Dare to Die for Jokowi

IT remains unclear who is to blame for the rumors of a mass rally of supporters willing to die for Joko Widodo. Amien Rais, a former Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), announced via YouTube that the gathering would take place near the Horse Statue in Jakarta on September 22, 2024, with an expected attendance of 20,000. However, on the scheduled day, media reports indicated that the Horse Statue area resembled any other ordinary day, with no mass actions taking place.

It is possible that Amien was seeking attention. His claims even provoked the leader of the FPI to address his community, expressing disapproval of the alleged rally. Alternatively, the rumors of the rally might have been accurate but canceled by the organizers for fear of being confronted by FPI members, who were reportedly on standby in Jakarta. The rumors brought about brouhaha on social media, with netizens making Amien Rais the laughing stock for what appeared to be a hoax. Perishing in defense of religion or country is noble. Defending religion can lead to martyrdom, while defending the country can elevate one to hero status. But succumbing in defense of Jokowi? For what purpose?

Hardi Yan
Tembilahan, Riau

Food Bank

THE global food sector faces a significant challenge in the form of food loss and waste, estimated at 30 percent per year. This staggering figure amounts to approximately US$940 billion. In response to food and nutrition issues, the United Nations established the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in 2002. By 2014, GAIN opened an office in Indonesia, a country grappling with high levels of food loss and waste—ranked second in the world after Saudi Arabia.

Food loss is relatively minor and typically occurs during production and storage. In contrast, food waste is more prevalent during processing, marketing, and consumption. Some waste is non-edible, such as parts of fruits or vegetables that are meant to be discarded, as well as leftovers on consumers’ plates. Edible food waste includes dishes prepared in hotels or restaurants that go unconsumed but are still fit for eating.

Several solutions exist to tackle this issue, the most crucial being public education on reducing food waste. For instance, encouraging people to take only what they can eat at buffet events. There are also positive initiatives that create by-products. For example, the fishing industry can repurpose fish scraps into products like shredded fish, while bones and skins can be transformed into chips, and even fish scales can be processed into valuable collagen.

Additionally, some countries have adopted food banks, which collect surplus food from hotels and restaurants to distribute to those in need. Products nearing expiration or processed goods are donated to the community.

Dr. Soen'an Hadi Poernomo
Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta

Cigarette Excise

THE issue of tobacco is intertwined with public health and government revenue. In the 2024 State Budget, the target for customs revenue is set at Rp320.98 trillion, with Rp246.08 trillion coming from excise duties. Tobacco excise is projected to reach Rp230.41 trillion, accounting for 93.6 percent of total excise revenue. As of July, the realization of tobacco excise revenue stood at Rp111.33 trillion (0.09 percent per year).

Many parties are involved in the production and distribution chains of illegal tobacco, including entrepreneurs, community members engaged in tobacco production, logistics companies, and numerous other players, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break and well-protected.

One government solution already implemented is the increase in tobacco excise, originally aimed at reducing the number of child smokers. However, this measure has yet to yield satisfactory results. Additional strategies are needed to curb the circulation of illegal tobacco. Furthermore, community involvement should be maximized in efforts to combat the spread of tobacco products.

Kosmantono
Purwokerto, Central Java