Catholic hospital serves the sick and poor: Indonesian BIshops told

» 11/03/2009 11:58
INDONESIA
Indonesian Bishops: Catholic hospitals to serve the sick, not for profit
by Mathias Hariyadi
Health at the centre of the annual meeting of the Conference of Bishops. The prelates call attention to abuses of the good faith of patients, often reduced to "clients". Apostolic Nuncio: honour human life from conception to death.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The national health system and hospitals of Catholic inspiration were the issues at the opening of the annual meeting of bishops in Indonesia (KWI), underway in Jakarta until 12 November. The bishops have called for authorities to "monitor closely" the services provided and ensure that they the names of saints or Christian references are not used in order to attract "patients" who end up being treated like "customers" resulting in the abuse of their good faith.

In the presence of 38 prelates Indonesian Fr. CB Kusmaryanto, professor of moral theology and a priest of the Order of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, presented a paper entitled "Spirituality and medical morality of modern medical technology." Among the most malicious phenomena of "misleading advertising", the cleric cited the use of the word "customers" instead of "patients" and warns: "We must be informed about Catholic hospitals that pursue only profit, instead of offering a good public service".

A concern confirmed by Msgr. Johannes Pujasumarta Pr, Bishop of Bandung, who has called for an investigation of the "services provided" in places of care. In Indonesia, in fact, many public hospitals intentionally use names of the saints as patrons, a practice that makes them very popular and allows them to earn hundreds of new customers. A malpractice, that of calling patients "clients", which according to Fr. Kusmaryanto is taking root even in the Christian institutions. Bishop Pujasumarta recalls that "providing a public health service is an effective way to preach the Gospel", safeguarde "moral values" and help "the needy".

A call to uphold Christian values in the health sector also comes from Msgr. Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, who recalls the duty to honour human life "from conception to death." A most pressing issue in modern day medicine in which many seek to derive profits from illness.

The opening Mass of the meeting was attended by Msgr. Martinus Dogma Situmorang, president of the Bishops Conference, Msgr. Bishop Sutrisnaatmaka, Bishop of Palangkaraya and secretary general Kwi, Stephen Agus, Director of General Affairs of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as many other priests.

The Indonesian parliament adopts anti-pornography bill

10/30/2008 16:11
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
MPs present voted unanimously for the bill. Opposition parties did not however participate in the vote. Dissent explodes in online forums. A Jakarta court sentences an Islamic fundamentalist leader to jail for fomenting clashes last June.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – With opposition MPs absent, Indonesia’s parliament approved an anti-porn bill that was welcomed by supporters who loudly rejoiced with prayers to Allah. In online newspaper forums many ordinary citizens reacted angrily however, slamming what they consider a step backward for Indonesia and an “obscurantist” decision.

Today the lower house in Indonesia’s parliament approved the controversial anti-pornography bill, known in Bahasa Indonesia as Undang-undang Pornografi, Uu App. Since it was tabled it has been at the centre of intense discussions because it is seen as a step towards introducing Sharia law into the country’s legal system along the lines of Saudi Arabia.

In recent weeks human rights activists and representatives of political and religious minorities, including the Catholic Church, have strenuously objected to the law.

According to its critics, the law eliminates “cultural” differences and undermines “national unity”. As it stands it is all but an attempt by Muslim fundamentalists to introduce Islamic law into the country’s legal system.

The anti-porn law was approved almost unanimously but MPs for the Indonesian Democracy Struggle Party (PDIP) and the Christian-based Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) were not in the house in protest against the bill.

A supporter of the new law named Lasmiantini, a member of a group called Salima or Muslim Sisters, felt great about it.

“Inshallah, God willing, Indonesia shall finally see the rebirth of morality,” she said.

“We are happy,” she added, “because we won the battle to defend our children and it [the law] will also protect women.”

“Educational TV programmes” will be promoted “to improve moral values as the basis of society.

Pro-law activists said that the legislation can be improved to “avoid excesses”, denying at the same time that negative views were expressed “against the bill in some provinces.”

Meuthia Hatta, daughter of Mohammad Hatta, one of Indonesia’s founding fathers, noted that the law “does not violate the principles of freedom of expression” but instead protects people from the harm done by pornography.

“Our focus was on this aspect rather than on political squabbles with nationalist groups and NGOs,” said the minister of for Woman Empowerment.

In the meantime a court in Jakarta issued an important ruling in the fight against Islamic fundamentalism.

Judge Panusunan Harahap sentenced Habib Rizieq Shihab, head of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), to 18 months in jail for “fomenting clashes in Jakarta last 1 June between radical Muslims and moderates, who were demonstrating in favour of religious freedom in the country.”

