The Research Agency Political Hostage
The future of BRIN is uncertain in the administration of Prabowo Subianto. It is caught up in a political deal with the PDI-P.
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The future of BRIN is uncertain in the administration of Prabowo Subianto. It is caught up in a political deal with the PDI-P.
There are indications that the police are taking sides in local elections in a number of regions. This is the next setback for democracy after the presidential election.
There are many irregularities in relation to the detention of Tom Lembong. Without sufficient evidence of corruption, this case can be considered as politicization, and not enforcement, of the law.
Established to provide an opportunity to obtain loans, Danantara could sink Indonesia into a debt quagmire. Risk mitigation is key.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro explains BRIN’s position in the Prabowo government.
A collection of hundreds of cultural artifacts from the second phase of repatriation from the Netherlands is on display at the National Museum of Indonesia.
The position of BRIN remains uncertain under Prabowo Subianto’s administration. The restructuring of the research agency is hampered by political interests.
Jokowi and the police are helping to bring Ahmad Luthfi-Taj Yasin to victory in the Central Java Regional Head Election, allegedly pressuring village heads to show support.
Tom Lembong’s lawyer on the irregularities of his case.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
Tom Lembong owns assets worth Rp101 billion but does not own a house. He does not live with his wife and children in Jakarta.
The Supreme Audit Agency uncovered violations in sugar import practices during various periods of the Trade Ministry. Only Tom Lembong, the Trade Minister for 2015-2016, is indicted.
The Attorney General’s Office is still withholding the evidence in the sugar import case involving Tom Lembong. State losses remain unclear.
BI faces a dilemma over cutting rates amid the global volatility stirred by Trump’s victory.
The Indonesia Investment Authority is set to merge with Danantara, but it still fails to optimize investments and faces ongoing issues with foreign investor confidence.
In the face of ambivalence, who is evil? It is those who choose greater evil or lesser evil.
The plan for a super-holding for state-owned enterprises dates back to the New Order era. The SOEs Ministry will be replaced by a giant corporation.
Danantara will reduce the authority of the SOEs Minister. Transferring the management of major SOEs will make the Ministry almost powerless.
Prabowo Subianto is establishing BPI Danantara to manage state-owned enterprises. There are reportedly tug-of-wars and a number of obstacles in the process, including the obligation to revise laws.
A reader hopes that the government will do more when it comes to protecting citizens’ lives.
The move by President Prabowo Subianto to save Sritex could well lead to corruption. A smart strategy is needed to rescue collapsing companies.
The food estate project in Central Kalimantan turned into an oil palm plantation. The government failed to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Ridwan Kamil should have realized from the start that the parties supporting him were not being sincere. The people will lose out.
With the Supreme Court’s judicial mafia, when one branch is lopped off, another 10 grow in its place. It needs to be comprehensively cleaned up.
Judge bribery suspect Zarof Ricar was once a high-ranking Supreme Court official. He bankrolled a film about a judge.
The Supreme Court dismissed three judges suspected of accepting bribes in the Ronald Tannur case. This adversely impacts efforts to improve the judiciary.
The three judges who acquitted Ronald Tannur often reported for ethics violations. Their bank accounts show transactions amounting to the billions.
The Rp920 billion found in Zarof Ricar’s house is suspected of being related to arranging court case verdicts. The Corruption Eradication Commission once detected his corrupt exploits.
Judicial Commission Chair Amzulian Rifai on the corruption in judicial institution involving judges.
The food estate program, or rice field creation initiative in Central Kalimantan, was neglected and instead converted into oil palm plantations owned by private companies.
Ridwan Kamil’s electability remains stagnant in the Jakarta regional head election. His supporting parties are not actively campaigning for him, leaving him hoping for support from Prabowo and Jokowi.
Prabowo Subianto orders four ministers to rescue the bankrupt textile company Sritex. A potential bailout from the state is on the table.
Interviews with Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and Sritex President Commissioner Iwan Setiawan Lukminto on the company’s bailout.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
After Sritex, other major textile companies are also collapsing. Incentives and support are needed to curb imported goods.
Capital outflow becomes increasingly clear at the outset of Prabowo’s administration. The large cabinet undermines investors’ confidence.
Kamala Harris champions women’s legal and political rights, countering Donald Trump’s machismo.
