Category Archives: Indonesia

Land of many faces

TIME Magazine Cover Story (23 December 1946)

Ir. Soekarno

Most of the Indies Dutch now realize that the old days will never come again. The Dutch at home are beginning to understand that Ir. Soekarno & Co. are attempting to engineer a complete break, economic as well as political. As a result Holland's earlier, more tolerant attitude toward Indonesian home rule is stiffening. But at best the Dutch faced a pretty grim prospect. Sardonic Hubertus van Mook put it this way: "There will be shooting for a long time in Indonesia, but we hope to get it on a friendlier basis."
Also posted in History |
Mengenali Kembali Bahasa Indonesia

Bahasa Kebangsaan yang Merakyat dan Supel

”jang dinamakan ‘Bahasa Indonesia’ jaitoe bahasa Melajoe jang soenggoehpoen pokoknja berasal dari ‘Melajoe Riaoe’ akan tetapi jang soedah ditambah, dioebah ataoe dikoerangi menoeroet keperloean zaman dan alam baharoe ..."
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By: Kishore Mahbubani

Indonesia Has Played a Heroic Role in the Transformation of Asia

I have no doubts that Indonesia will be part of this great transformation of Asia. Indeed, Indonesia has already played a heroic role in the transformation of Asia. lt has successfully made one of the most difficult transitions any society has to make: the transition to full democracy. This is a remarkable story which has not been fully understood by the world.
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Land of Wonders, Sea of Sensations

A Lovable Indonesia

Indonesia. A land of wonders, a sea of sensations. A spectacular display of nature at its finest. A grand gesture of warmth and kindness of the more than 200 million lives that call Indonesia home. An astounding assortment of rich history and genuine desire for a brighter future.
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By: Wimar Witoelar

Suharto Escapes Trial, But Indonesia Does Not

This is the original version of the article that appears on the back page of TIME magazine (Asia edition Vol. 171, No. 6, February 11,2008). The edited version is published under the title "The Soeharto Effect". Different emphasis, related message. Suharto did a lot of good, but his corruption and atrocities did permanent damage to Indonesia. TIME omitted references to the implications for today's public.
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Ilustrasi Soeharto dan “The Last Supper”

Perlukah Tempo Minta Maaf?

Kiranya iman umat Kristiani dan umat beriman lainnya (beriman tidak sama dengan beragama) jauh lebih mendalam ketimbang interpretasi sebuah karya seni buatan manusia. Umat beriman tidak akan mudah tersinggung ketika karya manusia dijadikan anekdot, sebab iman mereka bersumber dari Yang Maha Illahi dan bukan sekedar ikon dekoratif – karya seorang maestro sekalipun.
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By: Seth Mydans / New York Times

A Resilient Indonesia Moves Beyond Suharto

From one of the most centralized and controlled countries in the region, it has transformed itself into one of the most decentralized, free, open and self-regulating. From a brutal and corrupt regime under the heel of the military, it has become the standard bearer of democracy in Southeast Asia. It stands out for its political liberalism at a time when coups and coup attempts have discredited the region’s two exemplars of democracy, Thailand and the Philippines.
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Celotehan tentang Indonesia dan Dunia

Bicara tentang Indonesia dan dunia niscaya tidak akan selesai dalam sepuluh halaman, seratus halaman, seribu halaman sekalipun. Sedemikian banyak aspek dan interaksi diantara keduanya dengan jutaan fakta dan ribuan opini. Tulisan atau lebih tepatnya, “celotehan” yang dituliskan ini hanya ingin bercerita sedikit tentang beberapa aspek pilihan yang mungkin kurang ditampilkan dalam diskusi publik. Tulisan ini bukan tulisan ilmiah dan bukan pula essai komprehensif.
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By: Philip Bowring / International Herald Tribune

The Invisible Giant of Southeast Asia

While the outside world gets excited over the economic rise of China and India, it seldom stops to notice the equally remarkable transformation of Indonesian politics in the 10 years since the downfall of the 30-year authoritarian rule of President Suharto.
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