Archive for November 5th, 2009
The stoning law, wan’ni, and sharia implementations
Image source: themuslimwoman.org
by Jennie S. Bev
Bylaws in Aceh for stoning adulterers to death and 100 lashes for premarital sex should be nullified as they are not merely against human rights and unconstitutional, but perpetuate the myth of inequality and overindulge in the over-virtuousness of Islam and sharia law.
Failure to nullify them will have grave consequences in which not only will pluralism be threatened but it will engender an age of distrust and Indonesia will be thrust back into the Dark Ages. Read the rest of this entry »
Indonesia’s pivotal role in the US’s grand strategy
Image source: kesbangpapua.com
by Evan A. Laksmana
Is Indonesia rising in global politics? Many seem to think so, especially considering its democratic success story, continued economic growth and increasing global profile and influence in a wide range of issues, from human rights to trade and climate change.
Most recently, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was at the G20 Leaders Summit in Pittsburgh this week to voice not just Indonesia’s interests, but also the concerns of the Muslim world and developing nations.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s standing in Southeast Asia also appears unshaken. In fact, when the US signed ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in late July, some speculated that the move was meant to support Indonesia’s regional role rather than to benefit the whole region. Read the rest of this entry »
Terrorism and RI’s military effectiveness
Image source: mediaindonesia.com
by Evan A. Laksmana
Following public debates about how to best tackle terrorism in Indonesia, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently stated that it is perfectly normal for the Indonesian Military (TNI) to engage in fighting terrorism – which was not only mandated by law, but also apparently by other countries that are doing the same thing.
Although his last point may seem bizarre to some, pundits argue that as long as proper specific regulations are issued and there is close public scrutiny, the TNI could play a role in combating terrorism.
However, these arguments overlook the potential long-term detrimental effect of fighting terrorism – which in our case is historically homegrown despite of its global links – to our military effectiveness. Read the rest of this entry »
