News & issues

President orders ban on Jones lifted

Jakarta Post - November 30, 2005

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta -- Less than a week after the country refused entry to American researcher Sidney Jones, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered the lifting of the ban on Tuesday, blaming the incident on the government of his predecessor Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said that Susilo had only learned about the expulsion from media reports, and immediately sought an explanation from Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin.

"The ban was issued based on a decision made by the previous government. The President asked (the ministers) whether the ban was relevant to the current situation. It turned out that the reasons were irrelevant," Andi told reporters.

Hamid, however, said on Monday that Jones had been barred from entering Indonesia after the relevant authorities had decided she was a threat to domestic security.

Jones, director of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG), was denied entry to the country upon arrival at Soekarno- Hatta Airport after a short visit to Taiwan on Thursday of last week.

Responding to a request from the intelligence authorities, the government of President Megawati refused to extend Jones' stay permit and work visa in May 2004. The intelligence authorities claimed her work was harmful to Indonesia and that many of the ICG reports on the country's poor human rights record and communal conflicts were untrue.

The government of Susilo did not extend the ban, which expired last May. It even granted her a stay permit and work visa in July. At a function here in late August, Susilo personally welcomed Jones on her return.

Jones, who is mostly known for her in-depth reports on the al- Qaeda-linked Jamaah Islamiyah terror group, said on Tuesday that an Indonesian official had called her to inform her she could return.

"Isn't it great?... I'm absolutely delighted. They asked me to wait a couple of days to make sure that all the messages get through to immigration... This is the shortest expulsion on record," she told Agence France Presse news agency from Singapore. She said she planned to return to Jakarta later this week.

Analysts had roundly condemned the government's decision to refuse entry to Jones, saying that it was a major setback for human rights and democracy.

BPK audit reveals Rp 2.59 trillion graft in state companies

Jakarta Post - November 30, 2005

Urip Hudiono, Jakarta -- The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) found 11 cases of irregularities in the management of state enterprise funds during the first semester of the year, with potential losses to the state amounting to Rp 2.59 trillion (US$258 million) and $39.1 million.

The bulk of the irregularities, which showed strong indications of corruption, were found at the country's largest lender in terms of assets, Bank Mandiri, and totaled Rp 2.49 trillion, BPK chief Anwar Nasution stated in a report presented on Tuesday to the House of Representatives.

"We have reported these audit results to the police and to the Attorney General's Office for further investigation, as part of our efforts to help the government eradicate corruption in the country," Anwar told a House plenary session on the agency's semi-annual audit report of state funds.

The audits were conducted between January and June 2005, on the financial reports of state-owned and local government enterprises.

Also included were BPK's audit results of the government's 2004 budgetary report, which the agency had said it had put a disclaimer on, due to BPK's disagreement of the finance ministry's bookkeeping and internal supervisory procedures for the report.

Besides irregularities in Mandiri, Anwar said BPK had also revealed some serious issues in a business agreement between PT Pertamina Energy Services Pte. Ltd. (Petral) -- the Singapore- based trading arm of state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina -- and its Hong Kong-based subsidiary, Zambesi Investments Ltd., causing the state to potentially lose $12.74 million.

"Another audit on Petral showed collusion with business partners Aceasia Commercial Enterprises Ltd. and Credit Suisse Singapore, which led to Petral losing $8.25 million as a result," Anwar said.

The agency had also found $23.64 million worth of allegedly mismanaged funds at the Asahan Authority, which manages the Asahan dam and surrounding industrial complex in North Sumatra.

State insurance company PT Jamsostek has also been fingered for potentially causing state losses of up to Rp 103.6 billion.

The losses resulted from the firm's Rp 100 billion investment in fraudulent bonds at Bank Global Internasional, which the central bank closed late last year due to fraudulent banking practices.

Anwar said BPK had also found irregularities in the use of fertilizer subsidies by state-owned fertilizer companies -- PT Pupuk Sriwijaya, PT Pupuk Kujang, PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda, PT Petrokimia Gresik and PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur -- which were singled out for allegedly claiming too much of the subsidy funds, with discrepancies amounting to some Rp 16.8 billion.

Indonesia on brink of AIDS epidemic: UNAIDS chief

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Hera Diani, Jakarta -- UNAIDS executive director Peter Piot could be in any city in the world for World AIDS Day, which falls on Thursday. But he has chosen to commemorate it here, in the capital of the world's fourth most populous nation, as it is "the new frontline of an AIDS epidemic".

Piot said he wanted to see attention focused on the Asian region, where one in five people is infected globally, compared to one in 10 new infections a decade ago. Indonesia, he said, is on the brink of a major epidemic, and every layer of society should join the battle against HIV/AIDS.

"When I look at Indonesia from a global perspective, I would say that there's no doubt that Indonesia is in the early stages of an AIDS epidemic," Piot said on Monday after meeting with chief welfare minister Alwi Shihab.

The United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) chief said an expanded response to the epidemic was critical as infection rates were running high among injecting drug users, (IDUs) sex workers and their clients, and also among the heterosexual population in the easternmost province of Papua.

"We know from experience that once it starts like that, it's only a matter of time before HIV spreads outside these fairly defined populations," Piot said as he began his four-day visit to Indonesia.

"...all the elements are here for the rapid spread of HIV, so it's (up to us) to express concern, to highlight the opportunities that are there. The opportunities are enormous to really stop the epidemic, to nip it in the bud." Ministry of Health data for September shows there are 8,251 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country. International agencies, however, say 90,000 to 130,000 people could be HIV-positive while some local experts say it is more like 180,000 to 250,000 people.

The major force driving the epidemic here is injecting drug use. Alwi said there are at least 600,000 IDUs throughout the country, half of whom are believed to be HIV-positive.

Piot said that while President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had expressed clear commitment to fighting AIDS, the same level of commitment was needed from all levels of society.

"We know from experience that's how you make progress in AIDS." Discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS and the stigma attached to the virus have hampered efforts to prevent its spread.

The promotion of condom use as well as harm reduction strategies, which includes providing sterile disposable needles and disinfectants as well as providing heroin substitutes, are still controversial and have not received full support.

Alwi said his office had talked to religious leaders to emphasize the disastrous consequences of not promoting the use of condoms. "We are giving the other perspective of religious understanding. Under Islamic law, it is also necessary to prevent death, and maintaining life is the responsibility of all individual Muslims," said the minister who is also a Muslim scholar.

He said representatives of regional legislative councils from all 33 provinces would meet in Jakarta on Friday to discuss HIV/AIDS-related issues, particularly the budget allocation.

Last year, the government promised to raise its spending on subsidizing drugs for HIV/AIDS patients to Rp 24 billion (US$2.49 million), up from Rp 10 billion in 2003. However, AIDS activists said that many people living with the virus had not been able to get affordable access to the drugs.

Jakarta Police crack down on illegal foreign workers

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Abdul Khalik, Jakarta -- Recent raids conducted by city police and the immigration office have revealed thousands of foreigners staying in the capital either without proper permits or with expired permits.

Jakarta Police spokesman I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said that many foreign citizens from China and several other Asian countries, Africa and Europe were working or staying in the country without proper working permits or with expired visas.

"We have launched checks on several apartments and residential areas across the city and we have found many foreigners staying here with expired permits, or even with no permit at all," Ketut told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Starting early this month, police have launched massive searches in many areas of the capital to locate terror suspects, including fugitive Malaysian bomber Noordin M. Top.

Noordin, together with another Malaysian Azahari bin Husin, have been accused of being behind a series of bomb attacks across the country, including the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people, the 2003 JW Marriott Hotel attack, which claimed 12 lives, the 2004 bombing outside the Australian Embassy that killed 10 people, and the Oct. 1 Bali attacks, which killed 23 people, including three suicide bombers.

Azahari was shot by police during a raid at his hide-out in Batu, East Java, last Nov. 7, while Noordin is still at large.

Ketut said that city police have handed over foreigners caught without permits to the immigration office to be deported. He also said that many foreign citizens in Jakarta have misused their permits to work in Indonesia. "Many women from mainland China have been expelled because they worked as prostitutes while here on tourist visas," he said.

In the past three months, city police have arrested over 500 Chinese women who were either without work permits or who were working as prostitutes.

Immigration office spokesman Supriatna Anwar confirmed that his office had found many document violations by foreign citizens during joint operations with city police.

According to data provided by the immigration office, at least 1,901 foreigners have been deported this year because of misuse of stay permits. There are approximately 42,000 foreign citizens living in Jakarta alone.

The government announced last week that it would limit permit allocations for young women from China and for citizens of Nigeria as records showed that many citizens from these countries worked as prostitutes or drug dealers.

Meanwhile, an official at the Jakarta Population and Civil Registration Agency, Edison Sianturi, said on Monday that many foreign citizens were not registered with his office as they either came to Indonesia illegally or did not renew their permits. He said that with number of foreigners entering the country and capital, terrorists, prostitutes, drug dealers and other criminals could easily hide among ordinary visitors.

Teacher day celebration turns sour as VP gets angry

Jakarta Post - November 28, 2005

Blontank Poer, Surakarta -- The national celebration of Teacher Day turned sour on Sunday after a poetry-reading that was critical of the poor state of national education irked Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

In his off-the-cuff address, an apparently angry Kalla said teachers were not supposed to be critical of issues affecting the nation, but do their utmost to promote the spirit of achievement.

"Teachers form the nation's soul and character. If you mock the nation, who will respect it? This country needs high spirits to develop," Kalla explained.

His speech, which capped the 60th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) at Manahan Stadium here, lasted less than five minutes.

His terse words came after a noted educator, Winarno Surachmad, read some of his own poetry, which was part of the celebration's itinerary.

"What does our respectful job mean if we are sidelined with nobody greeting us or talking to us? When will our school buildings improve their grade from just a chicken coop? Here is buried the remains of a teacher, who died of starvation after living on a salary that runs out in only one day," Winarno, a former rector of Jakarta Teachers Training Institute, recited.

Kalla said he understood that teachers were not paid well enough, but maintained that such an expression of pessimism was unnecessary. "I know our school buildings are not that luxurious, but I'm convinced they are not like chicken coops. I know your salary is low, but it will not run out in just a day," Kalla said.

"If we all work hard, our economy will improve and everybody will be well-paid." Prior to his departure back to Jakarta later in the day, Kalla said the poetry was offending. "I did not like it (the poetry). Is that the way a professor behaves?" Kalla asked, referring to Winarno, who is a professor of education.

Over 30,000 teachers across the country attended the celebration, which was held amid a persistent outcry for improvement in the salaries of around two million teachers nationwide.

A group of teachers from the West Java town of Tasikmalaya and the Central Java towns of Pekalongan and Rembang took to the soccer field of the stadium to protest their low salaries.

One of the protesters, Muhammad Masruf of Rembang, said teachers could not live with on their salaries. "To develop the country, the government should improve teachers' welfare. A younger teacher should earn at least Rp 1 million (US$1,000) per month," he said.

Another protester, Setiadi, urged the House of Representatives to pass the teacher's bill in a bid to enhance the welfare of the country's teachers.

Alfan Wahid of Probolinggo said some 7,000 teachers in the East Javanese town would go on strike if the bill was not passed by Dec. 6.

The House failed to complete deliberations on the bill last week due to the unsettled debate on teacher's professional allowances. The bill is expected to be passed by Dec. 6, after both the lawmakers and the government agreed that teachers who obtained a government-sanctioned competence certification would receive Rp 1.7 million per month.

Certification will be conducted every year, but restricted to teachers who hold a bachelor's degree or a four-year education diploma.

Following the soccer-field protest, the Surakarta Police detained and questioned Surachmat and Ruhiyat, both from Tasikmalaya. They were released shortly thereafter.

