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May
Last Sunday (29/4), Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe started his trip to the Middle East by visiting the United Arab Emirates -UAE. After meeting the officials of the UAE, including the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, PM Shinzo Abe continued his goodwill visit to Jordan on Monday (30 April). In addition to visiting the two countries, PM Zhinso Abe's mission was to meet Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. PM Abe said that his Middle East mission's priority this time is for peace. For Japan, the Middle East region is very important to maintain the continuity of energy supply to Japan. The trips to the Middle East had been done several times by PM Zhinso Abe. It should be noted that this was the first visit of a major state’s leader to Palestine and Israel, after the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. To Prime Minister Netanyahu, Prime Minister Abe expressed his interest to increase Japanese investment in Israel. In addition, the two countries agreed to open a Japan-Israel direct flight. PM Netanyahu welcomed Japan's plan to increase Japanese investment in Israel. Before meeting PM Netanyahu, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, West Bank. If in the meeting with PM Netanyahu, he discussed the improvement of economic ties. With President Abbas, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe emphasized Japan's plan to keep the current Japanese Embassy Office in Tel Aviv, and not to transfer it to Jerusalem. To President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Abe expressed Tokyo's support for Palestinian independence within the two-country framework. For PM Abe, the dispute over the status of Jerusalem must be resolved by dialogue between Israel and Palestine. Prime Minister Abe's visit is considered positive in a bid to achieve peace in the Middle East region. Indeed, this region is still turbulent compared to the decline in tension in the Korean Peninsula. Indonesia supports every step taken to bring peace in the Middle East. More specifically, the two-state solution presented by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is similar to what Indonesia has been proposing.
May
Bogor, once again became a city that marked the beginning of important dialogue among nations. Unlike the dialogue between the disputing parties in Cambodia some time ago, it was not the opposite sides that met in Bogor, but those who wanted a relationship that brought peace among Muslims in the world. Scholars from various countries gathered in Bogor yesterday to discuss steps to realize the concepts of Islam that brings peace. The meeting was opened by President Joko Widodo at Bogor Palace on May 1, titled 'HIGH LEVEL CONSULTATION OF WORLD MUSLIM SCHOLARS ON WASATIYYAT ISLAM'.The meeting was scheduled to last for three days. The attending scholars are from 29 countries including those from the Organization of Islamic Conferences (OIC), France, the United States, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran. Also present at the conference that runs until tomorrow, are clerics from Syria, a war-torn country, partly devastated by bombs.Indeed, Indonesia’s initiative to hold the Wasatiyah (moderate) Islamic meeting is quite appropriate. There are at least two reasons for that. The first, because Indonesia as a country with the most Muslim population in the world, has long been known as a relatively peaceful country. This because the majority of Muslims here are always trying to manifest themselves moderately and willing to overcome problems. Secondly, because the role of Indonesian Muslims, in dealing with conflicts in the world, has been proven to be necessary.President Joko Widodo in the opening remarks of the Conference, stated that Indonesia is a country that maintains diversity. Indonesia will continue to foster peace and unity, by prioritizing deliberation, tolerance, and trust, that bring social justice and lasting peace. Muslims must lead and pioneer efforts to create peace as well as the motor of world progress.Hopefully, the conference in Bogor will be able to formulate the position of ulema or scholars and Muslims in general, as middle people who are able to bring peace and solve problems. From Bogor a new hope has emerged on the concrete birth of the Wasatiyah (moderate) Islam. It's about not only on the concept level, but also how to implement it. Of course, this is with Aqidah (creed) based on Al Qur'an and Hadith.
May
Bogor, again became a city that marked the beginning of important dialogue between nations. If there had been a dialogue between the disputing parties in Cambodia, it was not the opposite party that met in Bogor but the parties who wanted a relationship that brought peace among the Muslims. Various scholars from various countries gathered since yesterday in Bogor to discuss steps to realize the concepts of Islam that reconcile. The meeting was opened by President Joko Widodo at Bogor Palace on May 1, titled HIGH LEVEL CONSULTATION OF WORLD MUSLIM SCHOLARS ON WASATIYYAT ISLAM.
