LATEST NEWS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2008
The Jakarta Post 2008-09-04 13:27:06 The government has begun cracking down on illegal fishing by revoking operating licenses for vessels and trampers allegedly linked to foreign companies. During the first eight... Continue. Read also: The Indonesnavy s cooperative, Inkopal, is the business partner of the leading foreign fishing companies whose trawlers ply the Arafura Sea.Plundering the Sea
INDONESIA: LAND DISPUTE LEADS TO ATTACKS ON CHRISTIAN HUB
Compass Direct News, CA - 2008-09-04 04:31:52
Public Order officer warns ministry chairman to be ‘careful of your life.’
Students present fled to a nearby office of the Indonesia Bible Institute. Policemen standing nearby on the street made no attempt to intervene. Continue.
Indonesian Spy Chief Pleads Not Guilty To Activist's Murder
AFP 2008-09-02 17:43:29
JAKARTA - A former top Indonesian spy pleaded not guilty Tuesday to ordering the murder by poisoning of a high-profile human rights activist who had exposed military abuses. Muchdi Purwopranjono, 59, a former chief of the State Intelligence Agency, Continue.
Indonesia's former spy chief asks court to drop his murder case
Monsters and Critics.com - 2008-09-02 17:13:44
Prosecutors accused Muchdi Purwoprandjono, a former deputy chief of Indonesia's National Intelligence Agency, of ordering the murder of Munir Said Thalib, ... Continue.
Another BIN official with stronger motive: lawyers
2008-09-02 16:46:20
Another State Intelligence Agency (BIN) had a stronger motive for murdering human rights activist Munir, Muchdi Purwopranjono's team of lawyers said Tuesday. Continue.
Defense team: Muchdi prosecuted under international pressure
2008-09-02 14:35:55
A team of lawyers defending Muchdi Purwoprandjono said in a trial on Tuesday that international political pressures, particularly from the U.S. Continue.
Aceh Ruling Could Affect Papua Mining
2008-09-02 14:30:52
PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT - Analysts say a U.S. federal court ruling involving energy giant Exxonmobil and Indonesia’s military has major implications for international companies working in regions like Papua. Continue.
Witness reveals more on Paskah Suzetta
The Jakarta Post 2008-09-02 14:35:27
Jakarta - Paskah Suzetta, the current national development planning minister, was involved in attempts to cover up the alleged misappropriation of Rp 100 billion in central bank funds, a court heard Monday. Continue.
VP: economic, political justice key to maintaining NKRI integrity
2008-09-01 19:05:11
Economic and political justice is the key to maintaining the Unitary State of the Indonesian Republic (NKRI)`s integrity, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said here on Monday.Continue.
Indonesia to examine more of Suharto son's assets: prosecutor
AFP - 2008-09-01 14:13:39
Indonesia's finance ministry seized 134 million dollars from a firm linked to Tommy on Friday. It was the latest move to recover billions of dollars in ...Continue.
What poor Indonesians say about their life
2008-09-01 05:12:25
Someone knocked on my door one morning just when I was about to leave for work. "Sir, could you help me by giving me a job? Please, let me repair your house?" he begged.Continue.
Political parties urged to obey law and KPU regulations
2008-09-01 04:47:26
Political parties in Indonesia have been urged to remain obeying law No 10, 2008 on general elections and General Election Committee (KPU) regulation No 19/2008 on guidelines pertaining to the implementation of the general elections. Continue.
House anniversary tainted by corruption
2008-08-30 21:32:08
The House of Representatives celebrated its 63rd anniversary on Friday amid a growing public perception that corruption had taken root in the legislative body, which Continue.
UNDP - Bappenas report shows regional development uneven
2008-08-30 21:32:07
Wide social and economic disparities between regions across Indonesia remains a serious hindrance to development, a new report on regional development for the 2004-2007 period says Continue.
