Jakarta - Indonesia rejected a demand by a group of US congressmen for the "immediate and unconditional" release of two Papuans convicted for raising a separatist flag four years ago, a presidential spokesman said Tuesday.
Dino Patti Djalal said the foreign ministry will respond through its embassy in the United States. "The president will not reply to the letter sent by US Congress members but the Foreign Affairs Ministry will do so through the Indonesian ambassador in Washington," Djalal told reporters. Djalal said the congressmen lacked balanced information about the country and had been influenced by anti-Indonesia groups.
He stressed that no country in the world supported the separatist movement in Papua, while all United Nations members recognize the Indonesia's sovereignty. A group of 40 US lawmakers sent a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono calling for the "immediate and unconditional release" of Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage, and warning that the human rights situation was deteriorating.
The two activists were sentenced to 10 and 15 years respectively for raising a separatist flag in early December 2004. Yudhoyono pledged to end the conflict in resource-rich Papua and speed up development under an autonomy deal, although critics say it has not been implemented.
Djalal said the foreign ministry will explain the Papua situation and the criminal cases to the congressmen. "Hoisting a separatist flag in our land is against the laws and will be processed judicially," he said. "They (the US lawmakers) ought to respect our right to uphold our own law.
"Papua, the predominantly Melanesian province 3,700 kilometres north-east of Jakarta, is a former Dutch colony that became part of Indonesia in 1964. Independence activists in Papua have waged a campaign for nearly 40 years to break away from Indonesia, while a low-level armed rebellion has also simmered.
Copyright, respective author or news agency
8.14.2008
AirAsia Indonesia launches inaugural flight to Singapore
Singapore - The inaugural flight of AirAsia Indonesia landed at Singapore's Changi Airport Thursday, making it the third airline to start operations in Singapore this year. Aboard the flight from Pekanbaru, the capital city of Riau province, was the carrier's chief executive officer, Dharmadi, who like many Indonesians uses only one name.
"Last year, some 1.96 million visitor arrivals came from Indonesia, which accounted for nearly 20 per cent of the total visitors to Singapore," said Lim Kim Choon, director general of Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority.
Total passenger movements by air between Indonesia and Singapore reached 3.86 million in 2007, registering 6.5 per cent growth over 2006. "The launch of Air Asia Indonesia's new service between the two countries is well-poised to capitalize on such strong growth," Lim said at the plane's welcoming ceremonies.
The carrier plans to operate 12 weekly flights to Singapore: six from Pekanbaru and subsequently six from Padang by the end of 2008. With the launch of Air Asia Indonesia's flights, 12 airlines now operate more than 630 weekly passenger flights between Singapore and 12 cities in Indonesia. Air Asia and TNT commenced operations earlier this year. Changi Airport is served by 80 airlines.
Copyright, respective author or news agency
"Last year, some 1.96 million visitor arrivals came from Indonesia, which accounted for nearly 20 per cent of the total visitors to Singapore," said Lim Kim Choon, director general of Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority.
Total passenger movements by air between Indonesia and Singapore reached 3.86 million in 2007, registering 6.5 per cent growth over 2006. "The launch of Air Asia Indonesia's new service between the two countries is well-poised to capitalize on such strong growth," Lim said at the plane's welcoming ceremonies.
The carrier plans to operate 12 weekly flights to Singapore: six from Pekanbaru and subsequently six from Padang by the end of 2008. With the launch of Air Asia Indonesia's flights, 12 airlines now operate more than 630 weekly passenger flights between Singapore and 12 cities in Indonesia. Air Asia and TNT commenced operations earlier this year. Changi Airport is served by 80 airlines.
Copyright, respective author or news agency
Best Western announced its first Best Western Premier Resort in Bali opening in Feb 09
Best Western International The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® with more than 4,000 locations around the globe – has announced the topping off ceremony of the Best Western Premier Kuta Kedonganan on August 8, 2008, with the opening of the new luxurious resort property on schedule for February 2009. |
He continued that: “With Bali recognized worldwide for its natural beauty and rich culture, the Best Western Premier Kuta Kedonganan is ideally positioned to attract travelers looking for first-class accommodation and superior services.”8.06.2008
MASS CREMATION
The Associated Press , Bali | Wed, 08/06/2008 8:31 PM | Headlines 
Balinese women in traditional dress carry photographs of the dead and their belongings on their head during a mass cremation ceremony in Kintamani, on the resort island of Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday. (AP/Firdia Lisnawati)
Balinese women in traditional dress carry photographs of the dead and their belongings on their head during a mass cremation ceremony in Kintamani, on the resort island of Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday. (AP/Firdia Lisnawati)
President Yudhoyono attends mass cremation in Bali
Denpasar (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono attended a mass cremation procession of 139 remains of Balinese people, at Batur village, Kintamani, Bangli District, around 60 km east of here, on Wednesday.