At that time Muslim fundamentalists attacked moderate Muslims from the National Alliance for Religious Freedom (AKKBB), who were peacefully demonstrating in support of the Ahmadis, a small Muslim community (about half a million) who are considered heretical in several Muslim countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

More than 50 Islamic Defender Front extremists arrested

06/04/2008 14:15
INDONESIA

The police is questioning detainees over last 1 June clashes during a pro-religious freedom rally. FPI leader is among those arrested. In East Java young moderate Muslims burn radical group’s flags.

Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies) – At dawn Indonesian police raided the Jakarta headquarters of the Islamic Defender Front (FPI), rounding up 59 members of the hard-line Muslim group, including its leader. The operation, which involved about a thousand agents, was the government response to FPI violence against a demonstration in favour of religious freedom which took place last Sunday in the Indonesian capital.

The detainees are being questioned by police about last Sunday’s clashes between members of the FPI and activists from the National Alliance for Religious Freedom (AKKBB) who were present at the rally at the National Monument. Some 30 people were injured during the incidents.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was criticised for his government’s soft approach to FPI activities, which for years included an active campaign of persecution against the Ahmadi community, whose members are considered “heretical” by mainstream Muslims.

After the fiery words of FPI leader Shihab, who until three days ago had called for “resistance to the last drop of blood”, it is surprising how he voluntarily turned himself into police custody.

Still what happened at the National Monument continues to fuel anger in the population and among moderate Muslim groups.

Members of the youth wing of the Nadhlatul Ulama (NU), an organisation headed by former President Abdurrahman Wahid, stormed FPI offices in East Java, demanding the radical group stop its activities.

In various cities in East Java, Wahid’s stronghold, FPI flags and symbols have been set on fire.

Changing rules for building churches (Overview)

03/08/2006 15:10
INDONESIA

The revision of controversial decree regulating building places of worship is completed. Christians react as Muslim leaders express their support.

Under the 1969 joint ministerial decree (SKB No 1/1969), local authorities and residents were required to give consent before any permit could be issued for building a place of worship. However, permits were hard to get and applications by Christians almost always fell on deaf years. Christians were more often than not forced to worship in a legal no man's land.

Last year, after Muslim extremists in West Java province forced Christians to shut down some house churches, the government was forced to review existing legislation. According to West Java Christian Communication Forum, 35 churches were closed by the hard-line groups in 2005.

The new version was adopted after consultations involving religious leaders from various communities as well as government and national security officials. Under the revised rules, the existing basic principles are maintained but specific rules for granting permits must be followed.

- Permits must be issued by local government upon consultation with the Communication Forums for Religious Harmony (that include representative from the various religious communities) and the local branch of the Religious Affairs Ministry. The forum will vet applications and advise local authorities on granting permits.

- A congregation of at least 100 members must exist before application for a new place of worship can be made and any application must be approved by at least 70 local residents from other faith communities. The Indonesian Communion of Churches countered with a proposal that would set the limit at 60 members and 40 residents.

- The Interior Ministry announced that applications should be approved within 7 to 30 days and building permits granted within 6 months.

During the discussions leading up to the new decree, some called for the abolition of the law altogether proposing in its place a law on religious freedom.

Now the revised decree must wait for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's approval before it can become law.

As situation gets more horrifying, presidential plane evacuates Sumatra quake victims

10/01/2009 17:56
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
Pariaman, a district near Padang home and to 80,000 people, is destroyed. Caritas mobilises and sends in volunteer teams to bring medicine, water, blankets and cooking equipment.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono travelled to Padang today, where he will spend the night. In the devastated “ghost town”, many survivors are still looking for shelter and security. In an unexpected move, the president lent the presidential plane to fly refugees to the capital. In the meantime, the local chapter of Caritas (Karina Indonesia) is organising to address the disaster.

Fr Augustine Mujihartono, a local Karina official, told AsiaNews that the devastation is widespread and that at least 50 per cent of buildings in the provincial capital “have been seriously damaged.”

“The situation of quake victims in Padang is very critical, but Pariaman District—some of 50 kilometres north of Padang—is getting much worse and horrifying,” he said. According to the clergyman, the whole city is in ruins.

Indonesian authorities have estimated that thousands of people, dead or wounded, are still under the rubble in Pariaman, a district that is home to 80,000 people.

Karina Director Fr Sigid Pramuji, who is also the secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, said that volunteer teams are on their way to Padang and Pariaman with basic items like blankets, cooking equipment, medical supplies and clean water.