Aceh

Government gives go ahead for GAM to celebrate anniversary

Jakarta Post - November 30, 2005

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta -- The former Aceh rebels will be free to celebrate the anniversary of their movement on Sunday as long as it does not rekindle separatism, the government says.

Minister of Communications and Information Sofyan Djalil said on Tuesday that the government would hold talks with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) leaders and foreign monitors to make sure that the celebrations would not be geared toward promoting independence.

"Provided that they do not stage activities that trigger public emotion, which is against the truce, then the government has no objection," said Sofyan, one of the government negotiators in the peace talks with GAM.

The government and GAM inked a peace agreement on Aug. 18 that requires the former insurgents to drop their long-held demand for an independent state in Aceh. GAM was established on Dec. 4, 1976.

On Monday, the military in Aceh warned GAM against commemorating its anniversary, saying it would spoil the spirit of peace.

Sofyan said the government would allow GAM to celebrate its anniversary if it was held "to thank God for peace in Aceh and assess the implementation of the truce".

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto had said the government would not tolerate any hoisting of GAM flags during the celebrations.

Sofyan, however, expressed optimism that GAM would not put the peace deal at stake. The government also said that the GAM leadership in Sweden would be welcome to come to Aceh to share in the celebrations.

"If they hold foreign nationality, as long as they secure visas it will be fine for them to participate in the celebrations here. Bakhtiar and Nur Djuli have visited Aceh and we have no problem with that," Sofyan said, referring to GAM leaders in exile Bakhtiar Abdullah, who lives in Sweden, and Mohammed Nur Djuli, who resides in Malaysia.

Sofyan said that GAM still existed and would only be dissolved after all points of the peace agreement had been implemented.

In Banda Aceh, GAM spokesman Sofyan Dawood said the celebrations would not involve either military-style parades or flag hoisting ceremonies. "They will be modest ceremonies in which we will only say prayers to thank God and disseminate the contents of the peace deal to the public," Dawood said.

GAM will hold a ceremony in every regency and town across Aceh, but Dawood said the group had yet to decide when the celebration would take place in Banda Aceh. He said GAM would seek permission from the police and the Aceh Monitoring Mission.

Under the Freedom of Expression Law, anything that involves an public assembly must be informed to the police three days in advance at the latest.

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto warned GAM not to try to turn the anniversary celebrations into a new attempt to secure Acehnese independence. "Do not misuse the celebrations to promote a new separatist movement in Aceh," he said.

Military tells GAM to avoid celebration

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Medan/Jakarta -- The Indonesian Military (TNI) has warned former Aceh combatants against celebrating the anniversary of their organization, saying it would not be in accordance with the spirit of the peace agreement they signed in August.

Aceh military commander Maj. Gen. Supiadin Adi Saputra said in Medan on Monday that the plan to hold the celebration would reflect the former rebels' half-hearted acceptance of the peace deal, which requires them to drop their long-held demand for independence.

Supiadin said the plan was discussed during a regular meeting with representatives of the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) and Free Aceh Movement (GAM), in which he expressed his objections. "TNI has no right to ban GAM from organizing the celebration, but I hope they reconsider it. If it involves the institution, then the independence demand is still in their minds," Supiadin said on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the induction of new Bukit Barisan Military commander Maj. Gen. Liliek AS Sumaryo, who replaces Maj. Gen. Tri Tamtomo.

Visiting GAM leader Bakhtiar Abdullah said the celebration would go ahead as scheduled on Sunday, and top brass from the organization were still discussing the format of the event.

A group of Acehnese led by Hassan Tiro founded GAM and declared their fight for an independent state on Dec. 4, 1976.

"The celebration will not go against the peace agreement. Instead we will promote peace and call on GAM members to show their commitment to the agreement during the event," Bakhtiar, a GAM leader in exile, said by phone.

He said no Indonesian institution was authorized to ban the celebration as GAM were no longer waging a campaign for an independent state.

GAM leaders will decide whether the celebration will take place in Banda Aceh or simultaneously across the province, according to Bakhtiar.

In Jakarta, the House of Representatives and the government agreed that GAM was not allowed to celebrate its anniversary if it involved flag raisings or displays of its symbols.

"Any celebration that bears GAM properties, such as flags or symbols, is strictly forbidden, particularly if they raise the spirit of separatism," said Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto said during a hearing with the House's Commission I on defense on Monday.

In their conclusion, the lawmakers suggested that the government ban any celebration of GAM's anniversary on the grounds that it would reignite the spirit of separatism.

Widodo also insisted that GAM submit the names of some 3,000 former combatants for administrative purposes before the government disburses Rp 1 million (US$100) in monthly allowances for each of them, starting in January. The assistance is being given to help them reintegrate into society, as stipulated in the Helsinki peace agreement.

Aid agency halts work after attack on office

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Apriadi Gunawan, Medan -- An international aid agency helping tsunami victims in Aceh has temporarily shut down operations after a group of youths ransacked its Medan office on Wednesday because they had not won an aid contract.

None of the staff from the International Organization for Migration were seen working in the office, while a security guard, Dedi Agus Saputra, reported that the office would resume operations the coming Monday. No staff were available for comment on Thursday.

IOM Medan had temporarily stopped sending food and medicine aid to tsunami victims in Aceh because workers feared more attacks on the office, Dedi said. In anticipation of more violence, police sent officers to guard the office.

Medan Police chief of detectives First. Insp. Taufik said police would do their best to secure the IOM premises. Officers had already arrested a 46-year-old man only identified by his initials, "MDN", who was believed to have led the attack. Police were tracking down five other suspects believed to be part of the gang, Taufik said.

Taufik said "MDN" and the five were witnessed entering the IOM office, smashing chairs, desks, computers and TV sets and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. The group were apparently acting in retaliation after a bid for a project linked to Aceh tsunami victims was turned down by the NGO. The group had proposed to the NGO they be given a contract to channel food, medicine and clothing to tsunami victims in Aceh.

Dedi, the key witness, said the attack began when the group entered the office in the morning asking to meet an IOM employee. Failing to meet the employee, a few hours later they returned at the IOM office. After talking with IOM employees about their proposal and being informed it had been denied, the group smashed up the office.

An IOM executive, Jose Al Manashe, a Filipino, called the police but the perpetrators had already fled the scene before the police arrived. The attack on a foreign aid agency is the first in the city, which has become the regional hub for aid distribution to Aceh.

West Papua

West Irian Jaya expected to delay election

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Jakarta -- The first ever direct gubernatorial election in West Irian Jaya, scheduled for Nov. 28, would almost certainly be postponed until the stalled establishment process for the new province was completed.

This was the consequence of an agreement in Jakarta on Thursday between Vice President Jusuf Kalla and relevant Papuan authorities that West Irian Jaya's controversial creation be referred back to Law No. 21/2001 on Papua's special autonomy and to the government regulation concerning the formation of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP).

Kalla said the gubernatorial election could be held only after the formal correction of the new province's legal formation was completed. "The settlement of the Papua issue must be based on the special autonomy law and the government regulation on the MRP," he said after the meeting with Papuan figures at his office here, during which the agreement was reached.

Under the law and the government regulation, the division of Papua into one or more provinces must obtain the approval of the Papua legislature, governor and MRP.

However, the West Irian Jaya province was officially created last year by the central government before the MRP was established. The assembly was inaugurated earlier this month.

The Thursday meeting with Kalla was the first since the new province was initiated in 2003, which met with strong opposition from within Papua.

Attending the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Widodo A.S., Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf, Papua governor Jaap Solossa, local legislative council speaker John Ibo and MRP chairman Agus Aluwe.

Agus Aluwe said the correction was needed because the formation of the new province was not based on a strong legal foundation. However, he could not say whether the MRP would approve the new province's formation as the issue remained controversial among Papuan people.

Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court annulled the establishment of Central Irian Jaya province but ruled that the creation of West Irian Jaya province could proceed. The establishment of the two new provinces was based on Law No. 45/1999.

Kalla said that in accordance with the law, the provincial legislature and MRP would hold separate meetings to give their approvals to the formation of the West Irian Jaya province.

"After that, the government will enact a regulation in lieu of law to give a legal basis for the new province's establishment," the Vice President added. He said the Papua partition issue was expected to be settled by the end of 2005.

Kalla and the Papua leaders also agreed that despite being partitioned into two provinces, they would remain closely linked in terms of culture, social aggregation and economy.

City council to fly West Papuan flag

Green Left Weekly - November 30, 2005

Amanda Freund, Newcastle -- Newcastle City Council will fly the West Papuan flag from City Hall on December 1 as a gesture of support for the West Papuan people's struggle for independence from Indonesian rule. Council general manager Janet Dore agreed to fly the flag after being approached by Michael Freund, coordinator of the Newscastle branch of the Australia West Papua Association.

West Papuan refugees and members of AWPA will gather in front of City Hall at noon on the day to witness the flying of the flag.

"We are truly grateful to council for agreeing to fly the West Papuan flag this year", said Michael Freund. "Flying the flag here in Newcastle and in other communities across Australia and around the world as part of a growing international campaign is a simple yet tangible way that we can build awareness of the West Papuan people's non-violent struggle for freedom and fundamental human rights."

Freund explained that "December 1 commemorates the first official raising of the West Papuan national flag (the 'Morning Star') in 1961. It flew alongside the Dutch national flag when the colonists renamed the territory 'West Papua' and prepared to hand the land back to the West Papuans.

"However, in the years that followed, Indonesia took over West Papua by military force, with significant political support from the US and Australia.

"Despite an estimated 100,000 West Papuan deaths being caused by Indonesian military forces since the 1960s, the vast majority of West Papuans continue peaceful ways of struggling for justice and human rights, such as flag-raising ceremonies.

"However, the Indonesian authorities are so intolerant that even this peaceful action in December last year landed the two organisers 15 years and 10 years in prison." Freud added that in 1999, "the Australian government, under pressure from an outraged public, finally supported East Timor in its struggle for freedom from the brutality of the Indonesian military occupation. By flying the Morning Star flag we remind Australia that West Papuans continue to suffer massive injustices under the same military regime."

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Masters mind

The Guardian (UK) - November 29, 2005

John Aglionby -- This Thursday, December 1, marks the 44th anniversary of the West Papuan people's declaration of independence from their Dutch colonial masters. The residents of the western half of New Guinea island have, however, never ruled themselves because nine months later, in August 1962, the Dutch, via the United Nations, handed over control of the resource-rich territory to Indonesia.

That move was given international legal sanctity following a referendum seven years later, called the Act of Free Choice, of 1,025 of the approximately 700,000 Papuans. Since then no major nation has ever questioned Jakarta's right to rule West Papua.

This may soon change following the publication this month of a study commissioned by the Dutch government into the history of the area. Written by Dr Pieter Drooglever of the Institute of Netherlands History, the 740-page Een Daad van Vrije Keuze (An Act of Free Choice), leaves little doubt that the vote was, as the UN under-secretary general in 1969, Chakravarthy Narasimhan, said in a 2001 interview, "a whitewash".

"[The UN representative] Ortiz Sanz was not allowed to play any part in putting together the electorate and was given the smallest possible role in the implementation of the referendum itself," Dr Drooglever wrote in an English summary of the Dutch- language book.

"In the opinion of the Western observers and the Papuans who have spoken out about this, the Act of Free Choice ended up as a sham, where a press-ganged electorate acting under a great deal of pressure appeared to have unanimously declared itself in favour of Indonesia," he continued.

