BILATERAL

Building the Scientific Community Indonesia, Technology and Industry Green Tech Life Style (GTLS) Inspiration from Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 04:47:00 +0000

By: DR Hc Anni Iwasaki, President of the Center for Japanese Studies Indonesia For Progress

Ministry of National Development Planning / BAPPENAS in the Letter of the Ministry of Planning / Bappenas Date July 9, 2009 No: 3933/D.VIII/7/2009 actively respond to the proposal has been innovative, visionary and futuristic: "Technical Assistance Pilot Development Multisector Green Tech-Feasibility Study Life Style (GTLS) Inspiration from Japan "for the Japanese Government cq posted to JICA. Proposals from: Kab Wajo, Municipality of Pasuruan, Malang Kab, Kab Kab Blitar Pamekasan and cooperation with the Center for Japanese Studies PUSJUKI-Indonesia-To Progress. Now is in the process in Bappenas. The proposal is the birth of the forerunner of new industrial nations: the Republic of Indonesia Modern.

Foreign Policy of the Government of Japan. Japan participated in the Colombo Plan Date October 6, 1954 became a donor country in economic cooperation and promote the (development) social in developing countries especially in Asia Timur.Hingga in 2003 Japan has issued a software aid (official development asistance / ODA) of U.S. $ 221 billion to 185 countries and regions. Year period 1991-2000 Japan tops the ODA.

Ten recipients of Japanese ODA: Iraq, Tanzania, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Madagascar, Afghanistan and India. Indonesia does not enter. (White Paper Kemenlu Japan 2007) Whereas in the new order era, Indonesia and China are competing diposisi 1-2.

In May of 2005 ahead of U.S. President GW Bush, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Japanese government to accelerate the program by launching the Climate Change Japanese initiative "Cool Earth 50" over the long term vision science, industrial technology and low emissions for developing countries as well as providing funding.

According to the policy on 8 June 2009 from Tk II Local Government in collaboration with the technical proposal floated PUSJUKI assistant multisectoral feasibility studies over science and industrial technology Green-Tech Life Style (GTLS) Inspiration from Japan and is currently in process in Bappenas.

Although the LDP party has not ruled Japan this effort continues to be enhanced in the government of the Democratic party of Japan / DPJ today.

"Indonesia .." said Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, ".. is a very important partner for East Asia to the community. Japan saw the role of Indonesia in ASEAN is increasingly important. Therefore, Japan intends to communicate and dialogue with Indonesia to make the details of the East Asian community idea, "said Secretary of Okada in a press conference with Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayuda / Media Indonesia on line Wednesday, October 14, 2009 00:07 pm.

World Big Ten Producing Gas Emissions.
Ten major producer of gas emissions in 2005: China 17%, U.S. 16%, EU 27% -11%, Indonesia 6%, India 5%, Russia 5%, Brazil 4%, Japan 3%, 2% Canada, Mexico 2 %. Carbon emissions generated by these countries are divided into 3 criteria. 1. underground fire 2. including an estimated 2000 million tonnes of CO2 from peat fires and peat decomposition after drying. But a very large range of non pastiannya 3. industry, official reports from industrialized countries to the UNFCCC.

Of the ten large, only Indonesia emitters of carbon number 2 criteria: peat. (Source Wikipedia)

State civil industry ranked second world economy, Japan, with the amount of U.S. $ 4,911 billion GDP emit only 3% while Indonesia is not the amount of industrial countries with GDP of only U.S. $ 512 billion issue of CO2 emissions is greater than in Japan. (Source World Economic Outlook Database, Oct 2009 IMF / Business Facts and Figures Nippon 2010)

Proposals from the five Regional Government of cooperation with the PUSJUKI mentioned above, is a forerunner to the birth of new industrial nations: the Republic of Indonesia Science, Technology and Industry Green Tech Life Style Inspirations from Japan (AI, Tokyo, 1 Nov 2010. website: pusjuki.org; google, yahoo, jurnalnet.com)

National pride and country

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:16:00 +0000

By: Yoedi Karyono (columnist on www.jayakartanews.com)

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia Abdurrachman Al Hayyat react, by way of memorandum of protest to protest the government of Indonesia relating to cases of abuse Indonesian Workers (TKI) Sumiati who tortured and even humiliated by her employer, a citizen of Saudi Arabia. ''The Government and the Indonesian press too enlarged exaggerated the problem, and it is not necessary in order to maintain good relations the two countries that has existed for so long and very historic,''said Al Hayyat.

Actually, Sumiati case workers who work in Saudi Arabia is only one case of dozens of cases affecting migrant workers, and it is revealed even thousands of cases have occurred with varying degrees of persecution, until the workers went home in a coffin dkirim. Killed by various former torture and could not clear a long time when mankind has become the bodies that will be shipped to Indonesia, even the Government of Saudi Arabia, with various efforts often tried to cover up the cases that occur on employer workers who were tortured in Saudi Arabia. Even the Saudi Arabian police often make the problem becomes clear.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government in general, are helpless when faced with such problems. The Indonesian labor force even at a time in our own country are not treated well, legal protection in the country, let alone abroad never received the maximum. Case workers were tortured, and humiliated not only in Saudi Arabia alone, it is also common in Malaysia and some countries that accept people of Indonesia as labor.

Why, from their home country is already in a very weak position. With a minimal level of expertise does not even exist, with a minimal level of individual education is not even a primary school and also with no solid rule in applying the law and protection of labor, then they just become easy prey to experience unfair treatment even extremely insulting the dignity of the state and nation.

The workers often experience a tragic thing, they cheated in the country will become the workforce in a company abroad, and it turns out when they are abroad are forced into prostitution, and more tragic prostitute price from Indonesia's most expensive, because the number of they are indeed the most. Meanwhile, officials in the country which should protect its workers by creating rules that protect them until now is not the maximum. The proof until now there are no rules that can protect workers abroad effectively even when they are at home to dairy cows, and when they come home from abroad become more dairy cows.
Labor management system in Indonesia is also very severe, even touts legalizing workers get the government, they are the organizers of employment, the labor system makes outsourching no future and no hope, they are after working three months will be released just like that without severance pay . And the number of workers outsorching currently 70 percent in each company. The workers were required to deposit a monthly basis to labor brokers.

Also, government corruption and also corruption that has become flesh and blood that should make the country prosperous and able to provide a decent life to its citizens, never happened, the poverty factor is more often a background of why a woman should work outside the country and even just simply become domestic servants or in Bahasa Indonesian with coarse dialect is to be a maid. They still remain poor even if forced to pay from their own pockets by way of debt, with the hope after working overseas will be able to pay debts, and even have some money to venture capital in their home villages are located.

Not the prosperity which they acquired abroad, but torture, humiliation, disability and even death. Tragic story of these workers are too often the case, and the Indonesian government is always in a powerless position to defend its citizens. In every agreement the two countries relating to workers with any country, Indonesia has always been in a position to lose and losers.

In principle a countries citizen will not want to be a maid, either in their own country and even abroad, this work is by some regarded as an abject working. Moreover, in Saudi Arabia, a maid a maid is often regarded as a slave who should be treated just about anything, even be killed if necessary.

Indonesian officials instead often position as a party worker who is wrong, they were accused of not understanding the customs of the country where they reside and work. Why the Indonesian government could not impose in the negotiations that cultural understanding should be equal, countries where workers are also must understand the customs. Most employers in the country is not Saudi Arabia or other countries should treat human beings as human beings Indonesia in general, and crimes committed against another human law must be fair and universal.

In the face of the Government of Saudi Arabia several times for various cases of torture, and murder is also the Indonesian government workers and also workers in question are always in a position to lose and losers. The attitude of contempt and a low rate of Indonesia has happened dozens of years since the Secretary of Labor held by Sudomo in the new order era. Each case is tried to cover it and closed it happened until now. Religious background between the two countries often lead to something drastic.

There's even an express, fortunately Islam and Prophet Muhammad SAW revealed in Saudi Arabia states that since this nation formerly known as morally corrupt. Religion and the prophet was commissioned to make them better, and that too barbaric attitude and insulting the dignity of other human beings still continue to occur, because that's the rule and protection of labor and delivery must be firm and clear. The Philippines once had a similar case in a Middle Eastern country nationals nearly put to death, after her employer failed raped and murdered by her employer's workforce. President of the Philippines fell directly with firm resolve the case, and succeeded in freeing its citizens.

While that happened in Indonesia, the workers who are often given the title of hero in his own country made foreign dairy cows, whereas abroad they are humiliated, tortured and even killed. If the agreement between the two countries Indonesia in a position equal, then such cases could be prevented, rather than after the event as though the government will defend the maximum, but everything is happening. And do not feel weird and angry if such cases Sumiati will happen again, as long as the Government of Indonesia is still like this. (www.rainbowdiplomacy.com)

Obama's entry into Indonesia Inappropriate

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:36:00 +0000

By: Yoedi Karyono

President of the United States (U.S.), Barack Hussein Obama December 9 to 10 November state visit to Indonesia and was accompanied by several ministers. The visit was conducted after two delays. However, rejection and anger some of the people of Indonesia, especially from among Muslim hardliners never subsided even they remain angry with a high tension. Why are they angry, what twice postponed because of Obama's visit. Absolutely not.

Obama, and whoever becomes president of the U.S. superpower is a new player on the stage of the political old U.S. foreign and domestic. Whoever the president of this country still has the calculations and the wisdom that is very detrimental to Muslims around the world, and certainly Muslims of Indonesia, which is why a president, a head of government, a U.S. head of state is not worth a visit and set foot in the state of Indonesia is predominantly Islam. During their policies towards Islam and their partiality towards the Jews of Israel have not changed.

Austerity was delivered by Hibutz Tharir and also several Islamic organizations that had consistently defended the struggle of Palestinians from the Jewish occupation of Israel and also opposes the U.S. occupation in Afghanistan, Iraq and some Muslim majority countries worldwide. Both physically and occupied militarily and economically and ideology.

Whatever and whoever''Obama, he is the representative interests of the imperialist countries that are very detrimental to Muslims, because that was inappropriate and he did not deserve to be honored guest and set foot in our country is predominantly Muslim,''said Ismail Yunanto, general secretary Hibutz Tharir.

Those who reject the presence of Obama is only the minority within the majority of Muslims, but nevertheless their voice and a strong reaction is a reflection that there is power in this country who openly criticized and rejected. ''In the teachings of Islam are described must respect the guest, but but that how to be respected. During the reign of Obama has too many Muslims of various ages were killed by U.S. bombs, those who are in Aghanistan and also in Iraq and it's all Obama's responsibility.''

Indeed, so far Obama and his presidential staff and also the ministers, plus observers from the U.S. analysts praised Indonesia as a country with a majority of the world's largest Muslim community is moderate Islam, a country well able to carry out democracy, and that's all of course adapted to U.S. tastes. Also within Indonesia itself many of those claiming to be Islamic scholars, and also they have been stamped by the U.S. as an Islamic scholar to defend U.S. interests in Indonesia. It is only because a matter of world affairs, they promised a scholarship to study in the imperialist countries.

''They do not care until now the U.S. continues to massacre Muslims in other countries. They begiitu very loyal and very respectful to the U.S. Government. Of course this is an attitude that is sickening, and the real terrorists are the U.S.,''said Ismail.

U.S. Politics bamboo split in Indonesia run by very effective, some figures and Muslims in this country to voluntarily sell himself to be regarded as a moderate and democratic character, while the Islamic leaders who are treated with a very cruel da entered prison, punished or even killed ' 'top''U.S. orders. Some Muslims and the characters are in this country have bought them even willing to sell themselves to the U.S. for personal gain.

Allegations of terrorist for Islamic fighters are dead cards, and if the U.S. wanted them destroyed, then it's only a matter of time.See how the U.S. funds provided to the special detachment of 88 which in essence is another form of U.S. pressure against the Islamic Ummah and implemented based on legal grounds. Ustadz Abubakar''Baashir, one very obvious example is the result of U.S. orders. Despite suspicions that the Indonesian side rejected. Old cleric who has looked for an excuse to make it guilty, and we Muslims would not be willing to at any time.''

