Amnesty International USA Open Letter to President Obama on Indonesia

March 2, 2010

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As you prepare to travel to launch the US–Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership, Amnesty International would like to bring to your attention the human rights situation in Indonesia and urge you to press President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for meaningful human rights improvements. Failure to do so would send the wrong signal: that the United States is not concerned about human rights in Indonesia.

While in Indonesia, we strongly urge you to meet with human rights defenders and the families of victims of state abuse, especially those civilians who were killed during the 1965 political turmoil. We also urge you to publicly state what role human rights will play in the US–Indonesia Comprehensive partnership and emphasize that human rights will play as important a role as trade and security. Please commend Indonesia’s leadership role in creating the human rights body in ASEAN. Encourage President Yudhoyono to continue Indonesia’s active role in this body and offer to assist their work.

Even though Indonesia has come a long way over the years in its respect for human rights, much needs to be done to protect the basic rights of Indonesian citizens. We would like to highlight our human rights concerns.


Address the Problem of Impunity

Major human rights abusers go unpunished in Indonesia. One clear example is the failure of successive Indonesian governments to bring the late military dictator Suharto to trial for the roughly half-a-million to a million people who were killed in 1965. He was also never held to account for the death of around 100,000 East Timor people. This is one of the main reasons why impunity is a serious problem in Indonesia to this date.


Make Reform a Centerpiece of US–Indonesia military cooperation

US – Indonesia military cooperation should ensure the development of a professional security force in Indonesia and should be linked to bringing those involved in human rights abuses to face trial. Of special concern are recent attempts to engage the Special Forces group “Kopassus.”

Request: Any US–Indonesia military cooperation should be linked to genuine security sector reform, including bringing “Kopassus” officers involved in human rights abuses to trial.


Stoning to death for adultery

A new Indonesian bylaw endorses stoning to death for adultery and canning of up to 100 lashes for homosexuality. This local Islamic Criminal Code was passed by the Aceh Provincial House of Representatives in September 2009.

Request: Urge the Indonesian authorities to repeal this law.


Release Political Prisoners

Indonesian authorities continue to use repressive legislation to criminalize peaceful political activities. Violations of this right are particularly severe in areas where there has been a history of pro-independence movements such as Maluku and Papua.

• Former civil servant Filep Karma and student Yusak Pakage are serving prison sentences of 15 and 10 years respectively for peacefully raising the Papua flag.
• In June 2007, 22 men were arrested in Maluku province for unfurling the ‘Benang Raja’ flag, a symbol of South Maluku identity, after performing a traditional dance in front of President Yudhoyono. All have now been sentenced to jail terms between seven and 20 years.

Amnesty International considers the above “Prisoners of Conscience” and demands their immediate and unconditional release.

Request: We urge you to demand their immediate release before you arrive in Indonesia as a mark of good will. We are confident that President Yudhoyono will take your request seriously.


Protect Human Rights Defenders

We appreciate your recent meeting with Human Rights Defenders at the White House and urge you to highlight the protection of human rights defenders in Indonesia. We are concerned that the Indonesian legal system is being used to intimidate human rights defenders rather than to ensure that they are able to carry out their important work.

For example, human rights defender Usman Hamid is the subject of criminal defamation proceedings due to his involvement in the campaign for justice for the late Munir Said Thalib, who was murdered by poisoning in September 2004. In addition to Mr. Hamid, at least six other human rights defenders faced criminal defamation charges in 2009 for their work: Emerson Yuntho, Illian Deta Arta Sari, Gatot, Suryani, Dadang Iskandar, and Itce Julinar.

Request:

1. We urge you to press President Yudhoyono to ensure that human rights defenders are not targeted through criminal defamation suits or by any other means.


2. We also urge you to call upon the Indonesian government to identify those at the highest level responsible for Munir’s murder and publish the report of the fact-finding team.

Establish Complaint Mechanism for Police Abuse

Despite the current reform process to make Indonesian National Police more professional and respectful of human rights, criminal suspects living in poor and marginalized communities, in particular women and repeat offenders, are disproportionately targeted for a range of human rights violations.

Request: Urge President Yudhoyono to initiate steps to set up an independent complaints mechanism that can receive and deal with complaints from the public.


Prosecute Those Responsible for Disappearances

In September 2009, the Special Committee on Disappearances 1997–1998 of Indonesia’s House of Representatives urged the government to create an ad-hoc human rights court to try those responsible for enforced disappearances.

Request: Urge the Authorities to take immediate steps to create an ad-hoc human rights court.


Allow Freedom of Religion

Blasphemy law: Several laws and regulations continue to be discriminatory towards freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Article 156(a) of Indonesian Criminal Code, enacted under a 1965 Presidential Decree, makes ‘blasphemy’ a crime punishable by up to 5 years of imprisonment. Amnesty International is aware of at least eight people who are currently in prison under this law.

The Ahmadiyya community continues to face intimidation and attacks. In June 2008, a joint ministerial decree instructed the Ahmadiyya community to either declare that they are not Muslims or discontinue declaring their faith.

Christian groups also face restrictions on worship and evictions. In one case, at least 1,400 Christian students were evacuated from their Setia college campus in July 2008 when it was attacked by villagers allegedly linked to the Islamic Defenders Front. There have been no arrests in relation to the attack.

Request: Urge the Indonesian authorities to allow freedom of religion.


Mr. President, Amnesty International urges you to take this opportunity to ensure that steps are taken to improve human rights in Indonesia. While in Indonesia, we strongly urge you to speak publicly and meet with human rights defenders and families of victims, especially those civilians who were killed during the 1965 political turmoil. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Larry Cox
Executive Director

Request for Effective Aid for Indonesian Earthquake Victims

An earthquake with 7.6 on Richter scale hit West Sumatera on September 30, 2009 at 17:16 hours Western Indonesia Time. The source was said to be originated at 57 km northwest of Pariaman, with 71 km in depth. It triggered other natural catastrophic disasters that claimed thousands deaths and missing persons. On October 2, 2009, CCEVI sent the letter to the Prime Minister (cc to Michael Ignatieff) about sending effective aid for these earthquake victims. On the same day CCNC also sent the letter to the PM as a token of support and solidarity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October 2, 2009

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

Re: Emergency Aid for Earthquake Victims in Padang and the West Sumatra Region

Canadians Committed to Ethnic Voice in Indonesia (CCEVI) is a registered, non-profit organization whose members consist of concerned individuals committed to promoting human rights in Indonesia. We are writing you today, on behalf of our members whose families and friends are earthquake victims, to request that government emergency aid be provided in an effective and efficient way.

CCEVI appreciates the Government of Canada's willingness to offer humanitarian assistance, and asks that you consider the following to ensure aid effectiveness:

Financial aid should be channelled through local non-government-organizations that are directly involved with the crisis and day-to-day activities on site. If this is not possible, we encourage Canada to channel funds through Canadian international development and relief agencies in Indonesia. We strongly recommend that aid not be channelled through government agencies at the local, regional or national levels. Emergency aid should be allocated for efforts to save lives, provide medical treatment as well as temporary evacuation from the disaster zones. Long term financial aid should be coordinated with the local authorities responsible for disaster recovery and rehabilitation of their areas.

We thank you in advance for your favourable response and action to help the victims.

Respectfully yours,
Marcus Kwee & Nancy Slamet
Co-chairs of CCEVI

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October 2, 2009

Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

By fax and by email

Dear Prime Minister Stephen Harper:

Re: Request for Emergency Aid to the Victims of Earthquake in Indonesia

I am writing on behalf of the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) to urge the Canadian Government to provide generous aid to the victims of earthquake victims in Padang and the West Sumatra Region of Indonesia. The 7.9 Richter scale earthquake which struck the region on Wednesday was followed by a powerful aftershock on Thursday. We would urge our Government to provide generous humanitarian aid to the affected region by funding humanitarian aid agencies and local non-governmental groups to ensure that donations are directed to those in need.

Canada has recognized expertise in disaster relief. For example: Canadian manufacturers could provide pre-fabricated housing and water sanitation systems and community-based groups that could assemble medical teams and medicines. At the community level, CCNC is supporting appeals from local community and diaspora groups such as Canadians Committed to Ethnic Voice in Indonesia (CCEVI). We believe that Canadians will support and appreciate a generous aid response from the Canadian Government.

If we can be of further assistance to your officials, please contact our Executive Director Victor Wong at (416) 977-9871.