In an interview with Guardian Unlimited, Dr Drooglever said he found that in "the whole set up of the plebiscite there was no freedom of speech". How close Dr Drooglever got to the truth can be guessed by the reaction in both the Hague and Jakarta. Dutch foreign minister Ben Bot refused to formally receive the report -- it had been commissioned by his predecessor in 2000 -- and reportedly described it as "superfluous". An Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman, Yuri Thamrin, viewed the study as "an academic work" but of no "significant substance". "The status of Papua as an integral part of Indonesia has already been recognised by the world, including the Netherlands itself," he said.

John Saltford, a British academic who wrote one of the last major studies of West Papua, said Dr Drooglever's book "will have a profound effect". "He could have been a lot more circumspect and tried to blur the issue," he told Guardian Unlimited. "The difference here [compared to other books] is that it was a Dutch foreign-ministry commissioned report." Papuan independence campaigners, in contrast, rejoiced at its publication. A rally to mark the event in the West Papuan capital Jayapura was harshly suppressed.

Benny Wenda, an activist who has been granted political asylum in Britain, said the Drooglever report has "opened a door". "Now Papuans' actions have to be focused around keeping this door open and at on it till victory," he told Guardian Unlimited.

Jakarta's treatment of West Papua over the decades has been characterised more by brutal repression and rampant exploitation of the natural resources than developing the people's welfare.

Dr Drooglever estimates "tens of thousands" of Papuans have been killed in Jakarta's attempt to suppress opposition to Indonesian rule. Tens of thousands of troops are stationed in West Papua to contain a tiny armed separatist movement which the Dutch academic believes poses no threat to Jakarta.

Last week, the military announced that a new division of some 10,000-15,000 troops of the elite strategic reserves would be created specifically to be based in West Papua. Foreign journalists and most researchers and aid workers are banned from Papua but, ironically, tourists are not.

Dr Drooglever believes the military, which has to find some 60% of its own budget, has such a heavy presence there for ulterior motives. "There's a lot of money available in the territory and the troops go where the money is," he told Guardian Unlimited.

The territory is home to the world's largest gold and copper mine, run by a subsidiary of the American firm Freeport-McMoran, and the Anglo-American oil giant BP is developing a massive natural gas field which is expected to be generating revenues of around #55m a year.

In recent years government revenues to West Papua have more than tripled as a result of a massive nationwide decentralisation programme. But the World Bank reported in a study this month that despite this -- and the fact that Papua (Jakarta does not use the word West in its official name) is the second wealthiest province in the nation -- the poverty level, at 40%, is double the national average, one third of the children do not attend school and nine out of 10 villages do not have basic health service with a health centre, doctor or midwife.

The UN's Aids organisation, UNAids, has identified it as having an HIV epidemic that is all-but out of control.

After the Indonesian dictator General Suharto fell in 1998, the government promised special autonomy to the region and a law was passed to that effect the following year. But it has still not been fully implemented and Jakarta has repeatedly violated its provisions, as recognised by the country's constitutional court.

No major governments or the UN have spoken out about the Drooglever report so the chances of the Papuans using it to generate international momentum remain very slim.

The author himself believes Papuans will have to set their sights lower than independence. "I think they will have to be happy when an administration is set up that's not dominated by the military," he said.

Government must be 'consistent on Papua'

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Jayapura, Jakarta -- The central government must consistently implement the Special Autonomy Law in Papua in order to help quell the demands for independence for the resource-rich province, provincial governor Jacobus Perviddya Solossa said.

He said that special autonomy was aimed at effectively restoring the dignity of the Papuan people.

"The special autonomy granted by the central government in 2001 to counter the secessionist movement and make amends for past mistakes is actually a form of internal self-determination. It is aimed at lifting up the dignity of the Papuan people," he said at the launching of his book here on Monday.

The book entitled: Otonomi Khusus Papua Mengangkat Martabat Rakyat Papua di Dalam NKRI (Papuan special autonomy improves the dignity of the Papuan people within the Unitary Republic of Indonesia) was based on his dissertation for his doctorate from Padjadjaran University, Bandung, West Java, in May.

The book launch comes as top central government officials are struggling to overcome renewed demands both in the province and overseas for the separation of Papua from Indonesia. The Papuan people long suffered as the central government had been accused of pillaging the province's natural resources, while economic development remains scant and human rights abuses rampant.

But despite the introduction of special autonomy more than four years ago, resentment lingers as the central government has been accused of inconsistency, particularly as regards the 2004 decision to partition Papua into two provinces: Papua and West Irian Jaya. The recent launching of a report in the Netherlands questioning the validity of the UN-sponsored 1969 "referendum" on the integration of Papua into Indonesia provides new ammunition for the secessionist movement.

The central government last week was forced to cancel the first regional election in West Irian Jaya amid protests from Papuan leaders, including those sitting in the newly-established Papuan People's Council (MRP), a powerful political body representing the interests of Papuan people, who said that the creation of the new province violated the Special Autonomy Law as Papuan leaders had never been consulted.

Solossa said that old problems had resurfaced over the last few months as the central government was inconsistent in implementing the Special Autonomy Law, which provides greater power for the Papua administration to manage its social and economic affairs, and a greater share of the revenue raised in the province from natural resources.

"For example, the government has not disbursed payments from the General Allocation Fund (DAU) on time; the government has not provided special funds for infrastructural development; and has not been transparent about how much its gets from natural resources," said the governor.

"These kind of problems would not emerge if the government set up a truth and reconciliation commission and held fair trials of those guilty of violating human rights, gives more special autonomy funds and provided better education and health services," he said.

He said Papuan people had no objection to the province's partition provided this was done in consultation with the Papuan people.

"Papua, which is 3.5 times bigger than Java, should be developed into five provinces and the government should appoint a coordinating minister or a senior governor to ensure coordination among the provinces," he said.

Meanwhile, in Jayapura, capital of Papua, Hermanus Indow, chairman of the Front for the Establishment of West Irian Jaya, called on the MRP to give a positive response to Jakarta's recent move to prepare an umbrella law for the province to allow it to hold a gubernatorial election.

He also said the MRP should treat the new province as the equal of Papua and facilitate dialog to ease differences and gaps between the two provinces.

Kalla seeking to restore Papuan confidence

Jakarta Post - November 26, 2005

Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta -- Vice President Jusuf Kalla has again proved himself to be a more than competent mediator, bringing together officials from Papua and the central government on Thursday and prodding them into an agreement on the legal basis for the controversial formation of West Irian Jaya province.

The central government was represented at the negotiations by Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Widodo A.S., home minister Moh. Ma'ruf and National Police chief Gen. Sutanto. The delegation from Papua consisted of Governor Jaap Solossa, provincial legislature speaker John Ibo and the chairman of the newly established Papuan People's Council (MRP), Agus Aluwe.

The two sides were able to agree that the formation of West Irian Jaya must be based on Law No. 21/2001 on special autonomy for Papua.

As part of this agreement the formation of West Irian Jaya, which already has a provincial administration and legislature, will be rediscussed by the provincial legislature and administration under the legal framework of the special autonomy law.

This law states that the partitioning of Papua into two or more provinces requires the approval of the provincial legislature, the governor of Papua and the MRP.

Returning to the issue of West Irian Jaya's creation opens the possibility of reversing the partition, particularly given that many Papuans have been extremely vocal in their opposition to the new province. Lots of Papuans also oppose the special autonomy law itself, as well as the controversial 1969 vote that officially made the territory a part of Indonesia.

Aware of this possibility, Kalla flexed his mediation muscles to secure a win-win solution for both sides and to convince the Papuan officials that this process would benefit all Papuans.

Ignoring an earlier Constitutional Court decision on West Irian Jaya, Kalla was convinced (by the Papuan delegation) that the Papuan provincial legislature, the governor and the MRP would approve the establishment of West Irian Jaya, if the central government issued a government regulation in lieu of law (Perpu) as the legal basis for the new province's existence.

The Perpu would replace Law No. 45/1999, which led to the formation of West Irian Jaya. That law was annulled by the Constitutional Court last November because it violated Papua's special autonomy law, though the court declined to strike down the province's creation.

It is hoped that replacing the law with a Perpu would close the door on all future questions regarding the legality of the province.

Partitioning Papua into two provinces would weaken the secessionist movement in the region and help the military and the police better manage security and defense in the two provinces.

The agreement also paved the way for the first direct gubernatorial election in West Irian Jaya, following two delays. Kalla's Golkar Party will be the likely favorite to win the election when it is finally held, giving it even more power in the area.

Papua Governor Solossa and his deputy Constant Karma, two senior Golkar members in Papua, have already announced they will run for reelection. Yorris Raweyai, another Golkar member, will run in the gubernatorial election in West Irian Jaya.

After having already played an important role in promoting peace in Aceh (Helsinki agreement), Ambon (Malino peace pact I) and Poso (Malino peace pact II), Kalla is eager to improve conditions in Papua and pave the way for foreign investment in the region.

Political stability and security would also encourage local investors and Sulawesi traders to expand their businesses in Papua and West Irian Jaya.

Army to establish one Kostrad division in Papua

Tempo Interactive - November 25, 2005

Malang, East Java -- The Indonesian Army is to establish one Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) division in Papua. This is aimed at deterring separatist action and maintaining security in border areas.

"This is a long term program of the Indonesian Army," said Kostrad commander Lieutenant General Hadi Waluyo, following the transfer of command of Kostrad 2 infantry division in Singosari, Malang, East Java, on Wednesday (23/11).

According to Waluyo, the establishment of this division is based on Kostrad's tasks as a combat unit. The tasks include establishing operational preparedness in facing threats within the next five years.

With one division stationed in Papua, separatism threats in Papua can be detected earlier and be handled rapidly. "Stationing a Kostrad division in Papua is aimed at settling all security threats and problems," stated Waluyo.

He went on to say that the tasks of Kostrad in the future would be heavier with increasing intensity of threats against Indonesia's sovereignty and the strong influence of globalization in ideological, political, economic and social fields.

People have to be alert as regards the influence of globalization because it could destroy the spirit of national unity. In addition, people must also be alert in terms of the entry of foreign influences that might spread the values of primordiality, separatism and terrorism.

Currently, Kostrad has a huge challenge regarding state security. The challenges include border disputes, separatism in Papua, terrorism in various regions and alertness in Aceh following the peace agreement.

(Bibin Bintariadi-Tempo News Room)

OPM should be invited to dialogue

Kompas - November 24, 2005

Jakarta -- The government has been urged to open the way for broadest possible dialogue with various elements in Papuan society, such as the traditional communities, students, youth, NGOs and also the OPM.

This needs to be done in order to reach a solution to the many problems which continue to exist in Papua, said Hans Gebze, chair of the United Front for the Papuan People's Struggle, at the office of Kontras in Jakarta on Tuesday (22/11).

This is the most appropriate approach if the government wants to reach a permanent solution to all the existing problems.

"Given that the government has been able to dialogue and reach agreement in the form of an MoU with GAM in ACeh, why is it not doing the same thing in Papua, bearing in mind that the OPM also has access to the world community," sais Gebze.

He said that from 1978 until 1998 the government engaged in many acts of violence when Papua had the status of DOM, or Military Operation Region.

He said that at the very least 100,000 Papuans have fallen victims to acts of violence while at the same time the natural resources and wealth of Papua have been sent abroad.

He said that 70-80 per cent of the 1.5 million native inhabitants of Papua are still living in poverty. "We are deadly serious,' he said. 'We want things to change radically. 1 December will be an important moment for us."

A member of Commission II of Parliament, Ferry Mursyidan Baldan (Golkar Fraction, West Java) urged the government to make its position regarding the Papua People's Assembly (MRP) clear.

With regard to the matter of a Papuan being nominated for governor or deputy governor, Ferry said that the MRP can only make recommendations. It does not have the power to reject nominations for heads of districts. (DWA/KOR/DIK)

[Posted by Tapol, abbreviated in translation.]

