Hak Nyatakan Pendapat Bukan untuk Jatuhkan SBY - news.okezone.com

Hak Nyatakan Pendapat Bukan untuk Jatuhkan SBY - news.okezone.com

JAKARTA - Meski kian gencar menggalang dukungan untuk menggulirkan usulan hak menyatakan pendapat, inisiator hak angket Century / Tim 9 membantah rencana itu dimaksudkan untuk menjatuhkan pemerintahan Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"Jangan ada lagi yang mengatakan hak menyatakan pendapat itu untuk menjatuhkan pemerintah, hak itu hanya menguatkan peran DPR," ujar anggota Tim 9, Akbar Faizal dalam jumpa pers di kediaman Jusuf Kalla, Jakarta, Minggu (4/4/2010).

Intense lobbying behind health reform - Chris Frates - POLITICO.com

Intense lobbying behind health reform - Chris Frates - POLITICO.com

Behind President Barack Obama’s public push to pass sweeping health care reform, there was an equally intense behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign to influence the legislation and the outcome of Sunday’s historic vote. Powerful interest groups worked almost around the clock last week, meeting with wavering Democratic lawmakers and huddling with leadership staff to push reform over the finish line.

Blood given for democracy

Blood given for democracy

BANGKOK - 'I DID this to show the spirit of Thai people fighting injustice,' said Chuleeporn Ruangsinprasert, 52, as a syringe of her blood was poured into a bottle for a messy show of political defiance.
Standing in a white tent littered with dirty cotton swabs, the retired university worker had joined thousands of red-clad protesters taking part in a mass blood collection to be spilled at the gate of the premier's office. 'This is special, it is coming from my heart. I want to give my blood for society so we are no longer controlled by the elites who have all the power,' added Ms Chuleeporn, as she pressed her small puncture wound.

On health vote, Democrats are polls apart - Josh Kraushaar and James Hohmann - POLITICO.com

On health vote, Democrats are polls apart - Josh Kraushaar and James Hohmann - POLITICO.com

So far, none of the Democrats agonizing about how to vote on health care reform has announced, “I’m just going to do whatever is most politically expedient.”

But on the chance — call it a hypothetical — that this might actually be the decisive factor, wavering lawmakers find themselves confronted with a disorienting barrage of polls and even more disorienting arguments about what the polls really mean.

It’s been an odd sideshow to this week’s climactic showdown on Capitol Hill: Even in a city obsessed with polls, they have rarely played such a public role — openly wielded as weapons or shields by both sides — in the final stages of a legislative debate.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0310/34680.html#ixzz0iduiumgz

The Center for Public Integrity | PaperTrail Blog - MONEY

The Center for Public Integrity | PaperTrail Blog - MONEY & POLITICS: Health Reform Lobbyist Mistakenly Errs on Side of Transparency

If numbers are to be trusted, longtime advertising lobbyist Jim Davidson of Polsinelli Shughart is the top dog of the 2009 health care reform battle. Davidson’s name shows up 88 times, more than any other lobbyist, in a Center for Public Integrity database of health reform lobbyists compiled from U.S. Senate lobby disclosure records.

But, as is often the case when trying to nail down influence peddling in Washington, Davidson’s records are both accurate — and misleading. Davidson comes out first, because unlike other lobbyists, he did not take advantage of a loophole shielding individual company names from disclosure when lobby dollars are channeled through nonprofit associations. The case illustrates the complexity of tracking money spent by industry to protect its interests on the Hill.

Posted using ShareThis

Indonesia urges US to reconsider ban on training | Fort Mill Times - Fort Mill, SC

Indonesia urges US to reconsider ban on training | Fort Mill Times - Fort Mill, SC

JAKARTA, Indonesia --

Indonesia urged the U.S. on Monday to consider lifting a ban on working with a commando unit accused of human rights abuses a decade ago, saying the country's military has undergone significant reform.

Indonesia's special forces have concentrated on counterinsurgency issues in recent years, but were accused of major abuses in the former Indonesian province of East Timor in the late 1990s. East Timor has since become independent.

