“I imported the materials for my breads and they are all already registered with BPOM (The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency) so I have no problem…But the sad thing is for Germans who want to have special sausage mustard, now cannot get it,” Thomas Bart who runs Edel Weiss delicatessen shop said on Saturday while tending his stall at a school event.

“There are certain things you cannot substitute with local products, like salami or cheese,” he said.

Jun, a Korean restaurant owner, also told the Post that he was running out of materials while Mudrika, a cook for Korean executives at a factory in Tangerang, worried about what she would have to cook for her bosses.

“Their taste buds cannot take local products. I used some local dried fish before and they did not like the dish. This week I still had enough to vary three different menus a day, seven days a week. But if this continue, I will have to tell them to eat local food,” she said, after shopping at half-empty Mu Gung Hwa Korean food specialty shop in Tangerang on Tuesday.

Karmila, an account officer that the shop, admitted that the only around half of the previous selections were resupplied, after BPOM raid on Thursday.

“They came on Wednesday and sealed off our shelves. The next morning they came with a truck and some 30 officers and took away the stuff,” she recalled the surprising raid which left some buyers in confusion.

“After knowing that the supplies were going to be seized, buyers bought more than they actually need in fear that they would not be able to buy them in near future,” she said.

Foreign nationals seem to care less about the local certification, as one Korean buyer admitted.

“I never checked the label because I already know the product,” a housewife, who refused to be named, said.

Thomas also shares similar feeling. Although he supported the government effort to protect the consumers from dubious products from certain countries but he said it should be done aptly depending on the scale and status of the foreign manufacturers.

“(I do not mind the local health certificate) if I buy something from Europe, which I know the brand, as long as it is not expired. When you import, from Europe or even Malaysia, you get health certificate from that country,” he said.

The chief operating officer of the Farmers Market, Meshvara Kanjaya, said on Friday the shop had received streams of complains on the much fewer choices provided and questioned when the products would be back on shelves.

“We are at lost. We said we wanted to have Visit Indonesia Year but we cannot even provide their food,” she said.

“Some suppliers said they need a year to get a product registered. They are also subjected to some very tough requirements such as being appointed as formal distributor by the manufacturer. Sometimes they imported in small amount so there is no way the manufacturer will issue the letter of appointment,” she said.

Thomas who registered his products knows exactly how tiresome it was.

“The problem is there is no guideline. Today an officer told me that I need these, then another day another person would tell me ‘oh no, you need this and that as well’. So this makes it difficult and expensive,” he said.

“In the end, the ones who pay for this (cost) are the customers. Or you don’t import anymore,” he added.

Many of the raided products already passed food safety test in their country of origin, although are yet registered in Indonesia.

Djainal Abidin of the Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo) said the solution was by having a common set of food safety standards with trading partners.

“By having a common set of health standards, if the products to be imported are certified as safe in their country of origin, they are deemed safe by our food safety authority and get the certification,” he said.

“Now BPOM has to check the content of each incoming product; it takes a long time. The agreement also means our products can smoothly enter other country as long as tested safe in Indonesia,” he said.

The organization was due to meet the Trade Minister on Tuesday to urge the government to pay more attention to manufacturing and retail industry and to push for food safety standards.

“Please don’t let the business people to fight for themselves. We have no way to push, China for example, to standardize and oversee their products. It is the government who can push the foreign authorities to ensure the safety of the products. If we import something unsafe, it is also a loss for us because we have to destroy them or even face consumer lawsuit,” he said. (mri)

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 09/27/2008 11:57 AM  |  City

One-day foster parents gave some 200 orphans the chance to do some Idul Fitri shopping before the major Islamic holiday coming up.

The kids were allowed to buy anything they wanted with the Rp 200,000 (US$21) the foster parents had donated, at the Ciputra Mall in Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon. Most chose clothing over toys.

Titi Masnuni, a 16-year-old sponsored by Adinda Foundation, was pleasantly surprised when she arrived at the event and found out about it.

