When people decide!

Indonesia has just held the legislative election on April 09, 2009. Based on KPU(Board of General Election) data, Democrat Party lead and PDI Perjuangan and Golkar party stand behind consecutively. Democrat which is identical to the existing governing party has won parts of the heart of people of Indonesian..

It is interesting to see how peacefully this election going on. Though, small incidents occurred, as the whole, this legislative election can be said a great success. Some shortcomings meanwhile occur for example, the validity of the voter and the double voter. The government and the Board of General Election must handle and solve this problem before entering the Presidential election taking place in the mid of July this year.

Democrat party winning more than 20 percent has the right to propose their own President. The incumbent, President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono will likely lead the race of the President for 2009-2014. Democrat party has gained its popularity under the charismatic leader such as President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

On the other hand, the other parties have built the coalition in order that they can propose their President to challenge Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono for the presidential race on July. The challenger will likely come from the opposing party PDI Perjuangan proposing Megawati Soekarno Putri for the President. Some lobbies are undeniable.

Pro and cons regarding the result of Legislative election have geared to the dissenting opinion toward the work done by KPU and Government. The losing parties are suspicious about the misdeeds toward the legislative election. Along with other 23 parties, Prabowo as the head of Gerindra Party formed a council to investigate the wrongdoings during the process of legislative election. As said by the head of MK (Courtesy of Judicial Court) Mahfudz MD in a talkshow “Apa Kata Rakyat” TVOne (13/04/2009), the parties have the right to report any wrongdoings happening during the process of legislative election.

Meanwhile, the participation of voter during this election is likely low compared to the previous years. More than 80 percent, voter cast their vote during 2004 general election instead of this currently general election around 60 percent. Based on this, the abstain have won the majority in this republic calculated around 30 percent.

Many reasons contributing why are they abstains during this election? First, because of technical reason. They are not listed as DPT (Permanent Voter List). This is due to the lack of administrative listing procedure. Second, they assume that there is no change after seeing the contestants competing during this election. When I asked to one of the voter eligible to vote but denied his right, he said simple. ‘Those contestants will not bring the change. Their quality and integrity is still questionable.

Mostly, the governing party has the good concept. They bring it to audience interestingly and attractively. They provide a huge budget to design the advertisement – full of selling points. On the other hand, they are lack of implementation. As we know that 20 percent budget is allocated for education. But in reality, we still find the case like what happened in a elementary school in Java Island in which school’s chairs and tables are confiscated by supplier due to the unpaid project by local government.

Recently, there is a massive campaign aired on some televisions. It is educational advertisement. It is about free education sponsored by Minister of Education. There, Bambang Soedibyo as the Minister of Education informs societies about free education. What a good news!

The problem is it is not as simple as said. Sometimes it is far from expected when comes to the implementation. It needs serious action and controlled by local government. In the field, we will see many problems raised. Some parents complained when they experienced about the educational system implemented. Now, the education is free, but behind of it, still they need to pay extra money in order that their children get appropriate teaching and grade. It is not easy to bring this phenomena, but it occurred. A student parent feel offended when consulted to the teacher why their children are getting low in their academic achievement. A teacher suggests to this parent so as to take part in extra curriculum. And the parent should pay for some extra money. At last, we see in reality, the fixing study hours are not effective anymore and need extra time. The problem arises when parents should pay some extra money with high cost. It will not be a problem if it is free of charge as well. Because the place and the teacher are from that school. The facilities are owned by government and the teacher have been paid with high salary compared to the previous era. It needs professional teacher as well in order to develop the input of our education.

People want the change. One plus one must be two not three or four. Free is free without any extra expenditure. Don’t’ make the people confused! Don’t make the people get disappointed! People are eager to live with dignity and honesty. Don’t’ tell a lie to people! So then, the program designed must be for pro-people. It is easy to say but hardly to fulfill it. People have given their rights for this legislative eletion. People will recast their vote for the next presidential race in the mid of July this year.

Last but not meant least, The peaceful and democratic election taking place in Indonesia will also be a mark for the world that Indonesia is moving forward to become the democratic country in the world after separating from the New Order Era under Late former President Soeharto. The world is watching the process of general election taking place in Indonesia. Indonesia is about to change. The change is now in the hand of its people.

