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December
Relaxing U.S. Sanctions to Overcome the Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
Written by Maryati
To help Afghanistan avoid getting into a humanitarian crisis, the United States finally relaxed its sanctions against Afghanistan. The easing includes supporting U.S. officials and certain international organizations, such as the United Nations -UN, to transact with the Taliban or the Haqqani network for official purposes. Non-governmental organizations are also allowed to cooperate with the Taliban and the Haqqani network in humanitarian activities.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on the Taliban because it was categorized as a terrorist group. They include freezing the Taliban group's assets in the U.S. and barring U.S. citizens from having contact with the Taliban group.
The U.S. decision follows the UN’s plan to pay nearly US$6 million for protection costs in Afghanistan. The proposed funds would be paid next year mostly to subsidize the monthly wages of Taliban fighters guarding theUN’s facilities and to provide them a monthly food allowance under an expansion of an accord with the former U.S.-backed Afghan government. This was reported by Reuters News Agency, Thursday (23/12). However, even though sanctions have been relaxed and humanitarian aid will come in; the U.S. continues to encourage the Taliban group to work on their own in a bid to overcome Afghanistan's collapsed economy.
The United Nations has specific reasons why it is necessary to issue a resolution that resolves donors, aid groups, and financial institutions involved in humanitarian assistance from the sanctions imposed on the Taliban. This is solely to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
On behalf of humanity, what the UN did was right. The country with 39 million people still needs food. Currently, they are struggling hard to overcome the humanitarian crisis and food shortages due to the faltering Afghan economy, because there is no more foreign financial assistance.
December
Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) is a part of religion-based education that exists even before Indonesia's independence. The emergence of pesantren in educational institutions began with the transition from Majapahit Kingdom to Demak -the first Islamic kingdom. As time passes by, pesantren keeps developing from the traditional model into a modern one. The existence of pesantren has given a significant contribution to the independence and national development. The santri -students at Islamic boarding school -graduated not only as preachers or teachers in a religious institution, but also they spread across diverse jobs.
About pesantren, in the 34th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama -NU in Lampung on Wednesday (22/12), President Joko Widodo invited the cadres of NU to face the rapid technological advancement that can change daily life. The youths and santri, the president added, can move the economy together in creating prosperity for all. The President also said that currently, Indonesia is the G-20 Presidency, a global forum that contributes 80 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). As the chair of the G-20, Indonesia wants to influence world policies regarding digitalization, climate change and a green economy.
It is undeniable that the existence of NU with a number of pesantrens in particular and other pesantrens in general has played an important role in the Indonesian independence movement in the colonial era until post-independence 1945. Due to changes in the world of education in pesantren towards modernization by not leaving the side of its traditional history, this will make Indonesia even better in the future. Especially now, amid of the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of Islamic boarding schools and their students in fighting the threat of the virus, vaccinating is a role model for the surrounding community and the educational institution. In addition, the pesantren model is a hallmark of religious education in Indonesia. Thus, an educational and scientific model that accepts the progress of the times can provide opportunities for students and NU cadres to be able to contribute in various aspects, especially human resource development with a religious approach.
December
Year-End Notes: Political Constellation of the US, Russia and China
Written by Maryati
Three major and influential countries in the world, namely the United States, Russia and China, are carrying out political maneuvers towards the end of 2021. On December 7, US President Joe Biden held a virtual meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. A week later, on December 15 to be exact, Chinese President Xin JiPing also met with Putin through an audio-visual network.
In contrast to Joe Biden who warned Russia not to put pressure on Ukraine, Xin JiPing emphasized the need for a strategic partnership with Vladimir Putin.
It can be seen that by raising the issue of Ukraine, the United States besides reminding Russia, also wants to emphasize its support for NATO member countries. The United States views NATO members who are also members of the European Union as strategic partners that must be embraced properly.
