published by Jakarta Globe, September 13, 2009

During the election, the presidential and vice presidential candidates talked a lot about the economy, politics and international diplomacy. But no one really broached the subject of education and how they would equip our children with the knowledge to compete against other nations.

They were probably feeling quite smug, knowing that many Indonesian students have won international academic competitions. At first glance, our students seem ready to face the future. But is this really the case?

Every morning, I pass by a small elementary school on the way to the office. I always see tired little children at the gate, lugging their bags around. I bet their backpacks are filled with weighty tomes, as mine was so many years ago.

For so many years, our education system has been about memorizing and writing. I remember when I was an elementary school student, my teacher would come into the classroom and tell everyone to open their notebooks. Then she would dictate straight from the textbook and make us write it down. During tests, it was always the students who could memorize the most information who got As.

I used to wonder why in the world I had to write down everything that was already in the textbook. Why couldn’t I just read it at home instead? But I never had the chance, or the courage, to ask the adults around me. Then there was the way the teachers worshipped students who excelled at math and science — I was considered one of the stupid ones because I hated math, chemistry, biology and physics.

I was so embarrassed in high school when I didn’t get into science class. My grades weren’t good enough so I was channeled into the social science class. I didn’t have any problems with social science. I discovered I was pretty good at it and I enjoyed studying it. But the ostracism was too much. It seemed to me that everyone looked down on me, and the teachers certainly didn’t lavish the kind of attention on us that the kids in the science class received.

Now I feel like I have an obligation to tell the world how unfair our education system is to some students.

When I lived in the United States for two years, I had the chance to visit some schools in my neighborhood. One of the main differences was that the students in America looked happy. Granted, they have better facilities, but I think the real reason they were so happy was because they had the chance to explore the subjects they really liked.

In developed countries, a student who sings well is encouraged to pursue that talent. If they fail at math or biology, it doesn’t really matter. Teachers will always praise their singing talent.

It’s the understanding that each student is unique that really makes the education systems in advanced countries so effective.

Our students are good when it comes to memorizing theories but they are weak in the implementation. That’s ironic when we see how students here have to lug around all those heavy books every day.

What is it that’s wrong with our education system? Is it the curriculum or the quality of our teachers? I think both. And it’s the job of our president and vice president to improve the quality of the education system.

They must make education a national concern. People are talking about the environment and all the concerns about global warming. But no one really talks about how poor the quality of our education is.

Some people may not take issue with our education system, but that’s only because they’re either too rich or too poor.

The rich have no problem because they can afford schools of an international standard. In Jakarta you can see this very clearly; expensive schools are being built every day. And for the poor, they are often unable to make their children’s education a top priority as they struggle just to survive each day.

What most people don’t realize is that education is a powerful tool for boosting a country’s economy in the long run. By creating a good education system — which also means free education — the government gives its people a chance to become economically secure.

We should learn from countries like South Korea and Singapore that place great importance on education. Look at them now. They were like us so many years ago, but now they can stand proudly among other advanced countries. If they can do it, so can we.

Picture taken from www.ndorokakung.com

Sometimes we are too arrogant that we forget the presence of others. Such an attitude is commonly seen due to the kind of life that we have in this great city of ours, Jakarta. But when we need their help we suddenly feel glad that they are here.

It’s the same thing with tukang ojek. We sometimes try to ignore that they are real; but once we get stuck in Jakarta’s crazy traffic and we need to be somewhere quickly, we know we can always count on our lovely tukang ojek (by saying this, I assume everybody knows very well what a tukang ojek is).

I know this because I learned the hard way. About two months ago my car got broken due to my careless driving style and it had to be put in the workshop for more than a month. Going to my office in Sudirman with the help of public transportation was definitely not a choice since there’s only one kind of bus that passes my area of living which is frustratingly so unreliable.

So, one morning I went to ojek station near my house and told one of the guys that I would need their service every morning. Ojek service may not be cheap, but during my no-car experience for a month, I proved myself that ojek can be a very reliable transportation in Jakarta.

For a month a very polite forty-something man would come to my house at 8 every morning with his old motorcycle. He would wait for me patiently while I was still busy preparing all the things I needed to take to the office. When I was finally ready I would usually say, “I’m sorry for waiting too long.” And he always replied with a smile, “It’s no problem.” He would lend me his ugly-looking helmet and we were both ready to conquer Jakarta’s cruel traffic.

Using ojek service every morning for almost a month was an eye opener for me. Despite the fact that you will breathe Jakarta’s dirty and polluted air and you will sweat a lot due to Jakarta’s hot weather, I realized that through ojek we could get and learn many things.

First, ojek without any doubt is the fastest transportation service you can get in this city. Nothing can beat it. And for that reason you can always save a lot of time by using ojek. It takes me at least an hour to go to my office during rush hour with car. But, with ojek I can expect to arrive less than 20 minutes; although that depends on how good the tukang ojek is.

We all know how frustrating traffic in Jakarta can be and sometimes it can be very unpredictable too. And when you’re driving your car, there’s nothing you can really do when trapped in traffic congestion. When you’re stuck, it only means you’re stuck. But it’s a different story if you use a motorcycle. You can do a lot of circus tricks on it, and that’s exactly what most tukang ojek are really good at.

Second, to ride ojek means you can learn how bad the quality of our air is. You will understand that to put Jakarta among the cities with the worst air condition is no joke at all. You will realize that the pollution in this city is so bad that you would probably think it would actually kill you if stayed outside for an hour or so.

Middle-up people in Jakarta always avoid being outside too long. We always want to be inside of something; either it’s a car or a building. As long as there’s air conditioner we’re be happy. But that kind of mentality is not really what we need to have right now. We should be aware that we need to pay more attention to our environment. And Jakarta’s air condition is a very good indicator how we have lost our interest in appreciating our environment. I believe we are all familiar with the flood tradition that this city has to face every year. I myself had the worst flood experience this year when my city car had to be towed because I tried to fight the rain and flood (not a very wise decision).

What I have found out is that riding ojek can be a good moment of truth for us to realize that we have to take some serious actions to save the air and the whole environment. To suck such unhealthy air, you will understand this is not the kind of air we want our grand children to have.

Third, by using ojek you might be able to appreciate Jakarta’s motorcyclists better. I know that’s not easy because I’m among those guys who always curse at those crazy motorcyclists too. My car has been hit a few times already by irresponsible motorcyclists who usually flee so quickly after hitting or making a scratch on somebody’s car.

But try to be on the motorcycle seat during rush hour in Jakarta’s traffic. You will understand how riding a bike in Jakarta is no fun experience at all. It’s hot and it’s tiring, all you want to do is get to your destination as soon as possible. You will no longer care about the traffic light, the sidewalk, people crossing the street, and even the police officers. All you want to see is the finish line.

I’m not saying we should tolerate those motorcyclists who break the law. But it’s important to make a note on why they do it and then find the right solutions.

Fourth, which is probably the most important one, ojek can give you a good lesson on what life is really like in Jakarta.

Yes, we may have been aware of those unlucky people on the streets (street beggars and pengamen). And we probably have always helped them by giving some money too. But trust me, to see such a phenomenon from our comfortable car while having our air conditioner and radio on is so different from seeing it “live”.

By having yourself on the seat of ojek, you will be part of the real Jakarta; the kind of life most people in this city have to face. You will see how life is so much about struggling in this city.

Ojek may not be something that we can be proud of as people of Jakarta. But its presence, like it or not, helps us in many ways. It is, without any doubt, the most reliable transportation service when time is not on our side. Ojek can also be a very good tool to enjoy Jakarta in a very unique way and it’s also a good medium to grasp Jakarta’s real life.

So next time you take an ojek, never forget to treat the tukang ojek nicely. When you hand him the money after enjoying Jakarta’s city tour, reply his gratitude by saying, “You’re welcome, I love you too.”

Dengan semakin tingginya minat publik terhadap program Berburu, maka JBRB memulai sebuah program yang dinamakan “Berburu Training for Facilitators”. Pelatihan Batch 1 diadakan bekerja sama dengan Inner Voice Institute; sebuah lembaga pelatihan yang menyediakan berbagai macam bentuk pelatihan khususnya yang berhubungan dengan self-awareness.

Acara diadakan di kantor Inner Voice Institute yang terletak di Jl. Kyai Maja No.13 (depan RS Pertamina) pada tanggal 20 dan 21 Juni, 2009. Pelatihan ini dimaksudkan menjadi sebuah sarana bagi JBRB untuk mendapatkan calon-calon pengajar Berburu yang baru seiring dengan rencana pengembangan program Berburu di awal tahun ajaran nanti.

Alhamdulilah, minat yang datang dari berbagai kalangan cukup tinggi. Ada 30 orang yang hadir pada pelatihan tersebut. JBRB mendatangkan beragam trainer selama pelatihan, yaitu Pardamean (Inner Voice Institute), Edward (Psikologi UI), A.R. Lendy (Inner Voice Institute), dan Atty Budiharti (Brain Booster Management).

Pelatihan tidak berhenti sampai di situ. Demi mengembangkan potensi para calon pengajar, JBRB mengadakan pelatihan bagian kedua di Museum Bank Mandiri pada tanggal 4 Juli, 2009. Kali ini JBRB bekerja sama dengan Forum Indonesia Membaca (FIM). Pelatihan terasa sangat istimewa karena Museum Bank Mandiri menawarkan nuansa romantis era jaman kemerdekaan. Kali ini para peserta mendapatkan materi tentang Children’s Positive Discipline yang diberikan oleh Mita Abidin dari Cikal.

Apabila kamu tertarik bergabung dalam program Berburu, hubungi Dela Dwinanda di 0817 807644 atau kirim e-mail ke Ika di revolusibudaya@gmail.com

Salam Berburu!

Did you know that last June 22 was the birthday of our beloved city Jakarta? Some of you were probably aware of that fact, but I’m sure most of us didn’t care at all; that is exactly what happened in my office, everything went just like any other day. No one mentioned the fact that Jakarta was having its 482nd birthday.

Compared to our country Indonesia, Jakarta turns out to be so much older. But it is too bad that despite the fact that our capital is so old, the condition doesn’t show the kind of maturity that a city as old as Jakarta should have. Perhaps that is why we Jakartans don’t really care whether or not it’s a birthday. Because it’s always the same kind of Jakarta we all have: bad traffic, bad public transportation, pollution, flood, and poverty.

With all those problems, we don’t feel like celebrating it. I even forgot that last Monday was Jakarta’s birthday until I heard, accidentally, the news on the radio reporting that our local government had been conducting cultural events in several areas.

Our ignorance of this special occasion definitely reflects our attitude towards this city of ours. Admit it, most of us don’t like it here. Admit it, most of us always curse at this city every single day and always think that if not for the money we would have left this city so long time ago.

Am I being too much on this? I don’t think so. I was driving my car a few days ago from my office to a friend’s house in Blok M when suddenly a metromini cut me off. This bus came from nowhere and stubbornly stopped right in front of me. I was going to curse but decided not to when I saw the people’s faces on the bus. I felt sorry for them.

They all looked sad. None of them were crying, but I could tell they were all unhappy. Their bodies were squeezed against each other and they were all sweating. Suddenly I felt guilty for being inside my comfortable car. I felt guilty for having my air conditioner and radio on. I looked at those people and I realized that not all people in this great city of ours can enjoy Jakarta’s luxurious malls and nightclubs.

The funny part was the fact that the condition of the bus was no better than the people’s condition inside. Just like any other Jakarta’s public transportation system, this bus in front of me looked like the ugliest bus in the whole world. At that very moment, I was so ashamed of being an Indonesian. I couldn’t imagine what I would have said if there had been a foreigner sitting next to me; trying to mess his or her concentration from this very embarrassing sight, I would probably have said, “By the way, have you tried our busway?”

It seems to me that Jakarta is run to please the rich. Look at our big malls. Our malls are so luxurious that even my American friend, Bill, admitted that our malls are better than the ones in the United States. While walking inside a famous mall in Central Jakarta, he pointed at those branded items being displayed at various outles, and said, “Isn’t it amazing, there are actually many people in this city who buy all those unreasonably-priced products?”