Putin in Jakarta, Russia becomes Indonesia’s main weapons supplier

09/06/2007 15:03
INDONESIA – RUSSIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
This is the first high-level visit in almost 50 years. The Russian president, who is on his way to the APEC summit in Australia, is trying to play his cards in a region increasingly shaped by Sino-US rivalry. Deal involves the sale of weapons worth US$ 1 billion.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Indonesia to sign agreements on weapons, oil and aluminium. It is the first high profile visit by a Russian leader since Nikita Khrushchev’s came in 1960. Back in those days, Moscow was a key ally of the most populous Muslim state in the world.

Mr Putin, who is accompanied by a business delegation of about a hundred people, met Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss ways to improve economic ties and military co-operation in a region increasingly defined by Sino-US rivalry and competition.

Indonesia's armed forces are especially concerned. Under-equipped following years of sanctions from the European Union and the United States, they will be able to use a US$ 1 billion loan from Russia to plug holes in their ageing arsenal.

For Moscow closer ties with Jakarta will open up doors in the Islamic world.

“Russia,” Putin wrote in article published today, is “open to the joint search for ways of building inter-religious understanding, which is so essential today, including within the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, where our country has become an observer with Indonesian support.”

After his stop in Indonesia, the Russian leader will travel to Australia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit where he is scheduled to meet US President George W. Bush.

Secretary Rice courting Jakarta, an example of moderate Islam

03/15/2006 14:42
INDONESIA – USA

US secretary of state ends her visit today to Indonesia, the US's main ally in the fight against terrorism in South-East Asia and in broadening the appeal of democracy in the Muslim world. Indonesian president urges better relations between the West and Islam to avoid a clash of civilisations. US continues to lean on Indonesia to reform its military.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice expressed her appreciation for Indonesia's democracy, its leadership role in South-East Asia and its moderate policies during a visit to Jakarta.

Ms Rice's trip to the world's largest Muslim country is designed to improve the image of the US in the Muslim world, badly bruised by criticism following US intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan and the recent Muhammad cartoon controversy.

In a press conference yesterday with her Indonesian counterpart, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, the secretary said she was sorry about the "lack of understanding of how much the United States respects the people who are of Islamic faith."

Ms Rice's visit was preceded by several anti-US protests. Yesterday demonstrators in front of the US Embassy in Jakarta shouted "Rice, Go to Hell", "The US creates problems wherever it goes".

Ms Rice, who left for Australia today, reiterated her government's willingness to work with Indonesia in the fight against terrorism, conscious that some US foreign policy initiatives were "unpopular". But in a politically smart move, she visited the Islam al-Makmuriah—one of the oldest Islamic boarding school complex in the capital.

In a clear reference to the ideology of Muslim extremists and terrorism, which have bloodied Indonesia in recent years, she said that "Indonesia has a very big role to play as an example of what moderation and tolerance and inclusiveness of a society can be".

The US views Indonesia as a moderate voice within the Muslim world and is hopeful that it can have a positive influence even in the Middle East, especially after Hamas' victory in Palestine, which Indonesia welcomed.

With Foreign Minister Wirajuda, Ms Rice met with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, whom she praised for his commitment to post-tsunami reconstruction and peace in Aceh, to the fight against corruption, and for his efforts to convince Myanmar's military junta to implement democratic reforms.

In Washington's geopolitical strategy for South-East Asia, Indonesia is a key ally not only in the fight against terrorism, but also for broadening the appeal of democracy in the region.

In 2004, Indonesia held its first free election since the fall of Dictator Suharto in 1998.

Presidential spokesman Dino Pati Djalal said that during the talks with Ms Rice President Susilo urged the West to promote "strong and good relations" with Islam and avoid the so-called "clash of civilisations".

Ms Rice and the Indonesian president also discussed the need to strengthen cooperation in fighting the bird flu and improve bilateral relations after military ties were renewed in November.

Before leaving today however, she urged Jakarta to accelerate military reform because a reformed and efficient army is in everybody's interest. (MH)

"We want to start cleaning up our own house", says Indonesian President

05/06/2005 13:52
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
Jakarta sets up a special team to fight fraud and abuse in government bureaucracy.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The Indonesian government has set up a special corps to fight corruption in both public and private sectors.

Faced with accusations that he was not doing enough, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on April 3 approved the creation of the Corruption Eradication Coordination Team, a 51-member group led by Hendarman Supandji, the Deputy Attorney General in the Special Crimes Section.

The Team will investigate all abuses in the public sector and report directly to the President on a monthly basis.

In addition, Attorney General Abdurrahman Saleh, the chief national police and the chairman of the development finance controller, will serve as the Team's special advisers.

President Susilo made corruption eradication a key element in the campaign that saw him elected six months ago.

Only last week, he announced a crackdown in the State's Secretariat Office, the cabinet's Secretariat Office, and in the State Palace's Office as well as in scores of state-owned enterprises and some ministries.