France wants its Pacific territories to integrate with Forum
ABC August 30, 2008 09:18:09
Indonesia seizes 134 million dollars from Suharto son: report
2008-08-30 14:58:13
Indonesia has seized 134 million dollars from a firm linked to Suharto's youngest son, reports said Saturday, in the latest move to bring the ex-dictator's family to account for alleged graft. The finance ministry ordered Bank Mandiri to hand over 1.23 Continue.
RI not to meddle in Xinjiang conflict: envoy
2008-08-29 23:39:35
Indonesia will not meddle in the conflict in the north-western Chinese special autonomous region of Xinjiang where a secessionist movement has become active, although the majority of the area`s population, like Indonesia`s, are Muslims, a diplomat said. Continue.
Exxon Gets Dragged Down by Cases of Human Right Violations in Aceh
TEMPO Interactive 2008-08-29 21:31:45
The Washington Federal Court decided in favor of 11 Acehnese last Wednesday to bring to court giant US oil company, ExxonMobil, and its subsidiaries -- Mobil Corp, ExxonMobil Oil Corp and ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia (EMOI) -- in a case involving murder, Continue.
WFP official: Four million children malnourished in Indonesia
People's Daily 2008-08-29 22:50:25
At least four million children in Indonesia currently suffer from malnutrition and invisible hunger, an official of the World Food Program (WFP) said on Friday. Continue.
Police uncover crimes with crimes, survey shows
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 3:35 PM
According to a Jakarta Legal Institute (LBH) survey, 83.65 percent of 367 detainees undergoing police investigation between January 2007 and January 2008 said they had experienced police brutality...
Military purpose, influence in Indonesia
2008-08-29 16:02:20
Juwono Sudarsono - minister for defense of Indonesia:
We are in a constant process of nation-building and nation-replenishing. From Aceh to Papua, soldiers teach arithmetic, help rebuild villages, devise irrigation systems and provide primary health care. Each deed reinforces the local's sense of actively partaking in replenishing a more confident and vibrant Indonesian nation. Continue.
U.S. court finds TNI links to ExxonMobil
2008-08-29 14:18:51
Legal experts and civil society groups welcomed a U.S. Federal court ruling Thursday to proceed with a trial against U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil, which stands accused of supporting the Indonesian military's alleged killings and torture in Aceh. Continue.
ExxonMobil case said to highlight Indonesia rights abuses
AFP - 2008-08-29 02:16:12
The Indonesian military's links to human rights abuses while helping foreign mining firms are being exposed in a lawsuit by local villagers against US energy giant ExxonMobil, analysts said Thursday. Continue.
Indonesian armed forces chief shrugs off ExxonMobil suit
2008-08-28 19:55:33
Indonesia's armed forces chief dismissed Thursday a US federal court judge's ruling that ExxonMobil must face a lawsuit over alleged killings and torture by troops in Aceh province. General Djoko Sant... Continue.
ExxonMobil must face Indonesian villagers' lawsuit: US judge
AFP 2008-08-28 09:43:58
WASHINGTON - ExxonMobil must face a lawsuit filed by Indonesian villagers alleging that the US oil giant is liable for killings and torture committed by military security forces, a federal judge said Wednesday. 'Plaintiffs have provided Continue.
Indonesia praises PNG for smothering Papua issue
2008-08-28 12:52:27
Indonesia’s ambassador to Papua New Guinea has praised PNG?s Government for blocking the West Papua issue from being raised in recent meetings of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and Pacific Islands Forum. Bom Soerjanto made these remarks at a Continue.
Fiji diplomat labels Pacific Forum 'bullies'
ABC August 28, 2008 17:01:45
Golkar To Team Up With Megawati
TEMPO Interactive 2008-08-27 08:58:43
Jakarta:Golkar parliamentary leader Priyo Budi Santoso said yesterday that some thought has been given to teaming up with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) for the coming 2009 presidential election. "There have been Continue.
· MURDER AT SEA
Aljazeera Aug 27, 2008 8:34 AM
Hundreds of "undocumented" Burmese fishermen - perhaps up to 2,000 men - have been abandoned on the remote Indonesian island of Tual, west of Papua New Guinea
Gusmao looks to jobs, food, education
2008-08-27 02:18:20
XANANA GUSMAO has had many difficult roles in his 62 years: as rural teacher, guerilla leader, political prisoner, symbolic president of a raw and traumatised new nation. His latest job could be the toughest of all: Continue.