Sincerely,
Colleen Hua
National President

cc. Hon Bev Oda
Hon. Jason Kenney
Hon. Lawrence Cannon
Hon. Alice Wong
CIDA
CCEVI

******************************
Victor Wong
CCNC Executive Director
national@ccnc.ca
(416) 977-9871 (tel)
CCNC: www.ccnc.ca
PanAsian Network: www.ccnc.ca/panasian
Health Equity Council: www.healthequitycouncil.ca
No To Hate: www.notohate.ca

Re-in-vig-o-rate

As per definition, reinvigorate is a transitive verb and it means to give new life or energy to. I wanted to give new life or energy (or, to refresh, to revitalize, to rejuvenate) to this blog a long time ago. But, I was enjoying my hibernation away from the blogs too much, I think. *smile* Until I made myself sit in front of my laptop and dedicated the time to make it happen...

So, here we are... there are some changes but I keep many things unchanged.

Still the same
1. The blog address is still http://bebeth009.blogspot.com/
2. The color theme is still green
3. The majority of the posts are staying in this blog

Changes
1. The blog's title: Make INDONESIA A Better Place
2. The blog's layout
3. The blog's top banner image
4. The list of blogs and links

For those of you who have followed my blog (thank you, thank you, thank you) you know that I have posted many facts and writings about Indonesia, especially about human rights, democracy, socio-politics, and activism. I'd love to see, at least in my lifetime, that Indonesia will prosper and be a better place for all of us who love it. That's why I dedicate this blog to anything about Indonesia and hence the name. *smile* Please let me know any links that you think is good and matches this blog's theme.

There are still so many unfinished writings, some drafts here and there... many times I think my other priorities have kept me away from completing the writings or touching-up the drafts.

Tonight, I made it happened! I am reinvigorating, rejuvenating, refreshing, revitalizing this blog and I am also in the progress of building and maintaining other blogs. Well, let's see where these blogs will lead me. *smile*

I love reading books, watching movies or programs on TV, and listening to music. So, I will share with you what I read, watch, and listen on another blog. It's Another Bebeth on the Blog (in vox.com).

On a personal level you can follow my writings in Just About Anything (in wordpress.com).

Yes, three blogs, three different themes! I am so excited! *smile*

They are all work in progress... So, do let me know what you think. Please. *smile*

Refleksi Tragedi 13-15 Mei 1998 - Kapan Ada Keadilan untuk Korban?

Para korban dan keluarganya pasti belum bisa melupakan Tragedi 13-15 Mei 1998 di Jakarta. Meski sudah 11 tahun berlalu, tragedi itu tetapmenjadi misteri yang menyisakan elegi bagi para korbannya.

Memang keberadaan negeri ini sudah lama kehilangan makna. Bagi para korban HAM, negara sudah lama absen. Ketika tragedi kelabu itu terjadi, tangisan, teriakan, dan jeritan frustrasi para korban tidak pernah didengar oleh negara, oleh pemerintah waktu itu, pemerintah yang menyusulnya kemudian sampai pemerintah di era sekarang.

Memang sudah dibentuk Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia berdasarkan UU No 39/1999 tentang HAM dan UU No 26 Tahun 2000 tentang Pengadilan HAM. Menurut Komnas HAM, telah terjadi perkosaan secara masal, sistematis, biadab, dan keji terhadap para wanita etnis Tionghoa di tengah kerusuhan 13-15 Mei 1998 di Jakarta. Pemerintah Habibie juga sudah membentuk Tim Perlindungan Wanita terhadap Kekerasan, juga ada Tim Gabungan Pencari Fakta yang dibentuk pada 23 Juli 1998. Rekomendasi kedua tim tersebut tidak pernah ditindak-lanjuti. Jadi, sampai sekarangpara pelaku Tragedi Mei itu tak satu pun yang ditangkap atau diadili.


Komnas HAM Tak Berdaya
Komnas HAM yang dulu atau sekarang telah berupaya memanggil para mantan jenderal yang dianggap mengetahui atau bertanggung-jawab atas beberapa kasus pelanggaran HAM masa lalu, tapi pemanggilan itu selalu gagal. Polemik antara para mantan jenderal dan Komnas HAM pun tak terelakkan. Semisal Menhan Juwono Sudarsono malah balik "menggugat" kewenangan hukum Komnas HAM.

Pernyataan Menhan (yang mewakili pemerintah) menunjukkan bahwa sesungguhnya komitmen pemerintah menegakkan HAM masih kecil, sementara iklim politik masih didominasi spirit anti-HAM. Padahal, pengungkapan kasus pelanggaran berat HAM yang terjadi di tanah air seperti "TragediMei 1998" memerlukan komitmen dari pemerintah. Tanpa ada komitmen dan good will langsung dari presiden, kasus tersebut bakal terkubur.

Para pelanggar HAM, apalagi dari kalangan militer, sudah bisa dipastikan akan menolak dituduh sebagai penanggung-jawab pelanggaran HAM dengan beragam argumentasi dan rasionalisasi. Mereka akan mengatakan bahwa kesalahan terletak bukan pada diri mereka.

Yang menyedihkan justru ada rasionalisasi bahwa para korban HAM dalam peristiwa 13-15 Mei 1998 itu tidak pernah ada, karena tidak pernah bisa dibuktikan. Apalagi, jika dikaitkan dengan perundang-undangan pemerkosaan di negeri ini. Bagaimana membuktikan bahwa korban sungguh diperkosa?

Seperti dikatakan advokat senior Surabaya, Trimoelja D. Soerjadi, dalam beragam kesempatan bahwa setiap kasus yang terindikasi melibatkan militer, seperti Tragedi Mei, tidak pernah akan bisa diselesaikan dengan memuaskan. Artinya, para pelaku tetap bisa menghirup udara kebebasan. Tak ada keadilan bagi para korban. Hal ini juga terjadi pada kasus pelanggaran HAM lain, mulai Peristiwa 1965 dan Tragedi Mei 1998.


Rekonsiliasi Sejati
Meski demikian, penulis menganjurkan para korban Tragedi Mei untuk berani memaafkan, meskipun memaafkan bukan berarti harus melupakan. Harus selalu dicari ruang untuk mengingat peristiwa buruk seperti Tragedi Mei 1998. Dengan demikian, usul islah atau rekonsiliasi jangan pernah diabaikan meski ada yang bertanya untuk apa rekonsiliasi.

Tentu ada beberapa hal yang perlu dilakukan agar rekonsiliasi terwujud. Pertama, harus diakui adanya pelanggaran berat HAM dalam Tragedi Mei1998. Itu berarti ada pelaku yang harus bertanggung-jawab. Kedua, keadilan harus ditegakkan. Artinya, pelaku harus mendapatkan sanksi hukum. Dengan demikian, luka hati korban dan keluarganya mendapatkan pemulihan. Setelah proses hukum ditegakkan, antara korban dan pelaku harus diupayakan perdamaian, supaya kebencian dan dendam tidak hidup terus sepanjang tujuh turunan.

Uskup Desmond Tutu, ketua Komisi Kebenaran dan Rekonsiliasi Afrika Selatan, menulis bahwa rekonsiliasi sejati mengekspos kekejaman, kekerasan, kepedihan, kebejatan, dan kebenaran, bahkan terkadang dapat memperburuk keadaan. Ini adalah perbuatan berisiko. Meski begitu, pada akhirnya akan ada pemulihan nyata setelah menyelesaikan situasi yang sebenarnya. Rekonsiliasi yang palsu hanya dapat menghasilkan pemulihan palsu (lihat buku: No Future Without Forgiveness, 1999).

Akhirnya untuk negara dan pemerintah, sekali lagi hutang-hutang pada para korban harus dilunasi. Tocqueville (1805-1859) mengingatkan: "Karena masa lalu gagal menerangi masa depan, benak manusia mengelana di tengah kabut". Kabut dari peristiwa gelap masa lalu itulah yang harus disingkap negara demi keadilan pada para korban, termasuk korban Tragedi Mei.

Selama orang terus mencari alasan guna lari dari tanggung jawab terhadap para korban HAM dan kekuasaan negara memberi perlindungan terhadap sikap pengecut ini, sehingga para pelaku terus menikmati impunitas diatas derita para korban HAM, negeri ini tetap akan susah mencapai masa depan. Sebab, pelanggaran HAM di masa silam selama terus dibiarkan justru menjadi kabut yang menghalangi perjalanan bangsa ini ke depan.

Kabut itu harus disingkap dan para korban dijamin mendapatkan keadilan yang setimpal. Dengan demikian, kita bisa menyongsong masa depan tanpa ada yang dikorbankan lagi.

Oleh: Mustofa Liem PhD, Dewan Penasihat Jaringan Tionghoa untuk Kesetaraan
Dimuat di: Jawa Pos (Rabu, 13 Mei 2009)

Maryamah Karpov

Ini buku ke empat Andrea Hirata dalam tetralogi Laskar Pelangi, buku yang ditunggu-tunggu banyak orang. Bertumpuk-tumpuk buku ini tersedia di toko-toko buku bertepatan dengan peluncuran secara resmi buku ini. Aku sungguh ingin tahu apa isinya – sampul bukunya menjanjikan bahwa buku ini berisi semua hal tentang Laskar Pelangi, A Ling, Arai, Lintang, dan beberapa tokoh dalam buku-buku sebelumnya. Bahkan di atas judul Maryamah Karpov ada sub judul ‘mimpi-mimpi Lintang’.