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Mrs Hillary Like a Heroine in Indonesia

A two days visit by US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton made an impressive journey not only felt by her but also by society. This is the second trip after visiting Japan and will be followed to China and South Korea. Her maiden visit to Indonesia is greatly impressed as shown by her wide smile during her visit here in Indonesia

Mrs Hillary Clinton arrived on Wednesday (18/02/09) and met with Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda and followed by Secretariat General of Asean in the evening. During the joint conference pers with Mr Hassan, she smiled widely and was impressed by this democratic country which has developed and transformed in the right direction. Indonesia according to her, could be role model for other country where Islam, democracy, Tolerance and human rights can run smoothly. Indonesia is a good example of Muslim country.
In the evening, Mrs Hillary Clinton held a dinner with some of represantive civil leaders. Again, here she reiterate a great and warm greeting from Presinden Barrack Hossein Obama to Indonesia people, where he has spent his childhood here in indonesia. People hee always says to her ‘when he will be here?’ said Hillay smilingly. She humorously explained that Her president greatly miss Indonesia. Being a president is not easy. There are many tasks, challenges, problems that need to be coped with as soon as it arrives at president taable. Let alone, He has to schedule his permit work to visit foreign country. However, Hillary promised to Indonesia society that Her President will visit this lovely country within this year. It could be around october or november, she said.
Presiden Barrach Obama has become an idol in Indonesia. Many people admired him. Unlike other US presidents, Obama has gained heart of Indonesia people. Since he ever studied at Menteng elementary school during his childhood. Obama in the eyes of Indonesian society is like Native Indonesian. So the elected Barrack Obama to Indonesian also represent the Indonesia as a whole.
The following day on Thursday, Mrs Hillary clinton met with president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. They discusess a wide range of issues. And again President of Indonesia through The Secreatry of States invites President Obama to visit Indonesia. US also promised to broaden the opportunity for Indonesian society to study in America through Aminef and Fullbright. Abouth the palestines issues, the government of Indonesia also stressed that the importance of peace talk between Hamas and israel.
Kampung Petojo is the nest visit by Mrs Hillary Clinton where she will launch “the MCK Plus Plus.” The societies warmly adore her during her visit to their village. People screamed and shouted her names showing how impressed the society to her. There is a uniqe event. A pregnant woman was dreaming to be met with Hillary Clinton and touched her Pregnant. Her wishes comes as she could talk with Hillary and Hillary asked her how was her condition and baby. “Thanks to God, I met with her,’ said her. Most society get dissappointed to HillaryClinton since she just spent a short time to their village. The society want to see her for couples of hours. And then during her leave, society screamed and shouted her name, Mrs Hillary…Mrs Hillary. And then Hillary replied to them by waving her hand to the society.
Outside the US embassy, some protesters voiced their aspiration. They ask Hillary to be back home as They think US Secretary visit does not make the world and Indonesia specifically in the advantagous position. In many part of Indonesia, students staged a protest rally agaisnt US since its imbalance foreign policy toward Palestines. Students of Indonesia want to see US as World Leader playing key role in creating the world peace, tolerance and order. US must leave their double standard foreign policy and how to balance it for the entire world.
Last but no meant least, the visit of Mrs Hillary Clinton is impressive. As one of woman journalist coment it “ When I see her during the Pres Conference, she is really beautiful instead of just seeing her in television. She is really like a heroine here. Madam, when will you return here?

Middle East: A Promising Market

By Amatovan

Crisis Global has forced every company to survive with the uncertainty condition. Many companies unfortunately cut the jobs to avoid the company’s burden in facing the prices and a crippling order from customer. A boot can not be avoided.

The global crisis started from America known as the center of world economy. The mortgage case along with the fall of Lehman Brothers has deteriorated the condition. Moreover the uncertainty of dollars against other currencies in the world has pummeled the companies.

Do we still perceive the west as the promising economy right now? Most Indonesian exports depend on the American and European market. Now, by the slowdown of western economy has taught us how mature we are in surviving amid this condition. How Indonesian companies look for other market?