“I didn’t know this would happen. We were invited before, during past Ramadans, but just to break fast. I’m really happy,” she said. She chose a pair of jeans as her find for the day.

She watched her friends who were still shopping but put her other wants on hold since she had used up her allowance.

On the other hand, Ainul, a boy from Uswatun Hasanah Foundation, had known about the deal for some time.

“I heard about this at the beginning of September and I’ve been thinking about what to buy,” he said.

He settled for a pair of pants, sandals, and a koko (a long-sleeved tunic with a button collar) to replace his well-worn one.

Sri Trisnawati, a foundation representative, said she had no idea the children had spent so much time thinking about the trip and admitted it was a rare occasion for them.

“Shopping in a mall like this with these price tags is unreachable with our budget,” she said.

“Usually we buy clothing in bulk at Tanah Abang market to pay a lower price and distribute them. So, everyone has the same things with the same patterns, though we try to vary the color,” she said.

“We definitely cannot afford to buy jackets, so a lot of kids bought those today,” she added with big smile.

One of the foster parents, 21-year-old event organizer Hennik Fitriana, said the idea appealed to her as soon as the mall management told her about it. She had fun helping her three companions choose their purchases: shirts, sandals, shoes and pants.

“Doing it this way is charity but we get to help more directly.

“They are kids, so if you give them money, sometimes they don’t know how to choose. It can be hard for them to have the chance to buy whatever they want,” she said.

Ciputra Mall marketing manager Silvia said the company had arranged for the donors to meet the kids and help them choosing their purchases.

“Unlike the usual alms giving, where donors contribute money and have nothing else to do with it, we let them meet and interact with the kids to do the shopping together. Creating positive shopping experiences is right up our alley as mall operators,” she said.

Half of the donors were individuals, the rest were companies. Donors who chose not to participate were represented by the mall’s employees. The shopping center plans to hold a similar event during Christmas for children who celebrate that holiday. (mri)

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 08/11/2008 10:29 AM  |  City

CHILDREN FOR CHILDREN: Young performers prepare to entertain their counterparts Saturday at Suropati Park in Central Jakarta, in celebration of Children’s Day. (JP/Mariani Dewi)

Children from different walks of life shared a morning of fun Saturday at a children’s get-together, as part of national Children’s Day celebrations in Jakarta.

Some 500 school children from financially secure families and 500 street children met and played traditional games together before watching performances of songs, poetry reading, dances and clowns at Suropati Park, Central Jakarta.

“We let the children — rich and poor — play together, to show them they are the same and that they can do things together. We want them to get to know each other and develop empathy from an early age,” Roostien Ilyas of the National Commission for Child Protection told The Jakarta Post.

“We are losing our sense of solidarity between different religions, social strata and ethnic backgrounds. It is hard to change our old ways, but we can reach out with children,” said Roostien, also head of Nanda Dian Nusantara NGO.

And it seems Roostien was right. The children mingled naturally soon after they met.

“I was surprised when the organizers just let them play together. I was worried they would feel awkward, but apparently the children got along fine,” said Suwata, a teacher from Sudirman Islamic Elementary School in Cilandak, East Jakarta.

The 22 students and their parents were very supportive, bringing food and drinks “more than expected”, Suwata said.

One of the activities involved the children exchanging gifts with each other.

Doni,8, Deni, 10, and Faisal, 10, brought souvenirs made of matchsticks, a skill they learned at Nur Sahabat shelter. In return, Deni received a pencil case filled with pencils and pens.

“I like it a lot. I like drawing,” Deni said.

Deni’s mentor at the shelter house, Afini, said initially the children were shy, but after receiving reassurance from the school children they became more relaxed.

Suwata said the school staff were previously unaware of the street children and shelter near their school.

“Our school holds a social event each year but we did not know there were street children and a shelter near the school. After talking to the founder of the shelter just now, we decided to work together more often,” Suwata said.

The event was also intended to introduce children to nature, and the potential the park has as a playground.

“We want to let people see there are places like this which are underused. With proper sanitary and security facilities, it can be used as a playground. Children have the right to play, something not well accommodated today,” Roostien said.