But it is interesting to know that even the rich are not actually happy living in Jakarta. If you don’t trust me, ask them to describe Jakarta in one word. I bet most of them will say macet. In other cities, people probably have positive words like: beautiful, traditional, or peaceful. And that is why they always go somewhere far every time they have a chance. We shouldn’t be surprised to know that Jakarta’s rich people are among the main tourist sources for cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok; and not the other way around.

So, what now? Did 482nd birthday mean anything? It still did and should mean something.

I think it is time for all of us to look at Jakarta differently. It is time for us to treat Jakarta wisely and start doing small but real actions to this city. I remember I didn’t really like Jakarta in the past. But living in the United States for 2 years made me realize that Jakarta was not as bad as I had thought before. It was the first time when I realized that Jakarta had so many great things I couldn’t find in America. And one thing for sure, I missed those things so badly.

So when I came back, I decided I would treat Jakarta differently. I made a vow that I would start doing the things that I never had done before. It was not easy, but I managed to survive. First, for the very first time in my life I went to Monas. Then, I went to other cultural and historic attractions. I began to find out that Jakarta is more than just about malls and cafes. Second, I started trying all kinds of food that this city offers. I found out food in Jakarta is not mainly about nasi uduk or soto betawi. You will be surprised to know that the choices are unlimited. Third, I now use the traffic as a perfect therapy on patience.

At the end, we can always have thousands of excuses not to like Jakarta and all its elements. But, we all should know that there is a second choice to like this city, although it might only be just a little bit more; and to do it, it will need some efforts.

The look like they wanted to kiss each other and Mr. Kalla said, “Oh, please not here, Sir…I love you, but it’s a public place & the cameras are watching…” Oh, get a room!

Hehehe…sorry, Mr. Kalla, Mr. Yudhoyono. But, I assure you that one of you will definitely get my vote! Which one? Hm… I’m still making up my mind, let’s just wait and see!

P.S. : The photo is not mine. I stole it from detikNews.com. Please click the picture to follow link!

Taken from The Jakarta Globe: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/city/my-jakarta-tasa-nugraza-barley/277333

Tasa Nugraza Barley has seen his fair share of the world from two polar opposites: Islamabad, Pakistan, and Washington, DC. After three years in Islamabad, where his father was a military attache, and 26 months in DC, where he received his MBA in finance from Strayer University, Tasa speaks of Jakarta as a city to which he longed to return. A city that, even with all its flaws, he will always call home. The 25-year-old ANZ Bank employee, who completed his undergraduate economics degree at Trisakti University, talks about terrorism, city planning and a host of other metropolitan issues in his own three-way comparison of Jakarta, Islamabad and Washington.

You’ve lived in Pakistan, a country marred by acts of terrorism. What did it feel like to live in such a dangerous country?

Well, at first I was pretty scared. But I managed to enjoy living there. Living in Islamabad was actually really fun as long as I knew where to go and how to behave. But I had to be alert all the time. I never went to so-called red zones by myself.

Do you think Jakarta has its own dangerous elements? Do you see this city as more secure than Islamabad?

I can’t say Jakarta is a very safe city. You always have to be inside a building. When you walk on the outskirts of the city, or use public transportation, there’s a risk of being the victim of a pickpocket or the possibility of being mugged. For girls, you can even be harassed or raped. But compared to Islamabad, I would say Jakarta is safer.

Which place do you like better, Pakistan or the United States?

That’s a tough question. Islamabad is actually a beautiful place to live. It’s different from other cities in Pakistan that are mostly unsafe and crowded. Islamabad is a well-planned city, not a naturally growing one. Everything is designed with that in mind.

But if I had to choose, DC is better. It has more to offer — it’s a beautiful city with thousands of parks and outdoor recreational spaces. It also has the largest museum complex in the world; something that I was really excited about. DC obviously has more modern attractions, too — when I was in Islamabad they didn’t have a modern movie theater.

What’s your favorite Pakistani food? What’s your favorite American food?

My favorite Pakistani food is chicken tikka. It’s a very tasty dish, very popular in Pakistan. It’s basically chicken roasted with special Pakistani ingredients.

It’s not easy to pick my favorite food from Washington, DC. The city offers different kinds of food from all over the world. But I really miss the hot dogs. The best place to grab a hot dog is at the National Monument.

Eating a hot dog while enjoying nice weather and beautiful scenery was one of the best things to do in DC. I guess there was nothing special about the hot dogs, but the surroundings made it perfect. But trust me, Indonesian food is still the best!

What didn’t you miss about Jakarta?

I bet you already know the answer: it’s the traffic! I can’t emphasize enough that our traffic is like hell. In Islamabad, the traffic was nothing compared to Jakarta’s. It’s not a populous city and very few people could afford personal transportation.

I believe the people of Jakarta are nice, but somehow the conditions in this city are so hectic that it makes us forget how to act like a civilized society.

What was it that you missed about home?

The people, the interesting places it offers, the amazing food — it’s Jakarta!

And I’m sure you’ll agree with the old phrase, “home sweet home.” No matter how dirty and messy your house is, you wouldn’t enjoy living in someone else’s house.

Would you ever consider leaving Jakarta on a permanent basis?

Actually, yes. I’m not trying to be inconsistent; I’m sure I’ll still love Jakarta in 50 years. But perhaps this is not the right place to live when I’m old. This city is the place for young and ambitious people.

When I’m old, I’d rather live somewhere quiet, in a small city where I can breathe fresh air anytime I want, where I can grow plants in the backyard. I know, that sounds so much like a 50-year-old guy’s dream.

written in early May.

Next to my office building there is this big billboard of a famous female deodorant product. It’s totally big. I assume all car drivers passing by are supposed to see this advertisement.

What the big billboard shows is a picture of a young and beautiful woman who is smiling while proudly showing her armpit! Well, what else can you expect? After all, it’s a deodorant product we are talking about.

For people like me who grew up in a metropolitan city like Jakarta, such a scenery might just look usual. And as a young and “normal” man, I admit that I do enjoy looking at beautiful women.

But this is not only about a beautiful woman. What the picture really shows us is a reflection of how our culture has shifted into a new kind of path. At least that is the condition in our big cities.

Imagine if a middle-aged woman from a small city like Malang comes to Jakarta and sees this gigantic billboard. She will probably say, “astagfirullah” while rubbing her chest.

In the old times, it was rude enough for a woman to show the upper part of her arms. To show her armpit would be out of the question. But now, women in big cities smoke, drink alcohol, and they even talk sex!

A few days ago, Indonesian women celebrated their so-called freedom day. April 21 is dedicated to the struggle of R.A. Kartini who was the pioneer of feminist movement in Indonesia.

Do you all think today’s women in Indonesia are much better than those in 80’s or 70’s? What are the measurements?

What do you think Kartini would say if she came back to life and saw a huge billboard of a beautiful Indonesian woman showing her armpit?

I think Kartini would cry. She would be so sad to see that Indonesian women have forgotten their Indonesian values; she would be sad to see how Indonesian women have turned themselves into nothing but slaves of capitalism.

If you don’t believe in what I say, just look around you. Nowadays, Indonesian women don’t feel proud of themselves before putting expensive makeup on their faces. They don’t feel confident before carrying a Louis Vuitton bag.

Not that I’m against cultural changes or anything but I think our feminist movement is following the Western style too aggressively.

Look at our today’s female magazines. Before, we only had several names like Kartini and Femina. They used to be quite traditional in many ways, but now they have to compete against imported magazines that teach our women a lot of sex and fashion tips.

Is this a good thing for all of us? Is this a good thing for Indonesian women?

It’s not that everything has gone bad with Indonesian women in big cities. I’m sure Kartini would also be proud to see how today’s Indonesian women can pursue education as fas as they want.

Kartini would also be proud to see how a lot of women have good positions in society. Now, Indonesian women are doctors, house representatives, judges, and even police officers.

What has gone wrong is that some women are forcing the wrong kind of emancipation to the society. The kind of emancipation that’s filled so much with Western values.

All I’m saying is, it’s not something sinful if a woman decides to be a housewife instead of pursuing a professional career. But at the same time, it’s ok for a woman decides to be a career woman.

For the last few days, I’ve heard an ad celebrating “Hari Kartini” on a Jakarta’s famous radio station. It basically supports women’s emancipation. It suggests that women and men are actually the same, willingness is all that matters.

And that is the kind of message that most media are telling our women. A message that says women and men are equal in everything; that women can do all the things men do. The kind of message that Western feminists always spread to rest of the world trough so many ways.

With all my respect to all women in the world, I seriously think we are not the same. You are women, and I think it’s ok if men are better in several things. Because I know you are better in a lot of other things too.

You don’t have to deny the fact that men are stronger physically. Because we men always envy your softness and patience; and you all should be proud of that.

Women’s emancipation is not about competition. It’s not about defeating men in all areas that they do. Women’s emancipation should be about maximizing the God-given strengths that women have.

And in doing so, it is perhaps a good thing if our women can combine their Indonesian values and the 21st values. For me,  that is the kind of women I Love.

Last weekend, 16 and 17 May, JBRB had a special thing going on. We participated at the World Book Day by Indonesia Membaca. It was a real unique experience. The event was held at Museum Bank Mandiri which turned out to be a perfect place to have an exhibition.

We displayed some pictures and videos of our program BERBURU. We got lucky that there were several people who got interested in becoming BERBURU trainers. Great!

On Sunday (17 May), Me, Eja, Gilang, Ichsan, and Syukron took students of BERBURU from SMP Gratis Ibu Pertiwi to Kota Toea to celebrate the end of our program. The mission was to have fun; and I was happy to know that we all did have fun.

All students actively participated within the whole program. We all did games, singing, museum tour, and a campaign of BERBURU.

It was a fun experience for all of us. I hope we can do something like that again in the future, but right now we focus on conducting “Berburu Training for Trainers” which I’m sure will also be so much fun. I hope I will see you there.

Also published by The Jakarta Post on April 28, 2009

Last April 9 was a big day for all of us Indonesians. It was the day we celebrated our democracy. Our politicians had encouraged us to vote because, as they said it, it was the moment of truth: The day we could express our freedom. That sounds so cool, but are we really politically free?

Perhaps that’s the case with educated people. They vote for someone or something they really believe in. Just like a friend of mine who voluntarily promoted a political party simply because he believed in them.

But that’s not the case with the poor in this country. Their voice can be bought cheaply. A free t-shirt and Rp 50,000 is enough to make them shout out the name of any political party.

During every election our politicians always make promises to the poor. These promises always sound so assuring and tempting. Of course, the poor will always want cheap food, enough jobs, free education and health care.

But if those promises don’t materialize, who can the poor blame? That’s a difficult question to answer.

For some reason, I used to avoid politics. But having lived in the United States for more than two years, I became much more interested in it. I became aware that good politics creates a good economy, a good society and so on.

The political conditions in advanced countries like the United States are still “dirty” and every one knows it. But just because it is dirty doesn’t mean it is a poor model to follow. Some people should have the courage to be part of the “dirty” system, and clean it up.

I’m not a political person. For me politics is simply a medium for people to create a certain path for their country. The people share their voice, ideas or anything with politicians, who later create laws and policies based on what the people want and need. When the political system is effective, the society will be happy. They get what they want – it’s as simple as that.

A very important question at the moment is how we can create an effective political system? The answer can be very simple: Having the right people in the system.

This challenge is tough because most people don’t want to get “dirty”. Many of our best people don’t want to get involved in politics. They hate the culture and they hate the corruption. And with these conditions, our political system is filled with the wrong kinds of people.

People who will do anything, good or bad, to get what they want. They use politics as a tool to make themselves rich by manipulating the poor. I think it’s time for all of us to remind others that politics is not something we should hate. By hating it we allow opportunists to enter and destroy the whole system.

I went to our proud DPR/MPR building several days ago and met some ex-campus activists who are now actively involved in our political system. Listening to their ambitious plans and idealism gave me hope that someday our political system would get better. Within the discussion, we all agreed that the future of our political system is in the hands of young Indonesians, people like you and me. Our senior politicians are getting older and one day they will have to be replaced. But there’s still a long way to go.

It was indeed sad to see so many people turn our political arena into a joke. But that doesn’t give us the right to keep complaining. Sometimes people seem to forget that democracy is something so new to our society.

They compare our democracy to other countries’ democracies. They ask why, if countries like the United States can do it, can’t we? Well, the United States has implemented democracy for so many years and we have been called a democratic country for less than 10 years.