The high-level consultation meeting of the world's Muslim scholars on Istiyyah Islam will last for three days. The present scholars are from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Algeria, Singapore, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, China, Australia, France and Canada. As well as from the United States, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Britain and Russia. Then from Iran, Timor Leste, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Jordan. Also present at a conference that runs until tomorrow are clerics from Syria, a war-torn country and cause some of its country to be devastated by bombs.
Indeed, Indonesia initiated the Wasatiyah Islamic meeting. There are at least two things to say. The first is because Indonesia has been in peace since the majority of Muslims are always trying to manifest themselves moderately and appear to overcome problems. Secondly, because the role of Indonesian Muslims in dealing with conflicts in the world is very necessary.
President Joko Widodo in the opening remarks of the Conference stated that Indonesia is a country that maintains diversity. Indonesia will continue to foster peace and unity by prioritizing deliberation, tolerance, and trust that brings social justice and lasting peace. Muslims must lead and pioneer efforts to create peace as well as the motor of world progress.
We hope, the conference in Bogor will be able to formulate the position of ulema and Muslims as middle people who are able to become a middle and middle problem. From Bogor new hope emerged about the concrete birth of Islam Wasatiyah not only from the level of concept but also how to do it, off course with aqidah based on Al Qur'an and Hadith.
May
In 1993 precisely in May 3rd there is a big event but important to be studied together specially on people of press or human being of media. Right on that date, the UN Resolution on World Press Freedom Day was inaugurated. This event is to commemorate the Declaration of Windhoek nearly 30 years ago, where a number of African journalists met in Namibia to declare a free and independent press. So the 3rd it was reminded of the basic principles of freedom of the press in order to maintain media freedom or independence and pay homage to the fallen comrades in carrying out his profession. And on this date also made the momentum of the world press community will promote the principle of basic principles of press freedom.
What about Indonesia's plural and diverse society with all its problems (?) Moreover, the world considers that Indonesia is one of the largest democracies in the world, and holds a commitment to guarantee the press freedom and freedom of expression.
In 2018 and 2019, Indonesia is in the process of political years; many political elites, public figures and political party leaders often make maneuvering that bias between their political interests and concern of their people. Very often, there are hate speech, contradictions, call for anarchy because they want to attract the most votes and triumphs, not to mention the dissemination of false information or hoax. Here, the media as mediator must play a major role how to providecorrect information rather than hoaxes and and how balanceamong the interests of political parties, political opponents and society. The media should not become the trigger of the commotion so that people can be avoided from provocationas a result of the commotion.
It is no secret that the largest stakeholders or mass media owners are those who are engaged in the world of politics. In presenting the information, they could include messages to follow their political ideals.
On the occasion of international press freedom day, it is time for media people in Indonesia to learn from history, the struggle to fight for the freedom of the press, both in the country and overseas because many lessons can be experienced to be more mature in disseminating information or educating the community. So, the media is wise to receive the information obtained and does not cause anxiety and anarchy.
May
First of May or so-called 'May Day' has been set as the day of the world workers’ struggle by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions at its Congress in 1886. In addition to demanding eight hours of work for one day, the moment gave the new spirit of the working-class struggle of that era. The date was chosen because it was inspired by the success of labor action in Canada in May 1872. Meanwhile in the United States, it was enforced from May 1st, 1886 to commemorate the event of labor demonstrations at Haymarket which ended with shootings by the authorities. Consequently, many victims could not be avoided.
Now, the groups of workers around the world commemorate May 1st as a day of labor or May Day and the date is often used as an activity to express their aspirations and demands. The workers usually demand an increase in wages, health and safety protection, workplace conditions or other conditions related to their welfare.
Unfortunately, in some countries including in Indonesia, this aspiration or demonstration activity often ends in riots. In 2017, some groups of workers that commemorated May Day in Jakarta and several other big cities resulted in anarchy even though there was no casualty. Such actions are actually very detrimental to Indonesia. The entrepreneurs or foreign investors will think over and over to invest. They will assume that workers in Indonesia tend to ask a lot of demands and to be anarchic. As a result, such a situation is less conducive in terms of business convenience.
It's not surprising if many foreign investors shift their look to Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia as a place to invest their capital. The reason is not just the ease of investing such as low taxes, and longer land use permits. Indonesia is considered to have too many national holidays, in addition to the problem of labor demands or work wages that are often delivered in ways that are not praiseworthy.
