Still Waters Despite Stormy Weather

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/05/18/your-letters-the-media-isn-t-always-mirror-society.html

My phone rang. I was too busy preparing my course material that I ignored the noisy sound. It beeped with text message. Finishing packing, I read the still glowing text from my brother "Hey, are you OK? They just executed the duo Bali Nine this morning. Just be careful, Ok!"

My heart raced. I immediately switched on the local news channel. Australia's response to the executions of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran has been swift and unprecedented. It caught me off guard that I just realized the state I was in, being in the country where the two drug offenders came from. I had mixed feelings that made me jittery and clammy. It gave me goose bumps.

The way the local Medias framed their articles and coverage on the case days and nights seemed way too emotional and reactionary. They disproportionately paraded the agonizing and excruciating wait of the two families’ to touch the heart strings of their viewers. With due respect, it’s too much to see such raw exploitation.

Then, politicians jumped in to offer sympathy, commentary or just condemnation in an apparent move to win the hearts of the potential future voters. There’s even a hint to immortalize the drama by naming a certain scholarship under the two convicts’ names. It made me think whether the case has been turned into political commodity which distorted the basic issue of the abolishment of the so called inhuman capital punishment. Some colleagues of mine who have been studying in Australia even labeled them as "lebay" (adj. has the quality of being excessive).

What’s more, It's rather odd to think that the Australian Government is considering cutting its aid to Indonesia this year. It's like a déjàvu all over again. Remembering the statement fumed by Minister Abbot related to the Australia's previous humanitarian aid to Aceh which drew ire of Indonesian citizens. It’s a shared universal value that any humanitarian assistance should be without any strings attached.

Surprisingly, in spite of this stormy weather, I saw still waters in the Melbourne’s urban community at large.

As I joined my class, it’s quite unexpected to see this ‘unaffected’ classroom. The brouhaha failed to infect respectful Australian citizens neither in my class nor people on the streets. No one actually raised this issue. No staged protests and public outrage displayed on the streets. Everything seemed to run normal as business as usual.

Being the only Indonesians in the class, we felt vulnerable yet we met no significant intrusion due to the case. Nor we suffered any growing sentiments among our fellow Australian classmates. Instead, when we went to Sydney afterwards, we met a group of students who held fund raising for victims of the devastating earthquake in Nepal on our way back to the hotel.

What's on the news seemed did not mirror the factual atmosphere in the society at large. In fact, we encountered people who were so helpful despite our nationality. Yet, we kept our guard on and extra cautious just in case.

As for the death penalty, I have conflicting opinions. For grim brutal and heinous crimes such as sadistic mass murder or serial killers, I would say I support capital punishment. I would feel so unsafe knowing that such sadistic killers would only be locked somewhere without the presence of capital punishment. What about the feelings of families of the victims who pursue justice for their loved ones? And I've never heard of sadistic serial killers could reform themselves as the sickness is innate, plaguing the souls.

As for drug dealers, I should take into consideration the feelings of the families of the victims of the addictive substances as well. Drug traffickers bring misery and harms to society. They import deaths and ceaseless social problems. It just seems inappropriate to portray them as martyrs and heroes.

However, I believe in second chances as well. When former convicts expressed repents and reformed themselves for the greater good of the people by helping others and serving community services with good will and faith while they are waiting for the death penalty, it seems a waste of good asset to kill them. A lifetime sentence without any parole might be suit better so that these reformed convicts might continue their services.

In dealing with drug problem, first and foremost the government should focus on education and treatment. Drug users/addicts (victims) can be sentenced to community work or send to a rehabilitation program rather than prison. While, the drug traffickers should be given harsher sanction depending on the scale of their crimes that mirror the weight of their destruction toward the community including capital punishment if the offenders keep repeating their same illegal activities and bring massive harms to the society at large.

Last not least, it is imperative to enforce the law and apply equality before it. Whoever breaks the law, including engaging in drug trafficking, should be punished regardless of their status, creed, or wealth.

