Into the same room again

Corruption-collusion-nepotism, law enforcement, migrant workers beheaded, marginal...

Man: We're not just going into the same room again are we?

With the events of the last year being dominated by an endless series of corruption scandals, state-sanctioned violence against religious minorities and government failure to protect Indonesian migrant workers, many could be forgiven for wandering if 2011 will just be more of the same.

Kompas - December 29, 2010

We won, we won

Crowd: We won, we won...

Man: So when will we win against them? (jacket reads corruption)

While Indonesia's win over the Philippines in the AAF semifinals in Kuala Lumpur on the weekend was a turning point for the national soccer team, anti-corruption activists say there is little to celebrate with Indonesia ending the year ranked 110th out of 178 countries surveyed by anti-graft group Transparency International with a score of 2.8 out of 10, exactly the same as last year.

Kompas - December 22, 2010

A monarchy? No way!

Man: A monarchy? No way!
Kid: How right you are lord
Man: It's not in accordance with the constitution!
Kid: It's truly so your majesty
Man: It's not in line with democracy!
Kid: Blessed be my lord

President Yudhoyono's latest tirade against the Yogyakarta sultanate – which unlike the rest of the country is seen as well run, with little corruption and few attacks on religious minorities – stands in stark contrast with his increasingly autocratic style of government.

Kompas - December 11, 2010

Covered in dust

1st Man: Everything's covered in dust...

2nd Man: But not the promises made to us, right?

Thousands of survivors of the Mt. Merapi eruptions staged a rally in Yogyakarta on Monday demanding that the government fulfill its promise to compensate them for livestock killed during the eruptions, saying that the authorities were acting too slowly as they are in desperate need of cash to start rebuilding their lives.

Kompas - December 8, 2010

Toothless

Dentist: You'll need lots of checkups Mr! So you don't get toothless too quick and have them replaced by false teeth!

Many have lauded Busyro Muqoddas' appointment to lead the much-vaunted Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), despite being best remembered for heading the toothless Judicial Commission. The jubilation was cut short however after the House announced he would only serve a one-year term, which critics contend is far too short for him to boost the KPK's flagging moral.

Kompas - December 4, 2010

Another eruption

Government: It's impossible to have a monarchy system

Man: What's this, another 'eruption'

Yet another round of political bickering has erupted following a government push for direct elections of the Yogyakarta governor, disregarding grievances among supporters of sultanate's special status. Under a 1965 law granting Yogyakarta its special status, the heads of the royal houses of Hamengkubuwono and Pakualam are appointed directly as governor and vice governor.

Kompas - December 1, 2010