"We want to start cleaning up our own house", Mr Susilo said. "We'll see whether there are violations, losses of assets or misuse of money".

"It is important to ask the people [. . .] to eradicate corruption, but we must start with ourselves and clean up our own houses," he said after meeting with ministers to discuss the government's anti-graft campaign last week

Indonesians reacted with enthusiasm to the news that an anti-corruption team was being set up. They are hopeful that with the assistance of other institutions like the police, the Attorney General Office and financial auditing agencies the state budget can be brought under control.

Attempts so far to pursue corrupted officials had failed as a result of poor coordination between police and the Attorney General; they had also failed because officials in the auditing agencies received kickbacks for making 'peaceful concessions' to businessmen and companies.

Many Indonesians view Susilo's initiative as a serious political commitment to fighting this widespread scourge in the public service.

The latest success in Jakarta's anti-corruption campaign came when Abdullah Puteh, governor of Aceh, and several officials in the Transportation Ministry were sentenced on corruption charges.

Anti-corruption commission chief jailed on murder charges

05/05/2009 12:40
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
Police confirms charges against Antasari Azhar. Romantic involvement of victim and murderer with the same woman is said to be the reason for the crime. The owner of the Jakarta Merdeka newspaper and a former police chief in the capital are said to be also involved in the death of businessman Nazruddin Zulkarnaen.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Charges against Antasari Azhar, head of the Indonesian Commission on the Eradication of Corruption (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi or KPK), of murder in the death of Nazruddin Zulkarnaen, a business man killed last March by killers as he sat in his car in Tangerang, have been confirmed. In addition to Azhar, who is currently in police custody, the indictment includes Sigid Haryo Wibisono, owner of the Jakarta Merdeka newspaper, and Wiliardi Wizard, former South Jakarta police chief. As friends of the KPK chief, the two men are accused of taking part in the murder plot. Wizard is accused of finding the killers whilst Wibisono of paying them. According to the indictment, Nazruddin Zulkarnaen, CEO of PT Rajawali Putra Banjaran, was killed because he and KPK Chief Azhar had been romantically linked to a 22 –year-old woman.

When charges were laid last Friday it sent shockwaves through the country. Now that they have been confirmed and the alleged offender is detained a mixture of disbelief and embarrassment has followed.

Mr Azhar is one of the most respected political figures in the country, the man who had been tasked by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to fight the widespread problem of corruption.

Azhar has denied all the charges, claiming instead that he was a fried of Zulkarnaen with whom he was in contact over investigations involving corruption within the Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia group, to which the PT Rajawali Putra Banjaran finance company belonged.

Corruption is extensive in Indonesia. According to Transparency International, the country is one of the worst cases, just above basket cases like Zimbabwe.

President of the Election Commission arrested in Jakarta

05/21/2005 13:06
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The National Anticorruption Commission (KPK) yesterday arrested Prof. Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin, president of the National Election Commission (KPU). The arrest comes after the launch of a campaign to battle corruption "without respite", required by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Over the past week, the case has been keenly followed by national media: Prof. Sjamsuddin declared several times that he had "nothing to do with corruption suspects" within his commission. The KPK had already arrested three high-ranking KPU members: Mulyana Kusuma, human rights activist and member of the leadership council; Hamdani Amid, commission treasurer, and Sussongko Suhardjo, executive secretary-general. The commission of inquiry opened files of investigation on many high-ranking KPU members.

Sjamsuddin was apprehended and interrogated in his office in the centre of Jakarta: according to investigators, the KPU president received payoffs of at least 40,000 US dollars, coming from cuts on expenditure of the Election Commission. Some days earlier, the treasurer had admitted to receiving payoffs of more than 20 billion Indonesian rupees (around 2.12 US dollars) from private investors; Sjamsuddin meanwhile had declared several times that "there was no more money".

The KPU gained popularity among the nation and international opinion for successfully conducting national elections, the first direct poll in Indonesia which took place without violence, even in the second ballot phases.

According to the Indonesian criminal code, whoever is found guilty of corruption must be condemned to life imprisonment.

Shortly after Sjamsuddin's name cropped up among the suspects, Ray Rangkuti – president of the independent commission of election monitoring – asked president Susilo to suspend all KPU members from their posts. Rangkuti even invited the executive to fill in the "vacant role" of the KPU as soon as possible. The work of the commission is fundamental for regional ballots, which elect candidates for provincial government posts, district mayors and all local officials.

Also in the context of the fight against corruption, an operation in the banking sector was concluded successfully. The KPK brought three high-ranking bankers to face charges. They are from Mandiri bank, the richest state-owned bank; conspicuous among those interrogated is Dr Neloe, president of the bank.