If Russia and the United States view tensions in Ukraine as an important issue, then the relationship between the United States and China has a problem because of the Taiwan factor. The question then, will the constellation and increasing tensions between the United States and China, and the United States and Russia, will be able to ignite further conflicts that lead to the deployment of weapons?
As is known, the three major countries now have military weapons equipped with very large missiles. Each has several aircraft carriers, thousands of advanced fighter jets, there are also hundreds of warships. In addition, the three countries also have nuclear-powered submarines. In fact, their military strength, is estimated to be able to reach almost the entire face of the earth.
Therefore, the increasing tension between the three, especially if there is an armed conflict, will certainly have a big impact internationally. It's no secret that each of these three powers has partners or alliances with other countries. The trade war between the United States and China that occurred some time ago, for example, has caused a wide economic impact in various countries.
Therefore, even if there is an escalation of tensions between the three countries, there needs to be efforts from each party to defuse it. History shows that conflict never brings good and war will always cause destruction.
December
Ministry of Religious Affairs launches the 2021 Religious Harmony Index
Written by Maryati
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs at the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) in Surakarta, Central Java, Monday (20/12) launched the 2021 Religious Harmony Index. The launch is a strategic step because it becomes a space for policy research dissemination in the form of mapping the condition of religious harmony in Indonesia and the dynamics of actual religion. This was conveyed by Head of the Ministry of Research and Development and Education and Training Agency, Achmad Gunaryo on the sidelines of the event. He added that the launch of the 2021 religious harmony index also aims to find a solution formula for better religious policies. He acknowledged that symptoms of intolerance, extremism, and disharmony still occur in several regions across Indonesia. According to Gunaryo, the government needs to be present as a part of the solution to various religious dynamics that occur in the country. Thereby, according to Gunaryo, discussing and offering the concept of religious moderation and strengthening conditions of religious harmony are an appropriate option.
During the launch, it was revealed that the 2021 Religious Harmony Index reached a value of 72.39. This value increased compared to last year which reached a value of 67.46. This means that the efforts of the government and all Indonesian people to live more harmoniously and tolerantly are quite successful.
The founding people of this country have realized that religious and cultural diversity is not only the wealth of this nation, but also a source of disputes. Therefore, they devised the appropriate formula to form the basis for the founding of the Republic of Indonesia.
Until now, Pancasila has been the most appropriate state basis for Indonesia. If all the five precepts of Pancasila are truly implemented by all Indonesian people, there will be no more friction due to religious, cultural and economic factors. Therefore, improving understanding of Pancasila must continue to be carried out. With a better understanding, social life will also be better. Hopefully next year, the Religious Harmony Index will be better compared with this year.
December
Indonesian Universities Need Transformation and Collaboration
Written by Maryati
Indonesian higher education institutions are asked to continue to transform and strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders, including the business world and industry, government, non-governmental organizations, professional organizations, the public, and the media. These efforts are important so that universities can respond to the challenges of changing times.
Vice President, Ma'ruf Amin while attending the 5th International Seminar and Conference on Global Issues 2021, online, last Saturday (18/12) said that transformation and collaboration are needed to make Indonesia's higher education a world class.
Based on the assessment of the QS World Universities Ranking 2022, there are seven universities in Indonesia that are included in the list of the best 1,000 universities in the world, including Gajah Mada University which is in 254th position and University of Indonesia in 290th position.
In the ranking, the methodology used is to evaluate each institution based on six indicators, including research collaboration with international parties, academic reputation, and graduate reputation.
According to Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, collaboration and transformation can be applied in several frameworks. First, it’s rejuvenating the governance and management of the education system, including research and development, by prioritizing good university governance. In addition, higher education as a motor of innovation can initiate collaboration in the form of joint research. This is important so that financing is more efficient, and the development of science and technology is in line with the needs of industry and society.
Second, it’s reviewing the research methodology so that it is adaptive to advances in information technology. He gave an example that many research institutions have utilized artificial intelligence and big data in mass surveys.
