INTERNATIONAL LAW

[November 2009]

Indonesia and Malaysia finally come to an initial agreement over the Indonesia Domestic workers in Malaysia. The said which issues are crucial due to many human rights abuses by the Malaysian Employers. The points in agreements covers the issue of minimum wages, paid insurance by the employer, one day weekly leave, passports hold by the employee and finally compulsory psychological test for employers prior to employment. The Malaysian government have objection over the paid salaries, admitting that most Malaysians homes are not in the capacity to pay salary of 250 US dollars per month to the domestic workers, particularly after the financial crisis where poor families increases significantly in Malaysia. Indonesia also urge psychological test for Malaysian employers, since in most cases of human rights abuses towards Indonesian domestic workers by the Malaysians are identified that the most Malaysian employers are mentally ill. Trasnsparent and qualified legal system is also another issue in Malaysia, where most criminal cases of human abuses no yet settled.

[October 2009]

Indonesia at Strategic Level in G-20. The Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his speech at the G-20 in Pittsburgh last September, welcomes the permanent G-20 as an institution where Indonesia is included. He expected G-20 to bring a better civilization, representing the east and the west, and even Islamic Civilization and a forum to build a much safer world. He is of the opinion that G-20 replacing G-8, will play different significant role than G-7 or G-8, which both G-7 ands 8 only represents developed countries, mostly from Europe, except Japan as Asian representation. Indonesia sit at number 16 on the world’ big economic growth. 

Keris, Wayang and Batik, an Indonesian original Common World Heritage of Mankind. Following the UNESCO Recognition of Indonesia original cultural world heritage of Keris and Wayang since 2003, now UNESCO agreed Batik (an Indonesian traditional sheets used for clothing) as Indonesia’ original cultural world heritage since September 2009, a ceremony to be held in Abu Dhabi 2 October 2009.  The Common World Heritage of Mankind of UNESCO is one of three lists made under the UNESCO 2003 on the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Mankind, where Indonesian is one of the ratifying country. The recognition is part if the effortless Indonesian government attempt since 2008, though projects of intensive researches in the field, involving the community and Batik experts at 17 out of 33 provinces all over Indonesia. The UNESCO after 2 years of considerations by 6 countries, considers that Batik indeed is originally an Indonesian nation cultural icon with unique of symbols and philosophy of human life cycle. It represents not only Indonesia, but also mankind. Batik is considered a traditional art with rich of cultural values maintained for generations. The Indonesian Minister of Culture is now attempting to include Angklung (a traditional bamboo music instruments), to be the next recognition by the UNESCO.

[September 2009]

Dispute Over Songs between Indonesia and Malaysia. The Indonesian song titled ‘Terang Bulan’ and Malaysian national anthem called ‘Negaraku’, are exactly same in its introduction and intonation, except for the lyrics and patriotical beat for the Malaysian Anthem. According to Lokananta, an Indonesian State Enterprise in recordings, the Indonesian ‘Terang Bulan’ song was recorder by Lokananta in a choir version at the Republic of Indonesia Government Radio in 1956, a year earlier to Malaysia independence. The recorded song was copied into phonograph and sited in Lokananta Archive in 1965. Lokananta Archive only stated that the said song is an entertainment song or a popular public song, in Keroncong genre categorization, on 11 minute and 15 second duration and without a composer name. The said song rerecorded to a phonograph on 16 March 1965, together with 3 other keroncong genre songs. ‘Terang Bulan’ was popular in Indonesia years before recorded. The old generation who lived on the era of the said song must be agree that the Malaysian national anthem ‘Negaraku’ was copied from ‘Terang Bulan’.

KPK formed cooperation with 3 Australian state departments for corruption eradication. The said departments are The Attorney General Department (AGD), The Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) - a state department similar to KPK in Australia, and The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) - a department supervising the state official in Australia. The said cooperation covers information exchange, corruption eradication strategy, and strengthening the linkage in each department on both countries. KPK stated that the essence of this cooperation is in the capacity building, competency upgrades through training and exchange of experts, such as in the issues of intelligent, information gathering, investigation, allegation process, and mutual legal assistance, and also extradition. Through this cooperation, the corruption eradication expected to be more effective. The cooperation in extradition issue for example, will guarantee that the corruptor and its assets be caught even if they are escapeing to Australia

[August 2009]

Malaysia back on the Black List of Human Trafficking: US Government. The list is due to the failure of the Malaysian government to meet minimum requirement and less significant effort of human trafficking, a list which put Malaysia from Watch List status in 2008 and Blacklist status in 2007 together with other 16 countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Chad, Eritrea, Nigeria, Mauritania, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. In respond, the Malaysian government refused, by saying they have taken significant moves to solve it. The said announcement is on US Report in the ‘Trafficking in Persons Report 2009’ at 173 countries all over in the world.

