New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009
Let's Make World a Better Place for All

US, Please Give Us Answer!

Time has changed, but international order hasn't. USA and its allies remain control everything. Israel got unconditional support from them. And that means, injustice will be alive for more time.

This is 4th day of Israel airstrike to Gaza strip. More than 300 civilians died. And the attacks continue. No country, no international body can stop the strikes. They have no enough brave to stand against USA and its allies.

For how long again, will this injustice be alive? US can give us answer.

Help Gaza!

Talks can do nothing in this terrible situation in Gaza. Crazy assault of Israeli forces against civilians in Gaza only can be stopped by hard-real actions. Arab countries have to own enough brave to stop Israel strikes. US should not give umbrella to the Israel.

People in Gaza need urgent help now, not later. Please arab-moslem leaders, help our brother in Gaza. Please UN, show your forces. Stop Israel strikes.

One More Step to Substantial Democracy

Democracy in Indonesia takes one more step ahead. Constitutional Court ruled that legislature candidates only can be approved to become member of parliament based on people votes not list number made by the parties.

This rule, of course, will make the candidates closer to the people rather than to parties elites. And when the parliament members are really representatives of people voices, better policies of development will be launched to serves people needs.

After promising role of KPK (Corruption Eradication Commision) in combating corruption, MK (Constitutional Court) is now taking more important role to guard the rules remain conform to constitution and justice that often uncared by politicians to defend their interests.

China's Turn

China's turn now is coming. America will not be single player anymore. Economic crisis in America and its allies is far from end. And China becomes the only country with more than 8 % of growth and $2 trillion of foreign excange reserves.

This economic power will be greater if China, ASEAN and Japan succeed in integrating their market and economy. Will Asian leadership replace American's sooner that it is predicted?

OBAMA: Person of the Year 2008

TIME Magazine named Barack Hussein Obama, President-Elect of USA as the Person of the Year 2008.

I quote TIME:

In one of the craziest elections in American history, he overcame a lack of experience, a funny name, two candidates who are political institutions and the racial divide to become the 44th President of the United States.

It is really exellent achievement. After being elected as President of US, he is now in real challenges to change the world. Israeli-Arab conflict, Iraq instability, Iran nuclear program and high tension of military-politic in Afganistan are hot issues that wait smart and right treatment. I hope that Mr. President will complete his achievment by his success in solving these acute problems.

More State Role on Economy

If i don't miss understand, Prof. Joseph Stiglitz argues more state role on economy, meet with all states administrations policies to deal with recent economy crisis. He said, "we are all keynesian now".

2009

2009 will be year of politic in Indonesia. A serial of election from parliament to president will be held at the year.

This is the second direct presidential election in Indonesia. It seems that there will be no change in Indonesian political landscap. Old faces among presidential canditates are still dominant. No big issues of change will be endorsed.

As Wimar Witoelar, prominent political analyst, said, election in Indonesia is not a matter of issues or programs but patrons or figures.

Indonesian people, therefore, have to wait any longer to own substantial democracy, rather than prosedural democracy.

Hajj

More than two million people will be in Arafah, one of the holy places in Makkah, tomorrow, sunday(12/7), to preform the most important pillar of hajj (pilgrimage), the fifth pillar of Islam.

I think that moslem pilgrimage is the biggest annual meeting of human being on earth. They start with same intention, to worship the same God and share same values. The values of equality, sincerity, willing to help others, to build good relation among people, etc. If you have ever been there, then you can feel how great the hajj is.

Eid al-Adha

Happy Eid al-Adha for All Moslems. Kul Am wa Antum Bikheir...

Long Road to Real Democracy

Indonesia's East Java has to run another round of direct election in some places (Bangkalan and Sampang) and re-count the votes in the other place (Sumenep). This is the third round of direct governor election and the longest one of it in Indonesia.

According to the Constitutional Court that adjudge this case, there are a massive, structural and systemic infringement against the priciples of democracy has been done at the places. So, the re-election and re-count have to be done.

It means that more money (near to one trillion of rupiahs has been spent at the previous two rounds)and energy are need to chose the governor and vice governor of the province. It is really long road to real democracy.

Terrorist Attack in India

There is no secure place around the world. That is what terrorists want. India is now the victim of terrorist attack. More than 100 people died and 200 injured. The attacks were occured before from US to Indonesia, from Spain to UK. This is humanity disaster of 21st century.

We are deeply sadened by this last attack. All countries have to fight more serious against terrorism.

American Promise for Palestinians

President Bush, once, promised that by the end of his time in US administration, independent Palestine will come true. In next two months, he will leave his post replaced by new elected President,Mr. Barrack Obama, while Gaza strip remains under full control of Israeli Forces and its inhabitans live in very terrible situation.

'Change We Can Believe In' was the slogan of Mr. Obama's campaign to race for US president. It is his opportunity to realize what his predesesor, Mr. Bush failed to do. Palestine still wait and hope what Mr. Obama can do to solve this long conflict.

