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May
On May 20, 1908 or 111 years ago, the first youth organization named Boedi Oetomo was established in Indonesia. The organization initiated by Dr. Wahidin Sudirohudo was founded by Dr. Soetomo and the students of the Dutch East Indies Medical School, STOVIA when Indonesia was still colonized by the Dutch.Boedi Oetomo is a social, economic and cultural organization. However, the establishment of Boedi Oetomo became the beginning of a movement aimed at achieving Indonesian independence. Then, May 20 is commemorated as National Awakening Day.The theme of this year's National Awakening Day is ‘Rising to Unite’. The theme is very relevant to the current condition of the Indonesian people post-April general elections. When the energy and emotion of most of the Indonesian people were drained for the success of the democratic party, when the aspiration of the Indonesian people was divided because of differences in choice, this is the right time for the Indonesian people to rise again and unite.It’s still inherent in the Indonesian memory. In the Dutch colonial period, the struggle of the Indonesian people for independence was carried out regionally. Each region in Indonesia struggled to free from the Dutch’s colonization. However, the independence might not be achieved due to the lack of unity in Indonesian people. The colonizer could easily crush the struggle of the Indonesian people at that time. Until finally, the youth organization, Boedi Oetomo was established on May 20, 1908 and then there was the Second Youth Congress on October 28, 1928 which resulted in the Youth Oath which voiced the determination of the Indonesian people to unite.The independence achieved by the Indonesian people 74 years ago began with the rise of a sense of unity among the youths and founders of the nation. Now, it is the right time for the Indonesian people to rise again from various problems that may trigger splitting. They remain united for the sake of progress and implementation of development in all fields.
May
As the tension between the United States and Iran was increasing,US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo visited Russia to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and President Vladimir Putin.
In his meeting with Sergey Lavrov and other Russian leaders, Tuesday Moscow time, Mike Pompeo stated that US President Donald Trump has a strong desire to improve good relations between the two countries. The statement very possibly is in connection with increasing tensions between Washington and Moscow related to new US pressure on Iran.
The US hostility against Iran, in the form of new economic sanctions and sending American carriers to the Gulf region, has made Washington's relations with Moscow tense. This happened because Russia has good relationship and cooperation with Iran.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meanwhile, was eager to find out the American plans in resolving its tensions with Iran. Washington's policy towards Tehran, became important for Russia, because in a few weeks President Vladimir Putin will likely meet Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G 20 Summit in Osaka Japan.
Commitments of the two countries to find a way out for crisis in various regions, especially in the Middle East including Iran will influence the geopolitical conditions of the world. As is known the US new sanctions for Iran were applied while Western European countries still have economic relations with Iran.
Last year , western European countries disagreed with US decisions last year to pull out from the Iran Nuclear agreement. Now Washington has continued to increase its pressure on Tehran including imposing sanctions on Iran's Metal sector. This despite of the fact that Iran and some Western European countries still have trade relations in the sector.
Whether US policy towards Iran will change, will be determined, among other things, by Mike Pompeo's talk with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, May 15, as well as further talks between the two Presidents in Osaka the next few weeks.
May
The voting implementation of the 2019 simultaneous general elections has passed for 3 weeks. Noise and mutual accusation are still ongoing between the camp of 01 and 02 that are most concerned with the results of the ballot counting of the presidential election by the General Election Commission -KPU. The issue of fraud continues to be voiced by both sides. Claims certainly attract the attention of some people in various regions. A group of people responds normally. However, some people feel emotional.At the grassroots level, they are tempted to question the issue of ‘people power’ which is highlighted by the camp of 02. The situation has been concerning lately. Moreover, the situation is worsened when hundreds of people who served at the polling stations and counting desks were declared dead because of being fatigue or other health problems. The fragment of grief news that appears almost every day is not able to encourage each camp to refrain. In fact, the fragment of the sad news is often put aside with issues about fraud surrounding the ballot counting.Disputes related to election results occur commonly. Abroad, the disputes arising from election results also often occur. Let’s look at the one that has happened in Venezuela more recently. This becomes international news. In Indonesia, the General Election Commission –KPU and the Election Supervisory Body –Bawaslu as the two institutions responsible for the administration and supervision of the elections have called on all stakeholders, especially the political elites and supporters of the two presidential candidates to refrain from actions that can worsen the situation. They must entrust fully the KPU and Bawaslu over the results of honest and fair general elections.Therefore, political actors must exercise restraint during this holy month –Ramadhan 1440 Hijiriah. We hope that the Ramadhan can encourage all communities, especially the two camps to introspect and reflect themselves. Indonesia's noble public ethics must not be damaged or setback because of the general elections.