Tjokroaminoto Guru Bangsa

“A great nation is one that truly appreciates its history”

Once again, the award-winning Garin Nugroho, gave birth to a historical epic movie entitle "Tjokroaminoto Guru Bangsa" (Tjokroaminoto Teacher of the Nation). The name Tjokroaminoto is instantly recognizable to most Indonesians, yet few know about the man and his pivotal role in shaping Indonesia’s long journey to independence. Today, the name graces streets, schools and universities all over the country, but only a few know that without Tjokroaminoto, there would have been no Sukarno as Indonesia’s first President. Garin brings the story of this extraordinary man into the screen for us to know this man better.

As always, Garin’s masterpiece presents a breath of fresh air into Indonesia’s film industries which have long been dominated by ghost and love story. Taking the story of the Indonesian national hero Hadji Omar Said Tjokroaminoto to life, Garin managed to recreate the figure who has shaped the history of this nation into a charismatic intellectual figure, skillful strategist, critical writer and editor as well as great orator who could spellbind thousands of people. Tjokroaminoto whom we know only through his black and white images in our history text books as the founder of Sarekat Islam (Islamic Association, the first nationalist political party in Indonesia originated as an association of those Muslim merchants who wanted to advance their economic interests in relation to Chinese merchants in Jave) has found his voice through this movie.

Running for two and a half hours, the film Tjokroaminoto Guru Bangsa tried to portray the long road taken by Tjokroaminoto in building Sarekat Islam to uplift the economic standing of his people and to eradicate poverty and illiteracy as a result of Dutch colonialization. The film took setting in regions where Tjokroaminoto spent his childhood up to his activities as the prominent leader of Sarekat Islam ranging from Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Pasuruan to Surabaya. This struggle becomes the seeds of the national movement.

Against the historical background after the end of the cultuurstelsel or enforcement planting imposed by the Dutch in the late 1800s, the Dutch Colonial government promoted an Ethical Politics aiming to improve the welfare of Indonesian people as recompense for centuries of occupation and oppression. The Dutch colonial government provided access to education for the children of the nobility in Java. However, the new policy rang hollow as most people still suffered from forced labor and illiteracy. As a result, poverty and injustice was still rampant. Social disparity between ethnic groups was still clearly visible. In the midst of this political and social turmoil, Tjokroaminoto stood up against these injustices. He preached self-reliance, unity and education for all.

The film opened with a scene in which little Tjokroaminoto witnessed the atrocities imposed by a Dutch landlord to the indigenous workers. The workers were treated like slaves, robbed of dignity and self-esteem. One scrawny worker was tortured until his blood soaked the whitish cotton like fiber as one of the main crops of the plantation. This blood-stained cotton with a  word 'hijrah' (a migration or a journey to a better place) instilled by his religious teacher etched in little Tjokroaminoto, becoming the spirit of his struggle. The white cotton and hijrah became the symbol of Tjokroaminoto’s journey to bring back the dignity and self esteem of his people.

Disillusioned with the bureaucracy, Tjokroaminoto cast off his royal status and worked as a menial labor in Semarang as his first hijrah. The more he interacted with his people, the more he felt the pain and suffering endured by them. Soon, he was encouraged to go to Surabaya as he would flourish more in this busier city. He actively wrote in Bintang Soerabaja daily newspaper, criticizing the Dutch colonial policies. Eventually, he joined the country’s biggest Islamic trade union, Sarekat Dagang Islam. Soon, his Intelligence and leadership rewarded with respect.

Later, he built Sarekat Islam (SI). He started to preach young Indonesians to rise up against colonial rule through movements without violence, building education, health and economic development centers.

Tjokroaminoto’s house in Gang Peneleh, Surabaya, became the centre of young leaders of Indonesia. He used his home as a boardinghouse that hosted several eager young men such as Koesno (Sukarno), Semaoen, Muso and Kartosuwiryo. At this simple home, they held a lot discussions on politics, ideology and the nation and these spirited tenants began to Tjokroaminto as their mentor. These young leaders would continue the ideals of Tjokroaminoto to have a dignified, educated and prosperous nation.

