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June
The United Nations Security Council -UNSC failed to produce a Resolution that opposes the use of force by Israel against Palestinian civilians. The draft resolution did not materialize due to a veto used by the United States. The draft resolution proposed by Kuwait, a non permanent member of UNSC representing Asia-Pacific, was countered by the United States, a permanent member. As the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said, the draft resolution is unbalanced for not mentioning the Palestinian Hammas group. According to the United States, Hamas can not simply be ruled out for violence in the Gaza Strip. The United States accuses Hamas of being a terrorist group that must be held accountable for the appalling conditions that have occurred in Gaza. The draft resolution to oppose Israeli violence against Palestinian civilians initiated by Kuwait over the weekend has received the support of other permanent Security Council members namely, France, Russia and China. The US became the only one who refused, while Britain abstained. Meanwhile, non permanent members encouraging the adoption of the draft Resolution are Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Peru, Sweden and the Equatorial Guinea. While the Netherlands, Poland and Ethiopia abstained. As it is known, a UN Security Council Resolution can only be ratified when it gets at least nine votes out of the ten non permanent members, and none of the five permanent members of the Security Council is using a negative vote or veto. Following the failure to pass a resolution condemning Israel, the United States, Israel's main ally, proposed a counter draft. The main Israeli supporter stated that Hamas is guilty of violence in the Gaza Strip. In fact, only the United States supports the draft that it made itself, while 3 UNSC members refused and 10 other abstained. The United States, a key ally and supporter of Israel, will always be an obstacle to pressure Israel. The power of its veto in the UN Security Council will always be exploited to pursue any resolution that harms Israel. Since Donald Trump came to power, support for Israel has become more visible and stronger. For example, the current conflict at the Palestinian Israeli border, was a result of the US embassy relocation to Jerusalem. The failure of UN Security Council resolutions may further make Israel feel more free to commit acts of violence to Palestinian civilians.
June
The arrest of three suspected terrorists at the State University of Riau (UNRI) campus on last Saturday (2/6) showed that campus is not a place free from thoughts or acts of radicalism. Institutions of higher education that graduate the nation's young intellectuals seem increasingly 'exposed' with individuals and radical groups. Even, campus that may be far from the intervention or police supervision is now used by university students or alumni to launch the terrorist movement. They regard the campus as a safe place to carry out their mission.
Some time ago, Head of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), Budi Gunawan at the IV Congress of BEM in Semarang on Saturday (28/4) said that about 39% of college students have been exposed to radical understanding.
He perceived that based on data, 24% of senior high school students and 23.3% of university students agree with jihad for the establishment of an Islamic state. This condition is very worrying because it threatens the sustainability of the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia -NKRI.
Suspected terrorist -MNZ along with two colleagues who were arrested in UNRI campus admitted assembling bombs in the campus because it is considered safe and unreachable from the police. In addition, he also claimed to assemble the explosives in campus because it is easy to get explosives from the laboratory.
MNZ is also suspected of having links with the network of Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) terror group that carried out the attack at Riau Regional Police Headquarters (Mapolda) some time ago. He claimed to have received a bomb order from the perpetrators of the attack. The JAD network is chaired by the defendant of Thamrin bomb case -Aman Abdurrahman. Aman is also the chairman of ISIS in Indonesia. JAD was established as an organization to support the Islamic caliphate. This means that the existence and capability of MNZ with his friends should not be underestimated.
However, the steps taken by the security apparatus -Densus 88 and the Riau Police who entered UNRI campus posed strong protest from Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives –DPR, Fahri Hamzah. Through his Twitter account @ Fahrihamzah on Saturday (2/6/2018) at 19:40 pm, Fahri said that Mr. @ jokowi, this should not be allowed to happen, if long-barreled weapons entered the campus, we have returned to the Stone Age! Maybe, you never became an activist, so you let this happen. This is a war with the students! Even Fahri also tagged Twitter account of President Joko Widodo -@ jokowi, who called Jokowi never became an activist.
The actions taken by the security forces are correct, because what they faced at that time was not a student demonstration or ordinary crime, but people who could endanger the lives of others. Thus, common views are needed to deal with radicalism or suspected terrorists in campus so that the acts of terrorism that have occurred recently and killed dozens of lives can be eradicated across Indonesia.