Several countries, including the U.S. and Australia, suspended joint military training in the wake of the allegations, though Australia resumed training in 2005.

US-Indonesia military deal uncertain

US-Indonesia military deal uncertain

WASHINGTON - THE United States said on Monday it could not predict when it would resume full military ties with Indonesia, as it laid out the details of President Barack Obama's trip to Jakarta and Bali next week.
President Obama spent four years as a boy in Indonesia with his late mother, but the trip is more geared to business, focusing on trade, security and diplomacy rather than his biography or his childhood haunts.

China Without Google: 'A Lose-Lose Scenario' - ABC News

China Without Google: 'A Lose-Lose Scenario' - ABC News

China without Google — a prospect that looks increasingly likely — could mean no more maps on mobile phones. A free music service that has helped to fight piracy might be in jeopardy. China's fledgling Web outfits would face less pressure to improve, eroding their ability to one day compete abroad.

The extent of a possible Google Inc. pullout from China in its dispute with the communist government over censorship and hacking is unclear. But on top of a local search site that Google says it may close, services that might be affected range from advertising support for Chinese companies to online entertainment.

"If Google leaves, it's a lose-lose scenario, instead of Google loses and others gain," said Edward Yu, president of Analysys International, a Beijing research firm.

Boikot Wujud Konsistensi DPR

Boikot Wujud Konsistensi DPR

JAKARTA--MI: Wacana DPR untuk memboikot Menteri Keuangan Sri Mulyani Indrawati, meski bukanlah suatu hal yang baik, tapi tegas menunjukkan konsistensi DPR atas keputusan di Sidang Paripurna DPR.

Pengamat Politik UIN Bachtiar Effendi mempertanyakan kewibawaan dan konsistensi politik DPR jika masih menerima kehadiran Sri Mulyani dalam sidang-sidang DPR. Pasalnya, dengan diterimanya opsi C dalam Sidang Paripurna DPR (4/3), menurut Bachtiar, kredibilitas Sri Mulyani di mata DPR sudah jatuh. "Dia (Sri Mulyani) kan sudah dinyatakan bersalah secara politik. Kalau kemudian, DPR masih berhubungan dengan Ibu Sri Mulyani, kewibawaan DPR di mana, konsistensi politiknya di mana," tegas Bachtiar di Jakarta, Jumat (12/3).

Dalam situasi normal, lanjut Bachtiar, memang menteri keuangan yang harus menyampaikan RAPBN ke DPR, tapi dalam situasi ini, seharusnya presiden tidak memaksakan untuk mendelegasikan tugas ini ke menteri keuangan. Sebagai alternatif, presiden bisa saja mendelegasikan tugas ini kepada menko perekonomian, dirjen anggaran, atau wakil menteri keuangan.

Pembagian Cek Disingung di Rapat Internal PDIP

Pembagian Cek Disingung di Rapat Internal PDIP

JAKARTA--MI: Mantan politisi PDI Perjuangan yang menjadi pelapor kasus penerimaan cek perjalanan ke Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) Agus Condro mengungkapkan, pembagian cek dalam pemilihan Deputi Senior Gubernur Bank Indonesia, pernah disinggung dalam rapat internal partai.

Ia mengungkapkan, jauh sebelum pemilihan Deputi Gubernur Senior yang digelar pada 8 Juni 2004, telah beredar rumor bahwa setelah pemilihan Miranda, tiap-tiap anggota Komisi IX akan diberi uang. Topik cek perjalanan mengemuka, kata Agus, dalam rapat internal yang digelar sebelum pertemuan di Hotel Dharmawangsa yang dihadiri Miranda pada 29 Mei 2004.