May
After the United States unilaterally abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement last year, Iran was upset because it felt increasingly depressed over its nuclear issue. In fact, Iran wants to implement the agreement in the hope that sanctions against the country will be alleviated. In the past few days, Iran has threatened to revive its nuclear program after the presence of US military equipment in the Gulf region. The United States argued that it was sending aircraft carriers and bomber aircraft due to a kind of indication and warning from Iran. The US is also determined to show a reaction in full force against any form of attack.However, the European Union seeks to reduce Iran's resentment. This group of European countries still considers JCPOA a solution to the problem of Iran's nuclear development. The European Union also rejected Tehran's threat. European leaders suggested that Iran continue its commitments according to the JCPOA and refrain from increasing tensions with the United States. The European Union is disappointed with sanctions imposed by the United States and continues to trade with Iran.A year ago, President Donald Trump ignored the JCPOA agreement and imposed sanctions on Iran. The United States asks all countries not to buy oil from Iran. The next sanction is a ban on iron, steel, aluminum and copper. This sanction has upset Tehran. Although the US imposed sanctions, the European Union is still opening trade relations with Iran.Iranian strong reaction is natural because the country is still carrying out its commitments in JCPOA. The European Union also still believes in Iran in implementing JCPOA. If Europe still believes in JCPOA, the United States should also open opportunities to return to the agreement and not pressure Iran on its nuclear issues. The United States is ambiguous in this matter. On the one hand, the United States put pressure on Iran. On the other hand, secretly allowing Israel, its main partner in the Middle East to develop its nuclear program.
May
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, has become a megalopolis. With its approximately 10 million populations, Jakarta grows narrower thanks to new housing and great urbanization. In addition, high economic growth gives birth to new problems such as traffic jam and flood – from people living at the riversides. Another problem is that the development is overly focused on Java Island.
In response to this, Indonesian President Joko Widodo in a limited meeting on Monday (29/4) had decided to seriously relocate the nation’s capital due to the increasing density of Jakarta. President Joko Widodo views that the study of capital relocation does not include sociology and socio-politic aspects only. As a great nation, the President added that Indonesia wants to have separated seat of government from centres of economy, business, and trade.
Previously, Minister of National Development Planning, Bambang Brodjonegoro said that President Joko Widodo would decide to relocate Indonesian capital outside Java Island. He further explained that the National Development Planning Agency had concluded three criteria of the capital relocation. First, it stays in Jakarta with building special block for government around National Monument. Second, it moves to outside Jakarta with radius around 60 kilometres. Third, it goes away from Java Island. The capital city must be strategic and as far as possible from natural disaster threats.
Meanwhile, in the limited forum on capital relocation, Dean of Gadjah Mada University Technical Faculty, Nizam said that the capital candidate must be in region with high heterogeneity to minimize social and cultural conflict potential. It also must consider migration effect, since it can create marginalization of local people and social conflict.
Capital city relocation plan had been initiated by first President of Indonesia, Soekarno who named Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan as the new capital in 1957. Soekarno saw Palangkaraya because it is located at the middle of Indonesia. However, it remained as an idea until Soekarno’s successors.
It’s not the first time for capital relocation idea to create pros and cons. On one hand, careful considerations of cost during difficult economy as well as movement of State Civil Apparatus and their family are required.
On the other hand, the relocation opens space for government activities far from business and economy. So, the government can be more focused on governmental issues. Besides, the relocation should help boosting development outside Java Island.
May
The month of Ramadanthat started last May 6, is a holy month for Muslims all over the world. They look forward to it when people would fast and try to do more good deeds. However, in Ramadan 1440 H, this year, Palestinian Muslims in Gaza are in mourning. The Israeli bomb attack launched since Monday night, not only disrupted the devotion of worship but claimed lives and caused damage and injuries. The atmosphere of welcoming Ramadhan in the Gaza Strip was filled with grief, wounds and tears. As a result of Israeli attacks at least 12 Palestinians died. The Israelis themselves denied that some of the victims who died were caused by their attacks.