Memang ada cerita tentang Lintang dan Arai tapi buku ini lebih bersifat sebagai mozaik berbagai cerita tokoh-tokohnya. (Mungkin itu sebabnya kenapa setiap bab dalam buku ini tidak dinamakan bab nomor ke sekian tapi mozaik ke sekian.) Menurutku buku ini sungguh luar biasa – 73 mozaik dalam 504 halaman – karena dia mencatat dengan sangat rinci tentang pelajaran kehidupan, tentang kebiasaan-kebiasaan Melayu Dalam di Pulau Belitong dan pulau-pulau sekitarnya, tentang sekian ratus pulau yang terhampar di Laut Karimata, tentang hikayat lanun (perompak atau bajak laut) di Selat Malaka, tentang kekayaan berbagai etnis dengan semua tradisi dan kebiasaannya yang sudah berinteraksi dalam rajutan sosial budaya sejak beratus tahun lalu, tentang aplikasi ilmu yang sesungguhnya – dan tentunya tentang cinta yang tidak pernah padam dimakan waktu dan tak pupus walau telah melintasi beberapa benua.

Dan jangan kecewa ya, hanya ada sedikit cerita tentang Maryamah Karpov, nama perempuan yang menjadi judul bukunya. Tapi kenapa dia menjadi judul buku ini, dan kenapa ada sub judul ‘mimpi-mimpi Lintang’, kupikir aku tahu kenapa. Andrea memang cerdas! *senyum*

Dari 73 mozaik tadi ada mozaik-mozaik berjudul puitis, seperti: waktu terperangkap dalam stoples; perempuan itu tak menangis; bulan pecah, malaikat bertaburan; cintanya sedahsyat terjangan badai; dekat sekali seperti nyawa. Ada juga mozaik-mozaik berjudul lucu, seperti: lelaki berwajah dangdut, perempuan saraf tegang.

Nah, banyak memang cerita menarik di dalam buku ini, aku kutipkan beberapa disini. Kalau mau tahu semuanya, ya beli dong bukunya (cuma tujuh puluh sembilan ribu rupiah saja) … atau boleh kupinjami. *senyum*

Mozaik 28 dan 53 adalah mozaik yang menurutku lucu bukan kepalang, sampai berderai-derai airmataku membacanya. *senyum*

Orang setempat rupanya sangat kreatif dalam membuat julukan bagi orang-orang. Umumnya nama julukan lebih sering dipakai dan lebih dikenal daripada nama lahir orang-orang yang bersangkutan. [Hlm 177-178] Orang Melayu amat asosiatif dan metaforik, penuh perlambang dan perumpamaan. Hal itu terefleksi pada hobi mereka berpantun dan menjuluki orang. Meski Islam jelas melarang panggilan-panggilan yang buruk, mereka nekad saja. Gelar-gelar aneh itu umumnya ditujukan untuk menghina. Karena itu, setiap orang berusaha menghindarinya. Namun, julukan dalam masyarakat kami seumpama penyakit cacar. Bisa menimpa siapa saja sembarang waktu. Ia agaknya telah menjadi bagian dari nasib orang Melayu. Julukan dapat berangkat dari hal yang amat sederhana, misalnya ciri-ciri fisik, atau lebih kompleks, dari profesi, kebiasaan, obsesi, atau kejadian.

Misalnya ada yang punya julukan Eksyen, Nur Gundala Putra Petir, Rofi’i Bruce Lee, Marsanip Sopir Ambulans, Berahim Harap Tenang Yunior, Marhaban Hormat Grak II, Rustam Simpan Pinjam, Zainul Helikopter, Muslimat Rambo, Tancap bin Seliman, Muharam Ini Budi, Mustahaq Davidson, Mustajab Charles Martin Smith, Mursyiddin 363, Muas Petang 30, Mahdi Sheriff, Kamsir si Buta dari Goa Hantu, Jumiadi Setengah Tiang, Mahmuddin Pelupa, Daud Biduan, Saderi Karbon, Muharam Buku Gambar, Modin Mahligai, Munawir Berita Buruk, Makruf Bui Bc.I.P., Munaf Katakanlah Padanya, Ramlah Biduanita, A Liong Koteka / A Liong Sunat, Fatimah Petai Cina, Midah Sesak Napas. Menurut ceritanya, orang Melayu tak ragu menulis di batu nisannya nama-nama julukan itu ketika yang bersangkutan meninggal dunia. *senyum*

I moved four posts for Maryamah Karpov to the posts of the same title in Another Bebeth on the Blog.

Spice Islands Trip

I just returned from client's meeting in Batam couple hours ago.... so damn tired! In couple of hours I will go to the airport for Spice Islands trip managed by Sahabat Museum. I'm still packing, as usual... making last minute check-list checking (sun block, bathing suit, goggle plus snorkel, hat, sunglasses, camera, book, etc.). I'm so excited. I dreamt for this trip since last year. Below are the places where I'm going to visit and I'm ready to soak up the environment, the islands' ambience, to meet people and make new friends. Just go with the flow... *smile*

Following is the trip's run down:

Day 1: Friday, 14 November 2008
00.00 - 00.30 : Gather at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Terminal 1A
00.30 - 01.30 : Go to the gate
01.30 - 02.00 : Ready to board Lion Air
02.00 - 05.30 : Lion Air flies to Ambon
05.30 (07.30)* : Arrive at Ambon
07.30 - 09.30 : Breakfast
09.30 - 10.30 : Check in to Hotel Ambon Manise
10.30 - 11.00 : Room check in, rest
11.00 - 12.30 : Rest in the room, Friday's Prayer for male participants
12.30 - 13.00 : Go for Lunch
13.00 - 14.00 : Lunch
14.00 - 14.30 : Go to Siwalima Museum
14.30 - 15.30 : Go around Siwalima Museum (museum about Moluccas)
15.30 - 16.00 : Go around Makmur Garden (a garden built by Japanese)
10.00 - 16.30 : Go to Pintu Kota
16.30 - 17.30 : Pictures at Pintu Kota
17.30 - 18.30 : Go for dinner
18.30 - 19.30 : Dinner
19.30 - 20.00 : Return to Hotel Ambon Manise
20.00 - 21.00 : Socializing
21.00 - 06.00 : Rest
*from WIB (Indonesia's Western Time) to WIT (Indonesia's Eastern Time)

Day 2: Saturday, 15 November 2008
06.00 - 08.00 : Breakfast at Hotel Ambon Manise
08.00 - 08.30 : Go to Commonwealth War Cemetery
08.30 - 09.00 : Take pictures at Commonwealth War Cemetery
09.00 - 09.30 : Go to Statue of Martha Christina Tiahahu
09.30 - 10.00 : Take pictures at Statue of Martha Christina Tiahahu
10.00 - 10.30 : Go to Pattimura Statue
10.30 - 11.00 : Pictures at Pattimura Statue
11.00 - 11.30 : Go for lunch
11.30 - 12.30 : Lunch
12.30 - 13.00 : Go to Natsepa Beach
13.00 - 15.00 : Eat Rujak at Natsepa Beach - playing by the beach
15.00 - 16.00 : Go to Yos Sudarso Sea Port
16.00 - 17.00 : Wait for Pelni vessel at waiting room
17.00 - 18.00 : Load baggages to Pelni vessel
18.00 - 19.00 : Board the Pelni vessel
19.00 - 22.00 : Wait until Pelni vessel ready to sail
22.00 - 05.00 : Sea trip to Banda Neira

Day 3: Sunday, 16 November 2008
(Run Island & Lonthoir/Lonthor Island)
05.00 - 06.00 : Pelni vessel arrives at Banda Neira
06.00 - 06.15 : Go to Hotel Maulana
06.15 - 07.30 : Check in the room, bathing, breakfast
07.30 - 08.00 : Ready to go to Run Island
08.00 - 09.30 : Go to Run Island by motorboat
09.30 - 10.30 : Go around Run Island
10.30 - 12.00 : Snorkeling at Run Island
12.00 - 13.00 : Lunch at Run Island
13.00 - 14.00 : Go to Lonthoir Island
14.00 - 17.00 : Go around Lonthoir Island
17.00 - 17.30 : Return to Hotel Maulana - snorkeling at Gunung Api Island if time permits
17.30 - 18.00 : Coffee Break at Hotel Maulana
18.00 - 19.00 : Rest
19.00 - 20.00 : Dinner at Hotel Maulana
20.00 - 21.00 : Games or Karaoke
21.00 - 06.00 : Rest