Financial Crisis: We are Still at The Beginning

Some analysts say that we are still at the beginning of economic crisis trigged by financial crisis in US. It is predicted that there will be new 20 million unemployed people around the world caused by this crisis. When this crisis goes deeper more people around the world especially in the poor countries will pay very high cost.

Indonesia-Brasil:Closer Relationship

I believe that more multipolar the world is more balance the relations between the countries will be. President of Indonesia has visited Brasil for several days. The two countries share many similarities: big population, wide area of agriculture, new stable democratic countries and on their way to be faster growing countries.

The big different is that Indonesia has to learn more football from Brasil!

G20

What will happen with global financial system after G20 leaders meeting in US these days? There are critics to change global financial system that put US at the core. Indonesia has good experience in passing financial crisis in 1997. As the member of G20, Indonesia can share this expereince to find good solution of this economic crisis.

Jihad

Trio Bali bombers has been executed yesterday. They has been buried in their villages. Their supporters remain call them as a martyr of Islam. According to them, what they did was a jihad. This is the real challenge of combating terorism. The hardest challenge is how to cönvince them that killing innocence people is a crime, not a jihad.

Bali Bombers Will Be Executed

Do you remember the bloody Bali explotion that caused more than 200 people dead? The bombers will be executed died these days. This is important step to combat terorism, but treating it from its root by perserving good education, prosperity and justice for all is more important. It needs simultanous efforts in long term.

Education

It is hard to imagine that Mr. Obama could be the Presiden of US without his mother and grandmother's serious attention on his education. Indonesian decision makers are now aware how great the impact of education is on a nation future. So, they alocate 20 percent of annual budget on educatiön. In long term, this decision will put Indonesia among the great countries in the world.

Obama

America backs to the right path. History has been made there by Mr. Obama. He is elected as first President from afroamericans. Please, stop military existance in Irak and Other countries. Prove that you are new hope for a better world, Mr. President!

Ied El-Fitr

HAPPY IED EL-FITR 1429 H

General Michel Suleiman, New President of Lebanon

Congratulation to Lebanese People for election of new president. General Michel Suleiman becomes president of Lebanon after about 6 months of conflict between majority and opposition power.

Political stability in Lebanon becomes interest not only for lebanese people and government but also regimes in the region such as Suriah, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Indonesian Model

This is Indonesian model to overcome sky-rocketing of oil prices. Government rises prices of subsidized fuel but gives the poors straight financial aid (IDR 100.000 per month per household).

In mid and long term, Indonesian Govt. plans to maximize the oil production, minimize fuel consumption, finance micro-industry, diversite resources of fuel etc.

There are many demonstrations in the country refusing this decision, but in long term, economy of Indonesia will be health and strong to face hit of global economy turbulences. Based on right policies, enough natural resources and capable-transparant government, Indonesia will be real power in the region.

Big Puzzle on Suriah

What actually happen on Suriah? Why does he want to talk with Israel via Turkey's mediation? What will happen on his relation with Iran, Hizbullah and Hamas if the negotiation succeed and conflict with Israel over?

Foreign Minister of Turkey said that the two parties has found agreed sphere to continue the negotiation. This is what made Abdel Bari Atwan, prominent middle-east analyst, pose so many questions about what the arab resistance against Israel will be.

Political constelation in middle-east, of course, will ultimately change when Suriah and Israel come to agreement; "land vs peace". I think that Iran will be more targeted. Hizbullah and Hamas have to face more difficult circumstance.

Historical Role of Qatar

Qatar has played historical role in political conflict between the factions in Lebanon. After five days of talks in Doha, they sign agreement to end the conflict. They have to choose president next Sunday, form united cabinet and sign the rule of election.

Lebanese people happily cangratulate this agreement. They thank Qatar leaders who facilitated and made the meeting success. Of course, we wait next similiar role of Qatar in Palestine whose conflicts remain the core problem in midle-east.

A Century of National Awakening of Indonesia

May 20, Indonesia will celebrate a century of National Awakening. Before 100 years, starting point of Indonesian people as a nation was begun by the birth of Budi Oetomo. A strugling body to campaign the awarness of Indonesian nationalism.

Many people in Indonesia believe that this momentum is the best entry point to overcome 1001 problems of the country, to boost the moving to gain better acheivement in the future. In fact, Indonesia has more than enough capital to be a great nation-state. The better achievement of the country is now depending on the fighting spirit of Indonesian people to do their best for Indonesia.

Help Myanmar!

It was reported that at least 22.000 people have been killed by a cyclone in Myanmar, a country ruled by miltary regime. That was the worst disaster hited Asia after Tsunami disaster 2004 that killed a quarter million of people in Aceh of Indonesia and surrounding area.

Help Myanmar people!. They suffer more and more under dictator military regime.

Demographic Problem of Emirates

"I am afraid that we gain عمارات (buildings) but miss إمارات (United Arab Emirates)", Asharqalawsat International Newspaper quoted Chief of Dubai Police Departement expressing serious demographic problem in United Arab Emirates.

