Indonesia Foreign Affairs Thread, News Collection Options

[purnomor]

Ahmadinejad in Indonesia to discuss nuke issue; Jakarta pushes for transparency

10 May 2006

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Iran’s president got a colorful welcome at Indonesia’s presidential palace Wednesday before heading into talks expected to involve calls for Teheran to be more open about its nuclear program to help ease international concerns.

Officials had no immediate comment on what the two leaders discussed in their meeting, which was scheduled to last about 90 minutes at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace.

But Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was expected to urge greater transparency to head off the intensifying international dispute over Iran’s uranium enrichment.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the fiery Iranian leader, arrived in Indonesia early Wednesday at Jakarta’s Halim airport. He made no statement, but waved to reporters as he departed.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said Tuesday that Ahmadinejad would discuss the nuclear issue with when the two leaders met Wednesday.

Ahmadinejad - battling a US-led effort to bring United Nations sanctions down on Iran if it refuses to compromise on the nuclear standoff - arrived for a three-day state visit followed by a development conference on the resort island of Bali.

The United States accuses Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Teheran denies, saying it aims only to generate energy.

The US government is backing a draft UN resolution that could lead to sanctions and possible military action if Iran does not suspend uranium enrichment.

Yudhoyono was expected to ask Ahmadinejad to ease the escalating diplomatic fight with Washington.

“We want Iran to be more transparent in its program,” Wirajuda told reporters. “We also want Iran’s nuclear development program ... to fulfill the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

Wirajuda added, however, that developing nuclear energy was “a basic right for every country.”

Ahmadinejad was likely to receive a friendly reception in Indonesia, which is the world’s most populous Muslim nation but also enjoys good relations with the West.

He was to meet with Yudhoyono, pay respects at the Heroes’ Cemetery and visit two universities to talk to Muslim students, who often see him as a defiant leader standing up to the West.

He was to later fly to Bali for the so-called D-8, an annual conference on development in mostly Muslim countries and Nigeria. Teheran hosted the conference last year.

Jakarta has repeatedly said it supports Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear technology.

“We want to hear for ourselves from Iran about their position on the resolution,” Wirajuda told reporters on Monday. “Our position is that we support nuclear development for peaceful purposes, especially energy, but we consistently object to nuclear weapons proliferation.”

Indonesia offers Iran mediation


Mr Ahmadinejad (l) is under pressure to compromise

Indonesia's president has offered to mediate in the growing international dispute over Iran's nuclear programme.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made the offer during talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is on a four-day visit to Indonesia.

Speaking after talks in Jakarta, Mr Yudhoyono said he hoped the Iranian issue could be resolved peacefully.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation and has valuable trade and energy deals with Iran.

Iran is coming under pressure from Western nations to curtail its nuclear activities.

Diplomatic efforts

The authorities in Tehran claim these are purely peaceful, but the US fears they are aimed at developing weapons.

Washington has pushed for a resolution to be adopted under the terms of Chapter Seven of the UN Charter.

These are binding on all UN members, but do not automatically lead to sanctions or military action. Further decisions would be needed for such measures.

US President George W Bush received an 18-page letter from Mr Ahmadinejad on Monday, attacking the US invasion of Iraq and urging Mr Bush to return to religious principles.

But Washington shrugged off the letter, saying it was a move to divert attention from the nuclear issue.

Energy deals

The main purpose of Mr Ahmadinejad's visit is meant to be the development of economic ties between Iran and Indonesia.

Iran is investing billions of dollars in Indonesia's oil and gas sector, and both nations are eager to boost trade.

Mr Ahmadinejad and Mr Yudhoyono are expected to sign several agreements during the visit, including a deal to develop an oil refinery on Java island.

But the encroaching nuclear crisis is also thought to be high on the agenda for discussion.

"We want Iran to be more transparent in its programme," Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda told reporters ahead of the visit.

But he added that developing nuclear energy was "a basic right for every country".

Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Desra Percaya said previously that his country could "play the role of a middleman" between Iran and the West.