[July 2009]

Unites States President, Barrack Obama congratulate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for Success. The statement through the White House official website of the United State of America, where the US President Barrack Obama congratulate Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) for his success to held the 2009 general election and win it. SBY thank and welcomed the salutation statement from President Barrack Obama.

[June 2009]

Malaysia Navy trespassed Indonesian Seawaters at Ambalat. The move by Malaysian Navy and coastguards at the Ambalat areas in late May 2009, was then ordereds to leave the waters by the Indonesian sea patrol KRI Untung Suropati. The appearance of KD Yu-3508 (Malaysian navy boat) fast attack craft-gun type boat, on 04.03.00 LU/118.01.70 East Longitude position, already entered Indonesia territory at 12 sea miles, clearly violating the UNCLOS on sea border territory. The moves were held more than 10 times by Malaysian navy and airships for the last 1 month, have increased tensions between both governments and Defense Secretaries. To avoid from further gun attacks, the Malaysian Parliament and Malaysian Minister of Defense has submitted its formal apology to the Indonesian government, mid June 2009.

Material Transfer Agreement agreed by the World Health Assembly (WHA). Indonesian Minister of Health figured that 90% success has been reached by the Indonesian party. It is expected that with the SMTA, Indonesia can get direct access for the utilization (the progress, the research, for vaccines uses and the party who uses) of Indonesian viruses or materials being shared to the WHA. WHA is the highest World Healthy Organization hearing forum. Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) is an agreement to share viruses or sample.

[May 2009]

Indonesian Navy caught Malaysian Fishing Boat in Riau Island of the Indonesian Territorial Waters for Illegal Fishing. According to the Indonesian Balai Karimun Navy HQ Commander, Navy Lieutenant Colonel Kusmayadi, the 5 Malaysians are still under investigation for illegal fishing at the Iyu Kecil territorial watery, Karimun regency, Kepri Province, which  violated Law No. 31 year 2004 on Fisheries. The Malaysian fishing boat number JHF 58 B GT 6,37, captained by Lee Book Soen is exploring fish from Kukup Laut, Pontian, Malaysia, . entered the Indonesian territorial waters with fish trap. According to statistic, released by the Indonesian Minister of Marine and Fisheries Freddy Numberi. illegal fishing at the Indonesian waters has caused Rp. 30 billion state loss, annually, which is decreasing lately. Illegal fishing is mainly triggered by lack of raw materials in the China, the Phillipines and Thailand, where illegal fishing at the Indonesian waters is seen as an alternative.  The said legal issues of marines and fisheries are now being handled through the signing of MOU by the Indonesian General Attorney and the Ministry of Fisheries to force the said countries to establish fishery industries in Indonesia instead of illegal fishing.

[March 2009]

Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini: Tolerance in Indonesia, a Model for the World to Learn. The International Conference on “Unity in Diversity, the Culture of Coexistence in Indonesia” in Rome, was held by the cooperation of the Indonesian and Italian government with Communità di Sant’ Egidio. It is said that, Indonesia is a country with the largest Moslem population in the world, as well as a model for the moderate Islamic tradition, who live side by side peacefully with other religions for over hundred years. Prof. Andrea Riccardi, the founder of Sant’ Egidio, said that Indonesia is a plurality laboratory (pluralism), and the world needs civilization, where people shall live side by side, peacefully (so called 'civilization of coexistence'). This conference is a forum to learn and share experiences, and its aim is to build a high-level dialog between representatives of Islamic organization in Indonesia and scholars from Italia. The resource persons from Indonesia are General Principal of PBNU KH. Hasyim Muzadi, Prof. Dr. Bachtiar Effendi, Prof. Dr. Siti Musdah Mulia, Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra, Uskup Martinus D. Situmorang, representative from Indonesian State Ministry Prof. Atho Muzhar, Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat dan Dr. Fatimah Husein. Indonesia also stated its willingness to be the home country for the upcoming conference next year.