It is predicted that Emirates people will decrease up to only 2 % in 2025 if there is no serious treatment to this problem. Economic booming there has been inviting simultanous increasing immigrants mostly from India.

English is wide-used languange in Emirates rather than Arabic.

What is the implication of this problem to the national defence and security to the country? I think that Emirates ruler and government pay serious attention and effort to treat this issue.

Eradicating Corruption in Indonesia

Indonesia seems to gain significant achievement in combating corruption. Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), in late two months arrested a prosecutor for accepting bribe of US$ 600.000, member of The House of Representatives for accepting bribe and Central Bank Governor for involving in Rp 100 billion of illegally chanelling BI (Bank of Indonesia) fund.

This is good news for combating corruption in Indonesia, but there is still long road to go. KPK just gives hopes to Indonesian people that serious efforts to eradicate corruption are still alive.

Indonesia, Food and Energy

Indonesia has two key factors to play more important international role in near future: food and energy. Some countries are now facing serious problem when food and oil prices remain increase. Some of them are net importers, meanwhile Indonesia's goverment plans to export rice in 2009.

Indonesia has 20 million ha of productive agricultural area. The area can be expanded to 54 million ha. So, Vice President of Indonesia, Mr. Jusuf Kalla, said that it is time for Indonesia to awake and maximize food production. Minister of Agriculture said that rice production of 2007 increase 4.8 %.

Two days ago, April 4, President of Indonesia, Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono invited bankers and urged them to maximize thier contribution to finance food and energy production. Mr. President said that Indonesia has all resources to develop. So, what Indonesia need now is how to manage these resources to gain prosperity for all.

Race for Indonesia's President 2009

Akbar Tanjung, former leader of Representative House of Indonesia, launched his own website, April 5, named: bangakbardotcom. This is considered as preparation of his candidacy for president in next general election.

Several names are now endorsed in Indonesia to race for presidential election 2009. There are Sutiyoso (Bang Yos), former Jakarta governor, Sri Sultan Hamengkubowo, King of Jogjakarta, Abdurrahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia. Of course, the names in the list will be increased when the time near to date of the election.

It's hard to imagine this phenomenon in Indonesia before decades, when Soeharto was in power. But now, something is different. Democracy has changed Indonesia's political landscape. It's now possible for everyone to elect or be elected in any political position in the country.

Welcome to My Homeland

President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, finished his visiting abroad with happy ending. US$ 3 billion contracts has been signed to be invested in Indonesia. He has presented new era of Indonesia in front of 45 top bussinesmen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: democracy establishment, big infrastructure projects, interesting investment opportunities etc.

What made me happy was $ 600 million investement that has been signed to build 1200 ha of tourism area in my homeland: south Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. There will big projects of development there including: international airport, hotels, roads, communication installations etc. The area will be extremely changed in next several years.

We in Lombok often say --in notion of tourism promotion--: "you can find Bali in Lombok but you will not find Lombok in Bali".

Welcome to my homeland.

5th Year of War in Iraq

After 5 years of American war on Iraq, almost 5 million Iraqis have been displaced. 4.987 American troops were killed. 655.000 Iraqis died. 83 % of inhabitants have no access to clean water. 84 % of school bulding have been demaged. 2 millions children continue to face threats including poor nutrition, disease and interrupted education. Trillions of dollar have been spent to cost the war.

Inspite of this facts, Mr. Bush claimed victory. He will --before end of this year-- leave the administration, but it seems that American troops will not leave Iraq. The sufferances of Iraqi people will continue in longer time.

When uncle Sam falls ill

When uncle Sam falls ill, most people at home are infected. When USA faces economic problems, most countries in the planet also pay the costs.

Property sector crisis in US seems to affect whole economy not only in America but also entire the world.

"Financial crisis in USA not only causes poverty to millions people in America but also negatively affects economy of the world. More than that, it may be getting worse to military occupation to other countries", wrote an analyst.

Borderless Nationalism

President of Indonesia, Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, talked about nastionalism after visiting hundreds of Indonesian workers in Musica excursion ship within his attendance to the 11th OIC (Organization of The Islamic Conference) summit in Dakar, Senegal, March 14.

"Nasionalisme orang yang bekerja di luar negeri juga tidak kalah dengan yang bekerja di dalam negeri (nationalism of Indonesian people who work overseas is not less than that one's in homeland)", said Mr. President.

Without any command, hundreds of workers in the ship sang Indonesia Raya, anthem of Indonesia, welcoming their President. They also showed their enthusiasm to be in touch with Mr. President. It's really true that globalization didn't wipe nationalism.

OIC Summit: So Many Complicated Problem!

11th OIC (Organization of The Islamic Conference) summit in Dakar, Senegal, March 13-14, deals with so many complicated problems.

It seems that the problems are bigger than organization capacity to deal with.

There are latent conflicts between some member countries: Saudi Arabia vs Siria, Sudan vs Chad ; security chaos in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine; turbulence relation between Muslim countries and West especially after re-printing assulting cartoon in Denmark; economic problems of some member countries especially in Africa etc.