President Joko Widodo ever reminded that Indonesia is lagging behind in the economic, trade or development sectors compared with its neighbors in ASEAN region. One reason is that some foreign investors look at other countries. Indonesia is a democratic country. Through demonstration, everyone can express their aspirations, but they must obey the existing rules not to make something anarchic.
April
Heads of states and governments of ASEAN member countries have just met in the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore on April 28, 2018. The theme of the Summit was "Resilient and Innovative ASEAN”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi expressed that Indonesia was satisfied with the positive results agreed at the 32nd ASEAN Summit.
In addition, Indonesia also welcomed the initiative of ASEAN Smart Cities Network. Each country proposes a maximum of three cities to become part of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network's cooperation. In the plenary session, President Joko Widodo said that he viewed the initiative as very good one. The urban problem is very complex and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network is one of the answers to the challenge by building a sustainable and inclusive city with the support of technology and innovation.
It’s natural for Indonesia to support this smart city network proposal. Because, Indonesia is currently developing the Movement towards 100 Smart Cities in 2018. The President includes three cities in Indonesia in the network of ASEAN Smart Cities Network, namely Jakarta, Banyuwangi and Makassar.
Banyuwangi and Makassar are considered to have fulfilled six smart city indicators in Indonesia, namely Smart Living, Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart Governance, Smart Economy, and Smart People.
Indonesia, especially Jakarta, Banyuwangi and Makassar should make use this ASEAN smart city network. Because it will open big opportunities for small and medium enterprises to further develop and find new markets. In turn, this will improve the welfare of Indonesian people.
It is hoped that the presence of this ASEAN smart city network will also increase collective security against common threats, trans-boundary threats such as terrorism, transnational crime and cyber-crime.
May ASEAN Smart Cities Network be the answer to the challenges of building an innovative and resilient ASEAN community.
April
Heads of states and governments of ASEAN member countries have just met in the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore on April 28, 2018. The theme of the Summit was "Resilient and Innovative ASEAN”. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi expressed that Indonesia was satisfied with the positive results agreed at the 32nd ASEAN Summit. In addition, Indonesia also welcomed the initiative of ASEAN Smart Cities Network. Each country proposes a maximum of three cities to become part of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network's cooperation. In the plenary session, President Joko Widodo said that he viewed the initiative as very good one. The urban problem is very complex and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network is one of the answers to the challenge by building a sustainable and inclusive city with the support of technology and innovation. It’s natural for Indonesia to support this smart city network proposal. Because, Indonesia is currently developing the Movement towards 100 Smart Cities in 2018. The President includes three cities in Indonesia in the network of ASEAN Smart Cities Network, namely Jakarta, Banyuwangi and Makassar. Banyuwangi and Makassar are considered to have fulfilled six smart city indicators in Indonesia, namely Smart Living, Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart Governance, Smart Economy, and Smart People. Indonesia, especially Jakarta, Banyuwangi and Makassar should make use this ASEAN smart city network. Because it will open big opportunities for small and medium enterprises to further develop and find new markets. In turn, this will improve the welfare of Indonesian people. It is hoped that the presence of this ASEAN smart city network will also increase collective security against common threats, trans-boundary threats such as terrorism, transnational crime and cyber-crime. May ASEAN Smart Cities Network be the answer to the challenges of building an innovative and resilient ASEAN community.
April
The neighboring conditions between North and South Korea are particularly vulnerable. Since the signing of a ceasefire agreement by the United States, China and North Korea in 1953, the Korean War has not really ended. The South Korean side has not been part of the deal yet. The relationship between the two Koreas did not improve even after the end of the cold war between the Western and the Eastern Blocs. War seemed to be looming back at any time. This will certainly affect many people and the damage and number of victims will not small.
Peaceful efforts have also continued to be fostered by both North Korea and South Korea and other supporting countries. But generally they met a dead end because of each side’s reluctance to budge. However, optimism must be kept alive, that Peace will sooner or later be realized there.
Great hopes are pinned at North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un's meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-In today, Friday 27 April. This is the first step towards the Summit of the United States, South Korea and North Korea which is planned to be held a month later. Hopefully this meeting is no longer just a marker of a peaceful effort as in the past. Rather as the beginning of an actual peace agreement.