Day 4: Monday, 17 November 2008
(Sjahrir Island & Neira Island)
06.00 - 07.30 : Breakfast at Hotel Maulana
07.30 - 08.00 : Ready to go to Sjahrir Island
08.00 - 09.00 : Go to Sjahrir Island with motorboat
09.00 - 11.00 : Snorkeling at Sjahrir Island
11.00 - 12.00 : Return to Hotel Maulana
12.00 - 13.00 : Lunch at Hotel Maulana
13.00 - 17.00 : Look around Neira Island
17.00 - 17.30 : Go to Belgica Port
17.30 - 18.00 : Sunset at Belgica Port
18.00 - 18.30 : Return to Hotel Maulana
18.30 - 19.00 : Rest
19.00 - 20.00 : Dinner at Hotel Maulana
20.00 - 21.00 : Games or Karaoke
21.00 - 06.00 : Rest

Day 5: Tuesday, 18 November 2008
(Ai Island)
06.00 - 07.30 : Breakfast at Hotel Maulana
07.30 - 08.00 : Ready to go to Ai Island
08.00 - 09.00 : Go to Ai Island with motorboat
09.00 - 11.00 : Snorkeling at Ai Island
11.00 - 12.00 : Return to Hotel Maulana
12.00 - 13.00 : Lunch at Hotel Maulana
13.00 - 14.00 : Packing
14.00 - 15.00 : Wait for Pelni vessel at Hotel Maulana
15.00 - 16.00 : Board the Pelni vessel
16.00 - 17.00 : Wait for Pelni vessel to start sailing
17.00 - 24.00 : Sea trip to Ambon
24.00 - 06.00 : Rest

Day 6: Wednesday, 19 November 2008
06.00 - 08.00 : Breakfast at Hotel Ambon Manise
08.00 - 09.00 : Go to Wapaue Mosque
09.00 - 09.30 : Look around Wapaue Mosque
09.30 - 10.00 : Go to Amsterdam Port
10.00 - 11.00 : Look around Amsterdam Port
11.00 - 11.30 : Go to Waai
11.30 - 12.00 : Go around Waai to see Belut Keramat
12.00 - 12.30 : Go to Liang Beach
12.30 - 13.30 : Lunch at Liang Beach
13.30 - 14.00 : Bambu Gila attraction
14.00 - 15.00 : Play by Liang Beach
15.00 - 16.00 : Enroute to buy souvenirs/gifts
16.00 - 18.00 : Shopping for gift from Moluccas
18.00 - 18.30 : Look for dinner place
18.30 - 19.30 : Dinner
19.30 - 20.00 : Return to Hotel Ambon Manise
20.00 - 21.00 : Rest or Having Fun?
21.00 - 04.00 : Rest

Day 7: Thursday, 20 November 2008
04.00 - 05.00 : Breakfast at Hotel Ambon Manise
05.00 - 06.00 : Go to Pattimura Airport
06.00 - 07.00 : Ready to board Lion Air to Jakarta
07.00 - 10.30 : Lion Air departs for Jakarta
10.30 (08.30)* : Arrive at Jakarta
08.30 - 09.30 : Waiting for baggage
*from WIT (Indonesia's Eastern Time) to WIB (Indonesia's West Time)

Celebrating 150-year Dedication

For all alumni of Santa Ursula School in Jakarta, please find this as an invitation to jointly celebrate 150-year of Sanur's service and dedication to education.

The announcement also appeared on page 24 of Kompas daily newspaper on November 5, 2008.

Laskar Pelangi The Movie

The first movie scene reflects the first chapter of the book “Sepuluh Murid Baru” very well – the dilapidated SD Muhammadiyah, the poverty portrayed by the children and their parents, and the teachers’ apprehensive faces. I heard the lady beside me started to cry and her little son asked her why she cried, “Kok Mama nangis? Kenapa?” The lady answered, “Kasihan mereka sekolahnya seperti itu. Sekolahnya bakal ditutup kalau muridnya tidak cukup.” I bet the lady is the book’s fan because she could explain to her son who’s and who and the events throughout the movie. *smile*

I know it’s not easy to make a best seller book into a movie. I was a bit disappointed when I watch the movie because it lacks the rich patina that I read in the book and some twists that are not in the book.

For example:

• There’s no Mahmud character – one of PN Timah’s teachers that likes and sympathizes with Bu Mus, played by Tora Sudiro – in the book.
• Pak Harfan, SD Muhammadiyah’s principal, attended the Intelligence Contest and was not died before the contest.
• There’s no Pak Zul character – a close friend of Pak Harfan that’s used to help Pak Harfan and the school – in the book.
• Lintang was late for school because he met a crocodile on his way to school. But the movie moves this event to the contest day.
• It’s the Ikal-Lintang-Sahara trio that represented SD Muhammadiyah in the contest and not Ikal-Lintang-Mahar.

Riri Riza admitted that it’s not easy to capture the book’s mosaic into a 125-minute movie but he tried to capture the main message of this movie: the wonder of the dream, the marginalization of people, and the irony of our education.

The movie is very well made technically – the original Belitong landscape, the children that play and blow the life of Ikal, Lintang, Mahar, Syahdan, Borek, Kucai, A Kiong, Sahara, Trapani, Harun, Flo, A Ling, their families and communities, the soundtrack – but it is somewhat short of the intensity of the main plot. I agree with Dahono Fitrianto in Hasrat Bertutur “Laskar Pelangi” that it can be more powerful if it gives more substance to Lintang – the genius that beat the odds to go to and to stay in school and be the pride of the school and his friends but had to cancel his dream because he had to be the only breadwinner for his 13 other family members after his father died.

For me the most lovable part of the movie is the “Bunga Seroja” - when Mahar leads the members of Laskar Pelangi to cheer up Ikal that's heart broken after A Ling left for Jakarta. (“Bunga Seroja” is one of the old and famous Malay songs.)

Overall, it’s a good and touching movie – much better than other Indonesian’s movies that are far from reality. Pak Harfan's speech to these students is very powerful and is still lingering on... 'hidup berarti hanya dengan banyak memberi bukan dari banyak meminta'.

The official “Laskar Pelangi” The Movie website.

Laskar Pelangi

“Laskar Pelangi” is the title of the first out of four books by Andrea Hirata. It’s a best seller. I posted about Andrea on my blog: Andrea Hirata’s Pure Love. The other three are Sang Pemimpi, Edensor, and Maryamah Karpov. Some people say that Edensor is an anti-climax, Laskar Pelangi is the best of these foursome. I haven’t read the other three, so I can’t give any commentary yet.

“Laskar Pelangi” is a very simple, an unpretentious-honest-from-the-heart kind of book. I think it’s one of the best in the past ten years. I laughed and cried – wish there are more books like this from Indonesia’s writers. The book that started as Andrea’s token of appreciation to his teacher – Bus Mus – and nine of his friends when he studied in SD and SMP Muhammadiyah in Belitong has become a best seller book, a movie with Nidji sings the soundtrack of the movie… an inspiration to many people in Indonesia.

Laskar Pelangi was comprised of ten kids that grew up together and this is their stories. All of them are unique characters but my favorite is Lintang. Following are excerpts from the book that made me cry and made me feel so blessed… be grateful for what you have:

Bab 32: Agnostik (hlm. 467-472)
Bus reyot itu menurunkan aku di seberang jalan di depan rumah ibuku. Aku mendengar lagu Rayuan Pulau Kelapa di RRI, yang berarti warta berita pukul 12. Sebuah siang yang panas dan sunyi. Dan kesunyian itu bubar oleh suara klakson panjang dari sebuah mobil tronton kapasitas sepuluh ton, gardan ganda, bertenaga turbo, dengan delapan belas ban berdiameter satu meter.

Seorang pria kecil terlonjak-lonjak di jok sopir. Ia terlalu kecil bagi truk raksasa pengangkut pasir gelas ini. “Pulang kampung juga kau akhirnya, Ikal. Hari yang sibuk! Datanglah ke proyek,” teriaknya.

Aku meletakkan empat tas yang membebaniku tapi hanya sempat melambaikan tangan. Iapun pergi meninggalkan debu.

Esoknya aku berkunjung ke bedeng proyek pasir gelas sesuai undangan sopir kecil itu. Bedeng itu memanjang di tepi pantai, tak berpintu, lebih seperti kandang ternak. Inilah tempat beristirahat puluhan sopir truk pasir yang bekerja siang malam bergiliran 24 jam untuk mengejar tenggat waktu mengisi tongkang. Tongkang-tongkang itu dimuati ribuan ton kekayaan bumi Belitong, tak tahu dibawa kemana, salah satu perbuatan kongkalikong yang mengangkangi hak-hak warga pribumi.