We'll wait what the summit will do with these complicated problems.

Indonesia and Iran's Nuclear Program

Indonesia's President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, is visiting Iran today, 3/11, strengthening billateral cooperation between the two countries.

At the beginning of this month, Indonesia was the only country in the UN Security Council not support UN new sactions against Iran on its nuclear program. Indonesia was 'abstain' in the voting.

According to Indonesia, international community's treatment against Iran nuclear progam has been approached political rather than technical. So, the only fair bases of treatment is IAEA report on wether Iran nuclear program for peace or weapon purposes. As far as IAEA report, Iran nuclear program has not been proven for military purposes .

Three Trillion Dollar War

Joseph Stiglitz, the winner of Nobel Prize in economics, 2001, and Linda Bilmes, lecturer in public policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, counted 3 trillion dollar as cost of US war on Afganistan and Iraq.

They wrote :

"From the unhealthy brew of emergency funding, multiple sets of books, and chronic underestimates of the resources required to prosecute the war, we have attempted to identify how much we have been spending - and how much we will, in the end, likely have to spend. The figure we arrive at is more than $3 trillion. Our calculations are based on conservative assumptions. They are conceptually simple, even if occasionally technically complicated. A $3 trillion figure for the total cost strikes us as judicious, and probably errs on the low side.".

I think that the root of terrorism that the wars have been fought for will be extremely eliminated, if this huge amount of money spent worldwide in building education infra-structures, combating hunger, helping poor people, reconstructing disaster areas, spreading borderless human friendship etc.

Wind of Change in Malaysia

Wind of change blows in Malaysia. Opposition parties won poll in 4 states. The ruling party, National Front (BN), lose its two-third majority in the parliament. Datuk Anwar Ibrahim, one of opposition headfigure said, "Tomorrow we will start building a brighter future...This is a new dawn for Malaysia".

Is this the beginning of his political comeback after being jailed for his strong opposition to the former Malaysian Prime Minister? The family becomes inner circle of People Justice Party (PKR). His party reached 31 seats in the parliament. His wife and daughter won in the poll.

Near future of Malaysian political sphere will be more colourfull. Democracy in the region will be more acceptable.

Artistic President

Indonesian people are known as high humor and artistic senses. Mochtar Lubis (1922-2004), one of prominent authors in contemporary Indonesia, stated in his book: Manusia Indonesia (1977), this artistic character of Indonesian people as reflected in batik, wayang kulit, traditional dance, song, architect etc.

Gatra Magazine wrote that President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, will release his new song album soon. His first album, Rinduku Padamu, has been sole up to 44.638 CDs and cassettes. Is this an other proof of artistic senses as character of Indonesian people?

Food Crisis

Many countries have to pay more serious attention to their food policies. In two years, food prices rise at average 37 %.

Climate changes, wars, sky-rocekting fuel prices, increasing population and big projects of bio-fuel whose material are corn, palm, coconut, wheat etc are the factors of simultan increasing food comodities prices.

While 854 million people in the world suffer from hunger, there will more poor people be in difficulties in supplying their foods. What will future world look like in such this terrible situation?

Oil Money

In this sky-rocketing oil prices, where does oil money go?

Russia comebacks to the playing-table between the top countries based on oil money. Some countries --like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirated-- are flooded by it. It had made ADIA (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) the wealthest SWF (Sovereign Wealth Fund) in the world.

Same story happens to Norway, Alaska, Iran, Venezuela. They've reach tons of oil money emerging as new influencing economic players.

What about Indonesia? Oil prices at average $ 100 in the market have required revision of country's budget and very strict treatment to maintain economic stability.

Oil money has made some countries happy but the others little bit panic.

Lesson from Russia

Mr. Dmitry Medvedev becomes new Russian President, but Mr. Vladimir Putin is still there serving as Prime Minister.

TIME Magazine chosed him as Person of Year 2007. He has been succeed in bringing Russia after falling of USSR and economic collaps of the country to become great player among the most influencing countries to the world affairs.

This is Russia that Mr. Putin serves for --TIME wrote: "It is the largest country on earth; it shares a 2,600-mile (4,200 km) border with China; it has a significant and restive Islamic population; it has the world's largest stockpile of weapons of mass destruction and a lethal nuclear arsenal; it is the world's second largest oil producer after Saudi Arabia; and it is an indispensable player in whatever happens in the Middle East. For all these reasons, if Russia fails, all bets are off for the 21st century.".

But Russia doesn't fail. It is in its way to gain more and more successfull, especially in economic field based on revenues of big oil and gaz production.

Mr. Medvedev who was 17 years linked in cooperation with Mr. Putin --of course- will continue these achievements. Exellent economic achievement remains the shortest way to win votes in the election.

Protect Gaza Strip!

In 5 days, more than 100 die and hundreds of civilians injured by Israel military attack against Gaza Strip. Yesterday, March 1, was most bloody day. 61 die in one day.

UN Security Council just condemns rocket strike from Hamas and inproportional reaction from Israel. But Israel will not stop the operation. More Gaza inhabitans will pay the cost by their blood.