In addition, the United States during the Indonesian state has established perampokkan natural wealth on a large scale. If the Freeport gold mine in Papua managed in a just and fair, the Indonesian part of Papua has become the most prosperous. So far, U.S. and Indonesian officials also very pro U.S. in Freeport says that it only produces copper. Conspiracy Indonesian officials and the U.S. government resulted Papuans remain poor and live in stone age.

Robbery of the wealth of this country by the U.S. and also the dominance of the economy and also what kind pamerintahan even who gets to become implementers of government, all of the blessing and approval of the U.S.. ''I am ashamed of what this country is sovereign or not, if all that is in the government controlled by the United States.''

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) is subject to U.S. interests, because that's why the U.S. government highly praised the government of SBY. Whereas in the domestic discontent over the government of SBY stronger and tended to increase. Attitude is no firm, soft and Islamic reaction that does not support SBY is a negative potential which has been less noticed by SBY.

Obama while in Indonesia, according to sources from the U.S. Embassy to Indonesia to try to be familiar. Schedule to make a visit to the biggest mosque Masjid Istiqlal Indonesian Muslims do exist. The event visited the mosque by a U.S. president is not new, President Bill Clinton ever did it in 1994 on the sidelines of the APEC meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Useless''a visit to the Istiqlal Mosque, there is no impact whatsoever. I hate them even more. Why, how many mosques were destroyed in Afghanistan and Iraq, how many Muslims are killed by U.S. actions around the world. That's why the U.S. president should Obama or anyone do not have to make a visit to Indonesia as long as they are hostile even to pit Muslims,''said Ismail.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the country groups are expecting the presence of Obama, even the presence of Obama and his family.Obama, who once lived in Jakarta for about three years with his mother and stepfather considered to have a bond between Obama and Indonesia. Even the elementary school where Obama never attended school is ready to welcome, and certainly welcome the enthusiasm was not as strong as some time ago. This is because Obama has been on hold the kujungan, besides Indonesia was now grieving with various disasters.

Nevertheless, some people who claim Obama's friends at the time in elementary schools still make a special welcome event and are looking forward to Obama's presence in a special little party. They still feel familiar and thought Obama was still able to recognize them properly. Special Message from Obama's childhood even a statue has been created, and was placed in Menteng Park, which later caused controversy which eventually moved to the elementary school where Obama never attended school.

The friends and also those who feel familiar with Obama is hoping to see Obama and Michelle Obama to carry out special events.However, from a source who brought Obama good security and domestic all events outside of official events with President SBY is very difficult to implement, and possibly some canceled events, this is done with consideration of safety and time efficiency.

Even the event visit the Istiqlal mosque by security considerations still to be considered again, and also a dialogue event at the University of Indonesia. The event at the residence of U.S. Ambassador located at Taman Surapati been prepared with great accuracy even in the Prime Kusuma Halim airport where Air Force One landed in recent days maintained with very stringent and rigorous, including a meeting between Obama and Yudhoyono at Merdeka Palace. ''In fact, they check themselves and get into the gutter to make sure what everything is safe and appropriate procedures,''said one security officer of President of the Republic of Indonesia. (www.rainbowdiplomacy.com)

Victim Sukhoi Intelligence Sabotage?

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 06:42:00 +0000

By: Yoedi Karyono

Three people Russian state associated with the assembly of aircraft SU MK 30 (Sukhoi) was found dead in the Indonesian Air Force Base (Air Force) in Makassar. They are the first. Alexander Poltorak (50) No Passport: 64No224414.Died Monday at 9:10 pm at the Base Hospital Hasanuddin.Sergei Voronin (51) No Passport: 711351508. Died Monday at 10:10 pm at Stella Maris Hospital, Makassar. Victor Safonov (55) No Passport: 62No5514962 Stella Maris died in hospital.

Two people remain hospitalized Wahidin, Andrey Zayestev (48) Assembling gear and engine and Andrey Shavalov (51) gear and Assembling machinery and electricity, they are part of dozens of Russian technicians who are in Indonesia to assemble the purposes of super-sophisticated aircraft Russian-made , and they planned to work for a year to assemble a squadron of fighter.

This makes the deaths of three men of speculation, it has been done outopsi of three people who died, and there are bottles of liquor used types of vodka and some kind of local product liquor. While their deaths allegedly caused by drinking it. Even the TNI Commander General Djoko Santoso said the allegations while they all three died of a heart attack.

Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) of the Commission in charge of foreign and defense, which came from the Democratic Party, Ramadan Pohan said,''If it was a heart attack. This feels very strange, heart attack simultaneously to three people. For this case the government should conduct more thorough investigations, what is causing the deaths of three people russia it is related to the credibility of the government, what they naturally death or there is another cause.''

Three people associated with the pledge of Russian aircraft purchases SU MK30, was found dead on 13 September. At the time of the incident, two people were found dead, while one person in a state of dying. They were at the time of the incident was in the Air Force base environment, complex Air Force officer.

During the time of their existence in the Air Force environment there is no problem, their drinking habits there is no prohibition, there remain only restriction that they should not drink so much that lead to problems in work or in an environment where they live. Prohibition of drinking''to interfere with the existing environment, and it was very hard rules. But we can not closely and constantly monitor them for all that done,''said Makassar Air Force Base Commander of the First Marshal Agus Supriatna.

Provisional estimates, three people were killed between a heart attack or overdose due to booze. Three bodies would be repatriated to his country on 16 September. Police have done outopsi and taking fluids from the stomach of those killed, and several more organs needed for the investigation of death, and certainly by international standards. Russian Embassy to Indonesia has also sent a forensic doctor, and they expressed quite satisfied with the results outopsi and what has been done for the purposes of the investigation.

Meanwhile, intelligence analysts and international affairs, Dr. Wawan Purwanto said the deaths of three people associated with the assembly of the Russian SU MK30 is not a simple issue. In the sales contract, signed between Indonesia - Russia is mentioned among other aircraft technology transfer agreements, as well as bomb making and weapons necessary to complete SU MK30. From the contents of this contract''saha been made in other countries that also make weapons and planes to be less happy.''

In addition, the Sukhoi aircraft types being assembled and also which is assembled and has been operating has another sophistication, this plane can fly from Sabang to Merauke, from one end to the country without refueling stop in the middle of the road, like the United States-made aircraft that had been used by the Air Force.

State''a neighbor, also would not like if Indonesia has more super-sophisticated fighter aircraft, because that possibility and there will always be allegations that the deaths of three people associated with the Russian plane this tenpur sabotage is in order to inhibit the development of Indonesia's combat equipment ,''he said.

Until this news was revealed, there has been no reaction from the Russian Government for the death of its citizens in Indonesia. Even developments indicate that Russian authorities perceive natural death, as was the Russian Embassy to the Republic of Indonesia does not also provide an official statement on the case. When contacted, one of the officers at the embassy was just mentioned,''We'll wait just investigating, right there in the next official statement.''

Ramadan Pohan mention, did not concern the issue of human death, but somehow this administration has done reasonable service for the technicians and the team associated with the assembly of the aircraft. ''If this kind of incident happened, then there is no other way other than immediately conduct an investigation, and reveal what actually happened so as not to cause various kinds of speculation.''

Meanwhile, Wawan Purwanto still think, all the possible causes of the deaths of three people was the result of sabotage technicians. State''is too big and has great potential, nd one of the current weakness is the lack of weaponry. Now with mensabot pesenjataan this country, then this country will not be able to maximally use its power. See sajja arms embargo by the United States (U.S.) for making this country less maximally preserve and defend its territory.''

Now, said Wawan, with the increasing and the expansion of cooperation between Indonesia - Russia in the defense sector, there are some countries is not too happy with this development, then the traders pass up the weapon of intelligence operations, including sabotage. ''Now, three people were killed, and I say with a still mysterious cause, at the next opportunity is likely there other things that will happen.''(www.rainbowdiplomacy.com/picture:metronews.fajar.co.id)

Malaysia will continue insolent and create problems

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:07:00 +0000

By: Yoedi Karyono

Indonesia as a big country with large population, and has various problems remain to be the target to be targeted, and problems with neighboring countries such Malaysia will continue to exist in the future. It is said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Marty Natalegawa in Hearings Meeting with Commission I of the Board of Representatives (DPR) in charge of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

The most recent case happened is Diradja Malaysian Police, according to Indonesia's claim. They brought three people forcibly officers and Department of Marine Fisheries (DKP) into the territory of Malaysia, Indonesia after the officer was arrested seven people fishing Malaysian citizen who was caught stealing fish in Indonesian territory.''Malaysian police while carrying three officers forcibly that they have violation region, into the Indonesian territory,''said Marty.

Violations committed by Malaysia, in addition to entry into the Indonesian territory illegally, stealing fish in Indonesian territory and also treat the officer on duty Indonesoa country as criminals, and they did the abuse of state officials.

Events that occurred on August 13, 2010 and was only three days before the commemoration of independence to Indonesia 65 is certainly very strong reaction among the Indonesian people, especially the political forces that are beyond the power. Government Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) they assess SBY too soft and does not quickly react to arrests and the incident.

After Yudhoyono urged and various demos at the Embassy of Malaysia to Indonesia in Jakarta and also a demo on the various representatives of Malaysia in several cities, burning the flag of Malaysia and even NGOs Flag angry reactions that have been known to be close with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI P) in the demo The last throw Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta with human waste.

Hatred and anger towards Malaysia was already very peak times and tend to be more brutal, it is the accumulation of the hatred the people of Indonesia over the years, the case of Indonesian Workers (TKI) in Malaysia and they are frequently subjected to torture by humiliation. Even countries that artists often pose as their countries, people have no shame hijack allied works of art from Indonesia, among others, angklung music, dance reog ponorogo, batik and many more works of art originating from Indonesia claimed as their own.

Throwing human excrement at the Embassy of Malaysia is certainly cause a reaction from Pamuda UMNO Malaysia, as well as burning the flag. Reply to each other between the public demo is quite possible the two countries will increase, if the government of SBY still be soft and not firm to the Government of Malaysia, at the ASEAN forum, Indonesia and Malaysia are doing business for meredahkan tension between Thailand and Cambodia over ownership of the temple in case border of the two countries.

Strong reaction on the SBY Government attitude emerging from various circles, and even former President Megawati condemns very hard about the government who did not firmly in the face of Malaysia. Megawati's boast that at the time of her father, Sukarno became president of Indonesia was able to answer with the firm provocation Malaysia. However Thefore, Megawati did not explain that during his reign two Indonesian islands, Sipadan and Ligitan off and on claims of Malaysia, after Indonesia lost in the International Court of Justice.

According to Sigit Riyanto, international observers from the University of Gajah Mada. Over the border regions, especially the Indonesian-Malaysian border and on the Indonesian side diseased poor and neglected by the central government, as long as Indonesia is still dependent to Malaysia, then Malaysia will continue to repeat the maneuvers to disrupt re Indonesia.

Malaysia will continue to''sell short as well as State and Government of Indonesia, during such conditions. Just look at so there's a case of three officers, DKP, domestically between the government and outside government leaders attacking each other, criticizing each other and they did not look solid. This situation is read with great ingenuity by the diplomats of Malaysia that truly, in Indonesia the government vulnerable,''he said.

In an era when the previous president, Sukarno era of Malaysia remains to maneuver, during the Soeharto era, they are much more respect, because, in the historical development of the country, and the Habibie era, they began to maneuver again, the next era of Gus Dur their restraint, Megawati era is why they intensified, and a peak in SBY era.

Indonesian Armed Forces who were castrated so besenjata reform era and also a result of military equipment is inadequate, the many problems within Indonesia who are unable to overcome, and other issues also makes good teaching materials for Malaysia, how to act and behave toward their neighbors and larger has a population of more, but fragile, so that Malaysia supported inteljen extraordinary cultural study of social conditions, so they are always exactly how I should act to Indonesia.