Aku masuk ke dalam bedeng dan melihat ke sekeliling. Di tengah bedeng ada tungku besar tempat berdiang melawan dingin angin laut. Di pojok bertumpuk-tumpuk kaleng minyak solar, bungkus rokok Jambu Bol, dongkrak, beragam kunci, pompa minyak, tong, jerigen air minum, semuanya serba kumal dan berkilat. Panci hitam, piring kaleng, kotak obat nyamuk, kopi, dan mi instan berserakan di lantai tanah. Selembar sajadah usang terhampar lesu. Sebuah kalender bergambar wanita berbikini tergantung miring. Walaupun sekarang sudah bulan Mei tak ada yang berminat menyobek kalender bulan Maret, karena gambar wanita bulan Maret paling hot dibanding bulan lainnya.

Pria yang kemarin menyapaku, yang menyetir tronton itu, salah satu dari puluhan sopir truk yang tinggal di bedeng ini, duduk di atas dipan, dekat tungku, berhadap-hadapan denganku. Ia kotor, miskin, hidup membujang, dan kurang gizi, ia adalah Lintang.

Aku tak berkata apa-apa. Terlihat jelas ia kelelahan melawan nasib. Lengannya kaku seperti besi karena kerja rodi tapi tubuhnya kurus dan ringkih. Binar mata kepintaran dan senyum manis yang jenaka itu tak pernah hilang walaupun sekarang kulitnya kering berkilat dimakan minyak. Rambutnya semakin merah awut-awutan. Lintang dan keseluruhan bangunan ini menimbulkan rasa iba, iba karena kecerdasan yang sia-sia terbuang.

Aku masih diam. Dadaku sesak. Bedeng ini berdiri di atas tanah semacam semenanjung, daratan yang menjorok ke laut. Aku mendengar suara… Bum…! Bum…! Bum…! Aku melihat ke luar jendela sebelah kananku. Sebuah tugboat (kapal tandu/kapal tunda) penarik tongkang meluncur pelan di samping bedeng. Suara motor tempel yang nendang menggetarkan tiang-tiang bedeng dan asap hitam mengepul tebal. Gelombang halus yang ditimbulkan tugboat tersebut memecah tepian yang berkilat seperti permukaan kaca berwarna-warni karena digenangi minyak.

Kupandangi terus tugboat yang melaju dan sekejap aku merasa tugboat itu tak bergerak tapi justru aku dan bedeng itu yang meluncur. Lintang yang dari tadi mengamatiku membaca pikiranku.

“Einstein’s simultaneous relativity…,” katanya memulai pembicaraan. Ia tersenyum getir. Kerinduannya pada bangku sekolah tentu membuatnya perih.

Aku juga tersenyum. Aku mengerti ia tidak mengalami apa yang secara imajiner baru saja aku alami. Dua orang melihat obyek yang sama dari dua sudut pandang yang berbeda maka pasti mereka memiliki persepsi yang berbeda. Oleh karena itu Lintang menyebutnya simultan. Sebuah konteks yang relevan dengan perspektifku melihat hidup kami berdua sekarang.

Tak lama kemudian aku mendengar lagi suara ‘Bum! Bum! Bum!’ Kali ini sebuah tugboat yang lain meluncur pelan dari arah yang berlawanan dengan arah tugboat yang pertama tadi. Buritan tugboat yang pertama belum habis melewatiku maka aku menoleh ke kiri dan ke kanan membandingkan panjang kedua tugboat yang melewatiku secara berlawanan arah.

Lintang mengobservasi perilakuku. Aku tahu ia kembali membaca isi kepalaku, keahliannya yang selalu membuatku tercengang.

“Paradoks…,” kataku.
“Relatif…,” kata Lintang tersenyum.

Aku menyebut paradoks karena ukuran yang kuperkirakan sebagai subyek yang diam akan berbeda dengan ukuran orang lain yang ada di tugboat meskipun untuk tugboat yang sama.

”Bukan, bukan paradoks, tapi relatif,” sanggah Lintang.

”Ukuran obyek bergerak dilihat oleh subyek yang diam dan bergerak membuktikan hipotesis bahwa waktu dan jarak tidaklah mutlak tapi sebaliknya – relatif. Einstein membantah Newton dengan pendapat itu dan itulah aksioma pertama tori relativitas yang melambungkan Einstein.”

Ugghh, Lintang! Sejak kecil aku tak pernah punya kesempatan sedikitpun untuk berhenti mengagumi tokoh di depanku ini. Mantan kawanku sebangku yang sekarang menjadi penghuni sebuah bedeng kuli ternyata masih sharp! Walaupun bola mata jenakanya telah menjadi kusam seperti kelereng diamplas namun intuisi kecerdasannya tetap tajam seperti alap-alap mengintai anak ayam. Aku beruntung sempat bertemu dengan beberapa orang yang sangat genius tapi aku tahu Lintang memiliki bakat genius yang jauh melebihi mereka.

Aku termenung lalu menatapnya dalam-dalam. Aku merasa amat sedih. Pikiranku melayang membayangkan dia memakai celana panjang putih dan rompi pas badan dari bahan rajutan polyester, melapisi kemeja lengan panjang berwarna biru laut, naik mimbar, membawakn sebuah makalah di sebuah forum ilmiah yang terhormat. Makalah itu tentang terobosannya di bidang biologi maritim, fisika nuklir, atau energi alternatif.

Mungkin ia lebih berhak hilir mudik keluar negeri, mendapat beasiswa bergengsi, dibanding begitu banyak mereka yang mengaku dirinya intelektual tapi tak lebih dari ilmuwan tanggung tanpa kontribusi apapun selain tugas akhir dan nilai-nilai ujian untuk dirinya sendiri. Aku ingin membaca namanya di bawah sebuah artikel dalam jurnal ilmiah. Aku ingin mengatakan pada setiap orang bahwa Lintang, satu-satunya ahli genetika di Indonesia, orang yang telah menguasai operasi pohon Pascal sejak kelas satu SMP, orang yang memahami filosofi diferensial dan integral sejak usia demikian muda, adalah murid perguruan Muhammadiyah, temanku sebangku.

Namun, hari ini Lintang ternyata hanya seorang laki-laki kurus yang duduk bersimpuh menunggu giliran kerja rodi. Aku teringat lima belas tahun yang lalu ia memejamkan matanya tak lebih dari tujuh detik untuk menjawab soal matematika yang rumit atau untuk meneriakkan Joan d’Arc! Merajai lomba kecerdasan, melejitkan kepercayaan diri kami. Kini ia terpojok di bedeng ini, tampak tak yakin akan masa depannya sendiri. Aku sering berangan-angan ia mendapat kesempatan menjadi orang Melayu pertama yang menjadi matematikawan. Tapi angan-angan itu menguap, karena disini, di dalam bedeng tak berpintu inilah Isaac Newton-ku berakhir.

”Jangan sedih Ikal, paling tidak aku telah memenuhi harapan ayahku agar tak jadi nelayan...”

Dan kata-kata itu semakin menghancurkan hatiku, maka sekarang aku marah, aku kecewa pada kenyataan begitu banyak anak pintar yang harus berhenti sekolah karena alasan ekonomi. Aku mengutuki orang-orang bodoh, sok pintar yang menyombongkan diri, dan anak-anak orang kaya yang menyia-nyiakan kesempatan pendidikan.

I moved the posts to Another Bebeth on the Blog with the same title.

Are We Following The Wrong Path?

The Jakarta Post's headline today is titled "Business climate remains poor despite progress." Indonesia is ranked 129^th on the ease of doing business. Please follow this link to read the net’s version.

Based on 2009 Doing Business Report – issued by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – the following is the ranking on the ease of doing business in Asian countries:
1^st : Singapore
4^th : Hong Kong
13^th : Thailand
20^th : Malaysia
58^th : Mongolia
61^st : Taiwan
83^rd : China
88^th : Brunei
92^nd : Vietnam
129^th : INDONESIA
135^th : Cambodia
140^th : Phillippines
165^th : Lao PDR
170^th : Timor Leste

In 1998 we shouted loudly that we wanted change. We thought that by toppling down Soeharto we could have the change we dreamt so long… the change for the betterment of the country and the people.

In 2008 – ten years after we declared the commitment for change – we’re still wondering and are puzzled. Geez… why everything looks like in chaos. Are we better yet? I’d like to say ‘yes’ but I believe we need to show improvement better than the current performance. Otherwise we’ll be left behind by those countries that had improved their countries faster than us.

I wonder are we following the wrong path? Is democracy the right way for Indonesia? Or, should we better under a monarchy?

Soeharto ruled like a monarch – some people say he’s a strong and charismatic leader – and the country was deemed prosperous on the height of his ruling. Well, some of our presidents after Soeharto, i.e., Gus Dur, Megawati, SBY are also charismatic, but many people despise them because people don’t see they walk the talk or are brave, sensitive and quick enough to take action that raises hope in people’s heart.