As we know that, by the hike of oil, in one side, the gulf countries have enjoyed this benefit. Of course with the GDP above average, the Arabian countries now are perceived as the economy behemoth. Let alone, America is asking donation around 300 million dollars to the gulf countries, since these countries have benefits from the increasing price of oil.

For Indonesia, it is time to find other market besides Europe and America. The potency of Gulf countries must be made use of increasing the national economy. Creating new market for Indonesian products to the gulf countries must be the top prioritize. Finally, the global crisis is the challenge and new solution of developing new market for Indonesian products for Middles East.

Syari’a Banking in England
By Amatovan

Do you know London has already implemented syari’a economic? Edgware Road is the center of syari’a investment in London. One of the biggest bank in the world, HSBC allegedly has opened its service in the syari’a banking. Many Arabian and Pakistani ancestors living there  embrace islam as their religion.

England has around sixty million people in which one point eight embrace Islam as their religion. Most of them are from Arabian world who make an earning there. The syari’a banking has become a trend in London, let alone global crisis has driven the policy maker to find the best and effective economic system in tackling crisis. Not few has started to learn Islamic economy to be implemented.

Even the five biggest bank in London, LLOYDS TSB has marketed the syari’a products among their customers.This phenomena has attracted attention to any investor. As quoted, “syari’a based investment in the world is amounted one million US dollar,’ said Nur Ur Rahmah Abid Managing Partner Assurance & Advisory Service Ernst & Young Middle East.” (source: antara)

Barrack Obama As A New Elected American President – A hope to change “Change, We can believe in,” use this slogan and his team campaigning to attract the heart of American voters. Long road he has passed at last become reality, dream comes true. Now, the American people believe in him to bring American better and better for the future. Interesting to see the ahead tasks Barrack Obama faces to tackle every issues floating ranging from economic issues till terrorism issues.

Barrack Obama who has Kenyan-born father had ever lived in Indonesia during his childhood around the year 1970. He ever lived in Diponegoro Street No 70, Jakarta His mother, American woman, moved to Jakarta, Indonesia after separated from Barrack Obama’s father and brought her son Barry, the nickname for Barrack Obama during his stay in Indonesia. Her mother is scientist doing a kind of research in Indonesia. His mother married with Indonesian man named Lolo Soetoro and born a girl named Maya.

The Spirit of Barrack Obama to fight for the change has put him into the White House. He will become the 44th President of United States. The first African-American generation to lead such dominant and influential country in the world. If we refer back to his life childhood, we will find the struggle and hurdle he has passes during his life and career. How he motivate to strive for his father dreams as he wrote in in the Harvard Journal Review.

Interesting to see and follow what steps and policy he will decide in terms of domestically or internationally. Every nation puts a hope on him in order that he can save American economy, so that other countries econome will become healthier as well.

Bungus Beach, A Best Place to Relax

By Amatovani

Padang City as the capital of West Sumatra’s province, Indonesia is covered by the ocean. Along the coastal of Sumatra Island, the beach here is full of white sand and still natural. Many of them is untouchable, not managed professionally and let it as it is. In one side it is good where the beach becomes natural and genuine then. In other side, there is a beach with full of leaf garbage or etc scattered in the side of the beach. One of the natural and genuine beach is Bungus Beach.

Bungus beach is a natural and genuine beach. It is quite wonderful surrounded by hill. The beach is located in Padang City, West Sumatra’s Province, Indonesia. The wave here is quite friendly. The tide is normal. The beach is famous for white sand beach with benign water. What makes the beach’s wave is small is because of surrounded by hill. So when the big wave comes, it has been split.

Bungus beach is located in the district of Pasar Kalaban, Bungus Teluk Kabung, Padang. It is one hour drive from the governor’s office of West Sumatra’s province. Most of the society here is fishermen. They are very warm for visitors. Many tourists stopped by here for a couple of days to enjoy the naturality of the beach and the opportunity to socialize with the society.

There are many losmen or motel here with the friendly and cheap price. If you need info about the losmen or motel there you can contact or email me for your reference at uranglai_padang@yahoo.com or you can contact your guide operator. There are many types of losmen you can choose. Besides losmen, there is also hotel here.

