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February
A shooting spree by a Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school student to his friends happened in Parkland, Florida, right on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2018. It wasn’t the first incident that happened in the United States. The latest perpetrator was a teenager who fired his gun and caused 17 school students lost their lives in vain. Indeed, the laws governing arms ownership in the United States differ from state to state. Florida is one of the states that loosely imposes it. Students, who are concerned about this latest incident, held several rallies to encourage the United States government to regulate stricter ownership of weapons. Representatives of students and parents even met President Donald Trump directly, asking him to conduct stricter supervision. Instead of getting support, they had to hear Trump's idea of arming teachers with guns. Parents object to this idea because they think it makes the school a shooting arena in case of an attack. Although they disagree with President Trump, howver, some schools suspended students who held anti-weapons rallies. To commemorate this event, a rally will be held on March 14, 2018, exactly one month after the Florida shooting, and on April 20, 2018 to commemorate a similar incident at Columbine High School in Colorado. A series of shootings that occurred in schools in the United States is very alarming. Educational institutions should be a source of positive learning place for students. School is not an arena of indulging violence whether it is physical, verbal or emotional. There is an English saying which puts importance on the Man Behind the Gun. It means that it’s the person behind the tool or device, especially in a job; that is important. In the case of shooting in America, this saying can be taken literally. A good person holding a weapon may be doing good, otherwise if a bad one is behind the gun, terrible things can happen.
February
On 17 February, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry -KLHK issued a press release to be aware of land and forest fire during the vulnerable period in 2018. Director of Forest and Land Fire Control at the Ministry, Raffles B. Panjaitan said that NOAA satellite monitored last Tuesday night (February 16th) that there are 38 hotspots spreading 3 hotspots in Central Kalimantan, 31 West Kalimantan, 1 South Sulawesi, 2 West Java and 1 hotspot 1in Central Java. Meanwhile, the NASA Terra-Aqua Satellite recorded 10 hotspots: 1 in South Sumatra, 2 in Riau, 6 in West Kalimantan and 1 spot in Riau Islands.
It is estimated that the increase in the intensity of forest and land fires in Riau and Kalimantan occurs from February to March and June to October on which within both periods, the weather in these areas is very hot and dry.
To respond the warning, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry along with the provincial governments continues to take anticipatory action through improved socialization and fire prevention patrols. Take for example, West Kalimantan and South Sumatra provinces have set the emergency alert status of forest and land fire disaster. This is aimed to rapidly, accurately and integrally anticipate the impact of smoke disaster caused by forest and land fires in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
Fire Brigade at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Manggala Agni in collaboration with the Military -TNI, the National Police -Polri, Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency and the local community continues to extinguish several hotspots of forest and land fires in Riau and West Kalimantan,
The activities taken by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to address forest and land fires are based on three strategic targets for environmental and forestry development for 2015-2019. First, the Ministry is to maintain the quality of the environment, including efforts to improve environmental capacity, water security and public health. The second point is that the Ministry has to pay attention to the potential of forest and environmental resources. The third one is to preserve the balance of ecosystem and biodiversity and the presence of natural resources, as a supporting system of life to support sustainable development.
It is expected that through the establishment of the emergency alert status of forest and land fires, the mobilization of resources in its control has to more optimal, especially in areas prone to fire.
In addition, the synergy among the institutions such as the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, the Forest Service, the TNI, POLRI, and Manggala Agni at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is expected to be stronger. They must cooperate to control the forest and land fires. Moreover, the participation of the local community is also important. People are encouraged to love their environment and not to take actions that can trigger forest and land fires.