The cremated remains included those belonging to Guru Nyoman Santi, the father of Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik.
Guru Nyoman Santi, who died at 94 years old, around 1.5 year ago, was one of the country`s freedom fighters.
The first mass cremation was held in Bali in 1963 at the initiative of Nyoman Santi and his colleagues. It is for the first time that a mass cremation Hindu ritual was attended by Indonesia`s head of state. (*)
The cremated remains included those belonging to Guru Nyoman Santi, the father of Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik.
Guru Nyoman Santi, who died at 94 years old, around 1.5 year ago, was one of the country`s freedom fighters.
The first mass cremation was held in Bali in 1963 at the initiative of Nyoman Santi and his colleagues. It is for the first time that a mass cremation Hindu ritual was attended by Indonesia`s head of state. (*)
COPYRIGHT © 2008
Balinese painter preparing exhibitions in Japan
Denpasar (ANTARA News) - Noted Balinese painter I Ketut Budiana is making preparations for an exhibition of his works in a number of big cities in Japan in 2009."The exhibition will be focused on similarities in the arts, cultures and lives of Bali and Japan," Budiana said here Wednesday on his arrival from a 2.5-month visit to Japan.
After living among the Japanese people, he had found that Bali and Japan had many similarities which could be expressed in paintings, he said.
"Japan is a developed country which is applying science and technology but its people still maintain their traditional values just like the Balinese do," said Budiana who has successfully held exhibitions in many countries.
Balinese and Japanese also share the same respect for the environment, including plants and big trees which they consider sacred, he said, adding that Balinese and Japanese made similar efforts like festivals in maintaining and developing arts and culture.
"The similarities between Bali and Japan will be expressed on canvases to be exhibited in a number of cities in Japan," Budiana said.
Budiana is now completing several paintings using special tools and materials he brought from Japan, including painting brushes and paper.
(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2008
President Promises Scholarships to Science Olympics Gold Winners
TEMPO Interactive, Gianyar:This was conveyed when he greeted 365 Asian Science (ASC) participants at the Tampak Siring State Palace, last Tuesday. The President also promised scholarships for silver medalists to finish their studies until the Masters degree. “They can choose any university in Indonesia or overseas,”he said.
The President also said that similar scholarships will also be given to underprivileged students, allowing themto select the universities of their choice in the country.
This program is intended to develop Asia in general and Indonesia in particular. The president further said that in the future, energy needs will keep on increasing. Countries, he said, are sure to compete intensively to meet their own energy demands.
The world’s population currently stands at 6,5 billion people. This figure is predicted to grow to 8,37 billion by 2030 and 9,5 billion by 2050. Indonesia has 230 million people, which is predicted to grow to 280
million by 2030 and 310 million by 2050.
According to the President, it will not be easy to meet the world’s energy demands in oil, electricity and food. However, he is optimistic that by economizing and mastering the latest technology, Indonesia can compete
with other nations in the future. “The demand for energy is a big problem we must face,” he said.
With many Indonesian students winning various international science competitions, the President said, “I am convinced that Asia will rise in the 21st century, and so will Indonesia.” ASC chairman, Yohannes Surya, said that among 365 students, 57 came from
other countries. They will attend discussions assisted by five Nobel Prize laureates: Masotoshi Koshiba from Japan (2002 physics), Douglas Osherroff (1996 physics) and David Gross (2004 physics) from the United
States, Richard Robert Ernst from Switzerland (1991 chemistry) and Yuan-Tseh Lee from Taiwan (1986 chemistry). “They will motivate and inspire the students to study science more diligently,” concluded the President.
Canberra, Jakarta agree to visa scheme
Australia and Indonesia have agreed to start a working holiday visa scheme.
Australian Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the two countries had finalised an agreement to establish a working holiday visa scheme, similar to one already in place between Australia and numerous other countries.
"This will facilitate the capacity of young people from each country to work and holiday in each other's countries," he said.
"I'm a very firm believer that schemes like this broaden the understanding of each other's cultures."
Indonesia's Law and Human Rights Minister Andi Mattalatta said the draft arrangements had been agreed and would be formally signed off later this year.
Under the agreement, Indonesians on holiday in Australia would be entitled to work for several months across all sectors, he said.
However, Australians would only be entitled to work in tourism, as English teachers or in hospitals in Bali or Java while on holiday in Indonesia, he said.
"Usually when people are taking a holiday to Australia, they are only given a tourist visa and cannot work," he told reporters.