Military ties

State Department renews military ties with Indonesia

Green Left Weekly - November 30, 2005

Kerryn Williams -- On November 22, the US State Department decided to override restrictions on US-Indonesian military ties imposed by Congress less than two weeks earlier.

A foreign aid bill approved by Congress made the resumption of US military ties with Indonesia conditional on reforms of Indonesia's armed forces (the TNI), including the prosecution of those who have committed gross human rights abuses.

On November 22, the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) issued a statement condemning "in the strongest terms possible the State Department's issuance of a national security wavier that removes all congressional restrictions on military assistance for Indonesia. US support for an unreformed military which remains above the law is not in the interest of the United States or Indonesia. This is a profoundly disappointing and sad day for human rights protections everywhere but especially in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and the US."

In a November 23 statement by TAPOL, the British-based Indonesia Human Rights Campaign, spokesperson Paul Barber said: "The decision is an insult to the countless victims of military violence in East Timor, West Papua and Aceh and a blow for Indonesia's fragile transition to democracy. The Indonesian military is as powerful, abusive and unaccountable as ever.

It will be encouraged by this US endorsement to resist necessary reforms and to continue with business as usual."

The decision allows the export of military equipment to Indonesia and the possibility of US loans or grants for purchasing weaponry. TAPOL noted that despite direct presidential elections and the signing of a peace agreement with Aceh, little has been achieved in reducing the power of the TNI in Indonesia, in making it more accountable or in bringing human rights violators to justice. "The US decision will encourage the practice and expectation of military impunity, which remains a major obstacle to genuine democracy in Indonesia."

The TAPOL statement noted: "Currently, at the same time as withdrawing troops from Aceh, the TNI is substantially increasing its presence in West Papua. It plans to double its strength in the territory over the next five years with the deployment of a new division of its special combat troops, Kostrad. Kostrad troops are equipped with the most sophisticated military hardware and are potentially the main beneficiaries of the State Department initiative. The arrival of Kostrad in West Papua will lead to increasing tensions and a further deterioration in the human rights situation in the territory. Regrettably, the US is sending a clear message that it supports such a disastrous policy."

According to TAPOL, serious corruption allegations regarding British military exports to Indonesia in the past have not been properly investigated. The human rights group raised concern that a similar situation could arise in the US.

A November 22 State Department statement claimed that the US "remains committed to pressing for accountability for past human rights violations, and US assistance will continue to be guided by Indonesia's progress on democratic reform and accountability". According to ETAN, this "could not ring more hollow. With what leverage will the State Department press for accountability? The Bush administration just gave all remaining leverage away.

"With the stroke of a pen, Secretary [of State Condoleezza] Rice and President [George] Bush betrayed the untold tens of thousands of victims of the Indonesian military's brutality in Indonesia and Timor-Leste and undermined efforts at democratic reform.

From sticks to carrots: US gambles on TNI reform

Jakarta Post - November 28, 2005

Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Jakarta -- The decision by the US administration to resume arms sale and military financing to Indonesia is a foreign policy trophy for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. It was even more significant since the decision was made through a special discretionary waiver granted to the executive to override certain restrictions of a law.

Just a week earlier the US Congress had agreed to maintain the restrictions when it passed the Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2006. It reflected US lawmakers' dissatisfaction with the pace of military reform in Indonesia and its accountability for past human rights violations.

The waiver is consistent with the Bush administration's growing empathy for Jakarta. In February, the International Military Education and Training (IMET) was resumed. During Susilo's visit to Washington in May, he and President George Bush expressed their commitment to a resumption of military relations. This opened the way for further relaxation of restrictions for the sale of non-lethal weapons.

A week before the waiver was announced, Eric G. John, the State Department's Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the US must be a "reliable friend to Indonesia".

He added that the Bush Administration sees TNI reform "as a long-term project", adding that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had told Susilo that while the United States had at times pulled back in its relationship with Indonesia "this is not the way it will be in the future".

So why is the US giving away its best leverage in regard to the unreformed TNI? There are simple, pragmatic reasons beyond the questions of human rights and accountability.

Indonesia is an anchor of stability in the region and its waters a vital passage of international trade. It is in no one's interest to have an Indonesia incapable of maintaining security in its waters.

The embargo placed on Indonesia since 1991 has also meant that Indonesia had to readjust its arms procurement. In 2003, Indonesia began purchasing Russian-made jet fighters and assault helicopters, while the Navy has looked to South Korea and other countries for patrol boats.

More importantly, Jakarta and Beijing are also in the initial phases of establishing stronger military cooperation.

Geopolitics dictates that Washington would be amiss not to establish stronger ties with a country whose waters are traversed by a third of the world's sea-borne trade.

Another reason is Washington's global fight against terrorism. The effectiveness of Indonesian security officers to weed out the fanatic cells here is a significant blow to the terrorist network seeking a Southeast Asian foothold.

Though Indonesia does not completely ally itself with the US policies, security forces here have been increasingly cooperative with their US counterparts.

Democratization and the positive assessment of Indonesia's first-ever democratically elected president was also an important consideration.

It is imperative for Washington to be seen supporting the third- largest democracy, which is also home to 14 percent of the world's Muslims -- Indonesia's Muslim population is larger than the combined number of Muslims in Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Not only can Indonesia be a poster-boy of new democracy, but one which can show the compatibility of democracy in an Islamic dominated society.

What is most interesting is that statements over the past few months coming out of the US State Department justifying the need for resuming full military ties persistently focus on Susilo's reformist agenda and the growing oversight of civilian officials over the TNI.

The changes most often highlighted include the end of the military's "dual function" in politics; efforts by Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono to strengthen civilian control of the budgetary and procurement process; as well as legislation to help oversee military businesses.

However, let us not forget that all these have been civilian- oriented initiatives that have been "imposed" on the military or ones the TNI could not afford to openly reject.

There was very little mention -- and as any political pundit here knows -- limited "eagerness" by the TNI to reform its ranks. In fact, a closer look at Indonesian politics suggests that rather than be a compelling force for change, the TNI is laying low and biding its time and allowing reformasi to run its course.

Hence Washington's decision to resume arms sales to Indonesia looks very much like a token to allow Susilo, a retired Army general, to appease his former brothers in arms so they engage in further change: The stick is now replaced by a carrot, which the Indonesian president is expected to dangle in front of the TNI.

The resumption of US arms sales is welcome relief for an under-equipped military tasked with securing these strategic international passageways. But the key question is whether this "gamble" is good for Indonesia's democratic evolution? With enough political shrewdness, Susilo can use it to induce change.

Unfortunately, over the past 12 months, very little has actually been shown by Susilo to show he is still focused on his reform pledges. It is even more glaring in how the attitude of moderation has changed within the military and the difficulties faced by the civilian defense minister in initiating real change.

On the other hand, providing carrots to a TNI that remains lethargic about political reform only reinforces the belief that their quiet subversion is paying dividends.

Indonesia deploys British arms against protesters

The Observer - November 27, 2005

Antony Barnett -- British military equipment is being used by the Indonesian authorities against civilians in remote parts of the country.

Despite promises by Foreign Office ministers that UK arms exported to the country are not used for internal repression, a photograph seen by The Observer shows a British-made Tactica water cannon vehicle deployed in the troubled eastern province of West Papua.

Eye-witness reports have claimed that the cannon have been used to control demonstrators protesting against Indonesian rule and widespread human rights abuses in the region, including thousands of extra-judicial killings. It is claimed that the water in the cannon is mixed with chemicals that makes demonstrators' eyes burn. The vehicles were made by Alvis in Coventry and sold to Indonesia in 1998.

Last week the Foreign Office minister Ian Pearson told the House of Commons: 'We are not aware of any UK-supplied equipment currently deployed in Papua. We have consistently made clear to the Indonesian authorities that no British-supplied equipment, or indeed any other equipment, should be used in any human rights abuses.'

The photographic evidence has provoked outrage among groups campaigning against Indonesian rule in the province.

Benny Wenda, a West Papua tribal and political leader now living in exile in Britain, said: 'When I was in West Papua I saw with my own eyes the Indonesian soldiers using Hawk jets made in the UK to bomb our villages. They killed thousands of my people and most of my own family.

'Now they are using British weapons again. So this is my message to the government and people of the UK: please, please, stop selling weapons to Indonesia.'

Indonesia has been a test case of British foreign policy since former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook announced that the government would have an 'ethical dimension' after Labour came to power in 1997. The Indonesian army has been accused of using British equipment such as Hawk jets and Scorpion tanks to suppress independence movements in East Timor and Aceh.

Labour ministers have always justified these highly controversial arms sales by claiming they have received assurances that the weapons will not be used by the Indonesian authorities to repress their own civilians. Now Pearson has admitted in a parliamentary written statement that these assurances are not 'enforceable'.

He added: 'We no longer seek guarantees or assurances, assurances are not enforceable.'

Liberal Democrat MP Mike Hancock said the admissions were a 'disgrace'. 'For years they have been telling us that it is OK to sell these weapons to countries like Indonesia because they have assurances they will not be used against civilians. Now they are telling us that all along these assurances are not worth the paper they are printed on.'

Paul Barber, of the Indonesian Human Rights Group Tapol, said: 'Once again this demonstrates the government's appalling lack of concern about the end use of UK equipment and the ineffectiveness of its monitoring procedures. In acknowledging that assurances are unenforcable, the government is admitting that the Indonesians cannot be trusted. This has dire implications for the rights of the Papuans, given Indonesia's previous record of using UK equipment in East Timor, Aceh and against its own civilians.'

A Foreign Office spokesman would not comment on any change of policy in exporting arms, but said: 'We will investigate any credible reports of British equipment being used for human rights abuses overseas.'

US not the only arms source, analysts say

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Tiarma Siboro and Tony Hotland, Jakarta -- Military analysts cautiously responded to the United States' decision to resume lethal arms sales to Indonesia, warning that Jakarta may become trapped in Washington's foreign policy.

Andi Widjajanto of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggests that the government continue maintaining relationships with other arms suppliers that had promised to help Indonesia modernize its defense systems.

Dependency on a single country for military equipment, he said, would cause problems in the future if Indonesia was involved in a political rift with that country.

Andi, also a member of the civilian think-tank group at the Ministry of Defense, says the lifting of the US embargo would enable the Indonesian Military (TNI) to repair its relatively aging American-made weaponry.

"Of course Indonesia can save more on its defense budget once it turns back to the US because it will grant Indonesia facilities, including a longer term of payment and lower interest rate," Andi said on Thursday.

He added that the US would offer a better credit export facility than that proposed by Russia earlier this year. "But if our concern is modernization of our armed forces, I think Russian- made weapons can be the answer," Andi said.

Washington froze military cooperation with Indonesia in 1991 after a massacre of East Timorese mourners at Santa Cruz cemetery, which the US blamed on the Indonesian Military. The embargo was extended due to allegations of human rights violations linked to the military, again in East Timor, after the 1999 independence vote. Following the ban, Indonesia desperately sought military equipment from new sources.

The embargo has severely impacted the country's defense system. Out of 34 military planes that Indonesia has procured from the US, only five are still able to fly. Despite strong objections from legislators, the government purchased in 2003 four Russian- made Sukhoi jet fighters for the Air Force and two Mi-35 assault helicopters for the Army.

Following the visit of a defense ministry team to Moscow in May, Indonesia and Russia have agreed on "a simple mechanism" for arms deals in the future, which include Indonesia's plan to buy 12 more Sukhoi jet fighters, transport planes and missiles. While, the Navy has turned to South Korea and some European countries for the procurement of warships and patrol boats.

Ikrar Nusabakti of the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said US President George W. Bush should have come under pressure from American arms producers who lost the Indonesian market because the embargo.

