Social Assistance Funds

According to the Supreme Audit Agency there were irregularities of US$33 billion in Social Assistance Funds (Dana Bantuan Sosial) in 2007-2010. Allocated through poverty eradication programs for the regions, the funds are being diverted to finance local election campaigns with incumbent regional heads using the money to secure electoral support from political parties and buy votes with promises of government projects, donations and other 'social spending' activities.

Kompas - November 30, 2011

Don't be envious!

Man: Don't be envious! What's wrong with being rich, living in luxury, what's important is it's intended for the people!

Kid: Yeah but which people Mr? I'm one of the ordinary people, but you're certainly not!

Gaff-prone House Speaker Marzuki Alie has found himself back on the defensive over the extravagance of Indonesia's rich and elected. While acknowledging a small problem with lawmakers "hedonistic lifestyles", he said critics are being unfair. "We can't forbid people from becoming rich, we cannot. But if they enter the legislature, they should live like true representatives of the people".

Kompas - November 26, 2011

Family planning

Sign reads: Family planning (KB). Documents read: Jobs, healthcare

With the majority of Indonesia's 240 million people already struggling to obtain decent jobs, basic education and healthcare, experts warn that the annual birth rate of 4.5 million – equal to the population of Singapore – is unsustainable and unless the government acts quickly the population will reach 450 million by 2045. Currently less that 0.1% of the national budget is spent on family planning programs and many regional governments provide no funding at all.

Kompas - November 23, 2011

Fate of our sports champions?

Lizard: A reflection of the future fate of our sports champions?

As the SEA Games draw to a close amid accusations that Indonesia bent the rules to top the medal tally, the government also faces an estimated $5.5 million bill after it pledged cash bonuses for each medal winner. In advising athletes how to manage this new found wealth meanwhile, financial advisor Rhenald Kasali described the darker side of success, presenting stories of poor former athletes struggling by get by working as security officers, rickshaw drivers or street vendors.

Kompas - November 19, 2011

Waaeee, waaeooo...

Waaeee, waaeooo... we can do it.

The honor and respect afforded to star West Papuan athletes playing in Indonesian colours at this year's SEA Games stands in stark contrast to the economic marginalization, discrimination and poverty Papuans face in their own land – home to the giant Freeport gold and copper mine – which saw profits double to $1.4 billion in the 2nd quarter of 2011 alone but contributes a measly 1% of its revenue to local communities whose environment and livelihoods are being decimated by the mine's operations.

Kompas - November 16, 2011

Contract renegotiations

Lured no doubt by the thought of lucrative kickbacks and "brokerage frees", lawmakers are cynically exploiting widespread anger over ongoing human rights abuses by security forces guarding the giant Freeport Indonesia gold and copper mine in West Papua to call on the government to renegotiate its contract with the company.

Kompas - November 15, 2011

Image building?

Man (bottom left): Image building?

In a belated attempt to address widespread discontent with Indonesian rule, the government has established a Special Unit for the Acceleration of Development in Papua & West Papua (UP4B) with the stated aim of speeding up development and getting special autonomy (Otonomi Khusus) back on track. Papuans however have responded with understandable skepticism – given Jakarta's history of broken promises and lies – saying they've already rejected special autonomy and want a referendum on independence.

Kompas - November 12, 2011

Freeport Indonesia

The police have finally admitted what much of the country has long known, that they accept millions of dollars annually from Freeport Indonesia to provide security for its mining operation in West Papua. Calling the payments "lunch money" for local police personnel to "help them make ends meet", National Police chief General Timur Pradopo denied that the payments gave rise to a conflict of interest when police fired on striking Freeport workers last month killing one and critically wounding another.

Kompas - November 11, 2011

Corruption Courts

Gavel reads: Justice, Corruption Courts

The integrity of regional anti-corruption court judges has come into question after a rising number of defendants have been allowed to walk free. According to Indonesian Corruption Watch there have been 40 acquittals since the courts were established leading defense lawyers to adopt a new legal strategy of ensuring their clients are tried in regional courts rather than the anti-corruption court in Jakarta that has a nearly 100% record of successful prosecutions.

Kompas - November 9, 2011