Barter Perkara Fakta atau Fiksi

Barter Perkara Fakta atau Fiksi

KEPUTUSAN angket kasus Bank Century oleh Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat sudah final dan telah menjadi dokumen negara. Dalam dokumen itu jelas tertulis sejumlah nama yang dianggap bersalah dan karena itu harus bertanggung jawab.
Sejauh legitimasi di ranah hak angket (politik) keputusan DPR itu mengikat, akan tetap tercatat dalam dokumen politik bahwa Boediono yang kini wakil presiden dan Sri Mulyani yang sekarang menteri keuangan menjadi dua dari sekian banyak nama yang harus bertanggung jawab atas indikasi pelanggaran.
Tetapi, kita tahu bahwa kebenaran politik itu elastis. Karenanya tidak ada supremasi politik. Yang ada cuma supremasi hukum. Itulah sebabnya kebenaran hukum itulah yang diakui sebagai kebenaran mengikat.
Karena elastis, kebenaran politik menjadi subjek perundingan. Terbuka ruang tawar-menawar untuk mengompromikan kebenaran itu sebelum dia berproses ke ruang hukum.
Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Wakil Presiden Boediono, dan Sri Mulyani telah menolak vonis politik yang ditetapkan DPR. Sebaliknya, DPR berkukuh vonis politik memiliki fakta-fakta kuat untuk dilanjutkan ke ruang hukum.

Ambruknya Komunikasi Gertak Sambal

Ambruknya Komunikasi Gertak Sambal

'Fear-arousing communication' (FAC) bisa diterjemahkan komunikasi gertak sambal. Komunikator mengancam, atau menggertak, komunikan untuk melakukan suatu tindakan yang dikehendakinya. Jika tidak dituruti, komunikator mengancam akan mengenakan hukuman terhadap komunikan. Jika komunikan merasa takut, apalagi amat takut, sebab ancaman tersebut, ia diharapkan akan memenuhi tuntutan komunikator. Komunikasi yang membangkitkan rasa takut di pihak komunikan.

Di kalangan ilmuwan komunikasi Amerika, banyak penelitian dilakukan tentang jenis komunikasi yang satu ini, terutama terkait dengan efektivitasnya. Seberapa jauh komunikan atau orang banyak akan takluk terhadap ancaman komunikator?

Iklan-iklan antirokok sebenarnya merupakan contoh FAC yang gamblang. "Jangan merokok. Jika Anda bandel, nyawa Anda akan pendek," bunyi iklan antirokok. Di mana-mana kita juga membaca slogan memerangi narkotika dan seks bebas. "Narkotika berarti maut!" "Awas! Seks bebas berarti AIDS. Dan AIDS ujungnya kematian!"

Anti-porno Bill as Ramadan Gift ?.

Anti-pornography bill could be passed within the next few weeks. Under the pretex on the widespread of moral decadence in Indonesia, this bill, which devised to shield the young from pornographic material and lewd acts was needed to apply soon in Indonesia.

According to Article 1 of the bill, pornography is any man-made work that includes sexual materials in the form of drawings, sketches, illustrations, photographs, text sound, moving pictures, animation, cartoons, poetry, conversations or any other form of comjmunicative message. For shortness sake, the bill contains provision that could jail people for kissing in public and criminalize many forms of art or traditional culture that express the sensuality.

Meanwhile, some opponent groups bends over backward to beg off the bill. They still move on to lobbying the House to thwart to endorse the bill. Observers said aside could threat to citizen’s privacy and the country’s pluralism, the bill could pave the way for vigilante groups to take the law into their own hands under a pretext to keep from moral decadence.

Even though some secular and nationalist party in the House had been rejected the bill and caused debating it, but the finalization on a draft of the bill continues. Nevertheless, step to ratification of the bill seemed unavoidable. The House working committee deliberating the bill is set to table the final draft to the House plenary session in the next few weeks.

In the other side, an Indonesian Islamic party and other Muslim organization hoping that the bill could be passing within a few weeks as Ramadhan present for Muslim.

Any way, it is interesting, that the discussion about the bill have been made without drawn public attention. In any event, it was a brainwave to debating the draft over the Ramadhan momentum. Thus the opponent had no chance to go to the street. All movement just confined to lobbying and debating only.

The Fate of Lapindo Mudflow Victims: 'Still Up In the Air'

Almost two years, settlement of compensation payment for the victims of Lapindo mudflow still up in the air. Its look like that the government was brushing aside the Lapindo mudflow victims.

