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Search Result “Burung Camar Terbang Di Derunya Air”

Royalty Distribution is Not Yet Equal or Fair

Seasoned musician Candra Darusman was again at the center of efforts to fight for the welfare of musicians and songwriters. As the chair of Indonesian Musician Union Federation (Fesmi), his input was solicited for the formulation of Government Regulation No. 56/2021 regarding the management of music royalties. The regulation inked by President Joko Widodo on March 30 not only governs parties responsible to pay royalties but also lays down the basis for the establishment of a data center as well as a music information system. Before he headed Fesmi in 2019, Candra represented Indonesia at World Intellectual Property Organization for 18 years, nine years respectively at the organization’s offices in Switzerland and Singapore. After decades of being active in intellectual property rights protection, Candra is determined to improve the lives of musicians and songwriters by, among others, improving royalty management amid new challenges in the digital era.

Interview Monday, May 3, 2021 Edition

The Last Perkenier of Banda Naira

NUTMEG, the main commodity of the Banda Naira islands, had its heyday in the 16th century. The Dutch, through the Dutch East-Indies Company (VOC), even sent 37 perkeniers (plantation owners) from the Netherlands to Banda to manage the plantations, in order to cover the nutmeg monopoly supply for Europe’s market. Only one descendant remains of the 16th-century perkeniers: Pongky Erwandi van den Broeke, who manages 12.5 hectares of land. He was the victim of unrest in 1999.

Interlude Monday, December 14, 2020 Edition

Laode Muhammad Syarif, KPK deputy Chairman: This Case is Ongoing

Corruption Eradiation Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Laode Muhammad Syarif said that the the bribery case involving Patrialis was different from previous ones. The KPK's task force did not confiscate cash as evidence. They were only able to seize a voucher exchangeable for foreign currency, a draft of a material review court verdict, and a recording of a conversation. "This is an irregularity," said Syarif, when Tempo interviewed him at his office last week.

What did Basuki ask of Patrialis?

Cover Story Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Edition

Kiagus Ahmad Badaruddin, PPATK Chairman: I Can Take Chaos If It Brings Positive Results

When he was still the inspector-general at the Ministry of Finance three months ago, Kiagus Ahmad Badaruddin, 59, was angered by a report on a sum of Rp3 billion that had been deposited into his wife's account. It shook him, particularly since he was being considered for the position of chairman of the Center for Financial Transactions Reporting and Analysis (PPATK).

That report spread to the Presidential Palace and to the finance ministry. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, who recommended Badaruddin to be PPATK chief, took a deeper look at the report. "She asked me what the money was all about," recounted Badaraddin, or Badar as he is familiarly known.

Interview Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Edition

Kiagus Ahmad Badaruddin, PPATK Chairman: I Can Take Chaos If It Brings Positive Results

When he was still the inspector-general at the Ministry of Finance three months ago, Kiagus Ahmad Badaruddin, 59, was angered by a report on a sum of Rp3 billion that had been deposited into his wife's account. It shook him, particularly since he was being considered for the position of chairman of the Center for Financial Transactions Reporting and Analysis (PPATK).

That report spread to the Presidential Palace and to the finance ministry. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, who recommended Badaruddin to be PPATK chief, took a deeper look at the report. "She asked me what the money was all about," recounted Badaraddin, or Badar as he is familiarly known.

Interview Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Edition

Laode Muhammad Syarif, KPK deputy Chairman: This Case is Ongoing

Corruption Eradiation Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Laode Muhammad Syarif said that the the bribery case involving Patrialis was different from previous ones. The KPK's task force did not confiscate cash as evidence. They were only able to seize a voucher exchangeable for foreign currency, a draft of a material review court verdict, and a recording of a conversation. "This is an irregularity," said Syarif, when Tempo interviewed him at his office last week.

What did Basuki ask of Patrialis?

Cover Story Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Edition

Lukman Hakim Saifuddin Religious Affairs Minister: clerics must be certified

In the past few months, the nation has been besieged by cases linked to religion. They range from blasphemy, which tend to emerge intermittently, to banning the public worship of certain faiths and the celebration of religious holy days, which led to the rejection of Tengku Zulkarnain, deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), when he attempted to arrive at Sintang, West Kalimantan, two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, as the influence of hardline mass groups like the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) grows stronger, moderate Islamic organizations like the Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, seem to be distancing themselves from the government. Understandably, the public wonders whether the religious affairs minister is doing his job.

Interview Tuesday, January 24, 2017 Edition

Said Aqil Siro, Nahdlatul Ulama Chairman
The NU will always follow the Constitution

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Chairman Said Aqil Siroj was one of the first people President Joko Widodo reached out to following the November 4 mass demonstration. The President conveyed his gratitude to the chairman of the country's largest Islamic mass organization, for his calming statements during the protests against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, for his allegedly blasphemous statements. In fact, just before the protests, the NU had indeed urged all of its memberstotaling more than 40 million peopleto help placate the tension by not being provoked.