June
Starting June 9, 2018, Indonesian tourists are banned to enter Israel. Israeli government has issued a policy as a form of retaliation for the ban on Israeli tourists entering Indonesia. The Israeli government says, Indonesian tourists can still go to Israel until June 9. However, after June 9, they both individuals and groups will not be allowed to enter Israel. The decision is regretted by many parties because the city of Jerusalem in Israel is one of the frequently visited cities as a place of worship and religious tourism for Indonesian tourists. Indeed, Indonesia and Israel have no diplomatic relations until now. However, for tourist affairs, especially religious tourism in Israel, Indonesian tourists have a special visa. In regard to the next ban, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the people of Indonesia to understand. Therefore, each country has a policy related to the granting of visa facility. For this matter, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi has coordinated with the Minister of Justice and Human Rights (Menkumham), Yasonna Laoly. The ban on the entry of Indonesian tourists to Israel is disadvantageous not only with Indonesian tourists themselves, but also managers of travel agencies. As we known that Jerusalem is a holy city worth visiting for believers of three religions, namely Jews, Christians, and Islam. Every year, Muslims from various countries, including Indonesia visit Al-Aqsa Mosque on special visas. In addition, Indonesian Christians also make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It is estimated that the number of tourists from Indonesia to Israel reaches about 40 thousand each year. With gross calculation, the financial loss due to Indonesian tourists who cannot travel to Israel per year could reach Rp 2.23 trillion. The calculation is by including the assumption of the number of tourists reaching as many as 40 thousand people and each person spends around Rp 55.8 million for the tourism cost. Indeed, the ban on Indonesian tourists to Israel does not have an economic impact for Indonesia. The ban is more social impact, especially for Muslims and Christians who want to carry out religious visit to the Holy City of Jerusalem. Especially for Christians, visiting the Holy City of Jerusalem is like doing Umrah to Saudi Arabia for Muslims. Jerusalem is the holy city for the populations of the world. Everyone has the same right to visit a place that is considered holy. So, it is not appropriate to ban anyone to make a visit to holy sites.
May
The marathon session was conducted by the Board for Investigation of Preparation for Indonesian Independence -BPUPKI from 28 May to 1 June 1945. In the time, there were 3 figures who explained about the basic state. They were Muhammad Yamin, Soepomo and Sukarno. On the 1st of June, the term Pancasila –five principles was introduced by Soekarno and by the members of the board. However, the formulation of the content of this Pancasila was being discussed at some time afterwards, as in the Jakarta Charter. The information about the emergence of the term Pancasila itself was mentioned in Sukarno's speech, which stated about Pancasila as the basis of the state. This was also the basis for the emergence of Presidential Decree No. 24/ 2016 issued by President Joko Widodo on the birth of Pancasila. Thus, June 1st is also decided as national holiday and the implementation process of the Presidential Decree began in 2017.
The history of the birth of Pancasila itself comes from the Board for Investigation of Preparation for Indonesian Independence –BPUPKI, which was conducted in Chuo Sangi In Building in Jakarta. In the Dutch Colonial era, this was called ‘Volksraad’ building. Now, the building is known as Pancasila Building. BPUPKI itself is a body formed by the Japanese occupation government on 29 April 1945. This is actually one of the engineerings to gain sympathy and support from the people of Indonesia, where Japan would give independence to the people of Indonesia.
BPUPKI formed Committee 9 whose task was to formulate the state principles and the Constitution to be included in the text of the proclamation. In making the formulation of Pancasila by the Committee 9, it was varied. There were proposals from Mohammad Yamin and Soepomo. While the formulation submitted by Sukarno at that time was different from the order of Pancasila that we know today. The state basis submitted by Sukarno at that time was in sequence namely: Nationality, Internationalism or humanity, Consensus or democracy, Social welfare, and Belief in the Almighty. But finally, Pancasila was arranged in the following order: Belief in the One, Just and Civilized Humanity, Indonesian Unity, Democracy led by Wisdom in Consensus and Social Justice for All Indonesian People.
The celebration of Pancasila's birthday in 2018 highlights the theme, "We are Pancasila: United, Sharing, Achieving" which means that Pancasila makes the Indonesian nation united and encourage the younger generation to freely enjoy a prosperous life that provides motivation to share. At the 73 year old, Pancasila is not a young age anymore. Of course, the attitude and spirit of Pancasila that exist in the younger generation need to be reawakened so as not to fade away. With the anniversary of the birth of Pancasila conducted routinely, it is expected that Indonesian young people will be more sensitive in understanding the importance of Pancasila as the state basis of Indonesian that is able to function as a unifying tool of the Indonesian nation.
June
On Tuesday (May 29, 2018) by using rockets and mortars, Hamas, a movement controlling the Gaza Strip, launched attack targeting in southern Israel. This large attack was the first since 4 years ago. Israel, which has recently committed acts of violence against Palestinian civilians, then launched a counterattack, at least 35 times, to several targets in Gaza. Israeli warplanes took part in the attack mission to the 7 locations of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including ammunition warehouses.