Therefore, some 25 representatives of the victims met with the coalition at the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) headquarters in Jakarta to seek the NGO's to prop up their insistence to push for a clear response over compensation payments.

Responds to their demanding, as many as 24 Jakarta-based NGOs, grouped under the Coalition of Justice for Lapindo Mudflow Victims, threw their support behind mudflow victims from Sidoarjo, East Java, by either lobbying or urging the government to compensate them before the post-Ramadhan holiday of Idul Fitri at the latest. Base on that meeting, the Coalition of Justice for Lapindo Mudflow Victims, will press upon to the government to clear up compentation payment process as soon as possible..

In their statement, the Coalition of Justice for Lapindo Mudflow Victims slammed the government for "neglecting" the fate of those displaced by the sludge that has devastated the area since May 2006. So they will prompt the President to take strong measure to resolve the fate of Sidoarjo mudflow victims.

Whatever the detailed points of criticsm may be, the long and the short of it is prompting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to declare an official statement that Lapindo mudflow is the worst industrial disasters in Indonesia. Therefore PT Lapindo Brantas Inc. have to take the responsibility for their procedural errors in the oil and natural gas drilling as caused damaging environmental and suffering the human community . And as consequences he has to repeal the Presidential Regulation 14/2007 which inexorably this regulation just favors corporate interests over the interest of the people. However, this regulation potentialy can dissolves the responsibility of PT Lapindo Brantas Inc. No matter what, without adequate pressure to government, the settlement of payment compensation may remain uncertain.

In the meantime, without continuous pressure toward government to solve the problem as quick as they can, we afraid that this case will only be a political commodities. Even the House has summoned some ministers and other officials tied to clean up efforts surrounding the impact of Lapindo mudflow – but we have to be very cautious here so the summon will not become a formality only to gain political advantage for the election.

Indeed resolving Lapindo case is not an “easy things to do” for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono -as the owner of PT Lapindo Brantas Inc. is in the government’s circle of power. Aburizal Bakrie, who heads the Social Welfare ministry also known as one of the biggest donators in Golkar the strongest party in Indonesia, but President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must imposed in all the way to the owners (and shareholders) of Lapindo Brantas Inc to shoulder all costs concerning compensation, containment and rehabilitation.

Although the situation is really difficult for him, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has no choice but to show his political will by resolving this case before 2009 election as this will potentially become his obstruction to win the election. If he take wrong moves then it will be recorded by Indonesian history as one of the greatest failure of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Administration in handling this extraordinary humanitarian disaster.

Agus Condro’s removal, the price that has to pay for a 'lobby'

Finally, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) remove Agus 'whistle-blower' Condro from the House of Representatives.

Recently Agus Condro confessed to the Corruption Eradication Commission that he has received Rp 500 million (US$54,500) soon after the election of Miranda Gultom as Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor. In his confession, he said that few days before vote, there was a meetings of several politicians from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in Dharmawangsa Hotel. Agus who was a member of the party said that the meeting held by Panda Nababan was also attended by Miranda Goeltom, who is now BI senior deputy governor.

Agus had said in his confession that he was not the only legislators who has receive money for voting for Miranda. He mention that his fellow from House Commission IX, which oversees financial affairs, and some PDI-P members also received the money. But, names mentioned by Agus all denied the allegation.
He said they were accept the same amount by PDI-P member Dudhie Makmun Murod at the office of Commission IX chief Emir Moeis, also of the PDI-P members. Caused of his confession evoked suspicion that in the election process to appoint of Miranda Goeltom may contained bribery.

However, his confession enraged party elites and others senior legislators of PDI-P. At last, Agus Condro was removed from the House of Representatives by his party. Not enough, PDI-P has also removed Agus Condro from its list of candidates for next year’s legislative election.

Apparently the dismissal that only apply to Agus Condro was untactful decision to PDI-P. It was done without preceding detailed internal investigation and it also not put into account the possibility to suspend the other legislator that has mentioned by Agus Condro on his confession. The reason that stated by PDI-P Secretary General Pramono Anung -he claimed that the decision was made because Agus has disgrace the party's image by his behaviour- sounds very ridiculous. This case has proven that PDI-P is very pathetic and has no serious commitment in cleaning up the seemingly pervasive corruption in all level rank in the party.