"With this agreement, our children who are taking a holiday in Australia are able to work in all lines of working fields, according to the needs there."
Senator Evans said Australia had not held talks with Indonesia about a guest worker scheme, currently under consideration.
"There has been no decision by the Australian government to have a guest worker scheme with anyone as yet," he said.
"While you know there is consideration before cabinet about such matters, the focus is very much on the South Pacific as a trial.
"A decision will be taken and announced shortly about that, but the focus has always been on both the South Pacific and a trial as part of our attempts to stabilise the South Pacific economies.
"There has not been any formal engagement with Indonesia on those issues," Senator Evans said.
Mr Mattalatta said he could not comment because the matter had not been formally raised in talks.
The Australian government later said that university-educated Australian and Indonesian travellers, aged between 18 and 30 would be eligible for the work and holiday visa arrangement, when it eventually comes into effect.
The visa would be valid for up to 12 months, Senator Evans said.
"The work and holiday visa arrangement will allow young people from our two countries who want to travel and experience a different lifestyle and culture to work and subsidise their holiday," Senator Evans said.
He said the work and holiday visa differed from a working holiday visa as it required applicants to have the support of their government, hold or be studying towards tertiary qualifications and to speak functional English or Indonesian respectively.
There would be an annual limit of 100 work and holiday visas for both countries.
8.05.2008
Canang: The Daily Simple Offerings
Every day, Balinese Hindus set out canang to signify their devotion and acknowledgement to the Divine. Flowers, water and fire are the basic elements of the simple offering.
 |
If you walk anywhere in Bali, you'll pass shops, homes and even roadside stands adorned with a woven young coconut or banana leaf offerings. These offerings generally include a cluster of small flowers and a burning incense stick. They are omnipresent and are referred to as canang, a simple offering to the Divine. Women and men don their traditional garb of a sash and sarong and find time before starting their daily routine to place offerings in front of doors or gates, and sprinkle holy water saying a short solemn prayer.
These offerings are presented every day without fail. Hinduism is completely intertwined with daily life in Bali, and for the Balinese presenting canang is as much a part of the day's routine as is brushing one's teeth or having breakfast.
|
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the primary Hindu texts, relates the story of Krishna, who is believed to be God's incarnation. Krishna said to Arjuna, another prominent Hindu figure, that “to whom presents me with flowers, fire and water, I will receive it and bestow happiness and blessings upon them”. This is the inspiration for the three basic elements of the offering.
The canang are placed with purpose. Presented first to the Padmasana, which is the home altar, canang are also placed in front of the home or shop to keep the area safe and to avoid problems.
A Balinese will also place canang on the stove, in the rice box and on the well, to honor the patron gods and goddesses of these places. Dewa Brahma is the patron of the stove, for he is the god of Creation as symbolized by fire. Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, is very important in Bali and one of her symbols is the rice box. Water of course is of great significance, so canang on the well is tribute to Dewa Wisnu, the Protector and Sustainer of Life.
Dewa Kuwera, the god of wealth, is honored by merchants who place canang on their money boxes or cash registers. Teachers and students present canang to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. There are no directions about where exactly canang must be placed, ensuring that Balinese Hinduism remains dynamic as the world changes.
The Balinese believe that there are Divine powers that administer the universe. Primarily God, who is always at the highest level. Other high-level spirits are one's ancestors; the Balinese believe that the spirits of the elders protect and guide the current generations 'from a distance'. For this reason, canang are also placed at burial sites or upon tombs.
Lower spirits are known as Butha Kala, portrayed as devils, demons or other bad spirits. These lower spirits remain hidden, often in banyan trees or in accident-prone road zones like T-junctions and intersections.
Canang are made daily, usually by women although men can participate also. The materials are collected from the land or house garden, where flowers, coconut or banana trees and other plants are grown. The offerings are handmade and arranged in beautiful and unique designs.
As the population of Bali grows though, it is getting more difficult for Balinese to find their canang materials at home. Fewer people have the space for gardens, as there are fewer large open areas. Developed areas are denser than ever, especially in the 'metropolitan' areas like Denpasar and South Bali. As a result more Balinese are buying the materials for canang or even the offerings themselves at traditional markets.
Lack of time is also a factor in the increase of ready-made canang. Making the offerings is a time-consuming enterprise; more and more women are in the workplace and buy readily-made canang as they would buy pre-prepared meals for the family. Fortunately, canang do continue to be available in local markets, particularly near Denpasar and the Badung market, where there is an entire section solely displaying the item.