Decades later, Tjokroaminoto’s former tenants began developing their own political ideas and views who gave birth to the country’s independence in 1945. Sukarno became a nationalist and married Tjokroaminoto’s daughter, Utari, Semaoen and Muso became communists Kartosuwiryo developed Islamic political ideas.

What’s more in this film is Garin's remarkable attention to details related to the setting, ranging from the traditional batik and kebaya dress of characters, home furnishings, and transport of carriage, tram, train cars and chores-drawn carriage as an old-fashioned mode of transportation. The audience experienced the time-machine travel like through time back in the late 19^th century.

However, a good script and director is helpless without their actors and actresses. Standing ovation should be given to Reza Rahadian who has successfully brought back Tjokroaminoto alive with his remarkable acting. On the other hand, it is such a waste that Christine Hakim’s superb act is not supported by an adequate role as she only gets the role as the caring Simbok for Tjokroaminoto’s family. The long duration of the film with lengthy dialogue laden with symbols also make this film feels tedious and a bit heavy to follow, especially if the target audience is students.

On other note, we can see an irony in this history of our nation. After independence, these idealistic leaders who befriended one another in the boarding house killed each other due to their different ideological. How fragile politics is when ideology and group’s interest are put above the people and the nation. It is something our nation should always keep learn as often we repeat the same mistakes as in the phrase ‘history repeats itself.’

Yet, overall this film is masterpiece. It’s not easy to bring the historical figure to life, especially when the only source of animated means is only through the black and white old photographs. What’s more challenging is on how to give the character a voice in delivering his ideals and dreams. It is a must see film for all Indonesians.

Showcasing Indonesia’s Rich Culture in World’s Shariah Forum

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/04/11/citizen-journalism-showcasing-indonesia-s-rich-culture.html

As the lights in the Grand Ballroom of Kempinski Hotel Indonesia dimmed, a number of dancers entered the front stage, sitting in tight row.  Starting with slow movements, almost like child’s play, they accelerated into fast elaborative and cohesive movements. The dancers clapped their hands, slapped their chests, thighs and the ground, clicked their fingers, and swayed and twisted their bodies and heads in time with the shifting rhythm in unison or alternating with the moves of opposing dancers, resulting in percussive sounds that added into the performance. The cultural performance that showcased the transcultural blending of Islamic and Indonesian culture was well-received and applauded.

Following the pre-dinner drinks and greetings, all delegates were seated at their tables and were soon watching this beautiful Aceh Saman dance or the dance of thousand hands. The delegates had the unique opportunity to experience this colorful Indonesian culture which UNESCO has officially recognized as an intangible element of world cultural heritage.The welcoming dinner was sealed by another cultural performance of Rantak Dance which was dominated by Pencak Silat, the traditional martial art of West Sumatra, with movements such as taping, hand movements, waving and jumping. As with the former, this cultural expression has been applauded with enthusiasm. 

Hosted this prestigious event is Bank Indonesia which also became the host of  the 2014 Meeting of the Central Banks and Monetary Authorities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member Countries last November in Surabaya. As chairman of the IFSB, Bank Indonesia has been sucessful in bringing the culturally rich Indonesia to the fore which is intertwined with religion and age-old traditions.

Whereas the audience attending The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) Annual Meetings and Side Events which was held on 31 March to 2 April, 2015 represented 17 countries worldwide comprising of seven central bank governors, heads of regulatory and supervisory authorities, as well as 13 senior representatives from the Council and Full  members of the IFSB.

The three-day forum event was filled with a series of meetings and seminars to enhance financial inclusion through Islamic finance with speakers from central bankers, researchers and practitioners alike. Islamic banking may be one of the fastest-growing segments in international finance today, yet the challenge remains on how Islamic finance might help to alleviate poverty in most muslim countries and contribute towards sustainable economic growth since the Muslim-majority countries overall are among the world’s poorest

On this seminar, IFSB member countries tried to formulate policies and strategies in exploring the role of the Islamic finance in supporting financial inclusion, the building blocks necessary for the development and promotion of financial inclusion.