February
The Future of Ethiopia At The Post Of Emergency Declaration
Written by MaryatiOver the next 6 months, Ethiopia is declared in an emergency status. The Ethiopian government has stipulated this, due to the political crisis that has led to the resignation of Halemariam Desalegn, the Prime Minister of the country. The political crisis that also caused the emergency status occurred there in October 2016. Prime Minister Halemariam Desalegn resigned to reduce the ongoing political turmoil. Desalegn had previously freed opposition prisoners to dampen the situation, but the turmoil is still going on. Hundreds of people have been killed in the three year unrest in the country. The 10-month emergency state that ended last year has also failed to stop the protests, similarly, the release of thousands of opposition supporters from prison. A massive protest has been taking place since 2015. It starts from the Oromia region, then extends to Amhara, Ethiopia's second largest ethnic residence. The rally was accompanied by a physical clash between the two ethnic groups causing casualties. The question then, will this second emergency status, bring good for Ethiopia? In the meantime, after the emergency stipulation last week, the capital Addis Ababa is in a relatively quiet state. The mass media reported that business and social activities in the nation's capital until yesterday were under normal circumstances. The defense ministry also did not add troops to the streets. Emergency status setting is done to quell the dispute and sporadic attacks in some areas. The government states that emergency situations are needed, to mitigate the political turmoil that resulted in the emergence of ethnic violence. Given the emergency situation, the government has banned the existence of mass gatherings and demonstrations in the wake of the political turmoil. The government's move was not approved by the United States, as stated by its Embassy in Addis Ababa. Along with the establishment of an emergency, the Ethiopian Parliament is expected to complete discussions on the steps to resolve the political conflict. Parliament to date is waiting, whether the majority of the ruling party in the government succeeds in taking the expected political action. If a political settlement does not happen, it is not impossible that the turmoil will become increasingly widespread in the oldest country in Africa. If this happens, foreign interference, is very likely to emerge. The US embassy in Addis Ababa, for example, assesses that the emergency setting has restricted the fundamental rights of citizens to express their opinions. Anyway, if the conflict can not be resolved, it is Ethiopians who will be affected.
February
On Saturday (17/02), the General Elections Commission -KPU officially established 14 political parties to participate in the 2019 election, which fulfill administrative requirements and factual verification. Of the 16 political parties that passed the stage of factual verification at the central level, there are two political parties that do not qualify or meet the requirements. They are the Star Crescent Party (PBB) and the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI). In addition, the KPU had also carried out the serial number of political parties on Sunday (18/02). Among the 14 parties that passed as participants in the 2019 election, four of them are newcomers to the Indonesian political arena. They are the Indonesian Unity Party (Perindo), the Working Party (Partai Berkarya), the Indonesian Movement of Restoration Party (Garuda), and the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI). As the new political parties, they certainly want to stand in parallel with the old political ones. The newcomers have their own way and style to win the public sympathy. Take for example, the Indonesian Movement of Restoration Party (Garuda) will encourage young people to join. Because the young are considered more independent. While the Indonesian Unity Party (Perindo) will recruit cadres in accordance with the aspirations of the people. They must have competence and many advantages in many ways, in addition to high levels of public trust and good morality. Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) offers a new style in politics. It will target more young people and women who have been considered under-represented interests. While the Working Party initiated by Hutomo Mandala Putra alias Tommy Soeharto -the son of the former president of the Republic of Indonesia Soeharto will hold a political school internally so that his cadres have good political knowledge to compete against the senior politicians. Can the four new political parties win the voters' sympathy? Can they compete against the 10 long-standing political parties in the 2019 election? New political parties must convince voters that they are different from other parties. In addition, they must learn from the experience of senior parties in selecting legislative candidates. The people who will sit in parliament should be chosen selectively. If they want to succeed in entering legislative bodies both DPR and DPRD, they should be able to not only attract significant number of votes for the party, but also to maintain integrity as the people's representatives. The new political parties should not rely solely on their founders. They must also prove their existence with real performance and with honorable aim to build a better Indonesia.
February
In a news conference broadcast by local television on Wednesday (February 14, 2018), South African President Jacob Zuma announced he would soon resign. But Zuma also said he disagreed over the decision of his party, the African National Congress (ANC) that wants him to resign or face a no-confidence vote in Parliament.