Domestically bravely asked the government to decide diplomatic relations with Malaysia, attractive ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Melaysia persona non grata and Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia. This will only cause new problems alone. The best way is to fix themselves in, why our neighbors on this one is very rude.

Indonesia and Malaysia in addition to be adjacent to Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea. So why are the most problematic Malaysia only. Amendments to the far more important than our neighbors bemoan why insolent.

‘'Meanwhile, in Indonesia itself domestically they are busy attacking each other, criticizing and cursing. Do not blame the future if allied civil cases will continue to be repeated with different versions, while the Indonesian government can not do much,''he said (www.rainbowdiplomacy.com)

Fuss accept Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:11:00 +0000

By: Yoedi Karyono

Certainty coming President of the United States Barrack Hussein Obama in mid-March 2010 in Jakarta and several cities in Indonesia are described by the field of presidential spokesman Dino Pati Djalal in Cianjur Cipanas Palace on February 2, 2010. "The White House has been informed that the President Barrack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and two daughters will make a visit to Indonesia in mid-March to come."

According to Dino, it is important to be discussed among other problems the two countries trade relations, bilateral issues and certainly a growing international issue today, the Middle East region is certainly included in the focus of the two heads of government.

The above is a common agenda discussed when leaders of two countries if they have a meeting, but one thing that remains interesting for the visit of President of the United States (U.S.) to anywhere around the world are safety standards. Indonesia has several times received the U.S. president's visit and the security level to Very Very Important Person (VVIP) like Obama and would be very family super tight.

Advance of the U.S. team is certainly already arrived in Indonesia, to be precise to a few places to visit Obama and his entourage, they were in this country for at least two months ago to ensure that everything is safe and preparation in the host country's security sector is guaranteed.

In addition to the presidential aircraft have the U.S., Air Force One there is more furniture that brought U.S. President and this is the standard form secure Black Hawk helicopter with a super-sophisticated equipment and the most advanced, and Black Hawk will always haunt anywhere president, first lady or family leave.

In addition, dozens of Secret Security (SS) will protect the presidential entourage, and did not miss the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to secure all travel and activities of Obama and his entourage. Even the FBI and the CIA's first entry into the territory of Indonesia to ensure security.

Air Force One and the Black Hawk was parked and the Air Force airport, Halim Perdana Kusuma, of course with maximum security cooperation with Indonesian air force, and is no less important, the Fleet's seven U.S. aircraft carrier prepared in the Java Sea with the personnel selection and super-sophisticated weaponry.

Marines in uniform and a sniper rifle equipped with cat's eyes also become complementary escort Obama. By the time U.S. Secretary of State in the era of George Bush, Condoleza Rice a visit to Jakarta, the U.S. Marines in full uniform and weapons along the hike along Jalan Raden Saleh, and it becomes attractive to perfomance people of Indonesia.

Then how about the Indonesian security forces, they are certainly very busy, force to be deployed is the maximum, the entire army, air and marine police, and especially the presidential guards and even civil service Police Unit (Satpol PP) were deployed for security. Street peddlers, beggars and street vendors will be issued during the visit of President of friendly states.

In addition, part of which is not less important is the anticipation of anti-Obama protests and anti-United States. Security forces will be working very hard to overcome this problem, as estimated at the time Obama was in Indonesia will be greeted with a massive demonstration anti-American.

Terrorist threats and bombs, remain a priority, the security of the United States Embassy in Jalan Merdeka Selatan Jakarta Pusat and the residence at Jalan Taman Surapati are certainly a concern . According to sources at the U.S. embassy, Obama and family over in Jakarta will be the official residence of the ambassador.

There are no schedule Obama and his family visit to Obama statue at Menteng Park and meet with his friends when he studied at Menteng Dalam elementary school. Obama and family plan to visit the place during the four-year school in Menteng area in Central Jakarta and met with school friends first, also will get a special security. Which regions will be visited Obama's entourage than Jakarta and how many days the president of the country adi this power in Indonesia, there was still no official statement, which obviously made preparations security very seriously, all the ability and power is concentrated in support of this Obama visit. (www.rainbowdiplomacy.com)

60 years of Indonesia-Russia : Friends of the Old in the New Era

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:39:00 +0000

By: Hamid Awaludin, RI Ambassador to Russia

That day, in 1955, Bung Karno visiting the city of Leningrad (now St Petersburg), USSR. His eyes were suddenly drawn into a building with a blue dome, berarsitek Central Asia. Bung Karno urged to stop by. Apparently, it was just a warehouse.

Then, Bung Karno further briefed that the true warehouse is a beautiful mosque. When the Communists came to the throne, all closed places of worship, including mosques.

When Bung Karno's traveling to the city of Moscow, Khrushchev asked, "Is the emperor enjoying the beautiful city of Leningrad that?" Bung Karno replied curtly, "I do not see and enjoy the city you mean it." "Well, how come. Your Majesty, are you, was there a few days, and the town was known as a city beautiful world, "said Khrushchev again. "The problem is, I do not find a mosque there," said the President.

Bung Karno After returning to the country, Khrushchev ordered the mosque was opened and re-enabled, up to now. Bung Karno was the name of eternal there.

This is an assertive attitude, the genius of diplomacy, and also a deep friendship: Indonesia and Russia, as reflected by Bung Karno and Khrushchev. At Wisma Indonesia, Moscow, in 1961, Bung Karno age of 61 years. There Khrushchev sat side by side with Bung Karno, each cigar set fire to them.

This friendship has crossed the span of time, which in the year 2010 we commemorate: 60 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia.

During these 60 years, enjoyed the honeymoon between the 1950s until the mid-1960s. Our armed forces at that time the Soviet Union equipped with technology, and is known and calculated in Asia. In fact, the Bung Karno Stadium is still standing firm made twin Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Thousands of children sent to achieve the science at the Red Bear Country.

PKI rebellion emerged, interrupted honeymoon. For more than 30 years of Indonesia-Russia relations is very cold, but never broken. Then, the Soviet Union dissolved, Indonesia reform emerged.

Elegant, friendship and brotherhood returned the two peoples began to knit again. Purchase of military equipment began again. Increasing trade relations. The number of Russian tourists to the country growing up every year.

Young children are now very enthusiastic about Russian culture and learning Indonesian, both at various universities in Russia and who had an exchange student in Indonesia. In fact, nothing could have danced a variety of ethnic dance and sing in Indonesia Thistle. They are the new generation of Russians who represent the new era and aspirations.

Russia's older generation to understand the culture and the Indonesian language was started slowly recede with age the growing dusk. Recent years, a number of university re-activate and open the center of Indonesian studies.

With all this, the bitterness of the past relations began to try omitted. Suspicion and mistrust of the past slowly buried. The foundations of the bridge to cross into the future starting today should be fixed.

Learning to Russia

The best way to reproduce it is to send sons and daughters of the nation's best to come to Russia, drew science. We must open to admit the progress and the reliability of Russian technology, not a dream, but reality.

Oil and gas technology, for example, until now Russia is still ahead. So is the technology to explore other natural resources, Russia is still fairly champion. From this perspective, Indonesia should learn from Russia because we have in common, namely, abundant with natural wealth.

Space technology and satellites only a few large countries that can compete with Russia. Weapons and defense technology, especially. The problem is, the foundation of pure science: Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics in this country is very strong. Nuclear science, for example, because it was the daily menu at various universities.

Until now, the number of Indonesian students studying in various universities in Russia is only about 105 people, most are private and students who receive scholarships directly from the Russian Government.

This figure is far behind when we compare it with Malaysia, the number of students reached 4,000 people, which is generally sent by the government. Vietnam has a student in about 6 000 people and China reached 10,000 people. Recent years, African countries and the Middle East very intensively to send students to Russia to study various fields of science.

Indonesia can have a variety of long-term benefits by sending more students and increase the students to Russia. We can diversify our sources of knowledge that people have been impressed by America, Europe, and Japan-centric.

From this perspective, transfer of knowledge and skills of the famous Russian technology toughness and reliability can be easily and quickly transferred to our country. Second, the cost of higher education in Russia, for certain areas, much cheaper than the number of universities in the country.

The field of humanities, Russia also is a good nursery area. The development of the arts in this country is also very high. This may be because Russian civilization stretching far back. Tsar alternated in power in the past, with the style and the way each of them, Russian art still get a place.

What about about Marxism and Leninism ideology that we forbid it? No need too nervous. The second ideological dogma that was buried teaching of the curriculum, education curriculum Russia. In fact, the Russian Communist Party is now living getting 11 percent of the vote, far behind than Putin's Unity Party which won 65 percent of the vote.

Thus, in the age of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia, I recalled the Russian proverb: Stary drug luchshe novyh dvuh (one old friend is better than two new friends). (rainbowdiplomacy.com/Kompas daily February 3, 2010/google translator)

Unrequited love : Arab eggs hatched on Earth There RI

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:51:00 +0000

By Djoko Susilo,a member of the House of Representatives Commission I and now Ambassador of Indonesia to the Confederation of Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Two weeks ago Indonesia to host economic meeting of the Islamic world. The forum was opened President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). One of the themes that made this meeting is how to improve the investment the Middle East. And, how RI can get the $ 4 billion investment cake from Arab countries.

Surely there is nothing new to the forum because the problem is fixed. Ie, dry invetasi Arab Islamic world, especially Indonesia.

In other words, the money remained reluctant to enter the Arab. Like the egg, the Arab investment remains in the earth RI hatch. Arab investment promises just nonsense. We're so in love with the Arabs, but we love unrequited. Let us revealed the fact and reality there. In the Palestinian affairs, the state and nation in Indonesia always been the vanguard. Example when a brutal attack Israel into Gaza several months ago, hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating in Jakarta.

Similarly, the time of the war between Israel against Hezbollah, the community also march to show support for the Arab. In fact, at that time I happened to be in Dubai, the atmosphere calm. No demos, no invitation to support Hezbollah.

In fact, during the attack to the Hamas and Israel, the Palestinian police in Ramallah instead of arresting demonstrators supporting Hamas in Gaza.

In diplomatic relations, recorded from President Suharto to SBY, or even the vice president had berkujung to Middle East countries. Libya, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, including the country's most frequently visited by the head of our country.

However, in our diplomatic note, was Col. Moammar Qaththafi never once to Jakarta. Also the king of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia ever recorded was King Faisal in 1974, while President Mubarak to Indnesia last time in 1983.

Economy Not Mengembirakan

Economic relations also seem less exciting. There have been many Arab merchants and high officials also promised Arab state investment or economic aid, but its realization is generally low.

In relation to tourism, very few Arab tourists to Indonesia, when the country is now flooded with neighbor Malaysia Middle East tourists. In fact, Bangkok's Buddhist majority had flooded Arab tourists.

It seems to us that the self is considered important, but the Arabs at all at one eye. Our women pilgrims are often referred to by way of harassing "Siti Romlah", whereas female workers (TKW) we get a lot of abuse without adequate legal protection.

Arab investments in fact remained the highest in the United States and Western Europe. Prince Al-Walid, the richest man in the world number four, even more pleased to plant a stake in the business right now as though shaken by the financial crisis in the U.S..

Pepesan case empty of Arabs can be seen in Jakarta in the stake monorail monument which makes jammed the streets of the capital. When the pole was inaugurated President Megawati on the idea of Governor Sutiyoso (then), will be heavily informed Arab loan USD 500 million. Until five years after the first pillar was built, a dollar there is no Arab money is disbursed.

Indeed, in fact, when it comes to property, there is no question of Islamic solidarity. That there is a wealth of Arab security.

State Reorganization

In the organization of Department of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Middle East region dealt with the Middle East Directorate which is part of the Directorate General for Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific. Thus, for the formulation of State policy, the Middle East region only a subset of Asia, Africa, and the vast Pacific. This is very suitable to the needs.

In the entire Middle East, from the 22 Arab League member countries, Indonesia currently has the Embassy in 19 countries. Only three countries that did not exist, namely Mauritania, Oman, and Bahrain. From the Embassy, two large enough to have the vice ambassador, the Embassy in Cairo, Egypt and the Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Although quite a lot of representatives of Indonesia in the area, still can not match the East Asian region, where Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and later China is an investor and largest trading partner of Indonesia.

