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.

Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting: Menyusuri Alam Liar Orang Utan

The 4 years Old Baby Orang Utan at Tj. Harapan

What comes across your mind in seeing Orang Utans at our nearby zoo?

Cute? Adorable?Loveable?

Well, it always strikes me how similar men to this human’s closest relative. Afterall, it has been long known that humans are more closely related to these species. Once, we see the baby orangutan, we will immediately have the urge to just hold it and play happy go lucky with this cute little youngling. Well, I always want to see them in their real  habitat instead of the enclosed wall of iron fences. To see them roam free and wild in the jungle. Sounds like a real adventure!

What’s best than trekking along the dense tropical forest on a quest to find these marvellous creatures? Thegroovycruising along the fringed pandanus riverthat follows it draws me like a gravity. Imagining being entertained by the amazing wildlife orchestra while havingphysical exertions altogether to enjoy the jungle wildlife send a sensory assault that is hard to fight. So, it’s definitely a greatquest to follow.

To experience such extraordinary odyssey, in fact we just have to fly to Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan to reach Tanjung Puting National Park. It’s about an hour flight from Jakarta. The park is renown as the world's best place to see orangutans in their natural habitat and is a stellar family vacation destination. The park is conserved for orangutans rehabilitation sites.The only great apes outside Africa, Orangutansface an extremely real threat of extinction because their rainforest habitat is converted to furniture from often-illegally cut timber and palm-oil plantations.Poachers also roam around to capture these irresistible auburn primates. The park is also home to sun bears, wild boars, clouded leopards, spotted cats, pythons, gibbons, porcupines, and Sambar deer, none likely to turn up along the riverbank.

To quell my curiousity, I joined a trip to the heart of Borneo (Kalimantan) for 2 days and 3 nights with 12 other people. The quest to meet the orangutans have a remarkable lasting memory that I treasure greatly.

Upon arriving at the Tanjung Kumai port, our local guides welcomed us with delectable lunch consisting of local freshwater fish, fried buttered shrimps, fried tempeh, and vegetables to our delight. We feasted on them until our stomach was full. The sea wind accompanied by a faint drizzle sung  us a lullaby that we were hardly able to resist any temptation to just doze off at our kelothok after the meal.

We rented two ‘kelothok’ (local fishermen boat turned into mini cruising boat) to accomodate 13 people in the group, functioning as our private floating losmens during the whole quest for orangutans. These will be our centre of our activities. One captain, one assistant, one cook, and one guide for each boat.

After lunch, our kelothoks sped straight to Sungai Sekonyer strait. The river started off lined by salt-tolerant feathery leaves of the nipa palm or nypa fruticans with tall mangrove trees behind. Our guide explained that these leaves are used by local populations as roof material for thatched houses or dwellings and various crafts as in many types of basketry. Among the leaves, we could spot some little herons looking for food. Other various birds and wild monkeys were also visible.

Riverside with Frutican Leaves (Nipah Palms)

After awhile, the river gave way to Pandanus-lined banks and huge forest vegetation of sandalwood, ironwood, and other tropical rainforest species. We caught a glimpse of several brilliant blue, red and yellow Kingfisher perched on high branches by the river. We also spotted cute little chipmunk ran along the branches, and probably the huge black hornbill in the forest canopy.

Motoring gently between these walls of pandanus fringing the river like spiky-haired stick-figures, we could spot playful troops of gray, long-tailed macaque monkeys cavorted overhead. monkeys perched on riverside branches or proboscis monkeys scurrying through the forest canopy shared among 220-plus bird species. In one tree fringing the river were troops of Proboscis monkeys, tails hanging down and huge noses drooping on the males. Their visible red- brown furs are in contrast with the lust green leaves of the tropical trees.

Crusing the Pandanus River

It takes my breath away to see these proboscis monkeys. It is said that these odd creatures with their potbellies, awkward movements (by monkey standards), white faces highlighted by a tubular nose, can only be found in Kalimantan. We were lucky enough to greet them, observing them from around half an hour. They showed up in  a colony of 7 to 8 light-brown monkeys, perching on branches of the the nearby trees- anxiously await klotok to go by. These chubby monkeys are delicious preys for the crocodiles.