Being the world’s third largest democracy doesn’t necessarily mean we are the third best. We have to keep trying and be patient. The key to success is to make more people politically active. It should be seen as a red alert that there was a decline in public excitement about the elections (based on my own observations). I asked people around me who didn’t vote the reasons behind their decision.

Most said they didn’t have any clue who to vote for. I guess that’s a clue for our beloved politicians to better connect themselves with the people, and in doing so I don’t think it would be a problem if the young ones were taken onboard.

The writer is a postgraduate degree holder. He is now active at the Berburu Center, an organization for positive and advanced behavioral development of Jakartans and the suburbans.

I don’t remember how many times I have told you that I had never been to Monas. But, now I can proudly say, “I went there already!”

Yes, I went to Monas and Istiqlal (both for the very first time) today with my friends from JBRB. Now I feel like the happiest person in the world.

It was not really a planned thing; several days ago somehow I decided that this weekend would be the moment to visit Jakarta’s most famous landmark. I then sent a message to my closest friends on Facebook telling them that I was going to Monas with or without them!

Lucky me, I got lovely friends who voluntarily wanted to accompany me.

So, after conducting our program Berburu at SMP Gratis Ibu Pertiwi in Pancoran we all went to Monas. We finished the program around 11 am; first, we went to a “nasi padang” restaurant in Sabang, Menteng. It was a nice lunch since I hadn’t eaten “nasi padang” for some weeks.

After that, we all drove to Istiqlal to have a Dzuhur Prayer. Not proudly admitting this, but going to Istiqlal today was also my first experience. I know, I should be ashamed of myself.

To my surprise, Istiqlal was a very beautiful building. It looks a bit dirty and old from the outside, but when I walked inside I could see how beautiful the architecture was. The dome looked amazing!

I was pretty tired that day. I had exercised real hard at the gym on Friday and I hadn’t had enough sleep on Saturday night. So I asked Oky to join me lying on the carpet and feel the breeze of the wind. And to my surprise (again and again) it was such a wonderful place to sleep. I’m not kidding.

It was Ika who disturbed my sleep (how dare you!). I was having a nice dream when my cellphone vibrated. I didn’t pick it up but it was enough to wake me up.

It was 2 pm something when we arrived at Monas. Damn, it was so hot. The sun was shining so and too bright. But we didn’t care, we kept walking. I was sweating all over my body. It was really hot, really. I was luck I had my lovely “handuk” with me all the time; not that I’m a part-time “kondektur” or anything, but I’m always equipped with a “handuk” when traveling somewhere hot.

We couldn’t go to the top unfortunately, it was too late for that. But we had the chance to visit the museum right beneath Monas. The ticket price was cheap, Oky paid IDR 12,500 for 10.

Not a bad museum, although I wasn’t really enjoying the displays. But at least the air conditioner gave us a really nice time to relax a little bit.

We didn’t stay long since I had to help my work colleagues at Disney on Ice at 4.30 pm. But we still managed to take some great pictures on the way to the parking lot.

I’m too tired to write more on my visit to Istiqlal and Monas; and Disney on Ice too at Istora Senayan. I have to sleep now and ready for work tomorrow morning. But one thing I can say, I’m officially a proud Jakartan now!

And I’m happy for that.

Published by The Jakarta Post: Saturday, March 28, 2009.

How many times have you been to Kota Tua or the Museum Nasional? The chances are you haven’t been to those places once in your whole life. What about if I change the question: How many times have you been to Senayan City or Pondok Indah Mall? The answer is, undoubtedly, countless

But don’t be ashamed, because you are not alone. I believe almost all people living in Jakarta are part of that group, me included of course.

Some of us haven’t even been to Monas, Jakarta’s most famous landmark. And yes, that includes me too, although I have passed by the symbol of Jakarta so many times.

Some of us just don’t feel the importance of visiting those sights because we are too proud of our modern attractions. We are so proud of the fact that this city of ours is so famous for its fancy malls and shopping centers.

Every weekend these malls are packed with people thirsty for entertainment. Finding a parking space during this time is a frustrating experience.

I remember that when taking my foreign friend around Jakarta, one thing he was so amazed about our city was that our malls are so big and luxurious.

At first I thought that was a good thing and I was proud of that admiration. But a few months ago I realized that our love for malls and other modern attractions just seems to be too much.

What we forget is that this city does offer something else. What we don’t realize is that there are so many unique attractions out there that our young people need to see. Jakarta probably has the best cultural sites in Indonesia, as Jakarta has a long and rich history.

So I decided to visit the places I had never been to; I call them Jakarta’s unheard places. My first destination was Kota Tua and its Museum Sejarah. I felt stupid when I found out Kota Tua was actually crowded on a Sunday afternoon. It was a proof for me that there are actually people in this city who still respect our historic attractions.

Next destination was Gedung Arsip Nasional, located on Jalan Gajah Mada, Jakarta Pusat. I had seen the building from the outside a few times already, but I never had the chance to visit the place. I then decided to go there after knowing that Hillary Clinton had dinner there during her visit to Jakarta.

I really enjoyed visiting the building, although it was pretty sad to find out that I and my friend were the  only ones there; where was everybody else? The weather was so hot that day, but I felt so peaceful being inside the location. I bet Hillary Clinton enjoyed having dinner at this lovely building of ours too.

I feel happy spending my weekends visiting some of our city’s historic sights. But, sadly, it is still a weird thing for most young people in Jakarta to visit a cultural site on a Saturday afternoon. The reaction from my closest friends when I told them I went to Gedung Arsip Nasional was: “Did you seriously go to that creepy place last Saturday?”

I proudly answered their curiousness: Yes, I did. The very important thing that I’d like to let my friends know is that Gedung Arsip Nasional is not creepy at all. To my surprise the building was amazingly beautiful and well maintained. Our local government seems to know how to take care of a historic location after all. But having one well maintained historic building is clearly not enough. What about other locations? I don’t think they are as well maintained as Gedung Arsip Nasional.

I personally blame our local government for not encouraging us to love our historic buildings and attractions. They keep letting businesspeople build malls and shopping centers, while Kota Tua and other historic sites are left dirty, polluted, and unorganized.

I took a walk around Kota Tua during my third visit and I had to literally pinch my nose shut because it was so polluted. I saw trash everywhere, as if this city were full of people who know nothing about trash management. Traditional food stalls, like always, were unorganized and gave visitors an unpleasant view.

It’s so embarrassing that we have five-star malls, hotels, and nightclubs everywhere in this city but we have the lousiest historic attractions.

We have to start changing our mindset in looking at our city. This city should be and can be more beautiful and friendly. We have all the potential. And I believe that renovating all our historic buildings and attractions is would be a sweet start. And I’m sure you all agree on that.

This article was published by The Jakarta Post on February 14, 2009. Read the article on The Jakarta Post, here.

Today is Feb. 14 and it’s saturday. It means it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day. For young Indonesians out there who live in big cities like Jakarta and Bandung, they know exactly what it means. It’s love time! I bet they are busy choosing the right flowers and chocolate for their girlfriends or boyfriends.

If you visit any mall in Jakarta right now you will see how they have been covered with red and pink love-shaped accessories. It seems that everyone wants to be part of this special celebration.

But that is not the case.

In reality, not everyone in Indonesia is a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Indonesian Islamic clerics have long condemned this celebration accusing that this celebration comes from Christian culture therefore it should not be celebrated. And that’s not completely wrong; Valentine’s Day celebration does come from a Christian-dominated society, the West.

I remember when I was in high school, my friends would be divided into two groups. One group would be the ones who would talk about Valentine’s Day weeks before. They would trade information on where the best florist was or what kind of chocolate they could get. The other group would be the ones who distributed brochures giving information to others how Valentine’s Day celebration was not something Islamic and it should not be followed.

Several days ago a few younger friends of mine asked me whether or not they could celebrate Valentine’s Day. I answered them by saying that there’s nothing wrong with celebrating it. One of them was not satisfied complaining that Valentine’s Day celebration comes from non-Muslim culture.

I later ended the conversation by telling them that I wasn’t an Islamic cleric. I suggested them to ask someone with better knowledge on Islam.

But what I think about Valentine’s Day is that there’s nothing wrong with celebrating it as long as we know the limits.

Yes, I know the history. A priest named St. Valentine was killed by a king after helping couples to get married. For some reasons which I don’t quite know for sure, this king didn’t want people to get married.

So what?

What if that guy named Valentine had been a Muslim? I’m sure we all wouldn’t have any problem with Valentine’s Day celebration. Before you start preaching me, listen to what I got to say.

I know that I’m not a really good Muslim. I have to admit that. Some of my friends accuse me for being too moderate. And I guess they are probably right; although I’m not really sure what a moderate Muslim really means.

One thing I know, they think I simplify things too much. And again, they might be right. But why should we make things so complicated?

On Valentine’s Day celebration, I just think that this has nothing to do with Christianity. It’s simply a celebration of love. And I believe every religion in this world believes in the power of love.

The fact that its history involves a priest is not a big deal. The fact that this celebration comes from a non-Muslim culture, I think, shouldn’t be exploited too negatively. Relax and take it easy.

So what if Valentine’s Day comes from a non-Muslim culture? Don’t we use internet and learn the whole thing about computer hardware and software when we all know they were all invented by non Muslims? Before you judge that it’s a wrong analogy, please remember that I already told you how sometimes I simplify things too much.

I completely agree with parents’ concern on how Valentine’s Day celebration might affect negatively to their teenagers. Many people have shown their frustration on Indonesian teenagers’ behavior; they complain that Indonesian teenagers are going “West” too much.

But for that case, I don’t think it’s wise if we blame the condition solely on Valentine’s Day celebration. There are thousands of other factors that influence the behavior of our young Indonesians. What about our sinetron, for example? Do you think it represents our proud Eastern culture?

What we need to do is exploit the good things of Valentine’s Day celebration. What we need to make our teenagers understand is that love is not an exclusive commodity for their boyfriends and girlfriends. Valentine’s Day celebration can or should also be rejoiced with their parents, siblings, or other loved ones.

All I want to say is that we shouldn’t be too paranoid about this. Not everything from the West is bad for all of us. There are things that we could learn. But, there are also things that we shouldn’t follow.

It’s just that simple. I know, I probably simplify things too much.

This one is a funny story.

While I was in the United States, I didn’t have one friend who was using a blackberry phone. Not even one. Back in Jakarta I see blacberry phones everywhere.

It seems to me, a lot of people (from all ages) in Jakarta use blackberry. I can name more than 10 friends who use blackberry.

I don’t know what’s the condition right now in America; whether or not more people have used blackberry phones, but what I saw was that only people who were real busy and important (like businessmen) used blackberry in America. Here in Indonesia, it’s a usual thing to see a 15-year-old boy carrying this advanced gadget.

I guess we Indonesians just love to get connected. No wonder Nokia is the number 1 cellular brand because it’s connecting people. The reason why I say that is because most people I know use blackberry for chatting with their friends and updating their Facebook status. Don’t laugh, it’s true.

But as a person who hasn’t been in love with blackberry, I find it very annoying to be with someone who’s using a blackberry. That stupid phone beeps all the time. It beeps for a new message, it beeps for a new chatting line, it beeps for a new e-mail, and it beeps for a new Facebook message. Damn.

I’m not trying to make Indonesian blackberry users look stupid. If you like the damn gadget, please have fun. Even Obama is a fan (something that upsets Apple guys).

Indonesia has joined the race to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022

The Indonesian football federation officially expressed interest in staging one of the tournaments to FIFA late Tuesday, becoming the sixth potential host to show interest ahead of Monday’s deadline.

England, Japan, Qatar, Russia and a joint Spain-Portugal candidacy have already declared intentions to bid.

Other contenders including Australia, a combined Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg proposal, Canada, China, Mexico and the United States are expected to enter the first stage of a two-year selection process before the cutoff.

Though its team is currently No. 144 in the FIFA world rankings, Indonesia fulfills one major requirement of hosting the world’s most-watched sports event – it has a stadium capable of holding at least 80,000 spectators for the opening match and final.

The government-owned Bung Karno Stadium in the capital Jakarta has a capacity of 88,000 and staged the 2007 Asian Cup final, when Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0.

