SBY might prepare "jazz blues" album

President SBY has released three albums, mainly considered "melancholic pop". Tonight, the president will enjoy performance of jazz musicians and famous artists like Toni Braxton at the Java Jazz Festival, Jakarta.

President's Office informed Detikhot.com today that the President will come to Hall D2 of Jiexpo Kemayoran where Braxton will perform. She might sing "Unbreak My Heart"?

A friend said "who knows he could get inspiration to write the fourth album, probably jazz blues." Seriously? "You better ask SBY himself. I heard the he prepared some titles already, Century Blues, Grey Pansus, White Lies, Yellow Traitors, Green Green Flip Flop, Dark Blue Sky," the crazy friend said.

"I also heard VP Boediono will write two songs: God Knows and I Swear...FM Sri Mulyani has yet to decide what to write."

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Controversial writer named a suspect

George Aditjondro, researcher and controversial writer, whose last book Membongkar Gurita Cikeas rocked Indonesian politics (for a brief moment), has been named a suspect by Jakarta police. It's not because of the book's content. But because a report filed by Ramadhan Pohan, legislator from President SBY's Demokrat Party.

Ramadhan reported George to the police alleging George had slapped him in the face (literally) aftermath of a discussion about the controversial book in December 2009. In one chapter of the book, George pointed to Rp150 billion funds "invested' by Soenaryo Sampoerna (son of Boedi Sampoerna) in Jurnal Nasional, a newspaper widely known associated with President SBY and his Demokrat Party. Ramadhan was chief editor of the paper, while the First Lady's sister, according to George, is the key figure in the newspaper's operation.

George, reportedly losing control of his temper, suddenly raised his right hand and hit Ramadhan in the face using a copy of the book. Ramadhan then reported George for misconduct, which carries a maximum sentence of 32 months in jail or a Rp400,000 fine. George defended himself, saying that he wanted to stop Ramadhan's misconception of the book.

Well, a good reason to shift our attention from contents of the book.

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Angered by Kerbau SiBuYa & SileBaY

Police stopped a buffalo named Kerbau Si leBaY in Kalimalang area, Jakarta. He was slated to "perform" at HI Circle with protesters from Pemuda Cinta Tanah Air (PECAT). The buffalo was taken from Bekasi, West Java because another buffalo, named SiBuYa, performed on January 28 rally has reportedly been "seized" by police. The "performance" has angered President SBY. "As if SBY is fat, lazy, and dumb like buffalo," SBY complained yesterday.

Coordinator of the rallies, Yosep Rizal (a freelance writer), told Kompas.com that he paid Rp200,000 rental fee for the buffalo. But now he's worried the police might seize the buffalo and he would be asked to pay Rp15 million. "I don't have that much," Yosep said.

SiBuYa, the buffalo performed on January 28 rally, is an overnight star after President SBY made comments about him. "Then there was a group of protesters leading a buffalo. They said 'SBY is lazy, big, and stupid, like a buffalo'. Was that really a demonstration?" SBY told the 33 governors in attendance. (The Jakarta Post, February 3rd, 2010).

Politicians, especially from SBY's Demokrat Party, are busy to condemn the buffalo's "sponsor".

Demokrat legislator Ruhut Sitompul, famous for his "rude statements & comments", considered people who brought the buffalo uncivilized (biadab). He got 46 comments from Kompas.com readers. About 35 readers against him.

Amir Syamsuddin, secretary general of Demokrat Party, who is also a lawyer like Ruhut, considered Kerbau SiBuYa as a defamation on State Symbol. "This is unethical," Amir said. Readers comment? Well, two supported Amir, five condemned him.

Senior politician from Golkar, known for his close relationship with President SBY (not SiBuYa), calmly said "to be ridiculed is one of the risks of being a leader." The late former president Abdurrahman Wahid might just respond "Gitu aja koq repot" (Why bother?). Probably SBY needs recipes from George W. Bush on how to deal with the "buffalos"!

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Vote an Idol, you get an album

President SBY has just released the third album titled : Ku Yakin Sampai di Sana, literally means: I believe will get there! This is the most productive song writer in the world's history for category: President in office. But this is might the result of people's vote in July 2009 election. They elected an idol, so they may get the album now.

Kompas reported that in this album SBY collaborated with famous musicians like Rio Febrian, Tantowi Yahya, Koeswoyo Junior, etc. I haven't listened to the songs. But the online publication said nine songs have different music genre.

BTW, how good was the marketing of two previous albums? The first album, titled, Rinduku Padamu (2006), also with nine songs (SBY loves everything Nine, but probably not Nine West), sold for Rp20,000 or about US$2. The second is titled Majulah Negeriku (2007). Added with the compilation album released five months before election last year, SBY produced three albums in five years of presidency. Now he started earlier in the second term. He might produce three more in the next four years before leaving office.

