Scrutiny

Post January

Indonesia Outlook 2008

The year 2008 has become a serious phase for the SBY-JK government. To pursue an economic growth target of as high as 6.8 % the government needs to work extra hard. The SBY-JK economic carriage must face the impact of global economic fluctuations in the price hike of crude oil round USD 100 per barrel and the sub-prime mortgage crisis in America. Apart from that, the political dynamic in this country approaching 2009 election has raised a serious challenge that must be faced by the government for Indonesia’s economic development in 2008.

The political dynamic this year will begin to hot up with several campaign preparations for several political parties (old and new) alongside candidacy for president and vice president. In 2008, all the political resources will focus on the 2009 race. Because of that, from government, bureaucracy or political parties, we cannot hope much significant policy breakthrough to address the poverty problem.

Apart from this meter above, both heavy weight here different personal traits. Jusuf Kalla has an egalitarian and frank character while Mega is taciturn. Kalla is a successful movement before entering politics. This political stile is beginning that of a strong and direct trader. Whereas Megawati as a women and housewife, is softer, quieter, with aristocratic being because she is the daughter of President Soekarno and here close to the palace.

Apart from that, Jusuf Kalla seems easy going although the vice presidential office is protocol heavy. Such a character can benefit his politics as several chairman of Golkar. Whereas Megawati has more limited elections and is less egalitarian although she claims to be the symbolic leader of the common people.

In his post fasting with Friendship politics, Kalla is capable of embracing many public figures, including his rivals. This various trips can be judged positive for him. Kalla welcomed Din Syamsuddin, Hasyim Muzadi, Megawati, Gus Dur, BJ Habibie dan Hamzah Haz. Also he invited Try Soetrisno dan Soeharto. This is positive energy for presidential election 2009.

Although as such, the people still hope their leaders will struggle to improve their livelihoods and welfare. For that, we need to conduct 2008 with optimism and diligence.(Yan)

Post December

MEGAWATI’S SAFARI POLITICS

The general chairman of PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri will take a safari politics trip to various PDI-P bases in Java, for five days from 18-23 November 2007. Such an activity, wherever its backgrounder is certainly corrected to Megawati as the presidential candidate for 2009.

Megawati’s safari politics is no different from the friendship politics of Jusuf Kalla who went to ten provinces in Sumatera and Sulawesi after the end of the lasting month. Both leaders of the two largest parties here begun to call up their sleeves, one trough friendship politics and the other trough safari politics. The indistinct sounds of war drums a beginning to be heard.

Apart from the Megawati-Jusuf Kalla rival, political elite competition toward presidential election 2009 will become Increasingly sharp. Now, the candidates in waiting are Sutiyoso, Wiranto, Yudhoyono, Sultan HB X, Gus Dur and other candidates yet to be mentioned in the national political Language. There is also the young community who is demanding regeneration. They are not weak conditions. Instead, they can become tough contending for Megawati or Jusuf Kalla. Megawati and Jusuf Kalla Process the captive Audience. With Representation in PDI-P and Golkar for the Presidential candidate 2009. However, apart from all the others, Megawati will be Committed by PDI-P and Jusuf Kalla will be nominated by PDI-P and Jusuf Kalla will be nominated by Golkar. They will here to launch an all out Struggle for the presidential seat .(Swan)

Post August

Compelling policy

The government has again formulated a burdensome policy, ie the conversion of kerosene to gas (LPG). The people who use kerosene are poor people who are now forced to use gas.

As mentioned by the government, the aim of this conversion is to reduce the kerosene subsidy of households estimated to cost around 30 trillion Rupiah.

The question which later arose is why are efficient targets always aimed at the people. Why is the government not improving its own efficiency instead, like the bureaucracy or BUMN. If the aim is reduce the BBM subsidy which is now 60 trillion Rupiah, why not conduct the conversion of subsidized energy usage which is not directly used by the people, for example PLN. The government can convert PLTD which use solar (subsidized) to become PLTG. Would not this have achieved efficiency targets without making the people suffer.