Former Trade Minister Thomas Lembong is arrested by the Attorney General’s Office over corruption allegations. When will other ministers be questioned?
Prabowo Subianto is hoping to erase his sins in relation to the 1998 kidnappings. Gross human rights violations will not be a priority.
The obligation to obtain halal certification leads to higher economic costs and corruption. Labeling products that are non-halal would be more efficient.
Jokowi’s son-in-law, Bobby Nasution is caught up in alleged bribery involving a mining permit in North Maluku. He is accused of selling his influence.
A number of problematic individuals are appointed to Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet. It will be difficult for the government to be effective in its first one or two years.
The term “Medan Block” emerged during the trial of former North Maluku Governor, Abdul Gani Kasuba. Medan Block is believed to refer to pre-allocated nickel mining concessions in Halmahera.
Former North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba acknowledged meeting with Bobby Nasution but claimed he gained no advantage from it.
Bobby Nasution is suspected of managing the Medan Block nickel mine since 2021. He met with Abdul Gani Kasuba before becoming the Mayor of Medan.
Entrepreneurs complain about the costly and complicated halal certification process. They must pay monthly fees for supervision.
Halal certification is slow due to inadequate supporting infrastructure. It has the potential to trigger a high-cost economy.
Entrepreneurs are pressured by the mandatory halal certification regulations. The costs associated with obtaining halal labels are considered expensive, and the procedures are complicated.
Three East Java gubernatorial candidates—Luluk, Khofifah, and Risma—talk about the competition in the 2024 regional head elections.
Prabowo Subianto appointed ministers and deputy ministers with problematic backgrounds in his cabinet. Several of them are closely associated with businessman Haji Isam.
The PDI-P received the most positions as leaders of the DPR working bodies. Surya Paloh met with Bahlil Lahadalia to discuss the allocation of commission chairs.
The new ministries and agencies established by Prabowo Subianto cannot operate immediately. Some lack office space, have tight budgets, and are short on staff. The authority of the Haj and Umrah Organizing Agency even violates the law.
The rupiah is weakening amid the power transition, with global factors also exerting heavy pressure.
The new government under Prabowo Subianto is already formed. Can we hope for what the future holds?
Driven by corporate demand, helicopter business opportunities continue to grow. Operators are increasingly expanding their fleets.
The phrase “human rights” was lost from Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration speech.
Food, like language, clothing, and customs, is a marker of our roots. Especially in the past.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
Rohingya refugees in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines are treated differently than those in Indonesia.
The Rohingya refugees living in Pekanbaru have more freedom to move around and reside in lodgings. Their children can also attend school.
The increasingly overcrowded refugee camps demand improvements in the mechanisms for handling Rohingya refugees. The number of refugees continues to rise.
Several Rohingya refugees successfully built their careers in various fields. They continued to work and raised awareness about the plight of displaced Rohingya refugees.
Rohingya refugees are still living in several inadequate temporary shelters in Aceh.
There are indications of problems with the IPO of Barito Renewables Energy. The stock exchange and capital markets authorities are neglecting their responsibilities.
There is an increasingly real threat to Indonesia’s biodiversity. It cannot be overcome through empty slogans at international forums.
The KPK should designate Sahbirin Noor a fugitive. There is a good chance the South Kalimantan Governor will go free.
How did Prabowo Subianto decide on the composition of his cabinet? There are indications that several prospective ministers were proposed by tycoons.
Prabowo Subianto is inheriting an inefficient economy. Yet his new administration is likely to follow Jokowi’s economic model.
The Joko Widodo administration leaves a heavy burden for state-owned enterprises. Many projects result in big debts.
President Jokowi entrusted his confidants to join Prabowo’s cabinet. Several ‘volunteers’ also received positions.
Prabowo Subianto formed a large cabinet to accommodate the interests of parties, businessmen, and his supporters. Mining entrepreneur Haji Isam is suspected of proposing several ministerial candidates.
KPU Chair Mochammad Afifuddin on turbulence within his institution following the dismissal of Hasyim Asy’ari, and the Constitutional Court’s decision on the regional head elections.
Megawati reportedly did not approve of PDI-P cadres entering Prabowo’s cabinet. She chose Pramono Anung to communicate with Prabowo.