"The arms suppliers may be surprised to find we're surviving with weaponry from other sources. Of course, improving military ties with Indonesia is essential for the US in the so-called global war against terrorism," Ikrar said.

He agreed that the change in the US policy might decrease the number of human rights abuse cases involving the TNI, and be a boost for the peace deal struck with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Ikrar, however, reminded the government to make use of all opportunities to procure the best and latest arms instead of second-hand arms because the latter would cost the country a lot in the long term.

The House approved a Rp 21.9 trillion (US$2.4 billion) defense budget for this fiscal year, a slight increase from Rp 21.4 trillion last year. But only 30 percent of the total budget has been allocated for maintenance, while the lion's share went to soldiers' basic needs.

US removes military embargo

Radio Australia - November 24, 2005

The United States has lifted its six year military embargo on Indonesia. Imposed in 1999, after the military ravaged East Timor during the territory's break from Jakarta, Washington now wants to help Indonesia in its fight against terrorism.

Presenter/Interviewer: Kanaha Sabapathy

Speakers: Bob Lowry, consulting analyst on political and military affairs in Indonesia.

Sabapathy: Using a national security waiver to drop its arms ban on Indonesia, Washington justified its decision on a number of grounds. This is Bob Lowry a consultant analyst on political and military affairs In Indonesia.

Lowry: The public explanation was that Indonesia is in the transition to democracy and they want to encourage that process, as well as that it's an ally in terms of the war against terrorism, and also if they can become a successful democracy as an Islamic country it will be an example to other Islamic countries that there's no inconsistency between Islam and democracy. And also in a more strategic sense of course, is Indonesia has been an always will be important to America in terms of transit rights through the archipelago and of course America does have large investments in Indonesia that need protection and posturing as well.

Sabapathy: Washington had long tried to lift the embargo that was imposed in 1999 but was stymied by US lawmakers demanding the Indonesian military undertake meaningful reforms.

And in the past few years Indonesia has indeed undergone enormous changes, democratic reforms have been introduced, the military has returned to barracks and the government is working to rid the country of its terrorist cells.

Speaking in India where he's with his president on an official visit, Indonesia's defence minister Juwono Sudarsono says the lifting of the embargo is a credit to Indonesia's reform agenda.

Sudarsono: But I must emphasis that the terms of this lifting are largely on our own. We did the reform the military. We did our work in counter-terrorism on our terms, at our own speed and our own scope, but we welcome this opportunity to work again with the United States.

Sabapathy: But has the govt implemented real reforms, not so says Bob Lowry.

Lowry: No, it hasn't been able to do a lot in terms of bringing the perpetrators of human rights abuses to trial either, as those committed in Indonesia or in East Timor in the past and that's because it doesn't have the political capacity to do that. The military are still a powerful influence in Indonesian politics generally.

However, the military has stepped back from its direct role in politics and their reform measures are moving forward slowly, but it's not able politically to bring those people to trial and won't be for many years to come.

Sudarsono: We have done our reform. We've done our trials of officers whom we regard as being involved in those violations on our own terms and we insist that these issues should be resolved at the speed and scope of our judiciary system.

Sabapathy: Minister Sudarsono. Jakarta did conduct trials of some of those accused in the East Timor violence but of the 18 government and military officials tried, 16 have been acquitted.

The lifting of the arms embargo comes close on the heels of the decision by Jakarta to reactivate the military spy network, Babinsa further empowering the military in its search and arrest roles.

With terrorism an ever present problem the government may have justification to empower the military, but as Bob Lowry says Jakarta needs to put limits.

Lowry: The government believes in this case that it needs the additional support of the military to beef up the efforts of the police and the intelligence service, because both of those organisations like the military are in the process of being reformed and made more effective and efficient. But at this stage, both have a long way to go and the government obviously believes that it's necessary to call in military assistance.

The big thing for the government of course in relation to this is to make sure that it lays down very, very clearly what powers the military has to stop, to question people, to detain them, to search and so on. And this really all points to the needs of the government really to sit down and to work out what it needs the military for, what it wants it to do, and then how it should be structured and organised and that process hasn't even begun yet.

Sabapathy: The lifting of the embargo effectively allows for Indonesia to buy military hardware but Bob Lowry says for the present this is not going to be the case.

Lowry: You'll find in the short term, that the big thing is to buy spare parts, to get existing holdings of equipment going and serviceable. I doubt that they'll be buying large quantities of new weapons systems just in the very short term, because the government just doesn't have the money for that and doesn't need it at this stage.

Human rights/law

Probosutedjo gets four-year sentence

Jakarta Post - November 30, 2005

Tb. Arie Rukmantara, Jakarta -- It is true what they say, "Money can't buy everything". As in the case of Probosutedjo, a businessman and half-brother of former president Soeharto, billions of rupiah "spent" to bribe prosecutors and judges could not get him exonerated.

The Supreme Court upheld Probosutedjo's graft conviction by lower courts, giving him four years in jail for misusing Rp 100.9 billion (US$10.9 million) of reforestation funds between 1994 and 1997.

Probosutedjo was also ordered to pay a Rp 30 million fine and return to the state all the money embezzled, Suparno, the Supreme Court director of law and judiciary, said on Tuesday.

One of the prosecutors in the graft case, I Ketut Murtika, said Probosutedjo was expected to voluntarily appear at the Central Jakarta Prosecutor's Office to allow the prison sentence to be executed.

He said five prosecutors would wait for the businessman until midnight. "If he (Probosutedjo) is not cooperative, the prosecutors will take him to prison on Wednesday morning," Murtika told Antara.

He said a cell at Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta had been prepared for Probosutedjo. Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra once served part of his sentence for murder at Cipinang, before he was moved to Nusakambangan prison in Central Java in August 2002.

The house of the businessman on Jl. Diponegoro in Menteng, Central Jakarta looked quiet on Tuesday evening, Antara reported. A housekeeper said his boss had not come home since leaving for his office at 10 a.m., while his wife and children left in two cars. Several cars were seen coming in and out of the house on Tuesday evening.

Suparno said the verdict was handed down on Monday by the newly appointed panel of five judges -- Iskandar Kamil, Atja Senjaya, Regina Purba, Djoko Sarwoko and Harifin A. Tumpak.

The Central Jakarta District Court had sentenced Probosutedjo to four years' imprisonment in 2003 for the same case. Later, his jail term was reduced to two years by the Jakarta High Court.

With his case still under appeal at the Supreme Court, Probosutedjo confessed to local media that he had spent Rp 16 billion to bribe court officials and prosecutors during his legal battles against the conviction.

He also said his lawyer, Harini Wiyoso, asked specifically for US$500,000 to bribe Chief Justice Bagir Manan who chaired the previous panel of judges dealing with the Probosutedjo case.

His confession prompted the Corruption Eradication Commission and the Judicial Commission to launch probes into the bribery cases.

The high-profile bribery allegations have cast a large spotlight on the "court mafia" in the country, which has generally been denied by all parties involved.

Attorney General's Office spokesman Mashudi Ridwan said his office was waiting for a copy of the verdict before executing Probosutedjo's sentence.

"I hope, by tomorrow, we will already have the copy, which will later be sent to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office for execution," he told The Jakarta Post.

Probosutedjo's lawyer Arrizal Boer said his client was preparing to file a case review against the final verdict. "We have prepared new evidence to be submitted when we file a case review," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

AGO faces renewed debate over Soeharto case

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Tony Hotland and Blontank Poer, Jakarta/Surakarta -- Apparently exhausted over pressure to bring the country's former authoritarian leader Soeharto to court over corruption allegations, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) said on Monday that the matter was now in the hands of the Supreme Court.

Caught between a medical statement claiming that Soeharto has permanent brain damage, and a Supreme Court order for the AGO to allow the former strongman to "completely recover" his health before bringing him to court, Attorney General Abdul Rahman gave up and asked the Supreme Court to take back the lead in the case, which has been suspended for years.

"A team of doctors have said Soeharto suffers from permanent brain damage. Yet, we're stuck with this Supreme Court order to treat him until he's recovered. So, it's the Supreme Court who should take the lead now... is the order still effective or what?" he told a hearing with House of Representatives Commission III on security and legal affairs.

The AGO has been under heavy public pressure to bring the former president, now 84, to court on charges of massive corruption and gross human rights violations during his 32-year "New Order" regime.

The AGO has said that nothing can feasibly be done to assist with Soeharto's medical recovery, despite him frequently being seen in public physically fit and interacting in conversations.

His outdoor activities include frequent visits to friends in hospital, and to the Nusa Kambangan maximum security penitentiary where his infamous son Tommy Soeharto is incarcerated for murdering the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

"If we put Soeharto on trial, the doctors say he may be able to answer the first two or three easy questions, but not those that require logic or heavy memory retrieval about numbers or dates. They said his brain would hang," Abdul Rahman said.

Several months ago, the powerful Golkar Party, which was founded by Soeharto and used as his personal political machine during his 32-years in power, suggested the idea of pardoning Soeharto due to his condition. The idea met with harsh public criticism.

The issue of how the country should deal with Soeharto reemerged after Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is also the current chairman of Golkar, hinted that the party might propose for the annulment of the 1998 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) decree that explicitly stipulates legal moves against graft cases including those involving Soeharto.

"Some six months ago, his family sought to lift the travel ban Soeharto him on the basis that they thought it would be improper if he passed away under a travel ban status," Abdul Rahman said.

In Surakarta, House deputy speaker Zaenal Ma'arif said the President should have the AGO issue a decision to put any investigation to a stop, and for the People's Consultative Assembly to revoke its decree on Soeharto.

"This is to give a clear status to him and his family. Now, it's like they're under siege with a legal status that seems to never end. It's not proper for this battle to continue until he passes away," he said. Besides, Zaenal claimed, Soeharto also brought many benefits and significant progress to Indonesia during his term.

Domestic violence law 'still ineffective'

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Hera Diani, Jakarta -- Entrenched cultural traditions as well as the religious teachings of certain religions here say it is causes dishonor if women publicly reveal things that will disgrace husband and family.

It is these two powerful pressures that keep many women from speaking out about domestic violence.

"Even if they do talk about and report their cases, many choose to withdraw the case, or settle it out of court. Some women don't want their husbands to be jailed despite the abuse they suffer," said Kamala Chandrakirana, chairwoman of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) during a press conference on Thursday.

Despite the good will of the lawmakers and the government in passing Law No. 23/2004 on domestic violence, it has not been effective in reducing the number of cases of domestic violence, Kamala lamented.

The number of instances of domestic violence remains high and goes up every year, Komnas Perempuan's report reveals. The report states that at least 14,020 cases of violence against women were recorded across the country in 2004, almost double the number in 2003.

Out of the 14,020 cases, 4,310 were classified as acts of domestic violence, 2,470 occurred within the community and 6,634 in households; 562 cases were categorized as women trafficking and the remaining 302 were acts of state violence.

The law aims to provide protection for women, be they wives, children or housemaids, from abuse that has long been swept under the rug. Neighbors are obliged to report to the police if they witness domestic violence.

The commission revealed that different perceptions among parties concerned had contributed to the failure to uphold the law on domestic violence.

Kamala said that even the police could not yet agree on the definition of violence, or what defined a household. The role and qualification of victims' counselors are still unclear, as is the management of funds and fine in domestic violence cases. The regulation and policy under the law are still far from adequate, Kamala said, which makes it difficult to familiarize the mandate of the law.

"Cultural obstacle remains so huge that completing a legal process is still difficult," Kamala said.

Data from the Association of Women for Justice and Legal Aid (LBH Apik) shows that out of 300 reports filed with the institute, only five were investigated by the police in the past year. Two of the cases are being heard in court, while the probe into the other three had not yet finished.