Leading academic says law has failed Fiji
Tue Aug 26, 2008 4:07pm AEST
RAA leading acadamic on Fiji politics says it's not democracy that has failed the country, it's the rule of law. Doctor Brij Lal made the comments in response to interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama's claim that democratic governments have failed Fiji.
U.S. maintains presence in Asia-Pacific
2008-08-26 11:48:52
The United States will continue its military presence in Asia-Pacific to protect its strong and enduring interests, in the wake of China's growing power. Continue.
Christian College in Indonesia Will Relocate After Violent Attacks
2008-08-26 08:37:41
Attacks on their campus have forced students at a Christian college in Indonesias capital to take refuge in tents and in the lobby of the parliament building for nearly a month, while the theology school has agreed to relocate out of a predominantly Continue.
Indonesia: Parties eye new coalition for 2009 presidential race (Adnkronos)
Adnkronos Jakarta, 26 August 2008
UN calls for justice in East Timor
2008-08-25 10:10:55
DILI - Eriancy Situmora was in court last year when the four soldiers who killed her husband and seven other unarmed police officers were convicted of one of the worst atrocities during weeks of rioting in the capital in 2006. Continue.
TNI embraces human rights
Jakarta Sat, 08/23/2008 10:01 AM
The TNI has been accused of widespread violence across the country, including alleged gross human rights violations during its military operations in East Timor, Papua, Aceh and other areas, even during the current reform era.
Religious tensions simmer in Indonesia
Arizona Daily Star 2008-08-23 15:41:32
JAKARTA, Indonesia - Hundreds of Christian theology students have been living in tents since a mob of angry Muslim neighbors stormed their campus last month wielding bamboo spears and hurling Molotov cocktails. Continue.
RI in need of 'Muslim leader'
2008-08-22 12:21:11
Indonesia needs a Muslim statesman to lead the nation, rather than just political parties, a hard-line Muslim student group said Thursday. Continue.
Vengeance most likely motive in rights activist murder
2008-08-21 17:38:14
A state prosecutor says vengeance was the likely motive of top intelligence official Muchdi Purwoprandjono accused of orchestrating the killing of rights activist Munir Said Thalib.Continue.
Political parties branded as reform's illegitimate riders
2008-08-20 12:31:22
The country's 10 years of reform failed to achieve the main goal of providing prosperity for all, thanks to "instant leaders" and unconsolidated parties, a discussion concluded Tuesday.Continue.
Corruption scandal set to rock Indonesia's central bank
Channel News Asia, Singapore - 2008-08-19 20:52:26
JAKARTA: Another corruption scandal is set to rock Indonesia's central bank, as well as the country's parliament. New evidence has emerged that lawmakers ...Continue.
Politicians blamed for heating conflicts
2008-08-19
Sixty-three years after independence and 10 years after reform, political elite groups have cometo regard ethnic and religious differences as problems, subsequently manipulating them for their own Continue.
EAST TIMOR/INDONESIA: 'Restorative Justice' is Justice Denied?
IPS 2008-08-18 13:16:31
MELBOURNE - East Timor’s most prominent independence leaders -- currently holders of the young nation’s two highest political offices -- may now be the main obstacles to obtaining justice for victims of the 1999 referendum-related violence. Continue.
Papuan tribe questions govt over issued mining licenses
2008-08-18 12:46:00
A traditional tribal community in Waigeo, Raja Ampat regency, in Papua, has questioned the government's decision to authorize nine mining companies to operate in their region. Continue.
Indonesia's path to democracy lagging in social reform: FES
Jakarta Post, 2008-08-18 12:52:55
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has worked closely with local non-governmental organizations for around four decades in various activities -- ranging Continue.