The third effort is by increasing international cooperation between universities at the individual level, such as exchange programs between lecturers and between students. VP Ma'ruf Amin hopes that this program can improve the quality of lecturer research, the quality of alumni, teaching and learning models and community service programs.
Then, he asked for higher education as a cultural center and a driver of social change towards a society that is democratic, forward-looking, as well as having faith and noble character.
If these points of collaboration and transformation can be implemented, the hope to make universities in Indonesia a world class and answer the challenges of the times can be achieved.
December
The Indonesian government officially began Covid-19 vaccination for 6-11 years old children on Tuesday (14/12). The vaccination for children is based on the recommendation by the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization - ITAGI.
This vaccination is done in stages. In the first stage, the vaccination is carried out in provinces, regencies, and cities where the first dose vaccination has reached more than 70% and elderly vaccination above 60%.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Muhadjir Effendy, as quoted from liputan6.com (14/12), said that for now, only 8.8 million children from 106 regencies/cities and 11 provinces will be vaccinated.
The Health Ministry explained, as quoted from kemkes.go.id (14/12), that to finish the children vaccination needs more than 58.7 million vaccine doses. Currently, the Health Ministry has prepared 6.4 million doses for December 2021 and more will be added in January 2022.
The vaccination for 6-11 years old children must be supported because of several crucial reasons, such as protecting children from Covid-19.
Apart from that, it aims to restore the learning process. Director General at the Education Ministry's Early Education, Primary School, and High School, Jumeri, as quoted from kemdikbud.go.id (14/12) said that the government aimed the learning recovery to immediately take place through face-to-face classes.
It is expected that the vaccination for children will be successful. Parents have an important role in supporting this vaccination.
December
Many countries in the world are forbidding travelers, students, and foreign workers, from entering due to the emergence of the Omicron variant. Yet, Australia starting Wednesday (15/12) in fact has begun to openi its borders after believing that the new Omicron variant does not cause more dangerous symptoms than the previous Covid-19 variant.
According to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morisson, quoted from Reuters, Thursday (16/12), at this time humans will be forced to live with the COVID-19 virus. What can be done so as not to be dragged into the flow of economic downturn, is to open borders. The relaxation of border regulations is expected to reduce the labor shortage, which threatens to hamper the country's economic recovery.
The decision to reopen the border in Australia is a follow-up that the country has certainly considered carefully. Even the recommended security measures for the emergence of Omicron must have been anticipated. Locking down since March 2020 has seriously threatened the country's economy.
The circulation of money from the presence of foreign students in Australia is estimated at US $ 25 billion per year. The return of foreign students and skilled migrant workers will help businesses fill the shortage of freelancers. More than 235,000 foreigners, including around 160,000 students, are holding visas to Australia by the end of October 2021.
It is hoped that the health care system in Australia will be able to handle the increase in cases well, including for foreign arrivals. The quarantine system must also be enforced, in addition to continuing to tighten health protocols, from wearing masks to avoiding crowds to ward off the OMICRON virus.
December
Many countries in the world are forbidding travelers, students, and foreign workers, from entering due to the emergence of the Omicron variant. Yet, Australia starting Wednesday (15/12) in fact has begun to openi its borders after believing that the new Omicron variant does not cause more dangerous symptoms than the previous Covid-19 variant.
According to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morisson, quoted from Reuters, Thursday (16/12), at this time humans will be forced to live with the COVID-19 virus. What can be done so as not to be dragged into the flow of economic downturn, is to open borders. The relaxation of border regulations is expected to reduce the labor shortage, which threatens to hamper the country's economic recovery.
The decision to reopen the border in Australia is a follow-up that the country has certainly considered carefully. Even the recommended security measures for the emergence of Omicron must have been anticipated. Locking down since March 2020 has seriously threatened the country's economy.