Israel claimed no casualties on its side. Both Hamas and Israel have finally agreed to a ceasefire since Wednesday (May 30, 2018). Since the wave of Palestinian people's protests on late March, at least 120 Palestinians have been killed. The protesters called for Israel to return the occupied territory. Some of them were killed during a rally on the Gaza-Israel border, including 61 people two weeks ago. The rest were killed by Israeli air strikes.
The Israeli side claimed to simply defend the border and blame Hamas for pushing the protesters through the border. In addition to restricting the land area, Israel also conducted a blockade in the territorial waters off the coast of Gaza. This was done by installing a barrier to avoid infiltration from the Gaza Strip into the Israeli territory as happened in 2014. The Palestinians protested against the blockade. A ship carrying 20 people and several other small boats then left the fishing port of Gaza. There has been no response from the Israeli military regarding protests against the sea blockade.
The occurrence of mutual attack is certainly very unfortunate. Because Israel used sophisticated fighter jets, which were bigger than just rocket and mortar attacks. Hopefully, the ceasefire can last a long time. Both sides should refrain and prioritize negotiations. Indonesia, which supports the two-state solution, certainly wants Palestine as a real country to be established soon. Thus, one of the problems in the Middle East region can be ended.
May
Although there has been a psy-war through harsh statements, the United States and North Korea, apparently continue to prepare for the High Level Meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un. US State Department Spokesman Heather Nauert in Washington said Monday, a US delegation had been on the border of the two Koreas , and that South Korea was already in talks with North Korean officials. He said both sides continue to prepare for the meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un. Previously , it was reported that a number of South Korean officials had even visited North Korea, and met up with the country’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Besides preparation for possibile High Level Conference in North Korea and the borders of the two Koreas, both US and North Korean officials have visited Singapore which is planned to be the location of the Summit. Preparatory efforts can give signal that Wahington and Pyong Yang are still committed to resuming talks, although diplomatic statements may heat things up. One of the US allies, Japan, issued a declaration that gave pressure to North Korea. In a telephone conversation between Washington and Tokyo, Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to urge North Korea to dismantle all its nuclear testing sites. The Trump and Abe talks came just after high-ranking North Korean and US officials met in Pan Mun Jom to discuss the possibility of a high-level meeting. Trump and Abe, also agreed to meet before the Singapore Summit. The steps of the United States and its allies are openly expressed through media coverage. What remains unknown is the North Korean move with its greatest ally, China. North Korea certainly does not stay silent in the face of diplomatic moves by Washington. However, China’s position as a North Korean ally certainly can not be disregarded.
May
Although there has been a nervous war through harsh statements, the United States and North Korea, it seems to be continuing the preparations for holding the summit. Preparatory efforts and approaches for talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The statement was made by US State Department Spokesman Heather Nauert in Washington. Nauert said Monday that a United States delegation had been on the border of North Korea and South Korea holding talks with North Korean officials. It is said that both sides continue to prepare for a meeting between the President of the United States and the North Korean Leader. Previously reported a number of South Korean officials have even visited North Korea, met with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Korea.
In addition to North Korea and the borders of the two Koreas, the preparation for the possibility of the High Level Conference is also done by visiting Singapore which is planned to be the location of the Summit. The visit to Singapore was conducted by both US and North Korean officials.
Preparatory preparation efforts can signal that Washington and Pyongyang are still committed to resuming talks, although diplomatic statements may heat things up.
One of the United States' allies, Japan, issued a declaration that tapped North Korea. In a telephone conversation between Washington and Tokyo, Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to pressure North Korea to dismantle all its nuclear testing sites. The Trump and Abe talks came just after high-ranking North and US officials met in Panmunjom to discuss the possibility of a high-level meeting.
Trump and Abe, also agreed to meet before the Singapore Summit.
The steps of the United States and its allies are openly expressed through media coverage. What remains unknown is the North Korean move with its great ally, China. North Korea certainly also does not stay silent with acts of diplomatic action conducted Washington. However, China as a North Korean ally certainly can not be denied its position.
May
Prohibition for ex-Convicted Corruption Cases Should Be regulated in The Constitution
Written by
The General Election Commission -KPU is highlighting a discourse to prohibit former corruption case convicts to become legislative candidates. The discourse had been discussed in a hearing with the House of Representatives at Commission II on May 22, 2018. The KPU will prohibit not only ex-convicted corruption cases, but also ex-convicted drug dealers and sexual crimes against children to become legislative candidates -Caleg.However, the discourse of the ban is not approved by the Commission II of the House of Representatives –DPR. Home Affairs Ministry and the Election Supervisory Board agree that the KPU shall stick to the Election Law No. 7/2017. One article of the election law explains that a prospective candidate of legislative who is an ex-prisoner and has served a sentence of five years or longer, may nominates himself or herself by informing to the public that his or her status is ex-prisoner.