Marketing prospect of the third album? Well, at least someone, Andi Mallarangeng, minister for youth and sport affairs/former President's spokesperson, believes the album will be a HIT. To boost the marketing, according to Andi, there are plans for nationwide festival and singing competition on SBY's songs.

Why is he productive in writing songs? Probably he wants to be remembered as composer instead. But Andi said "he wants to communicate with his people." Well...daily speeches are seemed not powerful enough...

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Summon SBY, why not?

Two political parties, PDI-P and Hanura, proposed the examination of President SBY by the House special committee for Century case. Demokrat, PKS, and PPP said that's not necessary. Why not?

PDI-P politician Gayus Lumbuun said finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati confirmed that she informed the president through short message (SMS) on November 21, 2008 about the bailout when SBY was overseas. Late last month, senior politician from National Mandate Party (PAN) Abdillah Toha wrote an open letter to the inquiry committee, asking for the same. "Summoning the president is allowed under the law. The purpose would be to corroborate what his subordinates have told the committee or to reply questions his staffs were unable to answer," Toha wrote.

Toha said if the president knew about the bailout, the inquiry need to get the president's answer about when he gained the knowledge, and what steps he took to ensure the bailout's safety.

Sri Mulyani told legislators earlier that President SBY didn't involved in the bailout decision, but he was reported about the decision. She admitted of several consultations with the President about the bailout. "As far as I remember, the president only asked me to take necessary measures according to existing laws," Sri Mulyani said.

PDI-P politicians argued participation of Marsilam Simanjuntak, former head of President's delivery unit UKP3R, in various meetings for Century bailout, is an indication that the president was actively involved in the decision making.

Raden Pardede, secretary Financial Sector Stability Committee (KSSK) initially said that Marsilam attended the meetings upon the president's requests. But yesterday Raden insisted Marsilam attended in his capacity as one of the sources asked by KSSK for opinions and views on the bailout. Sri Mulyani also said so. Marsilam meanwhile said he attended the meetings because KSSK asked the president to allow me working with KSSK. "That's it," Marsilam said.

Well, it is important to know the president's own view on the process to the bailout, or whether there were communications between him (overseas) and the acting president Jusuf Kalla (at home, VP) during the so-called "critical moments".

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The First Lady & 2014

The 2014 presidential election is still four years away. But senior high students visiting the State Palace yesterday have raised a tough question to the First Lady Ani Yudhoyono about the possibility of becoming president. First Lady downplayed the possibility saying "Never think of replacing Pak SBY someday. I'm not Hillary Clinton."

Well, some people in SBY's Demokrat Party, including party secretary general Amir Syamsuddin, love the idea to promote the First Lady to become the new chairperson of Demokrat Party, replacing his brother in law Hadi Utomo.

The First Lady, according to Amir, has lots of ideas to lead and develop the party. Ani's younger brother Hartanto Edhie Wibowo is the head of state-owned enterprises affairs at Demokrat Party, while his youngest son Baskoro Edhie Wibowo is also executive at the party and a legislator (member of House Commission I, in charge of international affairs and ICT).

The First Lady's name is mentioned in George J. Aditjondro's controversial book: Membongkar Gurita Cikeas; Di Balik Skandal Century, when he discussed about various foundations. One of foundations linked to the First Lady is Yayasan Mutumanikam, where, according to the book, the convicted businesswoman Artalyta Suryani was a treasurer. Artalyta is known by public as "middle-person" for businessman Sjamsul Nursalim.

The First Lady's sister, who is married to Gatot Suwondo (CEO of Bank BNI), is also mentioned in George's book for her role at Jurnal Nasional newspaper. George said that the family of Boedi Sampoerna, through Soenaryo, has "injected" Rp150 billion into Jurnal Nasional.

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The Joker, YKK & The Cikeas Octopus

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed the flow of money from the fugitive businessman Joko Tjandra (nicknamed The Joker by convicted businesswoman Artalyta Suryani) to Yayasan Kesetiakawanan dan Kepedulian (YKK), one of foundations highlighted by George J. Aditjondro in his controversial book: Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di balik skandal Bank Century.

"It is true, the amount is approximately US$1 million," Bibit Samad Ryanto, deputy chairman of KPK said today. 

KPK didn't investigate the money transfer because it was considered a "deal" between private sectors. KPK discovered the money transfer during the investigation of Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) in relation to the bribery scandal of Artalyta Suryani, considered as middle-person for tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim, and prosecutor Urip Tri Gunawan.

Joko Tjandra's lawyer YB Purwaning Yanuar said he knew nothing about the money transfer to YKK. Yanuar said he only handled the Bank Bali issue.

KPK's statement today is a confirmation of various media reports earlier about the transfer of US$1 million to YKK. Yosefardi.com reported about the issue in its article titled "Mr President & The Joker" in October 1st, 2009.

What is YKK?