But analysts say the authorities in Jakarta are unlikely to push Mr Ahmadinejad very hard on the topic, stuck as they are between trying to appease Europe and US while remaining anxious not to offend Indonesia's overwhelming Muslim majority.

After discussions with Mr Yudhoyono, Mr Ahmadinejad will hold talks with religious, political and business leaders in Jakarta, before flying to Bali on Friday, to attend a meeting of the Developing-8 (D-8) group of large Muslim countries.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4756757.stm

President SBY receives visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad


President Ahmedinejad and VP Jusuf Kalla


President Ahmedinejad and chairman of Parliament, Hidayat Nurwahid, Iran's "ally" in Indonesia.

This post has been edited by purnomor: May 10 2006, 08:28 AM

[purnomor]

Indonesia Elected Member of UN Human Rights Council

New York (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has been elected one of 47 members of the newly formed UN Human Rights Council in the first election held at UN General Assembly here on Tuesday.

A total of 63 countries nominated for 47 seats in the council whose resolution was passed by the UN General Assembly on March 15. The election was led by President of UN General Assembly Jan Eliasson.

Indonesia, along with India, the Philippines and Bahrain got a one-year membership that will expire in 2007. They can be re-elected for another term.

Under the new council structure, 47 members are elected to the council with a number of allocations based on regional group representation.

The other Asian countries selected to sit on the council are Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, China, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

Thirteen of the remaining 34 seats are designated for Africa, six for Eastern Europe, eight for Latin America and the Caribbean, and seven for the Western and Other groups.

The African countries selected to sit on the council are Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, South Africa, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Gabon, Djibouti, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria and Algeria.

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Uruguay, Cuba and Ecuador became representatives for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Germany, France, Britain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Canada were meanwhile elected for the Western and other groups.

While Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation represented Eastern Europe.

Indonesian Permanent Representative to the UN Rezlan Ishar Jenie said the outcome reflected the international community's appreciation toward and trust in Indonesia's role in improving and protecting human rights globally.

"This also serves as the recognition of progress achieved by Indonesia in its democratization efforts and respect for human rights in the life of statehood and nationhood," he added.

As a member of the newly-formed council, he said, Indonesia would stick to its commitment to playing a constructive role in ensuring it to work more effectively than its predecessor, the Human Rights Commission.

Indonesia, he added, would continue to play its important role in formulating the framework of the council, mainly in translating the agreed principles in its operation.

The council will be based in Geneva, Switzerland, and have its first meeting on Jun 19.

The Council will have an annual three sessions for not less than 10 weeks.(*)

Copyright © 2006 ANTARA

http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=12447

This post has been edited by purnomor: May 10 2006, 08:31 AM

[purnomor]

SBY takes a grip on Iran crisis
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Jakarta correspondent
May 11, 2006



INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has launched himself into the escalating crisis over Iran's nuclear intentions, offering to chair a world body that would negotiate with the rogue Middle East state.

Meeting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Jakarta yesterday, Dr Yudhoyono proposed creating what one spokesman called a "more representative" forum to examine Tehran's nuclear intentions, along the lines of six-party talks designed find a solution to the North Korean nuclear threat.

Mr Ahmadinejad had welcomed the proposal, the spokesman said.

"It's still a very embryonic idea but it came directly from (Dr Yudhoyono). We need to breathe new life into the negotiations."

Britain, France and Germany are putting together a package of proposals that would entice Iran away from its suspected nuclear intentions, even though the country, once described by George W. Bush as part of an "axis of evil" with Iraq and North Korea, insists it wants nuclear technology only for peaceful purposes.

Iran has consistently scorned UN demands that it abandon its uranium enrichment drive, which the world body fears is the precursor to a full-blown weapons program.

Dr Yudhoyono's spokesman, Dino Patti Djalal, declined to nominate the other countries that would sit at the negotiating table under the new plan, which Mr Ahmadinejad will consider during a tour of Indonesia due to end at the weekend with a three-day developing nations conference in Bali.