In enforcing this energy conversion on the people, it seems that the government just arbitrarily do it. The people must just accept it without discussion or socialization. Finally, the suffering must be experienced by the people. The arbitrariness of the government is much regretted.(yan)

The conversion program which is truly good for the nation and government becomes problematic there is no discussion and socialization in the public space. Policy concerning the general interest must not be compelled, this policy can be done if has discussed in the public space and be accepted by the people.

Studying this case, there needs to be more power balance between the government and civil society. The people must be freed from the too-dominant power of governmental hegemony.(Ts)

Post July

Spotlight on Maluku, Papua and Sidoarjo

The level of state comfort has been disturbed by developments in Maluku, Papua and Sidoarjo. The incident where the separatist flag of South Maluku Republic was unfurled in the presence of President SBY attending the National Family Day on Friday (29/6) in Ambon has barely been handled before another flag being unfurled at the Conference of Papuan Custom and Tradition in Jayapura on Tuesday (3/7). In other colourful developments, there is the continuous mudflow in Porong, Sidoarjo, where thousands of its victims are increasingly concerned awaiting the fulfilment of promises to compensate them for the damages. The flare-up in the separatist movement like in Maluku and Papua make our state security increasingly threatened. The handling of mudflow victims has not been firm and serious, resulting in high potential of their anger which cannot be allowed to destabilise state comfort.

The unfurling of separatist flags in formal state functions, even more so in the presence of the president as the head of state is not just a case of stolen something or of negligence by security functionaries but also a direct slap to the nation’s face. The clumsiness in handling of mudflow victims, after more than a year, is no longer the result of lack of presidential will but also a case of state negligence and lack of responsibility. Our people have already lost their sense of state security. After a decade’s crisis (1977), poverty and injustice have become increasingly complex.

Our people are increasingly weak on state matters. The democratic system has not succeeded in producing an effective government. In the case of Lapindo mudflow, the problem is clear tangible, the political mandate given by the people to the president who is incapable of resolving the victims’ fate. The incident of separatist flag unfurling in Maluku and Papua further test the state authority of NKRI (Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia). Formal weakness in state institutions threatens the existence of the state.

The disaster in Sidoarjo mudflow and the separatist theatre in Maluku and Papua pressed to be resolved. Therein lies the responsibility of the state.(yan)

Post June

The Urgency of Interpellation on Lapindo Mudflow

After one year of suffering by Lapindo mudflow victims, the legislature planned to propose their interpellation rights. The plan was enacted in mid-April 15th by 129 legislative members.

Although the interpellation proposal is precise but at least three facts can be shown to damage the interests of state and society. Firstly, the government is not serious in defending the people’s interests. The impression is to let the people suffer.

With the Presidential Decree No 14 2007, the government has legitimated the unfair practices of capital power. The Lapindo mudflow victims pressed to receive 20% from transaction payment of purchase and sale of homes, land and rice fields. The remainder will be paid two years without interest.

Secondly, the state suffers damages too. The main damage is the broken-down infrastructure. The mudflow from the exploration activities has undermined the infrastructure vital to the economy of West Java and the national economy. The damage also came from Presidential Decree 14/2007 which put the lost burden on the state which is obliged to shoulder the expenses spent on canalization of the mud to flow from Porong to the sea. There is also the social costs for the people to bear.

Thirdly, the Lapindo mudflow problem shows that the government is not serious on law enforcement. It is surprising that the party responsible for this damage is not taken to court.

Based on these three facts, it can be said that the government is neglecting the peoples’ interests in favor of capital’s interests. Hence, there is urgency behind the proposal for interpellation on Lapindo mudflow.

Post May

Pessimism Over Reshuffle II

The cabinet reshuffle II finally took place after President SBY on 7 May 2007 announced the re-composition of his cabinet. There are seven ministers filling new position, of which there are five new faces and two old faces on rotation.