Mahmud Abbas, President of Palestine Authority, calls for international protection. But no one answer, neither Arab forces nor International ones.

Without international protection, there will no peace in the region. Palestine has no enough forces to protect himself. Before more and more civilians die, UN should stop the military clash there and protect civilians: children, women and old people.

Long Road to Heaven

Long Road To Heaven is title of film whose content is story of Bali bombing, 2002. The film describes how JI (Jamaah Islamiyah) prepare the bombing. Mukhlas, Amrozi, Ali Imron and Imam Samudra --all of them have been jailed-- are the actors of the tragedy.

Yesterday, IHT wrote that Nasir Abas, one has linked to JI and Mukhlas brother in-law has been changed to become anti-terror evangelist.

"My mission is to stop the crimes, stop the violence, stop the deviants. Bombing is an evil deed, and my obligation is to stop evil deeds", IHT qouted Nasir statement.

We hope that more JI members back to the right path. There is no short road to heaven by bombing civilians, there is long road to heaven by spreading 'amal saleh' (good and valued works) around the world.

Republic of Dreams

There is long road to substantial-benefitial democracy. Indonesia has been step by step moving to reach it.

Army forces are no longer in politic. The prisons are empty from political prisoners. Medias live in free-conducive atmosphere. These were real achievements of new Indonesian democracy. What all should do right now is giving very hard efforts to achieve prosperity for all reflected in good incomes, well educated people and exellent health services.

"Republic of Dreams" (political parody program on TV called "Republik Mimpi") shows how free Indonesian Medias are in expressing their criticism to statemen. This program will back on the screen soon after several month pause. Public in Indonesia will see again how Si Butet Yogya (President), Jarwo Kwat (Vice President), Gus Pur, Megakarti, Dik Pendy and others guard public issues with their parodical actions.

Two Sides, Same Message

I read some articles with similiar message yesterday. Shaikh Aidl Qarni wrote about dark picture of women in Saudi Arabia. Fahmi Huwaidi, prominent op-ed writer in Asharq Al-Awshat Newspaper, wrote about insulting caricatures of Prophet Muhammad PBH republished by some medias in Denmark and not strong enough reaction from arab-moslem countries.

Fahmi Huwaidi emphasized the weakness of arab-moslem countries in front of outsiders attacks. On the contrary, Shaikh Aidl, said that there is no enough state protection to the society, especially women in facing any kind of injustice against them. Those both sides, at the same time, reflect how weak arab-moslems states are in upholding justice in and out of their countries.

More Clash, Why?

German Interior Minister, Wolfgang SCHAEUBLE, urges, Feb 27, 08, the presses in Europe to re-print insulting caricatures of Prophet Muhammad PBH. The reason is to depend freedom of press.

I believe that the reaction from moslems around the world will be immediately exploded. It may be out of control.

Why more clashes Mr. Minister? Isn't there any limit of this kind of freedom? Does freedom mean 'free to insult' others? Why don't we avoid such insulting in order to make peace in the world and spread love beetwen people?

Lee Myung-bak

Congratulation to South Korean people on innauguration of new President: Mr. Lee Myung-bak.

He promises to increase economic growth to 7 % (from 5 %), double per capita to $ 40.000 and aid to North Korean people to maximize their income to $3000. He wants to make South Korea become one of top seven economies in the world.

With exellent bussines perpormance background and working hard as life style, these promises will not far to be reached. His struggle to overcome economic problem in his early life and success to reach big achievements later will help him and his supporters to make his promises real.

Congratulation Mr. President, hoping best achievement in your efforts.

Fresh Leader

Mr. Barack Obama inspires some people. "Change We Can Believe In" as major theme of his campaign in long race to White House reflects his vision, image and youthfull soul. He reachs big support from new voters of Americans.

In this fast changing world, we need fresh leader, not just in matter of ideas but age and power of struggle.

We, in Indonesia, need new generation of leader. Next 2009, we'll deal with second straight-parliament and president election in the country. Our public sphere remains full of old faces of politician. We need fresh leader to become starter of big changes, to maximize war against corruption, poverty and lack of human development.

As new democratic coutry, it's big challenge to the young, fresh and clean politician in Indonesia to fight in the next 2009 race to be President of Indonesia. Is that possible? We'll wait untill 2009.

Kosovo

There are two point of views against Kosovo’s declaration of independence: pro and contra. USA, France and some muslim countries released their support to the declaration. Other countries like Russia, China, Spain don’t agree with it.

Kosovo’s independence is not a matter of separatism but a best solution of etnic war and cleansing that they fall in since 90-ies of last century. So, if we are really supporters of justice and peace around the world, there is no reason to say ‘no’ to the Kosovo’s independence.

Congratulation to Cosovars, hoping better future for the new independent country.

Jenius

Saya sangat bersyukur bertemu karya Alm. Dr. Ali al-Wardi, Sosiolog Irak : Khawaariq al-Laasyu'uur, Asraar as-Syakhshiyah an-Naajihah. Buku ini merubah hidup.