Yesterday's meeting was the first between the Shia Mr Ahmadinejad and Dr Yudhoyono, who leads the world's biggest Muslim nation.

Speaking after meeting Dr Yudhoyono at the presidential palace, Mr Ahmadinejad offered a scathing criticism of those nations opposed to Iran's nuclear aspirations and defended the right of all countries to develop nuclear power.

He described as a "big lie" the international community's "pretence" at being concerned over the dangers of non-weapons nuclear research, adding that Iran was the "only member of the United Nations that has been fully transparent" on the matter of its nuclear program.

He said that by contrast "in the Middle East there are some regimes which have never had a record of complying with international law" - presumably a reference to Israel, which does not admit to having nuclear weapons.

He also dismissed Mr Bush's refusal to acknowledge a rambling 18-page letter he wrote this week, in which he urged the US President to address the "undeniable contradictions in the international arena".

The former mayor of Tehran and public transportation professor, who insiders describe as a gentle man of simple tastes but with a steely gaze, insisted he believed that in writing the letter, "we have taken the right action".

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday described the document as failing to "address the issues we're dealing with in a concrete way".

The two presidents also oversaw the signing of several bilateral agreements on tourism and trade, as well as a deal to build a $US5billion oil refinery in Java that would process Iranian heavy crude oil for further sale to China.

However, the key focus - both in talks between the two men and at their press conference afterwards - was on the nuclear issue.

Dr Yudhoyono said Indonesia hoped a "peaceful and just solution" could be found to the question of Iran's nuclear plans.

"Indonesia believes that a good solution to the issue of the peaceful use of nuclear technology in Iran can be found peacefully and diplomatically, without the need for war," he said.

But Mr Ahmadinejad continued the belligerent stance he has maintained since his election as a relative unknown almost a year ago, accusing "a few exclusivist regimes" of "thinking they can hide behind the (UN) Security Council" in opposing Iran.

He warned that such governments were "totally wrong in their perceptions" and said "the Iranian people are sufficiently capable of defending their own rights and interests".

He accused UN monitoring body the International Atomic Energy Agency of being a front for nuclear-capable members to protect their existing technology while preventing other nations - such as Iran - from developing the same technology for peaceful purposes, adding: "We will not back off."
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...021-601,00.html

[Nusantara]

University of Indonesia always ranks on top 5 in among Indonesian universities. It is among highly reputable universities in Indonesia, For 1 seat of position the student candidate have to compete for more than 100 other candidates. For program such as medical 1 position could be compete for 200 candidates. Candidate students who fail to qualify entering reputable state own universities such as ITB, Gajahmada, ITS, UI, Padjajaran etc. usually they go to private university or for students from wealthy family they go study abroad.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ahmadinejad feels the love at UI

Kurniawan Hari and Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad enjoyed a warm welcome Thursday from students at the University of Indonesia in Depok, south of Jakarta.

The energetic president was impressed by the questions and thankful for the students' support for Iran in its dispute with the United States over its nuclear program.

With the help of a translator, Ahmadinejad delivered a lecture and then fielded questions from students. He was particularly pleased by a question posed by Fatimah, who asked about Iran's ability to stand up to U.S. pressure.

"Does your excellency get inspiration from the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during Assyura?" she asked, referring to the death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein, commemorated in Shiite tradition.

"That is an interesting subject and she (the student) deserves a scholarship. The rector should apply to the Iranian Embassy for a scholarship for this student," Ahmadinejad said to applause.

Ahmadinejad also enjoyed electronic engineering student Rizki's enthusiastic support for Iran's nuclear program.

"I personally support Iran's nuclear program. Will Iran accept Indonesians who want to study nuclear technology?" Rizki asked.

In his one-hour lecture, the Iranian leader said students played an important role in shaping the future. "For me, the youth are a precious capital," he said.

The lecture was supposed to end at 11 a.m., but Ahmadinejad spoke for an additional 45 minutes.