WIEF: Jakarta Declaration by Islamic Countries. The World Islamic Economic Forum on its the 5^th conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, declared the mutual agreement between Islamic countries called the ‘Jakarta Declaration’. One of the important points is to accommodating the Indonesian government proposal, brought by the Indonesian President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the structuring the support fund from and used by the syariah (Islamic Law) economic based countries or known by Islamic Expenditure Support Fund. The Jakarta Declaration then establishes seven groups of recommendation, namely (1) recommendation to overcome global financial crisis, (2) steps to secure food product, (3) energy protection, (4) the global development of small and medium size business, (5) the development of business conducting by women in Moslem country, (6) the capacity development of young leader in the Islamic Conference Organization (OKI) country, and (7) the agreement on education development.

Indonesian and Australian Government signed MOU on Visa. The annual 100 double -function visa is particularly designed for Indonesian students both for holiday and work, valid for students age of 18-30 years old subject to requirements the ability to speak both countries languages, healthy, good behavior, and single.  The aim of this MOU is to provide chances for Indonesian students to travel and learn about the life, culture, economy of the neighboring country, while working as their source of fund during holiday. Indonesia is the 7^th country in agreement on the implementation of this double function visa. The 100 initial visas is subject to examination the upcoming year.

Indonesian and Australian Government signed MOU Human Trafficking. The MOU is to avoid the case where Indonesia has become a pivot point for this trafficking to Australia. Both Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights, Andi Matalata, and Australian Minister of immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans agree to discuss the details in the upcoming Bali Peace Meeting, such as Rohingya tribe from Burma. For the latter particular case, Indonesia has its policy to provide an immigration detention house in Tanjung Pinang,  while seeks for  an integrated solution in a short time.

[February 2009]

The US State Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Indonesia. The 2 days official visit will cover various issues between the US, Indonesia and ASEAN. Hillary Clinton on behalf of the US Government expects both countries will reach new form of cooperation in law supremacy, peaceful resolution of conflict, human rights, education, health, environment, good governance, and mutual understanding Further, Hillary expresses her good impression of Indonesia in democracy, Islam and progress of role of Indonesian women. Hillary Clinton, once a leading American lawyer and a Senator, is also fully aware of hardships faced by the current Indonesian administration led by President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono due to multi dimensional and great pressures to undergo managing 240 millions of people. The official visit, the first and only country in Southeast Asia, is also expected to built and recover US' unpopular image due to its past international political regime.

US to play more role in ASEAN. The official statement was delivered by the US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during the official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. US current administration expects to accelerate the signing of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in the Southeast Asia. The Minister also admitted that this is the first time the US emphasized its foreign policy toward ASEAN member countries in order to empower a productive ties through cooperation, which under the previous US administration was not on priority. The US region strategic positioning in ASEAN are being mapped as a region  characterized by its particular orientation in trade, significant economy power, and as a key to solve problem in climate change and terrorism. The ASEAN Secretariat in response, is of the opinion that US current administration views its commitments in politics and security over the region. Technically, the US will soon attend the ASEAN  Post Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, this July, and implementation through facilitation and training support for the ASEAN staff at the ASEAN Secretariat.

Indonesian Captain involved in an Incident at Vladivostok, Russia. The captain and other 5 Indonesian sailor at a China cargo ships, failed to escape after the cargo sunked at the Vladivostok Port, shot by the port authority of Russia this February. The cargo ships was earlier detained by the Vladivistok Port Authority for goods being disputed between the buyer in Russia and Seller from China. However, the captain was then forced by the ship owner in China to leave without authorization from the port authority, compelling the port authority to shoot the cargo. The captain fortunately signed a release of discharge with the ship owner, prior to the incident, knowing his action might took serious legal consequences. The Indonesian Embassy in Moscow has act proportionally under the Vienna Convention 1965 on Diplomatic Relation, by protecting the 6 Indonesians abroad.

Indonesian School in the Netherland represent Indonesia at the UN International Conference Simulation. The official name The Hague International Model United Nation (THIMUN) will be participated by students from various countries, with agenda to train participants to act as diplomat at UN IGO forum to discuss issues in international politics, globalization, effective communication, and multilateral diplomacy. The said 12 Indonesian students will be supervised by 3 other Indonesian teachers.