“Football is the most popular event in Indonesia, where its television rating beats everything else,” said Besoes, adding that joining the race would help speed up the development of players in a country of 235 million people.

FIFA began the process of choosing the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts two weeks ago. It will issue official bid forms next month, which must be returned by March 16.

Candidates capable of providing around 12 stadiums each holding at least 40,000 fans can apply for either the 2018 or the 2022 tournament, or for both.

“Ten years are enough for us to build, renovate or expand our stadiums to meet the requirement,” Besoes said.

FIFA said no South American country can apply for either tournament because Brazil is hosting the 2014 edition. African countries can bid only for the 2022 event because South Africa is hosting next year.

The hosts will be chosen by FIFA’s 24-man executive committee in December 2010.

By ten years Indonesia will have at least 12 great  stadium to host the event.

Here is the list of potential city/stadium to host the matches of FIFA World Cup:

1. Gelora Bung Karno Senayan, Jakarta

Bung Karno Stadium (formerly Gelora Senayan or Istora) is a multi-use stadium in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Construction began on the stadium in 1960 and finished in 1962 in time to host the fourth Asian Games held in Jakarta in 1962. The stadium’s original capacity of 100,800 people was reduced to 88,000 as a result of renovations for the 2007 Asian Cup. The stadium projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

Sport Event:

* Host for the 1962 Asian Games (1962)
* Host for SEA Games (1979, 1987 and 1997)
* Joint Host for the 2002 Tiger Cup with Singapore
* Host for the ASEAN Club Championship 2003
* Host for the 2004 Tiger Cup first leg Semifinal
* Host for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup for Group D matches, the Quarter Final and the Final

2. Palaran Stadium, Samarinda

Palaran Stadium is a multi-use all-seater stadium in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It opened in 2008 and has a seating capacity of 60,000. It is used by Persisam, a local football team. The stadium was the main venue for the 2008 National Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

3. Gelora Srivijaya Jakabaring, Palembang

Jakabaring Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Palembang, South Sumatra Indonesia. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 55,000 people. It was built in 2004. The stadium was the main venue for the 2004 National Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

Sport Event:
* 2005 AFF Asean Cup U-20 (2005)
* 2007 AFC Asian Cup for Group D Match, Third Place Play-Off
* 2004 National Games

4. Jalak Harupat Stadium

Jalak Harupat Soreang Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. It is currently used mostly for football matches. Now it’s the home stadium of Persikab – Kabupaten Bandung and Pelita Jaya Purwakarta The stadium holds 40,000 people.

5. Rumbai Stadium, Pekanbaru

Rumbai Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Pekanbaru,  Riau,  Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 70,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium will be the main venue for the 2012 National Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

6. Gedebage Stadium, Bandung

Gedebage Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 70,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium will be the main venue for the 2011 South East Asian Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup. It will be the home base for Persib Bandung.

7. Gelora Bung Tomo  Stadium, Surabaya

Gelora Bung Tomo  Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 60,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium will be the home base for Persebaya Surabaya  and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

8. Tenggarong Stadium

Tenggarong  Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 60,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

More stadium will be build in Indonesia due to will be a lot of sport event will be held in Indonesia such as 2011 South East Asian Games (Bandung, West Java and Semarang, Central Java), 2013 Islamic Solidarity Games (Serang, Banten), 2016 National Games (Makassar, South Sulawesi or Medan, North Sumatra), and 2020 National Games (Bandar Lampung, Lampung or Serang, Banten). Indonesia also plan to bid the host of 2018 Asian Games beside 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup. If the bidding process succes it will be more and more stadium build in Indonesia, especially in Batam as the most developing city in Indonesia and projected to be a little Singapore and also in Bali as the central of tourism industry in Indonesia.

No question, Indonesia will meet the requirement to host the 2018 – 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Continue next time…

Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) has just revealed its newest fatwa: Smoking is haram! Yes, finally!

Well, it’s not totally haram. Based on this fatwa, smoking is haram only for children, teenagers, and pregnant women. It’s also haram to smoke in public. I wish the fatwa were stronger, but this is ok for me for now.

NU doesn’t support MUI’s fatwa and thinks that smoking is makruh which means that it should be avoided. Should be avoided? Yeah right!

MUI’s effort was brave, considering that in Indonesia most Kyai and Ustad are heavy smokers. Just like “Pak Haji” whom I and my friends visited last Saturday. He never stopped smoking while talking about a lot of things. At one point I became so curious and asked him, “Pak Haji, ngerokoknya kuat bener? Gak takut batuk apa?” He just laughed and later on admitted that he was too bandel to stop smoking but also confessed that he could not get insipirations without his beloved cigarattes.

Asked about the possibility of MUI’s fatwa on smoking, he said that people who think that smoking is haram are simply stupid. No comment on that, Pak Haji. One thing I know, “Pak Haji” kept coughing while enjoying his tobacco and nicotin. He didn’t seem to care though; more than 5 packs of cigarettes had been placed in front of him.

I myself support this fatwa. And I don’t care what you smokers think of this fatwa. I know you think that this fatwa is stupid; but I also think that it’s stupid how in Indonesia, at least Jakarta that I know, it’s nonsmokers who have to follow what the smokers want. It’s totally unfair.

Yes malls and office buildings have special smoking rooms. But that doesn’t stop smokers from polluting the air arrogantly. Smokers can still smoke easily in most cafes and restaurants although they don’t have special rooms for smokers.

I remember having a lunch at Pondok Indah Mall’s Oh La La Cafe. I was so amazed to see that people were smoking everywhere. There was no special room for smokers. Smokers and nonsmokers were enjoying the same air! But it was so unfair because nonsmokers actually wanted fresh and clean air; not polluted air caused by those selfish smokers.

Several days ago, a good friend of mine had to politely ask a man to stop smoking while he was taking a metro mini to his office. Can you imagine how arrogant that person was to smoke inside a public transportation system? That’s insane. And that’s the character of some, not all, smokers in this country.

I wish that smoking were haram for everyone. That would be so wonderful. But I don’t think that’s possible, so I’ll be happy with the fatwa that we have right now. I know, you smokers always have this 100-year-old excuse that tobacco industry is a backbone of our economy. Yes it’s true.

But, do you know that cigarettes are #1 killer in the world? Some of you may disagree, but World Health Organisation has confirmed that tobacco will kill 10 million people a year by 2030.

Why can’t you smokers see it from a different point of view? If you say that tobacco industry helps thousands of families, then it would also help thousands of families if cigarettes weren’t available. Imagine how much money is being spent on health industry caused by smoking behavior? Imagine if that money didn’t have to be spent at all because people are healthy. People would have more money because they couldn’t buy cigarettes; therefore their money would be spent on something else. Right?

Families who depend their lives on tobacco industry might suffer, but on the other hand other families who depend on other industries will have better lives.

So, smoking is haram? Yes and yes, I can’t agree more.

I just spent my time browsing websites and blogs related to green tech and clean energy business and I see super big opportunities lies ahead of us. Not only that, seems like the world’s trend are marching at the same direction. To the right direction
For Indonesia, actually we need to spend our time to tweak and fine-tune what will be the best energy scenario that applicable for the country. I do believe with all natural resources, fossil and alternative, we could be an energy-independent country in the next 10-20 years. Well, if we want to we can start to set our objective on to that. I am not sure if our current government is already mature and aware of all the energy issue or not, but to set that objective we need a good political will from the government. It becomes the key ingredient to push the new energy system running.
Two things, which might have huge opportunities for developing energy business in Indonesia in short term; coal-bed methane (CBM) and geothermal.

For quick reasons:

CBM Asia mentioned that Indonesia CBM opportunity, which found in East Kalimantan province, was estimated to 450 trillion cubic ft (TCF), compared to the country’s current 97.8 TCF proven natural gas reserves. Outside Kalimantan, we still have vast coal reserves in South Sumatera, which might hold the reserve too (well, I don’t know yet).

Geothermal; no doubt about that, since Indonesia archipelago is parts of Pacific Ring of Fire, the volcanic belt, the major resource of geothermal. It’s kind a weird since we have 250s identified geothermal location, spread from Sumatera, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi till Maluku, but only few that been already developed.

[Darn, I need to dig deeper on those two later].

Please educate your field workforce.
Don’t let them turn the wrong valve or make other stupid mistakes like they did in the past.
Stop blaming others. Stand on your feet and get going.
Recover from your tragedy, make a valuable lesson learn from it. It is time to move towards excellence service. Kick away poor managers, also politicians and bureaucrats. Promote only the best people and true game player.

And don’t burn another fuel storage. PLEASE!

The very first surf travelers who came Indonesia sent back reports of impossibly perfect crystal tubes, white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, warm weather and brilliant sunshine, and local people who were friendly and hospitable. It wasn’t just a surfing experience: it was paradise.

Indonesia offers the ultimate in surf travel adventures and is definitely an experience not to be missed. The first thing to understand about the surf is that there’s plenty of it. The swells come from the south and southwest, so all the islands that have coastlines facing in those directions get waves. That includes Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor, plus countless tiny offshore islands.

Here is the list of best of the best surfing spot in Indonesia..

1. Mentawai Island

Do i really need to tell you that the Mentawai Islands are one of the world’s most consistent surf destinations? If you surf, you already know that! The Mentawai Islands are one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. The mentawai islands are regarded as having some of the most consistent surf breaks in the world and home to some surf breaks that will blow your mind! With the discovery of the incredible surf of the Mentawai Islands off West Sumatra, the search for surfing perfection was over-here it lived in staggering abundance. Islet after islet, flawless reef after flawless reef; sun and blue water, offshore winds and spitting tubes.

2. Panaitan Island

Situated just off the coast of West Java, Panaitan Island hosts 7 excellent surf spots including the legendary One Palm Point and Apocalypse. Panaitan is rich of wildlife and now you can surf its world class waves in warm, clear blue water away from crowds. Panaitan is part of Ujung Kulon national park, which is a United Nations World Heritage site. One of the world’s longest (upto 800 yards), most perfect, most dangerous shallow left-hand barrelsreels across a reef point.

3. Bali Island

Bali is paradise island in the world and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. For those who have always wanted to surfing, Bali has very consistent surf and great warm weather. Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island. Bali gets the full force of southern ocean swells direct from the antarctic with its south-west and south-east coasts being littered with surf spots.

4. Lombok Islands

Lombok is also known for its best secret surf point, The Desert Point. A long walled and incredibly hollow left hander that on its day can break up to 300 meters, growing in size from takeoff to end. Best between 3-8 ft. You may need to hire boat from locals to take you to some of the wave’s point. If you stay in Kuta Beach Lombok, ask around, many locals surfer will guide you to find the waves. Kuta Lombok is “surfers’ paradise”. Waves are excellent and many good surf points, such as Mawi, Mawun and etc include “Point X”, along South coast of Lombok.

5. Sumbawa Islands

The islands of Sumbawa are located to the east of Bali, The region for this surf adventure boast a range of world class waves that work on varied conditions maximizing the potential for good surf. Sumbawa offers some classic tropical surfing with two main surfing areas: West Sumbawa and the Lakai area. This area has many steep cliffs that offer scenic backdrops to the epic surf. The coast of West Sumbawa is dotted with a series of quality breaks. The three main and most famous spots surfed on the west coast of Sumbawa are Scar Reef, Super Suck and Yo-Yo’s. When those all surfe is working, it is really working and will make your trip to Sumbawa more than worthwhile.

6. Nias Islands

Nias Island is the cite of some really fantastic surfing. Nias is famous for the perfect waves breaking off Lagundri Bay. The Nias wave operates perfectly from 2 to 15 feet. Access is easy thanks to a break in the reef called “The Keyhole” that will spare you getting over the sand bar no matter how big this obstacle is. The reef itself is not dangerous compared to other surfing spots in Indonesia. The corals are abundant but not aggressive. Because of the geographical position of the archipelago, this cluster of islands is one of the most interesting areas in the world.

7. G-Land (Grajagan Islands)

G-Land is a magical place and one of the surfing world’s most incredible surfing destinations. For many surfers, it’s been a very special surfing site of primitive beauty and perfect waves. Like the primitive magical sound of its name, the mentions of Grajagan is an Indonesia incantation that causes surfers everywhere gaze longingly at the horizon.The long lines are unmistakable perfect and the discovery that followed is now regarded as arguably the world’s best left-hander ever. Known for its consistent off-shore trade winds during the sessions. G-Land is a Mecca for travelling surfers and the global pilgrimage to G-Land occurs all year around as surfers travel to Java to sample G-Land jewels.