As reported by Yosefardi.com, based on the information from its website, Yayasan Kesetiakawanan dan Kepedulian, is a foundation where former military commander Djoko Suyanto is a member of Supervisory Council. Djoko Suyanto was deputy chairman of SBY-Boediono campaign team and president commissioner of listed energy company PT Adaro Energy (ADRO) Tbk. Suyanto is currently coordinating minister for politic, security, law, and human rights affairs. 

Other name listed in the supervisory council of the foundation is Sutanto (former National Police Chief, former president commissioner of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina, once a member of SBY-Boediono team, but resigned upon public criticism), who is now the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Head. 

Others including Purnomo Yusgiantoro (former energy and mineral resources minister, currently defense minister), MS Hidayat (chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, now minister for industry affairs).

While the executive committee of the foundation is led by chairman Arwin Rasyid (currently CEO of Bank CIMB Niaga), deputy chairman Agustian Partawidjaja (executive of Sinar Mas Group), Nenny Sri Utami (former head of research and development of energy and mineral resources ministry), Setiawan Ambardy (finance director of PT Jaring Lintas Usaha), Dessi Natalegawa (brother of foreign affairs minister Marty Natalegawa, former executive of Prayogo Pangestu's Chandra Asri petrochemical center), etc.

KPK imposed a travel ban on The Joker based on information that he transferred US$1 million to Suryani, known for her relationship to tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim. But KPK then found the money was not transferred to Suryani. That's why KPK released The Joker from the travel ban, which cost them police investigation on "abuse of power". KPK then traced the money and found that The Joker gave the money to CEO of PT Mulia Viadi Sutoyo and Enang as courier. "They then gave the money to Djoko Suyanto from Kesetiakawanan Foundation," Ahmad Rifai, lawyer to KPK leaders explained. 

Suyanto denied the allegation. The donation, he said, was received by the foundation's executive board through its account. "I have no idea about that, it's the foundation's business," he said few months ago.

Today, Suyanto admitted the "donation". "That's true. But its nothing to do with financing the (presidential) election campaign," Suyanto said. "The issue is already old, probably two or three years, probably George fell asleep back then, suddenly woke up and blowing up this issue," Suyanto commented George's theory about The Joker's funds for SBY's presidential campaign.

The foundation was active in providing assistance to various groups as shown in its website. That's probably why people like George asked how the foundation financed all the activities and programs?

KPK lawyer admitted it got the information about the money from The Joker to Yayasan Kesetiakawanan when KPK grilled Viadi Sutoyo (executive of Mulia Group) in relation to the bribery scandal of Artalyta Suryani and prosecutor Urip Tri Gunawan in May 2008. Bibit argued "that (US$1 million) is between private sectors and the foundation, not KPK's business." Well, looks like it's not just an affair between the The Joker and YKK now, especially after George highlighted the role of other foundations.

Some people argued "what's wrong with the foundations, especially if they're doing good things for people?" Well, nothing wrong with that. Soeharto also argued the same on his foundations like Supersemar, Dakab, Dharmais, Dana Gotong Royong Kemanusiaan, Dana Sejahtera Mandiri, etc. But we all know Soeharto's foundations were also sanctuaries for corruption and rampant collusion due to lack of transparency in their fund raising and accountability of the money they collected. 

(Haryanto Suharman, researcher at yosefardi.com contributed to this article)

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Membongkar Gurita Cikeas & Conflict of Interests

Challenged to prove his theory of money flow from state-owned news agency Antara to President SBY's Bravo Media Center, one of key organizations within SBY-Boediono campaign team, George J. Aditjondro, the writer of controversial book Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di Balik Skandal Bank Century, said "I got information from internal source." He raised the issue of conflict of interest and violation of election law.

George said the fact is that one of Antara News Agency's executives was also a member of Demokrat Party's success team. He is Rully C. Iswahyudi, deputy director for commercial and IT at Antara. "Even if my allegation will later on proven to be false, it is a violation of law to have the Antara executive in the success team," George argued.

Antara CEO, Akhmad Mukhlis Yusuf, previously asked George to drop the allegation about money flow from Antara's public service obligation (PSO) pool of fund to Bravo Media Center.

Public have raised concern about conflict of interests in the participation of some commissioners of state-owned enterprises in the campaign teams of SBY-Boediono and Kalla-Wiranto. Some decided to resign from SOEs, like in the case of Raden Pardede, but others stay because they claimed they're not part of the formal structure of the success team.

George also raised the conflict of interests issue in his TV debate with Suratto Siswodihardjo last night. Suratto complained about the inclusion of Puri Cikeas Foundation as part of the George's term of Cikeas Octopus. "While I built this foundation with my own money, and that it grows from our businesses. What's wrong with that," Suratto argued.

But George challenged Suratto with the following question, "when will you talk about the chairman of Puri Cikeas foundation and as a chairman of Pro-SBY Movement?"