Should Indonesia admit – although silently – that monarchy is the best match and that we need to be ruled by an-iron-fist leader or a king?

Ya, nggak diterusin deh, gue bisa ditimpukin banyak orang. *smile*

Reunion in A Mine Site

I had a business trip to Batu Hijau Site – the western part of Sumbawa Island. Can you guess what kind of mine site below?




There I met some of my seniors and juniors when I studied at Geology ITB – I met Edison Ali, Samuel Tirayoh, Widi, Dudi. Iwan Munajat was once worked there but he’s now in Sulawesi working with Iip Hardjana for one of the Australian mining companies. Jokingly I offered to be a courier for their vote to elect the 2008-2011 Chairman of IAGI (Ikatan Ahli Geologi Indonesia or Indonesia’s Professional Geologist Association). *smile*

Dudi gave me a tour to the mine site. He’s considered one of the experienced geologists on the site.

I couldn’t meet Dennis as he’s out of the mine site attending a forum for professional mine geologists.

The real surprise was when I met Rishad Pohan by coincidence – when I had breakfast. We worked in the same company more than ten years ago. *smile* But, we couldn’t talk much though because I had to hurry up to prepare for a management team meeting.

Follow this link for more pictures.

Kompas Site Got Hacked?

I usually check on www.kompas.com for anything about Indonesia. Though nothing in particular in choosing this site for news about Indonesia - just out of my daily routine.

Well, today, a scary thing has happened. When I launched the browser to this site (I think it's around 2:30PM Toronto time or 1:30AM Jakarta time)... I got a blackboard with note on it.The text was red, yellow, and white. This was what it said:

Just do It..!!!

Maaf Sebelumnya
Semoga Bangsa Ini Tidak Bangkrut
Atas Segala Kebobrokan Di Amieni

Selamat atas semua penjabat yang mengedepankan perut dan sedikit dibawahnya...
Semoga anda selalu mendapat petunjuk
untuk selalu menipu kami...

Untuk kawan-kawan www.kompas.com
Ada banyak Hal Yang Perlu Diperbaiki

The tab says: Hiduplah Indonesia Raya

I think someone is really pissed off about the current condition in Indonesia and would like to channel (or, show) it in a big cyber way. Or, is it a group?

When, I'd like to save the image, it named itself: ana-conda. Serem euy...

Thirty minutes later... I couldn't get to this site, instead I got "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage" message. That image was gone.

Scary, huh.

Learn to Bargain

I couldn’t help laughing when Eltje mentioned about how school teach children to bargain to buy vegetables in traditional market.

In this age of convenient-above-everything-and-anything virtually all mothers in big urban cities go to supermarket or hypermarket to do their weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly grocery shopping. Naturally, their children never in their lifetime enter any traditional markets to bargain for things. So, the school takes the initiative to introduce it to them – of course not many schools have this kind of program for their primary students. (OK, it’s the program in SD Santa Ursula in Jakarta.) It’s so much funnier in Bahasa Indonesia than in English, so here it is….

Tadi si Thasia belajar kegiatan tawar menawar. Jadi tuh ceritanya mereka ke pasar traditional dan mesti belanja. Tuh anak-anak kelas 2 dibagi dalam kelompok yang setiap kelompoknya 6-7 orang. Terus mereka dikasih daftar belanjaan + uang Rp. 20.000. Uang Rp. 20.000 mesti cukup untuk beli semua sayuran yang ada di dalam list. Kita ni ibu-ibu team kerja yang jualan dan kita sudah dikasih contekan harga termahal dan termurah sayuran yang kita jual. Gue tadi kebagian jualan wortel, buncis, kentang, tomat, kol, labu siam, sama toge. Lucu-lucu deh. Ada anak yang nunjuk buncis tapi bilangnya mau beli kacang panjang. (Hehe... like one girl in my team who can’t differentiate between green beans and string beans.) Sayuran yang harganya Rp. 2000, eh, malah ditawar Rp. 3000. Ada kelompok yang sudah kehabisan uang - karena enggak bisa nawar - tapi daftar belanjaannya masih banyak yang belum dibeli, nyoba ngerayu penjualnya, "Gratis deh, Tante. Kita sudah enggak punya uang lagi nih". Atau, "Kita nyanyi deh Tante, tapi sayurnya gratis yach." Ada yang berdoa "moga-moga turun uang dari langit." Gue juga mau tuh kalo bisa dapat uang dari langit. Ada yang udah bayar tapi waktu ditanya kembaliannya berapa mereka bingung. Yang lucu lagi ada yang sudah beli pisang, eh, uangnya kurang untuk beli sayuran, pisangnya dibalikin lagi, terus uangnya dibeliin sayuran. Wah, pokoknya seru deh. Setelah mereka selesai belanja, mereka dikasih waktu untuk ngitung belanjaannya, setelah itu mereka harus present hasilnya....uangnya cukup enggak, sayurannya kebeli semua enggak. Seru juga loh! Anak-anak millenium enggak kenal pasar dan pada enggak bisa nawar.

I recalled when I was on grade six my mom made me going to this traditional market to do our grocery shopping. She’d give me the money just enough to cover the things that she needed me to buy. As I got smarter – from bargaining, of course – I could save some from the allocated money and could buy my favorite things, such as books and ice creams. I had to bargain with my mom first to allow me to have this money. *smile*

CONSARETY

We just got our monthly Warta Andreas and I read through some of the articles. There's activity done by my former high school Saint Ursula. During my time then, we did some social awareness activities, i.e., Exhibition with Consumerism as a theme and Living In (a regular program that made us spending couple weeks to stay with communities in rural areas, especially ones that were far away from big cities). I'm proud to be an Ursula's alumni, as always. *smile* So, proudly I quoted their social awareness activity below...

CONSARETY
SMA St. Ursula, Acara Lingkungan Hidup
Sabtu, 12 Januari 2008

Sebagai tindak lanjut dari acara Road to A Better Living, 26 Agustus 2007 lalu, BP (Badan Pembina) OSIS SMA Santa Ursula Jakarta kembali mengadakan acara dengan tema lingkungan hidup. Acara unggulan ini berlangsung di SMA Santa Ursula pada tanggal 12 Januari 2008, dari pukul 12.00-20.30 WIB.

Satu minggu sebelum acara ini diadakan, atas bantuan Bapak Miki, selaku perwakilan dari Dinas Pertamanan DKI Jakarta, BP OSIS Santa Ursula juga telah melakukan sebuah gerakan politisasi di daerah Pasar Baru, yakni sebuah gerakan yang bertujuan membentuk kawasan hijau dengan cara menanami tanaman-tanaman dalam pot, sebagai bentuk antisipasi atas ketersediaan lahan di Jakarta yang dewasa ini semakin menipis dan kurang memadai.

Acara CONSARETY (Conserving Environment through Science and Art for Humanity) ini sekaligus merupakan bukti kepedulian siswi-siswi SMA Santa Ursula akan pentingnya lingkungan hidup. Hal ini terlihat pada tema dan kegiatan-kegiatan yang tergabung di dalamnya, seperti stand-stand lingkungan hidup, pemutaran jingle dengan tema "Smile to the Earth", FoodFest yang hanya menyajikan makanan-makanan anti MSG dan tidak menggunakan styrofoam, sampai sebuah theater performance berjudul "Inspektur Jendral" yang dimainkan oleh Teater Putri Santa Ursula (TPSU), yang lagi-lagi bertemakan lingkungan hidup.

Disamping itu, acara ini juga bertujuan untuk menggalang dana bagi korban bencana alam, khusunya korban lumpur Lapindo Brantas, dengan mengalokasikan dana sebesar Rp. 5.000 untuk setiap tiket yang terjual, serta dengan melakukan penjualan kartu-kartu peduli korban bencana alam yang dibuat oleh siswi-siswi SMA Santa Ursula. Adapun acara CONSARETY sendiri dihadiri pula oleh Bapak Sutan Batuegana, Wakil Ketua Komisi VII DPR-RI.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." (Nelson Mandela)

Gone was the Smiling General

I read the text message, after I got out of a movie theater, that Indonesia's second president was died today at 1:10PM at Pertamina Hospital. Follow this link and read Mantan Presiden Soeharto Wafat. Gone was the smiling general, former leader of this vast archipelago for 32 years. I sent out my prayer for him. I believe he needs it. Let God be the judge for all his past doings, good and bad. Let’s take it as the starting point to deal with our past — there’s no more place for impunity.

Ten years ago these were the days when the exchange rate from US Dollar was as high as seventeen to eighteen thousands to Indonesia Rupiah. The next couple of months people lived in fear — student-activists just gone missing, ethnics butchering rumors lingered on — led to one of the darkest milestone in Indonesia’s history, the Black May tragedy.