8. Sumba Island

Close to Bali, Sumba provides some excellent waves in beautiful surroundings. With an exciting local culture and a relatively small population, Sumba is one of the more pristine, unspoilt, undeveloped and least crowded regions of Indonesia. There are good waves all over the island providing options for surfers of all levels – from beginners right through to advanced surfers. On top of perfect tropical surf, the island is also great for fishing, snorkelling, bird watching, beach combing and relaxing. Uncrowded waves, laidback living and spectacular sights – Sumba is the spirit of surf travel.

9. Timor Islands

The West Timor islands have some of the best uncrowded waves in Indonesia. The islands of West Timor and Roti have some well-known, little surfed breaks (like T-Lands) as well as quite a few secret spots. T-Land is the ultimate fun wave, a lefthander where you can smack reo after reo, ride the nose forever or just cruise your way through section after section. Roti island is the furthest southern point of Indonesia, with beautiful unspoilt beaches combining amazing surfbreaks, pockets of lush tropical rainforests, savanna’s and rolling hills ending in sheer cliff. You now have the chance to experience this Indonesia dream.

10. Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan Islands

Nusa Penida region consists of 3 isles, which are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. These isles, located on the east-west side of Bali. Another secret place for some private time on beautiful white, sandy beaches and obviously a great spot to surf as well. Usually, the Nusa Penida region is visited by fanatic surfers seeking hideouts to surf. Explore the crystal clear, warm waves of the island of Nusa Lembongan. From the gentle fun waves of playgrounds to the hollow perfection of lacerations, Nusa Lembongan has a surf break for all levels.

With the hundreds great surfing spots in Indonesia, it’s hard to make it only Top 10 spots, so i give u a bonus for this surfing list edition. Enjoy the 11 perfect surfing spots in Indonesia.

11. Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno Islands

In a land of left handers, this place is a refreshing change. The locals are cool, the atmosphere on the Gili Islands is horizontal and the break, if a little fickle is well worth checking out. People doubt this spot, which is good because it keeps the crowds down. When its breaking you can’t miss it. This spot is called secrets by the local boys who are more than welcoming to traveling surfres, and it picks up more swell than you’d expect. The take off spot on the outside point is fairly easy, but it quickly jacks up to produce long and hollow walls. It breaks over a shallow reef for a long and fast ride. Its fun up to double overhead with long tube rides, but over that it becomes one serious wave that walls and walls and walls.

Visit Indonesia Year 2009 MICE & Marine Tourism
Travel Warning : Indonesia Dangerously Beautiful!!!

Undang-undang Pornografi akhirnya disahkan pada tanggal 30 Oktober 2008.  Perlu diketahui bahwa UU ini tidak lagi mengatur individu seperti RUU Anti Pornografi dan Pornoaksi. Bahkan berbikini tidak langgar UU pornografi kok. Baca saja di buku “Kenapa berbikini tidak langgar UU Pornografi” (ada di gramedia). Intinya UU ini dibuat dan disahkan untuk melindungi anak-anak dari bahaya pornografi dan juga masyarakat dari bahaya prostitusi. Sekarang sudah ada payung hukum bagi aparat untuk menindak praktek pornografi.

Semoga dengan disahkannya UU ini moral bangsa kita menjadi lebih baik. ^__^

Silahkan dibaca..

RANCANGAN
UNDANG-UNDANG REPUBLIK INDONESIA
NOMOR    TAHUN
TENTANG PORNOGRAFI

DENGAN RAHMAT TUHAN YANG MAHA ESA

PRESIDEN REPUBLIK INDONESIA,

Menimbang      :

a.      bahwa negara Indonesia adalah negara hukum yang berdasarkan  Pancasila dengan menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai moral, etika, akhlak mulia, dan kepribadian luhur bangsa, beriman dan bertakwa kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, menghormati kebhinekaan dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat,  berbangsa, dan bernegara, serta melindungi harkat dan martabat setiap warga negara;
b.            bahwa pembuatan, penyebarluasan, dan penggunaan pornografi semakin berkembang luas di tengah masyarakat yang mengancam kehidupan dan tatanan sosial masyarakat Indonesia;
c.      bahwa peraturan perundang-undangan yang berkaitan dengan pornografi yang ada saat ini belum dapat memenuhi kebutuhan hukum serta perkembangan masyarakat;
d.      bahwa berdasarkan pertimbangan sebagaimana dimaksud dalam huruf a, huruf b, dan huruf c perlu membentuk Undang-Undang tentang Pornografi;

Mengingat           :     Pasal 20, Pasal 21, Pasal 28B ayat (2), Pasal 28J ayat (2), dan Pasal 29 Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945;

Dengan Persetujuan Bersama
DEWAN PERWAKILAN RAKYAT REPUBLIK INDONESIA
dan
PRESIDEN REPUBLIK INDONESIA

MEMUTUSKAN:

Menetapkan: UNDANG-UNDANG TENTANG PORNOGRAFI.

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MENAG – MENKUMHAM – MENKOMINFO – MENEG PP

BAB I
KETENTUAN UMUM

Pasal 1
Dalam Undang-Undang ini yang dimaksud dengan:
1.      Pornografi adalah gambar, sketsa, ilustrasi, foto, tulisan, suara, bunyi, gambar bergerak, animasi, kartun, percakapan, gerak tubuh, atau bentuk pesan lainnya melalui berbagai bentuk media komunikasi dan/atau pertunjukan di muka umum, yang memuat kecabulan atau eksploitasi seksual yang melanggar norma kesusilaan dalam masyarakat.
2.      Jasa pornografi adalah segala jenis layanan pornografi yang disediakan oleh  orang perseorangan atau korporasi melalui pertunjukan langsung, televisi kabel, televisi teresterial, radio, telepon, internet, dan komunikasi elektronik lainnya serta surat kabar, majalah, dan barang cetakan lainnya.
3.      Setiap orang adalah orang perseorangan atau korporasi, baik yang berbadan hukum maupun yang tidak berbadan hukum.
4.      Anak adalah seseorang yang belum berusia 18 (delapan belas) tahun.
5.      Pemerintah adalah Pemerintah Pusat yang dipimpin oleh Presiden Republik Indonesia yang memegang kekuasaan pemerintahan negara Republik Indonesia sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945.
6.      Pemerintah Daerah adalah Gubernur, Bupati, atau Walikota, dan perangkat daerah sebagai unsur penyelenggara pemerintahan daerah.

Pasal 2
Pengaturan pornografi berasaskan Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa, penghormatan terhadap harkat dan martabat kemanusiaan, kebhinnekaan, kepastian hukum, nondiskriminasi, dan perlindungan terhadap warga negara.

Pasal 3
Undang-Undang ini bertujuan:
a.       mewujudkan dan memelihara tatanan kehidupan masyarakat yang beretika, berkepribadian luhur, menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa, serta menghormati harkat dan martabat kemanusiaan;
b.      menghormati, melindungi, dan melestarikan nilai seni dan budaya, adat istiadat, dan ritual keagamaan masyarakat Indonesia yang majemuk.
c.       memberikan pembinaan dan pendidikan terhadap moral dan akhlak masyarakat;
d.      memberikan kepastian hukum dan perlindungan bagi warga negara dari pornografi, terutama bagi anak dan perempuan; dan
e.       mencegah berkembangnya pornografi dan komersialisasi seks di masyarakat.

BAB II
LARANGAN DAN PEMBATASAN

Pasal 4
(1)     Setiap orang dilarang memproduksi, membuat, memperbanyak, menggandakan, menyebarluaskan, menyiarkan, mengimpor, mengekspor, menawarkan, memperjualbelikan, menyewakan, atau menyediakan pornografi yang secara eksplisit memuat:
a.     persenggamaan, termasuk persenggamaan yang menyimpang;
b.    kekerasan seksual;
c.     masturbasi atau onani;
d.    ketelanjangan atau tampilan yang mengesankan ketelanjangan;
e.     alat kelamin; atau
f.      pornografi anak.
(2)    Setiap orang dilarang menyediakan jasa pornografi yang:
a.   menyajikan secara eksplisit ketelanjangan atau tampilan yang mengesankan ketelanjangan;
b.   menyajikan secara eksplisit alat kelamin;
c.   mengeksploitasi atau memamerkan aktivitas seksual; atau
d.   menawarkan atau mengiklankan, baik langsung maupun tidak langsung layanan seksual.

Pasal 5
Setiap orang dilarang meminjamkan atau mengunduh pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4 ayat (1).

Pasal 6
Setiap orang dilarang memperdengarkan, mempertontonkan, memanfaatkan, memiliki, atau menyimpan produk pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4 ayat (1), kecuali yang diberi kewenangan oleh perundang-undangan.

Pasal 7
Setiap orang dilarang mendanai atau memfasilitasi perbuatan sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4.

Pasal 8
Setiap orang dilarang dengan sengaja atau atas persetujuan dirinya menjadi objek atau model yang mengandung muatan pornografi.

Pasal 9
Setiap orang dilarang menjadikan orang lain sebagai objek atau model yang mengandung muatan pornografi.

Pasal 10
Setiap orang dilarang mempertontonkan diri atau orang lain  dalam pertunjukan atau di muka umum yang menggambarkan ketelanjangan, eksploitasi seksual, persenggamaan, atau yang bermuatan pornografi lainnya.

Pasal 11
Setiap orang dilarang melibatkan anak dalam kegiatan dan/atau sebagai objek sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4, Pasal 5, Pasal 6, Pasal 8, Pasal 9, atau Pasal 10.

Pasal   22
Masyarakat yang melaporkan pelanggaran sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 21 ayat (1) huruf a berhak mendapat perlindungan berdasarkan peraturan perundang-undangan.

BAB V
PENYIDIKAN, PENUNTUTAN, DAN PEMERIKSAAN DI SIDANG PENGADILAN

Pasal  23
Penyidikan, penuntutan, dan pemeriksaan di sidang pengadilan terhadap pelanggaran pornografi dilaksanakan berdasarkan Undang-Undang tentang Hukum Acara Pidana, kecuali ditentukan lain dalam Undang-Undang ini.

Pasal  24
Di samping alat bukti sebagaimana diatur dalam Undang-Undang tentang Hukum Acara Pidana, termasuk juga alat bukti dalam perkara tindak pidana meliputi tetapi tidak terbatas pada:
a.       barang yang  memuat tulisan atau gambar dalam bentuk cetakan atau bukan cetakan, baik elektronik, optik, maupun bentuk penyimpanan data lainnya; dan
b.      data yang tersimpan dalam jaringan internet dan saluran komunikasi lainnya.

Pasal  25
(1)     Untuk kepentingan penyidikan, penyidik berwenang membuka akses, memeriksa, dan membuat salinan data elektronik yang tersimpan dalam fail komputer, jaringan internet, media optik, serta bentuk penyimpanan data elektronik lainnya.
(2)     Untuk kepentingan penyidikan, pemilik data, penyimpan data, atau penyedia jasa layanan elektronik berkewajiban menyerahkan dan/atau membuka data elektronik yang diminta penyidik.
(3)     Pemilik data, penyimpan data, atau penyedia jasa layanan elektronik setelah menyerahkan dan/atau membuka data elektronik sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (2) berhak menerima tanda terima penyerahan atau berita acara pembukaan data elektronik dari penyidik.

Pasal  26
Penyidik membuat berita acara tentang tindakan sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 25 dan mengirim turunan berita acara tersebut kepada pemilik data, penyimpan data, atau penyedia jasa layanan komunikasi di tempat data tersebut didapatkan.