Suratto, according to our database, is also listed as commissioner of state-owned airport management company PT Angkasa Pura II. Suratto is SBY's neighbor in Puri Cikeas, now an upper class residential area, reportedly purchased at "cheap price" from local farmers.

Puri Cikeas is a heavyweight foundation where CEO of two major banks (BRI and Bukopin) are key officers. State-owned bank BRI and Bukopin both donated to the foundation. The foundation had meetings on government-sponsored programs like biofuel, etc.

Amien Rais, former People's Consultative Assembly speaker, said the main weakness in George's book is secondary source he used, and then added with his own research. But Amien believes in the accuracy of the secondary data.

Interestingly, DPR's Special Committee to investigate Century bailout plans to summon some people mentioned by George in the book. While George didn't make a connection between Century bailout and efforts to recover Boedi Sampoerna's over US$200 million funds in Century, the book contained information about Sampoerna's over Rp150 billion "capital injection" into Jurnal Nasional, a newspaper affiliated with Demokrat Party and SBY. 

About the conflict of interest, we managed to develop a list of cabinet members and commissioners in state-owned enterprises that openly play politics but no punishment weighed upon them. Why the country doesn't want to change? Why the current administration repeats the behavior of previous administrations when it comes to abuse of power and State assets?

Some love the phrase...laws established only to be violated. That seems perfectly correct when you see the list. You can expand the list with hundreds of other names in somewhat similar positions. Not to mention tens of the so-called economists and political observers hired as commissioners in the state-owned companies and government offices. 

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Sekoci Indoratu, giant "NGO" or "shadow political party"?

Sekoci Indoratu (Sekoci = Lifeboat) classified itself a non-government organization (NGO). But the NGO also calls itself "partner" of President SBY's Demokrat Party in the elections (legislative and president). As "NGO", we have to admit Sekoci Indoratu might be the biggest and most powerful NGO in Indonesia. 

Sekoci Indoratu has nationwide branches at provincial level and regency level, equipped with organization structure similar to political parties. Take a look at the structure of NGO Sekoci Indoratu in Kubu Raya, Kalimantan. Interestingly, in some areas, the leaders are either former executives in political parties or government/military officers. In some areas, the local branches also got "financial assistance" from local administration's budget. In Pelalawan Regency, according to an audit by Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), found "donation" of Rp40 million from local budget.

This NGO is very active in local politics. During the governor election in East Java last year, for example, Sekoci Indoratu, claimed its 500,000 members in the province of supporting Soekarwo (candidate from Demokrat Party). Head of the NGO in East Java is Major General (ret) Djoko Subroto. In North Sulawesi, the chairman is Colonel (ret) Frans Mongdong. At the national level, its chairman is Major General (ret) Soeprapto, who is also commissioner at PT Indosat Tbk.

How they finance the organization? Who provided funds for its operations?
According to Tempo, Sekoci was formed in the run-up to the 2004 legislative election for Yudhoyono’s political interests. Almost 90 percent of thepersonnel on this team were retired military men. Among them were T.B. Silalahi, Soeprapto, Amir Sembiring, Irvan Edison, and Max Tamaela. "Not surprisingly, their activities employed a military pattern, among other things, by conducting intelligence, territorial and sociopolitical activities," Tempo wrote in October 2008 (Revving Up the Old Engines).
In addition to retired soldiers, Tempo reported, the team also consisted of a number of businessmen and business operators, among them Teddy Tohir (founder of Astra) and his son, Boy Garibaldi Tohir (Adaro), Robbyanto Budiman (Wahana Makmur Sejati), Patrick Waluyo (Northstar Pasifik), and Frans Kansil (Unilever). There were also politicians, such as Yahya Ombara (formerly of the Indonesian United & National Unity Party).

  

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Sampoerna, SBY-Demokrat, & Century bailout

George Aditjondro wrote in the controversial book: Membongkar Gurita Cikeas, Di balik Skandal Bank Century about the connection of Sampoerna Group/Family with SBY-Demokrat through Jurnal Nasional newspaper. Boedi Sampoerna, according to Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), had over US$200 million deposit in Century, which would gone, if government closed down the troubled Bank Century.

I just remember when our fellow journalists discussed about who's behind Jurnal Nasional newspaper when it first hit newsstands few years ago (2006 to be exact). Journalists in town mainly mentioned Sampoerna. Which Sampoerna or who in the Sampoerna family involved in Jurnal Nasional (JURNAS), nobody knows except people within the company. George wrote that it's Soenaryo Sampoerna (not Putera, nor Boedi) who invested in the newspaper (PT Media Nusa Perdana). Soenaryo's name is mentioned in various reports about PT Esa Kertas, who is in legal dispute with Bank Danamon. Our source said Soenaryo, known as Kian Soen, is the son of Boedi.

In the first two years of JURNAS, according to George, Sampoerna installed two representatives: Ting Anantan Setiawan and Rainerius Taufik. Ting's role has reportedly been replaced by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono's younger sister, who is also the wife of Gatot Suwondo (BNI CEO). 