As for Indonesia, Islamic banking industry can be one of the tools to deepen the country’s financial markets as it has a large untapped potential in Indonesia, a country where about 13 percent of the total global Muslim population live. Having the world’s largest Muslim population with sustained moderate economic growth implies that Indonesia harbours great potential for Islamic finance. Developing this potential will help to make the country more resilient to global economic turmoil. However, with nearly 90 percent of the 250 million people in Indonesia adhering to Islam, the market share of sharia finance is remarkably low.

According to the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the market share of sharia bank in Indonesia only reached 4.85 percent of the country’s total banking assets in 2013, just miss by the margin from the five percent target set by the regulator. This is small compared to Malaysia where Islamic banking holds a 20 percent market share.

In this manner, hosting two major international events adressing the greater role of Islamic banking industries on financial inclusion should gain Indonesia full momentum to develop its Islamic banking industry. Indonesia should strenghten the ministerial-level coordination in this sector, improve highly qualified human capital with innovation and creativity as well as create legal business certainty environment.

As is Aceh Saman Dance, Indonesia has a great challenge ahead to bring this industry to the fore, transforming the region into the ‘Mecca’ of global Islamic banking.

When The Law Becomes Impotent

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/26/your-letters-when-law-becomes-impotent.html

Our hearts mourned with deep anguish to see the 63-year-old Asyani, an elderly woman from Situbondo, East Java wailed in tears at the courtroom, begging for  mercy not to be put in jail. The idea of the fragile hunched elderly could even lift a teak wood she was accused of stealing from the state forestry company PT Perhutani, looked ludicrous. Even walking straight seemed a struggle for her, let alone carrying a piece of log on hear arched back. Yet, if anything being accused of proved true, we still find the vulgar spectacle irksome for our sense of justice.

Onanother public display, graft suspects from the law enforcers corp and politicians get away from trial. They can easily bend the rule. Smiling venomously, they defy the court order and make justice as a game of power. They manipulate the system and use any loopholes the judicial system for their advantage. They walk free with their privileges still intact.

This two contrasting dramashave our heart boiled with rage. There’s no such thing of equality before the law. We bitterly come to realize that the basic principle that no man is above the law and no man is below it, is nothing but eloquent words nailed on the wall. This rule of law does not apply to the poor and powerless. They screamed at the top of their lung to demand justice only to come on deaf ears. Our legal system is impotent in the face of grave injustice, leading to an unacceptable erosion of people's faith in the justice delivery system and the rule of law itself.

Too often we hear cases how the court and law enforcers treat the poor differently from the rich and the powerful. The court with its system profoundly discriminative, goes after the weak sooner and harder than the have and powerful, metes out harsher punishment to weak defendants and never, ever brings the same measure of mercy to them as to the strong and powerful.They pursue minor criminal charges committed by the elderly all out and indiscriminately and force them to stand on trial despite their failing health. Yet, the same law becomes impotent to bring criminal charges committed by high ranking profiles into court. Graft suspects with immense power walk free with big smile. Convicted corruptors who have emptied the state coffers for their own selfish interest will soon receive clemency.

It is suffice to say that money buys justice and power holds it as hostage. It follows the natural common law that the strong will have the inclination to prey on the weak, the rich on the poor, survival of the fittest.Only a few has courage to defy this 'new normal' and stand firm to uphold justice regardless of wealth, color, gender or creed.

The justice system becomes the prey of hostile powers to accumulate wealth and privilige. It is so frustrating to see this vicious circle.

We feel so exasperated as we become passive spectators of the injustice. We become numb to it since it’s so systematic.  When we think that something can be bought and sold, we end up treating it like a commodity.  Indeed, justice has become a profitable commodity for the rich and powerful. They are above the law in our country, because decisions on prosecuting them are made by politicians, or by prosecutors who have an eye on a political career, and do not want to piss off potential donors to their future campaigns. They enjoy near-absolute impunity. Corruption wasn’t just rampant, it was also almost never investigated or acted upon among these sharks.