Although KPU does not get the approval from DPR, the government and the Election Supervisory Board, it seems that KPU is adamant with its discourse. KPU Commissioner, Wahyu Setiawan said that KPU tends to make the former corruption case prisoner unable to register as a legislative candidate.
KPU wants to create a new breakthrough with a good goal by making the state institutions, such as DPR free from corruption. But unfortunately, the prohibition of ex-corruption convicted candidates cannot be made in KPU regulations (PKPU) but it must be made at the level of the Act.
The limitation of the political rights of former corruption case prisoners, if done beyond the law, this directly violates the 1945 Constitution. Based on the 1945 Constitution, it states that the limitation of the right should only be done in two ways, namely by law and court verdict. As long as there is no law or court verdict that regulates, the rights of the ex-prisoner cannot be eliminated.
Many parties agree with the KPU's plan to limit ex-corrupt prisoners to become legislative candidates. Unfortunately, it cannot be through the KPU regulations whose level is under the Act. Therefore, KPU should try harder to encourage that the prohibition of the former corruption case convicts is regulated based on the 1945 Constitution. (Brg)
May
The world is looking forward to a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un, scheduled for June 12th. However, amid awaiting realization of the historic moment, Pyongyang on Tuesday (15/5) local time, suddenly threatened to cancel the summit.
North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister, Kim Kye Gwan said that his country is no longer interested in the talks and will reconsider its attendance. The reason is that because the United States is considered to provoke Pyongyang ahead of the summit by throwing "stupid statements".
One thing that angers North Korea is the assertion of US hardline conservative politician, John Bolton over the weekend. He said that North Korea could follow Libya's nuclear disarmament model. That is to stop the entire weapon program first, and then to obtain economic assistance.
Another reason why Pyongyang is not interested in the talks is that the US demands for denuclearization. Unilaterally, the United States demands that North Korea halts its nuclear weapons program for the June-12 meeting between both heads of states.
The agreement on Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump Summit is a major breakthrough after the meeting of two Korean leaders, Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Panmunjom last April 27. At the meeting, North Korea said that it was committed to carrying out the denuclearization on the Korean peninsula.
However, it does not mean that steps towards denuclearization of the Korean peninsula run smoothly. It should be understood that North Korea has spent so much time and money over the years to build its nuclear weapons. All of these are to show its existence as a powerful country. Thus, the denuclearization demand is very heavy for North Korea.
Due to the nuclear significance for the North, since the beginning Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned that talks on denuclearization on the Korean peninsula may not run smoothly. The United States and its allies need to be patient and careful in taking steps, including in issuing statements, which tend to injure previously built commitment.
May
The planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore in June has been cancelled and it was colored with tension and uncertainty. However, North Korea has shown its seriousness to close the Punggye-ri nuclear site in North Hamgyong Province. So seriously, North Korea blew up three tunnels and supporting devices that international media journalists witnessed on Thursday (May 24, 2018). A journalist who was present said that the explosion was seen in three tunnels and could be spotted from close observation around 500 meters away.
The presence of international media journalists at Punggye-ri nuclear sites has been reported by South Korea's News Agency –Yonhap. Some journalists of South Korea, the United States, China, Russia and England were present last Tuesday. Yonhap also mentioned that North Korea will destroy underground tunnels and other facilities on the site.
But the tension still happened because North Korea had threatened to stop the dialogue, when it was alleged, the United States and Korea South launched joint military exercises. Mike Pompeo's mission to keep inviting North Korea to the next stage seemed to succeed after North Korea wanted to destroy its nuclear facilities. The destruction was conducted by North Korea after the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un.
The meeting itself took place in a friendly atmosphere. But in the midst of a less conducive atmosphere, US Vice President Mike Pence made a statement to the media on Monday (May 21) that could have damaged what Pompeo has been trying to do.
The United States pledged to help North Korea and not overthrow North Korean regime if North Korea would stop its nuclear program. President Trump then issued a statement through tweeters that sadly, President Donald Trump was forced to cancel the 4-eye meeting with Leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore.
We certainly hope that even though the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore next June was canceled, goodwill towards peace that has begun to grow should be followed-up next. We encourage that there should a meeting which is based on mutual trust. If the issue on the Korean Peninsula is over, there are still problems in other regions around the world that must also be dealt with.