We can forgive, but let’s not forget… We are Indonesians and we have the rights to bequeath justice to the next generation — that all tears, sufferings, tragedies, and sacrifices were not buried and died in vain and that we have hope to build a better and dignified Indonesia.

The Earth's Shaking

I was in my deep sleep when the 7.5 Richter earthquake strike Indonesia on August 9 at 12:04AM. My sister text me from Toronto in the middle of the night asking whether we’re all OK. I bet the EWS works well on that part of the world. (Tentunya aku si belor ini tidak terbangun untuk membalasa sms-nya karena tidak merasakan apa-apa.) Follow this link for August 9, 2007 earthquake and tectonic summary.

But, when the 7.9 Richter earthquake shook Indonesia on September 12, I was still in the office. Follow this link for September 12, 2007 earthquake and tectonic summary. I hope there won't be many casualties.

Many people in the office have left for home to prepare for their first day of ramadhan. I stayed on because I still had many things to do and I was sure that the streets on the night prior to the first day of ramadhan are always jam-packed.

I heard the beating sound to my window glass. At first I thought it’s the rain that beat the window glass. But, wait… the blinds were shaking and no way the wind could enter the window and made the blinds swinging strongly. I stood up and looked for Kezia – the only one in my team that’s still in the office. I said to her, “I think we have earth quake…” She felt it too and said that she felt dizzy just by looking at the swaying blinds. Soon we felt the floor beneath us swaying quite strongly.

We heard people screaming on the other side of the office, so we approached them. They’re all panic. I and Kezia didn’t say anything but took it as ‘let’s get out of here now.’ We went back to our desks to fetch our bags before went out to the front door and climbed down the stairs. There were about couple minutes passed before I really started to ascend the 18 floors (later, I found out it’s actually 19 floors).

As a former geologist I knew Jakarta should be OK – unlikely to be affected directly by tsunami or landslide. But what I fear was the building construction. Well, I live in Jakarta long enough to doubt the quality of the building construction. But, then… there are many Japanese companies in this building, and Japanese is very peculiar about safety and security. It should be OK. All the while I thought about ‘what ifs’... what if the building cracks and collapses and we’re trapped inside.

With high heels (damn, why I did wear these shoes in this particular day!) and my heavy-stuff bag, I safely delivered myself to the loading floor. My body was wet with sweat – hmm… thinking about going to the gym. I was separated from Kezia and wanted to call her soon after I arrived on the ground. My goodness! I left my cell phone on my desk. Saat-saat kayak gini baru ngerasa pentingnya punya ha-pe.

I walked and then stood by the lobby of MidPlaza II. Well, there I met Kezia… safe and sound. (Good that she changed her shoes with sandal jepit.) There were already lot of people in front of the lobby’s door and many people went straight out. Pak Parimun brought me my cell phone. I got several miscalls. I thought all the calls were asking about the quake – but I was wrong. Pipiet called but didn’t ask about the earthquake but to ask about going to Bandung during the weekend. *smile* My sister in Singapore told me that she could feel the earthquake too and was asked to go home. My boss in Singapore also text me asking about the office and staff...

Emang merasakan sendiri jauh bedanya dengan membaca dari koran…

Former Chevron boss dies at 74

While I was going through yesterday’s newspaper I read half-page Obituary (on page 49 of Kompas daily newspaper dated August 22, 2007) for Bapak Haroen Al Rasjid from Chevron IndoAsia Business Unit.

The news as appeared on The Jakarta Post: Former Chevron boss dies at 74.

Haroen Al Rasjid, a former president of PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (formerly Caltex Pacific Indonesia), passed away here Tuesday morning. He was 74 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Astari Rasjid, and three children.

Haroen recently suffered a stroke and was being treated at Jakarta's MMC hospital.

The body was taken to the family's home on Jl. Teuku Umar in Menteng, Central Jakarta, before being transported to Kalibata Heroes Memorial Cemetery in South Jakarta for burial.

Many remembered Haroen as sincere and hard working, and a man of numerous achievements.

"He was full of charisma, pleasant and warm in person," CPI president Suwito Anggoro said during Haroen's memorial service. "His apt social skills led to his being respected and regarded not only within the company, but also outside."

Born in Medan, North Sumatra, on March 14, 1933, Haroen spent his childhood in Blitar and Malang, East Java.

He earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

It was during his university years in Australia that Haroen received his first hands-on professional experience working for a number of different companies.

Returning to Indonesia, Haroen went to work for CPI in 1958, climbing the corporate ladder through dedication and hard work. He became CPI's government relations superintendent for the Rumbai region in 1967, and in 1977 took over as president from Julius Tahija.

Haroen helped transform CPI into a world-class oil and gas company.

He resigned in 1994 and served as chairman of CPI's board of commissioners until 2003.


I met him once when I presented seismic-processing output at then PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, located in Rumbai, Riau. I was still a rookie in this field and Jeff – my co-op advisor when I was there – made me do it. Pak Haroen was about my height but he’s very charismatic. (Pak Zen – my former advisor when I was studying in ITB – made a practical joke specifically on short men: genius and charismatic leaders are usually short, for example Napoleon Bonaparte, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, BJ Habibie, and the likes.)

How strange... as I and one of my Client made a good comment on him in our meeting about two weeks ago. Rest in Peace, Pak Haroen.

Bentuk Nasionalisme

Berikut adalah rangkuman komentar beberapa orang yang dimuat di harian Kompas (16 Agustus 2007) mengenai bentuk nasionalisme sehubungan dengan peringatan hari kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia yang ke 62.

Kususui sendiri bayi-bayiku sampai umur 2 tahun, jadwal ketat imunisasi, kusiapkan sendiri makanan yang bergizi, kuajari sopan dan ramah, kuajari melakukan pekerjaan rumah tangga sehari-hari. Jadilah mereka anak-anak yang pandai dan berbudi. Nah kini mereka kupersembahkan untuk jadi pandu pertiwi. (Farida, 50 tahun, Jakarta)

Dulu selama 3 tahun, selain kuliah di UGM aku membantu jadi guru Bahasa Inggris di SD Jatisari Sleman tanpa dibayar. Aku tak mau kemiskinan struktural membelenggu murid-muridku untuk maju. (Thomas, 31 tahun, Semarang)

Walaupun aku gak bisa nerusin sekolah SMA dan sekarang bekerja tapi aku akan berusaha belajar dari media apapun yang bisa membuat aku tidak bodoh. (Rastikawati, 18 tahun, Jakarta)

Saya lebih memilih tas buatan Tanggul Angin-Sidoarjo ketimbang tas bermerek meski bisa nitip ke suami yang kadang-kadang dinas ke luar negeri. (Dhani, 42 tahun, Jakarta)

Saya terjun ke kelompok-kelompok tani untuk penyuluhan Pertanian ORGANIK. Mendorong untuk bertani secara ramah lingkungan, non kimia, menyehatkan dan mampu berdaulat secara pangan. Menyadarkan petani semata-mata untuk tidak menjadi obyek produk perusahaan trans-nasional. Ini nasionalismeku! (Gons, 30 tahun, Pematangsiantar)

Gw cuma pake 6 gayung sekali mandi. Kalo keramas nambah 2 gayung. Ini bentuk nasionalisme gw demi menjaga lingkungan Indonesia, apalagi nggak semua orang di Indonesia punya akses terhadap air bersih. (Svetlana, 19 tahun, Yogyakarta)

Adikku hari ini beranggkat mengikuti ekspedisi ke Natuna, dalam rangka menguatkan pertahanan sosial budaya pulau-pulau terluar. Kudoakan tim mereka dapat menjalankan tugas dengan baik. Rasanya bangga dengan kiprah anak-anak muda itu. Pertahankan kedaulatan Indonesia seutuhnya! (Nataresmi, 28 tahun, Tangerang)

Gw cinta budaya Indonesia! Sampe sekarang, gw masih suka maenin permainan ’asli Indonesia’ seperti bekel, congklak, gw pikir permainan Indonesia bener gak ada matinya! Sampai sekarang permainan kayak gitu tetep seru, itu dia yang bikin gw cinta Indonesia! (Gracia, 16 tahun, Jakarta)

Dengan bersepeda ke kantor walau 2x seminggu dan selalu memanfaatkan kertas bekas di kantor dapat membuat bumi Indonesia lebih sehat, ini nasionalisme gue. (Petrus Simanjuntak, 27 tahun, Bekasi)

’Pemulung’ itulah sebutan yang dilontarkan oleh teman-teman untuk saya. Karena saya sering memungut sampah dimanapun berada. Tak jarang saku saya tebal, bukan karena uang banyak, tapi karena penuh dengan bungkus permen. Inilah ekspresi nasionalisme saya! (M. Sholich Mubarok, 21 tahun, Demak)