In other words, Said and other NU leaders discouraged their members from joining the protests. "In Islam, there is no such thing as a demonstration," explained Said. However, he was critical of the government, saying it was slow in building communications with Islamic mass organizations. Said, 63, said the government should not communicate only when there are conflicts. "I am very happy to be approached and to have my existence acknowledged," Said commented. However, he regretted the President's statement that there were politicians who piggy-backed on the demonstrators during the November 4 protests, for their own particular purposes.

Interview Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Edition

Muliaman Hadad, Chairman Financial Services Authority
Indonesia's economic growth can exceed target

The chairman of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Muliaman Hadad, 56, is optimistic about the coming year. He believes Indonesia will greet the coming year with growth exceeding the 5.2 percent target set by the government. "We can do it if we harness domestic potential optimally and continue with our reforms and transformation programs to enable investment," said Muliaman.

His views do not reflect those of global economic leaders who met at the annual conference of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC recently, at which Muliaman himself attended. Participants at the meeting proclaimed that the world economy was growing exceedingly slow, taking far too long to recover and benefitted only a handful of people. They concluded that the weakening of the global economy which began in 2014, had yet to recover in the coming year.

Interview Tuesday, October 25, 2016 Edition

Agus Rahardjo KPK Chairman
We need to expose rent-seekers everywhere

Chairman Agus Rahardjo was riveted by the list of US Navy defense equipment, complete with their budget details. The chairman's laptop was accessing the website of the US Navy Secretariat. "Everything that is secret here is very open over there," said Agus, who started his term leading the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in January 2016, in an interview with Tempo last week.

Agus said open access to the US Navy budget details meant corruption on even the smallest item would be noticed. Likewise, he urged citizens to serve as an extension of the KPK to ensure that not a dime of state money goes to corrupt pockets. "Every Indonesian must take part in monitoring," he said. The day before, he spoke with lawmakers at the House of Representatives (DPR) on ensuring the clean use of the state budget.

Interview Tuesday, September 27, 2016 Edition

Awam Prakoso storytelling village Founder
Fairytales help develop children's imagination

Mochamad Awam Prakosa loves little children. He also loves fairytales. In 1999, the 44-year old got laid off from his banking job. He has dedicated his time storytelling from kindergarten to kindergarten ever since.

On May 18, 2009, he launched Kampung Dongeng ('Storytelling Village'), a group dedicated to storytelling in different regions throughout the country, especially at relocation centers in disaster-prone areas. "Children can play and become more purposeful during our events. They're not neglected, and they don't have to resort to go begging in the streets," said Awam, the father of three children.

Outreach Tuesday, June 28, 2016 Edition

Setya Novanto Golkar Party Chairman
Golkar must work with the Government

Setya Novanto announced his support for the government of President Joko Widodo right after he was elected chairman of the Golkar Party for the 2016-2019 term. He made the announcement at the Golkar national convention in Nusa Dua, Bali, last May, saying that his party was oriented towards development for the people, a vision that was in line with the development programs espoused by Jokowi. "In order to achieve our mission, Golkar must work with the government," asserted 60-year-old Setya, who hails from Bandung, West Java.

He claims that his party's support of the government had nothing to do about securing his legal status over a number of pending cases, among them the 'Papa Wants Shares' scandal. "I don't feel there are any pending cases against me," Setya stressed.

Interview Tuesday, June 14, 2016 Edition

Amzulian Rifai, Chairman, Office of the Ombudsman
Corruption will vanish with good public service delivery

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.

Interview Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Edition

Ahok In the Crosshairs?

THIRTY Islamic scholars crowded into the front room of former Deputy Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's residence in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Friday three weeks ago. His guests included K.H. Abdul Rashid Abdullah Shafi, leader of the As-Syafi'iyah Islamic Studies Center; the former chair of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Jakarta Regional Advisory Board, K.H. Maulana Kamal Yusuf; as well as the head of Husnayain Islamic Boarding School, K.H. A. Cholil Ridwan. Also present were Head of the Crescent Star Party's (PBB) Advisory Board M. S. Kaban; one-time Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) advisor Abdullah Hehamahua; and KPK's former Deputy Chief Chandra M. Hamzah.

The men sat in a circle sampling fresh fruits and sipping on mineral water. The conversation centered on the theme of nostalgia, with scholars reminiscing about their time with Sjafrie when he was Jayakarta Military Command chief from 1997 to 1998. For three hours, they took turns expressing grievances about the problems facing Jakarta.

National Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Edition

Haedar Nashir, Muhammadiyah Executive Board Chairman :
Getting rid of terrorism should not lead to new cases of terrorism

The attention given to the police, in particular Counterterrorism Detachment 88 (Densus 88), over for the questionable death of Siyono, cannot be disassociated from the role of the Muhammadiyah. This religious organization founded by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan has been the driving force advocating justice for Siyono's family. But this has led to charges that Muhammadiyah is pro-terrorism.