The Stock Exchange detects alleged violations in the IPO of Barito Renewables Energy. There are indications of maneuvering around public shareholding requirements.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
Sri Mulyani and several economic ministers from Jokowi join Prabowo’s cabinet, with encouragement from two former presidents.
Indonesia’s delegation at COP16 CBD in Cali, Colombia, is not led by a minister. Biodiversity funding is at risk of not being agreed upon.
South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor is suspected of receiving commissions on three projects in the e-catalog. He has not been seen since being named a suspect.
Uncertain future looms over Rohingya refugees in Indonesia. They are also struggling with various limitations.
Empathy is the key to happiness. We are happy when we help others, we are happy when we do good.
OJK’s right of reply and a remembrance to Mochtar Lubis who wrote about government.
The KPK uncovered alleged embezzlement of the Taspen pension fund involving Sinarmas Sekuritas. The result of poor supervision by the OJK.
A number of policies from Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono are riddled with conflicts of interest. They benefit his son, Indra Trenggono.
There are indications that the selection of the KPK leadership for the 2024 to 2029 period is in breach of a Constitutional Court ruling. The process needs to be rerun.
Jokowi is like a king reluctant to relinquish his crown. Nearing retirement, he is still trying to improve his image.
A reader’s letter suggests authorities seek ways for safe and efficient logistics transportation, in order to minimize traffic accidents.
Farwiza Farhan, the winner of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay award talks about conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem in Aceh.
The KPK Leadership and Supervisory Board Selection Committee claimed to have followed procedures, and Jokowi reportedly did not intervene.
Various parties from the National Police Chief to the State Palace are accused of interfering in the KPK leadership candidates selection process. The candidates are divided into four clusters.
The KPK is investigating Taspen’s investment losses. Sinarmas is behind the transaction.
The family members of some ministers enter the fishery business. Other problems, such as the activity of illegal foreign vessels and the abuse of crew members, still prevail.
Explanations from State Secretary Minister Pratikno and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry on fishery business and the case of illegal ships in eastern Indonesia.
Illegal fishing and slavery continue to occur in Indonesian waters. Crew members are vulnerable to abuse.
Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono revives a shutdown port. There is indication that the minister’s son is involved in the fisheries business.
Tempo’s interview with Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi about Jokowi’s campaign before the end of his tenure.
Jokowi’s campaign promoting his successes is considered as not portraying actual conditions. Customary communities are among the victims of his administration.
After stepping down, Jokowi will return to Solo, accompanied by his loyal supporters. He is not having a lavish farewell in order to avoid any negative sentiment.
As President Jokowi's term neared its end, instructions were given to promote the government's achievements, and billions of rupiah in contracts were offered to the media.
The market showed no positive reaction ahead of Prabowo Subianto's government, which was held back by the high amount of debt.
Life is not always about science and philosophy. This is where literature shows its value.
A junior high school student was assaulted by Senior High School students in Pontianak. The law must take its course without delay.
A young writer from Pontianak has stimulated an interest in reading through the founding of his own publishing house. To promote his titles, he travels to schools all over West Kalimantan.
Iffatul Umniati Ismail graduated from the Al-Alzhar University’s doctoral program with a dissertation on rulings issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council. Can Muslims say Merry Christmas to Christians?
The Constitutional Court’s Ethics Council (MKMK) scrutinizes the role played by Constitutional Court Chief Justice Anwar Usman. The formation of the MKMK is being stalled.
Constitutional Court Chief Justice Anwar Usman is reportedly maneuvering to lower the minimum age limit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, paving the way for Gibran.
National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo ordered Ismail Bolong to be detained in a case of illegal mining in East Kalimantan.
The state regains ownership of Wisma Antara through Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). It marks an end to the years of chaotic property ownership.
The marriage of Anwar Usman to the sister of President Joko Widodo could damage the independence and quality of the rulings issued by the Constitutional Court. This is at odds with the Judicial Authority Law.
Clarification from the Lake Poso customary community and the mismanagement of food.
Joko Soegiarto Tjandra’s bribery implicates two generals and a businessman close to National Police’s top brass. National Police Criminal Investigation Division Chief Comsr. Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s name is also being mentioned. The case is heating up approaching the contest for National Police chief.
Amzulian Rifai, Chairman of Indonesian Ombudsman:
Lasma Natalia counseled the residents of Indramayu and Cirebon in their struggle against a coal-fired power plant construction project. She helps with legal education and assistance during trial.