The Iranian president used the opportunity to once again denounce Western countries. "While other energy sources are limited, nuclear power is not. We will continue with our nuclear program," he said.

A group of students raised banners reading "Iran in My Heart" and "Nuclear for Peace" after the lecture ended.

"I love you all," the president replied.

Most students in attendance praised the Iranian leader.

"Our leaders should follow him and speak out against (international) tyranny," said Dipo, a computer technology student.

Psychology student Yosi Molina suggested that more time be allotted for similar events in the future, so visiting dignitaries could speak longer.

Later in the afternoon, he gave another lecture at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Ciputat, Tangerang. Earlier in the morning, he visited Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta.

The response by a group of Indonesian editors later in the evening was a little less warm after the Iranian leader kept them waiting for nearly two hours to an invitation for an "afternoon tea" at Hotel Mulia, where he is staying for his state visit to Jakarta.

When asked whether he saw a role for Indonesia to mediate and ease tension between Iran and the United States, he said: "The best thing to help under the current situation is to ask the troublemaker to stop making trouble for us."

But he said he would welcome an Indonesian role in a group of like-minded countries to have dialog to seek global peace.

He underlined the need for nations in the world to work toward "peace that is based on justice and universal teachings of religions".

"Peace that is not founded upon justice will not be sustainable," he added.

He toned down his anti-Israel rhetorics when asked whether he would carry out his threat against Israel if Iran was attacked by the United States. "There is no need to attack the zionist state. It will self destruct."

On Friday, the President is scheduled to meet with leaders of Indonesia's large Islamic social organizations as well as with leaders of the House of Representatives before ending his state visit.

He will fly to the holiday island of Bali to take part in the D-8 summit of countries with large Muslim populations this weekend.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailheadli...0512.A04&irec=9

This post has been edited by Nusantara: May 12 2006, 03:56 AM

[purnomor]

University of Indonesia always ranks on top 5 in among Indonesian universities. It is among highly reputable universities in Indonesia, For 1 seat of position the student candidate have to compete for more than 100 other candidates. For program such as medical 1 position could be compete for 200 candidates. Candidate students who fail to qualify entering reputable state own universities such as ITB, Gajahmada, ITS, UI, Padjajaran etc. usually they go to private university or for students from wealthy family they go study abroad.

Universities abroad are mostly better-rated than UI, right?

He will fly to the holiday island of Bali to take part in the D-8 summit of countries with large Muslim populations this weekend.

I hope this Ahmadinejad would go to Bali bombing site to pay tributes for the victim of Islamic terrorism.

[purnomor]

China makes "seriously representations" to Indonesia on Chen's stopover

www.chinaview.cn 2006-05-12 20:02:52


Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian meeting Taiwanese community in Batam

BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- China has lodged seriously representations to Indonesia on Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's stopover in the islands nation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said on Friday.

Chen made a one-night stopover on the island of Batam in Indonesia on his way back from a trip to Latin America.

Liu said, "We demand Indonesia take practical action to fulfil its commitment to the one-China policy in order to maintain the overall Sino-Indonesian relations."

The Indonesian government voiced its serious regret over the activities carried out by Chen Shui-bian. Indonesian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yuri Thamrin explained, "We had expected Chen's plane to arrive on the island at 2 p.m. Thursday for refueling and to leave straight away. But he stayed on the island until 10 a.m. on Friday and conducted some other activities."

"We still adhere to our one-China policy, and we hope our relationship with China will remain strong," he said.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked the governor of Kepulauan Riau province to submit a report about Chen's activities on the island and warned him to pay serious attention to the matter, according to Indonesian Chief Security Minister Widodo Adi Sucipto.