Haedar Nashir, 58, chairman of Muhammadiyah's executive board, stated that support for Siyono's family was purely in the interest of humanity. "In addition to looking after humanitarian values, we also have an interest in seeing that the law is enforced," said Haedar.

Interview Tuesday, April 19, 2016 Edition

Yosep Adi Prasetyo Chairman, Indonesian Press Council
Indonesia must still account for the killing of eight journalists

The Press Council has a new leader. He is Yosep Adi Prasetyo. Stanley, as he is better known, replaces Bagir Manan who held the position since 2013. Stanley was elected on March 23 by an internal council, defeating his rival candidate Sinyo Harry Sarundajang to win five out of the nine votes.

The nine members of the internal council who hold journalistic backgrounds are Hendry Chairudin Bangun, Nezar Patria and Ratna Komala. Representing the owners of media organizations are Ahmad Djauhar, Jimmy Silalahi and Reva Deddy Utama, while those speaking for the public are Imam Wahyudi, Sinyo Harry Sarundajang and Stanley.

Interview Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Edition

Susi Pudjiastuti - Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister
Pak Jusuf Kalla Was Duped

BOLD initiatives by Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti to combat illegal fishing have sparked protests. Banning the practice of transshipment at sea and putting a stop to licenses for ex-foreign vessels have upset businessmen and fishermen alike. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that Susi's measures had left the fishing industry in Ambon and Bitung 'gasping for air'. But Susi retorted, "Cold storage facilities in Bitung had long been empty," when Tempo met her on Monday.

Cover Story Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Edition

Aidul Fitriciada Azhari Judicial Commission Chairman
We are there but not there

AIDUL Fitriciada Azhari, 48, turned out to be the dark horse in the search for a chairman of the Judicial Commission. He was a last-minute entry after the House of Representatives' (DPR) law commission rejected two of the candidates, and he got the job. "I wasn't even under consideration so it was just pure chance," said Aidul at his Jakarta office last week.

He is now responsible for completing the work to be done by the commission, from reinforcing its legitimacy to ironing out relations with the Supreme Court and addressing the problem of judges' safety. "All this is to protect the integrity of the judiciary," he told Tempo reporters Tulus Wijanarko, Fransisco Rosarians and Raymundus Rikang.

Interview Tuesday, March 29, 2016 Edition

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti :
Many Ships evade Taxes

Low tax uptake from the fisheries sector has prompted Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti to launch another bold initiative. The action includes a review of vessel weights and an increase in fishery-production tax rates for bigger ships. The move is meant to make fishing firms' contribution to state coffers proportional to their incomes.

As a result of the policy, several companies have lodged protests with the House of Representatives (DPR). Susi, however, remains unfazed. At the ministerial housing complex in Widya Chandra, South Jakarta, last week, Susi said she would not hesitate to crack down on shady business practices and the players behind them.

Economy Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Edition

Aburizal Bakrie :
The Government Doesn't Want Me as the Party Chairman

The conflict inside the Golkar Party appears to be reaching its final stages. The party, which for some time has been polarized by two factions, finally seems to be heading towards a reconciliation. The national leadership meeting (rapimnas) held at the end of January agreed that an extraordinary national convention should be held to elect new leaders. The convention is expected to end the dispute between Agung Laksono, elected chairman according to the Ancol national convention, and Aburizal Bakrie, elected by the Bali national convention.

An important development prior to the upcoming convention is the law and human rights ministry's extension up to June of the Golkar leadership as approved by the Riau national convention in 2009. This specific organizational structure lists Aburizal Bakrie as party chairman, Agung Laksono as the deputy and Idrus Marham as the secretary-general. "I'm happy with (results of) the national leadership meeting, because the government acknowledges the Golkar leadership, as approved by the Riau national convention, to be the legal one and extended its validity," said Aburizal.

Interview Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Edition

R. Narmoko Prasmadji, Director-General for Caught Fish, Fishery and Marine affairs Ministry
The gender approach is important

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:

Outreach Tuesday, February 2, 2016 Edition

Agus Rahardjo, KPK Chairman
We are not the dream team

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has a new captain: Agus Rahardjo. Together with his co-chairpersons-Basaria Panjaitan, Saut Situmorang, Alexander Marwata and Laode Muhammad Syarif-Agus, 59, was sworn in by President Joko Widodo on December 21, 2015, following his selection by the Law Committee of the House of Representatives (DPR). He got 44 votes, while Basaria got 9 votes and Saut one vote.

The new KPK leaders inherited a pile of problems. Prominent among them are the charges against former KPK chairmen Abraham Samad and Bambang Widjojanto and the criminalization of KPK investigator Novel Baswedan. Then there's the internal conflict between the staff and the acting chairman of the KPK, Taufiequrachman Ruki. Agus' burden will be further complicated by the DPR's campaign to revise the law on the KPK, a measure generally regarded as an attempt to weaken the antigraft organization.