Roostien called for the formation of a special government unit specifically for children’s welfare.

“We have a ministry for women and youths but we do not have one for children,” she said.

“A child is a human who needs to be treated independently. They cannot be served sporadically (by different departments) because this would only have partial success.”

During the event, ten winners were selected from 150 entries in a nationwide children’s song competition.

“We will follow up with the Social Services Ministry to make these into commercial albums.

“We want to back the songs so children can have songs that suit their age-group,” said Henny Harmanoe, head of children’s development at the National Commission for Child Protection. (mri)

[Revision of the article published on The Jakarta Post,  Jakarta, Sun, 08/03/2008 http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/08/03/alicia-keys-lights-jakarta-stage.html]

The U.S. neo-R&B singer Alicia Keys does not need fireworks to light up her modestly adorned stage. Instead, she blew Jakartan minds with her music and performance on Thursday evening.

The anticipation was high at the concert, titled the same as her latest album As I Am. However, one could not help but wonder if she was in the mood for playing.

She had launched a last minute complain on the inclusion of an Indonesian tobacco company as the sponsor of her first show in Indonesia, resulting on pulling down of the associated advertising materials. Worse, the first class section of the concert hall of the Jakarta Convention Center was half-empty. By now, she was already half-an-hour late.

The stage was simple, with nothing else but music instruments and two big screens on the sides. It was left empty when Alicia’s staff failed to warm up the fans before the start.

But wow! The darkness turned to colors and there she was, opening the night with her power-charged “Go Ahead” from her latest album. She was obviously in a good mood.

Clad in slinky red top and tight black pants, she moved around the stage looking fresh and fabulous and won over the crowd instantly.

The nine-time Grammy winner swished around the keyboard and synthesizer, whenever she was not busy dancing. She showed her fans how well-rounded she was — with good voice, good moves and good attitudes.

The next one-and-half hours filled with 15 chart-topping songs, combining fast and slow-paced songs, sending the audience ton a roller-coaster of unexpected highs.

After the initial high, the next song “You Don’t Know My Name” from her second album The Diary of Alicia Keys toned down the pace.

The pace was picked up again in the next song “Teenage Love Affairs” from her latest album. Accompanied by two female background singers, she danced to the sexy tune of the song.

Another one “Go Back There” from the same album gave similar effect.

As if to prevent people (especially the males) from getting too excited, she changed pace again and again, usually going to her piano to switch the mood.

At one point, the R&B princess asked, “I am just wondering is it okay if I play my piano for you?” which resulted in a very obvious yes.

When you thought she would go into traditional piano solo playing, she went into the song “Karma” starting with fast reggae-like music before proceeding to a modified big band style.

Indeed, almost every song reflected new arrangements, sometimes far from the original style. The original R&B arrangement has been replaced by reggae-like, or big band-like styles without overpowering the original rythyms.

That still left a few hit songs, like “Superwoman”, with less modification, leave the feeling of familiarity to the fans and letting them sing along.

Although she shows great talent at performing and arrangement, her greatest performance was still when she sang with her sultry voice at her piano, especially during the song “Why Don’t You Call Me”.

After the soulful “Fallin’”, her first single that topped charts worldwide, she repeatedly thanked Jakarta, said goodbye and disappeared backstage, leaving the audience’s jaw dropped to their chest in disbelief.

“That’s all? Where is “No One” (Alicia’s latest hit)?” a guy beside me howled.

Some people left before the rest started to chant “We want more” fueled by the band members on the stage. It got louder and louder. If it was her party trick, it worked wonders! Finally all were on their feet at last, including those who had been sitting for the whole evening looking cool.

Alicia reappeared on stage again with her “No One” — did she have a crystal ball looking into peoples minds? — welcomed by thundering roars of fans.

Lo and behold, she thanked the fans again and fled. The band members threw their towels as complimentary gifts to the crowd, but this time the fans refused to budge and shouted for more.

The same guy beside me said “It is impossible for her to end this without “If I Ain’t Got You” (a hit from the second album).”