Nobody knows how much money Sampoerna already invested in JURNAS. George only pointed to print cost of the paper since 2006 has reached Rp90 billion. If that's true, JURNAS might have spent over Rp300 billion, because according to our experience in the media business, printing cost might be around 30% of total cost.

Still, nobody knows who gave what and how much for the operation of this newspaper. What's the connection between Sampoerna investment in JURNAS and Century bailout? George, in a talk-show with TVOne, said he made no connection between those two. Let people to draw conclusion? Well, what an unpleasant New Year gift for SBY and Demokrat Party. 

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Major bookstore withdraws controversial book on SBY

Major bookstore identified as TBG has reportedly withdrawn the distribution of Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di Balik Skandal Bank Century (picture, courtesy of Kompas.com), a book written by George Junus Aditjondro, upon instruction from "boss". The book, basically about foundations surrounding President SBY, has reportedly been discussed seriously by SBY's inner circle in SBY's private residence in Cikeas, West Java.

Kompas.com reported that TBG, most likely linked to Kompas Gramedia Group, withdrew the distribution of the book today, just few hours after the bookstore network received the delivery from its publisher (Galang Press).

The publisher, Julius Felicianus, claimed TBG owner got "hate calls" from unidentified person who asked the withdrawal.

Tempointeraktif.com quoted Julius saying Gramedia bookstore in Yogyakarta had withdrawn the book after "security officers" paid a visit. 

George launched the book in Yogyakarta on Wednesday, Dec 23 and immediately became a best seller. "The President is very concerned with the book release, because what disclosed in the book is not the fact," Julian Aldrin Pasha, the president's spokesperson said.

What's in the book? Well, actually nothing really new. George wrote about foundations like Puri Cikeas, Mutu Manikam, Kesetiakawanan, SBY Nurussalam, etc. George pointed relationships between First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and Artalyta Suryani (jailed in bribery case of prosecutor Urip Tri Gunawan) in Mutu Manikam Foundation where Artalyta was the treasurer, while the First Lady is the patron leader.

George also wrote about Kesetiakawanan Foundation which linked Djoko Suyanto (coordinating minister for politic, security, law & human rights) and Djoko Tjandra (for a US$1 million donation through PT Mulia Graha Tatalestari), etc.

The book is controversial for the link between SBY and the ongoing investigation on Century. Demokrat faction chairman Anas Urbaningrum expects the book is not part of a negative propaganda saying "SBY is not involved in the Century issue." 

But the publisher dismissed such allegation arguing George submitted the manuscript in June 2009 before the Century case emerged in political arena.

Andi Arief, one of SBY-Boediono's team member in the presidential campaign, considered George's new book a "defamation". He pointed to page 30 and 31 of the book, where, according to Andi, George mentioned about transfer of money from state-owned news agency LKBN Antara of Rp40.6 billion to Bravo Media Center, one of SBY-Boediono's key organizations.

George rebuffed Andi saying "the amount is not an issue. The most important thing is whether there were money transfer from Antara. Do they deny this? Because I have internal sources at Antara who could verify that."

The bottom line, George reminded, is the importance of auditing on foundations related to people in power and campaign teams. We can't agree more!  

  

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SBY in Sri Mulyani vs Bakrie

Some said Lapindo mudflow in Sidoarjo is one of cases which put finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati at odds with Aburizal Bakrie, chairman of Golkar Party. But it was president SBY who issued three decrees which systematically reduced Bakrie Group's financial burden on the endless hot mudflow. Where will be SBY on the recent "war" between the two powerful figures within his own "inner circle"?

When the hot mud outflown for the first time, most government officers promised public that "all the associated costs will be handled by Bakrie Family" only to see three presidential decrees issued by SBY substantially lifted the costs from Bakrie's shoulders. The last decree issued in September 2009. Some said Sri Mulyani lost the "war within the inner circle" in Lapindo issue as other cabinet members rallied behind SBY in the "decisions" to help Bakrie.

They were reportedly at odds on the collapse of Bakrie-related stocks. Bakrie reportedly asked for trading suspension on IDX, Sri Mulyani rejected. But we know for sure that the stocks have finally been suspended for two weeks or so. The stocks have recovered significantly this year. There were "orders" to "help" Bakrie stocks.

They were also at odds on the divestment of 14% shares in PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (NNT). Sri Mulyani once scored a win in this issue when she managed to get "cabinet approval" to have the State acquires 14% shares. But that was a brief victory before the new cabinet established in October 2009. Sri Mulyani lost her "power" as "ad interim coordinating minister for the economy" to Hatta Radjasa, one of few powerful persons around SBY in the new cabinet selection.