Interview Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Edition

Eni Lestari Andayani, Chairperson, International Migrant Alliance
A beacon of hope for Migrant Workers

Eni Lestari Andayani's cellphone never stops ringing. She might as well be a walking, talking call center. Almost every day, Eni, 36, takes between five to 15 calls or short messages through WhatsApp and Facebook. Like her, the callers are domestic workers holding jobs in Hong Kong. But to them, she has become the confidante whom they can pour out their grievances.

The number of callers further increased seven years ago when Eni came to be chairperson of the International Migrant Alliance, an alliance of migrant workers from 32 countries. The grievances vary, from working relations with their employers to their rights over family matters. The latest case involved a worker form Pati, Central Java, who complained about the Indonesian government's new data recording system that implicated her in forging documents. As a result, since December 11, the person has been detained in a Hong Kong prison.

Horizons Tuesday, December 22, 2015 Edition

Taufiequrachman Ruki, KPK Acting Chairman
I enforce the rules and ethics

During his last days as acting chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Taufiequrachman Ruki has drawn quite sharp criticism from different groups of people. Anti-corruption activists regard his policies and his other fellow KPK leaders as having undermined the authority of the KPK. One major case in point is how they gave the 'green light' to the House of Representatives (DPR) and the government to revise the legislation on the KPK.

But Ruki dismisses all those criticisms, maintaining he had no intention to weaken the KPK. "What we do is respond to the government's requests, linked to the KPK's authority (in the plan to revise the KPK law)," he said. The following are the written responses Ruki sent back to our questions:

Cover Story Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Edition

He Yafei, China's Deputy Director of Overseas Chinese Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
What's missing in the TPP is dialog with China

He Yafei has been a lifelong diplomat with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He served as a deputy foreign minister before being transferred to Geneva in 2010 as ambassador to the United Nations. He is now the deputy director of the overseas Chinese affairs office and has been advocating for China's economic integration initiative: One Belt One Road (OBOR).

The initiative was first unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. OBOR itself consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It focuses primarily on connectivity and cooperation between Asia and Europe.

Economy Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Edition

Goenawan Mohammad Chairman, Indonesian national Committee for the Frankfurt Book Fair 2015
This is a once-in-a-lifetime project

The 2015 Frankfurt Book Fair ended in mid-October. As the guest of honor at the world's largest book fair, Indonesia chose the slogan '17,000 Islands of Imagination' to lead its presentation.

It was a huge success, although the team only had two years to prepare for the event, compared to the five to six years other countries had.

On The Record Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Edition

Surya Paloh, NasDem Party Chairman
It's only a small amount of money

Early evening two weeks ago, National Democrat (NasDem) Party Chairman Surya Paloh arrived unscheduled at the headquarters of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in South Jakarta. He came a few hours after the NasDem Party Secretary-General Rio Capella was arrested.

Surya came to the KPK in response to a summons for his testimony as a witness in a case. "I am a witness for Rio and Gatot Pujo Nugroho," said Surya. "The faster I do it, the better."

National Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Edition

Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Religious Affairs Minister
We cannot afford to boycott the haj pilgrimage

For Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, this year's haj pilgrimage turned out to be an ordeal he had never bargained for: having to deal with two major tragedies in the Holy Land in a matter of weeks. One was the crash of a construction crane over the Haram Mosque and the other was the fatal stampede at Mina, when thousands of pilgrims rushed all at once toward the stone-throwing ritual. More than 100 Indonesians died as a result.

Lukman, a United Development Party (PPP) executive and head of the Indonesian haj pilgrims, along with the Haj Pilgrimage Organizing Committee (PPIH), had to bear responsibility for the two tragic incidents. In particular, he felt he needed to be directly involved in the process of seeking and identifying the Mina tragedy victims. It was a heavy burden to bear, given the constant public pressure for an explanation for the two incidents.

Interview Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Edition

Franciscus M.A. Sibarani, BKPM Chairman
China's enthusiasm to invest in Indonesia is quite new

China is not at the top of the list when it comes to direct foreign investment in Indonesia. This year, China ranks 12th, with investments valued at US$160 million. But trends show that Chinese investment in Indonesia is expected to climb, mostly in infrastructure.

President Joko Widodo's new administration began functioning late last year and their focus has been on infrastructure development. This has been vigorously promoted overseas, with China targetted as an investment source. The President has visited China twice so far. The Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chairman, Franky Sibarani, recently met with Tempo journalists Purwani Diyah Prabandari and Ursula Florene Sonia, during which he explains the status of Chinese investment in Indonesia, and its outlook. Excerpts:

Special Report Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Edition

Hasrul Azwar, Religious Affairs Commission Member In The House Of Representatives:
I Wouldn't Be Elected Seven Times If I Were Corrupt!