Proboscis Monkeys

As the river narrowed, the flora became thicker and more alluring. The lovely and thick pandanus plants fenced  the light brown river. To our right and left, towering tropical forest looming in lustful green. Suddenly, the skies turned dark grey. The gloomy sun has deserted us. The first sign that rain would soon pouring down. The wind was howling. Yet, we could constantly hear the persistent hum of the tropical insects, creating a  natural song. It was as if we cruised along the unknown world which gave us both thrill and eager curiosity for an unexpected journey.

Along the way, we occasionally spotted small black monkeys and various birds in the trees high above the river while our driver skillfully maneuvering his way around the murky water.I  just sat there, speechless, watching the diversity of flora and fauna unfolded like a motion picture complete with its surrounding musical background.

Boats with pack of tourists, mostly Europeans

Blue Skies

Our first stop was Tanjung Harapan Orangutan Rehabilitation Camp. As with any other shelthers in this area, this camp provides a safe sanctuary for the endangered orangutans while studying their behavior in their natural habitat. Even in this natural conservation, these species have become more or less dependent on humans to survive due to the massive destruction of their former habitat. Thus, the camp provides a regular feeding for these animals.

Docking at Tanjung Harapan small port, we had to walk nearly a mile or so into the dense rain forest, some of it on an elevated boardwalk. Mostly, we had to trek along the wet and slippery muddy earth. Stepping inside the jungle, we could feel the dampness  permeates everthing during this wet season. A palpable physical presence that we coould taste on tongue and a mildewed, m usky odour that filled the nostrils. I could also hear the hum of the cicadas that could rise to a crescendo and ebbed sometimes into a quiet sonata. The sweet song of the wild birds juxtaposed with the rustling of fallen leaves on the forest floor when we stepped on them and the gushing wind. Visually, the greens of the tropical trees’ leaves were accompanied by the barks of many colors and textures. Little mushrooms, ants, fungus, moss and lichens littered the floor – white, green, yellow and red.

Leader of the group-trekking at Tj Harapan

I was totally transfixed. The diversity of the animals and plants were just so mesmerizing. I just couldn’t help admiring the beauty of the nature.

We were lucky to arrive at about the feeding time which was on 3 .p.m. Tens of tourists, mostly Europeans, have flocked around the feeding platform made of an elevated wooden floor. Our guide told us to keep our distance as some orangutans were aggresive and potentially dangerous. He offered us with loads of information about their social habits and which were the offspring of which, most of it from his personal experience. He introduced us to Atlas, the male orangutan whose family tree could be observed in the Orangutan Museum at Camp Leakey.

Gundul at Tj Harapan

Above the trees at Tj Harapan

Wild Boars at Leakey Camp

The staffs at the camp laid out bananas and corns on a raised platform before calling out the orangutans by their indistinctive voice. Then, we could hear the rustling of the leaves, and the branches shrieked as orangutans moved with incredible ease high up in those trees. We could see the light brown furry shadows moving through the treetops. Only a small group of orangutans showed up for feeding. Our guide explained that due to this particular time of the wet season, there were abundance of new leaves, flowers and fruits available as their preffered sources of food, only a few attended the feeding.

Dr. Peter Mayland and His Son from California

We sat nearly an hour just observing them chewing on bananas and drank the milk akwardly. A couple of orangutans kept their distance. They were either shy or afraid of human. We half observed their unique habit and social behavior, enjoying the cool of the rainforest under the dense canopy. Being in the company of these half-wild animals in their natural habitat is fascinating. Words fail to describe the sensation.

Group Pose at the Camp

By the time we got back, dusk has closed in. The sun has deserted us. We spent the night on the boat under the open wide skies in the middle of the jungle. The skies were clear. Glittering stars laid bare up above with a golden crescent hung low. The night insects sung the lullaby. The wind whispered softly of the faraway lands of the wild. I was amazed! The night was just perfect, laying in the open skies under the stars and made love to the nature. It was a divine verse!