OESMAN Sapta Odang has been reelected general chairman of Hanura Party for 2019-2024.
The cabinet’s mismanagement has sent the garlic price to go through the roof. The inter-ministerial coordination and the market mechanism need to be fixed.
Minister/State Secretary Pratikno has sent a memo to Chairman of the General Elections Commission (KPU) concerning the nomination of People’s Conscience (Hanura) Party General Chairman Oesman Sapta Odang as a candidate for the Regional Representative Council (DPD).
The Jakarta Ombudsman indeed has the authority to make recommendations on the Jakarta provincial government's policies
The Corruption Court's panel of judges sentenced Irman Gusman to 4 years and 6 months in prison plus a fine of Rp200 million. The Regional Representatives Assembly's former chair has been proven guilty of accepting a bribe from the owner of Semesta Berjaya, said the judges.
Irman Gusman is now officially a broker. He peddled his influence as a public official in exchange for monetary gain. Irman, who is chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) was caught red-handed taking a Rp100 million bribe from Xaveriandy Sutanto, a sugar baron and the owner of Semesta Berjaya company, along with his wife Memi, at their official residence around midnight last Saturday.
As the DPD leader, Irman has no authority over sugar import matters so it came as a surprise to many that he received a guest who already was in trouble with the law in his private home at such odd hours. Xaveriandy is a defendant in a non-SNI (Indonesian National Standard) sugar import case currently on trial at the Padang District Court in West Sumatra. For sure, there is no connection between Irman and that particular case. The bribe was for something else, possibly to influence State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to grant Semesta Berjaya an additional sugar quota for West Sumatra.
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama persists in running on a PDI-P ticket with Djarot Saiful Hidayat. It is seen as an attempt to subvert Risma's nomination.
Public service is something new to 52-year-old Amzulian Rifai, the new chairman of the Office of the Ombudsman. After all, he spent the past 25 years in the academic affairs of Sriwijaya University in Palembang, South Sumatra. But he is ready to dedicate himself to a new assignment, which is to be the people's 'ear', to listen to those disappointed by the quality of public services rendered. Amzulian believes the Ombudsman is the right place to dedicate his time and his resources. He decided to apply for the job, and in an open session, was elected chairman for the 2016-2021 period.
Amzulian is aware that leading the Office of the Ombudsman will not be an easy task. Right from the start, he has had to face the snide comments that the Ombudsman is nothing more than a toothless institution with no specific objective in mind. The building alone, he observed when he first went there, looked no better than a warehouse. "It was in really bad condition," he said in an interview last week.
To many people, retirement means an easy life and relaxation. But to Malaysian elder statesman Tun Daim Zainuddin, freedom from government duties and politics means a chance to indulge in a longtime passionart. Yet, for this former Malaysian finance minister, it is not just about collecting paintings, sculptures and antique potteries. For the Tun (Malaysia's highest honorific bestowed on deserving citizens)as he is referred to by friends and associatesthe pleasure is in being able to share art with everyone. Hence the Ilham Art Gallery, containing exhibits that are open to the public for free, the first in Malaysia and perhaps even in the ASEAN region. It occupies three floors of the brand-new and imposing 60-floor Ilham building, which the Tun happens to own.
The 78-year-old Tun's unassuming and soft-spoken persona belies the power he once held and the influence he still retains. Trained as a lawyer and an urban planner, he rose high in his country's political and corporate world, specifically in property development and banking. He retired from public service in 2001, after having servedon two separate occasionsas Malaysia's finance minister. He was an elected parliamentarian representing Alor Star and was for years the treasurer of UMNO.
Until today, it is fair to say that the government has never given any opportunity nor political recognition to fisherwomen. The bill on the protection and empowerment of fishermen, fish farming and salt mining currently drafted by the House of Representatives (DPR) is an opportunity to accomodate such a need. R. Narmoko Prasmadji said he would try to ensure that the bill contain clauses favoring fisherwomen's empowerment. "There should be legal and economic protection for fisherwomen," said Narmoko. Tempo English contributor Pujani Nadine Kamarwan interviewed him at his office in Jakarta two weeks ago. Excerpts:
Danang Girindrawardana should not have hesitated in supporting the majority decision of the Indonesian Ombudsman, the institution he chairs. An investigation by this organization concluded that the police wrongfully managed the case involving Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator, Novel Baswedan.