Indonesian Commission on Corruption Eradication (KPK) and Indonesian State Auditor (BPK) Found Mismanagement of Foreign Loan. KPK and BPK will investigate The Indonesian National Economy Planning and Development Body (BAPPENAS), The Central Bank (BI), Department of Finance (Depkeu), and other state enterprises due to mis-utilization of those foreign loans. According to KPK, the number from Department of finance record reached Rp 450 trillion, while the Central bank verse shows Rp 443 trillion. According to BPK, from 1967 to 2005 only 44% of the foreign loan used appropriately, while the other 56% is used unclearly. KPK will then check whether these falls into legal issue or administration fault. BPK wish to have a clearer versions due growing numbers of loan repayment.

[January 2009]

5 Australians Charged 2 Years Imprison for Illegal Trespassing by Merauke’s District Court. They are who illegally landed with small aircraft with no flight clearance at Papua small airport on 12 September 2008. The four passengers are Vera Scott Bloxom, Karen Burke, Hubert Hofer and Keit Rowals Mortimer who’s sentenced to two years in prison and fined Rp 25 million (USD 2,600) for violating Articles 53 and 6 of Law No. 9/1992 on immigration, while the pilot Scott Bloxom, is sentenced to three years in prison and fined Rp 50 million (USD 5,200) for violating Articles 58 and 13 (2) of Law No. 15/1992 on aviation. The 5 Australians told the police that their purpose of visit was sightseeing. They board a light (twin-piston) P-68 aircraft, registration code VH-PFP, and landed on Mopah, Merauke. Responding the court verdict, the defendant request for an appeal. Meanwhile, an Australian media (cairns.com.au) reported, that an Australian parliament member had already contact the Australian PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs to find a guarantee that the federal government will make their best effort to defend the five defendants.

2008

[December 2008]

Malaysians still Contribute High Crime Against Humanity towards Indonesian Domestic Workers in Malaysia. According to the Indonesian Consulate Offices and Embassy in Malaysia, the data shows that most cases occurred and complained by Indonesian domestic workers by their Malaysian employers, are the unpaid salaries by the Malaysians mostly in Kuala Lumpur with 235 cases in 2008, where the figure decreased than 2007 (231) but worst in 2006 (310). In the last three years back, the statistic shows that other problems explained by the Indonesian workers are that the works are too hard, with figure of 34 complains in 2008, 87 (2007) and 97 (2006). Fraud by the employers are 33 cases (2008), 51 (2007) and 56 (2006), dismissal 10-39-22, for 3 years back respectively; no working adjustment 0-123-153, tortured by the employer 42-106-141, abandoned 8-17-14, below age trafficked 36-19-20. The new crimes in 2008 committed by Malaysians also shown as, employing them as prostitutes 22), employing them for two mistress 11.

WHO Benefit Sharing Finally Agreed. The World Health Organization (WHO) finally agrees the new mechanism, as strongly proposed by Indonesian Minister of Health replacing the old one sided affairs-mechanism called 'Global Influenza Surveillance Network' to solving bird flu under the WHO Influenza Network Mechanism. The new mechanism will share virus samples implemented under full and transparent Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA), an agreement to put the party such Indonesia parties into first priority in medicine support for free. The Agreement was made during The Intergovernmental Meeting on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness/IGM-PIP in Geneva, Switzerland, on 7-13 December 2008, which was represented by the Indonesian Minister of Health, Ms Siti Fadillah Supari. The previous mechanism applied for 40 years has put developing countries into jeopardy, where virus sample was sent to a private pharmacy company under the WHO for research and to find the cure, but then commercializing and sell them back at high price instead for humanity.

New Regulation for Foreign Pharmacy. The new regulation issued by the Minister of Health Number 1010 year 2008, are a compulsory to establish a pharmacy plant or factory in Indonesia to be categorized as Pharmacy Industry, where this Pharmacy Industry are now entitled to register drugs, drugs containing narcotics for medical use, patent drugs, be it locally manufactured or directly imported. The major goal are to protect society from drug circulation to meet qualifications, such as condition, security, quality, and benefit. Under this new regulation, foreign pharmacy who do not own a factory falls under the category as a big pharmacy seller (PBF), where they activity are limited to importing drugs from the original factory, running administration and dispensary. The regulation also refuses suggestions as proposed by group of international pharmacy corporation to change their member status form big seller into pharmacy industry, since they do not have factory in Indonesia.