[purnomor]

PICS OF IRANIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMEDINEJAD IN INDONESIA



President Ahmadinejad welcomed by students at Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University in Ciputat - Tangerang



President Ahmadinejad speaking to University of Indonesia students


President Ahmadinejad praying at Istiqlal Mosque

Jakarta backed on Iran crisis plan
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Jakarta correspondent
May 13, 2006

INDONESIA has been approached by several countries interested in joining a proposed new international council to find a solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis, and is urging Tehran to "actively consider" such a body.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono suggested in a meeting this week with his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, that a "more representative" world forum could help reduce tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

Britain, the US and France have proposed a UN Security Council resolution banning Iran's uranium enrichment program, with the possibility of sanctions should Dr Ahmadinejad refuse to comply with the demand.

But in meetings and public lectures in Jakarta this week, the Iranian President has emphasised his country's right to pursue nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment, which he insists is for peaceful energy purposes but the US fears is aimed at producing atomic weapons.

"If we cede to their demands now, later there will be new ones without limit," Mr Ahmadinejad said in Jakarta.

"A country that bows to another will eventually come to be dependent on the other."

An Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman warned yesterday that the standoff must be resolved by diplomatic means, "because the alternative is too expensive".

Senior presidential adviser Desra Percaya said Dr Yudhoyono's offer of a new world body had prompted inquiries from a range of countries interested in what they saw as a fresh approach to the problem.

Mr Percaya refused to be drawn on which countries had signalled interest or whether particular ones had been targeted for inclusion, but said the proposed council should include "Western nations, permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the US and Britain), Iran of course, and it would be a plus if there were developing nations as well".

Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said on Thursday that Jakarta did not see itself as offering to be a mediator in the crisis - a role that Mr Percaya said would be like acting as "referee between two opposing parties".

Rather, Mr Percaya said, the proposal to host a new diplomatic effort - which Jakarta is prepared to chair - was aimed at "heading off a dead-end result, because right now things seem headed that way".

"When we explained our proposal to various diplomatic missions in Jakarta, they saw it as a really fresh idea," he said. "I also know some UN officials view this as something that makes sense."

Jakarta has not publicly released details of its plan, but Mr Percaya said it would involve "all sides" making concessions.

Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, welcomed the UN's decision to hold off on imposing sanctions onIran, saying he hoped "both sides will move away from the war of words".

George W. Bush has dismissed an 18-page letter sent to him this week by the Iranian leader.

The US President said: "It didnot answer the main question the world is asking and that is, 'When will you get rid of your nuclear program?"'

Dr Ahmadinejad said on Indonesian television that he was ready to speak to everybody to resolve the problem, including the US leader, but he warned: "If somebody points weapons at your face and tells you to speak out, will you do that? Some countries have bad ethics, and of course they are very arrogant."

The Iranian President flew to the Indonesian island of Bali last night for a three-day conference of developing nations.

There he will meet Dr Yudhoyono again, as well as Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

Other nations represented at the D8, or Developing Eight group of Islamic countries, are Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria.

He will probably use the meetings to lobby for support against the imposition of sanctions.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...604-601,00.html

Indonesia faults on tennis diplomacy
By Gary LaMoshi

DENPASAR, Bali - Thirty-five years ago, ping-pong diplomacy changed the playing field in global foreign relations. China's invitation to a US table-tennis team in April 1971 broke more than two decades of silence between the communist and capitalist giants. From that simple gesture, Sino-American relations have evolved to intertwine the two countries economically and strategically despite their fundamental differences. China and the US have learned to work around those differences and focus on what draws them together.

Of course, it's ridiculous to imagine that ping-pong could have such a far-reaching impact today. Under the clouds of terrorism, unilateralism and nuclear war such a diplomatic and cultural shock wave requires nothing less than full-fledged tennis. In the game where love means nothing, Indonesia and Israel - the country with the world's largest Muslim population and the Jewish state - have a chance to serve peace and human understanding across ethnic, regional and religious barriers. But so far, instead of acing this opportunity, the countries are set to double-fault.

In addition to tournaments for individuals, tennis has competitions between national teams. Men play for their countries in the Davis Cup, women in the Federation Cup. By virtue of their April Fed Cup results, a win over Serbia and Montenegro and a loss to China respectively, Israel and Indonesia have booked a July date for a best-of-five-match weekend clash in Israel.