Indeed she wouldn’t leave them hanging in despair. Soon after, the song was in the air and it was clear that their minds were connected.

The atmosphere was incredible. More fans’ cameras were now in the air recording her forming tiny stars in the darkness. Perhaps these comebacks were Alicia’s way of telling how people should appreciate something before it was gone.

Her voice was as clear and strong as when she started and she indeed left the best for last. This time she left gracefully, and turned to wave at her fans one last time before disappearing through the door.

They knew they could not ask for more. And it was already enough anyway, she had given them a night to remember.

His name is Ibrahim Datuk Tan Malaka and a small book he wrote in 1920s about the independence for Indonesia sparked the revolutionary mindsets on many youngs to fight for freedom of the nation. The youngs include the forefathers Sukarno and M. Hatta.

He spent all his life to gain the independence for the nation but was excluded from being part of it at the crucial moments leading to the proclamation of the Declaration for Independence on August 17, 1945.

Although being prisoned and under constant runaway, he escaped the colonial governments — the Dutch, the British, the Japanese — only to be killed by the hand of his own kind — by the very first government of this newly independent nation.

For years, his name has been mentioned in the history books as the bad guy who organized a coup on Sukarno’s government, while Sukarno and he were once friends who shared the dream of freedom.

Differences in political views from his peers have sent him to tragic moments of his life — he was at the wrong time and wrong place with wrong audience.

Sukarno’s way of compromise might be right for Indonesia for that moment. Nonetheless, Tan Malaka’s role as the idea generator and master cheerleader in the road to independence have to be rewarded and his name should be carved in the history book.

Until today, it has been difficult to know the truth about our past in the history book. Indonesians often find themselves caught off guard when they read materials produced overseas on Indonesia’s past because they were so different and seem to be more possible to happen.

This nation should learn to accept history as it is, with every strenghts and flaws of each respected people and heroes, so that we can eventually understand ourselves and, learning from our own successes and mistakes, find our own way forward.

Indonesia goes through its 63rd birthday and it was marked with a bad sign.

The highlight of today is perhaps an accident at the flag ceremony at the Presidential Palace, when the master of the ceremony found the knife at the tip of his rifle fell off to the ground.

Speculations have arise around it. Some say it is a bad ’sign’ for the country. Another dismissed this view as superstition. But one thing for sure, the commander was lack of discipline to check his weapon and the lack of willingness to have a perfect ceremony.

The drop of the rifle’s knife should not happen and would be avoided should he spent few minutes checking it. It saved him and the whole nation the embarrashment. It is only a simple ceremony, for goodness. If now we are organizing an Olympic, how many blunders would have been made?

How many practices and rehearsals do you think the performers at the Beijing Olympic opening had before the real thing took place? Even the carriers of medal holders had gone through rigurous selection and training.

Lack of discipline is not a new thing in Indonesia. You will often find government offices — especially in the regions — empty after Friday prayer session at noon. Or in the recent case, as the reason for an Indonesian weightlifter to lose at the Olympic.

“Lacks of preparation for the Games, because of preparing for the National Game last month. Of course I am disappointed,” she said.

She had no reason to be disappoint because she did not seem to want the medal bad enough. She went there to lose.

Discipline is one thing we lack, but the will to be the best in the big sea — not only in a small pond — seems to be the real problem. Only fighting among your peers and dare not challenge the world.

It’s been a year since my last posting.

I didn’t realize how fast time goes until I revisited the site.

Last year I was a student chasing up a dream and now I am living the dream.

Reality hits in that it is not an easy dream to live in. There are ups and downs and times when I asked myself what the heck I was doing.

But still the real question is “If this is your last day, will you still be doing what you are about to do today?”

As I am researching about immigrants in the UK, I found one thing that was rather difficult to comprehend: Everyone is willing to talk to me, except the Chinese groups. The EU high commissioner was on holiday but quick to reply to ask me to schedule an slot with his PA, a professor at the university was really helpful, a Chinese researcher told me his phone number, another Chinese writer did the same.