Pasal  27
(1)     Data elektronik yang ada hubungannya dengan perkara yang sedang diperiksa dilampirkan dalam berkas perkara.
(2)     Data elektronik yang ada hubungannya dengan perkara yang sedang diperiksa dapat dimusnahkan atau dihapus.
(3)    Penyidik, penuntut umum, dan para pejabat pada semua tingkat pemeriksaan dalam proses peradilan wajib merahasiakan dengan sungguh-sungguh atas kekuatan sumpah jabatan, baik isi maupun informasi data elektronik yang dimusnahkan atau dihapus.
BAB VI
PEMUSNAHAN

Pasal  28
(1)    Pemusnahan dilakukan terhadap produk pornografi hasil perampasan.
(2)    Pemusnahan produk pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (1) dilakukan oleh penuntut umum dengan membuat berita acara yang sekurang-kurangnya memuat:
a.       nama media cetak dan/atau media elektronik yang menyebarluaskan pornografi;
b.      nama, jenis, dan jumlah barang yang dimusnahkan;
c.       hari, tanggal, bulan, dan tahun pemusnahan; dan
d.      keterangan mengenai pemilik atau yang menguasai barang yang dimusnahkan.

BAB VII
KETENTUAN PIDANA

Pasal 29
Setiap orang yang memproduksi, membuat, memperbanyak, menggandakan, menyebar-luaskan, menyiarkan, mengimpor, mengekspor, menawarkan, memperjualbelikan, menyewakan, atau menyediakan pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4 ayat (1) dipidana  dengan pidana penjara paling singkat 6 (enam) bulan dan paling lama 12 (dua belas) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling sedikit Rp250.000.000, 00 (dua ratus lima puluh juta rupiah) dan paling banyak Rp6.000.000. 000,00 (enam  miliar rupiah).

Pasal 30
Setiap orang yang menyediakan jasa pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4 ayat (2) dipidana  dengan pidana penjara paling singkat 6 (enam) bulan dan paling lama 6  (enam)  tahun  dan/atau pidana  denda  paling  sedikit  Rp250.000.000, 00 (dua ratus lima puluh juta rupiah) dan paling banyak Rp3.000.000. 000,00 (tiga miliar rupiah).

Pasal 31
Setiap orang yang meminjamkan atau mengunduh pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 5 dipidana dengan pidana penjara paling lama 4 (empat) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling banyak Rp2.000.000. 000,00 (dua miliar rupiah).

Pasal 32
Setiap orang yang memperdengarkan, mempertontonkan, memanfaatkan, memiliki, atau menyimpan produk pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 6 dipidana dengan pidana paling lama 4 (empat) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling banyak Rp2.000.000. 000,00 (dua miliar rupiah).

Pasal 33
Setiap orang yang mendanai atau memfasilitasi perbuatan sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 7 dipidana dengan pidana penjara paling singkat 2 (dua) tahun dan paling lama 15 (lima belas) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling sedikit Rp1.000.000. 000,00 (satu miliar rupiah) dan paling banyak Rp7.500.000. 000,00 (tujuh miliar lima ratus juta rupiah).

Pasal 34
Setiap orang yang dengan sengaja atau atas persetujuan dirinya menjadi objek atau model yang mengandung muatan pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 8 dipidana  dengan pidana penjara paling lama 10 (sepuluh) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling banyak Rp5.000.000. 000,00 (lima miliar rupiah).

Pasal 35
Setiap orang yang menjadikan orang lain sebagai objek atau model yang mengandung muatan pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 9 dipidana  dengan pidana penjara paling  singkat 1 (satu) tahun dan paling lama 12 (dua belas) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling sedikit Rp500.000.000, 00 (lima ratus juta rupiah) dan paling banyak Rp6.000.000. 000,00 (enam  miliar rupiah).

Pasal 36
Setiap orang yang mempertontonkan diri atau dipertontonkan  dalam pertunjukan atau di muka umum yang menggambarkan ketelanjangan, eksploitasi seksual, persenggamaan, atau yang bermuatan pornografi lainnya sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 10 dipidana  dengan pidana penjara paling lama 10 (sepuluh) tahun dan/atau pidana denda paling banyak Rp5.000.000. 000,00 (lima miliar rupiah).

Pasal 37
Setiap orang yang melibatkan anak dalam kegiatan dan/atau sebagai objek sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 11 dipidana dengan pidana yang sama dengan pidana sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 29, Pasal 30, Pasal 31, Pasal 32, Pasal 34, Pasal 35, dan Pasal 36, ditambah 1/3 (sepertiga) dari maksimum ancaman pidananya.

Pasal 38
Setiap orang yang mengajak, membujuk, memanfaatkan, membiarkan, menyalahgunakan kekuasaan, atau memaksa anak dalam menggunakan produk atau jasa pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 12 dipidana  dengan pidana penjara paling  singkat 6 (enam) bulan dan paling lama 6 (enam)  tahun  dan/atau pidana  denda  paling  sedikit  Rp250.000.000, 00 (dua ratus lima puluh juta rupiah) dan paling banyak Rp3.000.000. 000,00 (tiga miliar rupiah).

Pasal 39
Tindak pidana sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 29, Pasal 30, Pasal 31, Pasal 32, Pasal 33, Pasal 34, Pasal 35, Pasal 36, Pasal 37, dan Pasal 38 adalah kejahatan.

Pasal 40
(1)  Dalam hal tindak pidana pornografi dilakukan oleh atau atas nama suatu korporasi, tuntutan dan penjatuhan pidana dapat dilakukan terhadap korporasi dan/atau pengurusnya.
(2)    Tindak pidana pornografi dilakukan oleh korporasi apabila tindak pidana tersebut dilakukan oleh orang‑orang, baik berdasarkan hubungan kerja maupun berdasarkan hubungan lain, bertindak dalam lingkungan korporasi tersebut, baik sendiri maupun bersama‑sama.
(3)    Dalam hal tuntutan pidana dilakukan terhadap suatu korporasi, korporasi tersebut diwakili oleh pengurus.
(4)    Pengurus yang mewakili korporasi sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (3) dapat diwakili oleh orang lain.
(5)    Hakim dapat memerintahkan pengurus korporasi supaya pengurus korporasi menghadap sendiri di pengadilan dan dapat pula memerintahkan pengurus korporasi supaya pengurus tersebut dibawa ke sidang pengadilan.
(6)    Dalam hal tuntutan pidana dilakukan terhadap korporasi, panggilan untuk menghadap dan penyerahan surat panggilan tersebut disampaikan kepada pengurus di tempat tinggal pengurus atau di tempat pengurus berkantor.
(7)    Dalam hal tindak pidana pornografi yang dilakukan korporasi, selain pidana penjara dan denda terhadap pengurusnya, dijatuhkan pula pidana denda terhadap korporasi dengan ketentuan maksimum pidana dikalikan 3 (tiga) dari pidana denda yang ditentukan dalam setiap pasal dalam Bab ini.

Pasal 41
Selain pidana pokok sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 40 ayat (7), korporasi dapat dikenai pidana tambahan berupa:
a.       pembekuan izin usaha;
b.      pencabutan izin usaha;
c.       perampasan kekayaan hasil tindak pidana; dan
d.      pencabutan status badan hukum.

BAB VIII
KETENTUAN PENUTUP

Pasal 42
Untuk meningkatkan efektivitas pelaksanaan Undang-Undang ini, dibentuk gugus tugas antardepartemen, kementerian, dan lembaga terkait yang ketentuannya diatur dengan Peraturan Presiden.
Pasal 43
Pada saat Undang-Undang ini berlaku, dalam waktu paling lama 1 (satu) bulan setiap orang yang memiliki atau menyimpan produk pornografi sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4 ayat (1) harus memusnahkan sendiri atau menyerahkan kepada pihak yang berwajib untuk dimusnahkan.

Pasal 44
Pada saat Undang-Undang ini mulai berlaku, semua peraturan perundang-undangan yang mengatur atau berkaitan dengan tindak pidana pornografi dinyatakan tetap berlaku sepanjang tidak bertentangan dengan Undang-Undang ini.

Pasal 45
Undang-Undang ini mulai berlaku pada tanggal diundangkan.

Agar setiap orang mengetahuinya, memerintahkan pengundangan Undang-Undang ini dengan penempatannya dalam Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia.

Disahkan di Jakarta
pada tanggal

PRESIDEN REPUBLIK INDONESIA,

SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO

Diundangkan di Jakarta
pada tanggal

MENTERI HUKUM DAN HAK ASASI MANUSIA
REPUBLIK INDONESIA,

ANDI MATTALATTA

KETUA PANSUS

DRS. H. BALKAN KAPLALE

WAKIL KETUA

DRA. HJ. CHAIRUNNISA, MA

WAKIL KETUA

AGUNG SASONGKO

WAKIL KETUA

H. SAFRIANSYAH, BA

WAKIL KETUA

DRA. HJ. YOYOH YUSROH

MENTERI AGAMA RI

MUHAMMAD M. BASYUNI

MENKUMHAM

ANDI MATTALATTA

MENKOMINFO

PROF.DR.IR. MOHAMMAD NUH, DEA

MENEG PP

PROF.DR. MEUTIA HATTA SWASONO
LEMBARAN NEGARA REPUBLIK INDONESIA  TAHUN    NOMOR

PENJELASAN
ATAS
RANCANGAN
UNDANG-UNDANG REPUBLIK INDONESIA
NOMOR     TAHUN
TENTANG
PORNOGRAFI

I.     UMUM
Negara Republik Indonesia adalah negara hukum yang berdasarkan  Pancasila dan Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945 dengan menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai moral, etika, akhlak mulia, dan kepribadian luhur bangsa, beriman dan bertakwa kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, menghormati kebhinekaan dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat, berbangsa, dan bernegara, serta melindungi harkat dan martabat setiap warga negara.
Globalisasi dan perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi, khususnya teknologi informasi dan komunikasi, telah memberikan andil terhadap meningkatnya pembuatan, penyebarluasan, dan penggunaan pornografi yang memberikan pengaruh buruk terhadap moral dan kepribadian luhur bangsa Indonesia sehingga mengancam kehidupan dan tatanan sosial masyarakat Indonesia. Berkembangluasnya pornografi di tengah masyarakat juga mengakibatkan meningkatnya tindak asusila dan pencabulan.
Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat Republik Indonesia telah mengisyaratkan melalui Ketetapan MPR RI Nomor VI/MPR/2001 tentang Etika Kehidupan Berbangsa mengenai  ancaman yang serius terhadap persatuan dan kesatuan bangsa dan terjadinya kemunduran dalam pelaksanaan etika kehidupan berbangsa, yang salah satunya disebabkan oleh meningkatnya tindakan asusila, pencabulan, prostitusi, dan media pornografi, sehingga diperlukan upaya yang sungguh-sungguh untuk mendorong penguatan kembali etika dan moral masyarakat Indonesia.
Pengaturan pornografi yang terdapat dalam peraturan perundang-undangan yang ada, seperti Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana (KUHP), Undang-Undang Nomor 43 Tahun 1999 tentang Pers, Undang-Undang Nomor 32 Tahun 2002 tentang Penyiaran, dan Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2002 tentang Perlindungan Anak kurang memadai dan belum memenuhi kebutuhan hukum serta perkembangan masyarakat sehingga perlu dibuat undang-undang baru yang secara khusus mengatur pornografi.
Pengaturan pornografi berasaskan Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa, penghormatan terhadap harkat dan martabat kemanusiaan, kebhinnekaan, kepastian hukum, nondiskriminasi, dan perlindungan terhadap warga negara. Hal tersebut berarti bahwa ketentuan yang diatur dalam Undang-Undang ini adalah:

1.      menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai moral yang bersumber pada ajaran agama;

2.      memberikan ketentuan yang sejelas-jelasnya tentang batasan dan larangan yang harus dipatuhi oleh setiap warga negara serta menentukan jenis sanksi bagi yang melanggarnya; dan
3.      melindungi setiap warga negara, khususnya perempuan, anak, dan generasi muda dari pengaruh buruk dan korban pornografi.
Pengaturan pornografi dalam Undang-Undang ini meliputi (1)  pelarangan dan pembatasan pembuatan, penyebarluasan, dan penggunaan pornografi; (2) perlindungan anak dari pengaruh pornografi; dan (3) pencegahan pembuatan, penyebarluasan, dan penggunaan pornografi, termasuk peran serta masyarakat dalam pencegahan.
Undang-Undang ini menetapkan secara tegas tentang bentuk hukuman dari pelanggaran pembuatan, penyebarluasan, dan penggunaan pornografi yang disesuaikan dengan tingkat pelanggaran yang dilakukan, yakni berat, sedang, dan ringan, serta memberikan pemberatan terhadap perbuatan pidana yang melibatkan anak. Di samping itu,  pemberatan juga diberikan terhadap pelaku tindak pidana yang dilakukan oleh korporasi dengan melipatgandakan sanksi pokok serta pemberian hukuman tambahan.
Untuk memberikan perlindungan terhadap korban pornografi, Undang-Undang ini mewajibkan kepada semua pihak, dalam hal ini negara, lembaga sosial, lembaga pendidikan, lembaga keagamaan, keluarga, dan/atau masyarakat untuk memberikan pembinaan, pendampingan, pemulihan sosial, kesehatan fisik dan mental bagi setiap anak yang menjadi korban atau pelaku pornografi.
Berdasarkan pemikiran tersebut, Undang-Undang tentang Pornografi diatur secara komprehensif dalam rangka mewujudkan dan memelihara tatanan kehidupan masyarakat Indonesia yang beretika, berkepribadian luhur, dan menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa, serta menghormati harkat dan martabat setiap warga negara.