The positive signs have been shown by both North and South Koreas. Among others can be seen from the attitude of North Korea which has confirmed to freez its nuclear program. On the other hand, South Korea has also stopped broadcasting propaganda at the border. Two things appreciated by many parties.
Indeed, there are also countries that question the seriousness of North Korea. Given the proposed denuclearization of the Korean peninsula subtly means that the United States forces must also leave the area.
Regardless of the growing views, both sides must really listen to the voice of the people who generally want peace. In fact, not a few who even want the unification of the two countries.
Meanwhile, the international community expects the immediate realization of peace. It should be remembered that the parties to the Korean peninsula conflict possess weapons of mass destruction. If each one does not hold back, the war will erupt and the victim is not just the Korean Peninsula.
April
Paspampres Women as the Indonesian Women's Symbol of Defense and State Security
Written byThere was something interesting from the activity of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) yesterday. Usually, while attending the event, President Joko Widodo is surrounded by men of the presidential security guard - Paspampres. But when attending the inaugural ceremony event of the export of Mitsubishi Xpander in Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta, President Joko Widodo was seen surrounded by female members of the Paspampres. The women troops were alert to escort President Joko Widodo throughout the activity. Previously, at the Kartini Day event held at Monas in Central Jakarta, the female bodyguards were very alert and smart to protect President Joko Widodo.
Of course, there is a special reason why this time, women are assigned to safeguard President Joko Widodo. Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media Secretariat of the President, Bey Machmudin said that the condition is indeed designed to commemorate ‘Kartini Day’, a day that symbolizes the struggle of equality of women's rights in Indonesia.
The opportunity for Indonesian women to enter in every profession is open enough. The proportion is getting increased. Looking at the Working Cabinet of President Joko Widodo, there are eight women who play a major role in his Cabinet Ministry. Now, Indonesian women have wide opportunities to uphold the sovereignty of the state, to maintain the territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, and to protect the nation and the country from the threat and disturbance towards the unity of the nation and the country. The number and proportion of women members of the corps of the National Army and the Indonesian National Police are also increasing.
The presence of women security guards and law enforcement authorities is appreciated by President Joko Widodo. When chairing the joint marching of 10.000 women from Armed Forces -TNI, National Police –Polri and all woman components in commemorating ‘Kartini Day’, President Joko Widodo expressed his gratitude for their contribution in maintaining the defense and security of the country which continues to increase from time to time. He also affirmed that they have played a major and strategic role. Because, the people, the government, and the state need the women’s key role. In addition, Indonesian women play a unique role in providing a sense of security and excellent service to the community.
Actually, the presence of female presidential guards is not something new. They are always present in every state event, especially if First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo always attends an event. They are members of Paspampres Group A who have the duty of carrying out immediate physical security at close range at all times against the President and his family.
April
Although often criticized for his leadership style, Donald Trump is still a leader of the superpower, the United States. Even Trump makes at least 2 surprises in 2018. First is his planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sometime to come. The second surprise was, ordering his troops and supported by US, British and French allies carrying out attacks in Syria for some time.
For East Asian affairs, particularly the issue of the Korean Peninsula, Trump was approached by its ally, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Both discuss this issue as one of their meeting agendas. Nevertheless, the two do not agree on trade matters.
A week after that, the Trump discussion shifted to the West Asian region. This time the allies of the United States in the attack in Syria, French President Emmanuele Macron menyambanginya Tuesday (April 24, 2018). The two discussed issues in Syria and JCPOA, the Comprehensive Comprehensive Action Plan signed by Irang with six countries, the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany in Lausanne, Switzerland, 2 April 3 years ago and will expire May 12, 2018. Trump does not seem to be pleased to continue the JCPOA because it considers it the "worst in history".
Whether realized or not, Trump plays an important role both in East Asia and West Asia. If Trump and allies maintain a commitment to peace in West Asia, Trump should still try to make it happen whether it is through a peaceful process in Syria, in Palestine and not necessarily rejecting JCPOA with Iran.
On the contrary in East Asia, it seems a more positive aura for the United States to resolve the nuclear issue with North Korea. The meeting of the two Koreas closer to the realization of the golden bridge of peace on the Peninsula. Donald Trump's meeting - Kim Jong Un guarantees eternal peace on the Korean Peninsula.
We hope the United States is truly committed to peace. Because only with world peace can share prosperity for all.