While Bali is not immune from the consumerism frenzy that seems to be sweeping the developed world, it is still a very devout island. It is a tribute to the ingeniousness of the Balinese that they have managed not just to preserve a traditional means of devotion but also to create jobs and industry around it, fueling economic growth among those who might not have other opportunities. ■
Text by Ni Luh Dian Purniawati, photos by Donny Cahyadi
Population of Komodo Dragons close to Extinction
TEMPO Interactive, Kupang:In Padar Island , for instance, there are no komodos left since 2000. “The komodos in Padar Island has become totally extinct. We cannot find any komodo waste anymore. We are not sure what caused their disappearance but we believe it is because of illegal deer and pig hunting, also the change of their habitat due to forest destruction by fire,” said the Komodo National Park chief, Ramang Isaka, contacted by phone.Between the 1980s and the 1990s, there were quite a number of komodo dragons in Padar Island . But many illegal hunters deliberately burned the forest, causing a smaller space for these animals to live and the fire could have even killed them.
He added that these hunters have become a serious threat to the komodo population in the last few years. “We think there is a total of just 2.500 komodo dragons living in the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Gili Motang,” he said.
He said the komodo can only live in dense, wet forests that can provide them with a lot of food. “The fact is that deer and pigs are declining and most of the forest area have been destroyed by illegal burning,” he said.
The caretakers at the Komodo National Park have had to work hard to preserve the rare species. “We are still studying the causes of the komodo’s disappearance in Padar Island. This month we will conduct a study on the environment of Padar Island and list the existing komodo’s food sources,” he said.
Meanwhile, the number of foreign tourists keeps rising in the last couple of years. Until the first quarter of 2008, around 1.7000 international and 1.010 domestic visitor visited East Nusa Tenggara province, site of the komodos at the Komodo National Park .
House agrees to let KPK monitor state budget deliberations
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The House of Representatives (DPR) leadership and House faction chiefs have accepted the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)`s wish to monitor House deliberations on the state budget with the understanding that KPK will have to give prior notice if it wants to attend closed-door House meetings.
The parliament`s consent was given at a meeting between the leaders of both state institutions at the DPR here Tuesday. The meeting was attended by KPK Chairman Antasari Azhar and three of his deputies while the House was represented by Speaker Agung Laksono, House Ethics Council chairman Irsyad Sudiro and his deputy Gayus Lumbuun, House Commision I chairman Theo Sambuaga and party factions leaders.
The meeting was held to follow up on the KPK`s letter proposing that it be allowed to monitor House commission discussions on state budgets. The KPK needed to know the House`s mechanism in discussing state budgets so that it could anticipate possible corruption in the allocation of state budget funds for government ministries or agencies.
Laksono told the press after the meeting, the KPK was welcome to attend House commission meetings to deliberate the state budget but should give prior notice if it wanted to sit in closed-door meetings. The condition was "just an administrative requirement" and not meant as a hindrance to the KPK`s presence at House meetings, he said.
A number of House members were arrested by KPK over the past few months as suspects in corruption and gratificaition cases.(*)
The parliament`s consent was given at a meeting between the leaders of both state institutions at the DPR here Tuesday. The meeting was attended by KPK Chairman Antasari Azhar and three of his deputies while the House was represented by Speaker Agung Laksono, House Ethics Council chairman Irsyad Sudiro and his deputy Gayus Lumbuun, House Commision I chairman Theo Sambuaga and party factions leaders.
The meeting was held to follow up on the KPK`s letter proposing that it be allowed to monitor House commission discussions on state budgets. The KPK needed to know the House`s mechanism in discussing state budgets so that it could anticipate possible corruption in the allocation of state budget funds for government ministries or agencies.
Laksono told the press after the meeting, the KPK was welcome to attend House commission meetings to deliberate the state budget but should give prior notice if it wanted to sit in closed-door meetings. The condition was "just an administrative requirement" and not meant as a hindrance to the KPK`s presence at House meetings, he said.
A number of House members were arrested by KPK over the past few months as suspects in corruption and gratificaition cases.(*)
Rupiah strengthens to Rp9,078/9,085 per dollar Tuesday
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The rupiah rose 15 points to Rp9,078/9,085 per dollar in the Jakarta interbank spot market late Tuesday following Bank Indonesia (the central bank/BI)`s decision to raise its key interest rate earlier in the day.BI`s board of governors decided at its meeting on Tuesday to raise its key rate by 25 basis points to 9 percent from 8.75 percent, citing future risks of inflationary pressure originating from global crude and food price turbulence and demand pressure.
The rise in the benchmark interest rate, locally known as BI Rate, prompted investors to buy the rupiah, the retail banking director of Bank Mega Tbk, Kostaman Thayib, said.