Lompatan Sejarah

Sejarah mengenal lompatan-lompatan. Titik perjalanan yang tidak mungkin kembali titik sebelumnya. Jarak waktu satu titik dengan titik baru bisa pendek, namun bisa juga panjang.

Tahun 1945, Bangsa Indonesia berhasil membuat lompatan sejarah: kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia. Tiga setengah abad lamanya perjalanan panjang yang menguras darah dan air mata ditempuh untuk mencapai titik lompatan ini. Inilah pintu gerbang emas yang memungkinkan bangsa kita menyulam mimpi masa depan yang lebih baik.

Tahun 1998, kembali bangsa kita membuat lompatan sejarah baru. Titik pijakan baru itu bernama demokrasi yang berhasil didesakkan oleh gerakan reformasi. Lebih dari setengah abad bangsa kita ditempa perjalanan sejarah untuk sampai pada kesadaran bahwa pijakan yang benar dari kebhinekaan bangsa kita adalah demokrasi yang jujur. Bukan demokrasi buatan yang dipaksakan oleh sekelompok elit. Inilah capaian yang betul-betul melegakan dan membuka jalan lempang bagi perwujudan bangsa yang betul-betul dimiliki oleh semua.

Tapi demokrasi saja ternyata tidak cukup, sebagaimana proklamasi kemerdekaan saja tidak cukup. Rakyat butuh kesejahteraan. Sejahtera spiritnya, sejahtera jiwanya, sejahtera badannya. Inilah titik masa depan yang harus dipijaki untuk sebuah lompatan sejarah baru bangsa kita.

Berapa lama? Lamanya tergantung kemampuan kita sebagai bangsa untuk menghapus korupsi, menyediakan pendidikan gratis sampai tingkat setinggi-tingginya, memberikan pelayanan kesehatan gratis untuk semua rakyat, menegakkan keadilan tanpa pandang bulu, menjadikan kepentingan rakyat sebagai dasar pertama kontrak-kontrak dengan pemilik modal asing, memeratakan sumber daya ekonomi ke seluruh penjuru negeri dan merawat sumber daya alam dengan bijaksana.

Barulah setelah itu, kita bisa berbicara tentang sumbangan peradaban bangsa Indonesia untuk masyarakat dunia. Setelah kita berhasil melompat dan memijakkan kita di titik kesejahteraan, barulah secara serius kita bisa menunjukkan bahwa Indonesia adalah bangsa besar dengan capaian besar di semua bidang kehidupan.

Perjalanan masih panjang. Kalau kita tidak mau jalan di tempat, ayolah kita bergegas menyambut masa depan, melompat ke titik yang lebih maju. Kalau para pemimpin memiliki kesadaran bersama bahwa tidak seorangpun dari mereka yang bisa hidup selamanya, maka berilah peran sejarah yang maksimal agar tuan-tuan semua dikenang baik oleh generasi yang akan membawa bangsa ini ke masa depan yang lebih baik.

Bohong

Apakah kebohongan yang diulang-ulang bisa menarik kepercayaan? Boleh jadi iya. Inilah mungkin keistimewaan Presiden Bush Jr.

Sudah lebih dari tujuh tahun ia menjanjikan negara Palestina merdeka dan sampai kini belum bisa diwujudkannya, tapi tetap saja ia berani menjanjikannya sebelum tutup tahun ini. Anehnya banyak yang percaya.

Ketika pertama kali menyerang Irak, ia beralasan karena Irak punya senjata pemusnah massal. Ketika alasan itu tidak terbukti, ia merubahnya dengan alasan karena rezim Saddam Hussein otoriter. Masih banyak juga yang mendukungnya.

Sekarang, dalam lawatannya ke beberapa negara teluk, ia berulang-ulang menyebut Iran sebagai ancaman keamanan kawasan dan dunia, padahal intelejen Amerika sendiri sudah memberi laporan kalau kegiatan nuklir Iran sudah dihentikan sejak 2003. Bush ngotot mempersiapkan kondisi untuk menyerang Iran.

Hebat sekali memang Presiden satu ini. Ia tetap percaya diri meski alasan legitimasi tindakan-tindakan pentingnya sering berubah-ubah. Untung saja, jabatannya akan berakhir di penghujung tahun ini.

Cukuplah dunia ini menderita karena perang yang tidak perlu.

Faktor Kesejahteraan

“Indonesia’s success now depends on incremental changes rather than on the heart-stopping historical points of a decade ago”

Saya terkejut-senang mendapati berita tentang Indonesia di International Herald Tribune edisi Kamis, 10 Januari 2008. “As leaders move Indonesia forward, a repudiation of Suharto”, demikian judul artikel yang ditulis Seth Mydans.

