The Candidate

On my previous post I wrote about who will be the next Indonesian president and I said that perhaps Gus Dur will run again into the race of presidential election in 2009, against his rivals. But now he looks a like enthusiasm to support for Mr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra for the presidency. I think he already knew that he can’t run for RI-1, so he must hurry to find out and support other candidates. I was surprised to know that Gus Dur had chosen Mr. Yusril, former minister and his rival on the presidential election in 1999, but lately I know that both are closed friend. According to Antara.com Yusril said he was very optimistic about his chances in the election. His party, Partai Bulan Bintang, also supports him to try for the presidency.

Well it’s good! But don’t you remember, in 2003, on his statement on tokohindonesia.com, which said that he had no ambition to be a president unless his party won in the election / stayed on top position. Has Yusril have it now? Can he be our next president? Only god knows…

The Candidates of RI-1

From left; Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – Abdurrahman Wahid -known as Gus Dur-, Megawati Soekarno Putri – Wiranto – Sutiyoso / Bang Yos – Hamengkubuwono X.

Tell me, who is your favorite? Please, share here by using the add comment service.

Bali’s Event (The Royal Cremation’s Photos)

 

 

 

 

Click to see more The Royal Cremation’s photos

Protest Against The Beauty Contest

The beauty contest is still a hot debate for many years in Indonesia. I agree that the contest doesn’t reflect Indonesia’s culture. Using bikini and to show private parts of body is a vulgar and it as an act supporting pornography. I also sad to see Indonesian muslimah involved in that event and I’m supporting Muslims in Indonesia who protest against the contest.

I believe that you still remember as well, when Miss Indonesia 1996, Alya Rohali, took part in the Miss Universe contest. Even she attendance as an observer and she wasn’t in the competition, her attendance still drew some protests. In 2007, we also sent Artika Saridewi to compete, then Nadine Candrawinata, and they failed.  All this young Indonesian women had argued that the event was an opportunity for the world to learn more about Indonesia.

This year, Indonesia also sent Putri Raemawasti. Well, I must admit that she’s looking good in yellow bikini, but it won’t stop me to protest against the beauty contest. I’m still commit with it. Why we must protest it? It’s not our culture, nor our tradition, and it’s not good for our generation. There’re other important things to do in Indonesia, such as against poverty. Save Indonesia…save our future…save our generation. To be a part of the event won’t  help to promote Indonesia’s image in the world and bring in more tourists. There’re another things to do.  

Note: The Indonesian government, in Soeharto’s era (1966-1998), banned Indonesian women from competing in the international contest because the swimsuit competition in particular was cited as being against Indonesian culture and religious values.

Read Beauty Contests in the Eyes of Shari`ah

Memorizing Quran and Hadist competition

For the first time, Indonesian government in association with the Saudi government will hold an Asean Musabaqah Hifdzil Quran wal Hadist/MHQH (Memorizing Quran and Hadist competition). The event will be held at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in East Jakarta, from last of July 21 through 23.

The event will not only involve the Quran, but hadist (records of the words and deeds of Prophet Muhammad) as well. The event also will be held periodically and would be an annual affair.

Bali’s Event (Royal Cremation Ceremony)

A series of ceremonies will be held in Ubud, Bali, this coming month, culminating in a unique Royal Cremation (Pelebon) procession and Celebration of Life, which will take place on July 15th, 2008. This Royal Cremation Ceremony promises to be an unforgettable event for spectators.

 

The Ubud Royal Family will hold this ceremony for the bodies of two prominent elders of the family:
• Tjokorda Gde Agung Suyasa, who was head of the Ubud Royal Family and the leader of the traditional community in Ubud since 1976, and
• Tjokorda Gede Raka, who was a senior office in the police force in Denpasar until his retirement in 1992

 

This ceremony is very much a public one and visitors are welcome but everyone is reminded to dress appropriately, with legs and arms covered, and to abide by any instructions and announcements.

 

 Read more on 100% Indonesian 

 

Source: Royal Cremation Ceremony (Pelebon)

Foto: Sue Wright – Google

Happy Anniversary POLRI (July 1st, 2008)

I wishing POLRI all the best in year ahead. We all hope POLRI continue to maintain stability and security in the city and all Indonesia provinces in order to prevent conflict and anarchic actions. We also hope that you can handling all problems in Jakarta and satisfied your people, improving your performance and professionalism, continuosly change your image, eliminating corruption, justice not just promises for all citizen, and don;t use violence to demonstrans. So that we can still hope to expect more in the future. And the most importand is you can be our friend, partner and protect and serve people, no matter what.

Special to AKP Rizky and Iptu Anom at Pusdiklantas Serpong and Iptu Ibnu at Polda Papua, Goodluck.

Life is Getting Hard in Jakarta

Everything is difficult since fuel prices increase. Premium gasoline Rp 6,000 a liter from Rp 4,500, a liter. Solar diesel Rp 4,300 to Rp 5,500. Kerosene Rp 2,000 to Rp 2,500. On this situation, the rich are getting richer, and so are the poor. The policy made impact to the poor and low class in all province in Indonesia. The cash aid or BLT (Bantuan Langsung Tunai) seems didn’t impact to the poor families. It doesn’t make our problem solved, but getting worse, yes. Creating a new job for young people is a better way instead of giving subsidies. They can earn money and buy food, milk for theirs baby, clothes, and rent a room.

Every days on TV we can watch the students, activist, labors still protest the government policies and against the rising fuel cost. We hopes everythings is gonna be normal soon and stable. Insya allah, Amin…