He said he believed foreign investors would continue to invest in the domestic market due to the higher BI Rate.
Foreign investment portfolios would continue to flow into the country, he said adding foreign investors believed the Indonesian economy would pick up despite a global economic slowdown.
Moreover, global economic growth had been shifting to Asia from the United States and Europe, he said.
The rupiah had earlier strengthened to Rp9,070 per dollar before it closed at Rp9,078 per dollar as investors reduced their rupiah buyups ahead of Tuesday`s closing session.
He said the rupiah still had room to strengthen to Rp9,000 in the days ahead thanks to positive market sentiments including the return of local funds invested abroad.
The global crude prices which tended to fall to US$120 a barrel at present would also boost the rupiah to strengthen further, he said.
"We are optimistic the rupiah will hit Rp9,000 per dollar. It is merely a matter of time for the local unit to reach this level," he said.(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2008
International Dragon Boat Races Begin in Padang
TEMPO Interactive, Padang: He said this was the sixth event of the kind, where teams of rowers compete in the following categories: 800-meter race with 20 male rowers, the 800-meter with 10 male rowers, 800-meters for 20 female rowers, the 800-meter for 10 female rowers and the 800-meter race for mixed-gender rowers and the 800-meter multinational teams. “This event is the most anticipated tournament,” he said.
The athletes are competing to win the Youth and Sports Minister’s Trophy, the Inter-Nations Trophy and Rp 100 million in cash.
The countries participating in this competition are Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, The Philippines and Dubai, while the local teams come from Jambi, Papua, Central Kalimantan, Tanjung Pinang, Medan, Cilacap, Bau-Bau (Southeast Sulawesi), Makassar and West Sumatera, as well as the services of the Indonesian armed forces.
Dutch tourists pitch in to help fix Baturraden school buildings
By Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto
Several Dutch tourists have pitched in to help rebuild damaged school buildings in Baturraden district, Banyumas regency, Central Java.
Through the Tileng Foundation, the tourists have contributed a total of Rp 600 million (US$66,600) to renovate state elementary school Kemutug Lor I's buildings, give extra allowances to teachers and provide scholarships for needy students.
Tileng Foundation head Tone AC Lange, 60, a Dutch citizen, and his colleagues opened eight renovated school buildings at the Baturraden tourist resort on Monday.
Lange said he was interested in helping with the renovation of the school buildings mainly because of the kindness of the people living near Baturraden.
"I saw that many children in the tourist sites had dropped out of school and were forced to sell souvenirs. That's why I'm committed to helping them continue their studies," he said on the sidelines of the opening ceremony.
"I'm very impressed by the children and all the local residents, who are kind and friendly. I hope our assistance is beneficial for them," Lange told The Jakarta Post.
Lange arrived in Baturraden for the first time in 2001 as a tourist.
"I met Tekad Santosa, my guide here. He talked about many things, especially about the poor living conditions of parents who are unable to send their children to school," he said.
After learning more from Tekad, 37, Lange decided to take part in helping with the education of elementary school students in Baturraden.
"Yes, I'm very grateful for the assistance from Pak Lange to the children here," said Tekad, who is also coordinator of the Baturraden Tourism Community.
"The school buildings now stand strong, teachers are getting additional allowances and the children, especially those from poor families, can continue their studies."
Tekad explained that with the help of the group of Dutch tourists, the renovations of the school buildings started in 2004. All of the buildings had been in a poor condition.
"As of Aug. 4, 2008, the Tileng Foundation has earmarked Rp 600 million for the renovation of the school buildings here," he said.
Part of the donation was used for allowances for teachers, he said, with teachers getting an average of Rp 500,000 per month.
Tekad said the fund was also used to help pay school fees for students from needy families through to high school.
"If they do well at school, maybe they can be sent to university too," he said.
School principal Hidayaturrohman expressed gratitude to the Dutch tourists for caring about education in Baturraden.
"I feel lucky to get this kind of assistance. Usually the government just provides aid of no more than Rp 5 million for renovations and the procedures to get it are very complicated and time-consuming," Hidayaturrohman said.
The Tileng Foundation provided further funds to build a mushola (place of worship) and a kindergarten facility at the school.
Rare chance to learn Nobel secrets
By Andra Wisnu, The Jakarta Post, Sanur
Five Nobel laureates and world-renowned scientists will spend some personal time with 360 high school students from across Asia at the Asian Science Camp 2008 in Sanur, Bali.
From this Monday until Saturday, 300 Indonesian students and 60 students from Japan, China, India and other Asian countries will have a chance to hear the Nobel winners' experiences and aspirations during lectures, discussions and even over lunch.