Thus, it is clear from the Middle East had only empty hope. The area was a mirage that only beautiful in the shadows and hope, therefore, need rational in a discrepancy RI-Arab relations. RI should be more integrated with the Asia Pacific region rather than waiting for an empty pepesan from Arab countries. We will increasingly suffer the unrequited love of the Arab countries. (www.rainbowdiplomacy.com/Jawa Pos Daily, Monday March 29,2009)

Syria, RI celebrate 60 years of friendly ties

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:05:00 +0000

By: Veeramalla Anjaiah

Indonesia and Syria will this year celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Syrian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Bassam Alkhatib said Monday in Jakarta.

“Our friendly relations are already 60 years old,” Bassam, who came to Jakarta five months ago, told The Jakarta Post in an interview at his office.

“To mark the occasion, we will organize several programs throughout the year.”

Bassam, a graduate of Moscow’s Oriental University, joined the Syrian foreign service in 1992 and has since been assigned to New York, Cairo, Moscow and Stockholm. Prior to coming to Jakarta, Bassam worked as a director at the office of the deputy foreign minister.

Although Syria only recognized Indonesia’s independence de jure in 1947, both countries officially established diplomatic ties in 1950.

Since then, Bassam said, both countries have grown significantly in all fields. Indonesia and Syria enjoy good cooperation in various international organizations.

“We always support Indonesia’s candidature for various positions at international organizations,” he said.

“We also receive similar support from our brotherly country Indonesia.”

The real boost to the bilateral relations came in February 2007, when then Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda visited Damascus and signed the Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation as well as a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a joint commission for economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation with his Syrian counterpart, Walid al Muallem.

Bassam said Syria considered Indonesia an important country. In an effort to boost existing ties, Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-Otari visited Jakarta in January 2009 and held bilateral talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

As a further step, Bassam said, Syria has already submitted three draft agreements to the Indonesian government. They include an agreement on mutual consultation between the foreign ministers of both countries and an agreement on the exemption of visas for diplomatic- and service-passport holders. The third is a memorandum of understanding on migrant workers.

“We would like to provide legal protection to Indonesian workers who work in Syria,” Bassam said.

“We have been treating them on a par with our citizens.”

An estimated 15,000 to 30,000 Indonesian currently work in Syria. Most of them are engaged in the informal sector and have no legal documents.

The close political interaction has led to an increase of bilateral trade over the years, but on small scale.

The bilateral trade value jumped to US$100.2 million in 2008, a huge surge from just $55.07 million in 2004.

“I am optimistic that our bilateral trade was more than $100 million in 2009, despite the crisis,” Bassam said.

True to his words, two-way trade reached $79.2 million in the first 10 months of 2009, a slight decrease of 6.10 percent from the $84.34 million registered in the same period in 2008.

The balance of trade is heavily in favor of Indonesia, which exported $98.77 million worth of goods to Syria in 2008, mainly rubber, palm oil, automobile parts, coffee, tea, wood, rubber and footwear. In the same period, it imported $1.43 million worth of goods from Syria, mainly food items, olive oil and phosphate.

“It’s true that the trade has been growing, but I am not happy about the volume of trade,” Bassam said.

“It is too small and does not reflect both countries’ economic potential.”

In recent months, the Syrian grand mufti and the Damascus grand mufti have visited Indonesia to strengthen people-to people contacts. From the Indonesian side, Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Hasyim Muzadi is currently in Syria to enhance cultural links between the two countries.

When asked about his main mission, Bassam said he would work for the signing of the three draft agreements and enhance economic links.

“My main target is to strengthen the overall relationship with a main focus on enhancing bilateral trade,” he said. (The Jakarta Post, Jakarta|Mon, 01/18/2010 10:07 PM|World)

CIA activities in Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:49:00 +0000

Over several decades, the CIA was involved in numerous attempts to reduce Communist activity in Indonesia. A coup in 1958 failed to affect the rule of President Sukarno, but after a purge of Communists in 1965, Indonesian military officers General Abdul Haris Nasution and Maj. Gen. Suharto led their forces to liquidate the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) and eventually oust President Sukarno. Suharto's pivotal role led to his assumption of the Indonesian presidency in 1967.

In 1998, the US declassified a number of records about the various covert actions.

In the month of May 1955, one month after Sukarno to host the State meeting of the Non-Aligned Countries, Washington issued a U.S. policy toward Indonesia in the 5518 NSC. In this document, covert operations (covert action) is approved for use if the overthrow of Sukarno Sukarno gave control to the left-wing parties. Provision of funding is likely Masjumi Party policy description NSC 5518.

1958
During an unguarded conversation in Washington before 1958, the Indonesian military attaché mentioned to Americans that there were many prominent and strong people in Indonesia who would be ready to rise against President Sukarno if they were given a little support and encouragement from the United States. One of those U.S friends was a CIA staffer who reported the words to Frank Wisner, then the Deputy Director of Plans.

The attaché returned to Indonesia with CIA personnel under military cover. They learned enough about the potential strength of this opposition to encourage the CIA to set in motion its biggest operation up to that date. Those personnel contacted Filipino military men, especially a Colonel Valeriano, with whom the CIA had worked in Ramon Magsaysay's counterinsurgency against the Hukbalahap leftist rebels.

CIA and Filipino counterinsurgents had, by early 1958, set up special operations training bases, apparently with United States Army Special Forces trainers, and made clandestine air bases on Palawan and Mindanao available to Indonesian rebels.

On Feb. 9, 1958, rebel Colonel Maluddin Simbolon issued an ultimatum in the name of a provincial government, the Central Sumatran Revolutionary Council, calling for the formation of a new central government. Sukarno refused and called upon his loyal army commander, General Abdul Haris Nasution, to destroy the rebel forces. By Feb. 21 loyal forces had been airlifted to Sumatra and had begun the attack. The rebel headquarters was in the southern coastal city of Padang. Rebel strongholds stretched all the way to Medan, near the northern end of the island and not far from Malaysia.

CIA supported the Indonesian rebellion from the main Far East base in Naha, Okinawa, under Ted Shannon. Another support facility was on Taiwan, where B-26 bombers were prepared to ferry them to the Philippine bases that would support the Indonesian rebels. CIA, drawing on US Marine and Army stocks, provided 42,000 rifles.

Armed Indonesians returned to Sumatra by airdrop from the Philippines, and by landings from US submarines. In May 1958 an B-26 operated by CIA proprietary Civil Air Transport was shot down during a bombing and strafing mission and the resulting publicity ended the attempt.

1964
An Office of Current Intelligence (i.e., not intelligence community wide, but a status report) memorandum observed early "stirrings of an anti-Communist movement in Indonesia". The opponents cite an ideology called "Sukarnoism." "The movement is ostensibly dedicated to the defense of the President's almost mystical Five Principles (Pantjasila), but its main purpose appears to be that of combating PKI (i.e., Indonesian Communist Party) influence in the government and throughout the country. Sukarno appears to have given it "indirect approval…but it could collapse overnight" if he moves to suppress it.

The US became aware of the movement during Sukarno's absence on a foreign tour from 17 September to 5 November, when articles berating the PKI appeared in the Djakarta press. The PKI responded. Just before and after Sukarno's return, the anti-PKI rhetoric subsided, almost as if the Sukarnoists feared retribution from the President. The only government move against the group, however, was the banning of a single Sukarnoist newspaper soon after the President's return. In the absence of further repressive action, the group seems to have taken on new courage, and its leaders are trying to organize and expand the forces involved.

The Sukarnoists are led by Minister of Trade Adam Malik, but Chaerul Saleh, third deputy prime minister and concurrently minister of development, is also deeply involved. Malik, who is a former Indonesian ambassador to the Soviet Union, and Saleh are ideologically attuned to the "right wing" of the Murba (Proletarian) Party, usually described as the national Communist Party of Indonesia. With Indonesia having moved a considerable distance to the left under Sukarno, Malik and Saleh represent a "moderate" position, and their activities are arousing the hopeful interest of individuals who stand further to the right.

Part of their platform is treating Malaysia as a bitter enemy. They also attacked PKI Chairman Dipa Nusantara Aidit for a statement he allegedly made disavowing the need for Pantjasila, to which all recognized political parties are obliged to subscribe--"once the revolution is won." Although this particular line of attack has been abandoned, the Sukarnoists continue to warn against those who are not true "Pantjasilaists."

Malik told US Ambassador Jones on 19 November that his movement has the support of the Muslim party, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU); the right wing of the National Party; and lower levels of the bureaucracy and political parties. Youth groups have organized a "Sukarnoist Student Movement"; several non-Communist labor federations reportedly have banded together in an "undercover body" to support Sukarnoism, but the labor groups feel they must keep their organization secret to avoid attack by the PKI. Malik feels that for the time being the movement must remain a loose coalition. Whether the Sukarnoists have the extensive support they claim cannot be verified. For the most part only the statements of Djakarta politicians are available. There is a large but disparate body of non-Communist opinion in Indonesia, however, which would rally if given a safe opportunity.

Army leaders aligned the Sukarnoists. Minister of Information Achmadi, who earlier had opposed it, reportedly told Sukarnoist supporters in North Sumatra to ignore attacks and to spread the doctrine but to preserve national unity. Even First Deputy Prime Minister Subandrio, who has tried to curry favor with the PKI for the past year and a half, reportedly received a Sukarnoist delegation, was "very friendly," and gave "valuable advice." Parliament, scheduled to open on 3 December, has postponed its next session until the second quarter of 1965. The change may have been arranged to avoid an early showdown between the PKI and the Sukarnoists.

The PKI, with its allies in the left wing of the National Party, was defensive. It labeled Sukarnoism a disguise for "Communist phobia"--a favorite term of Sukarno's--and stressed that the anti-PKI campaign developed behind Sukarno's back while he was out of the country. It charges that Sukarnoism is an attempt to displace NASAKOM, Sukarno's term for the cooperation of nationalist, religious, and Communist elements.

Prospects of the Sukarnoists seem to depend largely on Sukarno, who is known for his political balancing. The successful development of Sukarnoism may be of interest to him. He could be willing to overlook for a time the fact that there are elements within Sukarnoist ranks whom he distrusts and whom he has considered expelling from the recognized political scene. A major factor in Sukarno's permissive attitude toward the new anti-PKI group may be his hope that he can use it in maneuvering to schedule new talks on the Malaysia issue, and he may even believe he can use it to get economic assistance from the West.

Sukarnoist spokesmen urged the US Embassy to take steps to encourage UK-Indonesian or Indonesian-Malaysian talks, to avoid aggression against Malaysia, possibly to hide Indonesian economic problems. Sukarnoists seemed to be trying to change the Malaysian confrontation from a politico-military to a politico-economic one, as a means of pressing national economic development. Although the Sukarnoists are not necessarily being directed by Sukarno to approach the Americans, their needs and strategy for the moment coincide with his.

1965
An action proposal was approved in March, with an intermediate intelligence memorandum in July, and a SNIE, on the situation regarding Indonesia and Malaysia, in September. The US did not anticipate the intensity with which the Indonesian military later purged the PKI.

In the March action proposal, covert action personnel, since summer 1964, worked with the Department of State in planning political action in Indonesia aimed to support the Indonesian opponents of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), as well as the PRC. It emphasizes traditional Indonesian mistrust of China. This program has been coordinated in the Department of State with the Assistant Secretary for Far Eastern Affairs and with the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia.

It will involve liaison to, and financial support, of anti-Communist groups. It will also involve black propaganda and political action. One goal is to encourage coordination and common ground for the existing anti-Communist elements in Indonesia. The program is consistent with U.S. policy which seeks a stable, non-Communist Indonesia.