We know that Bakrie finally won the 14% shares, despite last minute maneuvers to push Aneka Tambang acquire the shares. Bakrie Group had paid 10% shares in NNT for US$391 million. Few days ago, Bakrie and its partner, local administrations of West Nusa Tenggara (NNT), paid 7% shares in NNT, and will pay another 7% soon. Combined, Bakrie won 24% shares in NNT.

Without substantial support from people above Sri Mulyani or at least gave no opposition to Bakrie, it's difficult to imagine how Sri Mulyani would have lost to Bakrie in this Newmont divestment.

So, Bakrie won in three major issues. One may say, well, Aburizal was a cabinet member and that then VP Kalla contributed at some point. But most people forget that it was SBY the real "saviour" for Bakrie even though his decisions might be against people's sense of justice. 

The fact that SBY opted to "help" Bakrie may raise question, will SBY do the same in the current "war" between Bakrie and Sri Mulyani?

Both Bakrie and Sri Mulyani were and are still the "major contributors" for SBY. Sri Mulyani contributed to SBY a "good international image" in his "campaign" for a "clean government". Bakrie contributed to SBY in both 2004 and 2009 presidential elections. Bakrie contributed significantly in 2004 along with Jusuf Kalla which crowned them the Three Musketeers. Bakrie contributed substantially in 2009 election, not only financially, including media network support, but politically. We know that while in public Aburizal expressed his support for Kalla's presidential bid, he, Agung Laksono, and Akbar Tanjung---known as Trio Alpha were big supporters of SBY-Boediono, substantially weakened support for Kalla, including within Golkar Party.

Aburizal Bakrie and Jusuf Kalla are currently out of the cabinet, but Bakrie, by no means, can't be considered an "outsider" for SBY. Bakrie managed to name three of his men as cabinet ministers: Agung Laksono, Fadel Muhammad, and MS Hidayat. Bakrie, as the chairman of Golkar Party, is an "insider" because without Golkar's support in the House of Representatives (DPR), SBY-Boediono's ruling coalition would be weak.

Bakrie has friends in at least two of SBY-Boediono's ruling coalition members: Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and National Mandate Party (PAN).

On the other hand, international business community and some major business groups are rallying behind Sri Mulyani in most issues. They are also contributing factors for SBY's legitimacy. SBY is clearly "caught" in a very delicate situation here. From the current political development, SBY has to make another crucial decision: Bakrie or Sri Mulyani. 

It is not an easy situation like what market players thought. Bashing Bakrie might cost SBY-Boediono's future, i.e. triggering impeachment through the inquiry on Century debacle. It is a risky decision. Bashing Sri Mulyani might cost SBY-Boediono a "loss in market confidence". The less risky decision might be not to pick the winner. But is it politically realistic for SBY-Boediono?

by Haryanto Suharman & Yosef Ardi

taken from yosefardi.com

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Voted for an idol, don't expect a president!

Lots of people, who claimed themselves voted for SBY-Boediono in July 8 election, expressed their disappointment over SBY's position in the high profile dispute between Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and police/attorney general's office. 

In less than three days after its establishment, the Facebook account to support two suspended KPK leaders---Bibit Samad Rianto and Chamdra M. Hamzah---got over 200,000 members. Even political parties within SBY-Boediono coalition criticize SBY for his inaction. "This is a country without government," Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, politician from National Awakening Party (PKB).

Sorry guys, we voted for an idol, we got an idol. We voted someone because of fake images created through beautiful advertising and media reports. Look at how we continued the "Indonesian idol" with "Cikeas idol" (selection of ministers which looks more of an audition for an pop idol than a selection of leaders). Cikeas is the private residence of SBY where he and VP Boediono "interviewed" minister candidates. The Indonesian Idol has been mandated to appoint lower level "idols". 

Hikmahanto Juwana, law professor at University of Indonesia, warned SBY for a possible "people power"emerged from the crisis. He shouldn't take it lightly. The president's press statement on Friday has failed to win public support for his inaction. Students might stage public rallies soon. Facebookers will also stage public rally on November 8, 2009. More influential figures have been rallying behind KPK leaders. Nahdatul Ulama and Muhammdiyah, two of the largest Moslem organizations, are rallying behind KPK leaders. Political parties will soon turn their back from SBY. 

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ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN

Will SBY end up like Nixon? "Impeach SBY," one reader of Kompas.com campaigned. "This is the New Order Part II," another reader commented. Others tend to be sarcastic. "This is a revenge because KPK prosecuted the father-in-law of his son...", "This is a systematic action to kill KPK..."

"He let this from happening so his cronies could corrupt absolutely, following his teacher, Soeharto. Cikeas Dynasty." "Who asked you to vote for SBY?" others commented. These hate posts are reflection of how upset people are on SBY and his men.

Main targets of public criticism are Bambang Hendarso Danuri (Police Chief), Susno Duadji (head of criminal investigation unit), Hendarman Supandji (Attorney General), Abdul Hakim Ritonga (deputy AG), and Djoko Suyanto (coordinating minister for politic, security, law, and human rights). They are all the president's men.