Christopher Andrian, 16, a second-year student at a high school in Tangerang, Banten, said he hoped the rare experience would help him win a Nobel prize one day.
"This place is filled with so many great scientists. It'll be great to hear them share some of their knowledge," he said.
Damar Parasdyaningtyas, 16, Christopher's schoolmate, expressed similar feelings.
"I've always been interested in science. I want to know their (the Nobel laureates') secrets so I can learn to be a good brain surgeon in the future," she said.
Johannes Surya, who chairs the steering committee of the Asian Science Camp, said he expected the event to guide the students toward a greater interest in science.
Johannes, who is also the coach behind the success of Indonesia's International Physics Olympiad team, said the Asian Science Camp aimed to provide an alternative way of teaching to the general education curriculum, which he criticized as being too rigid.
Some of the scheduled events in the camp include scientific explanations of how performers of Indonesian traditional performing art debus could eat shards of glass and remain unscathed after being cut or stabbed with sharp weapons.
"The whole event is designed to inspire Indonesian students to win a coveted Nobel prize, or at least become more excited about science," Johannes said.
The five Nobel winners attending the camp are Prof. David Gross from the United States (2004 Nobel prize in physics), Prof. Masatoshi Koshiba from Japan (2002 Nobel prize in physics), Prof. Douglas Osherroff from the United States (1996 Nobel prize in physics), Prof. Richard Robert Ernst from Switzerland (1991 Nobel prize in chemistry) and Prof. Yuan Tseh Lee from Taiwan (1986 Nobel prize in chemistry).
Other noted scientists present include Prof. Nelson Tansu, the youngest Indonesian ever to obtain the title of professor, and Rizal Fajar, a Ph.D. candidate from the California Institute of Technology.
Ernst said he was delighted to help Indonesian students reach their goals to become great scientists.
But, he said, winning a Nobel prize was about more than just intelligence or scientific breakthroughs.
"It's about being responsible and about caring for society," he said.
"Because the world is going downhill so fast that we have to understand how we can stop it from going downhill."
Indonesian peace activist wins Magsaysay award
| An Indonesian Muslim who preaches religious tolerance and a crusading governor from the Philippines are among the winners of this year's Ramon Magsaysay Awards, the committee said yesterday. A Thai man who makes prosthetic limbs from recycled plastic bottles was also honored at the awards, widely regarded as the Asian version of the Nobel prize. Ahmad Shafii Maarif, retired leader of one of Indonesia's biggest Muslim organizations the Muhammadiyah, was named winner for promoting peace and international understanding The Magsaysay foundation said the 73-year-old had spent his life preaching religious tolerance and had stressed terrorism was "not the authentic face of Islam." The award for government service went to community activist Grace Padaca, 45, whose election as governor of a northern Philippine province broke the stranglehold of a local clan, and who has instituted much-needed reforms. The award for public service went to the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions, a Philippine institution that provides microfinance, skills training and insurance to landless rural women. Therdchai Divacate, 68, of Thailand won the public service prize for making affordable, yet practical prosthetic limbs available to the poor. His work included making prosthetics out of recycled plastic and setting up mobile workshops to make customized artificial legs in rural areas. The award for journalism, literature and communication arts went to Akio Ishii, who publishes books chronicling the discrimination suffered by minorities in Japan like the "burakumin," the Ainu, Koreans and Filipino workers. Sri Lankan Ananda Galappatti, 33, a Cambridge-trained psychologist, received the leadership award for training "psycho-social helpers," to aid people traumatized by the civil conflict and those affected by the 2004 tsunami. |
8.04.2008
Chasing the sun at Dieng plateu
By Tarko Sudiarno , The Jakarta Post , Wonosobo |
A silver sunrise. (JP/Tarko Sudiarno)
Dieng plateu holds thousands of natural charms and has a rich ancient heritage. One of the many activities that tourists usually participate in on the plateu, other than indulging in the splendor of ancient temples, is watching the sun rise.
If lucky, in one day you can see the "golden sunrise" and the "silver sunrise". Tremendously beautiful.
Although administratively it is part of Wonosobo regency, the plateu is located at the crossroads between Wonosobo, Banjarnegara regency, Temanggung regency, Kendal regency and Batang regency.
To be able to watch sunrise, you have to be at the Sceneries Shelter at Tieng village, some five kilometers from downtown Wonosobo. It takes less than 30 minutes to get there. If leaving the town early at around two or three in the morning, the morning chill and the thick air will be another challenge to beat for the post sits at 1,700 meter above sea level.
However, the biting air will be compensated for with the scenic view. As we descend to the post, dots of light from Wonosobo and its nearby cities form a dramatic panorama.