Portray the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) as an increasingly ambitious, dangerous opponent of Sukarno and legitimate nationalism and instrument of Chinese neo-imperialism.
Provide covert assistance to individuals and organizations capable of and prepared to take obstructive action against the PKI.
Encourage the growth of an ideological common denominator, within the framework of Sukarno's enunciated concepts, which will serve to unite non-Communist elements and create cleavage between the PKI and the balance of the Indonesian society.
Develop black and grey propaganda themes and mechanisms for use within Indonesia and via appropriate media assets outside of Indonesia in support of the objectives of this program.
Identify and cultivate potential leaders within Indonesia for the purpose of ensuring an orderly non-Communist succession upon Sukarno's death or removal from office.
Identify, assess and monitor the activities of anti-regime elements for the purpose of influencing them to support a non-Communist successor regime.

Risks involved Sukarno learning of the program and suspect that it is intended to weaken his control, causing deterioration of US-Indonesian relations. If the anti-PKI activity is too strong, it could invite repression of the Indonesian anticommunist groups by Sukarno.

The 303 Committee approved this paper on March 4. [text not declassified] of the CIA took the opportunity to urge "a larger political design or master plan to arrest the Indonesian march into the Chinese camp" based on the Maphilindo concept. He argued a major effort was required to prevent the United States from being excluded from Indonesia, suggesting that the loss of a nation of 105 million to the "Communist camp" would make a victory in Vietnam of little meaning. McGeorge Bundy stated that as a major political problem, Indonesia was receiving attention, but it "could not be settled in the 303 forum."

In the July 1965 estimate, the most important point was the sharply accelerated growth of the Communist Party (PKI) role in government, which is expected to continue while Sukarno is in control. He has a vocal campaign to destroy Malaysia, although little chance of success, which he recognizes. Frustration has led him to denounce and harass the entire Western presence in Southeast Asia, and indeed in the Afro-Asian world. No break of diplomatic relations with the US is expected, but certainly continued hostility, as well as warmer relations with Peking. Since his military wants Soviet arms, he will maintain reasonably friendly relations with Moscow. Should Sukarno die or become incapacitated, he would be likely to be replaced by a non-Communist coalition. The military would exercise greater control, but it is not estimated they would risk a civil war to reduce Communist influence. The PKI is probably too entrenched to be denied a role in a coalition. Friction with Malaysia will intensify, but is unlikely to break up the Malayan federation. Malaysia is both totally dependent on the UK and the Commonwealth, has a foreign policy allied with them, but also is adequately defended by forces committed by the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Malaysia will still seek US defense commitment.

In the September estimate, problem was posed: "estimate the chances and implications of a Communist takeover in Indonesia within the next 2-3 years".

In the discussion, the fundamental point is that Sukarno is "is the unchallenged leader of Indonesia and will almost certainly remain so until death or infirmity removes him from the scene." He is developing in Indonesia an authoritarian government of the "national-front" type on which the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) exerts the strongest influence, though under his own continued domination. He plays one group against another, but the current reality is that the PKI, with 3 million members, is the strongest political entity in Indonesia. Sukarno's personal policies and those of the PKI are in harmony with the Communist states of Asia.

He will be cautious about giving the PKI more official power, but, if he lives, the IC sees Indonesia becoming a de facto Communist state, although Sukarno may not proclaim it as such. Should he die or become incapacitated, the PKI might be slowed although it would still have an important role. The longer he lives, the stronger the PKI position.

Indonesia is now presenting some of the problems, to the US, that an avowed Communist state would cause: confronting Malaysia and subverting the Philippines. This NIE does not suggest any probable successor government will change radically from this position.

While Indonesia's limited military capability and its strategic vulnerability would make it only a potential threat to sea and air lanes, it still would strengthen Peking, while undermining Laos, Thailand and South Vietnam, and presenting a more immediate threat to Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as to Singapore. The Australians would be concerned about east New Guinea and their lines of communications.

A Communist Indonesia, still with an independent party, would become a point of rivalry in the Sino-Soviet conflict. The longer-term impact would depend on the continuing independence of the PKI, and how focused it is on consolidating its control and fixing the Indonesian economy. During such a time, it might actually be a liability to China and the Soviet Union.

1998
DCI George Tenet said declassification of nine operations constitute a secret history of American power as used against foreign governments by three Presidents. They include efforts to shore up the non-Communist left in France and Italy in the late 1940s and early 1950s, guerrilla operations in North and South Korea in the Korean War, efforts including political propaganda and bombing missions in Indonesia in the 1950s, paramilitary activities in Laos and Tibet in the first years of the American involvement in Vietnam and assassination plots in the Congo and the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s. (wikipedia)

Indonesian fishermen who were arrested in Myanmar returned

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:04:00 +0000

111 Indonesian fishermen who are caught by the Myanmar Navy for violating territorial waters boundary, November 2009 and, on the efforts of Indonesia Embassy in Yangon, has released and will return to Indonesia. Repatriation will be carried out on 13, 18 and January 20, 2010.

Of the 111 fishermen, 102 people were arrested in the waters of Coco Island and later transferred to prison in Yangon, and dropped down 3 years 6 months imprisonment and a fine of 20.000 kyats (+ U.S. $ 20) by a local court. While 9 others were caught in Myeik area, Tanintharyi Division, who was sentenced to prison for 2 years.

A total of 18 fishermen and ship's Men (ABK) Indonesia previously arrested and detained by the Myanmar Navy on charges of entering Myanmar's waters as well as taking fish without a license, had facilitated his return by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cq. Directorate of Protection of Citizens and Entities. The fishermen and the crew arrived in Indonesia Soekarno - Hatta on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 19:05 pm by using the carrier Malaysia Airlines MH 725.

Eighteenth fishermen and crew consisted of 5 people Seulawah fishermen and fishing boats fishing boat 4 person fish tube, which originated from Aceh. Fish ship Navy Seulawah Myanmar arrested on 12 November 2009, while fishing boats caught Tube on November 19, 2009. The fishermen are sentenced to 2 years in prison and arrested Myeik.

Meanwhile, the other 9 people are part of the 102 people from Indonesia ABK 9 ships detained in Insein Prison, Yangon. The crew was subjected to 3-year term served 6 months with a fine of Ks. 20,000 (about USD 20) while the skipper of each affected imprisonment for 6 years with a fine of Ks. 200,000 (approximately USD 200).

Yangon Embassy for their efforts, the fishermen are successfully released and repatriated back to their homeland. Arriving in this country, the ninth of Acehnese fishermen handed over to representatives of the Regional Government of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam as the nine other crew handed over to the owner of the ship, witnessed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and then sent back to his native region each. (da/www.rainbowdiplomacy.com)

Indonesia and the World 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:32:00 +0000

By Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa

By any measure, the first decade of the 21st Century has been a momentous one for Indonesia.
The decade witnessed the transformation of Indonesia into what has been hailed as the third largest democracy in the world. As a result, some one quarter billion of humanity, now enjoys the civil and political rights, in addition to economic and social rights, hitherto denied them.

A solid evidence that democracy, Islam and modernity can go hand in hand.

Not least, the past decade has proven another indisputable fact: the resilience of the Indonesian nation.

Where once political obituaries were written about the demise of Indonesia gripped by multi dimensional crisis, not least separatist threats, Indonesia today is thriving as never before.

Above all, where once self-generated doubts were common among some quarters about Indonesia’s role in the world, today opportunities abound.

Indeed, where foreign policy is concerned, the year ahead promises much in solidifying Indonesia’s place in the world: the reaping of its democratic dividend.

A nation able to strengthen its contribution within its immediate region of Southeast Asia and yet at the same time enhancing its global interests and concerns.

A nation able to concretize its vision of a thousand friends and zero enemies.

All aimed at promoting its national interests.

Of course, in carrying out its foreign policy in the year 2010, Indonesia, like other nations, cannot be oblivious to the external milieu it is likely to face.

If the past year provides any guide it is that we are truly in the midst of a transformational phase in international relations.

The tests the international community faced in 2009 make for a depressing list: the financial, economic, energy and food crisis; threat of global pandemic; the challenge of climate change. These are just a few examples.

Multifaceted in its form and simultaneous in time.

Above all, their trans-boundary and indeed global nature remind that comprehensive solutions can be found only by means of international cooperation.

Even the mightiest of nations find it impossible to address issues whose enduring characteristic is their non conformity with state boundaries.

The year 2010 is unlikely to be any different.

Thus, multilateral approach and solutions remain indispensable.
In 2010, Indonesia will continue to invest heavily in its multilateral diplomacy.
The United Nations, with its legitimacy stemming from the universal membership of the community of nations, must remain central in addressing the various global challenges and crisis we are likely to face in the year ahead. To be effective, however, reform of the United Nations, in particular its Security Council, to better reflect the contemporary world, is essential.

Indonesia will continue to be at the forefront in promoting the role of the United Nations in tackling global crises and at the same time in calling for its reform.

Democratization of governance, after all, extends beyond national boundaries. Democratization of global institutions and governance is equally key.

While confronting newly arisen crisis is the task of United Nations, its Charter-mandated responsibilities in promoting economic development and progress cannot be held in abeyance. The year 2010 will be particularly significant as the United Nations convene a special leaders meeting to review progress made in implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

Also not to be ignored is the unfinished business of climate change.

Despite the nature of the challenge, the Copenhagen conference at the end of 2009, as anticipated, did not quite produce the legally binding outcome. Yet, it is important that positive momentum continue to be build with the objective of reaching a legally binding commitment during the course of 2010.

Inaction is not an option.

Indonesia’s diplomacy, will continue to actively strive to promote consensus and, at the same, through concrete national actions, demonstrate what can be achieved if each nation shoulder its own responsibilities.

Indeed, the year ahead is expected to bear witness to an enhanced role by Indonesia in building bridges among divides. Our foreign policy will consistently project Indonesia as part of the solution to various global challenges; of a country keen to accentuate the overlapping of interests and concerns rather than competing interests and concerns.

Such bridge-building endeavour will extend beyond the United Nations to include other multilateral fora within which Indonesia is active and in confronting the multitude of issues confronting the international community.

Of note, among them, is Indonesia’s participation within the G-20.

As G-20 confirms its status as the premier forum on economic issues, Indonesia is challenged to carve a niche within the Group that is unique to itself as the world’s third largest democracy, the country with the world’s largest Muslim population and a voice of moderation.

While we are likely to continue to confront transformational challenges in 2010 – at the same time, perennial and "traditional" political and security challenges will continue. This mix of the traditional and non-traditional; the old and new is a reality that challenges the conduct of our foreign policy.

In the Middle East, Israeli-sourced violence and violation of international law and previously agreed commitments persist. Indonesia will continue to consistently support the Palestinian cause and the peace process aimed at realizing an independent Palestinian State. The reinvigoration of diplomatic efforts by the Quartet, including the United States, must be encouraged.

Nor would Indonesia’s foreign policy in 2010 be oblivious to continuing difficulties in Afghanistan and Iraq.

There has not been an attention deficit of international attention on the situation in the aforementioned countries. Indonesia for its part will stand ready to contribute in a manner that is in keeping with its own capacities and foreign policy principles and, of course, based on the assessed needs identified by the countries themselves.

Despite the renewed attention on the perceived nuclear threat on the Korean Peninsula and Iran, the year 2010 is likely to be notable for the likely promise it offers to make substantial progress on the efforts to create a world free of nuclear weapons. The responsibilities resting on the nuclear weapon states to ensure deep cuts in their nuclear armaments are clear.

Nationally, as well as Coordinator of the Non-Aligned Movement on disarmament issues, Indonesia will play an active role in the forthcoming NPT review Conference in New York in May 2010.

Indeed, in line with the constitutionally provided principle of an independent and active foreign policy and promoting international peace and security, Indonesia will continue to play an active role within the NAM.
Such a role will be complemented by continued active engagement within the G-77 as well as the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Indonesia’s preoccupation with various global challenges in 2010 will not be at the expense of its commitment to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of its own region – Southeast Asia.

Almost mirroring Indonesia’s democratic transformation over the past decade, the period since 2003 when Indonesia last held the Chairmanship of ASEAN, has witnessed ASEAN’s own evolution towards an ASEAN Community. This development has not been an accident.