The circulation of money from the presence of foreign students in Australia is estimated at US $ 25 billion per year. The return of foreign students and skilled migrant workers will help businesses fill the shortage of freelancers. More than 235,000 foreigners, including around 160,000 students, are holding visas to Australia by the end of October 2021.
It is hoped that the health care system in Australia will be able to handle the increase in cases well, including for foreign arrivals. The quarantine system must also be enforced, in addition to continuing to tighten health protocols, from wearing masks to avoiding crowds to ward off the OMICRON virus.
December
Strengthening Strategic Trust for a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous World
Written by Maryati
President Joko Widodo received two honorary visits: the courtesy visit of the U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken and the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Nikolay P. Patrushev at the State Palace in Jakarta, Monday (13/12). During the meeting, President Joko Widodo pointed out Indonesia's priorities in the G20 presidency.
Quoting presidentri.go.id, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi in her statement after accompanying President Joko Widodo revealed that during the meeting, Indonesia hopes that the United States can become one of its partners in the economic sector, including in the investment. She added that Indonesia also hopes to become a part of the global supply chain for the health sector.
Meanwhile, in a meeting with the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, President Joko Widodo said that in 2023, Indonesia will chair ASEAN.Therefore, he hopes for cooperation with Russia as long as Indonesia is the chairman of ASEAN.
Minister Retno Marsudi further pointed out that the United States and Russia are two of Indonesia's good partners. At the end of her statement, Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that Indonesia will continue to develop strategic trust with all countries and all Indonesian partners.
The spirit of strategic trust has been kept being prioritized by President Joko Widodo. In international meetings, such as the November 2020 APEC Summit, the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit and the 24th ASEAN-Japan Summit at the end of October 2021, President Joko Widodo often emphasized the importance of the strategic trust.
As remarked by Minister Retno Marsudi, this strategic trust is also needed to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world. The visit of high-ranking officials from the world's two superpowers that are also members of the G20: the United States and Russia at the end of 2021, is an important note for Indonesia. Indonesia will keep strengthening the strategic trust with all countries and partners. This proves that Indonesia is strongly committed to contributing and creating a peaceful, stable and prosperous world.
December
The United States is trying to forge better relations with countries in the Southeast Asian Region. Diplomatic efforts were made through the working visit of the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The visit, which was the first time since Joe Biden formed his cabinet, was certainly not without purpose.
On Monday, December 13, 2021, Anthony Blinken officially met and held talks with President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. The next day, Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the US Secretary of State delivered his speech at the University of Indonesia, which is a leading university in Jakarta. Anthony Blinken said that his working visit to Southeast Asia was intended to strengthen cooperation and partnerships to maintain the international rules-based order.
Although he did not explicitly mention it, Blinken's statement is very likely intended to allude to the steps taken by China both in Southeast Asia and in the South China Sea Region.
In a speech in front of the University of Indonesia academic community, the US Secretary of State reiterated his government's determination not to recognize China's claims to parts of the South China Sea.
For China and the United States, the South China Sea is a strategic area, both geopolitically, especially for the Indo-Pacific Region, as well as economically. China views the South China Sea in terms of the strategy of reviving its defense strategy, and the Silk Road through the sea. The United States views the strategic position of the marine area from a defense perspective as well as the position of international trade routes.
Both China and the United States, therefore, are trying to exert their influence through countries that have an interest and still have territorial claims in the waters of the South China Sea.
Regarding the attitude of Southeast Asian countries to the struggle for influence of the two big countries, namely China and the United States, of course it will depend on the foreign policy of each country, especially those who have interests in the South China Sea. It is very possible, with regard to the interests of China and the United States, whether in terms of defense, security or economics, in the future there will still be escalation or an increase in tension in the South China Sea area.
For Indonesia in particular, the attitude and policy of anticipating this, of course, refers to the national interest and territorial sovereignty, as well as the free and active foreign policy that has been adhered to so far.