Police and AGO have widely been considered responsible in what popularly believed as criminalization of Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Watergate scandal implicated Nixon, which led to his downfall, mainly because his men masterminded the plot against Democratic Party. Nixon is the ultimate beneficiary owner of their actions. The question in the KPK fiasco is of course whether SBY could be considered benefited from the plot against KPK leaders.

It is true that SBY made "strange" statements. He, for example, once said "KPK has grown into an overly powerful institution." He also expressed "concern"about KPK's wiretapping thing. But we can't answer the question based on his statements, including the recent controversial tapped conversation which mentioned SBY.

Bibit and Chandra are prosecuted based on "statements" from former KPK chairman Antasari Azhar (detained in multiple cases) that he "heard" the flow of Rp6.7 billion funds to KPK leaders. 

Police then named Bibit and Chandra suspects in "bribery" case. But when they failed to get convincing evidence, they moved to different allegation: abuse of power.

With three KPK leaders named suspects, president SBY then issued government regulation in lieu of law to install three provisional leaders for KPK. The main reason was because KPK needs at least three leaders to make crucial decisions.

But on Thursday, October 29, Constitutional Court dropped "a bomb" with its verdict where Bibit and Chandra can't be suspended.

Interestingly SBY said "this is just a case, like others," while public, including Constitutional Court, believe "this is an extraordinary case."

But of course SBY wants to be perceived as a president who upholds the law when he said "I don't want to intervene the investigation." But he seems to miss is law without the sense of justice is meaningless. He is trapped in a formal process of law framed by police and AGO or men around him. 

Everybody shared his view on the importance to honor any formal legal process. But they felt something the president might not. Rationale built by police to detain Bibit and Chandra is not shared by most people. 

When police said Bibit and Chandra made too many press statement which affected investigation, and as a result they should be detained, is horrible from human rights perspective. Under the law, everybody, even if he or she is convicted reserved the right to talk.

He might wants to be perceived of "not taking sides". But his inaction is considered an endorsement to police, an indirect support to police, so he is taking sides. Unfortunately, people have completely different view about police. SBY seems trusts on police so much while most people doubt and cynical.

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When Yudhoyono's son enrolls at Harvard

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, son of president SBY, has recently enrolled in a course to earn a master's degree in public administration at top notch school Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. 

According to his wife, Annisa Pohan, Agus is expected to accomplish the program within one year. Agus followed the step of Yenny Zannuba Wahid, daughter of former president Abdurrahman Wahid, who graduated from the Kennedy School few years back.

Born in August 10, 1978, Agus Yudhoyono graduated from Military Academy in 2000 and then master program at the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies in Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He is now a captain at Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad).

It is not clear which program at KSG that Agus Yudhoyono enrolled into. But Mason Program at the school could cost a minimum of US$82,380 (depending on living expenses). If you take your family with one children, the cost could be sky-high. Mandatory University Health Services Fees for 2009-2010 program, according to KSG's website, is US$5660 for two dependents, while maintenance cost could be US$17,600. So, a family of three (like Agus) needs at least US$100,000 a year, for basics.

As for Annisa, she was born in Boston in November 20, 1981. She is a model.

Money, which usually triggers speculation and rumors, is one thing. But to get there, you need more than that---access. As for the outcome, well, who knows that you can be the next president of Indonesia. Felipe Calderon, alumni of the KSG, is currently president of Mexico. Calderon's friend and classmate at KSG, Gita I Wirjawan, is currently commissioner at state-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina, and reportedly one of few executives close to SBY.

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Stop campaigning, back to work!

These politicians will never stop campaigning. After "winning" the presidency, deputy chairman of SBY's Demokrat Party Ahmad Mubarok said SBY will become secretary general of United Nations after his second term in office. My goodness, SBY has yet to serve Indonesian people, this guy has started to campaign for another job!

"He will become UN secretary general. That would bring positive image to Indonesia," Mubarok said.

This guy has also started to talk about 2014 presidential ticket. "I favor Anas (Urbaningrum, executive of Demokrat Party), he is young and inherits SBY's character," Mubarok further campaigned.

Others started to predict First Lady Ani Yudhoyono might run for presidency in 2014. But Demokrat Party executive Andi Mallarangeng said it's too early to talk about that. Well, the 2009 election winner has yet to be confirmed formally. It is true that Kalla already congratulated SBY. It is also true that Megawati has yet to congratulate SBY because she believes the process is not final yet. But is it necessary for Urbaningrum to say this?

Democracy respects the process, and that also reflects political maturity of a leader or a winner. SBY's camp shall also respect the process, complaints, and critics as part of our journey to improve the democracy. Why pushing for a single definition of political maturity? Why are they in a hurry to expect flowers, greetings, congratulations? Why not go back to work, because they have missed so much of their 2004 campaign promises?