Chronologically the tension that broke out into war occurred on Friday, when Palestinians in Gaza rallied against the blockade by Israeli soldiers. In the incident it was reported, a Palestinian wounded two Israeli soldiers near the border wall. Israel then responded with an air strike that left two members of Hamas forces dead. Israel thenbegan bombarding Gaza.
Reaction came from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan related to the destruction of the building which was the location of the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Erdogan, through his comments on Twitter, as reported by the AFP news agency stated that Turkey and the Anadolu news agency would continue to tell the world about Israeli atrocities in Gaza and other parts of Palestine.
The question is then, what is the reaction of the international community over the turmoil and Israeli attack on the Palestinian territories in Gaza? Some countries see the crisis in Gaza as a problem between the Hamas militant group and the Israeli military. Because of that, a ceasefire, and guarantee that there will be no attack will depend on Hamas and the Israeli military. But the real issue of Palestine is not just Hamas and Israeli military affairs. Recognition of sovereign Palestine is the only solution. That is a commitment that must be realized and encouraged through various efforts and negotiations.
The Palestinians, has longed to live peacefully without fear of the threat of Israeli soldiers , who often carry out blind attacks in the Gaza Strip. As happened before and in the early days of Ramadan this year. A sad irony, when Muslims all over the world welcomed Ramadan with joy, Palestinian Muslims in Gaza worshiped in danger and the shadows of Israel's deadly attacks.
May
Indonesia has begun to show its leadership in the UN Security Council. The Indonesian leadership is represented by Ambassador, Dian Triansyah Djani, Indonesia's permanent envoy to the United Nations. On Monday, May 6, 2019 local time, Dian Triansyah Djani as the President of the UN Security Council in May 2019 accompanied Secretary General of the United Nations to ignite an eternal fire in a bid to commemorate the services of UN personnel who failed to fight for peace. Two of the deceased were Indonesian citizens, the late Chief Private, Nasri Bin Bahri, a member of the UN Peace Mission in Darfur and the late Harina Hafitz from the World Food Program.
Today, May 7, 2019, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi leads the UN Security Council Open Session. With the theme "Investing in Peace: Improving Safety and Performance of the Peacekeeping UN, the United Nations enhances the security and safety of UN peacekeepers. This has become one of Indonesia's focuses. Given the track record and capacity of Indonesia, interest, domestic support and other members of the United Nations, as well as the challenges faced by the UN Security Council, the distribution of Indonesian forces to the UN ranks 8th out of 124 participating countries. According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia has sent 3,080 personnel; 106 are women. Indonesia targets to place 4,000 personnel in various UN peace missions.
The Indonesian presidency in the UN Security Council is a momentum and opportunity to prove Indonesia's ability to face challenges and encourage the creation of stability and peace, especially in conflicting regions. Indonesia's progress as Chair of the UN Security Council in May 2019 is awaited by many countries. At least, the United States is looking forward to it. Deputy State of Secretary of the United States for political relations, David Hale in his meeting with Minister Retno Marsudi at the end of April 2019 said that he was waiting for Indonesia to occupy the presidency of the UN Security Council and Indonesia's strong commitment on various issues in the UN Security Council, including peacekeeping forces.
Indonesia's commitment to peacekeeping forces is undoubted. However, Indonesia cannot be alone. A major contribution to the investment in good-quality Peacekeeping Operations delivery from many parties is needed. Because the role of peacekeeping is increasingly important towards the ongoing conflicts and wars in several countries.
Hopefully, the Indonesian leadership in the UN Security Council will improve Indonesia's track record in contributing and participating in maintaining world peace, and at the same time ensuring that many parties must continue to invest in peace. So, it’s simple wish of Indonesia, as expressed by Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, to save as many lives as possible while making peace-keeping as efficient as possible in the conflicting regions throughout the world. This must be realized and maintained. Of course, world community support is also needed.