The next morning, we continued our trip to Pondok Tanggui. The path was almost identical with the former. Only this time, we had unexpected visitors. Trekking back to the boat from the feeding platform, an orang utan mother trailed behind us among the trees. She carried out her infant. It was so cute and adorable. I wish I could take the little baby in my arms. Unfortunately, we were strictly forbidden to either touch or hand-feed these amazing creatures.

A Mother Orang and her baby Trailing at us at Pondok Tanggui

Leaving the Pondok Tanggui, we headed upstream a short ways further to Camp Leakey. The camp is the largest and the oldest orangutan rehabilitation camp in the park. It has more buildings, more staffs and more orangutans. We even had the opportunity to visit its small visitor’s centre or museum containing lots of interesting artifacts, photographs and information about orangutans. Also we had the chance to learn the family tree of the orangutans in the camp.

Feeding Platform at Pondok Tanggui

Again, to reach the feeding camp, we had to trek a mile or so. The vegetations were almost identical with the other two camps. The atmosphere was almost the same, displaying the natural orchestra for the visitors. In the feeding spot, we saw a greater number of tame orangutans milling about as well as a wild boar and a domestic cat. The orangutans were clambering with hands feet when the wild boars chased them out. It was quite a scene. We were also entertained by the famous gibbon named Boy (the guide narrated his tale), who was so playful and carefree. Perching on the tree, eating bananas with such a humorous attitude, Boy ran back and forth from the feeding platform. Sadly, Tom, the famous orangutan in the camp, failed to show up. He was the alpha male after Kosasih retired and grew old. Until, we left, he did not come.

Path to Camp Leakey

The camp was named after the mentor of Dr. Birute Galdikas, the legendary anthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey In the early 70s, Dr Leaky sponsored three great apes studies, one each for Jane Goodall (chimpanzees), Diane Fosse (Gorillas) and Dr. Birute Galdikas (Orangutan).

Mother and Baby at Pondok Tanggui

Dancing Baby at Pondok Tanggui

The last night spent on the river in the middle of the forest was amazing. We saw hundreds of fireflies among the Nipah leaves, leaving the trees to glow and twinkle in the dark as if Christmas trees. It felt so serene to lay in the open with skies as your roof, staring at the stars and the glittering trees around.

It was indeed most awesome and unforgettable journey.

Boy, the Gibbon at Leakey Camp

At Pondok Tanggui

Sign Post at Leakey Camp

The Different Color

Small stream at Tj Harapan

Forest Floor

Wild Flower

Camp Leakey

http://orangutan.org/about/dr-birute-mary-galdikas/

A Mother and Its Baby at Pondok Tanggui

Another Test for the President: Jokowi's Jinks

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/01/27/your-letters-a-test-president.html

It's Gecko vs. Crocodile all over again. Only now its escalation and impact will affect the fate of the new President who neither firmly secures political nor military backing. His response in dealing with this crisis is vital for his survival. He won in the Presidential race due to massive public support, believing he could bring changes despite having humble background and estrangement from the elite and military. Taking the wrong step, he would surely lose the public's trust and support. A former furniture salesman from outside the political establishment, Jokowi is deemed to have a proven track which is critical to carry out the reforms he has promised to deliver. But his indecisiveness over the battle of KPK vs. the Police is the first blot on his leadership. Without public backing, his government would be in limbo.

In the prolonged epic battle between the Indonesian graft- busters and the national police force, the silent war climaxed in the arrest of the Deputy Chief of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Bambang Widjojanto. Again the two forces are locking horns. A gecko, or cicak, is pitting itself against the crocodile, or buaya. Just 10 days after naming the presidential nominee, Lt. Jend. Budi Gunawan, the former adjutant of Indonesian Democratic Indonesia of Struggle (PDIP) patron, as the next national police chief a suspect of taking bribes, the KPK deputy head was taken into custody for alleged false testimony when he was dealing with a regional election dispute as a lawyer before a court in 2010.

One cannot help to think that the arrest is politically motivated. Budi Gunawan, now the head of police training, is popular with the political elite and is close to former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, the chairwoman of PDIP who backed Jokowi's nomination in the previous presidential race. Many suspect the nomination was deferring to his patron by promoting Gunawan whose suspicious bank balance the KPK began to investigate back in 2010. And the President has bowed down under pressure. So to speak, the arrest is seen as an aggressive retaliation against KPK from the Police and PDIP.