Hasrul Azwar's name repeatedly appears in the charges lodged against Suryadharma Ali, a former minister of religious affairs. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has also named the United Development Party (PPP) politician a graft co-conspirator, together with Suryadharma. Both are said to have hatched a plot to speed up deliberations on the 2011 haj costs (BPIH). In return, the House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission VIII, which oversees matters related to the pilgrimage, would receive a kickback from the pilgrims' accommodation project. Hasrul talked about accusations of his involvement in the case with Tempo's Sunudyantoro, Jobpie Sugiharto, and Wayan Agus Purnomo at his House office in Senayan, Jakarta, last Friday.

National Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Edition

DPR Commission XI Chairman Fadel Muhammad:
We Discuss And Hold Meetings At The Central Bank Office

The distribution of a revised Bill on Bank Indonesia at the House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission XI last June was a public shocker. A number Commission XI legislators claimed not to know anything about the revised law being drafted by Fadel Muhammad, as commission chairman. Some worry that the revised law will reduce the authority of both the Financial Services Authority (OJK) as well as the Finance Ministry. Tempo reporter Gustidha Budiartie spoke with Fadel by telephone last week, to clarify the background of the draft legislation.

Economy Tuesday, August 4, 2015 Edition

Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Religious Affairs Minister:
This is not a de-Arabization process

AFTER his preoccupation with the controversy over the Javanese-intonation reading of the Qur'an, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin now must focus his attention on the Nusantara Islam issue. This involves the debate of a genre of Islam that is unique to Indonesia, one that is being unofficially supported by the government.

The rejection by hard-line Islamists has not dampened the government's plan to keep pushing for a Nusantara (archipelagic) Islam. "They got it wrong. Nusantara Islam is not an ideology," said Lukman, in a special interview with Tempo reporters Sugiharto and Sunudyantoro, last week.

Cover Story Tuesday, July 14, 2015 Edition

A Family Affair

BASYIR Ahmad, the Mayor of Pekalongan in Central Java, had two important meetings last week. On Tuesday, he met with Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo. The next morning he flew to Jakarta to meet Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo. To both men he announced his resignation, effective August 9.

He had difficulty denying rumors that the move was to allow his wife, Balqis Diab, now Chairperson of the Golkar Party of Pekalongan, to run for mayor. He even praised his wife for her capability, popularity and financial support three important mayoral requirements. "My wife is an outstanding politician and ready to contest," Basyir said on Tuesday last week.

National Tuesday, June 30, 2015 Edition

Musical Chairs and Forgiveness

NATIONAL Democrat (NasDem) Party Secretary-General Patrice Rio Capella could not figure out why a routine meeting and fast-breaking event between President Joko Widodo and coalition partners planned for Thursday last week was cancelled. He was all ready to go to the home of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri when he got the news. "Everything was ready, suddenly it was cancelled," he said.

He said this was the second such event that was suddenly cancelled. Previously, Jokowi did not attend a joint fast-breaking event at the office of the NasDem Party two weeks ago, preferring to make a trip to Batam and Bangka Belitung. Only Vice President Jusuf Kalla went to the gathering attended by leaders of the coalition parties. "It's not clear why it wasn't held," said Rio.

Cover Story Tuesday, June 30, 2015 Edition

Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin :
Tolerance must be reciprocal

OWNERS of warung makan (small eateries) are hopeful they can remain open during the month of Ramadhan, because Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin in his Twitter account recently tweeted that such establishments should not be forced to close shop just to honor those who fast. He stated that those who are not obliged to fast must also be respected.

Predictably, his statement caused a public uproar. Some tweeps saluted Lukman's view, but many others disagreed with his view. Equally predictable was the media, which refused to entirely support the stance of the United Development Party (PPP) politician. A mere tweet, Lukman wryly commented, twisted by some people, had led to a counter-productive debate.

Interview Tuesday, June 16, 2015 Edition

Soerianto Kusnowirjono Chairman, Indonesian Seaweed Industry Association
The Industry Lacks Sufficient Raw Material

As the world's biggest seaweed producer, Indonesia lags behind other countries in processing seaweed products. "Our biggest competitor is China, yet they buy their raw materials from us," said Soerianto Kusnowirjono, chairman of the Indonesian Seaweed Industry Association (Astruli). In an effort to seek a solution to the problem, Astruli last March launched its roadmap for seaweed industry development.

Outreach Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Edition

Susi Pudjiastuti, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister :
I'm ready to reveal everything

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister, Susi Pudjiastuti has earned praise for her resolve in eradicating illegal fishing. However, quite a few business people feel they became victims of her campaign, even though they say they have been law-abiding businesses all this time. They claim the Minister is doing more harm than good, the losses incurred as a result of her campaign reaching up to Rp3 trillion, as she applies the same treatment equally to all concerned parties. At the Tempo office last week, she explained her position, maintaining that everything her ministry implemented was according to existing laws and regulations.