Our hope is high when in recent years, a string of high-profile public prosecutions at KPK have targeted the elites, leaving us hopeful that the country’s finally getting serious about targeting graft in the higher echelons of society. Sadly, the flame dwindled away as these sharks are fighting back tooth and nail. One by one, the anti graft profiles are pursued and brought down.

Yet, no matter how bleak and cold the future of corruption fight might be, we must not lose hope. There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. In the case of Asyani, mounting public outcries amplified by the media has been successful to wake up the government to follow up the case closely.

When injustice is displayed so obscenely, people will react. They can not change the law. But in the information and technology era like today, people take to social media to initiate change, to put pressures on the court and law enforcers to uphold justice. Not even seasoned politicians nor public figures want to deal with fiery netizens. Just take a look at the tragic fate of Abraham Lunggana, the city councilor, who is constantly bullied by the netizens! His reputation is ruined, razed to the ground by the fiery flame of the people who resort to the social media.

When our three pillars of democracy fail us, we still have the fourth pillar, the media, as our last resort. It is by far the most effective arsenal to fight injustice, inequality and corrupt practices in this country.

Now the trumpet summons the citizen again -- not as a call to bear arms to seize our freedom from colonialism-- not as a call to battle, though embattled we are -- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation, a struggle against our common enemies:  tyranny,injustice, and corruption.

The strong should protect the weak, the powerful should govern with sense of  justice and morality and the wealthy should help to empower the poor.The efficacy of the judicial system depends on its capacity to deliver justice to all irrespective of their social or economic standing in the society.

Leveraging Technology to Improve Governance

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/20/your-letters-technology-improve-governance.html

The morning sky was bleak and cold when I finally stepped in the Depok Immigration Office for the first time. Trying to have a faith that the online system would save me from an endless maze of bureaucracy, I gingerly looked to my left and right for cues. The smiling security officer at the door lessened my agitated foreboding. He was friendly, helpful with any questions I asked and courteous in manners.

To anticipate any unpleasant snaking queue, I came early in the morning. I was lucky there's only around 20 people queuing at the registration counter which was already open for verifying the documents and issuing ticket number at 7 a.m. Meanwhile, the interview session opened at 8 a.m. As the sun went higher, people started to flock in.

After getting the ticket number, I waited while making an observation. To be frankly, it's not quite from what I expected. With the familiar loopholes and blockades of government bureaucracy in Indonesia, getting my passport done in a timely manner is almost an impossibility. I pictured a crowded and disarray place. To my surprise, it was quite the opposite. It took less than an hour and was quite orderly and the lines moved quickly when my name was called in.

Thank God, I have applied online so the process was quicker than those who registered manually which made my passport application much faster. I have filled in all the required forms online, scanned the necessary documents and have them uploaded. Only after I submitted the application online, I made the actual payment to the appointed bank. When the payment was validated by the system, I picked a date for my interview. It’s simple and easy.

And the magic of technology unfolded! I was done with the interview, finger prints scanned, and biometric photo for less than half an hour.  All done! I could collect my new passport after 4 working days by showing my receipt. At 10 a.m I headed back to my office, smiling and satisfied with the effectiveness and swiftness of the Depok Immigration Office. A total different experience with the government institution years ago!

What’s more, I was never in any way mandated to pay any additional money. The process was not frustrating in any way. The staffs are mostly young generation who work fast and efficient. It saves me time and money. All payment is made through the appointed state owned bank. The layout of the interview and verification room is designed smartly so that no one could slip an envelope or any other payment without the notice of the people around them. First to arrive, first to be served. Each desk is also equipped with the electronic data capture (EDC) machine to make payment easier for those who are reluctant to go the bank.

Indeed, an online system is much more than developing hardware and software for data collection and management. Manual services for the public in various government over the years without the use of technology creates multiplicity of databases, increasing the cost of governance and also systemic loopholes within the system, which become foundations of corruption. Using the right technology and system can improve the public services of these offices and prevent corrupt practices.

I have seen such good service done also at the Taspen office (National Insurance Pension Funds) at my hometown. It was faster and efficient to collect all necessary documents and payment from the office when my Dad passed away.  No bribery or any other payment made to speed up the process. They have applied online registration system as practiced in commercial banks. The clients come, have their ticket number issued and the system will announce each counter for the process. It’s much like going into the bank.