New Violence in Indonesia over Papuan Independence
New America Media, CA - 2008-08-18 05:43:18
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Opinus Tabuni, 35, was shot dead during a peaceful rally in the city of Wamena in the picturesque Baliem valley in the Indonesian ...Continue.
Indonesia linked to teacher deaths
2008-08-17 04:26:47
NEW evidence has emerged linking the Indonesian military to the 2002 murder of two American teachers and an Indonesian colleague in a remote region of Papua, according to research by a US academic and an Indonesian investigative journalist. 'Credible Continue.
Three years of peace in Aceh
ABC International Radio Australia 2008-08-16 03:17:39
It's the third anniversary of the peace accord in the Indonesian province of Aceh. But while the war may be over, there are other challenges facing Aceh, including tensions within the former independence movement. Presenter: Sonja Randhawa Speakers: Muhammad Nur Djuli, member of the GAM Continue.
Suspect in Activist Murder to Be Charged in Indonesia
2008-08-16 03:17:38
JAKARTA (Reuters) - A former top Indonesian intelligence official suspected of involvement in the murder of a prominent human rights activist will be formally charged in court next week, officials said on Friday. South Jakarta district court spokesman,Continue.
Police shun UN role in Papua
2008-08-15 20:41:08
Police rejected a request by six Papuan Tribal Council executives to allow UN staff to accompany them during an investigation into the hoisting of a separatist flag last week. Continue.
Five loggers killed inn Maluku landslide
2008-08-14 15:44:26
At least five loggers were killed in a landslide which occurred in a forest near Hualoy village in Kairatu sub district, West Seram District, last Monday (Aug 11) or Tuesday (Aug 12, local residents said.Continue.
Indonesia rejects US concerns on airing Hezbollah TV
Reuters -2008-08-14 20:51:35
JAKARTA, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Indonesia dismissed on Thursday US concerns over the broadcasting of a Lebanese television channel backed by Hezbollah via a ...Continue.
Time for RI to show courage to reject U.S. request
August 14th, 2008
It is time for Indonesia to show the world that as a sovereign country, it has the courage not to succumb to any foreign pressure including that from the United States often regarded as a superpower often exerting its influence on the developing countries.
Hypocrisy, human rights and the Beijing games
Green Left Weekly issue # 762 13 August 2008.
The Beijing Olympic games, which began on August 8, are shaping up to be a perfect reflection of our times — taking place against a backdrop of human rights abuses, terrorism scares and under a blanket of chemical smog.
Dutch students to visit Ambon for comparative studies
2008-08-13 22:42:47
Ambon (ANTARA News) - At least 12 students from Vissingen city in the Netherlands will make a two-week visit in Maluku province to conduct comparative studies starting August 16, 2008, a local official said here Wednesday.Continue.
Official: Indonesia to take firm action against separatist OPM
Xinhua, China -2008-08-13 10:17:49
The minister said the US government has reiterated its support for Indonesia's integrity. Only a few US Congressmen expressed support for and concern about ...Continue.
Indonesia rejects U.S. congressmen's request to release OPM sympathizers
2008-08-12 20:35:07
JAKARTA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government rejected the request of a group of United States Congressmen to release two convicted sympathizers of the outlawed separatist Free Papua Organization (OPM), a spokesman said here on Tuesday. Continue.
Hoisting `Bintang Kejora` flag act of separatism : Mily Chief
2008-08-12 20:29:45
Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Gen Djoko Santoso said the hoisting of the "Bintang Kejora" (Morning Star) flag in Papua recently proved that separatists were still active in the country`s most-eastern province. Continue.
Corruption and democracy
August 12, 2008
If anything is going to cripple or even strangle Indonesian democracy, it is corruption.
Indonesian Military returns to politics?
2008-08-12 14:35:52
Evan A. Laksmana, Singapore - In the past few weeks, a debate surrounding the 2009 general elections has revolved around the role of the Indonesian Military (TNI) in political parties where almost every major political party has former military officers Continue.
Embassy counters U.S. Congress letter
The Jakarta Post Monday, August 11, 2008
The United States supports Indonesia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and does not support independence movements in any part of Indonesia, including in Papua, its embassy in Jakarta said Saturday.