According to the commission's 2005 report, out of the 4,456 cases of violence against women that the Jakarta Police handled, 143 of them were settled out of court or withdrawn by the victims.

Women's activist Kunthi Sridewiyanti has been able to look at the bright side of it all in terms of the law's enforcement. For example, many judges have actually referred to the law instead of the Criminal Code to deal with such cases.

The Indonesian Bar Association, she said, had also provided free consultation for victims of domestic violence.

"However, many law enforcement personnel still do not even know that the law exists, or they don't fully comprehend its contents. They still opt for the Criminal Code, which does not mention anything about victim protection or advocacy," she said.

Komnas Perempuan hopes to urge the police, prosecutors and judges to coordinate with related ministries and organizations to make clear definitions and regulations regarding domestic violence.

The Commission also asked the State Minister for Women's Empowerment to come up with innovative ways to reduce the cases of domestic violence.

"We also urge community leaders, particularly religious leaders, to support women and victims of domestic violence so that they receive legal protection," Kamala said.

War on terror

Arrest of terrorist suspect sparks rampage in Maluku

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

M. Azis Tunny, Ambon -- Enraged by the arrest of terror suspect Syarif Tarabubun, hundreds of people attacked and burned down on Monday a Muslim boarding school believed to have been harboring terrorists.

The residents of the Muslim subdistrict of Haya, Central Maluku, went on a rampage after they learned that the school principal, Batar, had allegedly harbored Syarif and other terrorists who had been involved in terror activities in the formerly riot torn city of Ambon.

Central Maluku Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ngurah Gunawan said that no fatalities had been reported in the incident.

The police officer said Batar was not in the school at the time of the incident as he had already left the area last year after he became the target of a police investigation for his alleged key role in an attack in Wamkana subdistrict, Buru regency in May last year, leaving three civilians dead.

Of five suspects in the case, only Batar and another person, Nurdin, are still at large while three other suspects have been arrested. These three have admitted to police investigators that they were involved in series of attacks in Maluku, particularly Ambon city. "Batar has been our priority. We received a tip-off that he already recruited other persons to mount terror attacks," said Ngurah Gunawan.

In a separate development, police investigators in Ambon are still questioning Syarif Tarabubun, who is also a police officer, for his role in an armed attack on a cafe in Ambon that killed two people. Syarif and 16 other people were arrested on Friday last week for their alleged roles in attacks in Ambon city over the past year.

Syarif was also named a suspect in February two years ago for allegedly masterminding the killing of civilians Tengku Fauzi Hasbi, Edy Saputra and Achmad Saridu.

The three were abducted from a hotel in the Waihaong area, Ambon city, and were then murdered. Syarif and the three dead people were believed to have all been members of a radical group affiliated to regional terror network Jamaah Islamiyah, but an internal rift led Syarif to commit the murders. Syarif was arrested in May 2003, but was released after a court found him not guilty.

The preliminary investigation into Syarif and the other 16 persons arrested recently in Haya subdistrict, Central Maluku, has found that they knew leading terrorists Azahari, Noordin M. Top and Imam Samudera. Azahari was killed in a raid in Malang, East Java, recently while Noordin is still at large. Imam Samudera was convicted for the first Bali bombings and he is now on death row. During questioning, Syarif and the other gang members admitted that the three terrorists had trained them in Haya in 2000 when sectarian conflict was tearing Maluku apart.

Ambon and other islands in Maluku were the scene of Muslim- Christian violence between 1999 and 2002 that left thousands of people dead. The conflict also drove hundreds of thousands of people from Maluku province. A government-sponsored peace pact in 2002 has restored a semblance of normality in the area but sporadic bombings and attacks still persist.

BIN moves to subvert radical groups

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Jakarta -- Creating internal conflicts within radical groups through infiltration is one of the strategies being pursued by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) to fight terrorism, BIN director Maj. Gen. (ret) Syamsir Siregar said on Monday.

The strategy, he said, was to help the intelligence service neutralize those groups that were believed to have played roles in terror attacks across the country.

"We're penetrate these radical groups and then we create internal conflicts (to weaken them)," Syamsir said during a hearing with the House of Representatives' defense commission.

He refused to identify which groups he was referring to, or say whether they were religion-based or politics-based ones. "That's a secret, of course. Otherwise, it would not be an intelligence operation anymore," he said.

This strategy, said Syamsir, was one of BIN's eight strategies for stamping out terrorism, which has been rampant around the country with a string of bombings and a history of violence in conflict-prone areas over the past few years.

Other strategies include seeking greater powers through legislative amendments, neutralizing foreign elements, the elimination of terror, tighter coordination with other relevant services, strengthening public participation and cooperation with foreign intelligence services.

BIN has been lobbying the House for greater powers, which it considers essential if it is to curb. These lobby efforts come against the background of the planned deliberation of the intelligence services bill.

High on BIN's wish-list is the power to arrest those who are believed to be involved in terror activities and to hold them for questioning for up to three days. The current antiterror law only allows the police to detain terrorist suspects. They may be held for up to seven days.

If the power of arrest were granted, BIN said that arrests could be made based on its own assessments and that prior coordination with the police would not be required.

BIN insists on more power to fight terror

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Tony Hotland, Jakarta -- To step up the fight against terrorism, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) has demanded that intelligence units be empowered to be able to arrest and interrogate suspects for up to three days.

The request is likely to be accepted by legislators, despite strong reactions from human rights activists.

BIN chief Maj. Gen. Syamsir Siregar said on Thursday that he wants the demand included in the intelligence law, which is one of the priorities for enactment next year, to help intelligence units perform better in preventing terrorist acts.

"We were seeking how our requests could be accommodated in the law, including the demand for us to be able to arrest a person following adequate indications for three days. That's the priority," he said after a closed-door hearing with the House of Representatives Commission I on defense and foreign affairs.

Amid accusations of past human rights abuses by security forces, including intelligence units, who were blamed for kidnappings and other violence perpetrated against antigovernment critics in the past, Syamsir appeared firm in his conviction that the request was neither unreasonable nor unfeasible.

"There's a discourse as well to establish a special monitoring body to supervise intelligence units. But even without it, House Commission I can summon us anytime if we're thought to be crossing the line," he argued.

Syamsir was thus convinced that the past violations by intelligence units during the authoritarian New Order regime under former strongman Soeharto would not repeat.

Such an authority, he added, could be enforced based on data by intelligence units alone without having to coordinate with the police.

"This is all in the interests of the state. Developed countries also have this kind of policy, like Australia (to arrest and investigate a person) for up to seven days," said Syamsir.

BIN's demand is apparently in contradiction to the revised draft for the intelligence law prepared by the defense ministry, after the initial draft was criticized for being detrimental to human rights protection in the country.

Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono said in September his team was preparing a new draft law on intelligence, which he added would be "more humane" than the old one proposed during the previous administration.

The government had dropped the initial draft law due to mounting opposition from a variety of critical groups. Juwono said the old bill was prone to civil rights abuses.

Should the House endorse the old bill, it would give BIN the power to intervene in the work of the police and allow for the use of intelligence reports as prima facie evidence, which would thus be admissible in a court of law.

House Commission I members Djoko Susilo from the National Mandate Party (PAN) and Effendi Simbolon from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) expressed their support on Thursday for the request.

"I suppose only intelligence units at the central government, not at the local level, can enforce such an authority. Besides, there's a plan to set up a national intelligence commission," said Djoko.

Terror groups receive foreign funding: BIN

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Jakarta/Semarang -- The amount of money obtained by local terror groups, including Azahari's network, is substantial with a staggering US$75,000 channeled to the terror groups in the country in the past few years, BIN has revealed. While one may think that the money would have been sent through modern means such as bank transfer, the top intelligence official here said on Thursday the money had been transported through couriers.

"The money came from individuals in Middle Eastern and Asian countries. The US$75,000 figure was worked out as the result of an investigation held this year," chief of State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Maj. Gen. (ret) Syamsir Siregar told reporters after a closed door meeting with legislators on Thursday here.

Although Syamsir admitted that the flow of money had stopped. the account had raised the alarm that terror activities had extended beyond the country's borders. With the huge amount of money acquired from foreign funding, it does explain how the terrorists groups had possessed enormous capability to perpetrate sophisticated terrorist attacks. The Bali bombing in 2002 which killed over 200 people was an example of the level of sophistication of the devices created by the well financed terror networks.

Syamsir explained the terror groups received funding based on the targets. The financiers would figure out how much money the terror groups should receive per target, and it would be sent through couriers. Each target was treated differently, said Syamsir.

After learning that foreign parties had donated money to terror groups operating in the country, Syamsir said he hoped to deploy intelligence agents at a number of Indonesian embassies abroad. Based on preliminary study, BIN is considering deploying intelligence officers in the Philippines, Thailand and some countries in the Middle East. "But, whether the plan is feasible, we will see how this goes with the foreign ministry," he said.

The foreign terrorist funding came to light after the police raided a house rented by master bombmaker Azahari in the sleepy town of Malang, East Java, which resulted in the death of Azahari, Southeast Asia's most-wanted terrorist. Azahari's death has revealed more about terror funding with National Police chief Gen. Sutanto disclosing recently that funding came from parties in the Middle East. However, the police general said the flow of funds from the Middle East had stopped last year.

Azahari, along with his Malaysian compatriot Noordin M. Top, are accused of masterminding a series of bomb attacks in the country in the past few years.

In a separate development, after a two-week long manhunt, Central Java Police have reportedly arrested Dwi Widyarto, who is charged with being a courier in the Azahari terror network. Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Chaerul Rasyid confirmed the arrest but refused to reveal when and where the suspect was apprehended.

Meanwhile, after a week-long investigation, Jakarta Police announced on Thursday that three people had been named suspects for harboring Azahari and Noordin. The three people were arrested on Nov. 17 in Pekalongan, Central Java province, said Jakarta Police spokesman I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana.

Politics/political parties

PKS faces rift over support for government

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta -- The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) is facing internal conflict following its patrons' decision to renew the party's support for the government.

PKS secretary-general Anis Matta said on Tuesday the vote of confidence for the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla had drawn protest from around 60 percent of the party's regional leaders.

Anis said the regional leaders expressed disappointment through text messages they sent to him.

"Far from my earlier estimate, not only the Yogyakarta chapter has criticized the decision as I received more text messages from leaders of most regional chapters," said Anis, who is also a member of House of Representatives Commission I on political, defense and foreign affairs.

Anis deemed the decision taken by the influential board of patrons a fair compromise. "The support should be seen as a moderate way to bridge the party's loyalty to its constituents and the party's commitment to the state," he said.

Anis said the government should not take PKS support for granted. "It is up to the government whether it can retain our political backing for another year," Anis said.

PKS patrons said the party's support would be subject to review after one year. They reaffirmed their support for the government, saying its shortcomings were within tolerable limits.

In their eight-point statement, the patrons underlined the government's unpopular policies that they said had led to more suffering for the people. The government's most controversial policy was the 126 percent average increase in fuel prices.

PKS has especially criticized the performance of the Cabinet's economics team. PKS president Tiffatul Sembiring said after the meeting on Sunday he would ask Susilo for an opportunity to directly submit the party's evaluation of the government's performance.

Tiffatul refused to comment on reports saying the party would ask President Susilo to grant one more seat in the Cabinet, from the current three seats. PKS has reportedly been seeking the attorney general seat, due to its concern about its persistent fight against corruption.

A party member and former official of the State Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Bakin), Soeripto, has reportedly been nominated to replace Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh.

Other reports said PKS would likely get an additional seat in the Cabinet in the upcoming reshuffle. Some analysts believe the reshuffle would affect finance minister Jusuf Anwar, who is non- partisan.