II. PASAL DEMI PASAL

Pasal 1
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 2
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 3
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 4
Ayat  (1)
Yang dimaksud dengan “membuat” adalah tidak termasuk untuk dirinya sendiri dan kepentingan sendiri.
Huruf a
Yang dimaksud dengan “persenggamaan yang menyimpang” antara lain  persenggamaan atau aktivitas seksual lainnya dengan mayat, binatang, oral seks, anal seks, lesbian, dan homoseksual.
Huruf b
Yang dimaksud dengan ”kekerasan seksual” antara lain persenggamaan yang didahului dengan tindakan kekerasan (penganiayaan) atau mencabuli dengan paksaan atau pemerkosaan.

huruf c

Cukup jelas.
Huruf d
Yang dimaksud dengan “mengesankan ketelanjangan” adalah suatu kondisi seseorang yang menggunakan penutup tubuh, tetapi masih menampakkan  alat kelamin secara eksplisit.
Huruf e
Cukup jelas.
Huruf f
Pornografi anak adalah segala bentuk pornografi yang melibatkan anak atau yang melibatkan orang dewasa yang berperan atau bersikap seperti anak.
Ayat (2)
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 5
Yang dimaksud dengan “mengunduh” (download) adalah mengambil fail dari jaringan internet atau jaringan komunikasi lainnya.

Pasal 6
Larangan “memiliki atau menyimpan” tidak termasuk untuk dirinya sendiri dan kepentingan sendiri.
Yang dimaksud dengan “yang diberi kewenangan oleh perundang-undangan” misalnya lembaga yang diberi kewenangan menyensor film, lembaga yang mengawasi penyiaran, lembaga penegak hukum, lembaga pelayanan kesehatan atau terapi kesehatan seksual, dan lembaga pendidikan. Lembaga pendidikan tersebut termasuk pula perpustakaan, laboratorium, dan sarana pendidikan lainnya.
Kegiatan memperdengarkan, mempertontonkan, memanfaatkan, memiliki, atau menyimpan barang pornografi dalam ketentuan ini hanya dapat digunakan di tempat atau di lokasi yang disediakan untuk tujuan lembaga yang dimaksud.

Pasal 7
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 8
Ketentuan ini dimaksudkan bahwa jika pelaku dipaksa dengan ancaman atau diancam atau di bawah kekuasaan atau tekanan orang lain, dibujuk atau ditipu daya, atau dibohongi oleh orang lain, pelaku tidak dipidana.

Pasal 9
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 10
Yang dimaksud dengan “pornografi lainnya” antara lain kekerasan seksual, masturbasi, atau onani.

Pasal 11
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 12
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 13
Ayat (1)
Yang dimaksud dengan “pembuatan” termasuk memproduksi, membuat, memperbanyak, atau menggandakan.
Yang dimaksud dengan “penyebarluasan” termasuk menyebarluaskan, menyiarkan, mengunduh, mengimpor, mengekspor, menawarkan, memperjualbelikan, menyewakan, meminjamkan, atau menyediakan.
Yang dimaksud dengan “penggunaan” termasuk memperdengarkan, mempertontonkan, memanfaatkan, memiliki, atau menyimpan.
Frasa “selain sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 4 ayat (1)” dalam ketentuan ini misalnya majalah yang memuat model berpakaian bikini, baju renang, dan pakaian olahraga pantai, yang digunakan sesuai dengan konteksnya.

Ayat (2)
Yang dimaksud dengan “di tempat dan dengan cara khusus” misalnya penempatan yang tidak dapat dijangkau oleh anak-anak atau pengemasan yang tidak menampilkan atau menggambarkan pornografi.

Pasal 14
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 15
Ketentuan ini dimaksudkan untuk mencegah sedini mungkin pengaruh pornografi terhadap anak dan ketentuan ini menegaskan kembali terkait dengan perlindungan terhadap anak yang ditentukan dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2003 tentang Perlindungan Anak.

Pasal 16
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 17
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 18
Huruf a
Yang dimaksud dengan “pemblokiran pornografi melalui internet” adalah pemblokiran barang pornografi atau penyediaan jasa pornografi.

Huruf b
Cukup jelas.

Huruf c
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 19
Huruf a
Yang dimaksud dengan “pemblokiran pornografi melalui internet” adalah pemblokiran barang pornografi atau penyediaan jasa pornografi.

Huruf b
Cukup jelas.

Huruf c
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 20
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 21
Ayat (1)
Cukup jelas.

Ayat (2)
Yang dimaksud dengan “peran serta masyarakat dilaksanakan sesuai dengan peraturan perundang-undangan” adalah agar masyarakat tidak melakukan tindakan main hakim sendiri, tindakan kekerasan, razia (sweeping), atau tindakan melawan hukum lainnya.

Pasal 22
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 23
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 24
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 25
Yang dimaksud dengan “penyidik” adalah penyidik pejabat Polisi Negara Republik Indonesia sesuai  dengan Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1981 tentang Hukum Acara Pidana dan Undang-Undang Nomor 2 Tahun 2002 tentang Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia.

Pasal 26
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 27
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 28
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 29
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 30
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 31
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 32
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 33
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 34
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 35
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 36
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 37
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 38
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 39
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 40
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 41
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 42
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 43
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 44
Cukup jelas.

Pasal 45
Cukup jelas.

KETUA PANSUS
DRS. H. BALKAN KAPLALE

WAKIL KETUA
DRA. HJ. CHAIRUNNISA, MA

WAKIL KETUA
AGUNG SASONGKO

WAKIL KETUA
H. SAFRIANSYAH, BA

WAKIL KETUA
DRA. HJ. YOYOH YUSROH

MENTERI AGAMA RI
MUHAMMAD M. BASYUNI

MENKUMHAM
ANDI MATTALATTA

MENKOMINFO
PROF.DR.IR. MOHAMMAD NUH, DEA

MENEG PP
PROF.DR. MEUTIA HATTA SWASONO

TAMBAHAN LEMBARAN NEGARA REPUBLIK INDONESIA NOMOR …

__._,_.___

picture is taken from here.

As a soft launching of JBRB’s new name, we’d like to invite you all to our coming event called “Jakarta’s one-day happiness with JBRB for Indonesia”. Yes, that’s a long one; but I bet it sounds cool.

What is it? To tell you the truth, I find it hard to explain what the event will be like. Let me try. Basically, this event is a city tour. You will take a sightseeing and enjoy Jakarta’s forgotten buildings and places. If you call yourself a Jakartan then you’ll have to join this event.

After having a wonderful sightseeing, we will take you to one of the trademarks of Jakarta. I have to keep the name of the place confidential at the moment. Here, we will give you a guided tour so that you can learn about the place better and deeper. At this place there will be a lot of things that we will do together.

For now that’s all information I can give you. More information about the event will soon be released. All you need to know about the event right now is that this event is all about having fun and it’s free for everyone. You better reserve now because the seats are limited. Make a reservation at revolusibudaya@gmail.com

The poster is coming soon, so be patient. Please do check out this blog or JBRB’s Facebook for updates on this event.

This article was published by The Jakarta Post on January 20, 2009. Read the article on The Jakarta Post, here.

What is it with Indonesians (especially the young Indonesians) that we love to nongkrong so much? Before you judge me, I’m not saying that nongkrong is bad; it’s probably one of the most important reasons why I chose to come back to Indonesia.

But sometimes it just makes me wonder why our people love to nongkrong so badly? What is nongkrong anyway? It’s so hard to explain, really. It’s so hard that I don’t think Oxford English Dictionary has that word in English. “To hang around” may be the right expression in English for “nongkrong”. For Indonesians, as I know it, nongkrong means “to meet and talk; and smoke for some”.

But nongkrong is basically about talking and talking with people we’re close with. But what to talk about? Based on my experience of being an Indonesian for more than 20 years and so, we Indonesians talk “nothing” when we nongkrong. And that’s why it’s so exciting.

“Nothing” here doesn’t mean that we don’t talk when we meet, but it specifically means that we talk nothing important. Yes, we talk and talk for hours about things that aren’t really important.

Some might nongkrong to talk about something important, but trust me, it usually lasts within the first hour; the next hours will be about who’s got a new girlfriend or where the new cool place to hang out is.

When I was in America it was a different story. People meet up at a restaurant or a cafe to talk something important. They talk business or they study together. It seems to me that in America time is money (really).

Americans don’t really meet in a big group (while Indonesians love to meet in a big group); when they do it’s usually for a meeting or probably a museum tour. So, they don’t really have a term “nongkrong” in their lives. Meeting to talk about something unimportant? What’s that all about? They might think.

“Nongkrong” is obviously not on their list. They do, though, hang around with their friends but only on weekends; and it comes with all their strict rules.

That’s why you’ll find Starbucks stores in America are different from the ones we have in Jakarta; and you can be proud of that. Coffee shops in America are mostly quiet. They’re quiet because most people come either to study, read a book, or talk business; others just grab and go. While a coffee shop in Jakarta is typically noisy since we make coffee shops as perfect spots to nongkrong. On weekends we spend hours and hours talking loudly at coffee shops or restaurants.

That doesn’t mean Americans don’t nongkrong at all, it’s just that we Indonesians do it so much more.

I remember when my friends picked me up at Jakarta’s International Airport after flying from America and Japan. They had promised me to take me around as soon as I landed. They then took a new place in Kemang where they had cafes and restaurants. The place was packed with young people; finding a parking spot was a tough struggle.

When I asked him what’s so fun of going there besides eating and drinking he spontaneously answered, “What do you think stupid? Of course we’re going to nongkrong!” Suddenly I felt guilty of still having the American mindset in Indonesia. I replied him with a big grin, “I’m sorry, you’re right. Of course my friend, it’s nongkrong time!”

Some people might attack our habit of “nongkrong” as one of the reasons why our society is left behind: It’s this behavior that makes us a lazy nation. Is that true? Well, I guess someone has to start conducting a scientific research on this issue. The result will surely be interesting and our government officials might be able to use it to fix this nation.

But before some smart old guys conduct such a research, we all should agree that nongkrong is indeed fun. It’s so much fun that we don’t realize how time can slip by so fast. It’s the moment when we Indonesians share our happiness with our loved ones. We laugh so much and we share stories. The concern over whether our young people do nongkrong too much is another matter.

I don’t think we all should be ashamed of being what we are. We Indonesians love to socialize and what’s wrong with that?

A friend of mine got really bored living in America only after leaving Indonesia for 6 months. The one thing he complains about the culture in America is that Americans are like robots: They wake up, they work, they eat, and they go home; and they will do the same exact thing everyday. All of those done to pay what Americans call, Mr. Bills.

But again, I’m not saying that nongkrong is bad; I do it all the time too. Hey, I’m an Indonesian just like you guys too. The only difference that I have right now is that I don’t like to nongkrong at a mall or at a place where asap rokok is everywhere anymore.

So, please let me know the coolest places to nongkrong in Jakarta.

Here is the list of Top 10 Spots for Diving in Indonesia.. Best of the World..