Indeed, Indonesia will be better if such transparent and efficient online system can be applied in all government institutions. Such system can eliminate frustrated red tape and illicit fees as all due processes can be monitored online. If any discrepancies were found, one could file a complaint. It is such good governance endorsed by good system which is already applied by the Jakarta Administrative Office with their e-budgeting. It improves transparency and accountability to the public.

Those who are benefited from the old system without doubt will fight tooth and nail to stop such bureaucratic reformation. Just look at the endless saga between the Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and the City Council. To combat corruptive practices is a daunting task. Those on top on power, who try to do so, will have to walk into the path of thorns and thistles. It is a lonely path with looming dangers, wolves and hyenas ready to rip and torn any who dare to trespass.

For this reason, we need to support any who dare to talk such a dangerous path. We have to rally behind those who want to reform and overhaul the bureaucracy to improve the public services and eradicate corruption. Leveraging technology by applying the On-line Applications System for Integrated Services thus is vital in the quest for achieving more transparent and accountable government. Technology is coercing people to change their behavior. It will eventually will cut red tape, make the administrative systems simpler and more efficient to improve the transparency and accountability of the overall government institutions.

Shameless Episode of Political Clowns

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/10/your-letters-circuses-shame.html

As if it is not enough to see the blood-boiling circus at the councilors' House for the last few months, we shake our heads in frustration to witness another shameless acrobatic move of the local councilors at the Jakarta. Instead of entertaining the crowds, these political clowns depleted our energy, infuriated the masses and robbed us the peace. They acted like little annoying 'gremlin' who multiplied instantly and ready to destroy the neighborhood.

On the other side of the story, Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama with his typically unflinching and outspoken nature, inflamed the councilors more by reporting the city controversy budget irregularity and the councilors’ past mistakes the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The already strained relationship between the legislative and executive worsened into a new stage. The councilors threatened to use their right of inquiry that could lead to the governor’s dismissal.

The saga continues, a blatant shameless politicking episode is displayed. Ahok fought head to toes, a fierce warrior of justice in the skin of a lamb, prone to be slaughtered and skinned alive by the pack of wolves. Winning seems a case of impossibility, as these cunning merciless wolves would remain as thorns in the government. The political atmosphere transforms into an active volcano, unpredictable when and how will it erupt. 

The obvious victim of such debacle is without a doubt, Jakartans and the development of it. In the absence of harmonious relationship between the two bodies, any reform agenda will be held a hostage. To have budget transparency and efficiency is an uphill battle.

The shameless act of the political clowns reminds me of the inspiring words of one of the world’s greatest leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, who once said that politics without principle is one of the deadly sins. Gandhi must have known that politics and principles are on the extreme polarities and they cannot be forced into a marriage of convenience.

All the more now, the shameless display of gutter politics going on in every news outlet make us more skeptical and our distrust to the politicians reduce below zero. The madness unfolding daily with shocking twists demonstrated by the lawmakers as well as government officials feels like truth is staring at us with a quirky smile. The result is what we have in full view of the public, the unfolding of a shameless comedic drama that is keeping the media occupied and the masses at large enraged.

Our esteemed lawmakers appear to be pretty occupied with enriching themselves and put efforts to save what little left of their pride. They have little concern or worry for the people which should be their priority. The infighting for power, with the musclemen trying to wade through the thick fog of deception for their personal gains, strengthens the sentiment felt for some years now that we, the people have enough of these political clowns.

The vileness displayed by each member in House has eroded the nano bit of hope and trust in the people.

Turning Tables: A Comeback or Political Suicide for President Jokowi

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/02/21/your-letters-a-comeback-or-political-suicide.html

My heart broke seeing TV footage of police officers kneeling on the floor in pray, or jeering in jubilation, in response to the South Jakarta District Court’s decision that let their general avoid a criminal investigation launched by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). If law enforcers took side in such vulgar display, what would be the fate of our law and justice system? The picture is grim and sickening.