[November 2008]

Indonesia won Gold medals at 7Th ASEAN Skill Competition. The two yearly-events this year, Indonesia contingent succeeded to received the most medals and award than any countries in the region. The 5 gold medals are for categories of Ladies Dress Making Category (by I Nyoman Bayu), Cabinet Making Category (Muhammad Abidin), Web Design Category (Krisna Ranggabuana), Bracklaying Category (Edi Suwiknyo), Graphic Design Category (Heri Kurniawan). Five silver medals received from Electrical Installation, Restaurant Service, Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), and Cooking Category. Meanwhile, four bronze medals received from Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), Graphic Design, IT/Software Application, and Automobile Technology category. 16 diplomas are also for Indonesia. As a form of appreciation of their achievement, the Indonesian government will provide them with give option of scholarships in Indonesia or apprenticeship in Japan for three years.

Trade Battle through Protection of Domestic Products. The Indonesian Government has tightened imports of a number of products covering from textile product (TPT), food and beverages, shoes, children toys, and electronic, which since 15 December 2008 those 5 products will be subject to Imported List, and may only be delivered through certain harbors: Tanjung Priok harbor, Tajung Mas harbor, Tanjung perak harbor, Belawan harbor and Soekarno-Hatta airport. This policy will be held for two years until December 2010. law breaker shall be subject to applicable law, be it the product or the importer of companies or individuals. The same actions are also held by the Malaysia, India, and the United States (US). The US Government has added more applicable products to be equipped with original letter (PSA) and threat countries enjoying GSP, such as Indonesia. Further, the US will also accused Indonesia for dumping to several Indonesia products, actions also taken towards China, Malaysia, Brazil, Canada and Russian. Malaysia also exercised protection through approval for duty of imported steel. Meanwhile India will applied 15% of tax for strings steel. Recently, the battle of trade is no longer inevitable. Each country protects its domestic industry from imported goods, whether through tariff barrier or by non tariff barrier.

[October 2008]

3 Indonesian Universities are the Best University in the World. The announcement was released by the Times Higher Education QS World University (THE QS World at www.topuniversities.com), where in 2008 the University Indonesia (UI) ranked at number 287 followed by Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) at rank 315 and Universitas Gajah Mada (UGM) at rank 316. The achievement made by UI following its credit points meets 4 criterias from the OS World, which are research quality, teaching quality, employability graduate, and international outlook. University of Indonesia is considered strong and excellent in research quality. The indicator from this aspect is based on the perception of its respondents (peer review) in the whole world and also the amount of quotations (cilatious per faculty) from paper which are established by UI students.

ASEAN Charter Ratified. After months of long debate, the Indonesian parliament finally ratified ASEAN Charter on Wednesday, 8 October 2008, the last country in ASEAN to ratify the Charter. The signing of document on ASEAN Charter bill was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayudha, Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu, and Minister of Law and Human Rights Andi Mattalatta, representing 10 Fraction and governments in Commission I at the Parliament. However, questions remain by the parliament of the urgency of ASEAN Charter as a legal ground of ASEAN transformation into a solid organization. Also the disagreement with the voting mechanism (Article 20), a creation of a slower ASEAN and a longer in taking decision. Beside of that, the parliament also disagree with the unclear sanction of ASEAN Charter violation, and human rights body mandate which cannot be guaranteed by the Charter and its effectiveness (Article 1). However, the parliament foresee the Charter to bring benefit for Indonesia. According to Hassan Wirayudha, “ASEAN Charter ratification is a first step of ASEAN transformation to accomplish a full integration as a community in 2015”.

[September 2008]

5 Australians Charged for Trespassing. The 5 Australians will be charged for violating the Indonesian Immigration Law entering Indonesian territory without legal documents and trespassing with airplane without permit into Papua Province of Indonesia. The pilot is sentenced for 5 years imprisonment under the Law of Aircraft 15/1992 article 58 and article 13 paragraph 2, while the other 6 Australians will be sentenced each for 7 years under the Indonesian Immigration Law 9/1992 article 53 and article 6 paragraph 1 and article 9 letter a and b. In another case involving another Australian criminals,  an Australian men was caught for Carrying Drugs in Kuta beach, Bali.