The ANC party is struggling to improve the decreasing level of public confidence. According to local media, Zuma, an ANC cadre who has been President in South Africa since 2009, has lost public trust over a string of corruption allegations. Zuma has denied such disgraceful acts. But the high court of South Africa in 2016 once declared Zuma violating the constitution for using state money to finance his private home.
Local police on Wednesday raided a luxury mansion in Johannesburg belonging to a businessman close to Zuma. In addition, Zuma is also awaiting the decision of the Attorney General, whether he will be prosecuted for corruption or not.
As a result of a series of corruption allegations, Zuma then resigned from the position of the ANC Party Chairman. This was welcomed by the opposition as well as colleagues at the ANC, who disagree with him. Nevertheless, the ANC continues to honor Zuma for some positive policies he made as President. In a statement, the ANC said Zuma's withdrawal made the South African situation more certain.
Zuma's position at the ANC was replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa who is currently Vice President. After Zuma stepped down, Cyril was deemed appropriate by parliament to replace Zuma as South African President.
Hopefully, the leadership issue in South Africa can be resolved soon. Regardless of guilt or innocence, Zuma's statemanship has been demonstrated by releasing his post. Now, the challenge of Cyril Ramaphosa is, can he make South Africa better?
February
February 13 becomes a special day for workers and radio listeners. Since 2012, this date has been celebrated as World Radio Day. "Radio and Sport" become the the theme of 7th anniversary of World Radio Day in 2018. Sport has become the focus of the world and Asia this year. There is a winter Olympics held in South Korea. FIFA World Cup 2018 is to place in Russia and ASIAN GAMES 2018 in Indonesia.
For Radio Republik Indonesia -RRI, this theme is very appropriate. The commitment to spread sport activities proves that RRI is appointed as the radio license holder of broadcasting of the World Cup 2018. Quoting the statement of the Director of Public Broadcasting RRI, M. Rohanuddin, with the FIFA license, it is expected that RRI provides its best contribution in a bid to satisfy the needs of listeners who come from various circles and places throughout Indonesia, and thisn can be carried out well. Listeners can also share the broadcast or World Cup report.
In addition, Indonesia this year will also host the 18th ASIAN Games. RRI has to be responsible to distribute the information about the matches, achievements, and new records created at every 4-year sport event. The competition in the game must be an interesting attraction that can be spread to the listeners.
Surely, radio can present not only matches, competition and achievements as broadcasting material, but also there are many other aspects expected to be the inspiration of audiences. The moment of three major sporting events this year, suchas the Winter Olympics, the 2018 World Cup, and the Asian Games must be used by radio broadcasters, especially RRI to create exciting broadcasts. The broadcast is expected to be able to make the listeners recognize and understand the diversity of the sport as a legacy of tradition. Radio, for example, should be able to create events that promote gender equality in sports. More importantly, radio must present broadcast that reinforces the spirit of peace and development in the world of sports. These three issues are the focus of UNESCO's World Radio Day commemorative sub-theme that is expected to be realized by radio broadcast.
Amid the rise of social media as a new communication medium, it is believed that radio can still play a major role to provide information that inspires its audience. At least in Indonesia, the spirit of sport will be spread to at least 62.3 million listeners; the number of listeners is based on AC Nielsen data for the 3rd semester in 2017.
With its power to entertain, educate, inform and inspire, radio can certainly sound the sport through its broadcast. As UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres put it: “On World Radio Day, let us celebrate both radio and sports as ways of helping people achieve their full potential.”
Congratulations on World Radio 2018! Thank for listening our broadcast.
That’s Commentary
February
Amidst the efforts to finalize the Draft of Criminal Code -KUHP, Commission III of the People of Representatives -DPR received the representatives of friendly countries from European Union countries in Indonesia. They reminded that the revision of the articles in the Criminal Code about adultery and obscene acts of the same sex should not be extended because it will go into someone’s privacy. A member of Commission III of the DPR, Nasir Djamil views that the representatives of friendly countries actually realize that Indonesia has its own values that must be respected. But they are still trying to make the Commission III consider the input.
