Peace on earth

Man: Peace on earth!

The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence said Thursday that after 15 years of democratic reform, justice in Indonesia has stagnated with the number of human rights abuse cases in the country rising from 448 in 2012 to 709 in 2013, with most violations related to natural resource exploitation, then religious intolerance followed by abuse of power by public officials, police and soldiers.

Kompas - December 28, 2013

Proliferation of political dynasties

Kid: Dynasties aren’t just in Banten are they Mr?

The arrest by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah, the head of a powerful political dynasty in Banten province that has been accused of siphoning off tens of billions in public money, has reignited concern about the proliferation of political dynasties around the country.

Kompas - December 21, 2013

Traffic accidents

Man speaking to Transport Minister EE Mangindaan: Mr Minister, the road accident rate is dropping, that means transportation is improving yeah?

An announcement by police that the number of traffic accidents in Jakarta has dropped by a fifth – largely attributed to slower travel due to increasing congestion – has been eclipsed by news of a horrific train accident in Bintaro, South Jakarta in which seven people died and 90 were injured.

Kompas - December 14, 2013

All that's changed is the year

Man: Ahh, all that's changed is the year and they've gotten older...

Caleg: It's also changed my fortunes!

Despite a lackluster legislative record, poor attendance, scores jailed for graft or implicated in corruption scandals, around 91% of the 560 incumbent lawmakers from the nine major political parties – many of whom have used their positions to amass small fortunes – have been re-nominated as legislative candidates for the House of Representatives in 2014.

Kompas - December 11, 2013

A long hard look in the mirror

Man: Please, go ahead Mr...

With the majority of presidential candidates (Capres) being touted by the major political parties showing dismal electability ratings of 10 percent or less, election observers say that many Indonesian politicians suffer from over-inflated egos and need to take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror before fostering themselves on an increasingly educated and critical public.

Kompas - December 4, 2013