Normally visitors spend a couple of days to enjoy their time here. The wind is cool and the weather is warm. In the side of the beach, many big trees grow. You can sit under the tree while reading a book plus enjoying the wind and the fascinating scenery in the ocean. There is also café here. You can also do walking or trekking from Bungus beach to Caroline beach which is around fifteen minute to walk.

There are many activities you can do here. You can do canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing. If you want to know the society culture around you can come and visit the society art show like martial art, Randai, Rebab, etc organized by the head of the clan or the head of the villagers. It is a good place to pour down your idea as well. It is quite comfort to write or even to paint.

You can also visit the nearest island like Sikuai Island, Pagang Island, Pisang Island, Cubadak Island, Snake Island or Mentawai Island. You can go to this island by hiring the boat. In these islands, you can do camping or stay in the motel there. You can bake fish or corn in the night. Especially to Pagang Island, you can hire the boat from bungus beach. Prevoiously the price for hiring the boat is around two thousand rupiah (Indonesian currency). You can contact your nearest losmen owner or motel. They will provide you the boat. Most of these islands are tranquil. It is far from the society. It is special for tourist. To enjoy and relax their mind and soul.

How To Get There

It is around one hour drive from Minangkabau airport, West Sumatera’s province Indonesia. If you have booked the hotel or losmen, you can directly go to the Bungus Beach from Minagkabau airport. You can hire a taxi to go there or your hotel near the Bungus beach. If you stay in your hotel in the city you can hire a taxi or you can go on by public transportation. If you want to go with public transportation, you can get on ELF Car from Pasar Raya Padang or near Pasar Raya Plaza. The fare is five thousand rupiah. It just takes around sixty minutes. It is quite cheap if you go with public transportation. On the way to Bungus Beach, you will be welcomed by wonderful scenery since you will pass trough the hill with the beach under the hill. There are also small and cute monkey in the side of the hills. Many people sometimes stopped by just to give peanut or banana to the monkey while taking a picture.

Wish you enjoy your stay in West Sumatra’s Province, Indonesia.

Waiting Sunset In Padang Beach

By Amatovan

Most people are eager to see sunset in the Padang beach. Adults and children are sitting in the side of the beach enjoying sunset while eating and drinking along with their family.

As you can see in the picture,they are really enjoying the sunset. The panorama here is wonderful surrounded by hill. Behind the hill is the Siti Nurbaya cementary known as the legend Siti Nurbaya married by A Datuk named datuk maringgih. From here you can do sampan or canoeing around the hill while seeing the small and unique sea creatures. They come here by public transportation, by car or by motorcycle. It is not far from Padang city. It just takes 15 minutes walk from Padang city or your surounding hotels. Padang beach is one of your alternative to bring your family to enjoy recreational sites.

My Campus, Andalas University, Its Panorama

By Amatovan

The second day of my holiday, I spent my time visiting my campus where I got my degree there. At that time, it was no activity in campus since most people here celebrate the Idul Fitri Holiday 1429 H. I personally only had several holidays here, since I have to start working on Oct 07. So, when I had time, I make use of visiting my campus. It reminded me of my old time there where I spent almost four years in this campus.

Andalas University is located on the Pauh Regency, It was surrounded by hill as you can see in the picture. The air is very cool and fresh. The panorama here is wonderful as well. Standing in front of rektorat building, you can see the beautiful scenery of Padang city and its beach. Let alone, you view it in the night, the light of ship sailing shines twinkle.

At least one hour drive from Padang city to reach Andalas University’s campus. When I went there a couple days ago, many new building were being built. Six years from my graduation day, it really changed. At least, I can see it on my faculty, where there was an open theatre-like building. Maybe, it was meant for student’s activity to perform the art shows or like. And also, I can see of advancing lecturing rooms being built. New building can be seen behind the building of Student Activity Center. The mosque is also being renovated.

At afternoon, many villagers living near the campus area play soccer game in the field beside auditorium room. Not few different sex sitting together on their motorcycle while enjoying the cool air and enchanting panorama. They are like couples. There are also visitors, maybe they are student who take the picture with Andalas University as background. They came by motorcycles and cars. By this condition, my campus at this kind of holiday is like the recreational site for some people. With the height some kilometers above the sea of course, the strategic place for some people to enjoy the enchanting scenery and cool air can be one of their destination to refresh their mind.