Indonesia kini sudah menjadi negara yang benar. Ia telah berubah dari sangat sentralistik menjadi sangat desentralistik; melaksanakan pemungutan suara dalam satu dekade ini 3 kali di tingkat nasional dan lebih dari 300 kali di tingkat daerah; membuktikan bahwa Islam ternyata kompatibel dengan demokrasi; berhasil mengatasi gerakan separatisme, mengurangi penumpukan uang di jakarta ke tingkat yang sangat drastis untuk disebar ke daerah-daerah; memaksa pemerintah daerah untuk meningkatkan akuntabilitas; membalik angka pertumbuhan dari minus 13 % pada saat krisis menjadi lebih dari 6 %.

Mantan Duta Besar Amerika untuk Indonesia, Ralph Boyce menyebut pengalaman Indonesia ini sebagai “a good-news story in the region and in the world”.

Namun demikian, kabar baik ini masih cacat oleh karena faktor kesejahteraan rakyat yang masih rendah, angka pengangguran yang masih tinggi dan korupsi yang juga menyebar ke daerah-daerah. Sehingga yang dibutuhkan Indonesia sekarang bukanlah perubahan bersejarah yang sanggup menghentikan detak jantung, tetapi perbaikan terus menerus untuk menutupi bolong-bolong yang masih ada di sana-sini.

Terus terang, ada hawa segar yang dibawa oleh tulisan ini. Sebagai bangsa, kita patut berbangga karena berhasil melewati terpaan badai krisis yang hampir-hampir memecah belah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia. Kita keluar dari krisis dengan kondisi yang semakin kuat saat ini. Demokrasi Indonesia menjadi paling maju jika dibandingkan negara-negara sekawasan yang bahkan sebagian masih jatuh bangun oleh kudeta.

Pemilihan langsung presiden-wakil presiden dan kepala-kepala daerah telah membuka lebar pintu partisipasi politik rakyat. Pesta demokrasi yang jujur dan adil telah membuka suara rakyat yang tersumbat selama puluhan tahun. Demokrasi bahkan berhasil mengakomodasi suara-suara yang selama ini meminta pemisahan diri dari Indonesia. Demokrasi yang stabil adalah modal sangat berharga untuk melanjutkan pembangunan negeri kita ke arah yang lebih baik.

Tinggal sekarang bagaimana menjadikan demokrasi itu tidak sekedar demokrasi prosedural dan hanya menguntungkan segelintir elit baik di pusat maupun di daerah-daerah, tetapi demokrasi substansial yang mensejahterakan sebanyak-banyaknya rakyat Indonesia. Inilah agenda prioritas siapapun yang memimpin Indonesia kini dan ke depan, agar demokrasi tidak kehilangan legitimasi dan relevansinya.

Agenda penyejahteraan rakyat artinya bagaimana memberikan kehidupan yang layak bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia: menaikkan pendapatan 49 juta orang yang masih dibawah $ 2 per hari, menyediakan pekerjaan untuk puluhan juta penganggur, memberikan layanan kesehatan, air bersih, listrik dan pendidikan kepada banyak penduduk yang belum mengaksesnya.

Arahan presiden agar kabinetnya tetap fokus bekerja dan tidak terpengaruh suhu politik yang memanas kanena persiapan pemilu 2009 lantas menjadi relevan. Hasil penyejahteraan rakyat akan menjadi pembuktian apakah kepemimpinan SBY berhasil atau tidak selama satu priode ini. Jika berhasil, terbuka peluang baginya untuk kembali maju dengan senyum lepas di ajang Pemilu 2009.

Saya kira siapapun yang bersiap maju pada Pemilu 2009 sepakat akan agenda prioritas penyejahteraan rakyat. Tinggal perdebatannya nanti terletak pada detil bagaimana strategi dalam berapa lama waktu pencapaiannya. Rakyat akan semakin cerdas untuk memilih program mana yang dirasa paling mungkin berhasil meningkatkan kesejahteraan mereka.

Kalau semua pemimpin dari tingkat pusat sampai daerah-daerah serius memikirkan dan mengusahakan kesejahteraan rakyat, Indonesia bakal menjadi paling berpengaruh di antara negara-negara sekawasan dan menjadi pemain yang sangat diperhitungkan di tingkat dunia.

Tahun Baru Hijriyah

Selamat Tahun Baru 1429 H.
Semoga kondisi umat Islam semakin baik di tahun ini.

Obama

Bintang baru bersinar terang di jagat politik Amerika. Obama. Ya Barack Obama. Senator muda (46) yang disebut media sebagai berkharisma, punya senyum menawan dan orator ulung. "Harapan" dan "Perubahan" adalah dua kata yang diusungnya untuk memikat hati pemilih Amerika.

Hari-hari ini, sampai nanti puncaknya di Bulan November, dunia akan disuguhkan pentas menarik demokrasi Amerika. Banyak orang di dunia memperhatikannya karena Amerika, bagaimanapun, masih sangat mempengaruhi dunia.

Kalau nanti Obama terpilih menjadi presiden Amerika, maka ia memberikan banyak sekali inspirasi. Ia akan menjadi orang hitam pertama sebagai Presiden Amerika, masih relatif muda, tidak berasal dari keluarga yang sebelumnya berkuasa (sebagaimana Bush dan Clinton).

