Articles tagged ‘Soeharto’
Surabaya-Madura Bridge Finished by December
By Barrie | April 6th, 2008 |
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The completion of a bridge connecting Surabaya and Madura Island had reached 87 percent and was expected to finish by December 2008. The construction of the bridge, popularly known as “Suramadu” — for Surabaya-Madura — had lapsed over the country’s five presidencies, from the late former president Soeharto to the current Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and [...]
The Environment and Indonesia
By Barrie | March 21st, 2008 | Add a Comment »
For centuries, the rich natural resources of the Indonesian archipelago have been exploited. During colonial rule and the Soeharto years, Indonesians had little say about how the assets of this great nation were managed. Today the nation’s ecological health is hanging in the balance. Environmental problems abound throughout the country. Air quality is rapidly diminishing [...]
Celebrating Ancestors: Pacitan, East Java
By Barrie | March 2nd, 2008 | Add a Comment »
Ki Bonokeling, Ki Setroketipo and Kanjeng Jimat probably never imagined their lives in Pacitan would continue to be remembered by their descendants until today. But it was at their graves that Pacitan residents recently held a series of celebrations to mark the East Java town’s 623rd anniversary. Unlike most cemeteries, the graveyard complex of Giri [...]
Soeharto’s Life in the Balance
By Barrie | January 5th, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Love him or hate him, Soeharto was a good President for Indonesia irregardless of his faults. During his regime, Indonesia flourished and became one of the great developing nations in south-east Asia. There was no unemployment, no crime [to speak of] or even religious hatred, nor was terrorist activities or organisations tolerated. Soeharto, 86, was [...]
Are Indonesians Intolerant?
By Barrie | December 26th, 2007 | Add a Comment »
If you had asked me that question back in the era of Soeharto I would have replied “No”. During the regime of Soeharto Indonesians of all faiths lived in harmony and respected each others religious beliefs. I guess it had something to do with ‘having to’ as it was almost mandatory to do so for [...]
World Human Rights Day
By Barrie | December 5th, 2007 | Add a Comment »
The National Commission on Human Rights is organizing a caricature exhibition and competition as part of events ahead of World Human Rights Day, which falls on Dec. 10. Sixty caricatures, from 278 entries, have been short-listed for the competition, titled “Human Rights in Indonesia: Now, Then and Future“, which was officially opened Tuesday.
Pesta Blogger Party 2007: Jakarta, West Java
By Barrie | October 5th, 2007 | Add a Comment »
A popular ustadz (Islamic preacher) got angry and threatened via email to report a blogger in Yogyakarta to police for defaming Islamic preachers. The blogger promptly retracted his article titled Ustadz Komersial (commercial preacher). Dozens of bloggers wrote in, mostly deploring the arrogance of the ustadz.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park: Jimbaran, Bali
By Barrie | September 3rd, 2007 | Add a Comment »
The 50 or so visitors milling around the 20-hectare Garuda Winsu Kencana cultural park in Jimbaran looked small in comparison to their surroundings.
Permadi Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
By Barrie | July 25th, 2007 | Add a Comment »
Buru island is associated with Indonesia’s shady human rights record following the foiled coup de etat attributed to the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). Many people deemed to have links with PKI and associated organizations were incarcerated on the island without ever being tried in court.
Mass Tourism Threatens Coasts: Bali
By Barrie | July 13th, 2007 | Add a Comment »
Mass tourism on the island of Bali over the last three decades has caused considerable environmental damage to its beaches and coastal areas, an environmentalist said.