For Indonesia, the evolution of an ASEAN that is more alert to democratic principles and good governance is critical to ensure that there would not be a disconnect or divide between the transformation that has taken place within Indonesia and the regional milieu. In 2010, with the Charter in place, ASEAN has all the Community which we all aspire by 2015.

The urgency of concrete action by ASEAN towards cannot be underestimated.
In the broader region, the past year saw renewed interest in the idea of an East Asia or Asia-Pacific wide regional architecture. Renewed because for Indonesia it is debate that we had anticipated by forging ahead with the concept of an ASEAN Community.

For Indonesia, there cannot be an East Asian community or an Asia Pacific without an ASEAN Community as its core constituent. Thus, the ASEAN Community, the various “ASEAN +” processes, the ARF, APEC and East Asia Summit constitute a multi-pronged path towards an East Asia community with ASEAN playing a central role. This is a vision that will continue to guide us in 2010.

A notable emphasis, however, is the need to ensure that nationally, within our own borders, Indonesia itself is ready, including in terms of its national connectivity, in order to fully benefit from the regional community-building efforts.

Of course, our global and regional diplomatic efforts will be underpinned by solid bilateral diplomacy. In keeping with the tagline “one thousand friends, zero enemies”, our foreign policy in 2010 will actively seek to raise to a higher level existing ties with countries in all corners of the globe – the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. In this connection, besides the promotion of positive political and people-to-people relations, there will be renewed and focused efforts to promote economic diplomacy.

The promotion of trade, investment and tourism is critical to ensure that foreign policy brings tangible contribution to our development efforts. The foreign policy machinery will be galvanized for this purpose.

A special focus for our efforts will be in border diplomacy – namely to make headway in addressing outstanding border delineation and demarcation issues with neighbouring states through negotiations.

Not least, foreign policy in 2010 will also be cognizant of so called “intermestic issues” – those which reflect the blurring of boundaries between international and domestic issues.

One such issue is the question of protection of our nationals overseas, principally Indonesian workers overseas. Indonesian foreign policy will strive to ensure a better recognition that there is natural mutually beneficial relationship between the host country and the sending country: that each Indonesian worker is after all making contribution to the country in which he/she finds employment, while conversely earning their living. This fact must find better manifestation in the manner in which the responsibilities and rights of workers overseas are recognized.

Indonesian foreign policy in 2010 will strive to ensure that the necessary legal frameworks are in place.

Above all, however, Indonesian foreign policy, indeed, each and every Indonesian diplomat, will continue to be imbued with the principles of partiality towards and protection for Indonesian nationals.

Without exception.

One issue that is also likely to continue to preoccupy is the efforts to overcome terrorism.

Indonesia’s foreign policy will continue employ bilateral, regional and global efforts to overcome this threat. Institutional capacity building will be key. As is sharing of information and intelligence.

They do not suffice, however. Indonesian foreign policy in 2010 will continue to address the so-called conditions conducive or root causes of terrorism. Inter-faith dialogue through bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation will be at the forefront our diplomacy. Indeed, the entire spectrum of “soft power” will occupy a central place in our foreign policy.

Some final thoughts.

I am of the firm view that to be effective, foreign policy demands a strong sense of ownership and participation by the stakeholders. Thus, democratization of Indonesian foreign policy will be key.
One the one hand, this of course, relates to substance.
Indonesian foreign policy as we begin this second decade of the 21st century must reflect the democratic transformation within.
However, it also relates to process.

The foreign policy machinery must be open to interaction with stakeholders and, above all to new ideas and opportunities. The partnership and engagement with the DPR (the House of Representatives), more specifically the 1st Commission of the House, is especially valued and critical.
Foreign policy and diplomacy unites.

I do genuinely believe that Indonesian foreign policy stands at a cross road.

We have an opportunity to take Indonesia’s international role to another level.

A country engaged constructively in its own region and at the same time able to contribute significantly to global issues and concerns. Such a role, of course, must be earned through the quality of our diplomacy. Through the contribution of the men and women who make up our diplomatic machinery whose dedication and hard work I wish to acknowledge today. Above all through the support and partnership of all stakeholders.

Insya Allah.
(www.rainbowdiplomacy.com/photo:liranews.com/Annual Press Briefing Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa)

FOREIGN POLICY Bilateral Diplomacy Build Strength

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:11:00 +0000

By Rakarya Sukarjaputra

ASEAN became the main basis of Indonesian foreign policy today. The role of Indonesia in regional organizations was crucial that the foreign diplomats from the ASEAN-Indonesia is often mentioned is the main mover of ASEAN.

Many compliments from outside ASEAN is not just a mere entertainer. The role of Indonesia in the ASEAN Charter to encourage the birth of the body until the establishment of the ASEAN human rights, for example, are very prominent. Measures of "ideal" society, as well as democracy and respect for human rights protection, can enter the ASEAN Charter, it is because the urge is very strong Indonesia.

(If you want to read in English or German, Japanese and other international languages, click the Google Translator on the upper right corner. Thanks.)

POLITIK LUAR NEGERI
Membangun Kekuatan Diplomasi Bilateral

Oleh Rakarya Sukarjaputra

ASEAN menjadi pijakan utama politik luar negeri Indonesia hingga saat ini. Peran Indonesia dalam organisasi regional itu sangat menentukan sehingga kalangan diplomat dari luar ASEAN kerap menyebut Indonesia-lah penggerak utama ASEAN.

Pujian banyak kalangan dari luar ASEAN bukan sekadar penghibur semata. Peran Indonesia dalam mendorong lahirnya Piagam ASEAN hingga terbentuknya badan hak asasi manusia ASEAN, misalnya, memang sangat menonjol. Ukuran-ukuran ”ideal” bermasyarakat, seperti demokrasi dan penghormatan sekaligus perlindungan hak asasi manusia, bisa masuk Piagam ASEAN, itu karena dorongan sangat kuat Indonesia.

Akan tetapi, harus diakui, pujian sekaligus permintaan kalangan dari luar ASEAN yang meminta Indonesia selalu ”memimpin” ASEAN itu menjadi semacam beban yang di luar sadar telah mengurangi kemampuan bergerak Indonesia. Terlebih lagi, ASEAN mempunyai target yang harus segera dikejar untuk bisa diwujudkan, yaitu Komunitas ASEAN 2015. Bisa dibayangkan, banyak sekali tenaga dan pemikiran difokuskan ke proses pembangunan Komunitas ASEAN tersebut.

ASEAN, harus diakui, sudah berhasil ”mengikat” negara-negara kunci di dunia untuk berinteraksi dengan organisasi regional ini, yang secara tidak langsung juga menjadi pintu masuk Indonesia untuk berhubungan dengan negara-negara kunci tersebut. Namun, pada praktiknya, interaksi bilateral Indonesia dengan sejumlah negara kunci itu masih jauh dari potensi yang tersedia. Tanpa sadar, Indonesia seperti terbawa pada arus kuat diplomasi multilateral, baik di ASEAN, APEC, maupun G-20, di mana Indonesia menjadi salah satu anggotanya. Arus kuat itu cenderung membawa Indonesia semakin jauh dari memanfaatkan kekuatan diplomasi bilateral.

Dampak dari melemahnya kekuatan diplomasi bilateral itu tecermin dalam kemampuan Indonesia untuk memanfaatkan peluang-peluang baru yang terbuka luas pada era informasi global yang sangat terbuka saat ini. Ketika banyak negara berkembang lainnya giat memanfaatkan peluang yang terbuka pada kekuatan-kekuatan ekonomi potensial baru, seperti di Amerika Latin, negara-negara Eropa Timur, juga negara-negara Eropa Barat yang selama ini kurang mendapat perhatian, Indonesia cenderung masih melewatkan peluang-peluang itu. Akibatnya, peningkatan investasi, dari maupun ke Indonesia, dan volume ekspor Indonesia belum menunjukkan banyaknya pengembangan pasar baru.

Ketidaksiapan dalam negeri

Penguatan diplomasi bilateral antara Indonesia dan suatu negara memang memerlukan sebuah komitmen kuat yang didukung oleh kesiapan, kemauan, dan kemampuan berbagai unsur di dalam negeri. Apalah artinya sebuah komitmen peningkatan hubungan bilateral dibuat jika unsur-unsur di dalam negeri tidak bisa memenuhi komitmen-komitmen tersebut.

Persoalan itulah yang masih kerap terjadi. Antusiasme sejumlah pengusaha dari berbagai negara untuk berinvestasi di Indonesia, misalnya, tidak jarang terbentur oleh ketidaksiapan unsur-unsur di dalam negeri untuk menyambut dengan sigap dan cerdas minat para investor tersebut. Masalah ini bukan rekaan semata. Faktanya, ada beberapa duta besar Indonesia di negara lain terpaksa kembali ke Indonesia untuk langsung mengurus kemandekan investasi para pengusaha dari negara tempat dia bertugas. Itu terpaksa dilakukan karena pengaduan masalah melalui jalur-jalur komunikasi seperti telepon, e-mail, dan sejenisnya kurang membuahkan hasil.

Begitu juga minat wisatawan asing dari sejumlah negara untuk berkunjung ke Indonesia kurang direspons dengan pembukaan rute penerbangan baru, misalnya. Padahal, negara tetangga kita, Malaysia, rajin membuka rute-rute penerbangan baru untuk meningkatkan kunjungan wisatawan asing ke negerinya. Rute-rute penerbangan baru itu hanyalah salah satu hasil dari kekuatan sebuah diplomasi bilateral.

Entah terkait secara langsung atau hanya kebetulan semata, yang jelas, ketidaksiapan di dalam negeri itu berjalan beriringan dengan kurang dimanfaatkannya kekuatan diplomasi bilateral.

Memang tidak ada salahnya banyak terlibat dalam diplomasi multilateral. Namun, yang penting, jangan sampai diplomasi multilateral itu malah menghambat kepentingan nasional Indonesia.

Di bidang ekonomi, misalnya, Indonesia gigih mendorong agar hubungan ekonomi antara negara-negara di ASEAN dan mitra-mitranya dilakukan lebih dahulu melalui kebersamaan di ASEAN, khususnya dalam bentuk kerja sama perjanjian perdagangan bebas (free trade agreement/FTA). Oleh karena itulah ASEAN rajin membuat kesepakatan FTA dengan mitra-mitra dialognya, misalnya AS, Uni Eropa, Jepang, China, Korea Selatan, India, dan Australia.

Faktanya, upaya mewujudkan kerja sama ekonomi dengan ASEAN sebagai sebuah blok ternyata jauh lebih rumit. Meskipun telah menjadi sebuah ”organisasi baru” dengan status hukum yang jelas setelah adanya Piagam ASEAN, di mata banyak negara lain ASEAN belumlah menjadi sebuah organisasi regional yang solid. Uni Eropa, contohnya, sangat hati-hati untuk mengaktualisasikan FTA dengan ASEAN. Pasalnya, masih banyak negara anggota ASEAN yang mengabaikan nilai-nilai demokrasi dan hak asasi manusia, yang merupakan salah satu pertimbangan bagi Uni Eropa dalam pembuatan sebuah FTA. Keberadaan Myanmar di ASEAN dengan sejumlah permasalahannya masih menjadi ”nilai minus” ASEAN di mata Uni Eropa.

Menyadari adanya kendala tersebut, negara-negara anggota ASEAN seperti Singapura, Malaysia, juga Vietnam dan Thailand rajin menempuh jalur bilateral untuk segera mewujudkan FTA dengan Uni Eropa sebagai sebuah blok atau negara-negara anggota Uni Eropa sebagai mitra ekonomi langsung. Bagaimana dengan Indonesia? Kita cenderung menunggu FTA ASEAN-Uni Eropa diwujudkan dan seperti kurang bersemangat menggunakan pendekatan bilateral untuk kepentingan nasional kita sendiri.