Nearest villages like Kejajar and Rowojali look like they are standing behind a curtain of morning mist which is slowly falling from the dark sky. The color of life changes every second. Gradually, Sindoro mountain and Kendeng mountain will also be seen afar.
If the sky is clear sunrise can be enjoyed thoroughly. First, in the darkness, we can see the pinkish sky accentuated with strokes of golden rays of the sun -- really golden. Soon, the sky turns orange and the sun shows its round shape.
In a matter of a second, the chill is replaced with a friendly warm wind, blowing off the mist. When the curtain of mist has been completely drawn, there is a sea of lush green farm around us. You can hear the sound of chirping birds and farmers' chattering in the distance.
But don't get too absorbed in this rare beauty for we have another sunrise to chase at the Dieng temple compound, around ten minutes from the Sceneries Shelter.
The moment may not be as spectacular as the first, but it has an entirely different flavor. The sun rises from behind clusters of temples, which sit 2,093 above sea level. From behind the Hindu temples, if, again, the sky is clear, the sun shines only one ray. It is silvery -- that's why it's called silver sunrise -- and penetrates through the old stones of the temples.
Intellectual rights violations put all in harm's way
Irawaty Wardany, The Jakarta Post, Ubud
Violation of intellectual property rights does not only hurt jewelry designers but also the people who work for them, a prominent designer of silver jewelry in Ubud said Saturday.
"Intellectual property rights is not only a designer's insurance, but also a safety mechanism to protect the interests of all workers employed by the designer," Natalia Puspita told The Jakarta Post.
She said she disagreed with a statement issued by a local designer criticizing intellectual property rights. The local designer had said designers who applied for intellectual property rights for their designs were lazy and sought maximum profits for minimum work.
"As someone who has come up with an idea, we just want to protect our rights over our own creation. To me, intellectual property rights are similar to human rights," Natalia said.
She insisted violations of the rights would hurt those working for designers.
"As a designer I've put my energy into creating a design and spent time and money to register them. Meanwhile, other people can just copy it using cheaper materials and sell it at a lower price," she said.
This practice, she said, would have negative effects on designers and their companies. One of those effects would be a decrease in the company's revenue. In turn, the decrease would affect the overall welfare of the company's employees.
"We have a moral and financial responsibility to our workers, which is the reason I cannot condone plagiarism," she said.
"If our intellectual property rights are not protected and it leads to bankruptcy, who will take responsibility for the livelihoods of workers and their family members?"
She added she once sued a person for allegedly copying her designs, but said the ensuing legal process brought about a slew of psychological distresses that temporarily prevented her from coming up with new designs.
"The impacts of such an action are more widespread than people think. It will also deter overseas investors from putting their money here," she said.
A copyright infringement case involving a major overseas silver jewelry manufacturer and its former employee is currently underway in Denpasar District Court.
The case caused an uproar among Balinese designers because of allegations the company had registered the copyrights of hundreds of traditional Indonesian motifs and designs. However, Natalia said no one was to blame for it.
"Don't blame other people because of our mistake. Our nation is rich in traditional heritage. Unfortunately, we haven't registered any of it, so we only have ourselves to blame," she said.
She added the government could afford to do so but "the money is always going into the wrong pocket".
"Why doesn't the government take the money stolen by corrupt officials and begin registering our traditional heritage?" she said.
Jayapura immigration office detains five Indian nationals
Jayapura, (ANTARA News) - The Immigration office in Jayapura, the capital of Papuan province, detained five Indian nationals for overstaying in Indonesia.
Local immigration chief Maman Budiman said that the five Indian nationals were captured by the police while they were in Semeru Hotel of Sentani, here on Monday.
Based on the result of investigation, the visa of the five indians expired 30 days ago. But they forgot to have it extended at the Indian embassy.
One of them was a woman who had been staying in Jayapura for about two weeks. They wanted to go to Wamena to see snow.
As a result of their over stay, we were arrested in a detention cell of the immigration office in Jayapura, Maman said, adding that they were identified as Abdul Kahar, Muhammad Jahangir, Muhammed Raffek, Sharfana Sharfuddin and Mavila Kadapurran.(*)
Local immigration chief Maman Budiman said that the five Indian nationals were captured by the police while they were in Semeru Hotel of Sentani, here on Monday.
Based on the result of investigation, the visa of the five indians expired 30 days ago. But they forgot to have it extended at the Indian embassy.
One of them was a woman who had been staying in Jayapura for about two weeks. They wanted to go to Wamena to see snow.