The seven ministers are Hendarman Supandji (Attorney-General), Andi Matalatta (Justice and Human Right Minister), Lukman Edi (State Minister for Disadvantaged Region), Muhammad Nuh (Minister for Communication and Information), Sofyan Djalil (State Minister for State Enterprises) and Hatta Radjasa (cabinet secretary). In the meanwhile, the minister for home affairs, Moh. Ma’aruf is still sick. So his fate remains unclear.

There are many pessimistic circle who view the real sector as yet untouched, together with underdevelopment, poverty reduction and environmental degradation.

Pessimism over the effectiveness of cabinet reshuffle II will continue to grow because the government’s problem is not located in ministerial competence but as national leadership problem. This is not due to ministerial competition from parties or professional circle, apart from SBY leadership which is plagued with self-doubt.

One of weaknesses which need to be repaired currently is the tendency of completely and excessively let government problems floating. The government in exercising caution allow itself to fall into paralysis. Whereas in fact, objectively, all should be chasing time.

President SBY launched a new presidential regulation No. 14/2007. This regulation is about the establishment of the new Mud Mitigation Agency which shifted the National Team which has been handling the mudflow till 8 April 2007.

A cabinet that is solid, have quality and effective will surely be a great contribution, because of that, the cabinet re-composition is very much hoped for by the people. The question is why President SBY is not brave to be freed from grip of political parties.

Several hopes and suggestion that President SBY replaced ministers in a radical way and draw them from professional circle and also to address the cadreisation of political parties. For such a situation to persist does not benefit President SBY at all in the run up to 2009 election.

Furthermore, the President is directly elected by the people, so the presidency has mandate. Whatever decision taken that does not ruin the people, President SBY must break free from the shackles of political parties. A firm attitude is very much needed to facilitate coordination, as a result, will speed up the resolution of national problems.

It should have been that President SBY, who holds the people’s mandate, should not surrender to the maneuver of political parties easily, especially to Golkar, PKS and PAN, if that is the case it is not in the people’s interest being prioritized but party interests being prioritized. The reshuffle II weighs more toward politics, hence the people’s pessimism.

Post April

The Sidoarjo Mud, Where is It Going?

Until the early April 2007, the hot mud flood at Lapindo has sunk the railway tracks and Porong highway. This mud flood also sank and damaged the Porong infrastructure. Pertamina gas pipes are affected, and the delivery of gas to several industries in East Java was cut off. The Lapindo mudflow impacts not only the livelihood of citizens in Porong but also threatens the economic sector in East Java.

Hopefully, the establishment of new institutions can handle the mudflow and its impact. The homeless victims must get certainty in relocation to a new home as well as compensation. The mudflow cannot be stopped. We have to find a new solution to handle this problem and not cause further damage to the environment. But do not forget that the law must hold those responsible at Lapindo Brantas. The new Mud Mitigation Agency to handle the catastrophe is using the national budget. But do not forget to hold Lapindo Brantas legally responsible.

The hot mud flood at Sidoarjo, where is it going? We have to make sure that we are managing this crisis in the right directions and take care of the citizens’ fate there. This includes demanding Lapindo Brantas to discharge its duties fully to the affected victims. (yan)s

Post March

For President and Vice Presidential Candidate: A Bachelor Degree Requirement

The draft of election bill being designed by the Ministry of Home Affairs has created controversy. In the draft, the written requirement for presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate must be a university graduate. The requirement is seen by many as unfair and concocted.

Such a tertiary requirement would close the door of candidacy as president and vice president for the majority of Indonesians who do not possess a university degree. Whereas in fact, of course there will be those among them who have the capacity of leading this nation.

The presidential and vice-presidential offices indeed need high intellectual capacity but question is whether intellectualism can only be found in the university? While indeed it can be found there, nevertheless, someone who is self-educated from the school of life can also reach high intellectual capacity.