Memanfaatkan multipolarisme

Di tengah kondisi dunia yang saat ini multipolar, pemanfaatan kekuatan diplomasi bilateral bisa dipandang sebagai upaya untuk memanfaatkan multipolarisme itu. Ketika krisis keuangan menjalar ke seluruh dunia, kita bisa melihat kekuatan-kekuatan ekonomi ”tradisional”, seperti Uni Eropa dan AS, ternyata paling menderita terkena dampak krisis tersebut. Sebaliknya, banyak negara di Asia dan Amerika Latin tidak banyak terkena dampak krisis tersebut.

Hal itu semestinya menyadarkan para pengambil keputusan di Indonesia untuk lebih serius ”menggarap” potensi yang tersedia di negara-negara yang jarang, bahkan mungkin belum pernah dikunjungi langsung oleh seorang presiden Indonesia.

Ibarat membuka ladang persawahan baru, memang dibutuhkan kerja lebih keras dan tidak mudah ketimbang menanam padi di areal persawahan yang sudah ada. Justru pola pikir yang lebih khawatir terhadap berbagai kesulitan yang akan ditemukan, ketimbang keuntungan jangka panjang yang akan diperoleh, itulah yang harus dihilangkan.

Waktu akan menunjukkan, apakah kita bisa memanfaatkan peluang dunia yang multipolar ini atau tetap terbelenggu pada hubungan dengan kekuatan-kekuatan ”tradisional”.

Pemanfaatan kekuatan diplomasi bilateral sesungguhnya juga akan berdampak positif pada peningkatan kemampuan para diplomat Indonesia dalam perundingan-perundingan bilateral. Indonesia memerlukan banyak diplomat andal untuk diplomasi bilateral dan mulai menyeimbangkan kemampuan para diplomatnya. Selama ini ada kecenderungan para ”jagoan” diplomat umumnya ditempatkan pada diplomasi-diplomasi multilateral. (Kompas daily, Sabtu, 9 Januari 2010 | 02:48 WIB)

Freeport – Garuda final ?

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:21:00 +0000

By Yoedi Karyono

Decision from transportation ministery for Garuda re flight to Timika-Jayapura-Timika-Denpasar-Jakarta. That’s a final or temporary? Misunderstood or arrogance finish now that’s make some questions. Ministery transportation as host of Garuda try to make the problem solve. And who is win or loose ? no ones.

Emotionality Freepot-Armando Mahler he’s feel as big boss he think he can direction everything he wants he feel take anything from everyone. Captain Manotar Napitupulu off course have personal pride and his attitude is normal, basic on international rules of fligt. No one can change seat on airplane anytime.

Garuda Airplane is not personal jet of Armando Mahler. Banned oil to Garuda is not wise. Why because not olny service for one person, Garuda services for people. Oil supplies from Freeport are representative as a big company from United State not personal company and there is are company social resposible to this country.

That okay, problem now is finish departement of transportation have solution, is good than before solution necessary for everything. Januari 8 normal flight Garuda start again to same destination.

In the future lets thinking deeply, foreigners don’t to be inspector. Mutual respect as a guest in other countries still necessary, not only at Timika – Indonesia but in all of the counties in the world.

From Indonesia officer don’t be inlander complex when problem between foreigners, especially from west or wealth countries. Do it fairly in the rule of the games and regulations, don’t be as a loosser.

Makes it everything happy, joyfull and takes mutual benefit. Semua bisa diatur, gitu. (www.rainbowdiplomacy.com/photo: majalahtambang.com)

President Fidel Castro and Presiden Abdurrahman Wahid jokes

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:24:00 +0000

The fourth President Republik of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid, the famous humorist. Many heads of state to know that. One of them is Cuban President Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz.

When the two met when Gus Dur (Abdurrahman Wahid) visit to Cuba, Fidel Castro asked what Gus Dur's latest joke.

Gus Dur said, "In Indonesia it was popular with the phenomenon of 'crazy',".

Fidel Castro was surprised and curious.

"The first President known as mad woman. President of the treasure known as nuts. Then, the third president of technology known as mad," said Gus Dur who then paused.

Fidel Castro became more curious to listen to the story further.

"Then, when the fourth president, who chose yes ...... that's crazy," said Gus Dur.

Fidel Castro fresh laughed at the joke. (da/www.rainbowdiplomacy.com)

Garuda – Freeport, who's Top guy?

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:49:00 +0000

By Yoedi Karyono

Freeport versus Garuda. What's wrong, no oil not seat at airplane. Maybe Armando Mahler as big boss PT Freeport feels, everything can't be direct of his command, chages at the bus way is simple or at other transportation, but not simple at airplane. Garuda explain to him, how is procedure to chage airplane seat. That’s the matter with manifest and safety flight.

At internasional laws of airplane that explain details how to chages carrier plane and changes seat, procedure must be obey and prosess must be discipline to absorb for passagers. How are you Mr Mahler? You ban oil for Garuda, the passager not only you, more of passagers have interest to normal flight and on time flight.

Let,s go calm, there not a big problem, Garuda – Freeport would be makes dialog, let do something with cold had. No body no take an necessary about that egois conflict, that's conflict look a like kiderganten boys attitudes.

Garuda the ones flight carrier to Timika and outside, can do the real rule and order. That’s is normal. And now who is arogan, let's doing the best for an better relation, Freeport start operation as gold mines not for one or five year, also Garuda as airplane company have much experinces year by year.

Core of the problem is personal conflict and interest and ego or arogan, all of that is not good for business, be mature and look forward not emosional. (www.rainbowdiplomacy.com)

White House mourns Indonesia's Wahid

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:02:00 +0000

The White House Wednesday mourned Indonesia's ex-president Abdurrahman Wahid, praising him as a paragon of religious tolerance who played a vital role in a democratic transition.

"The people of the United States join Indonesians in mourning the death of former President Abdurrahman Wahid," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.

"A pivotal figure in Indonesia's transition to democracy, President Wahid will be remembered for his commitment to democratic principles, inclusive politics, and religious tolerance," Gibbs said.

"He worked for peace and prosperity for all Indonesians, and he sought to be a bridge between people of different faiths. We extend our deepest condolences to former President Wahid's family and to the people of Indonesia."

Wahid, who came to power in 1999 after Indonesia's first general elections following the fall of military strongman Suharto, died in hospital earlier Wednesday, aged 69.

President Barack Obama, currently vacationing in his native Hawaii, spent a number of childhood years in Indonesia, a period which he has said left him with many fond memories. (AFP/www.afp.com/photo:life.com)

Danish cartoonist 'attack' foiled

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:17:00 +0000

Danish police have shot and wounded a Somali man who tried to break into the home of a cartoonist whose 2005 drawings of Prophet Muhammad outraged Muslims around the world.

Intelligence authorities said the 28-year-old suspect was armed with an axe and knife when he attempted to enter the home of cartoonist Kurt Westergaard in the eastern city of Aarhus on Friday.

Michael Larsen, a police spokesman, said authorities arrived at the house after receiving an alarm alerting them to the intruder.

"[The authorities] found a person and he attacked the police with an axe and a knife. He was shot in the leg and the hand and he is in hospital [now]," Larsen told Al Jazeera.

He said police officials are treating the incident as an attempted "murder attack".

'Ties to al-Shabaab'

Officials from the Danish security and intelligence service, Pet, said the suspect, a Danish resident, had close ties to the Somali group, Al Shabaab.

"The attempted murder of cartoonist Kurt Westergaard is linked to terrorism," the agency said in a statement.

"The person arrested... has close links with the Somali terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab as well as with the heads of al-Qaeda in east Africa."

Westergaard has been under police protection since his controversial cartoons sparked violent protests in a number of countries around the world in 2006 and again when they were republished in 2008.

Several Danish embassies were attacked by angry crowds and several dozen people were killed during riots. (english.aljazeera.net/photo:i.dailymail.co.uk)

Kevin Rudd: Former president Wahid was much admired and respected not only within Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has offered his condolences.

"Former president Wahid was much admired and respected not only within Indonesia, but also by many Australians and others throughout our region," Mr Rudd said.

"Our thoughts go in particular to his family, including his widow and four daughters."

Mr Wahid's visit to Australia in 2001, the first by an Indonesian president since 1975, set a positive tone for relations between Australia and Indonesia in the years that followed, Mr Rudd said.

Often a polarising figure, Mr Wahid's short-lived presidency collapsed as he struggled to deal with a broken economy amid allegations of incompetence and corruption.

His style was sometimes bumbling and erratic, and any hope that his penchant for jokes, formidable intellect and political skills would help lead Indonesia through the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy quickly fell flat.

While in office he did, however, strive for peace in troubled areas such as Aceh and also gave greater freedom to minority ethnic Chinese who had been suppressed under Suharto.

Despite his frail health, Mr Wahid remained an influential figure in politics and was a staunch defender of moderate Islam and secular politics. (www.abc.net.au/ABC/AAP/Photo:easttimorlegal)

China mourns death of Indonesian former president Wahid

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:29:00 +0000

China on Thursday mourned the passing away of Indonesian former president Abdurrahman Wahid, who died of disease Wednesday evening at the age of 69.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said in a statement that the Chinese government and people mourned the death of Wahid, and Chinese President Hu Jintao had sent a message of condolences to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyoho.

"Mr. Wahid made important contributions to the development of the Sino-Indonesian relations," said Jiang in the statement.

Wahid served as the Indonesian president from October 1999 to July 2001. In January 2001, Wahid made the announcement that Chinese New Year was to become an optional holiday, and he followed this up in February by lifting the ban on the display of Chinese characters and the importations of Chinese publication.
(Xinhua/www.chinaview.cn 2009-12-31 18:08:20/Editor: Liu)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel Will Visit Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:29:00 +0000

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Angela Merkel, said during the joint press conference with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of the Republic of Indonesia that she will visit Indonesia in 2011 within the frameworks of enhancing the cooperation between the two countries. During the press conference conducted at the Federal Chancellor’s Office on 15 December 2009, the two leaders underlined their joint efforts to make the UNFCCC Summit on Climate Change on 17 – 18 December 2009 in Copenhagen a success.

The Chancellor of Germany said that the Indonesian President had a very good and valuable experience in solving bottleneck during the UNFCCC Bali Conference in 2007 resulting the Bali Road Map. For this purpose, the Chancellor pledged her support for the Troika of UNFCCC in Copenhagen composed of Indonesia, Poland and Denmark. The President of Indonesia said that there will be a “window of opportunity” in facing all the challenges and expressed his hope that each country contributes ideas to reach an agreement in Copenhagen.

On the same occasion, the leaders of the two countries also agreed to strengthen the cooperation between Germany and Indonesia in the fields of economy, trade and investment and to undertake to reactivate the German-Indonesian Economic Forum. The two leaders also agreed to enhance the cooperation on interfaith and intercultural dialogues which also intended to bridge Islam and the West.

The visit program of the Indonesian President in Berlin also included a call to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst Köhler; a speech in front of invited guests; and a meeting with the representatives of the Indonesian organizations and communities in Germany as well as with the members of the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin.

The talks between the Presidents of Germany and Indonesia focused on the enhancement of cooperation in climate change, global financial crisis and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The President of Indonesia used the occasion to invite his German counterpart to visit Indonesia.

The Indonesian President also delivered a speech entitled “Vibrant Democracy, Emerging Economy and Crucial Carbon Sink” during an event attended by politicians, academicians, businessmen and other dignitaries. The full lecture hall and many questions by the participants concerning among others environmental protection, renewable energy and promotion of tourism testified to the great interest by the public for the presidential speech.