Indonesia corruption drive breeds fear
2008-08-11 09:48:14
By Lucy Williamson BBC News, Jakarta Those taking dirty money are now under new scrutiny. A lawmaker here in Jakarta confided the other day that he no longer admitted what he did for a living. 'If I'm in a taxi,' he said, 'and the driver asks me what my job Continue.
Indonesian gov't urged to reject U.S. congress' request
2008-08-11 01:49:30
JAKARTA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Hidayat Nurwahid called on the government on Sunday to firmly reject the U.S. Congress' request for the immediate and unconditional release of two sympathizers of the outlawed Free Papua Movement (OPM). Continue.
Thousands hold rally outside U.S. consulate office in E Java
2008-08-10 18:17:25
Thousands of activists of the Indonesian Islamic Organization Hizbut Tahir Indonesia (HTI) staged a rally outside the office of the US Consulate General here on Sunday in protest against US Congress`s letter asking for the release of two detained sympathizers of the outlawed Free Papua Organzation (OPM). Continue.
HTI warns US against interfering in RI`s internal affairs
2008-08-10 02:40:49
Tens of members of the Islamic organization Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) staged a rally outside the US embassy here on Saturday asking Washington not to meddle in Indonesia`s domestic affairs.Continue.
FM to reply to US Congress letter soon
2008-08-10 03:54:14
Foreign Minister Hasan Wirajuda said on Saturday he will soon reply to the US Congress` letter demanding the "immediate and unconditional" release of two sympathizers of the outlawed separatist OPM (Free Papua Organization).Continue.
One dead in rioting in Indonesia's Papua province
2008-08-09 21:34:50
Jakarta - One person died from gunshot wounds Saturday after Indonesian police opened fire in an attempt to stop rioting in the country's easternmost province of Papua, media reports said. MetroTV reported the riot broke out after police officers removed Continue.
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Muslims rally in Indonesia at US call for release of activists
AFP via Yahoo! News 2008-08-09 16:04:12
A hardline Muslim group staged a rally outside the US embassy in Jakarta on Saturday to protest over a call by Washington for the release of two Papuan activists. Continue.
TNI chief, minister split over Papua
2008-08-09 15:24:55
Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono and TNI chief Gen. Djoko Santoso were divided Friday in their responses to a request from U.S. Congress members asking Indonesia to release two convicted Papuan separatists. Continue.
Indonesia's Antam to source nickel from Maluku mines
Reuters -2008-08-08 18:41:39
Indonesia's state-owned miner PT Aneka Tambang said on Friday it would tap nickel ore for its smelters from its mines in North Maluku after a contract with PT International Nickel Indonesia INCO.JK (Inco) ended Continue.
Papua legislator dismisses US Congressmen`s demand for release of OPM supporters 2008-08-08 14:55:58
A provincial Papua legislator said US Congressmen should not interfere in an Indonesian court`s decision regarding Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage, two Papua residents who were detained in 2004 for involvement in activities supporting the outlawed separatist OPM (Free Papua Organization).Continue.
U.N. urges East Timor not to drop violence probe
2008-08-08 03:27:15
DILI (Reuters) - The United Nations urged on Thursday East Timor not to let those responsible for bloodshed surrounding Dili's 1999 independence vote from Indonesia off the hook, pledging to provide support to prosecute perpetrators. Leaders in East Continue.
President advised to ignore letter from US Congressmen
Antara News 2008-08-08 02:14:08
The chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR)`s Inter-parliamentary Cooperation Body, Abdillah Toha, said it was not necessary for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to respond to a letter from 40 members of the US Congress about two separatists in Papua.Continue.
US congressmen send letter on Papua to Yudhoyono
2008-08-07 14:28:39
Some 40 United States Congressmen have sent a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono demanding the "immediate and unconditional" release of two sympathizers of the outlawed separatist OPM (Free Papua Organization), Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage. Continue.