The political offices of the presidency and vice-presidency is different from professional office which requires university degree. The most important requirement for such offices is the capacity for statesmanship. A university graduate does not necessarily have the traits of statesmanship. On the other hand, a non-university graduate may possess the makings of statesmanship. Because of that, requirements such as S1, S2, or S3 are not needed in the criteria for presidential candidacy.

The important principle to uphold is not to let the candidacy rules for the presidency to scratch away the chance for capable Indonesian citizens to run for public office, not just university graduate. There is a certain injustice for such a requirement to be attached into late constitution. Hence, we must ensure justice in the laws. The university requirement must be removed from the constitutional draft. (Ts)

Reshuffle Versus Political Power

The demand for cabinet reshuffle has returned and the result is very clear: the lack of effectiveness in the SBY-JK cabinet. Still, it begs the following question: can reshuffle solve the economic problems of this nation?

The problem is the powers struggle between political interests and economic interest. The delegation of power to all the religions with represents party interest play an important role in creating political stability. Without political support, the economic policy would not be smooth and could event disturb the cabinet performance, but the dominance of power politic itself can lead to economic stagnation. There is general impression that its ministry is working alone and there is not much coordination between ministry.

Already, there are serious symptoms of de-industrialization emerging. Who should we hold responsible foe the hollowing out of our economy? The ministry of manpower cannot ensure the productivity increase of workers of workers who also demand wage increases. The ministry of finance has the responsibility to ensure efficiency of the tariff instead of constant obstacle to our import/export sector. This is a negative signal to world market. The ministry of industry’s lack of consent ration to recover structural improvement is the weak link between small medium industries and the core industry.

The power of the political influence can be seen from cases where party-based ministers tend to oppose if scolded by their boss. This is unlike the ministers who are not party-based. We know from this that multi-party system parliament can give rise to weak coordination in our economic development.; (Dh)

Post February

YUSRIL, KPK AND GOVERNMENT IMAGE

The Cabinet Secretary, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, became prime news in several print media. It is not just because he was examined as a witness in the corruption case but he also asked the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief, Taifiqurachman Ruki, to be examined for his role in the wire tapping device contract under KPK.

Yusril made that accusation a day after he was the witness in the corruption case involving the procurement of an Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) at the Department of Justice and Human Right when Yusril was its Minister. Yusril Also asked KPK to investigate the current Minister for Justice and Human Right, Hamid Awaluddin and Finacial Audit Body chief Anwar Nasution as implicated in the AFIS Project.

The need of University Rectors Association, Dr. Sofian Effendi said this phenomena is cause for concern whenever Presidential aides attacked and other in such an open way, indicating that the SBY Government is less than solid.

So, who should bear responsibility for this tapping device? Ruki or SBY who is the notabene above Yusril. Apart from this matter, what should be the solution? For too long here we the nation fried to here a strong and healthy legal culture, meaning a centre of independent social superiors. The two long we the nation have derived for law in commend, according to the 1945 constitution.

The picture of a legal crisis appearing amidst guide social change. This incident shows up the embarrassing elite behavior that is being dragged along by the consumerist spirit which has affected the nation. Everything is viewed trough the angle of money and power.

The political elite only gives lip service to the concept of law, resulting in the community becoming victim. Indeed, when reformation was rolling along including the legal system, many circles hope that the supremacy of law will hold sway and 1945 constitution. Scrutinizing the case of Yusril’s hostility whit KPK, it is increasingly clear that our nation is in need of legal culture that is free from political and economic dominance. This should be given election by Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who is seen as week and hasitant. All this will affect the image of this government every where.

Post January

Jakarta is back facing the consequences of flooding. In early February 2007, a major flood hit Jakarta. This major flood came precisely five years after the last one in early February 2002. In a larger scale than before, this flood caused 60 percent of the capital’s territory to be affected. We had not learned our lesson in confronting flood, of this climate cycle as cause. Flooding is not a nature’s signal that cannot be anticipated like earthquake.