Saya bertani di desa agar berkurang 1 beban negara karena pengangguran, itu nasionalismeku! (Adi, 24 tahun, Cianjur)

Saya dan istri membuka Sanggar Kreativitas Seni di teras halaman rumah di bawah pohon mangga. Tiap minggu menggambar bersama dengan anak-anak tetangga. Menumbuh-kembangkan imajinasi, intuisi, ide, gagasan adalah bentuk kesadaran nasionalisme juga! (Munadi, 44 tahun, Tangerang)

Tugasku menjaga kerapihan barisan setiap Senin dan membuat kelas selalu tertib, adalah bagian dari nasionalisme juga kan? (Muhammad Rifky, 7,5 tahun, Depok)

Bikin kursus komputer gratis bagi anak SD, SMP, biar generasi kita melek teknologi. (Adja Djadja, 39 tahun, Bandung)

Saya dirikan LKM khusus untuk KK miskin dengan modal sendiri. Memberikan pinjaman berupa sepasang kambing untuk 47 KK miskin dengan target 800 KK miskin dalam 6 bulan dengan sistim bagi hasil 70-30. (Mulyadi, 29 tahun, Kabupaten Limapuluh Kota)

Aku terus menabung agar aku bisa jadi sarjana hukum, biar di negeriku tak lagi ada jual beli hukum. (Imam Subkhi, 23 tahun, Brebes)


Lalu bagaimana denganku? Apa bentuk nasionalismeku? Bentuknya biasa saja sih. Menurutku segala sesuatu harus dimulai dari hal-hal kecil dalam diri kita sendiri.

Indonesia terkenal dengan korupsinya – jadi aku berusaha nggak korupsi dalam bentuk sekecil apapun, nggak korupsi waktu apalagi duit... walau nggak ada yang lihat.

Indonesia terkenal sebagai orang yang jorok dan tidak dapat memelihara barang dengan baik – jadi aku berusaha untuk tidak membuang sampah sembarangan, menjaga ruang dan barang bersama juga barang-barang yang menjadi tanggung-jawabku sebaik mungkin. Kalau ruang kerja kotor ya bantu dibersihkan. Kan tidak harus kudu tunggu office boy. Lagipula kebersihan itu tanda orang berbudaya… sikap masa bodoh dan kejorokan adalah tanda orang tidak atau kurang berbudaya.

Indonesia terkenal sebagai orang yang suka saenak udele dewek alias kurang bertanggung-jawab – jadi aku berusaha bertanggung-jawab dalam mengerjakan apapun yang menjadi tugasku. Tidak menunggu sampai besok kalau ada yang bisa diselesaikan hari ini. Berusaha bertanggung-jawab untuk bagian tugasku sehingga tidak menyusahkan orang lain. Bertanggung-jawab untuk semua kata-kata yang pernah kukeluarkan.

Indonesia terkenal sebagai orang yang suka iri akan keberhasilan orang lain, nggak bisa liat orang lain seneng *sigh* – jadi aku berusaha bersyukur atas apa yang kucapai, mau belajar dari sekelilingku, memperbaiki kekuranganku, dan berusaha untuk menjadi lebih baik dengan cara halal. Ada satu terminologi yang terbawa sejak aku kuliah di ITB – MTQ. Contohnya, ”Jangan MTQ”... artinya ”Jangan makan tulang q(k)awan”. Namanya juga teman, jadi jangan dikhianati atau dikadalin.

Indonesia juga terkenal sebagai salah satu negara yang banyak hutangnya – jadi aku berusaha untuk tidak berhutang. Kalau berhutang ke kartu kredit berusaha untuk cepat bayar, apalagi kalau berhutang kepada teman, pantang tidak membayar kembali.

Kalau aku keluar negeri aku tidak malu mengatakan aku orang Indonesia (walau citra Indonesia dan orang Indonesia sangat buruk di mata negara-negara lain) dan aku tunjukkan bahwa orang Indonesia itu nggak bodoh, jujur, disiplin, bertanggung-jawab, pekerja keras, dapat bekerja-sama, tidak sering mengeluh, dan tidak gampang menyerah. (He, he, he,... ini gue banget ya.)

Aku belikan mainan asli Indonesia untuk keponakan-keponakanku yang tinggal di luar Indonesia. Supaya mereka tahu tentang Indonesia walau hanya lewat mainan.

Aku ikut membantu kelompok LSM HAM walau hanya sebagai penterjemah, penghubung ke nara sumber, dan penyumbang berita. Kita harus berani berpihak pada yang benar (dan seringnya tertindas) walau mereka lemah, miskin, dan tidak terkenal. Kita harus berani jujur mengatakan yang salah adalah salah dan yang benar adalah benar, yang salah harus dihukum dan yang benar harus dibela. Justice for all. Tegakkan hukum agar kekuasaan dan kekayaan tidak membinasakan hati nurani dan tidak membungkam kebenaran dan keadilan.

Selamat merayakan hari kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia yang ke 62!! Mari menjadikannya lebih baik dari 62 tahun yang sudah lewat.

Lalu apa bentuk nasionalisme-mu?

Searching for Tirta Harapan

I don’t know why I’ve had this searching mania for old friends and acquaintances in the past couple months. And just last week I was thinking about Prof. Dirk de Hoop – the person responsible to make me return to Indonesia from Japan. I googled using several searching key words such as his name, his creation – Tirta Harapan logger/water level logger/barometric pressure logger, his alma mater) to no avail. And tonight… boom! When I googled using Hope and Hydrology… I found him! (He still lives in that house.)

Hope Hydrology is a research and development company, established in the Netherlands, active in development and production of pressure loggers, digital water level recorders, environmental data loggers and software for hydrological and environmental data processing.

Our instruments are typically used in measuring open channel flow, water level, ground water level, flumes, tide gauges, wave height, rainfall, snowfall, evaporation and sediment/suspended load. Our products are designed to provide high accuracy's and high reliability even in harsh environments.

A Synopsis of Technical Issues for Monitoring Sediment in Highway and Urban Runoff (U.S. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 00-497) mentions about this digital logger.

He loves Indonesia so much that he named his invention – Tirta Harapan. Tirta = water, and Harapan = hope. And he loved me so much that he named all the testing outputs for sediment logger after my middle name… sebagai guru dan murid gitu loh *smile* Yes, he’s the role model of how a university professor should be.

• I learnt a lot from him, from simple curing treatment to driving in mountainous area (I remember that trip to Papandayan). Science and engineering were covered in our conversation most of the times.
• He made me utilized all my capabilities to develop application for Tirta Harapan digital logger (in collaboration with DPMA, ITB, PU/Public Works, R&D Department of Forestry Ministry) and market it in Indonesia and beyond.
• He told me to go to museums that hold geological maps made by the Dutch in the past if I need anything about Indonesia’s geological information. (And he's damn right!)
• He always challenged me, even when I was so tired to talk and think, always got on my nerve. But, he's also the one who'd be there with all those suggestions when I needed them.
• It seemed it’s his number one assignment to annoy me when we’re doing testing or installation in the field.
• I couldn’t make him stop smoking those cigars or chewing those garlic during meals.
• He’s the one who explained to me in details the process to produce beer and he’s so sure that beer is better than water.
• His favorite food is Indonesian fried rice (nasi goreng)…. And beer should come with everything, be it nasi goreng or peanuts.
• He knows I’m a feminist and that’s why he always says ‘don’t let women think – because when it happens the world will be in trouble’. I used to be the only woman on field trips and he would always provoke me to make some gender comments.
• He said Soekarno was half Dutch and Soeharto had access to the wealth left by the Dutch colonial... and some off the record facts about Indonesia that can be traced and found in the Netherlands.
• I still keep a Christmas card he sent on that particular year. There are Mother Mary and Joseph on the card... and the things that I believe would provoke the people of faith are the third person and what Mother Mary says. Want to guess? (The clue: think as scientist, or think as people of reason rather than people of faith.)
• He has two sons, and one is managing his digital logger business now.

I’m so glad that I finally found him.

Who’s next? *smile*

Southern Indonesia?

While I was waiting for my flight to KL this afternoon, I sat in Starbucks inside Soekarno Hatta International Airport with a strong black coffee. I still needed to do my "homework". I called my mom that I'd board soon.

Something on the paper cup caught my attention. Here it is...

Caring for those who grow our coffee.

Healthy beginnings in Indonesia: With our support, CARE has provided over 35,000 women and their infants with access to health services, immunization and nutrition education in southern Indonesia. Please join Starbucks in support of CARE by calling 1-800-521-CARE

I know Starbucks is one of healthy donors for CARE International.... but it didn't check its marketing statement thoroughly. The statement is bold alright, but it's wrong!

Is there any place such as southern Indonesia? Come on... Give me a break! You better educate your print agency or replace them with another that really knows about Indonesia.