Easy volley
The meeting is a potential winner for Indonesia, seeking to raise its profile internationally. Eight years removed from three decades of authoritarian rule, Indonesia has become global Exhibit A that Islam and democracy can peacefully co-exist. Western boosters also urge Indonesia and its estimated 190 million Muslims to take a more assertive role in the Muslim world to showcase their tolerant, moderate brand of Islam.

Indonesia’s democratically elected President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono enthusiastically embraces these missions. He just returned from a trip to the Middle East where, in addition to securing promises of financing for Indonesian projects, Yudhoyono reiterated Indonesia’s desire to help break the stalemate between the Israelis and Palestinians.

But this week's visit to Indonesia of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad underscores the gulf between Indonesia's diplomatic ambitions and global realities. President Yudhoyono proposed that Indonesia act as a mediator in the dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but Indonesia hasn't got enough game to play at this level.

President Ahmadinejad has done his part to undermine Indonesia's position. Ahmadinejad has used the visit's news conferences, interviews, and a speech at Islamic University of Indonesia as a platform to build mistrust while sharply criticizing the US, Israel, and their allies. The Jakarta Post newspaper editorialized under the headline "Troubling Iran" that Ahmadinejad’s "firebrand statements … have also shaped a less than pacifist image of his country's political intent".

Caught in no man's land
But the real roadblock for Indonesia to bridge the gap between the Muslim world and the rest of the planet is Indonesia itself. The government gave uncritical, categorical endorsement of Iran's nuclear enrichment program, buying into Ahmadinejad's rhetoric that couches the debate between Iran’s rights versus the West's hegemony. Yudhoyono's Thursday proposal to expand talks on Iranian nukes met with such scorn on all sides - not even President Ahmadinejad signed on - that within 24 hours, the Foreign Ministry backed away from it at top speed.

Despite the West's cheerleading rhetoric about Muslim world leadership and the ill-considered US embrace of Indonesia's unreformed military to combat terrorism, even its biggest boosters realize Indonesia is not a neutral player. Rather than exporting its moderate Islamic values, Indonesia has been importing those of Middle Eastern Muslim extremists.

The result is creeping Islamization of a country that, while it has an overwhelming Muslim majority, also has more non-Muslims than Australia and Canada combined. Last month hardline Muslim attackers shut down the local edition of Playboy - toned down to meet local sensibilities - while police watched and the government leader remained silent.

If Indonesia is serious about playing the role of middle man between Muslims and the others, then it needs to get in the middle. That's where tennis comes in.

President Yudhoyono says he favors a two-state solution to the Palestinian question, but the government denied the Indonesian Tennis Association's bid to go ahead with the match in Israel. ITA officials have appealed for a change of venue - the two nations have previously met twice at neutral sites - but so far Fed Cup organizers say Indonesia must play in Israel or forfeit.

Second serve
With a little topspin, this deadlock can become an opening for a ping pong diplomacy style winner. Let the Indonesian team say "politicians play politics but we play tennis" and go to Israel. Let President Yudhoyono stop kowtowing to the radical Muslim minority on this easy issue and expose how ridiculous imported Middle Eastern values are half a world away, particularly in view of Indonesia's far more pressing problems.

If Indonesia won't do it, maybe someone will. Let the Israelis volunteer to give up home-court advantage and travel to Indonesia in the name of good sportswomanship and multicultural sisterhood and see what the Indonesian government says to that. Let Jordan or Egypt, predominantly Muslim countries that have relations with Israel, invite the teams to play as their guests.

In 1971, it was casual contact between Chinese and American ping-pong players that led the way for their governments to open up. This time, fate has booked the court for tennis diplomacy. Now, someone needs to show they have the balls to play.