Try to bring back Djoko Tjandra and put him in jail. Get Robert Tantular's friends and prosecute for the mess at Bank Century. Help the State to recover hundreds of million USD taken out from Bank Tripanca. These two cases in past 12 months already cost the State over US$1 billion. Stop campaigning for image. Walk the talk! People need actions! Unless they want to be the leader of NATO (no action, talk only). May be it is an available job? Go ask Barrack Obama for information. 

Do something about "real interest rate", not the benchmark BI rate. The benchmark rate is 6.75%, but lending rates for motorists stay above 32.5%. Bring us the real "free education", coz my friend just paid US$500 entry fee to a public school for his daughter because the school committee said they got no budget to refurbish and build new buildings.

Oops, before you raise military budget by 20% next year, please audit military's spending in the past. And please don't change the name of BPS (Central Bureau of Statistics) into ABS (Asal Bapak Senang) with this kind of joke!

And please read this article...Critics are of the same importance as supports, praises, sweet words! 

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The Advisors

President SBY has finally appointed nine advisors. They are Adnan Buyung Nasution (lawyer), Ali Alatas (former foreign affairs minister), Emil Salim (former environment affairs minister), Ma'ruf Amin (Moslem cleric), Abdul Gani (lecturer), Subur Budi Santoso (lecturer, former chairman of SBY's Partai Demokrat), TB Silalahi (ret army general, former minister), Rachmawati Soekarnoputri (?, sister of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri), and Sjahrir (economist).

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Endless natural disasters: Eco-Politic

Landslide in my hometown in Manggarai, Flores killed 34 people few days ago. Today, an earthquake killed 82 people in Solok, West Sumatra. Endless natural disasters. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr Boediono said natural disasters have prevented the economy to grow higher. So, I guess our earlier discussion about those people who believe that natural disasters have something to do with President SBY's bad aura could get better justification (for making future rational political decision)...SBY missed his campaign promise of 7%/year growth. But SBY could also defend himself and justify the lower growth..."I could have reached 7% growth without series of natural disasters."

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It's too early to claim a success

Almost all newspapers published President SBY's claims of success today. The President made the claims before the parliament members of Partai Demokrat where he is the chairman of patron board. Isn't it too early to claim his administration a success?

SBY claimed success on the following pending issues left unsettled by the previous admnistrations:
1) Aceh conflict (Peace Accord & peaceful local election)
2) Papua conflict (?, not sure what has been settled)
3) Human rights violation in East Timor (?)
4) Lifting US military embargo
5) Healthier Budget (?)
6) Accelerating payment of IMF loans & dismiss CGI
7) Dipasena shrimp farm (?)
8) Cemex dispute
9) Karaha Bodas (?)
10) Cepu conflict between ExxonMobil & Pertamina
11) Texmaco settlement(?)
He told party members to tell people what the president had done. "According to World Bank, we're on the right track," Yudhoyono said.
Well, World Bank!
I don't remember his campaign promises, but one thing: 7% economic growth/year. What's the latest statistic?
Other promise: create more jobs (but why unemployment on the rise?)
The answer lies in the famous lyric of singer Ebiet G Ade (he performed before Partai Demokrat gathering, duet with President SBY)...the dancing bushes (I'm not sure the translation).

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The President's bad aura & the curse of betrayal

More and more people down there believe on what the soothsayers said the president's bad aura when commenting the country's continuous misseries & disasters. Some say it's a curse of the leaders tendency to get their power with betrayals. Most of us would not believe, or may say it's bullshit, but some believe in that and we can't simply discount as part of the political game. What?

"Most of my friends believe the curse of the leaders' betrayals. We've never experienced that before," a hair dresser said.
"The president is a nice guy. But somehow, my colleagues believe on his bad aura behind all of the disasters," my taxi driver said this morning.
I remember last Saturday when I had foot therapy, the massaseur told me of how his friends started to believe the soothsayer's views.
I wonder whether some politicians have taken benefit out it. Most well educated people would not buy. "But you have to remember, when it comes to politics, it's not about how many educated people voted for you. It's about how many people, educated or uneducated, voted for you," a friend said.
I tried to ask three executives about the curse, bad aura, and disasters. All of them are well educated. "I don't believe. But people down there believe, and politicans might take that opportunity. Off course I would not vote somebody based on the aura thing. But you can't ask people not to consider that mysticism'" one of them said.
Sri, a nurse at one of clinic in Jakarta, told me that "I voted for SBY. But I'm afraid if I vote for him again," she said and frankly admitted how she share the mysticism.
She just didn't care when I tried to explain how the mother nature sometimes angry and that's nothing to do with someone's aura.
It's like talking about how superstitious things have kept Soeharto in power for more than three decades. Or those conglomerates who go to Gunung Kawi and give offerings as thanksgiving, things that considered odd for those who claim themselves 'rational human being'.
We just can't discount such perception in parts of our society. And it's a political communication challenge for the president's inner circles.

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