What is the reason for extending the moratorium on foreign fishing vessels to another six months?

Economy Tuesday, June 2, 2015 Edition

Sartaj Aziz, Adviser To Pakistan Prime Minister On National Security And Foreign Affairs:
There Is A Strong Trade Imbalance Between Pakistan And Indonesia

As a co-sponsor of the Asia-Africa Conference 60 years ago, Pakistan regards its commemoration last week in Jakarta and Bandung as a very important event. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had planned to attend, but a call from Saudi Arabia cancelled his plan. He flew to Riyadh instead, to discuss the crisis in Yemen. "He sends his regrets," his advisor on national security and foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, head of the Pakistani delegation, told Tempo reporters Maria Hasugian, Natalia Santi and Purwani Diyah. Excerpts:

Special Report Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Edition

Faisal Basri, Chairman Of The Oil & Gas Governance Reform:
Pertalite Will Still Involve The Syndicate

A new type of fuel, with a 90-octane level, is one of Pertamina's attempt to carry out recommendations by the Oil & Gas Governance Reform Team. The Team asked state-run oil and gas company, Pertamina, to stop importing RON 88. Tempo reporters Gustidha Budiartie, Ali Hidayat and Retno Sulistyowati met the Team chairman, Faisal Basri, who explained their position with regards to Pertamina's newest plan. Excerpts:

Economy Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Edition

Franky Sibarani, Chairman, Capital Investment Coordinating Board
We launched a licensing revolution

On the map of Asia, Indonesia has been given an appealing handle by The Economist Corporate Network. From a survey carried out in early 2015, the publication concluded that the second most attractive investment destination in Asia is Indonesia. The same survey noted that 57.9 percent of companies will be increasing their investments in this nation, with the fourth largest population in the world.

Franky Sibarani, chairman of the Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), who was sworn in last November, is prepping himself to receive these investors with open arms. A background in the corporate world, with nearly 25-years in strategic positions in the private sector, has led this former chair of the Indonesian Businesspeople Association (API) to totally understand what makes many businesses and investors hesitate to do business: the hassle of bureaucratic licensing. "I, myself, have been a victim," Franky told Tempo.

Special Report Tuesday, April 21, 2015 Edition

Suparman Marzuki, Judicial Commission Chairman:
Let's have no more judges like Sarpin

THE controversy over the appointment of a new police chief has receded to the background. But its domino effect continues. One key aspect in the spotlight is the controversial verdict over the pre-trial motion issued by Judge Sarpin Rizaldi at the South Jakarta District Court. He granted the motion submitted by Police Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan to invalidate his indictment by the KPK.

His verdict created a wave of legal and political reverberation. One day later, anti-corruption activists under the Coalition of Civil Societies reported Sarpin to the Judicial Commission, a state organization mandated to supervise and review legal verdicts as to whether the judges' code of ethics has been breached. "The worst sanction against him would be dismissal," said Judicial Commission Chairman Suparman Marzuki.

Interview Thursday, January 1, 1970 Edition

Eka Sari Lorena Soerbakti, Organda Chairperson:
We Need A Sustainable System Of Public Transportation

In an industry dominated by men, a sharp, straight-shooting woman has risen head and shoulders above her counterparts to become one of Indonesia's most successful business people. Eka Sari Lorena Soerbakti is chairperson of the Organization of Land Transport Owners (Organda), most probably because she happens to be the managing director of the companies Eka Sari Lorena Express and Eka Sari Lorena Logistics, the director of Eka Sari Lorena Transport and the deputy director of Eka Sari Lorena Holdings. She is also on the Research Committee for Transport and Logistics at the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University.

On The Record Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Edition

Triawan Munaf, Creative Economy Board Chairman :
We can create new billionaires

THERE is no question that Triawan Munaf's background qualifies him to be chairman of the Creative Economy Board (Bekraf). He certainly is no stranger to the world of creative industry. During the 1970s he was a vocalist with the Bandung-based rock band Giant Step and a decade later, set up the Euro RSCG Adwork company. The company was the agency that came up with the logo of a red bull, which is now the icon of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). "I have worked with creative people for decades," said Triawan.

He is convinced that this sector has huge potential. In his books, the potential can earn Rp500 trillion, or seven percent of Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP). He predicts that five years from now, this figure can double to 14 percent of GDP. He cites as example, the popular computer game 'Slide The Block', which was created by Alegrium, a local company. "This game is now rated in the top four by the App Store. Amazing, right?" said Triawan.

Interview Tuesday, February 24, 2015 Edition

Amien Sunaryadi SKK Migas Chairman:
Contractors had to pay fees right from the start

Many have questioned the recent appointment of Amien Sunaryadi as the new chairman of the Special Task Force on Upstream Oil & Gas Activities (SKK Migas). After all, he has never been involved with the oil and gas industry. Before his appointment in November last year, Amien was better known for his stint at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and as an analyst and investigator in the private sector.

