential and distinctive culture owned by each region must be preserved and demonstrated to both domestic and foreign tourists. In the end, every region both in cities and regencies throughout Indonesia can become a favorite tourism destination.
August
The plan of the United States to place ground missiles in the Asian region could trigger an escalation of tension between countries, especially in Asia. The pros and cons on Washington's intention arose after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper put forward the plan during a recent visit to Australia. Mark Esper announced that the United States government would soon place ground missiles which range could reach 5,500 kilometers. The statement was made without mentioning the country that will be the location. Earlier Mark Esper had said America wanted to deploy its missiles in the Pacific or Asia region. Reportedly from Canbera, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there was no request from Washington for the missile to be placed in Australia. Meanwhile, ASEAN member countries will certainly not be willing to be the place for US missiles. This can be ensured given the commitment of the organization of Southeast Asian countries to make the region nuclear weapons-free. In a meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Bangkok last week, it was explicitly stated that ASEAN was a territory free of nuclear weapons. With this joint commitment, no ASEAN member will be able to accept the presence of nuclear weapons, including those planned by the United States. The United States announced the plan after last week officially resigning from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. with Russia that bans the use of land missiles with a range of between 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers. Before announcing plans to place land nuclear missiles in Asia, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had accused China of carrying out activities that could disrupt regional stability. US allegations have been refuted by China by calling it slander. However, the end of the United States-Russia Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty., followed by Washington's statement that it will immediately place land missiles, marks an increase or escalation of tense relations between the two major nations. The United States, China and Russia in fact are trying to increase their influence in the world. All three are constantly trying to show strength and influence and increasing competition. For this reason, ASEAN as a regional organization that prioritizes stability and peace must be able to show its stance and take strategic steps. In order to maintain balance and peace in Southeast Asia in particular and Asia in general.
August
The Importance of Education about the Earthquake and Tsunami
Written by Maryati
Indonesia is one of the countries prone to earthquakes. An earthquake with 6.9 on the Richter scale, whose vibrations were felt by the people of Jakarta and surrounding areas, shook a number of areas in West Java, Banten and Lampung on Friday night (2/8).Initially, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.4. According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), there were 6 people killed and more than 1,000 people displaced.Why does Indonesia often experience earthquakes and tsunamis? It is well known that Indonesia is surrounded by three tectonic plates which are constantly moving, namely the Indo-Australian plate, the Eurasian plate and the Pacific plate. The Indo-Australian Plate moves relatively northward and infiltrates the Eurasian plate. Meanwhile, the Pacific plate moves relative to the west. The lane meeting point is in the sea so that if there is a large earthquake with shallow depth, it will potentially cause a tsunami.History records that the tsunami had hit the coast of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, and Papua for hundreds of years ago. Natural disasters such as tsunamis and large earthquakes are phenomena with repetitive cycles. This means that hundreds of years ago, earthquakes happened; over the past few years, earthquakes have happened, and in the future, the earthquakes will definitely happen again.Of course, neither the government nor the Indonesian people can remain silent and resign themselves to the risk of an earthquake and tsunami. President Joko Widodo at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java on Sunday (4/8/2019) ordered his staff, especially the National Disaster Mitigation Agency and the Coordinating Ministries to keep educating people in areas prone to earthquakes and tsunamis so that they are ready when facing the disaster. . The community must understand that disasters are no longer regarded as something that should be taken for granted, but must be anticipated so that the number of victims and the impacts can be minimized. The community also needs to understand what needs to be done in the event of an earthquake and tsunami and what must be prepared before the natural disaster occurs.Dissemination and education about earthquake and tsunami must also be carried out in schools. Students must know what to do when an earthquake occurs, and where they need to save themselves. Disaster simulations must be routinely carried out by the community, students in schools and employees in the government offices or institutions. Thus, the community is better prepared to face the earthquake and tsunami which in turn can reduce the number of victims and affected areas.
August
On Wednesday (24/7), a negotiation of US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer and Finance Minister, Steven Mnuchin in Shanghai, China - a first face-to-face meeting with Chinese officials after the G20 meeting ended anticlimax. The US-Chinese trade war can be expected to get more heated.In the trade negotiation that ended on Wednesday (7/31), although the two countries described the negotiations as being constructive, after the meeting, US President Donald Trump threatened again to impose a new 10% tariff on imported Chinese goods worth US$ 300 billion dollars starting September 1. This is the impact of the failure of the US and Chinese negotiators. The levy will hit a number of consumer goods such as cellphones, laptops, toys and footwear. This increases tension in the trade war that has disrupted the global supply chain and shaken the financial markets for more than a year. Another round of negotiations between negotiators is scheduled to take place in September. Although the United States and China agreed to meet again in September 2019, nothing can be sure that the meeting will create progress compared to the two-day trade talk in Shanghai, China. The most likely happening is to lead to a trade war that drags on and burdens global markets.It should be remembered that negotiations between the US and China began to heat up in May after US officials accused China of withdrawing from previous commitments. Furthermore, the US violently raised tariffs on imports of goods from China worth US $ 200 billion dollars and China also responded. So, the trade tension increases. Furthermore in September, President Trump also threatened to impose a 25% tariff sanction on Chinese goods worth US $ 300 billion dollars, which has caused unease for American retailers, Walmart and other major US companies. The trade war between the United States and China has brought about negative impact on businesspeople who have been worried about the reality. A number of industrial sectors have been affected, ranging from manufacturing, technology, services to retail. One of the most severe impacts is the manufacturing sector such as telecommunication producers and consumer products.The International Monetary Fund -IMF at the beginning of 2019 had warned that the US-China trade war would bring about an impact on many countries, especially countries such as Argentina, Turkey and Brazil which were vulnerable to sudden pressure. Slowing world economic growth has lowered its forecast for global economic growth by 3.7 percent this year and to 3.6 percent in 2022-2023. Indonesia's trade performance with China also experienced a deficit of US $ 8.48 billion dollars in the January-May 2019 period due to the US-China trade war. We can conclude that the US-China trade war will continue to have a sustainable impact on various parties, and now it is no longer a matter of two countries.