It’s interesting to be observed that the expansion of the criminal article for adultery cases and obscene acts among the same sexes attracts a serious attention of some foreign individuals. Not only non-governmental organizations try to intervene, but also their official representatives come directly and openly. On behalf of human rights, they attempt to intervene the preparation of regulations in Indonesia. Can this serve as a serious test for Indonesia’s stakeholders, how can they refuse foreign intervention and how serious are they to maintain the noble values of the nation?
Putting the issue of decency on its right position that becomes a debate poses controversy. Moreover, the values that exist amidst of the community in today’s millennium era and globalization are in contact with outside values. So, it’s possible that a new perspective occurs on the values that have been believed. In addition, there is involvement of foreign parties who actually want their glorifying values to be accepted in Indonesia.
Indeed, it is not easy to face strong influence of the globalization which is contrary to the noble values of Indonesian nation. The DPR must be strict, but wise to maintain the values. For Indonesia, the values of decency are clearly related to the matters of the society and nation; they are related to neither personal nor family matters. In this regard, the respect towards human rights does not necessarily mean that we should set aside the obligations that every individual must obey. Thus, the use of rights must also be regulated to respect and ensure the fulfillment of the rights of other individuals. That there is different perspective between Indonesia and its some friendly countries is about the diversity of nations in the world, which must be respected. The Indonesian nation is already on track and a positive direction to welcome a better future. It is hoped that good deeds can be transmitted to other nations in the world.
February
The visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Russia at this time, will probably open up opportunities for further steps to resolve Palestinian- Israel issue. Therefore, whatever the outcome will be, Mahmoud Abbas's visit and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is a new chapter in the Palestinian struggle to defend the country's existence and gain world’s recognition through the United Nations. Certainly, in his talks with Vladimir Putin, the Palestinian President will expect an increase in Russia's role in the Palestinian-Israeli issue. It is possible that the Palestinian President, will ask Vladimir Putin to be a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiating process, replacing the role of the United States. It is known that the statement of the US President Donald Trump to move its Embassy in Jerusalem, Palestine, countries supporting the Palestinian has cause rejection on Washington as mediator of the negotiations. On the other hand, Mahmoud Abbas will also utilize his meeting with Putin to call for wider Russian support at the UN, to make Palestine become a member of this organization. Until now, in the United Nations, the position of Palestine is merely an observer. Nevertheless, this position is getting stronger, as evidenced by the winning of majority of General Assembly members rejecting the decision of the United States to move its embassy in Jerusalem. The rejection of almost all UN members was made at the recent UN General Assembly session. The question is, will Vladimir Putin accept Mahmoud Abbas's proposal to make Russia become the mediator of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations? From geopolitical considerations, it is very likely that Russia will meet that demand. Similarly, with the position of Russia in providing support to the Palestinians in the United Nations forum. Russia may be hoping to step up its role in the Middle East, especially in the political map of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This role could encourage the improvement of Russia's position in the Middle East region. But it should be kept in mind, that Russia on the other hand is also one of Israel's important allies. And in politics, anywhere, the idiom of there is no free lunch still prevails. Therefore, by continuously raise support from Russia, the Palestine cannot undermine the support of other nations that have obviously supported it since the beginning of the Palestinian struggle.
February
Today, February 13 becomes a special day for radio broadcasters and radio listeners. Since 2012, this date has been celebrated as World Radio Day. "Radio and Sport" become the the theme of 7th anniversary of World Radio Day in 2018. Sport has become the focus of the world and Asia this year. There are a winter Olympics held in South Korea, FIFA World Cup 2018 is to place in Russia and ASIAN GAMES 2018 in Indonesia.