1. Komodo Islands

Komodo Island and national park reserve offers just about every type of tropical diving imaginable – from calm and colourful shallow reefs alive with hundreds of colourful reef fishes and crammed with invertebrates, to current-swept deep water sea mounts, walls and pinnacles patrolled by sharks, tuna and other big fish. The variety of marine life for scuba diving in Komodo rivals the world’s best dive destinations. This is the world’s epicentre for marine diversity and you’ll see loads of stuff here on a diving cruise that you just won’t see anywhere else in the world – From whale sharks, sunfish, mantas and eagle rays to pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, clown frogfish, nudibranchs and blue-ringed octopus – all at home amongst a spectacular range of colourful sponges, sea squirts, tunicates and corals – a macro enthusiast’s heaven. The island is also famous for its Komodo dragon monitor lizard, the largest lizards in the world. An alert and agile predator and scavenger that can reach 2.5 metres in length and 125 kg, they are known locally as ‘Ora’ and now about 1,100 inhabit the island and about half that live on nearby Rinca Island.

2. Bunaken Island

To dive in the deep waters of the Bunaken Island National Marine Park in Manado is to be among some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, with outstanding fish variety and world-class wall diving. When you’re scuba diving in Bunaken you can see seven times more genera of coral than Hawaii, 33 species of butterflyfish and over 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific. From the smallest commensal shrimp to black tip reef sharks and eagle rays, there is something for everyone in this very special destination. Bunaken diving is very popular with fun divers and marine biologists both of whom can take great pleasure from the diversity of coral and fish found here. You will surely encounter marine life here that you have not come across elsewhere. Various schemes are being undertaken to encourage responsible attitudes towards the reefs, the sea life and with regards to refuse disposal in the area. In Bunaken your few dollars really do make a difference!

3. Raja Ampat Islands

Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals. Put simply, Raja Ampat diving is the bees knees in the world of scuba. If you don’t enjoy your dives here, you may as well sell your dive gear! According to the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Bulletin, the marine life diversity for scuba diving in Irian Jaya is considerably greater than all other areas sampled in the coral triangle of Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea – the cream of the cream in world diving. Over 1,200 fish species – a world record 284 on one single dive at Kofiau Island, the benchmark figure for an excellent dive site of 200 fish species surpassed on 51% of Raja Ampat dives (another world record), 600 coral species , 699 mollusc species – again another world high. The term “Frontier Diving” seems to have been invented for Raja Ampat in Irian Jaya. To visit these waters is to feel at the edge of the earth. To gaze over crystalline seas at the beehive-shaped, largely uninhabited islands is to be as far away from it all as you can imagine. At night time in Misool you can peer out at the horizon and maybe see one or two distant specks of light.

4. Bali Islands

One of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bali is Indonesia’s most popular dive holiday destination. Many visitors find the attraction of good shore-based diving set against a stunning back drop of huge, magnificent volcanoes and picturesque rice paddy terraces, simply irresistible. The greatest feature of scuba diving in Bali is the rich and varied sites – deep drop-offs and steep banks, coral ridges and bommies, one of the most famous wrecks in the world, volcanic outcrops and seagrass beds. With the colourful and diverse marine life, there’s enough here to keep you coming back for more. If you wanted to record all the animals you can see here, you’d need to bring along a mini-library of marine guide books. From hairy frogfish, cockatoo leaf fish and pygmy seahorses in Secret Bay and Menjangan on the north west tip of the island, to bumphead parrotfish and reef sharks in the north and east at Tulamben and Candi Dasa, to the sunfish and trevallies of nearby Nusa Penida and Lembongan islands, the Bali sights are truly fascinating. Allow yourself to be surprised for you really never know just what you might see in this ever-changing underwater jewel.

5. Sumbawa & Flores Islands

Diving in Flores gives you the perfect chance to add new, small fish and aquatic animals to your knowledge base since it is known for its endemic species. Although the combined effects of dynamite fishing and the earthquake and tsunami of 1992 caused damage to certain areas including Maumere, the regeneration of the reefs here is cause for celebration. Space was cleared by these natural phenomena, which has allowed new corals to flourish and bring an even greater diversity to the sites. These sheltered and varied havens offer crystal-clear waters, deep and vibrant walls, steaming underwater volcanic vents, fertile breeding grounds and conditions that are prefect for some fantastic macro diving opportunities. Sumbawa scuba diving has its own vast schools of countless triggerfish and butterflyfish, macro sightings of blue-ringed octopus, clown frogfish and nudibranchs, numerous reef sharks and tunas in the deep walled sections. Allied to this are the topside visual attractions of volcanoes and bat colonies, and you’ll soon have enough reasons to plunge deep and explore the underwater tapestry of Sumbawa.

6. Lombok island

Some People think they have seen it all, but they dont, Lombok diving offer spectacular diving destination with untouched coral reefs, pinnacles and home of “Hammerhead” sharks and other giant creatures. For divers who would like to enjoy some pristine dive sites, we offer a world of 100% intact coral and a unique variety of species. “…It’s an Eldora do for underwater photographers.” Lombok are the perfect place when you want to escape from it all. The peaceful Lombok atmosphere is the best place for holiday with white sand beach and under water panoramas. The many drop-offs, plateaus and slopes around the Lombok’’s reflect a good cross-section of what Indonesia has to offer. Dive in and be fascinated by a variety of turtles, White-tip Reef Sharks, Cuttlefish, Moray Eels, Angel Fish, Ghost Pipefish, Snappers, Mantas, Eagle rays and more. This is always a very popular dive site which will offer you a large diversity and abundance in marine on a single dive. The sea mounds and canyon walls differ in size and offer you an interesting collection of overhangs and outcrops, all covered in a variety of hard and soft corals. Huge sea fans and other interesting coral formations will fascinate you from start to finish.

7. Bangka & Belitung Islands

The islands of Bangka and Belitung, with its rolling hills of green fields and forests, and the nearby islands of Gangga and Talise offer over 25 dive sites with fringing reef slopes and pinnacles carpeted in soft corals. The row of underwater boulder pinnacles that just break the surface here form giant steps underwater. This is a drift dive that requires a negatively buoyant entry, as waves can be present at the surface at drop off and pick up points. As you descend down the pinnacles you will marvel at the proliferation of green and golden brown soft corals, huge elephant ear sponges, dense thickets of branching green cup coral and table corals. There are carpets of frilled leather corals and pink, brown, cream and lilac soft coral trees swaying in the shallow surge. “Breathtaking” and “awesome” are oft-used words on the boat after this Bangka & Belitung dive.

8. Banda Islands

Seemingly insignificant islands in the middle of nowhere in the Banda Sea, in fact the Banda Islands are steeped in history and blessed with some of the finest diving in the country. Central to the spice trade of old, and former home to exiled freedom fighters, the islands are now enjoying a growing reputation for what goes on below the surface. The remoteness of the islands in the wide open Banda Sea, and the low levels of human population, have meant less fishing pressures, and a vibrant, natural and healthy reef system. The results of this are fishes in incredible numbers, huge seafans and sponges, and some monumental hard corals. At most sites you’ll see enormous schools of fusiliers and thousands of redtooth tirggerfish. One certainty is that you will see plenty of big stuff as well as no shortage of colourful reef life. Topside, these islands boast climbable volcanic mountains which are covered in lush green vegetation. For a taste of historic atmosphere going ashore in Banda Neira is a must for its remnants from the old spice trade of colonial times.

9. Wakatobi Islands

Rising from the depths of the Banda Sea, the main islands of Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea, Binongki – WaKaToBi – dish up large portions of all the world’s reef types – fringing, atoll and barrier – and are served with lashings of healthy corals and dense schools of fish. Being a national park, fishing is strictly limited and the reefs are protected, meaning plenty of action for you the diver. Local fishing communities obtain a fair share of the income generated by dive tourism in exchange for adopting more sustainable practices, such as leaving large stretches of reef completely untouched. Other contributions go towards education and strengthening local support for the marine park. Word is beginning to spread about Wakatobi but it is still relatively new. Indeed there are even new sites out there waiting to be discovered, particularly in the outer atolls which are virtually untouched. Dive in and discover the animal attractions here in the Banda Sea.

10. Sangihe & Talaud Archipelago

The Sangihe Archipelago is a chain of volcanic islands off the north east peninsula of North Sulawesi. Consisting of about forty volcanic islands some of which are over 1,500 metres high, the archipelago’s waters are some of deepest in the world and deep-water currents bring plankton and nutrients from the deep. Be the man from Atlantis by diving what was once a thriving village. Feeling like an archeologist you cruise around through the numerous black corals and investigate the tunnels and doorways. Diving here amongst topography carved out by man’s own hand stands in stark contrast to the norm of diving among nature’s splendour and is definitely one you won’t forget. Diving just off the dormant volcano of Ruang Island always gets the thumbs up from those who have been here. It is as if the Creator has put every shape, size and colour of sponge and crinoid here in this one spot. This provides a magnificent backdrop against which you can spot some of the many sharks, dogtooth tuna and extraordinarily large schools of barracudas that call this place home.

Visit Indonesia Year 2009 MICE & Marine Tourism
Travel Warning : Indonesia Dangerously Beautiful!!!

This article was published by The Jakarta Post on January 10, 2009. Read the article on The Jakarta Post, here.

I was fortunate that I had the chance to live in the United States for more than 2 years. I had never thought I could spend my youth time in other people’s land. It was weird when I first set my feet on Washington, DC. Everything was so different.

I felt so lonely when the driver was taking me from the airport to my hotel. I didn’t see many people on the streets; the scene that I had always seen in Jakarta.

During my first 3 months I thought I wouldn’t be able to survive. I couldn’t stop thinking about the life I had left in Jakarta. I could remember all the laughter that I had always shared with friends and family. I knew I couldn’t enjoy that kind of life anymore in Washington, DC.

But then I found out something unique about life in America or at least in some parts of America. It was something I couldn’t find in my home. For the very first time I realized that walking on the sidewalk while enjoying the fresh weather was so enjoyable.

For the very first time I realized that reading a book on a clear sunny day was one of the greatest things in this life. It was so refreshing.

In America I stopped completely at any stop sign although no car was coming towards me. Somehow I felt proud that I could follow the law even nobody was watching.

I started to enjoy living in America.

Now that I’ve been in Jakarta for more than a week, in the place I always call home, I feel so lost. It’s hard to enjoy life in Jakarta when everyday I have to struggle so hard fighting against all those crazy motorcycles and cars on the streets.

Driving in Washington, DC was an effective relaxation for me. In Jakarta it’s a different story; it’s a war. This head seems to explode.

And it was a couple days ago when I first found out that going to Pondok Indah Mall 2 is no longer an exciting experience. I was surprised to know this fact since hanging out at a mall was something I used to love so much.

I get so mad and angry to see how people in Jakarta break the rules on the streets so easily as if those signs had been made as accessories. At first I thought to myself how barbaric these people were, but then a friend of mine reminded me that eventually I would be like them.

He suggested that I shouldn’t be so American and said, “You’re an Indonesian, act like one!”

He thought that I needed to relax a little bit and accept that Indonesia is Indonesia. “It’s just the way of life around here,” he explained.

My friend might be right. I shouldn’t complain and start acting like a real Indonesian. Maybe I just have to get myself used to crossing the red light when cops aren’t around; I used to do it anyway.

I want to fight but I guess it’s impossible. I guess I’m just going to follow my friend’s suggestion and accept that Indonesia will always be Indonesia.

From my deepest heart, I feel so sad. I feel like I want to be a different kind of Indonesian; the kind of Indonesian that I never became. It would be a dream come true if I could say to my friends how proud I am of becoming a good and civilized Indonesian.

It would be so wonderful if I could tell my friends how I have been driving like a civilized person following every traffic sign and respecting the pedestrians.

I bet it would be amazing if I could tell my friends how I have been participating in saving the environment; how I don’t throw trash anywhere like I used to.

But it’s not easy to be the kind of Indonesian I want to be in this city. It’s so hard for me to be a good Indonesian when people around me don’t think that being an Indonesian also means that you can dream big and different.

It’s so hard for me to be the kind of Indonesian that I want to be when people look at me so weird just because I want to follow the right procedures.

And it’s so hard for me to convince others how my willingness to do great changes has nothing to do with my “Americanity”. It’s just simply because I’ve seen how other nations can be so much better than us and I think we can be like them too.

I’m not happy to admit this, but it’s true: The whole condition doesn’t seem to support me and more likely I will become Indonesian as much as I used to be.

Picture taken from here.