Blood money

Signpost reads: Riyal, dignity, poverty, improving quality of life.

An offer of 7.5 million riyal (US$2 million) in blood money to spare Satinah – a migrant worker from Central Java sentenced to death by beheading in Saudi Arabia for killing her employer – has been likened to extortion by labour activists who are again calling on the government to do more to protect Indonesian migrant workers, 265 of which are currently on death row.

Kompas - March 29, 2014

Unpleasant odor

Man (speaking to KPK chief Abraham Samad): There's an unpleasant odor of social aid funds isn't there Mr?

The government has ignored a call by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for the disbursement of social aid funds (bansos) to be put on hold until the end of presidential election in July over concerns that they will be siphoned off for political campaigning.

Kompas - March 26, 2014

Mountain of a thousand promises

The tongue indeed has no bone
Is not marked by words
A mountain of a thousand promises
What is said may differ from what is felt

(from a song by Bob Tutupoly)

Document in legislative candidate's pocket reads: Track record, money politics, corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Kompas - March 22, 2014

Standup comedy

Man: This isn't a standup comedy is it? (documents in basket read 'Perspectives 2009')

If it wasn't for the fact that these are the people who may be running the country for the next five years, there might be some humor in the spectacle of legislative candidates (caleg) trotting out the same tired old promises that they failed to keep when they were elected in 2009.

Kompas - March 19, 2014

'Campaign Leave'

Kid: For the sake of April 9 they're all going on leave, who'll run the country Dad?

Man: For... well that's how it is!

With President Yudhoyono leading the pack, six ministers have now officially requested 'campaign leave' to stump for their political parties in lead-up to April 9 legislative elections.

Kompas - March 15, 2014

Before and After

Before election...

After election...

Badge reads Legislative Candidate. Chest reads Budget.

Kompas - March 12, 2014

Rushing it aren't we?

Kid: Rushing it aren't we?

Man (Speaking to KPK chief Abraham Samad): Mr, do you think perhaps that future former officials are afraid of being made to wear KPK vests!

Ignoring a massive public outcry, Indonesia's graft-ridden parliament is pushing ahead with plans to weaken the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) by amending the Criminal Code (RUU KUHP) before its term ends later this year and legislators that fail to be reelected are no longer protected by the political establishment.

Kompas - March 6, 2014

Soap opera Statesmen

Man: The most difficult requirement to be elected as a statesperson is they must have a conscience...

Kid: Those who think they've got a conscience are becoming soap opera stars now Dad!

Presidential hopeful retired Gen. Wiranto and running mate Hary Tanoesoedibjo from the People's Conscience Party attracted widespread ridicule after a guest appearance on RCTI TV's soap opera The Porridge Man Goes on the Haj, where the former military commander played a helpeful and obliging pedicab driver.

Kompas - March 1, 2014