A legislator told detik.com news portal that PKS had also proposed its new member Fuad Bawazier, a finance minister under dictator Soeharto, for the finance minister post.

"The proposal was agreed," the source said, but the endorsement has irked the National Mandate Party (PAN), of which Fuad is a former member. Fuad left PAN after losing in the race for its chairmanship to Soetrisno Bachir in April.

PKS vows support for SBY Cabinet

Jakarta Post - November 28, 2005

Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta -- The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) very likely elicited a big sigh of relief from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the Muslim-based party reconfirmed its support for his government, at least for another year.

Wrapping up its two-day meeting, the influential PKS board of patrons unanimously agreed to grant Susilo a crucial vote of confidence.

"The board of patrons will not withdraw support for the government. PKS will not leave the United Indonesia Cabinet either," PKS chief patron Hilmi Aminuddin announced during a press conference.

The good news for Susilo came just after the Golkar Party announced its position as the bedrock of political support for the one-year-old government of Susilo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is also the Golkar leader.

At least two PKS regional chapters (Yogyakarta and Jakarta) had demanded that the party leave the government due to its decision to raise fuel prices by an average 126 percent on Oct. 1, a policy which was narrowly approved by the party.

In its eight-point statement, the PKS patrons were aware that Susilo had not fully complied with the deal he inked with the party ahead of the presidential election last year.

"The implementation of the political contract over the past year has not lived up to the public's expectation, but is still within the tolerable limit given the transitional period from a dictatorial regime," PKS leader Tiffatul Sembiring read out from the statement.

PKS lent its support to Susilo with conditions that the president would promote good governance, improve education, uphold the supremacy of law and create more job opportunities. Susilo won an outright majority in the presidential election runoff over the incumbent Megawati Soekarnoputri 14 months ago.

After a little more than a year, Susilo's government has earned praise for its fight against corruption, but drew criticism for its poor management of the economy as reflected by the soaring inflation rate and increasing unemployment numbers.

Tiffatul said the party would maintain its position as "a critical partner" of the government and push for some change in the Cabinet, particularly the economic team. The party will pass along its performance evaluation of the economic ministers directly to the President, but it will not be made public.

"We will submit our assessment to the government directly, so that if the reshuffle in the economic team does not take place, nobody will have hard feelings," Tiffatul said.

Over the next year, the party plans to encourage the government, particularly PKS-affiliated ministers, to improve.

In the field of law enforcement, PKS is demanding prosecution of government officials and businesspeople implicated in high- profile cases, who have so far managed to elude justice. PKS also demanded that the People's Consultative Assembly maintain a 1998 decree that requires legal moves against corruption cases involving former president Soeharto.

Golkar, on the other hand, recently presented an award to Soeharto for his service as the party's founder. In an interview on RCTI television on Friday, Golkar leader Kalla hinted that the party might propose an annulment of the 1998 decree against the former dictator, who stepped down in 1998 after 32 years in power.

Golkar reaffirms loyalty to government ahead of reshuffle

Jakarta Post - November 26, 2005

Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta -- Concluding its two-day leadership meeting on Friday, the Golkar Party reaffirmed its position as the main supporter of the current administration as it seeks more seats in the Cabinet team.

Golkar's deputy chairman Agung Laksono said that despite the position, his party "would remain critical, objective and proportional in giving its political support to the government." "Golkar is actually a major party with 128 seats (out of 550 seats) in the House of Representatives. Golkar will play a leading role in forming coalitions with other parties to back up the government and its policies," he said after officially closing the meeting.

Agung, who is also Speaker of the House, said that the party had yet to decide with which party or parties it would attempt to form coalitions with, as "the meeting would entrust its implementation to its faction in the House." Despite the absence of a formal coalition, Golkar together with other parties such as the Democrat Party (PD), Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), United Development Party (PPP) and the National Mandate Party (PKB) have been supporting the government's policies, including the controversial fuel increase policy in October.

Asked whether Golkar would consequently ask for more seats in the Cabinet to cement its loyalty to the current government, Agung claimed that the issue had not been discussed during the meeting, but quickly added that Golkar was prepared to put forward its best people if President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono needed them.

Susilo is expected to announce a new Cabinet team in the near future amid strong public demands for a reshuffle to improve the government's performance in resolving the country's various problems. Golkar has two members in the current Cabinet.

Reliable sources in Golkar have claimed that Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is also chairman of the party, had proposed four names to the President for the new Cabinet line-up. The four are Andi Matalatta, Burhanudin Napitupulu, Theo Sambuaga and Paskah Suzeta.

Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) political analyst, J. Kristiady, said that with the repositioning of Golkar, Susilo and Kalla were trying to use the party to launch a political consolidation process in the House to make their government more effective over the next four years.

"Secondly, if Golkar can make strong coalitions with other parties in the House, it will have a good bargaining position to share power with the government," he said.

Kristiady warned, however, that Golkar could be trapped in political conflict if Kalla could not control the party's elite group and could not fulfill all pledges he might have given to win the party's full support.

"Kalla is actually a newcomer to Golkar and a bigger part of the party's elite group are supporters of Akbar Tandjung, the former chairman of Golkar, and those representing the military," he said.

He also said that if Golkar was given more seats in the Cabinet, Kalla should accept the rising calls to replace Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie, the architect of the controversial fuel hike policy.

Golkar discusses Soeharto's status

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Jakarta -- The Golkar Party is discussing whether to demand the corruption charges against former president and party leader Soeharto be dropped, or that the case should proceed to court.

Golkar leader Burhanuddin Napitupulu said here on Thursday that the move was to respond to Soeharto's requirement that he would only accept the "Anugerah Bhakti Pratama" or Dedicated Service Award from the party if it helped "clarify" his status before the courts.

The party, which was used by Soeharto to stay in power for 32 years, has named him a recipient of the award along with 44 other senior figures, many of them Soeharto cronies.

Burhanuddin was quoted by Antara as saying that a discussion about Soeharto's charges was held during the three-day Golkar national leadership meeting.

Eighty three-year-old Soeharto is a prime suspect in several graft cases but the Attorney General's Office has never taken the cases to court, accepting claims that he is too disabled to face trial.

A supposedly independent team of doctors set up by the AGO, and his defense lawyers say the former autocratic leader is too brain damaged to properly answer lawyers' questions.

Despite this, the former president has repeatedly been seen in public since his downfall in May 1998, looking healthy and able to walk unaided. He also occasionally meets and apparently converses with well-known public figures.

Soeharto was to be charged for embezzling huge amounts of state funds to enrich himself, family and friends for 30 years.

Other recipients of the awards, conferred for services to the party, include Soeharto's successor B.J. Habibie, former state secretary Moerdiono, former manpower minister Cosmas Batubara, former justice minister Oetojo Oesman, former information minister Harmoko and party figure Basyuni Suriadihardja.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who currently chairs the country's largest party, will confer the awards before the closing of its three-day national leadership meeting on Saturday in Jakarta. Former Golkar leader Akbar Tandjung, who is Kalla's political opponent, and former vice president Sudharmono were not listed among senior party figures to get the awards.

Golkar executives have argued Akbar had yet to meet the seniority requirement. Akbar was given credit by many as the politician who managed to rehabilitate Golkar's image with the public during his leadership from 1999 to 2004.

Under Akbar, Golkar won 21 percent of the vote in last year's general elections, making it again the nation's largest party.

Environment

NGO opposes higher logging quota policy

Jakarta Post - November 29, 2005

Jakarta -- As the forestry-based industry has yet to perform efficiently, the government should review its policy to increase next year's natural forest logging quota, an environmental organization says.

"Currently, the forestry-based industry can only absorb 20 percent of the given quota. Why should it be increased?" Greenomics Indonesia executive director Elfian Effendi said on Monday.

Minister of Forestry M.S. Kaban said previously that his ministry would increase next year's annual logging quota to 8.1 million cubic meters from 5.6 million m3 in 2005. He said the ministry aimed to increase state revenue from the sector to US$8 billion in 2006 from the current $5 billion.

A Greenomics study shows that between 2002 and 2004, only some 20 percent of 264 companies holding natural forest concessions were active. "Most of them experienced financial difficulties because they have to pay the reforestation fund up front before utilizing the forests," Elfian said.

The 264 companies held permits to utilize 27.79 million hectares of natural forest with a logging quota of 5.6 million m3.

At present, the timber processing industry has an estimated capacity of about 42 million cubic meters per year, but the industry is flooded with illegal timber from already depleted natural forests.

The forestry ministry had planned in January to increase its present logging quota to 30 million m3 this year to meet domestic demand and help create employment.

Aside from the supply from the natural forests, there were some 15 million m3 additional annual supply from other forest concessions, including from illegal logging, Elfian said.

"Our timber industry is also inefficient. They could only use up to 50 percent of the logs they received due to aging technology," he added. "The rest became unprocessed waste." Elfian said with an investment of less than $10 million on new wood processing equipment, the industry could in fact use up to 80 percent of the raw materials.

"The government needs to first revitalize the forestry industry before increasing the logging quota," he said. Revitalizing could mean reviewing the concessions already given to companies as well as helping improve the current financial management of the companies.

"But that does not mean that the government should provide loans. The forestry sector still has Rp 54 billion (US$5.37 million) of unpaid debt owing since 2001," he said.

Elfian highlighted that the forestry ministry should be consistent in gradually decreasing the natural forest logging quota in the next 10 to 15 years in a bid to maximize its rehabilitation efforts.

Indonesia has set aside Rp 2.8 trillion (US$278.61 million) this year from the state budget to rehabilitate natural forests.

Incentives urged to stop deforestation

Jakarta Post - November 25, 2005

Tb. Arie Rukmantara, Jakarta -- Environmentalists and foresters suggested on Thursday that more incentives be offered to countries that have vast areas of tropical forests, such as Indonesia, and to timber companies, which all play roles in preventing further deforestation.

Forests and livelihood program officer of the Bogor-based Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Hari Priyadi said that the lack of incentives has made timber companies in Indonesia reluctant to implement "reduced impact logging (RIL)".

RIL is a collection of forest harvesting techniques which results in low levels of damage to the stock of residual trees, soil and water.

"The Ministry of Forestry has issued a regulation in 2001 that all companies in Indonesia must implement RIL in their concession, but such a move isn't effective because the government doesn't offer any incentives to the firms," he told a workshop on Thursday at the Asia Europe Environment Forum in Jakarta.

The three-day forum, which began on Wednesday, features 12 workshops to discuss various environmental issues and is being attended by around 300 environmentalists from 38 countries in Asia and Europe.

Another CIFOR activist, Herry Purnomo, proposed that countries and companies, which have been carrying out sustainable tropical forest management should also be compensated under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

"Carbon trading should provide attractive incentives to grow trees," he said.

CDM is one of the mechanisms regulated under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. It requires developed countries to reduce their gas emissions by 5.2 percent from 2008 to 2012, and to finance projects in developing countries that can reduce gas emissions.

Under the scheme, the trade of per ton carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2) is worth between US$3 and $6 in the international market.

According to Indonesia's National Commission of CDM, the country has a potential to reduce up to 300 million tCO2, which is equal to about $1.65 billion.

A forester for the Austrian-based International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Florian T. Kraxner, said NGOs and environmentalists were now lobbying for the inclusion of certified forest management as a verification tool for CDM projects.

"Such certification now merely functions as a market tool...We are now lobbying that it will also be used as a verification system in the Kyoto Protocol for the 2008-2012 commitment period," he told The Jakarta Post.

Kraxner also said that market punishment was more effective to encourage timber firms to implement sustainable forest management.

"One possible incentive is to implement a procurement policy in big (wood products) buyer countries, such as the European Union countries and Japan. The policy, which is now being discussed in those countries, will require that the government or the public should only procure certified timber products," he said.