Harapan dan perubahan memang boleh menjadi milik siapa saja. Itulah indahnya demokrasi. Moga-moga saja dunia politik Indonesia segera melahirkan tokoh-tokoh segar yang betul-betul menjasadkan perubahan ke arah yang lebih baik, bukan hanya dalam kata-kata, tapi dalam tindakan dan kenyataan.

Bukankah demokrasi sudah bersemi dan menjadi kebanggaan baru di negeri kita, Indonesia tercinta?

Alamaaak!

Apakah gerangan kata mahasiswa yang pada tahun 1998 lalu sampai mengorbankan nyawa mengusung kata sakti 'reformasi' ketika melihat Pak Harto dikelilingi hormat dan simpati para petinggi negeri ini?

Apakah gerangan yang terlintas di benak para pahlawan reformasi ketika Ketua DPR bilang bahwa kasus Pak Harto tidak usah diutak-atik?

Apakah gerangan 'gremengan' batin para buruh, petani, rakyat kecil yang ikut tumpah ke jalan memaksa Pak Harto berhenti jadi presiden tahun 1998 itu?

Alamaaak, terlihat sekarang betapa perubahan mendasar yang menjadi kepentingan bersama yang menggerakkan tuntutan reformasi itu belum terjadi. Terkoreksi sekarang, agenda-agenda besar reformasi yang diusung itu. Terlihat juga, siapa yang betul-betul menginginkan perbahan mendasar dan siapa yang menunggangi kata reformasi untuk mempertahankan batang tubuh kekuasaan lama yang dulunya, katanya, otoriter dan memeras darah dan keringat rakyat banyak.

Seingat saya, di antara tuntutan reformasi ketika itu adalah adili Suharto dan bubarkan Golkar. Tapi alih-alih mengadili Pak Harto dan membubarkan Golkar, justru para kader Pak Harto masih sangat berkuasa di negeri Indonesia tercinta.

Pantas saja kalau hampir sepuluh tahun Pak Harto lengser, bangsa kita masih terseok-seok buat mencerdaskan kehidupan bangsa, mensejahterakan rakyat dan menegakkan hukum tanpa pilih-pilih. Pantas saja kalau oligarki kekuasaan masih kasat mata di negeri kita. Pantas saja kalau malah ada pikiran agar demokrasi masuk kotak saja. Dan seterusnya-dan seterusnya.

Sementara dari sejak Pak SBY berkuasa, bencana alam tak henti menguji kesabaran rakyat kecil yang lama tidak diurus betul-betul kesejahteraannya. Sudah tak terbilang ongkos yang diminta; nyawa yang melayang, kerugiang uang yang bermilyar-milyar, jiwa-jiwa yang tergoncang, air mata yang tumpah bah dan trauma korban bercana yang diperhatikan serius hanya ketika bencana disorot media dan tidak terlalu penting nasibnya diperhatikan setelah sorotan media menjauh dan hingar-bingar cari popularitas selesai.

Sementara di ranah apa yang disebut sebagai kebanggaan negeri kita yaitu demokrasi dengan pemilihan langsung , uang bermilyar-milyar ditebar tak kenal kepantasan moral dan empati kepada rakyat miskin. Berani sekali calon-calon kepala daerah atau negara misalnya mengeluarkan uang bermilyar-milyar untuk merebut kekuasaan. Layakkah sebenarnya negara dan rakyat kita miskin dan tidak dapat pekerjaan di tengah begitu dermawannya sang calon dan derasnya uang mengalir demi merebut kursi kekuasaan?

Sampai berapa lama lagikah negeri kita salah urus dan salah arah? Sampai berapa lama lagikah rakyat bisa disuguhkan ketidakjujuran dan diatasnamakan demi kepentingan segelintir orang dalam lingkaran oligarki kekuasaan? Sementara alam terus-menerus memberi peringatan agar kita sebagai bangsa bertaubat dan kembali ke jalan yang benar.

Entah kepada siapa seruan pelurusan arah perjalanan bangsa dengan pemimpin-pemimpin yang jujur dan betul-betul berpihak kepada rakyat dan generasi Indonesia masa depan harus dialamatkan. Dalam situasi yang serba abu-abu dan ketidakjelasan identitas, siapa pembajak dan siapa pengabdi, seperti ini, suara penderitaan rakyat agar dibela betul-betul sulit harus dialamatkan dan dipercayakan kepada siapa.

Kelihatannya, mahasiswa dan kaum muda yang berlum terkontaminasi virus kekuasaan yang oligarkis perlu kembali merapatkan barisan dengan menutupi kekurangan gerakan 1998. Jangan biarkan lagi ada pembonceng di tengah jalan dan pahlawan kesiangan. Jangan biarkan lagi gerakan hanya mengusung ide besar tapi miskin konsep implementasi yang lebih riil di tingkat penyelenggaraan negara, kalau tidak mau gurita kekuasaan yang sudah dibangung orde baru selama puluhan itu kembali menjulur kemana-mana dan menguasai setiap jengkal kekuasaan di negeri ini.