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Padang 2 syawal 1429 h

“Pantai Air Manis” , Legendary and Wonderful Beach

Padang City is rich of beautiful panorama. One of them is Pantai Air Manis (air manis beach). What makes this beach special is not only the enchanting panorama but also the presence of Batu Malin Kundang (malin kundang stone). If you have time to visit padang, don’t miss to this malin kundang stone while enjoying beautiful beach surrounded hills and white sand.

What makes this beach become legend amid Minangkabau people is since it lies the the stone of Malin Kundang cursed by his mother in the seashore. Believed it or not, it is still regarded as the reminder for the society of not fighting against their mother. Many stories related to the history of malin kundang stone. But the authentic record is not recognized since the society does not recognize the writting culture at that time

At old time, Malin Kundang asked permission from his mother to leave the village to make a living in other village. In Minangkabau society, it is known as “merantau’ culture, a son to leave his village and earn a living in other country. Not only earning a living the purpose of “merantau” but also to get knowledge as stipulated in the minangkabau proverb “alam takambang jadi guru,’ (learning from the universe).

As much told, Malin at early age were eager to become rich man as he saw from the merchant who dropped by at his village , pantai air manis. His mother were sad to let her son to leave. Since only malin she had, her husband has passed away. With tears and sadness, she let him go to strive his dreams. She prayed for the success of her son. “Mom, pray for me,” malin last words to his mom. “Wish you get what you want, my son. Don’t forget to come home, my son. I will always miss you,’ his mother relently remind malin to see her.

From days to days, months to months, Malin’s mother always waited for Malin arrival. She always prayed to God while facing the ocean. Meanwhile, in his adventure, Malin becomes success. He now becomes the captain of the ship and owns the wealthy ship. He also marries the beautiful girl.

One day, his ship dropped by at Pantai Air Manis. Hearing the news of Malin arrival, his mother rushly went there to see her beloved son. she hasn’t seen her son for a quite long time. Malin has changed drastically. His dress reflects he is a rich man like a king. While going down from his ship to the seashore, a cry suddenly heard. “Malin…malin…I miss you,’ an old woman voice echoed among the crowd. “My dearest son, thanks to God you come home,” her voice relently. ‘Who are you old woman, I don’t’ know you, get off from my face,’ Malin pretending not recognized the presence of his mother. He can’t admit the old mother in front of him is his mother. He is shy to admit it. He is shy to the crowd and his beautiful wife. He doesn’t want anyone knows the old and poor woman in front of him is his mother. He is now rich and a king. He does not want to be ashamed in front of the crowd.

“Why malin why don’t you admit me as your mother loving you since in my pregnancy. God show me the justice.” While Malin’s ship sailed to the sea, suddenly a lightening strokes his ship and other crews. They were panic. The ship shaked strongly. Water flooded the ship. “Mom, forgive me..forgive me,’ Malin recognized he has done wrong to his beloved mother. He doesnot want to admit his mother after he got success. At last the ship was cursed like a stone..

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Now the replica of Malin and his ship’s stone can be seen in Air Manis beach as you can see the picture. White sand and wonderful view surrounded with coconut trees added the condition becomes comfort. While the low tide you can also walk through the Pisang island around fifteen minutes. Or when the high tide you can rent a sampan to visit Pisang island to explore the and enjoy the wonderful panorama there. Many activities can be done here like snorkeling, walking along the seashore, fishing and canoeing. It is best to bring your family there since Kids will much love playing in the beach while teaching them how to love and respect their parents through the story of Malin Kundang.

How to get there

It is one hour drive from the minangkabau airport, padang city, west Sumatra province, Indonesia. Many flights fly to and from minangkabau airport. There are flight padang-malaysia as well as padang-singapore. Or from Soekarno Hatta international airport, Jakarta, you can fly to Minangkabau airport. Many hotels are available in Padang city or near Air Manis beach ranging from star-hotel to cheapest hotel or ‘losmen.’ Padang city are very safe and the people welcome the foreigners warmly. They will respect you if you also respect them and their traditions. ***