Amien was appointed as the SKK Migas chairman to raise public confidence in the organization tasked with regulating upstream oil and gas activities in Indonesia. SKK Migas' image plunged following the arrest of its former chairman, Rudi Rubiandini, on August 2013, on suspicion of accepting bribes.

Interview Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Edition

Coordinating Minister For Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Indroyono Soesilo:
My Colleagues Run, I Look at the Rules First

ONE month after he was appointed coordinating minister for maritime affairs and fisheries, Indroyono Soesilo's working hours have stretched late into the night. Perhaps it's because he is, so far, the only official coordinating minister. "I'm the only who has received his marching orders, the other coordinating ministers are still awaiting theirs," he said when he met the Tempo team two weeks ago.

Indroyono's office, located at the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) building in Central Jakarta, is not unfamiliar to him. From 1997 to 1999 he worked there as the BPPT deputy director in charge of natural resources. Today, he occupies the huge office of the former BPPT chairman, Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, the last vice president in the New Order era and the first president to launch the reformasi era. "No one dares to occupy this office, they're all afraid," he joked, in explaining how he ended up there.

In the media flurry of profiling President Joko Widodo's new cabinet members, Indroyono appears very subdued and conservative compared to the flamboyant and unconventional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti. But there's no question that Indroyono is the man to watch as he is the one tasked with implementing the major changes charted by President Jokowi.

Interview Thursday, January 1, 1970 Edition

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti:
I don't think i'm Crazy

THE newly appointed minister for maritime affairs and fisheries appeared in casual clothes, although she wore a long skirt down to her ankles. She admits to dressing more than she ever did before embarking on her new job. "I must now wear clothing that covers the tattoo on my leg," she said, in explaining her sartorial change. Some things don't change however, as she still insists on wearing 10-centimeter high-heeled shoes and wedges.

Susi is indeed a refreshing change in a society which usually demands protocol and correctness from officialdom and the elite. Yet she has inspired others to be true to one's own self and be proud of it. Just before the ceremony to announce President Joko Widodo's new cabinet members, Susi was approached by Rosita Barack, wife of politician Surya Paloh, who told her, "Ibu Susi, you rock. I really like your tattoos and I have some too." In fact, Susi's tattoo is an image of a flaming bird snaking up her leg, something she acquired when she she was 27 years old.

Interview Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Edition

Soetanto Abdoellah Indonesia Cacao Council Chairman
Farmers should have a better bargaining position

Indonesia is the third biggest producer of cacao in the world after Ghana and the Ivory Coast, producing 800,000 tons in 2013. Unlike palm oil, which is produced by big companies, Indonesian cacao is mostly grown by small farmers. "The number of (cacao) farmers is now about 1.7 million people. Their potential could be bigger if they have the right guidance and support from the government," said Soetanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Cacao Council.

Soetanto, who has a doctoral degree in agriculture from Gadjah Mada University, has been researching cacao since 1981. As chairman of the Cacao Council for the past two years, his main task has been to advise the government on its cacao policy. Tempo English reporter Amanda Siddharta interviewed him two weeks ago. Excerpts:

Outreach Thursday, January 1, 1970 Edition

KPK Chairman, Abraham Samad :
Nothing can prevent us from summoning Mega

STROKING his beard and looking pensive, Abraham said, in a low voice, "Some untouchable people will be arrested." The chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) added, "Be patient, we will reveal all."

Abraham and his team have indeed exposed many people involved in corruption cases, among them a big-time businessman, a police general and the most recent one, the former energy and mineral resources minister, Jero Wacik. But this doesn't seem to be enough. Public pressure is on Abraham to solve other big cases, like Bank Century and Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) funds. At one time, he did promise to solve both those cases.

Interview Tuesday, September 23, 2014 Edition

Gamawan Fauzi, Home Affairs Minister:
There's no ideal system for local elections

NOT so long ago Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi was a student busy preparing his dissertation, something he has been doing over the past year. On weekends, he would work on his quantitative researchdisseminating questionnairesand analyzing them, mainly for his doctoral dissertation, titled 'The Impact of Direct Local Elections on Corruption among Local Chief Executives in Indonesia' which he has now completed. "I defended it last month," he said, with a tone of relief.

On Tuesday last week at his office in Central Jakarta, Gamawan met with Tempo and proudly showed off his 400-page opus, a requirement to complete his doctoral degree program from the State Institute of Public Administration. "It's not the thickness that matters, but my passion to keep on studying," he said.