Gary LaMoshi has worked as a broadcast producer and print writer and editor in the US and Asia. Longtime editor of investor rights advocate eRaider.com, he's also a contributor to Slate and Salon.com, and a counselor for Writing Camp
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HE13Ae04.html

This post has been edited by purnomor: May 12 2006, 05:20 PM

[Nusantara]

Universities abroad are mostly better-rated than UI, right?
I hope this Ahmadinejad would go to Bali bombing site to pay tributes for the victim of Islamic terrorism.

How these candidate students who could not even passed and qualified to enter reputable state own universities such as UI could manage entering Universities abroad which have higher ratings than UI?

These people just entering any less rating universities abroad because of their parents wealthiness make them can afford to study abroad

[purnomor]

How these candidate students who could not even passed and qualified to enter reputable state own universities such as UI could manage entering Universities abroad which have higher ratings than UI?

Most likely, all students who've gone abroad can easily pass qualification tests to enter Indonesian unis (UMPTN) but prefer to study abroad due to the higher ratings of overseas universities.

[Nusantara]

Most likely, all students who've gone abroad can easily pass qualification tests to enter Indonesian unis (UMPTN) but prefer to study abroad due to the higher ratings of overseas universities.

Only students coming from sponsored scolarship program normally go to better ratings University abroad. Either under graduate degree program or Graduate degree program collaboration with UI, ITB, Padjajaran, IPB, Gajah Mada etc. This scholarship program usually work with these state own universities because the know the quality of student of this univeristy. Each years these Universities sending hundred of students abroad sponsored abroad.

Many rich Indonesians student by nature they like to show off, they failed miserabily entering state own university and saving the face they go study abroad and end up several years study in college before able entering university.

[purnomor]

Only students coming from sponsored scolarship program normally go to better ratings University abroad. Either under graduate degree program or Graduate degree program collaboration with UI, ITB, Padjajaran, IPB, Gajah Mada etc.

That's just not true as there are thousands of self-funded Indonesian students studying in better-rated universities abroad.

Many rich Indonesians student by nature they like to show off, they failed miserabily entering state own university and saving the face they go study abroad and end up several years study in college before able entering university.

That doesn't make sense. Actually, students studying abroad don't bother taking entry examinations to local universities as that would be redundant. Those students who cannot afford overseas education choose to go to local universities. Your sourgrape comment indicates you are just being jealous of "rich" Indonesians who can afford going to better-rated universities abroad.

[Nusantara]

That's just not true as there are thousands of self-funded Indonesian students studying in better-rated universities abroad.
That doesn't make sense. Actually, students studying abroad don't bother taking entry examinations to local universities as that would be redundant. Those students who cannot afford overseas education choose to go to local universities. Your sourgrape comment indicates you are just being jealous of "rich" Indonesians who can afford going to better-rated universities abroad.

Why should I jealous to them, most these self funded people become agency scam and end up years in community college before going to any decent universities.

I did not say there are no students going to better rated university, of course there are. But as I said the one who go to better rated university usually coming from scholarship program provider collaborated with state own universities in Indonesia.

This post has been edited by Nusantara: May 13 2006, 01:09 PM

[han2]

That's just not true as there are thousands of self-funded Indonesian students studying in better-rated universities abroad.
That doesn't make sense. Actually, students studying abroad don't bother taking entry examinations to local universities as that would be redundant. Those students who cannot afford overseas education choose to go to local universities. Your sourgrape comment indicates you are just being jealous of "rich" Indonesians who can afford going to better-rated universities abroad.

Yup, you're right, when I was enrolled at the University of Washington (a very competitive university located in Seattle), I met top graduates from the SMA Kanisius (Jakarta) who chose to enroll at the University of Washington, because of its rankings among its peers, quality of education, and the fact that it had a top engineering department.

[purnomor]

Why should I jealous to them, most these self funded people become agency scam and end up years in community college before going to any decent universities.

That is just not true. Most Indonesian students who go abroad actually do research and ask for professional advice months before going, hence avoiding these kinds of scams.

I did not say there are no students going to better rated university, of course there are. But as I said the one who go to better rated university usually coming from scholarship program provider collaborated with state own universities in Indonesia.