Many legal experts have said that the legal standing of the pre-trial petition filed by National Police chief candidate to challenge the KPK’s move to name him a graft suspect was scandalous. No less a figure than former supreme court Justice Djoko Sarwono has branded the decision groundless and KPK should continue its investigation. Ridiculously, the presiding judge has issued the shocking verdict that sent potential corruptors and criminals alike merry go round.

My hope to have a corruption-free country faded away, replaced by despair and fury. Corrupt lawmakers, bureaucrats and law enforcers would reign. They would feast on the plights of commoners like us. They would play God with all the wealth accumulated from their appalling crimes. Justice can be bought. Justice is indeed blind, literally!

Those who long for a corruption-free Indonesia turn all their eyes to the President who had ignited the flame in the first place by nominating Commander General Budi Gunawan as the National Chief Police. Many have pinned lots of hope on President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to put an end in the long-stalled standoff between the National Police and KPK. Yet, many have started to lose their faith over a series of decisions made by the President that were allegedly to please his political patrons. His every move is questioned and scrutinized. The more he dallies, the more frustrating people have become. His popularity is declining.

President Jokowi is holding on by a thin thin thread. While we are kicking the curb because silly politicians and law enforcers never heard our pleas. What would the President do about it? Like us, everybody has to respect the court’s decision, no matter how hilarious it was.

Poor President Jokowi. Not only, will he have to fight the grand coalition of both the Great Indonesia Coalition and the Red-and-White Coalition (who both have backstabbed him) but also the invisible figures with power in support of Gunawan's inauguration as the National Chief. The political repercussions coming from his having the courage to drop Budi’s nomination anyway is predicted to be severe. Some lawmakers have started to impeach him on the ground of violating the constitution as Jokowi himself nominated Budi and repeatedly promised to respect the due process of law when delaying Budi’s inauguration one month ago.

Along with millions of Indonesians, I waited in agony on the move taken by President Jokowi. We hope as the last bastion of justice on the crisis, he would have the heart to take bold action like he had promised earlier in his campaign. The right decision will again garner him the popular support of the people who began to doubt his independency from his patron and political allies.

And this afternoon, he made his comeback!

He dropped the unpopular general for the post of police chief and put forward deputy police chief Badrodin Haiti as his new nominee for the post. The new nominee however has also been suspected of irregular transactions, as noted in a Tempo magazine report on June 28, 2010. Apparently due the long corrupt culture, to find a candidate with clean and proven track record is almost impossible to do since it is commonly known that the institution is one of the most corrupt institution in the nation. Bribery and gratification are common practices in the force that they become the established norms. To eliminate such culture in the force needs a solid strong figure who can garner support from all elements in the nation.

Whoever takes the helm of the National Police force should make a serious commitment to eradicate such practices and bring back the integrity of the force. The loyalty of the corps should stay with the people and not the figure with power and wealth.

The president also suspended two leaders in the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and appointed three KPK interim leaders who have proven track record and their impartiality or neutrality; Taufiqurrahman Ruki, Indriyanto Seno Aji, and Johan Budi.

Although, the process is still facing an uphill battle, many applauded the decision. It was met with relief by those who were against Gen Budi’s nomination and its political implications. It is a sign that the President is listening, a measure of his political will in fighting graft and of his independence from vested interests. Many hope it will ease a bitter stand-off between the country’s main law enforcement agencies - the police and the KPK. The flame to eradicate corruption is lit once again.

Now, all eyes will turn to the Senayan, The House of Representatives. The new candidate has to undergo a vetting process by Parliament before he is appointed as the new police chief. What kind of maneuver will they stage? Will they side with people or defend their own vested interest like always?

The crisis is far from over. The battle against corruption is indeed a daunting challenging task that will slash anyone who tries to exterminate this plague.

President Jokowi has tasted how bitter and painful it was in trying to do so. It's like fighting your way amid the raging inferno. He made it out. Stepping out of his Patrons' shadow, bruised and battered, it's a new start. As long as he puts the people's interest over parties and groups, people will rally behind him. As long as he remains truthful, people will defend him.