Amid the mounting outcries from the public and netizens alike for the President to intervene, given he is the supreme leader of these two law enforcers, the President has distanced himself from the intensifying tension. In a statement to address the ongoing crisis, the President only asked the police and KPK to ensure that the process of the law is objective and to avoid any frictions as they carry out their respective investigation. To the dismay of the people, this statement seemed offer no resolution but let the dice kept rolling wildly.

As a result, the unclear stance put the nation in dire situation. This political brouhaha stems from Jokowi's blunder to nominate Budi Gunawan for the top job in the national police as the sole candidate albeit his being red-flagged by the KPK. Perhaps, Jokowi hoped that parliament might veto Gunawan’s appointment in an elegant move to reject the nomination without offending his patron. But the opposition-controlled legislature mischievously declared Gunawan to be fit to lead the police. Forced to choose between snubbing Megawati or his own volunteers, Jokowi dithered again. In a televised address to the country he said that he had postponed Gunawan’s appointment, but not “cancelled” it. This has started the guerilla war of the two law enforcers.

Logically speaking, the public has every right to demand the President resolve the problem without creating further rift in the corps. But it seems the situation gets out of control and escalates. One by one, other KPK commissioners are being brought into spotlight. Allegation after allegation rained down the KPK from those who gain benefits from the weakening corruption body. What infuriates us further is the report that put Bambang Wdjojanto into custody came from a person who has past human rights violation, mutilating and torturing environmental activists. This is just so absurd!

We watch this drama with hammering heart, waiting for the final chapter unfolded. We demand the President to take bold action to stop the systemic weakening of the anti graft body.

However, having no strong military as well as political backing gives a hellish battle for President Jokowi. He is likely forced to make closed door decisions and backroom dealings. Relying on public support will not forever secure him the necessary power to navigate his ship to avoid turbulence and dark waters. The military remains powerful with its own strong patronage. While the political parties will always be loyal only to those who offer more priviliges and benefits. Without smart elegant moves, Jokowi will be attacked from all direction, a hostage to the political bickering of the elites.

Jokowi might be popular and has the unprecedented public support. Yet, his popularity might wane if he makes too much compromises and backroom dealings to please all but the people. It should be the people's and nation's interest that should come first. At the start of his five-year presidency, with many battles still to fight, he may need to remember that his true allied are his popular supporters, and not Megawati or PDIP who only endorse him reluctantly.

Now, all eyes are on the President's every move. Resolving the current crisis will prove an early test for Jokowi, who took office in October pledging a clean government, and support the corruption eradication that plauges the nation for far too long.

Top of Form

Killing Is Not the Way of Islam

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/01/19/your-letter-killing-not-way-any-religion.html

Killing is not the Way of Islam

As the masked terrorists sauntered towards the already wounded police officer at the sidewalk, I stopped breathing. In cold-blood, the gunmen executed him at point blank range. The graphic images were extremely shocking. I had to stop my dinner as my stomach churned. The disturbing nature of the video was sickening. So was the act of killing in the episode. Those criminals cannot be true believers of any faith.

The deadly attack on the Paris office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has left 12 people dead, and five more in critical condition. Regardless of the rights and wrongs of Charlie Hebdo’s content, much of which I personally found grossly offensive, it is not right to justify the killing spree. It’s a bloody cowardly act to shoot unarmed defenseless innocents. It’s a barbaric crime and its perpetrators should be held accountable for it.

What I find it grossly nauseating is upon the bloody carnage, these gunmen shouted “God is Great”, saying that they have avenged the Prophet. What an idiotic and deranged idea! It is not the Prophet who was avenged. On the contrary, it is Islam with all its values and principles that have been hijacked and defiled. I found myself boiling with absolute rage to see them kill in the name of the Prophet. Such crimes against humanity are never justified by either Islam or any other religions. Under no circumstances does Islam allow vigilante justice to open door leading to chaos, confusion and bloodshed.