Instead of approving, signing and sending the collective decision to the police, Danang did nothing. His reasoning that the Ombudsman should not be influencing a case currently under police investigation makes no sense at all. By not processing such an important evidence, he is undermining the very institution he leads.
Despite two plenary sessions, the Indonesia Ombudsman failed to issue a recommendation concerning Novel Baswedan's complaint. Novel Baswedan, a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator, filed a complaint with the Indonesian Ombudsman concerning the alleged administrative violation by police who arrested and detained him.
Budi Santoso, member of the Ombudsman board, said a draft recommendation was ready to be signed by the Ombudsman chairman, Danang Girindrawardana. "But there were dissenting views among the leaders," he said Thursday last week. Budi said the eight-member team had produced a draft recommendation raised in the Ombudsman executive plenary sessions on August 11 and 31, but it was not agreed upon.
On September 28, Tri Rismaharini must give up her job as mayor of Surabaya city to an acting mayor appointed by the East Java Governor Soekarwo. That will be the end of her term.
Her bid re-election did not go smoothly. It was not because she failed to lead and develop Surabaya. In fact she did them so well that she became very popular, scaring away other challengers. So far she and Whisnu Sakti Buana are the sole contenders.
A bloody incident exploded at Tolikara district in Papua two weeks ago. It happened when hundreds of people taking part at a seminar and an international spiritual service organized by the Indonesian Evangelical Church (GIDI), tried to disperse a number of local residents about to conduct their Idul Fitri prayers at the Tolikara Military Command field.
The incident which resulted in the burning of shopes and the Baitul Muttaqin mosque, according Tolikara Regent Usman G. Wanimbo, occurred because of police neglect. He admitted that he had suggested to Tolikara Police precinct chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Soeroso to held the community prayers elsewhere. "But he didn't listen to me," Wanimbo told Tempo reporter Maria Hasugian, when she twice interviewed him last week.
Twenty-two year old college student Irene Kharisma Sukendar did it again. In early February, she was in the Russian capital of Moscow to compete at the 2015 Moscow Open Students Grand Master tournament. And she won.
Out of the nine rounds of chess tournaments she has played since January 31, Irene managed to garner 7.5 points (6 wins and 3 draws), beating out other students from Russia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Poland and Mongolia.
IN the past two decades, the name Minak Radi has often come up in police investigations. Minak, 43, is known as a veteran begal or robber, often operating in the big cities. He would not only steal motorcycles, but would also steal from offices. Every time a crime is committed, the police's first suspicion always falls on Ismail alias Minak. "But I've seen the light," Ismail told Tempo at his home in East Lampung, two weeks ago.
Ismail is now preoccupied with his sand quarry, which stretches over 100 hectares. But the police still suspect him whenever a crime occurs. Ismail, who has been in and out jail, is feared by the younger thugs.
Not many filmakers have delved into the lives of Indonesians in remote areas. But seasoned producer Mira Lesmana sees a wealth of interesting stories from the outer islands. One of Mira's films, Atambua 39 Celcius (2012) explores the culture of West Timor in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, not a frequently visited area. The film uses the local Tetun dialect, which is fast disappearing. "I have this wish to preserve something before it changes or disappears," said the founder of Miles Films production company,
NTT is the background of her 2014 film, Pendekar Tongkat Emas (Knight of the Golden Rod), which was produced in Waingapu, Sumba. "I happen to be in love with NTT, a region with a unique character. I have travelled to the islands of Flores, Timor and Sumba, but I have yet to visit the smaller islands, like Sabu and Rote," said 50-year-old Mira.
Surabaya has become beautiful and tidy. If the city still floods, the water takes only a night to recede. Traffic has improved. New parks and sidewalks have been developed.
For Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini, 53, no matter how well a park is developed, if its footpaths are damaged and traffic congested, it will not be of any use. Therefore, architects like Risma, as she is known, need to think about a city's people, not merely its physical structures. "Surabaya is always in here," Risma said, pointing to her head during an interview last week.
