June 17, 2014 edition
THERE is nothing wrong with retired army officers becoming members of presidential campaign teams. Since they are non-active, they are no longer bound by Law No. 43/2004 on the Indonesian Military, which bans soldiers from involvement in politics.
This law banning soldiers from taking up any political activity was drawn up by taking into account the fact that soldiers perform 'unusual' service to the nation. They are armed and command other men, so it was seen as dangerous if they are allowed to participate in the quest for power. And a cornerstone of the 1998 reforms was the need for civil supremacy-a doctrine that obliges soldiers to return to the barracks.
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January 1, 1970 edition
THE black or smear campaigns going on prior to the presidential elections has reached unacceptable levels. The perpetrators feel that disseminating lies and malicious gossip is part of gaining votes for the party of their choice.
They must be well paid to do this atrocious work. They use all kinds of communication and information tools, from social media to 'press products' like the tabloid Obor Rakyat (People's Light) whose distribution is also done by subterfuge although it appears systematically carried out.
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January 1, 1970 edition
THE suspected corruption of haj pilgrimage funds, involving Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali, has uncovered several ways in which the management of the huge business was manipulated. It appears that the abuses involved everything from the way prospective pilgrims' initial deposits were used to the selection of accommodation in the Holy Land. And sadly the impact of these abuses that have been going on for years is felt most keenly by the weakest people: the haj pilgrims.
There is nothing that can be done about this: millions of 'Allah's guests' have no choice but to follow the rules laid down by the Religious Affairs Ministry, even though these rules cause problems. Prospective pilgrims are not allowed to receive interest on their initial haj deposits, despite the fact that these funds sit in accounts for years. The faithful are also asked to simply accept everything that the organizers do. Those who protest are seen as 'lacking conviction'. And rather than offer protection, some ministry officials take advantage of the pilgrims' weak position to enrich themselves.
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January 1, 1970 edition