It is true that Muslims all around the world are deeply offended and hurt by the published anti-Prophet cartoons under disguise of freedom of expression. We are saddened by the growing of Islamophobia and anti Islam in the West which plunge the society at large into opposite polarization. But it is not a valid excuse to go on a killing rampage. We are already aware that insults and defamation have been directed to the Prophet during his life and likely to continue after his death. They will never stop.

In this regards, The Prophet has set up noble example in dealing with such crisis. He was constantly verbally abused and physically harassed during his stay in Makkah. Yet, never ONCE did the Prophet raise his hands or throw words of hatred to his tormentors. He was the first to stop any of his companions who want to avenge such deeds. Instead, he repaid the wrongdoings with compassion, mercy and forgiveness. Hatred begets hatred and violence likewise.

So, it is exceedingly appalling to learn that these culprits kill others in the name of the Prophet or Islam. What a total madness to believe that they love The Prophet more than his companions and defend Islam more than the Prophet and his companions. Such despicable acts were not parts of Islam whatsoever.

In fact, their terrible crimes have encouraged the new racism in Europe, namely Islamophobia as its quick response. With alarming results, we have seen the rise of anti-Islam across Europe. Muslims are singled out for the assault. The defamation of The Prophet reprinted in millions copies and spread worldwide through social media. And the vicious circle repeated.

Therefore, it is tremendously stupid to ever think that murder and terror can stop people from offending our faith. It only aggravates the assault and put the livelihood of all Muslims around the world on the brink of chaos.

Instead of spreading horror and terror, the appropriate response to any provocation is through thought, art, opinion and deeds that reflect true believers. It is more productive to work towards common goals to promote peace, greater tolerance and love among men regardless of creed or color.

Again, on the bloody attack of the Charlie Hebdo, Muslim communities all over the world share the pains and sadness with the victims’ families and friends. Our hearts bleed for their loss and pains.

And we hope that politicians and media will not use this incident to make wrong generalizations against Muslims.

Women's Empowerment to End Poverty

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/01/09/your-letters-empower-women-end-poverty.html

Mother's Day is a day which celebrates life, continuous giving and a stream of unconditional love. It is a day when we celebrate the tremendous value of Mother who has given us life and nurtured us to becoming the man or woman we are today. Most mothers have an undying and unconditional love for their children in good times and in bad times, never expected anything in return. Her traditional role, as the nurturer and caretaker has existed since the beginning of time. But as time clocks in, her role has evolved to include either the primary or co-breadwinners of their families.

As in the case with my Mum, she helped to support my father's meager income to finance their kids for college. Most mothers in my village have such role due to their poor economics background. Mostly, they are working at the nearby garment factories and the tofu home industries or any other unskilled labors with only minimum basic salary. Limited education due to financial constraints denied them to land in jobs with better payment. Their husband suffer the same fate of registering into menial jobs only to live hand to mouth. Their economic advancement is having snail like pace if anything.

Impoverishment thus results in their younger generation to receive inadequate education as the cost of getting good education keeps skyrocketing. The poor could not afford to go for college due to its growing commercialization. Consequently, these younger generation go on to repeat the same cycle as their parents did. They could only finish their high school. With such qualification, the only option available is working as with their parents in factories with minimum pay, and the vicious cycle is repeated.

Mostly, they are women that dominate the lowest skilled jobs, working in precarious, insecure, and exploited jobs, such as domestic helpers particularly migrant workers or in the manufacturing industries (mostly garment, textile and electronics).These women are already doing it all — working hard, providing, parenting, and care-giving. Tragically, their families can’t prosper, and that’s weighing the Indonesian economy down.

When women are poor, their rights are in grave danger. They would face obstacles that may be extraordinarily difficult to overcome. This results in deprivation in their own lives and losses for the broader society and economy, as women's productivity is well known as one of the greatest generators of economic dynamism.

Statistics shows that women make up half of the world's population and yet represent a staggering 70% of the world's poor. For the millions of women living in poverty, their lives are a litany of injustice, discrimination and obstacles that get in the way of achieving their basic needs of good health, safe childbirth, education and employment. This includes Indonesia in which regional gender biased bylaws are targeting women, giving a silent stamp for women as less worthy than men. Thus, it worsens the condition of women in general and in return poverty remains in their circle. The sequence of discrimination that a woman may suffer during her entire life is unacceptable but it takes place almost all around the world.