[August 2008]

Poll: Foreign Investors Control Over Indonesia Economy. The poll held by Setara Institute of 800 respondents age of 17 to 22 in May 2008 shows, that 60,8 percent believe that foreign investors took control the Indonesian economy. The young generation suggested that Indonesia as a nation must take over the control as President Evo Morales of Bolivia did to his country particularly in oil mining. The poll also shows low expectation of 57 percent domestic capability to compete with foreign entrepreneurs, and of 50,7 percent did not agree privatization of potential state enterprises. 56,85 percent respondents also perceive there is an economy draw back in the last 10 years, proven by 76 percent sees development are not for the poor and 60,9 percent believe developments are not in concordance to the Indonesia Constitution in protecting main natural resources and entities for the people' prosperity. In foreign investment, however, an Indonesian economist Chatib Basri from the University of Indonesia argued, that the survey did not meet the review issued by a number of international organization, OECD, IFC, and the world bank who considered Indonesia as a close country for foreign investors due to its updated Investment Law and negative list, ranked Indonesia at 135 out of 170 in open economy index.
 

[July 2008]

Indonesia must Refuse WTO Agreement. The refusal are based on the exclusion G33 of developing countries represented by Indonesia as spokesman, during the WTO meeting in Geneva ending 30 July. Transparency are the keyword where developing countries must be involved during negotiation attended by G7 members Australia, Brasil, China, European Union, India, Japan and the United States. Indonesia on behalf G33 compelled 'Special Products` (SP) and `Special Safeguard Mechanism` (SSM) to be accommodated in the modality draft for agriculture to protect developing countries farmers at villages being the least protected under the WTO Agreements in Agriculture. The WTO mechanism under the scheme allows developed countries to pour big subsidies to its farmers, subsidy not allowed by developing countries. Further, the scheme of trade liberalization is also unfair where duties differs. At the end, food defense are the most vulnerable for most developing countries. However, disagreements between developed countries, existed, such as India and China vs the US and EU. France as member of the EU request EU's clarification and transparency. The WTO meeting has been delayed for 7 years already due to a number of disagreements.
 

Indonesia - Timor Leste Concluded on Timor 1998. The result issued by Truth and Friendship Commission (KKP) established by both countries, primarily suggested, that both government institutions are those responsible for the human rights violation during the East Timor Poll between the pro-East Timor independence versus pro Indonesia integration in September 1999. Since 11 August 2005 the KKP team members recommendations are drawn in seven chapters and one special chapter, emphasize not on legal grounds, but more on the future commitments by both countries to set up a good relationship.

Legal Note: The KKP recommendations presented in the absence of a number of foreign nationals and foreign countries, including the UN who refused to witness during the incidents of 1998, since their direct involvement are clear and published. Most Indonesian people also believe, that natural resources of minerals at the Timor Gap between Indonesia and Australia are the  main concern. The integration of East Timor into the 27th Province of the Republic of Indonesia in 1975 was not an issue until late 1980. After its independence, strong tie of culture and economy between Indonesian and Timor Leste, remain.

[June 2008]

Drug Duo Executed.  The two Nigerian nationals was executed by the Indonesian firing squad far out from Jakarta for drug trafficking caught in 2001. Both are the first drug offenders to be executed in Indonesia in four years. Other 60 drug offenders are on death row, including the two of the famous Australians Bali Nine . Other crimes committed by foreigners recently are on child pedophilia by an Australian in Jakarta, an Australian women found dead at her house in Bali suspected committed by her business partner. Australians are on top for crime committed in Indonesia, number exceed 30. Recently also, three British nationals (a journalist, a consultant and a businessmen) committed suicide in their apartments in Jakarta, last May.

[May 2008]

Indonesia Suggest the Implementation of UNCLOS 1982, remain.  This position was released from Indonesia, represented by the Indonesian Director General for Law and International Treaties of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in respond to the United Nations draft resolution to additional authority by the UN Security Council (UN SC) within the IMO authority to combat sea piracy at most archipelagic states, where territorial sea status may change into international sea,  which is in contrary to the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) and United Nations Charter. The proposal will allow the UN SC warfare directly entering territorial sea without coastal state consent to combat sea pirates, where no coastal state jurisdiction applied. Indonesia suggested, that the UNCLOS 1982 shall remain, and the combat of sea piracy shall be left to the coastal state jurisdiction under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as it used to, instead taken over by the UN SC. So far, the security over the Malacca Strait has successfully been controlled by Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, where sea piracy has been significantly reduced.