The problem of flooding in Jakarta is a matter of the ecosystem within the capital’s space, like in other areas of this country where there is little regard for environment. Business interests, population pressure of housing and practical needs to pursue instant profits all seem to override environmental interests. Buildings of malls, residential housing, transport networks have all not taken the city ecosystem into account. Apart from that, the community’s low environmental consciousness in damage environment also caused the environmental disasters to take place.

The political environment and its management is the key. The government must have the political will strong enough to arrange the existing and building constructions in conformity with ecosystem. The incoming DKI Governor must be someone who has the strong commitment towards the political environment in Jakarta. The territory leader of Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi (Jabodetabek) must cooperate with each other to channel the area development to be integrated with ecosystem patterns.

There are enough environmental disasters here. Please do not delay again. The government must lead in political environment. Let us repent to the environment.(yan)

Farewell CGI

From the effectiveness side of debt itself, the weakness in the state budget planning makes the debt liquidity lower than the commitment of promised debt. The seriousness with borrowing is part of it goes into the pockets of bureaucrats. So, it is not surprising if the burden of borrowing only suck out the capacity of state budget to stimulate a strong push in the economy and labor market. From the donor side, IMF, World Bank, and CGI and members of the creditor countries often dictate policies with offers of loans pouring in.

Because of that, we hope the president will be firm in stopping to borrow from CGI and dissolve it to us her a new era of policy independence and developmental independence Sri Mulyani in her Formal statement said the IMF Present in Indonesia is not relevant again. IMF is better off focusing on handling the imbalance in global finance, with advising Japan, America, Europe, and China than managing the Indonesia economy.

We don’t need debt again. The state reserves are not small: 200 trillion rupiah remains unused in Bank Indonesia bonds.

We just wait for more concrete government measure to use the funds truly for national economic boasters

Farewell, CGI (Dh)

Post Desember

PP No 37/2006

In November 2006, President SBY signed the PP No 37/2006. Recently, from this governmental regulation appeared polemics in society. There is the side in agreement with it, among others, member of the regional parliament and several district executives. However, in general, it can be seen that there are many sides in the society who reject its existence.

With this government regulation, members of the regional parliament are spoiled with excessive windfalls in helping themselves to the peoples’ money. Their incomes increase by several folds.

The factor is, in several districts, this governmental regulation is two burdensome. There are even districts which allotted 60% of its regional revenue to pay their parliamentarians.

On the other side, this governmental regulation can be said as exploitation of the people by the bureaucrats. Although this policy was spelled out in advanced in the home affairs regulation and based on each region’s capacity to group their parliamentarians’ incomes, this policy can be seen as an attempt to suck out the people’ money and into the pockets of regional parliamentarians.

In short, on one side, the governmental regulation No 37/2006 in a symbol of government indifference to the plight of its people. On the other side, this governmental regulation is an act of stupidity on the central government in regional development. They are seen to be uncaring whether the remaining budget is used well to pay for societal development.

We hope that from this polemic will result in the withdrawal of this policy. In other words, the government should review this policy.

Post November

Poso in the Third Year of SBY-JK

Currently, SBY-JK has already entered the third year of government. Many analysts are reflecting over the performance and success of the SBY-JK government in the past two years. A part of them gave a good grade to the government, another part assessed the government as not yet effective and satisfactory. In the said evaluation, the determination of government attitude becomes the most important essence. In general, the government is assessed to be not enough firm in resolving several national matters.

Poso is one such case which is currently protracted. This case began as a conflict between residents but has since shifted to become acts of terror which are expanding and hard to control. Poso has become the black footnote in the handling of national security problem. This case clearly took a shine off the achievements of the SBY-JK government in the field of politics and security. The charge that external actors in Poso are ‘involved’ has worsened the case and complicates resolution efforts.

Poso has become the test-case for the authority of the nation and government. The action of one group daring to serve an ultimatum to the government signals an authority crisis in the state. This matter increasingly shows up the weak government position now. The SBY-JK government is being challenged to resolve soon the Poso problem comprehensively.