Surely, by this case, PDI-P was in the doghouse. It could limit the chance of Megawati Soekarnoputri to the next presidential race.

So, who has a finger in the pie then ?.

Tangguh LNG Contract: It' s seem like the thin end of the wedge ?

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has denied that he and Vice President Jusuf Kalla had taken a part in the process to set the inordinately low price of the LNG Tangguh contract.
"Don't spread this report about SBY (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) and JK (Jusuf Kalla) having taken a part in setting the natural gas export price. It might confuses the people," said the President at plenary cabinet meeting at the presidential office Thursday as reported by Antara
Earlier, former president Megawati Soekarnoputri was reported has stated that SBY and JK were also involved in the decision process to determine the price of  Tangguh LNG exports to China.
It' s seem like the thin end of the wedge ?. We'll wait and see whats the end of this quarrel about

Tangguh LNG Contract: 'Who has a finger in the Pie' ?

After lobbying Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that Xi had agreed to renegotiate a 2002 contract to suplly liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Indonesia's Tangguh Field to Fujian, China."In principle they have understood and received our proposal for renegotiate. The two countries will set up team to further discuss the issue," said Jusuf Kalla after meeting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping as reported by Antara.
The administration of Megawati signed contract to supply LNG from Tangguh to Fujian province with the price pegged at US$2.40 per million Britishthermal unit (mmbtu) regardless of any increase in crude oil price. "if we compare the LNG Tangguh contract signed in 2002 with today's prices, the contract price is far lower then. Thats why we want to review the contract", said Jusuf Kalla. At present the international LNG price is around US$20 per mmbtu."So, the House has to investigate the Tangguh LNG contract. This is the most devastating contract ever made, this contract is the worst so far," said Jusuf Kalla as quoted by Antara weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that the case has played a major role in the hot debates over a 2002 contract calling for gas export from the massive Tangguh field in Papua, was more politics, rather than substance.
"I saw nothing wrong with the contract. I have checked all the procedures and finally reached the conclusion that there is nothing in the Tangguh contract except politics. I hope our oil and gas sector will not be affected by political posturing," said Purnomo Yusgiantoro during his speech at business discussion few days ago. Purnomo Yusgiantoro held the same post when serving under Megawati administration.
In response, Megawati said that since Kalla once served as a a minister in her cabinet, then he should share the blame for every finger pointed at her and her ministers.
This debates seem like a war between Golkar, the nation's largets party which Jusuf Kalla as a chairman and Megawati, heads of the second large party, the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
After a while sit on the fence, finally, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was setting up a team to be led by the coordinating Minister for the Economy Sri Mulyani Indrawati to renegotiate the selling price which directly supervised by Vice Presdident Jusuf Kalla.
Currently this hottest issue -aside of Pansus BBM- increasing the tense in the Indonesian's politics. Easing of tensions, TK (Taufik Kiemas, Megawati husband) lobbying the Golkar. But, will TK's lobbying by offering the coalition will sooth the war between Jusuf Kalla and Megawati ?. Will this issue affecting Megawati's popularity? And will this also has political implication on 2009 election?. We'll wait and see.

Kontrak LNG Tangguh, Bola Panas yang Digelindingkan oleh JK

Setelah melakukan lobi-lobi yang cukup intensif disela-sela kunjungannya ke China untuk menghadiri penutupan Olimpiade 2009 beberapa waktu lalu, Wakil Presiden M Jusuf Kalla mengatakan pemerintah RRC bersedia untuk melakukan pembicaraan ulang terhadap isi kontrak penjualan LNG Tangguh yang telah ditanda tangani pada tahun 2002. Dalam penjelasannya, Wapres antara lain mengatakan bahwa kontrak LNG Tangguh untuk propinsi Fujian, China tersebut merupakan kebijakan pemerintah Megawati pada waktu itu. Namun kebijakan yang dilakukan pemerintahan Megawati pada tahun 2002 tersebut jika dilihat dari perkembangan saat ini harganya sangat rendah dan sangat merugikan pemerintah Indonesia. Ditambahkannya, kontrak LNG Tangguh tahun 2002 tersebut menyebutkan nilainya sebesar US$ 3,3/mmbtu. Sedangkan harga LNG di pasar Internasional saat ini berkisar US$ 20/mmbtu. Dengan harga jual yang hanya US$ 3,3/mmbtu tersebut diperkirakan akan merugikan negara sebesar US$ 3 miliar per tahun.