As a result of their over stay, we were arrested in a detention cell of the immigration office in Jayapura, Maman said, adding that they were identified as Abdul Kahar, Muhammad Jahangir, Muhammed Raffek, Sharfana Sharfuddin and Mavila Kadapurran.(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2008
Indonesia rediscovers its own rock legend
By ROBIN MCDOWELL, ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- It took a half century and YouTube to bring Indonesia's rock 'n roll legends back home.
Andy Tielman and his three brothers left for Europe in 1957, where they packed clubs and stadiums with their high-energy shows, tossing guitars across the stage, plucking strings with their teeth and playing while perched on top of the standing bass.
But while some music critics say the Tielman Brothers' rapid-fire Les Paul riffs and rough interpretations of country-western helped shape the sound of a generation, most fans in their native Indonesia only learned about them this year.
A story in the local version of Rolling Stone magazine sent curious readers to YouTube, where they could hardly believe their eyes: "Insane !!!!!" a new fan wrote on one site. And "why did I never hear of these guys!?"
When Andy, now 72, returned to Indonesia for the first time to perform this month, hundreds turned out to twist the night away, calling out for old headliners written before most of them were born and snapping pictures with their mobile phones.
"Magnificent! Fabulous! He TOTALLY rocks!" gushed Nada Yangrifqi, a 22-year-old college student, after watching Tielman play alongside a local band. "I'm so proud!"
Andy, Reggy, Ponthon and Loulou Tielman were born to a Dutch-Indonesian father and German-Arab mother on the eastern island of Sulawesi during the final years of Holland's centuries-long colonial rule.
The boys, then 9 to 14, started out playing before family and friends. Before long, they were going city-to-city with their banjos, drums, guitars and bass, playing mostly folk songs. Often their little sister, Jane, joined them on stage dancing.
"These were the happiest moments in my life," Andy, one of two surviving brothers, said at an emotional post-gig press conference in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital. "It was fun when we were older, too, of course. But when I was a child, with my brothers, that was really something."
Soon after Indonesia formally became independent in 1949, the country's first president, the fiery Sukarno, condemned rock 'n roll as a symptom of Western decadence. The Tielmans reluctantly left for Holland, settling in the small, southern city of Breda.
Though already falling under the influence of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and others, Andy said he and his brothers knew they had to be more than imitators and created a sound and style that came to be known as Indo Rock by some - by others, pure R&R.
"We started playing country-western but my brother Loulou, who played the drums, complained because there nothing for him to do," he said, pounding the table as he belted out "Hey Good Lookin'." "See? Load drums to that and you get rock and roll."
Andy, the band's lead guitarist and singer, introduced many changes of his own.
He decided his Gibson was too heavy for stage throwing and switched to a lighter Olympic White Jazzmaster, which he converted from six to 10 strings, using a hot nail to drill extra holes into the headstock. He added four much-thinner banjo strings, creating a sought-after tighter, deeper sound that many others later mimicked.
The boys went to Brussels and soon after Germany, where they became an overnight sensation, selling out concert halls and appearing on live TV. Next came Israel, where they became among the first musicians ever to perform in a football stadium, a 45,000-seater.
Asked if the Tielman Brothers left their mark on the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, as his fans so often claim, Andy said: "I know John Lennon, then playing backup for the Tony Sheridan band, saw us perform, a lot of the British did. But I'd never dare say we influenced them."
The rocker returned to Indonesia at the invitation of the Jakarta Rock Parade organizers - a 100-band, three-day extravaganza that wrapped up July 13.
Dressed in black with colored spotlights setting his long gray hair ablaze, he played "Rock Little Baby of Mine," which in January was officially recognized as Holland's first-ever rock 'n roll song (1958). That accolade got the Tielman Brothers their first press coverage in Indonesia - the article in Rolling Stone.
He went on to play "Little Bird," "Rollin' Rock" and "Beethoven Rock," as well as the classics of others: "Blue Suede Shoes," "One Night," and "Oh My Love, My Darling." But there was no strumming the guitar over his head or with his toes - things he said were better left to the young.
When Andy finally got around to his last song, a national favorite, "Rajuan Pulau Kelapa" or "Coconut Tree Serenade," it was well past 1 a.m. But neither he nor his audience wanted to see the night end, swaying gently as they sang together, their hands raised to the sky.
For Andy it was an emotional return. He said he felt honored to be invited back for his music - something he never dreamed would happen - and hoped to find a way to return soon.
"I feel I'm at home," he said, accompanied by his wife and 12-year-old daughter. His only remaining sibling, Reggy, is 75 and no longer able to perform.
"My only regret," he said, "is that my brothers couldn't be here with me."
---
On the Net:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