[April 2008]

Malaysian High Rank Officer involved in Illegal Logging. According to its investigation by an Indonesian  newspaper issued 9 April 2008, the said Malaysian person uses a Malaysian company Hardwood Timber SDN BHD in the process of disbursing papers to turn illegal into legal woods. The illegal woods are from Borneo, Indonesia, then exported to Malaysia through Indonesia-Malaysia borders. The Indonesian consulate officer in Kuching, Malaysia who witnessed the Malaysian importing papers, found it fake due to the use of wrong spelling of Bahasa Indonesia. However, Malaysian authority denied.
 

[March 2008]

Malaysian Subsidiary Company in Media Content Accused for Unfair Trade Practices. The Indonesian Fair Trade Competition - KPPU identified the Astro All Network Plc (Malaysia) - AAMN breached article 19 paragraph c of the Indonesian Competition Law. AAMN has intentionally through its business contract defined and limit distribution and trade of service and/or goods based on the initial investigation, where AAMN monopolized and took control the distribution of the said TV program during the England Football League 2007.

Indonesian Supreme Court Verdict for Australian Heroin Smuggler. Schapelle Corby, one of other member of Bali 9 appeal was accepted but the Court of 3 members of supreme judges rejected her request, where her sentence remain 20 year in jail for smuggling 9,3 kg of heroin to Bali last 2006.

[February 2008]

Indonesian Minister of Public Health’ Siti Fadillah Supari’ Book on Bird Flu Make US-WHO Infuriated. The 182 pages book published in Bahasa Indonesia and English version, succeeded cracking the conspiracy between Unites States administration and the WHO in developing biology weapon from bird flu virus, Avian Influenza (H5N1), a policy lasted for 50 years. The book, “It’s Time for the World to Change, Divine Hands Behind Bird Flu”, shows that after the virus spread and haunted the world, companies from develop country produce vaccines, then sold it to the market with a high price in developing countries, including Indonesia. However, no compensation, no license and business orientation raised Minister' anger, right of sovereignty and pride. She also further added, that developing countries dignity cannot be play around on the basis of Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) WHO. Of her works, a London-based magazine, The Economist, has put the writer a breakthrough character which started the revolution in saving the world from bird flu effect, where Sitifadillah Supari at this time has chosen the best weapon proven useful than the best vaccines in the world in overcoming the threat of bird flu, where transparency is the keyword. Following the success of the first book, the second book is about to be released, soon. The book has also caused the WHO in Jenewa agreed to all demand from Fadillah, by agreeing sharing virus and eliminate GISN. A typical Indonesian' brave breakthrough.

Bali to Host World conference On Waste  The conference in June 23-27 is expected to bring together more than 1.000 delegates from developed and developing countries, with an agenda to address efforts in reduce exports of hazardous waste from industrialized nation to developing countries. Environment minister from 170 countries were expected for the ninth Basel convention on the control of trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste. The Basel Convention was started in 1992 and obliges signature country to ensure waste is managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Parties should set adequate disposal facilities for the waste and covers toxic, poisonous, explosive, corrosive, flammable, eco-toxic and infectious waste. Some 168 countries have ratified the convention, excluding the U.S. Indonesia ratified the convention in 19. Indonesia is very vulnerable to illegal dumping of hazardous waste at 2.000 entry points along the costal zone. The Indonesian state ministry for the environment office said since 1980s Indonesia has become a dumping ground for hazardous and non-hazardous waste. It says the government has accepted request from foreign countries and companies to dump waste containing hydrocarbon. The government has also re-exported tons of hazardous waste to its origin countries, including Singapore. Japan is the biggest exporter of hazardous materials used for industry and agriculture sectors to Indonesia, sending 31 tons of waste in 2006. Indonesia yields about 7 million tons of hazardous waste per year- one quarter of which remains untreated. The country currently has one facility for the treatment of hazardous waste in Bogor, with a capacity of 100.000 tons. Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar would be the new president of the conference of the Parties (COP) of the Basel Convention for the 2008-2010 period.

Lombok Treaty Signed. The Agreement between Indonesia and Australia was signed in Lombok in November 2006, came into force Thursday 7 February 2008. The Treaty cover ‘greater collaboration’ in areas such as defense, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, maritime security and emergency preparedness, where it includes a key from Indonesia to demand Australia not to support separatist causes in its giant neighbor’ sprawling archipelagic country. The Treaty was signed both minister of foreign affairs, Hassan Wirayudha and Stephen Smith.