Islam/religion

Muslims split over ban on 'radical' books

Jakarta Post - November 26, 2005

Eva C. Komandjaja and Suherdjoko, Jakarta/Semarang -- An attempt by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ban Islamic books thought to foment radicalism has been opposed by a large Muslim organization that fears the move could prove counterproductive.

The ministry has requested that the Attorney General's Office ban all books that pose a danger to the country by teaching and spreading Islamic extremism.

But Din Syamsuddin, the chairman of the country's second largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah, said such a ban would only encourage curious people to seek out the books.

Ministry secretary-general Faisal Ismail said his office was currently evaluating a number of books to determine whether they promoted radicalism and the use of violence in the name of jihad.

Faisal referred specifically to books written by Imam Samudra and Amrozi, who were convicted over the first Bali bombings. The two books have sold well and are reportedly into their third printings.

Bali was the target of another terrorist attack on Oct. 1, when three suicide bombers killed 20 people in three crowded restaurants. The investigation into the attack led police to top terror suspect Azahari bin Husin, who was killed in a police raid in Batu, Malang, on Nov. 9.

Faisal said the ministry was particularly concerned by books that taught a violent form of jihad, which he said was a danger to the nation.

"If we do not pull these books from the shelves, people who read them could be swayed by these false teachings on jihad. These books also quote Koranic verses to justify violence," Faisal said during a visit to Semarang.

Din agreed the books were dangerous, but suggested that instead of issuing bans the government encourage the publication of books to counter false teachings on jihad.

"I do wonder how books that contain teachings justifying acts of terrorism are able to circulate. But if they are banned now it will just make people curious and encourage them to read the books. It would be better to publish books that explain the true teachings of Islam," Din told The Jakarta Post on Friday, before leaving later in the day for Tripoli to attend an international conference of Islamic figures.

Din is part of an antiterror team recently formed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The team, comprising ulema and leaders of the country's largest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), will work to counter extremist teachings.

Din, who is also the deputy chairman of the MUI, said he had read several of the books being evaluated by the religious affairs ministry and found their arguments in favor of violent jihad deceptive and tenuous.

"It is clear that suicide bombings are against Islam. The religion forbids murder, let alone mass murder. Those books are poisoning the minds of people who do not really understand Islam," he said.

The deputy head of the Intelligence Division at the Attorney General's Office, Mochtar Arifin, said his office was still evaluating a number of books. The Attorney General's Office is the only institution authorized to ban publications and teachings deemed a threat to the state.

Vice President vows action against militant ideas

Reuters - November 26, 2005

Dean Yates and Tomi Soetjipto, Jakarta -- Indonesia will take tough action in its newly declared war on militant ideas that could include shutting an Islamic school co-founded by hardline jailed cleric Abu Bakar Bashir if serious teaching deviations are found, the vice president said on Saturday.

Jusuf Kalla said the government would soon ban a widely circulated book of militant ideas written by one of the 2002 Bali bombers, Imam Samudra, who is on death row.

He said that would be one of a number of steps the government and mainstream clerics would take in response to the discovery of videos showing three suicide bombers using Islam to justify attacks in Bali on October 1 that killed 20 people.

"There has to be two wars. Firstly, a physical war by the police and secondly an ideological war carried out by Muslim clerics," Kalla said in an interview.

Kalla summoned Muslim clerics from all major groups to view the tapes of the young bombers last week, prompting them to form a team to counter militant ideas and work with the police. He said clerics had to correct or review religious curriculum and evaluate religious books in circulation.

The Religious Affairs Department had already been in contact with some Islamic boarding schools about their teachings, which would be corrected, said Kalla.

Asked about the al-Mukmin boarding school near the city of Solo, which was co-founded by Bashir, the alleged spiritual leader of the Jemaah Islamiah militant network, Kalla said: "Yes al-Mukmin is certainly one that needs to be further analyzed and given information so their curriculum will be in line with the national curriculum," Kalla said.

Asked if the school, where some convicted Islamic bombers have studied, could be closed, he said that would depend on the Religious Affairs Department.

"If there are some serious (deviations), automatically it has to be (closed). I mean serious deviations, if they have wrong teachings. It could come to that (closure)." He cited one example where the school's 2,000 students were not allowed to salute the Indonesian national flag.

His comments are the strongest yet from the government against al-Mukmin, which the International Crisis Group has described as at the top of Jemaah Islamiah's "Ivy League" of schools where members send their children.

All major bomb attacks in Indonesia in recent years have been blamed on Jemaah Islamiah, a shadowy network seen as the regional arm of al Qaeda. It usually recruits young, poor Muslims from teeming Java island as its foot-soldiers.

Bashir is serving a 30-month jail term for his role in the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people.

Clerics shocked

Kalla said he could not believe the images of the young suicide bombers on the videos. He said this had erased any doubts among clerics that they had a problem on their hands.

"I was shocked, not just me, but all of the clerics were too, (seeing) youths laughing and then saying that they would die and go to heaven the next day," Kalla said. "There were a lot of doubts before, but having watched the video then all the clerics finally said this was the case."

Mainstream Muslim organizations would meet in Jakarta on December 2 to kickstart a national effort to fight this war against militant ideas, Kalla added. There would also be a meeting of major Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantrens in Indonesia, but it was unclear if that would be incorporated in the December 2 event.

The move by clerics is the first time moderate groups have agreed to play a decisive and united role in tackling terrorism.

In the past, they have been reluctant to criticize militants or have said fighting terrorism was the responsibility of the government and the police. The special team gathers top preachers from the two mainstream Islamic groups in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, that have a combined 70 million members.

Anti-terrorism campaigns in Indonesia have often faced challenges because of a widespread belief that the United States wants to attack Islam.

Armed forces/defense

Kostrad chief says weapon technology out of date

Tempo Interactive - November 24, 2005

Malang -- Lieutenant General Hadi Waluyo, Chief of the Indonesian Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), has stated that the number of Army weapons was sufficient.

However, the technology of the weapons was out of date behind compared with other countries. "The weapons must be modernized. Currently, Kostrad's weapons systems are out of date," Waluyo said in Singosari, Malang, East Java, on Wednesday (23/11).

According to Waluyo, the weapons that need to be modernized include cannons, tanks, anti-aircraft rockets, and high-caliber ammunition, such as cannon, 90-mm, 105-mm and 75-mm caliber ammunition.

For the purchase, the Indonesian Army will consider buying weapons from countries other than the United States, such as China and East European countries.

(Bibin Bintariadi-Tempo News Room)

Opinion & analysis

TNI back from the sin bin

Sydney Morning Herald Editorial - November 26, 2005

The United States' decision to restore military ties with Indonesia does more than draw a line under past human rights abuses in East Timor. It brings Indonesia's armed forces in from the cold after decades of embargoes and bans by Western governments.

Whether the Indonesian military has been sufficiently reformed to deserve such recognition is questionable. But the former authoritarian Indonesian president Soeharto is gone and East Timor is an independent nation.

For Washington, human rights is no longer the most pressing issue. The US wants to reward Indonesia's co-operation in the war on terrorism and so influence Jakarta's handling of the Jemaah Islamiah terrorist group.

Australia's national interest, as a target of the group's attacks, also clearly lies in assisting Indonesia's security forces to disrupt terrorist cells.

The US decision confirms no senior Indonesian military officer will ever be held accountable for the carnage which followed East Timor's independence vote in 1999. Human rights groups immediately accused the US of betraying East Timorese victims "with a stroke of a pen".

Up to a quarter of East Timor's population -- about 200,000 people -- died during 24 years of Indonesian rule. But the pragmatic decision to bury the pain of the past rather than seek retribution was made in Dili, not in Washington. East Timor's President, the former guerilla leader Xanana Gusmao, last year publicly reconciled with the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Indonesia is now a democracy and, it may be argued, should not be isolated because of the sins of its authoritarian past -- though admittedly many Soeharto-era officers still hold senior positions. The Yudhoyono Government has achieved significant structural reform. The military was stripped of its formal political role last year after four decades. It is also on notice that its right to do business -- it controls large shares in lucrative industries such as logging -- is coming to an end.

The best way to support Indonesia's reforms is through re- engagement. US aid, training and equipment can help. Enhanced Australian ties should follow.

Controversy over rice imports

Jakarta Post Editorial - November 25, 2005

Importing rice, like raising fuel prices, is always politically controversial. However, the heightened political emotions set off by the importation earlier this month of 70,000 metric tons of rice from Vietnam seems to be inordinate.

Those analysts who sharply criticized the imports as being inimical to the interests of rice growers and the leaders of the Indonesian Farmers Association who encouraged protest demonstrations are not so ignorant as not to know that the amount of the imports is too small to cause any disruption in the domestic rice market.

The imported rice will only amount to about 0.002 percent of national consumption, which is estimated at 32.85 million tons this year, against national production of 33 million tons. The government also had explained as early as August, when the debate over the rice import plan started to rage, that imported rice would not be released onto the market unless local prices rose far in excess of the set ceiling, and would be used only to replenish the National Logistics Agency (Bulog)'s buffer stock.

Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono said in September that importation would only be resorted to if Bulog's stocks fell below one million tons and retail prices rose above Rp 3,500 (US$ 0.30) per kilogram. But Bulog's stocks always change as it has to sell at least 150,000 tons of rice monthly under the rice-for-the-poor program. Latest estimates by the trade ministry, which oversees Bulog, show that as of early this month the agency's stocks had dwindled to around 800,000 tons -- below the threshold set by the ministry.

The basic issue here is that the government should always have a buffer stock of at least one million tons of rice to meet urgent need in emergencies, such as natural disasters or crop failures. As the fourth most populous country in the world with more than 220 million people to feed, the government must also see to it that the country has reliable suppliers in times of urgent need.

Experience has shown that food security is vital to political stability, and the challenge in Indonesia is particularly formidable as food security essentially means the availability of rice, the main staple, at affordable prices, while there are only two major rice exporters in Asia (Thailand and Vietnam).

Hence, the importation of 70,000 tons earlier this month was a contingency measure to preempt any shortages that might be caused by unexpected factors like crop failures or natural disasters -- particularly important given that the next harvest will only start in February and that it will take a few weeks before the imported rice actually arrives in Indonesian ports.

To start thinking about importing rice only after a major shortage has arisen would be calamitous -- what starts as an isolated shortage could soon escalate into a crisis given the time lag between the decision to import and the actual arrival of shipments. Moreover, a shortage, or even just a perceived shortage, could very quickly prompt speculators to join the fray, thereby resulting in spiraling inflation as rice weighs heavily in the basket of goods used for calculating the consumer price index.

It is also worth remembering that most rural farm households are net consumers of rice, and steep rises in rice prices could trigger a social and political crisis as food usually accounts for the bulk of the spending of poor families.

The government certainly does not want to repeat the mistakes made during the rice crisis of 1998 when imports came very late amid an acute rice shortage arising from a national crop failure caused by the El Nino phenomenon.

Some analysts have suggested that the government buy the rice it needs on the domestic market in order to improve the incomes of farmers. The problem with this argument is that most farmers normally sell their surplus output within days of the harvest so that most stocks are now already in the hands of wholesalers or retailers. Hence, buying such a large quantity of rice in one transaction could disrupt the market and trigger excessive price rises.

In fact, past experience has shown that farm-gate rice prices always remain stagnant even when retail prices are rising sharply, meaning that the farmers rarely benefit from rice price increases, except those mandated by the government.

We therefore believe that the fundamental issue that the government must immediately address is the public's lack of trust in the government's rice policy and the perceived lack of transparency in the process of making decisions on resuming rice imports, which were totally banned in 2004.