For this reason, on Mother's Day, we have to reflect on this vital issue that direly affects women' life. We have to be aware that we live in a world in which women living in poverty face gross inequalities and injustice from birth to death from poor education to vulnerable and low pay employment. Therefore, women's empowerment is imperative, specifically for housewives so that they become economically independent to end women’s poverty and providing better economic opportunities.

The best policy solutions to address women’s poverty must combine a range of decent employment opportunities with a network of social services that support healthy families, such as quality health care, child care, and housing support. It is equally vital as well to stop gender biased regional bylaws which castrate women's basic rights and liberties. Government should also actively engage to elevate the condition of women by providing regulations which support women empowerment such as by supporting banking laws which provide greater access for women to start their independent business as in Grameen Bank Program in Bangladesh that makes small loans to the impoverished without requiring collateral.

Ode to my Dad

All of us will experience loss during the course of our lives, be it someone dear to you in your family circle or friends. It is the death of a parent, however, that comes with an especially keen edge that makes a ragged cut. And that cut is slow to heal.

I lost my Dad recently – a little more than a week ago – and it was a hard shot to take. My Dad had suffered a stroke a year before and he became ill for some time. Despite our physician's verdict that he would be unable to walk again and be confined to bed only, he beat the odds. He walked again although it was not like the way he used to be. His memory thank God functioned well after his brain hemorrhage. It was only his physical strength and emotion that suffered a damage.

Each week afterward he seemed to get better in spite of some minor relapses. He could even carry my 11 months old nephew at his back. When he prayed at our little musholla (praying place smaller than mosque), this little boy would climb at his back and tucked at his hair. He would then gently lift him up and continued the ritual while watching over this little lad. So, I was not prepared of what was coming.

I know he would be gone someday as he aged. Afterall, death is the destination we all share. It is the one thing we can be certain about in life. Yet, I still cling to the belief that we would still have more years to spend. And this prolonged period was sufficient until I relocated to my hometown. I was wrong. Death is indeed only a whisper away.

The knowledge of the inevitable end provided no armor against the wound of his loss. I was still at my home in Jakarta to get ready to fly to Solo when my dad passed away. The last phone call I made to him lasted only a few seconds as he groaned in terrible pain. I tried to talk to him although he was well beyond hearing anything I had to say at that point. Then the phone went dead. Those last few moments, as important as they were, were not vital to the heart of our relationship. I’d said everything I really needed my Dad to know long before the day of his death, and there was nothing left to do but love him as he died.

However, I should have come home sooner. A pang of guilt washed over me.
The loss felt deeper when our relatives left the house after the funeral. This deep regret keeps tucking at the strings of my heart. How could I sleep well on the night he suffered the most painful agony; when the Angel of Death came uninvited to his bed? My tears could not ease this weight on my chest.

I sat down and started to write a couple of times, but always failed halfway through the first line. How was I going to tell the world how I felt about my Dad? It is as simple and beautiful as wild flowers on the mountain, yet words seem fail to capture its complicated simplicity. I wondered as I stared, first at my blank screen, then at my blank piece of paper, then again at the cruelly blinking cursor. How was I possibly going to describe the love I had for him, and the way his loss affected me and my family. I wracked my brain for several days to pour my heartfelt sorrow in a piece of paper. I tried to employ my craft to honor my Dad when I felt his loss most keenly. He had been such a big part of my development as a person that it broke my heart to think I might fall short and screw up his memory.

My dad had such a big personality. And I didn't think writing his best resume on a piece of paper would do him justice. I know that he had lived his life at the fullest, knowing that his presence had touched the lives of the people he met and those around him. I know that even his 'enemies' had fears for his stern conviction of the truth and justice. I know as well that his less unfortunate neighbors and friends respect him out of his affectionate heart. He can be as gentle as summer breeze and as fierce as the thundering winter wind. And he will be sorely missed either by friends and foes.

At the end, it is with a smile I bid farewell to my Dad before leaving for Jakarta, knowing that he was loved by all. As the sweet fragrant of roses' petals and jasmine on his fresh grave floated in the air, I know that he is now at peace in the realm of angels.