Filipinos, Indonesians overwhelm Sabah state
The Manila Times 2008-08-06 08:14:59
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia: The influx of mostly Muslim migrants has also tipped the ethnic balance against indigenous tribes who used to dominate the population, say politicians in Sabah, which is struggling to cope with the influx. Continue.
Parties 'serve corporate interests'
The Jakarta Post 2008-08-06 11:32:00
Indonesia has seen regime changes, but the tyranny of capital has always determined the road to power, with the democratic process benefiting only the wealthy groups at the expense of the poor majority, Continue.
Women and Youth Break the Cycle of Violence in the Moluccas
Christian News Wire 2008-08-05 20:44:51
The remains of flattened buildings at the Christian University of the Moluccas in Indonesia are a grim reminder of conflict. During 1999-2004 hundreds of Christians and Muslims died and millions of dollars worth of property was destroyed in a tragedy which more sober leaders and members of both faith communities regret. Continue.
Christians in Indonesia's Papua rally over sharia
Tue Aug 5, 2008 7:32pm
JAYAPURA, Indonesia (Reuters) - About 1,000 people from a Christian group in Indonesia's Papua held a rally on Tuesday to protest against any implementation of Islamic law in the province where an increasing number of Muslims have settled. The Continue.
A strong quake jolts Maluku
2008-08-05 09:30:36
A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale hit Saumlaki sea in Maluku, on Tuesday early morning, according to the Meteorological and Geophysics Agency. Continue.
Indonesia says to charge top ex-spy with murder
2008-08-05 14:13:39
JAKARTA (Reuters) - A former top Indonesian intelligence official will be charged with the murder of prominent human rights activist who died of arsenic poisoning during a flight from Singapore to the...Continue.
President Yudhoyono summons two ministers over alleged past graft case
2008-08-04 11:21:08
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono summoned on Monday Forestry Minister MS Kaban and National Development Planning/Chairman of National Development Planning Board (Bapennas), Paskah Suzetta in connection with their alleged involvement in illegal fund flows from Bank Indonesia (BI) to the House of Representatives (DPR) in 2003. Continue.
Indonesia: Around 80 officials being probed for graft
Adnkronos 2008-08-04 17:42:4
A total of 78 regional high-ranking officials across three Indonesian provinces are either being tried or investigated for alleged corruption.Most of those involved in the three provinces - South Sulawesi, West Java and Yogyakarta - are incumbent and former legislators. The Makassar District Court in South ...Continue.
Attacks erode Indonesia's religious freedom
Los Angeles Times 2008-08-03 15:36:45
Muslim extremists have targeted the mosques of an offshoot sect, spurred, perhaps, by an official decree. The Muslim hard-liners arrived just before midnight armed with stones, clubs and flammable liquid. Continue.
Indonesia poll’s family ties
Financial Times 2008-08-02 02:33:29
Indonesia’s parliamentary elections are shaping up to be a family affair, with the children of political leaders featuring prominently among party lists.Continue.
RI`s public services system still unable to solve social problems
2008-08-01 23:22:41
Indonesia`s public service system still lacks a significant capability to solve social problems such as poverty, unemployment, inferiority, and injustice, State Minister for Administrative Reforms Taufik Effendi said here on Friday. Continue.
Journalist Andrew Boyd presents the July/August update on ...
Cross Rhythms - Stoke-on-Trent,England,UK
Indonesia: Churches in Maluku province fear extremists may be reviving a campaign of anti-Christian violence after four believers were murdered in one ...
Justice delayed for Aceh's human rights abuse victims
2008-08-01 13:06:25
Justice for victims of conflict and human rights abuses in once-restive Aceh could be a long time coming, with the government and the court yet to show any commitment to the establishment of a human rights court. Continue.
Timor Leste capital shuts down for movie invasion remake
2008-08-01 00:57:37
DILI, EAST TIMOR - STREETS in East Timor's sleepy capital were closed down Thursday for a movie recreation of Indonesia's bloody 1975 invasion, United Nations police said. Between 60 and 70 local and 30 East Timorese soldiers dressed as Indonesian troop