As han2 said, this is just not true.

[Nusantara]

That is just not true. Most Indonesian students who go abroad actually do research and ask for professional advice months before going, hence avoiding these kinds of scams.
As han2 said, this is just not true.

That what you called "proffesional advice" is just set up agency in many potential countries. Do you think reputable university need to set up proffesional advice?

[purnomor]

That what you called "proffesional advice" is just set up agency in many potential countries. Do you think reputable university need to set up proffesional advice?

These agencies are run by the governments of destination country, such as IDP run by Australian govt. None are run by universities. If there are agencies run by unis, obviously everybody would consider their advices to be biased.

[Nusantara]

These agencies are run by the governments of destination country, such as IDP run by Australian govt. None are run by universities. If there are agencies run by unis, obviously everybody would consider their advices to be biased.

You need your brain and qualification to enter reputable university, no matter how many profesional advice working on you, if your brain meekly even fail to qualify local reputable universities those profesional advice or whatever you call it just useless. You still will be end up in lower tier universities or community college.

[purnomor]

You need your brain and qualification to enter reputable university, no matter how many profesional advice working on you, if your brain meekly even fail to qualify local reputable universities those profesional advice or whatever you call it just useless. You still will be end up in lower tier universities or community college.

As I said, most Indonesian students studying abroad should easily pass if they bother to take entry exam to local universities.

[Nusantara]

As I said, most Indonesian students studying abroad should easily pass if they bother to take entry exam to local universities.

There are many locals universities also there are tons of ordianry universities abroad but you need your brain to enter and qualify for reputable universities in both directions either locals and abroad.

[purnomor]

There are many locals universities also there are tons of ordianry universities abroad but you need your brain to enter and qualify for reputable universities in both directions either locals and abroad.

In other words, you are saying that your brain is smart as you went to good uni UI. Right...

Indonesia maids to get better protection

BY K. PARKARAN

BALI: Indonesian maids headed for Malaysia will get better protection with immediate effect following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur here.

Under the MoU, which sees major changes to current practices, employers are required to sign personal contracts with their maids stipulating the wages agreed upon by the two parties.

And the maids must sign a letter of acceptance before they can start work.

However, the controversial bank account for maids rule has been modified; employers only need to open an account if requested by the maid.

The contract does not affect employers and 310,000 maids already working in Malaysia but the document must be signed as a condition of renewal of the work permit.

Employers are barred from deducting the entire pay for the first four or five months as being practised now. The maids must be given at least a quarter of their wages if there are to be any deductions to recover all costs incurred in bringing them in.

The other clauses are:

• EMPLOYERS are required to forward their own details and certified copies of the contracts to the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur;
  
• EMPLOYERS must first bear all expenses to legalise maids including security deposits, transport including repatriation, work permits, medical examinations, foreign workers cards and premiums for the foreign workers compensation scheme;
  
• RECRUITMENT agents and employers are not allowed to deduct maids' wages unless stipulated in the contract; and
  
• THE human resources authorities must intervene if there’s a dispute between maids and employers.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who witnessed the signing together with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said the problems that arose between the two countries over some allegation of maid abuses would now be resolved.

“Although the problems involved only a small number, this MoU will settle the issue once and for all as the Indonesians were worried.

“We just want them to come and work for us, so please take care of them as they are also human beings,” he told Malaysian journalists at the end of the D8 Summit here yesterday.

He said the successful negotiation of the MoU followed his annual meeting with Susilo in Bukit Tinggi, Sumatra, in January.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, who signed the document on Malaysia’s behalf, said this protection was necessary, as the Employment Act did not cover foreign workers.

Indonesian Human Resources and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno said the MoU provided optimum protection for the maids in Malaysia, adding that the diplomatic hiccup over cases of maid abuses was settled in the “spirit of neighbourliness” and diplomatic harmony.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...0902&sec=nation

This post has been edited by purnomor: May 15 2006, 12:30 AM