Trying to reach the Chinese support groups, I found out that it was almost so much tougher. They either missed the appointment time, said they were very busy or just told me a plain “No. I cant help you.” Even the free legal helpline for Chinese migrant, during phone-in time, was too busy to accept my request for a 10-minute chat on how they are helping the migrants. The officer told me, “Just send in your questions and let’s see who will reply you.” My plea for a possible name I can contact was plainly declined as well. It has been a week and I don’t think there is much hope for any reply.

My resentment has been building up in me because I think they have been so silly. They should have talked to people about what they are actually doing because what they are doing is actually good – nothing to be covered up or ashamed of.

But I thought probably they just did not appreciate student.
So when I read this article (here) published in the Independent about how silent Chinese communities are when there were illegal migrants accidents, I understood that it was not about me, but about them.

As an Asian and an ethnic Chinese myself, I understand the mindset of living behind the show-curtain. We are not very active, we play down our problems and our achievements, we are more acceptance to our situation and, most time, more passive. But living here for a year and see how people here behave, I do see the virtue of standing up for yourself (not bragging but just telling the truth of what you are capable), of human right, and of (yes, you read it correctly) public relations.

As much as, I think, there are things beyond Shaolin Kungfu that the West can learn from the East; there are more that the East can learn from the West, beyond McDonald’s, Gucci and Mercedes.

The article (here) highlights the question I as a Chinese ethnic myself can’t understand.

“If you want to complain about Indonesia, the list will go and on,” my friend told me, signalling me to stop. I was telling her the new light into our own history and why things work as what they are now, that there are few rich and powerful people determining how millions of people should live. She was bored and annoyed.

“What’s the use of knowing. Nothing will ever change,” she said.

Indonesians are famous for its acceptance of fate. When people have an accident and break their leg, they said, “Thank goodness it’s only my leg. I still have my life.”

I read a story by a Western journalist who covered the story from a post-earthquake city in middle Java in May 2006. Instead of seeing devastated faces, as what he saw in New Orleans after Katrina, he saw cheerful people. “Thank goodness I am still alive,” they say.

They did not get the support people in New Orleans got but he recalled that they were very friendly. One family offered him meal, cooked with little ration of rice they got from charity. He said, “I saw strong-willed people here. Content and happy people.”

It’s a nation of self-contentful, which is good in time of peace and prosperity because people will feel happy with what they have.

However, is it right to keep mum and accept whatever that come your way as fate, when there are factors, created by other humans, control the rule of the game; the control that works almost invisibly as if it is by hand of god.

The earthquake, scaled only at 5.9 richter scale, killed more than 6,000 people, many of whom should not have died. Most are buried under the ruin of their own home, improperly built because of lack of knowledge about good building and limited fund they have. Few towns were flattened, leaving only houses built with brick and cement standing.

Indonesia, located on Pacific Ring of Fire seismic belt, is still far from ready to face this familiar natural phenomena and let it turn into natural disaster. People should have been given education about the earthquake-resistance house and should earn enough money to build it instead of letting their house kills them. This is an unnecesary catasthrope.

Instead, people accept it as the will of god, that death is in the hand of god.

Is it wrong to see wrong as wrong, to complain and wish for better system, where people can stay alive and have hope for better life? Isn’t recognising and analysing what went wrong part of determining the remedial action? Without proper action, thousands more may die in the coming earthquakes and we will again claim it as fate.

Is a nation of contentful – or perhaps lost of hope – limiting the progress that is so much needed?

A boy lost his arm in the earthquake waiting for his faux arm

I wonder if Winnie the pooh is really story for children.
The intended meaning seems to target the mind of adults.

In this example, Winnie the pooh story is an example of fallacy in argument – begging the question.

Begging the question means the premisses presuppose the truth of the conclusion. 
In this case, Winnie the pooh draws a map based on his own imagination and then claims that the treasure is buried when he thinks it is buried. He presuppose that his imagination will lead to the truth. Even if he does find the treasure, it will be based on pure good luck. There is no logical strength in the argument.

 It’s a widely used fallacious argument.