Interview Tuesday, September 16, 2014 Edition

From Fish Hawker to Billionaire

The air smells of fish. But the four men hard at work at Sukiran's house in Pacitan regency, East Java, seem to ignore it. They continue on with their task: separating tuna flesh and skin from the bones. By the looks of it they are quite adept. In one day they can slice three to five tons into boneless fillets. That goes into a grinder with tapioca, garlic, salt, pepper and flavoring, and the resulting elastic dough becomes filling for tofu cakes.

Now it is the female workers' turn to insert the dough into cakes which have been slit in the middle. After that, the cakes are cooked in boiling, seasoned water. The male workers take back over. "It's to cook the tuna dough well and make the tofu more piquant," said Dwi Santoso, 24, one of the men.

Smes Tuesday, August 5, 2014 Edition

Dino Appointed as Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inaugurated former Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Dino Patti Djalal as the new deputy foreign affairs minister on July 14. Dino replaces Wardana, who has been appointed Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey.

Dino said his priority was to strengthen Indonesian diplomacy and help Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa with his upcoming diplomatic agenda, which includes the United Nations Alliance on Civilization and the Bali Democracy Forum. "I will ensure that the international world continues to trust Indonesia at the end of President Susilo's time in office," Dino told Tempo.

Diplomatic Bag Thursday, January 1, 1970 Edition

Allan Nairn, American Journalist and Activist:
He will be a dangerous president

Allan Nairn knows Jakarta well, having visited the capital city for the first time in 1991. Subsequently, he traveled regularly to East Timor and to Aceh, to cover the conflicts in the two areas. He's back again, this time shocking the public with the contents of his blog www.allanairn.org, an off-the-record interview with Prabowo Subianto, the former commander of the TNI's Kopassus (Special Forces) who is now running for the presidency. In a conversation which took place on July 2, 2001, in Jakarta, Prabowo was reported to have scorned the late President Abdurrahman Wahid as a blind president and that Indonesia was not ready to be a democratic state.

For years, Nairn, 58, was a target of TNI's operations. On November 12, 1991, he and his colleague Amy Goodman were in Santa Cruz, Dili, East Timor, and witnessed the massacre committed by Indonesian troops. Nairn and Goodman tried to prevent the shooting of civilians but failed. In the process, Nairn was hit with the butt of an M16 rifle, causing a damaged throat and vertigo for the next 10 days. For all his journalistic achievements, Nairn won the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Award, the George Polk Award and the James Aronson Award.

Interview Thursday, January 1, 1970 Edition

Buttressed by a Billionaire Brother

FADLI Zon first raised the idea of a political party as he sat in a car with Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Prabowo Subianto's younger brother, on the way to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport in 2007. "If good people do nothing, bad people will step in," Fadli said, quoting 18th century Irish philosopher Edmund Burke.

Hashim, who was rolling in cash from the US$2 billion sale of his Kazakhstan oilfield, was apparently convinced. "Pak Hashim immediately agreed," said Fadli, now deputy chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party.

Special Report Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Edition

Economics Coordinating Minister Chairul Tanjung:
No one can bribe me

APPOINTED by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as Indonesia's chief economist two weeks ago, businessman Chairul Tanjung lost no time in getting started. After all, a host of problems awaited him, like stabilizing food prices, with the holy month of Ramadan fast approaching. Then there's the unfinished business of contract renegotiations with mining giants Freeport and Newmont, and more importantly deciding the fate of the Sunda Strait Bridge mega-project which the President had approved, amid clamorous protests.

Tanjung, a former chairman of the National Economic Committee, said he would only spend Monday to Wednesday in his Jakarta office, while the rest of the week would be spent in traveling to the provinces. "I will use a private plane at my own cost to facilitate mobility. I have asked the attorney general and he gave me the green light. But just to be sure, I also checked with the KPK," he explained. Tanjung feels that resolving the many issues in the regions can accelerate the engine of growth.

He admitted that President Yudhoyono had twice offered him a ministerial job since 2004, but which he refused both times because he still wanted to manage his business. This time, he could not refuse him. "I want to help the nation, the government and the people," said Tanjung, who claimed he will not change his leadership style. "I will bring to the government the management methods of running a corporation."

Interview Thursday, January 1, 1970 Edition

Debussy's Secret Affair with Sari Oneng

World renowned composer Claude Debussy is known for his love of gamelan music. Following his introduction to the traditional music ensemble of Java and Bali, some of his works turned impressionistic and nuance-filled, a departure from the more volatile and dynamic music of the romantic period of the time.

Not many know that the gamelan performance he witnessed at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1889, had a great influence on some of his pieces. The gamelan Debussy was enamored with was not the dominant Javanese ensemble, but the Sundanese gamelan from West Java. Interestingly, the gamelan that so enthralled Debussy more than a century ago can still be viewed in Sumedang today,

In celebration of Debussy's 150th anniversary, the French government organized Debussy concerts across the globe. Tempo recounts the story of this great composer's secret love affair with the old Sundanese gamelan that instilled the rebellious quality of his compositions.

Interlude Thursday, January 1, 1970 Edition

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