Overseas Think Tank for Indonesia

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Archive for November 5th, 2009

The stoning law, wan’ni, and sharia implementations

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adopting draconian inhumane measures for wrongdoings in various communities, such as stoning to death, giving away female family members as a restitution of murder, lashing, and mutilating limbs must not be transplanted to Indonesia simply because they have been labeled “sharia” by a few past clerics who resided in various Arab countries
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 »

Written by Beni Bevly

November 5th, 2009 at 12:37 pm

Indonesia’s pivotal role in the US’s grand strategy

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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.
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 »

Written by Beni Bevly

November 5th, 2009 at 12:21 pm

Terrorism and RI’s military effectiveness

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how do we know we have "won" the war? Is it when the entire terror network is dismantled, or is it when radical ideologies are gone?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 »

Written by Beni Bevly

November 5th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Posted in (ENGLISH),Military