Itulah bola panas yang saat ini menggelinding ditengah ramainya pembahasan Pansus BBM, membuat suasana poltik di Indonesia bertambah hangat.  Lalu, benarkah lobi-lobi tersebut semata-mata lobi politik dengan menggunakan issue kontrak LNG Tangguh sebagai 'sasaran antara' saja ?. Akankah issue tentang kontrak LNG Tangguh tersebut mampu menjatuhkan popularitas Megawati  ?. Bagaimana implikasi politisnya menjelang pemilu 2009 yang mulai menghangat ?.

Masa Saya Bohong ?

"Pertemuan itu memang ada. Masa saya bohong", jawab Agus Condro dalam penjelasannya di gedung KPK Selasa siang (28/08/2008). Penjelasan tersebut disampaikan oleh Agus Condro menanggapi pertanyaan tentang adanya pertemuan antara Miranda S Goeltom dengan beberapa anggota Komisi IX dari Fraksi PDI Perjuangan beberapa hari sebelum terpilihnya Miranda S Goeltom sebagai Deputi Gubernur Senior Bank Indonesia pada tahun 2004.
Meskipun tidak secara tegas Agus Condro menjelaskan siapa inisiator pertemuan yang digelar di Hotel Dharmawangsa tersebut, namun hasil pertemuan itu sendiri secara tegas menyiratkan akan kesiapan Fraksi PDI Perjuangan di Komisi IX untuk memilih Miranda sebagai orang nomer dua di Bank Indonesia. Dengan berbekal kekuatan lobi yang dilakukan oleh Miranda S Goeltom itulah akhirnya dia terpilih menjadi Deputi Gubernur Senior Bank Indonesia pada tahun 2004 lalu.
Persaingan dalam memperebutkan posisi orang nomer dua di Bank Indonesia tersebut memang cukup keras. Saat itu, terjadi persaingan yang cukup ketat dalam bursa pencalonan Deputi Gubernur Senior Bank Indonesia. Tiga kandidat berhasil masuk bursa pencalonan, masing-masing Miranda S Goeltom, eks Deputi Gubernur Bank Indonesia, S. Budi Rochadi, Kepala Kantor Perwakilan Bank Indonesia di Tokyo dan Hartadi Sarwono, Deputi Gubernur Bank Sentral. Namun akhirnya hanya Miranda S Goeltom dan Budi Rochadi yang diunggulkan. Kedua kandidat yang diunggulkan tersebut cukup intens melakukan lobi-lobi ke fraksi-fraksi di parlemen untuk mendapatkan dukungan suara. Sejauh ini, kita belum tahu persis bagaimana lobi-lobi itu dilakukan oleh para kandidat yang bersaing, tapi,seperti kita tahu, akhirnya Miranda Goeltom-lah yang berhasil terpilih menjadi Deputi Gubernur Senior Bank Indonesia menggantikan posisi Anwar Nasution setelah berhasil memperoleh dukungan yang cukup kuat dari parlemen.
Namun sayang, kekuatan lobi Miranda S Goeltom tersebut diwarnai aroma yang tak sedap setelah Agus Condro, salah seorang mantan anggota Komisi IX DPR periode 1999-2004 mengungkap adanya praktek permainan uang dalam proses pemilihan tersebut.
Rasanya, lepas dari persoalan benar tidaknya apa yang diungkapkan oleh Agus Condro, tapi setidaknya apa yang diungkapkan tersebut bisa jadi sebuah indikator dan tentu kita akan sangat prihatin bila dalam setiap pemilihan pejabat publik harus selalu diwarnai dengan lobi-lobi yang hanya mengandalkan kekuatan uang.