May
Palestinian Muslim Grief in Gaza in the Beginning of Ramadan
Written by Maryati
Ramadan, that started last May 6, is the holy month for Muslims all over the world. They look forward to it when people would fast and try to do more good deeds. However, in Ramadan 1440 H, this year, Palestinian Muslims in Gaza are in mourning. The Israeli bomb attack launched since Monday night, not only disrupted the devotion of worship but claimed lives and caused damage and injuries. The atmosphere of welcoming Ramadhan in the Gaza Strip was filled with grief, wounds and tears. As a result of Israeli attacks at least 12 Palestinians died. The Israelis themselves denied that some of the victims who died were caused by their attacks. Chronologically the tension that broke out into war occurred on Friday, when Palestinians in Gaza rallied against the blockade by Israeli soldiers. In the incident it was reported, a Palestinian wounded two Israeli soldiers near the border wall. Israel then responded with an air strike that left two members of Hamas forces dead. Israel thenbegan bombarding Gaza.Reaction came from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan related to the destruction of the building which was the location of the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Erdogan, through his comments on Twitter, as reported by the AFP news agency stated that Turkey and the Anadolu news agency would continue to tell the world about Israeli atrocities in Gaza and other parts of Palestine.The question is then, what is the reaction of the international community over the turmoil and Israeli attack on the Palestinian territories in Gaza? Some countries see the crisis in Gaza as a problem between the Hamas militant group and the Israeli military. Because of that, a ceasefire, and guarantee that there will be no attack will depend on Hamas and the Israeli military. But the real issue of Palestine is not just Hamas and Israeli military affairs. Recognition of sovereign Palestine is the only solution. That is a commitment that must be realized and encouraged through various efforts and negotiations.The Palestinians, has longed to live peacefully without fear of the threat of Israeli soldiers , who often carry out blind attacks in the Gaza Strip. As happened before and in the early days of Ramadan this year. A sad irony, when Muslims all over the world welcomed Ramadan with joy, Palestinian Muslims in Gaza worshiped in danger and the shadows of Israel's deadly attacks.
May
Ramadan is a holy month awaited by Muslims around the world, especially Indonesia with a Muslim majority. In this holy month, Muslims fast for a full month, from sunrise to sunset; they don't eat or drink; they don't do bad deeds in order to get abundant rewards. In this holy month, Muslims not only fast, but also worship as much as possible to get blessings and rewards from Allah SWT. This year, the Indonesian government set the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, May 6, 2019. This determination is based on the Islamic Conference held by Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday (5/5) and attended by representatives of various Islamic organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama –NU and Muhamadiyah and state representatives- friendly countries, especially neighboring countries where the majority of the population is Muslim. The determination of the beginning of fasting is usually done based on the position of the moon, considering the Islamic calendar is the lunar one. Thus, the National Aeronautics and Space Institute (LAPAN), as well as the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) also involved in the Isbat trial. Fasting is not only holding back hunger and thirst but also holding back all lusts. In addition, during fasting, Muslims are also advised to practice other acts of worship such as giving alms, increasing friendship and avoiding acts that are prohibited by Islam. In fasting, every Muslim is commanded to leave behind various passions and worldly pleasures. By fasting, every Muslim can train himself or herself to be a patient person. When fasting, Muslims are trained to be able to withstand anger and not to think negatively other people. Welcome to Ramadan!
May
The situation in Venezuela is heating up. The political crisis that has occurred after the General Election is tenser and the election was won by incumbent Nicolas Maduro. Opposition leader, Juan Guaido has called for his supporters to stage a demonstration on the streets every day in a bid to oust Maduro from the presidency. The tension in the Latin American country is further worsened by increasing tension in the military camp which is now splitting. The split is triggered by Guaido's claim that he has received military support. The claim is countered by Maduro because Venezuelan military officials still support Maduro. Juan Guaido had failed to carry out a military coup. One day after the failure of the coup, Guaido again mobilized thousands of supporters to stage a rally.The Venezuelan crisis triggered by a dispute between President, Nocolas Maduro and opposition leader, Juan Guaido is no longer a domestic affair. The two rival figures felt that they have received overseas support. Nicolas Maduro receives support from Russia, and Guaido from the United States. As widely reported, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov have accused each other of the causes of the crisis in Venezuela. The United States said that Russia is the cause of the crisis, and vice versa. Latin American countries, especially Mexico are trying to be neutral, and they push to hold a conference to find a solution.From the current situation, it is still not predictable when the crisis in Venezuela will come to an end. This crisis has occurred since January 10, 2019 due to a dispute over the presidential election results. Finally, this has caused the country's political and economic conditions to worsen. Thousands of Venezuelans have left their countries to flee to neighboring countries to avoid conflicts that have not yet been resolved.Whether the flame in Venezuela to be soon extinguished or even it further burns the country will depend on President Maduro and opposition leader, Juan Guaido to solve it or win the battle of power by finding the country in ruins, or finding solutions to the happiness of their people.