In the evening, the President, accompanied by his wife Ani Yudhoyono, met with the representatives of 41 Indonesian organizations making up the Indonesian community in Germany as well as with the staff members of the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin and their families. The President said that the concern that the reform efforts could be disrupted by some groupings did not materialize and that the reform efforts in Indonesia have begun to show tangible results. The President stressed that Indonesia is now one of the successful countries in Asia which was able to withstand the effects of the global financial crisis last year. The reform efforts will enter into its second phase with three new agendas, the improvement of the social condition, democracy and rule of law, and justice. (www.deplu.go.id / Photo:jawaban.com)

Din: Ada Standar Ganda Kebebasan beragama di Swiss

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Ketua Umum PP Muhammadiyah menegaskan pihaknya mengundang masyarakat Swiss yang menolak pendirian menara masjid untuk datang ke Indonesia dan melihat bagaimana realitas kehidupan umat Muslim di Indonesia. ''Kami undang kelompok-kelompok masyarakat yang menolak itu untuk datang ke Indonesia dan melihat langsung kondisi Muslim di Indonesia,'' tegas Din saat menerima Kuasa Usaha Swiss, Sonja Hurlimann dan First Secretary George Stein, di Gedung PP Muhammadiyah, Jakarta Rabu (2/12).

Lebih lanjut Din menegaskan bahwa pihaknya kadang bingung dengan sikap dunia Barat, khususnya Swiss. ''Antara kenyataan dan apa yang diklaim bahwa menghargai multikulturalisme dan kebebasan beragama, tidaklah sesuai,'' tandas Din. ''Sangat wajar jika kami umat Islam dan ormas Islam menyesalkan, kami memprotes hasil referendum ini yang menunjukkan adanya standar ganda akan kebebasan beragama. Namun kami menghargai sikap pemerintah dan parlemen Swiss yang tidak menyetujui dari awal,'' ungkapnya.

''Ini merupakan pelanggaran terhadap HAM dan juga kebebasan beragama yang dijamin oleh Civil and Political Right. Sikap dari masyarakat Swiss menunjukkan wawasan sempit mereka serta standar ganda dalam mahami prinsip kebebasan beragama. Yang sekarang ini justru oleh negara Barat didesakkan untuk diterapkan di negara-negara berkembang,'' kata Din.

Din berharap kasus-kasus pelecehan agama ini berhenti dan berakhir di dunia Barat, khususnya Eropa. ''Baik dalam bentuk kartun, pelarangan jilbab, dan film-film yang menghina Islam. Kami harap ini kasus terakhir. Kami harap Swiss dan dunia Barat sadari kebebasan itu harus kita tegakkan bersama,'' kata Din.

Ditambahkan Din, pihaknya berharap pemerintah Swiss berikan penyadaran pada masyarakat Swiss akan kebebasan beragama. Ia juga menghimbau jangan sampai atas peristiwa ini bereaksi berlebihan. ''Jangan tindakan-tindakan kita berlebihan, apalagi terjebak pada kekerasan,'' paparnya.

Din juga meminta agar Kedubes Swiss di Indonesia bisa memfasilitasi adanya dialog multikulturalisme antara Indonesia dan Swiss. ''Kami harap pihak Kedubes Swiss bisa memfasilitasi dialog multikultural Indonesia-Swiss dan undang masyarakat Swiss yang berwawasan sempit itu,'' tandas Din.

Pada kesempatan yang sama, Sonja berterimakasih atas diberinya kesempatan untuk mengkalirifikasi apa yang yterjadi sebenarnya di Swiss. Diakuinya bahwa sama sekali tidak ada penolakan terhadap umat Muslim, agama serta kebudayaannya.

Dalam rilis dari pemerintah Swiss disebutkan bahwa menjelaskan bahwa sebagian besar pemilih dan kanton (negara bagian) di Swiss menyetujui prakarsa 'Menolak Pembangunan Menara Masjid'. Pemerintah Swiss (Dewan federal) menghormati keputusan ini. Dengan demikian pendirian menara masjid akan dilarang di Swiss. ''Empat menara masjid yang telah ada sekarang tetap dipertahankan. Pembangunan masjid juga dapat terus dilanjutkan. Penganut Islam di Swiss dapat hidup sesuai dengan kepercayaannya selama ini dan melaksanakannya secara individual maupun berkelompok,'' bunyi rilis tersebut.

Dikatakan bahwa Dewan pemerintah Swiss dan sebagian besar anggota parlemen telah menyatakan ketidaksetujuannya atas prakarsa ini sebelumnya. Menurut Eveline Widmer Schlumpf, Menteri Kehakiman dan Kepolisian Swiss, hasil dari pemilihan ini adalah ungkapan ketakutan penduduk akan aliran Islam fundamentalis, yang ditolak oleh tradisi kenegaraan dan melanggar aturan hukum di Swiss.

Diakui Sonja bahwa kekhawatiran ini harus ditanggapi serius. Pemerintah sudah sering melakukannya dan terus melanjutkannya di masa depan. Bagaimanapun pemerintah telah mengungkapkan pandangan, bahwa larangan pembangunan menara masjid baru bukanlah cara yang tepat untuk melawan tindakan ekstrimis.

Larangan ini tidak mempengaruhi keberadaan empat menara masjid yang sudah didirikan. Masjid dan tempat ibadah Islam lain dapat terus dibangun dan berfungsi. menurut Widmer Schlumpf, ini bukanlah penolakan terhadap masyarakat Muslim, agama dan kebudayaannya. Untuk itu pemerintah akan menjamin kebebasan beragama dari dulu hingga sekarang adalah elemen penting bagi pola keberhasilan Swiss. (Republika on line:rahmat santosa b/pur - Foto: mediaindonesia.com)

Yukio Hatayama: Punya Teman Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher : Danari & Danari) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Wawancara Khusus PM Jepang
by: Jimmy S Harianto

Setelah lebih dari 50 tahun di bawah Partai Demokratik Liberal, Jepang kini dipimpin seorang perdana menteri dari partai oposisi, Yukio Hatoyama dari Partai Demokrat Jepang. Kemenangan Hatoyama, Agustus lalu, itu tentu merupakan cerminan ekspresi keinginan masyarakat Jepang akan perubahan.

Jumat (4/12), PM Yukio Hatoyama memberikan kesempatan wawancara khusus kepada wartawan Kompas dan Metro TV di ruang kerjanya di Tokyo, Jepang, selama setengah jam, menjelang kedatangannya di Forum Demokrasi Bali pada 10-11 Desember 2009. Berikut ini petikan wawancaranya.

Pada awal pemerintahan baru Anda, apa prioritas yang perlu Anda tangani terlebih dahulu dalam penyelenggaraan pemerintahan?

Mengembalikan kepercayaan rakyat (Jepang). Pemerintahan terdahulu tidak berhasil melakukan politik untuk rakyat. Akibatnya, rakyat telanjur mempunyai rasa tidak percaya yang sangat kuat terhadap politik. Sementara ekonomi (Jepang) berada dalam keadaan sangat mencemaskan. Maka, dengan mengambil kebijakan ekonomi yang tepat, ini akan memulihkan rasa percaya rakyat terhadap politik dan memberikan rasa aman kepada rakyat.

Pada hari ini (4 Desember 2009), kami mencetuskan beberapa kebijakan ekonomi baru. Salah satunya adalah kebijakan pemulihan ekonomi. Mengingat masih banyak penganggur yang belum bisa mendapatkan pekerjaan, kebijakan pemberian lapangan kerja juga akan kami tingkatkan.

Ingin saya tambahkan satu hal lagi. Selama berkampanye pemilu, yang paling kami tekankan adalah ”tunjangan anak”. Penurunan angka kelahiran penduduk dan pertambahan usia lanjut berlangsung dengan cepat di Jepang kini. Kami harus terlebih dahulu membendung penurunan angka kelahiran. Dengan mengharapkan kebijakan tersebut (tunjangan anak) akan memberikan rangsangan juga pada perekonomian, kami akan meningkatkan kebijakan-kebijakan bantuan terhadap rumah tangga yang mempunyai anak.

Pemerintahan baru Jepang menyatakan sikap diplomasi yang berfokus pada Asia. Apa target diplomasi Jepang di Asia? Bagaimana pula cara Anda untuk memperkuat hubungan Jepang-Indonesia yang sudah terjalin selama 50 tahun?

Saya sendiri berpendapat bahwa Jepang sebagai bagian dari Asia harus berhubungan lebih rukun dengan negara-negara lain di Asia. Tentu tidak perlu dikatakan lagi mengenai pentingnya hubungan Jepang-AS dan sikap kami yang mementingkan aliansi Jepang-AS. Kami anggap stabilitas Asia Timur terjamin karena adanya aliansi Jepang-AS. Dengan hal tersebut sebagai prasyarat, gagasan Komunitas Asia Timur (East Asian Community) ingin kami kembangkan. Demikianlah pikiran kami.

Gagasan komunitas ini juga menjadi bahan pembicaraan di (forum) ASEAN. Dalam hal ini, yang sangat penting adalah bahwa Indonesia yang berperan kunci di ASEAN dan Jepang sebagai bagian dari Asia bekerja sama bertindak sebagai pemain utama pada komunitas dalam gagasan tersebut.

Jepang dan Indonesia selama 50 tahun hingga saat ini telah mempunyai hubungan yang sangat baik dan ke depan hubungan tersebut ingin saya kembangkan hingga mencapai tingkat lebih tinggi lagi. Apabila kedua negara—yang menghormati nilai-nilai yang sama, yaitu kebebasan dan demokrasi—dapat menjadi mitra strategis yang lebih kuat, saya yakin kita bisa memberikan kontribusi yang lebih besar menuju terciptanya ekonomi dan perdamaian yang lebih baik di Asia Timur dan di seluruh dunia.

Sejak tahun lalu telah dilangsungkan Forum Demokrasi Bali yang berawal dari inisiatif Indonesia. Bagaimana penilaian Anda atas upaya mendorong demokrasi seperti ini?

Saya mengapresiasi upaya Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yang dengan kepemimpinannya memprakarsai Forum Demokrasi Bali. Mengakarnya demokrasi dalam arti sebenarnya di negara-negara di kawasan Asia, saya berpikir, merupakan aset yang sangat besar bagi kita semua. Saya sangat mengharapkan Presiden Yudhoyono dengan kehangatan hati dan kepemimpinan yang kuat menyukseskan forum tersebut. Saya sendiri juga merasa terhormat dapat berkunjung (ke Indonesia) untuk berperan sebagai ketua bersama dalam forum demokrasi ini.

Saat bertemu dengan Presiden Yudhoyono belum lama ini, saya mengusulkan suatu ide bahwa Indonesia yang sebagian besar penduduknya beragama Islam dan Jepang akan bekerja sama dalam memberikan kontribusi terhadap perdamaian di Timur Tengah sebagai negara demokratik dengan posisi netral, tidak berpihak.

Saya terus memikirkan tema-tema besar seperti ini. Kerja sama antara Indonesia dan Jepang bisa menjadi salah satu jalan terobosan menuju terwujudnya perdamaian dunia.

Apa pesan Anda bagi generasi muda kedua negara yang mengemban masa depan hubungan Jepang-Indonesia?

Semasa SMA, ada seorang asing di sekolah saya. Barangkali dialah orang asing pertama yang saya temui. Ia berasal dari Indonesia. Sampai sekarang pun, setiap saya berkunjung ke Indonesia, saya bertemu dengannya. Hubungan akrab itu berlangsung hingga sekarang. Pertukaran pelajar seperti ini ingin saya tingkatkan karena saya yakin hal tersebut mempunyai arti yang sangat besar dalam menciptakan hubungan kepercayaan antara Jepang dan Indonesia dalam arti sebenarnya. Maka, agar lebih banyak pemuda Indonesia datang ke Jepang dan lebih banyak pemuda Jepang berkunjung ke Indonesia, saya ingin menciptakan lingkungan yang kondusif untuk itu.

Boleh tahu, siapa teman Indonesia Anda itu?

Ia bernama Agus, teman sekelas di SMA saya di Jepang. Selama tiga tahun kami beraktivitas bersama, di kelas yang sama. Di kelas, ia dikenal paling cepat larinya dan paling pintar main sepak bola. Maka waktu itu ia dipandang sebagai hero oleh teman-teman sekelas. Ia sekarang berbisnis di bidang komunikasi. Sebulan setelah Banda Aceh dilanda gempa besar, saya berkunjung ke sana. Waktu itu pun Agus yang mendampingi saya. (Koran Kompas Rabu, 9 Desember 2009)