Certification

Businessmen in areas which posses high-value property where the neighbors do not have residency status card, property certification a other certificates, a thus cannot develop business which makes use of banking facilities. This is one of the causes of poverty. Limited bank access is the result of weak certification experienced by many Indonesians in especially the rural territory.

The certification problem, not only compound the difficulty of local businessmen to obtain capital, but also as triggers to urbanization which is the outcome of rural poverty. That means in the long term, when the problem of certification is neglected, so it is not surprising for debased for debased areas to grow in the cities.

Other problems are connected to accurate macro-economic policies with subsidy policy and tax burden on the people. Tax and subsidy are important instrument in fiscal policy to influence future economic growth. This means that certification can become one of the indicators in the immediate mapping for stakeholders to make decisions which result in lessening the people poverty.

Post Oktober

State Obligation Amidst The Lapindo Mudflow Disaster

The outpouring of mud from Sidoarjo has increasingly widened and it is thought unlikely to stop any time soon. In the latest development (2 September 2006), the mud has submerged at least 1,640 houses. The volume of outpour has increased from 50 thousand cubic metres in the early stages to reach a current volume of 130 thousand cubic metres.

In this case, the state cannot be half-hearted in resolving it. Besides, the state cannot depend on the constituency forces, like that of the Bakrie family or the Lapindo Brantas Company. However large the company and however rich the wealth of Bakrie family, alongside the other companies, they are not capable of covering such a horrible disaster.

The company cannot be depended upon in resolving this disaster alone because of limited capabilities. Besides, the company will of course make “calculations” in their efforts to resolve the problem and it would not be optimal. In this matter, the state must utilise all its resources, at all cost to overcome this disaster.

Nevertheless, the responsibility still rests into PT Lapindo Brantas and the Bakrie family. Because of this, after overcoming the disaster, legal action must be taken against the Bakrie family and its business. These steps must be taken by the state as obligation to the people’s defense.

Post September

Tragedy of Sidoarjo Hot Mud Flow

The limited meeting on handling the victims of mudflow by PT Lapindo Bantas Inc (LBI), in Sidoarjo was directly led by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, having decided on the need for relocation of affected victims from the hot mud overflow.

Relocation will be in western and Northern Sidoarjo. According to the Regent of Sidoarjo, Win Hendraso, those residents already evacuated totaled 8,253 or 2,117 house holds from four villages: Siring, Jatiredjo, Renokenongo, and Kedungbendo. The relocation is for those directly impacted like submerged houses destroyed properties all relacted expenses borne as fully as possible by PT Lapindo Brantas.

In the meantime at the DPR plenary session, DPR leader Agung Laksono firmly requested government attention to resolve the hot mudflow tragedy in Sidoarjo. The government must achieve breakthrough via alternative efforts with the least risk to environment and lives. So, the government does not have to give exploration license to inconsiderate companies.

To prevent a reaper of this case, the House is of the same opinion as current thinking to form new measures containing prohibition to drill near residence. This suggestion came as a result of Sidoarjo environmental damage.

The handling of the Sidoarjo incident has been protected, leading to strong reaction from many circles NGO’s like the Advocacy team for Sidoarjo Mudflow victims viewed PT Lapindo Brantas, as the Party responsible which has so far not shown seriousness in addressing the problem because still no meaningful development in handling this tragedy.

The just sad that Lapindo lied to the public and use intimidation. Later, a lather of statement was circulated that the victims will be compensation monetary with the proviso that they don’t take legal action against PT Lapindo Brantas.

Apart from that, the government is deemed to have not gives guarantee on protection and fulfillment of Human Right for the resident but continue to neglect and refuse to admit playing a crucial role in the tragedy. The government needs to slow political will in dragging the owners/Commissioners of Lapindo Brantas to court. Inwards that end, to couple KOMNAS HAM to investigate human right violations related to the Sidoarjo mudflow tragedy.