Police Comr. Gen. (ret.) Noegroho Djajoesman, 68, owns a law consulting firm, so the former police chief of metropolitan Jakarta provided a lawyer from his office to represent Raden Nuh, who is being charged with extortion. Noegroho often converses with Raden, although he claims to know nothing about the Twitter or the Trimacan2000 and TM2000Back online accounts. Last week, Tempo met with Noegroho in his South Jakarta home, accompanied by Endi Martono, the lawyer appointed to represent Raden.
Your name was often mentioned by Raden Nuh. Do you know him well?
I was introduced to him by a journalist, back in mid 2012, after Jokowi became governor. He came and we conversed. I enjoy talking to young people because they're idealistic. (Raden claimed to have known Noegroho long before 2012).
Hidden behind two lines of wall fences on Jalan Sekolah Kencana IV in the Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, a wooden house was almost ready. When Tempo dropped by three weeks ago, workers were assembling planks and installing bathroom closets. The house has a total area of 270 square meters, two stories and three bedrooms. Surrounded by a green lawn, it has a balcony at the rear overlooking the Pondok Indah Golf Course.
The wooden house had been relocated from Woloan in Tomohon, North Sulawesi. After being built, it was dismantled and reassembled in Jakarta. Fickry Pantow, 24, director of Woloan Permai which contracted the assembly, said the house owner was an entrepreneur who asked not to be identified. "This house costs Rp1.5 billion," he said.
As of last week, she had yet to present her credentials to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, but Swedish Ambassador-Designate, Johanna Brismar Skook was already busy catering to visiting officials from her homeland, and escorting them to appointments with their counterparts.
MAINTAINING that it was a big sacrifice, Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini finally closed down the legendary red light districts of Gang Dolly (Dolly Lane) and Jarak, located in the city's Putat Jaya district. The closure was executed symbolically, through a declaration signed by hundreds of approving citizens. Those who opposed the closure, took to the streets to protest.
Risma now admits that when she was first pressured into closing Dolly she actually refused. Her reasoning at the time was that the administration lacked the resources to provide the sex workers and their pimps the compensation in exchange for giving up their livelihood. But she agreed that the chain of prostitution in the city must be broken, particularly as it increasingly involved the trafficking of children. Saving the children became her main concern for closing down the area.
The government's plan to revise regulations on plantations must be carefully monitored. The obligation to create kebun plasma (plasma gardens) should not be whitewashed.
The state-owned oil and gas company, Pertamina, built up a fleet of tankers during the time of Ibnu Sutowo, Pertamina's first CEO. They almost went bankrupt due to mismanagement.
The National Ombudsman was allocated nothing in the revisions to the 2011 budget. It rejected a Hanura Party politicians claims on projects.
A number of young intellectuals are on the list of presidential spokesman candidates. Several have declined.
I WANT to be free. I want to write poetry and paint,” said Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao in a special interview with Tempo last year. Perhaps he was a bit romantic, perhaps a little tired. What he wanted seemed to be a peaceful future. After all, he did go through an eventful experience before becoming a national icon.
Xanana, 61, is the President of Timor Leste. He is also a charismatic figure. He looks at the chaotic political atmosphere surrounding the elections and he is no longer the Xanana of a year ago. He condemns Fretilin, whom he is convinced distributed weapons to its followers. Now preparing to lead his new party, the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) into the parliamentary elections on June 30, he has declared his readiness to become prime minister if Ramos Horta becomes president.
Usman has requested that his personal guarantee be auctioned off, as a means to repay his debtsa suggestion the government is likely to accept.
Several investors have been reminded that Usman Admadjaja may make a return to Bank Danamon. Is this a repeat of the Farindo fracas?
Smartening up the executive offices: Rp1.2 billion. Other office renovation: Rp2 billion. Bullets for target practice: Rp20 million a month. This is spending, IBRA-style.
ISMAIL Hasan Metareum sat on a wheelchair. Pale and weak, the thin-faced and bespectacled man was nursing a broken leg, the result of a fall at the mosque. But that did not affect the spirit and attention of this 74-year-old born in Pidie, Aceh when discussing the never-ending problem of his birthplace. Moreover, since the idea of a Bureau (desk) on Aceh was discussed by Vice President Hamzah Haz mid-January, Metareum seems unconcerned about his leg's condition. His wheelchair notwithstanding, he still travels around, lobbying to finalize the idea of an Aceh Bureau.
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