For Radio Republik Indonesia -RRI, this theme is very appropriate. The commitment to spread sport activities proves that RRI is appointed as the radio license holder of broadcasting of the World Cup 2018. Quoting the statement of the Director of Public Broadcasting RRI, M. Rohanuddin, with the FIFA license, it is expected that RRI provides its best contribution in a bid to satisfy the needs of listeners who come from various circles and places throughout Indonesia, and thisn can be carried out well. Listeners can also share the broadcast or World Cup report.
In addition, Indonesia this year will also host the 18th ASIAN Games. RRI has to be responsible to distribute the information about the matches, achievements, and new records created at every 4-year sport event. The competition in the game must be an interesting attraction that can be spread to the listeners.
Surely, radio can present not only matches, competition and achievements as broadcasting material, but also there are many other aspects expected to be the inspiration of audiences. The moment of three major sporting events this year, such as the Winter Olympics, the 2018 World Cup, and the Asian Games must be used by radio broadcasters, especially RRI to create exciting broadcasts. The broadcast is expected to be able to make the listeners recognize and understand the diversity of the sport as a legacy of tradition. Radio, for example, should be able to create events that promote gender equality in sports. More importantly, radio must present broadcast that reinforces the spirit of peace and development in the world of sports. These three issues are the focus of UNESCO's World Radio Day commemorative sub-theme that is expected to be realized by radio broadcast.
Amid the rise of social media as a new communication medium, it is believed that radio can still play a major role to provide information that inspires its audience. At least in Indonesia, the spirit of sport will be spread to at least 62.3 million listeners; the number of listeners is based on AC Nielsen data for the 3rd semester in 2017.
With its power to entertain, educate, inform and inspire, radio can certainly sound the sport through its broadcast. As UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres put it: “On World Radio Day, let us celebrate both radio and sports as ways of helping people achieve their full potential.”
Happy World Radio 2018! Thank you for listening our broadcast.(rhm)
February
In his speech before the participants of the extraordinary meeting of religious leaders at the Presidential Palace, in Bogor, West Java on Saturday (10/2/2018), President Joko Widodo expressed his gratitude to the religious leaders and community leaders. They are considered to have strengthened the harmony of the nation, and are committed to strengthening the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia -NKRI, the state principle of Pancasila, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in diversity). Indonesia is a pluralistic country that has people with different ethnic and religious backgrounds. But the pluralism does not make Indonesia split. Indeed, the pluralism itself unites the Indonesian nation. Religious issue and diversity often pose tension in the social life of the community. The presence of a group of fanatics towards a particular religion may result in tension, conflict, violence, and even murder in the name of religion. In addition, ethnic, religious, racial and interreligious issues (SARA) sometimes so quickly spread to various layers of society. As a result, this may create an atmosphere of conflict that is quite dangerous in the life of the nation. The escalation of disputes in the matter of SARA issues often poses violent and distressing conflicts. Indonesia used to undergo conflict in the name of religion. Since the reform era exactly in 1998, Indonesian people have experienced the era of freedom of expression and expression of opinion. At the time, there had been several conflicts in the name of religion. Let’s take for example, the conflict that occurred in Poso, Central Sulawesi in 1998-2000; conflict Ambon, Maluku in 1999; and in South Lampung 2015. Religious conflicts that have occurred in a small part of Indonesia became a historical note for Indonesia. This proves that Indonesia is still very vulnerable to conflicts due to different beliefs. In this regard, the religious leaders must play a major role to reduce the possible conflicts in a bid to strengthen the national unity. In addressing the conflicts with motives of ethnic, religious, racial and interreligious issues (SARA), the religious leaders must play their key role, especially in 2018 on which Indonesia will hold a Regional Head Election (Pilkada) simultaneously, and in 2019, the presidential election will take place. Both of these events are particularly vulnerable to conflicts, especially if some individuals and groups relate to SARA issues. Basically, any conflict may occur not because of different views of beliefs. However, it is caused with the actions of individuals or groups that incite the anger of one other group. Of course, this should be coped with, especially by religious leaders. Because if this is not immediately addressed, the impact not only harms those who are in conflict, but also can threaten the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
