MORE OF THE DARK SIDE

For Indonesia, some say East Timor remains a scaly scab that just won't go away. No doubt the pathetic attempts to address the issue of East Timor and what happened during the Indonesian Occupation is a continual source of embarrassment to Indonesia that ever reminds the world that, in Indonesia if you have enough influence and power then you remain untouchable.

One things for certain if they do release the movie in Indonesia it is sure to raise the temperature of debate between Australua and Indonesia.



Indonesian censors consider Balibo ban (From AAP)


INDONESIA'S censors have formed a special team to decide whether to allow the politically sensitive Australian movie about the Balibo Five to be shown in the country.

The Indonesian government has declared Robert Connolly's Balibo "offensive'' and the Indonesian military has urged the country's censorship board, the LSF, to ban it.

The movie depicts Indonesian soldiers brutally murdering five Australia-based newsmen in the East Timor border town in 1975.

The movie, which is in the running for 14 AFI awards, contradicts the official Indonesian explanation they were killed in crossfire.

But the organisers of the Jakarta International Film Festival (JIFF), which kicks off next month, want to show the movie despite the possible controversy it could generate.

The have submitted the movie to the LSF, which has formed a special team to decide whether the thriller is too politically sensitive for Indonesian audiences.

The LSF prevented the JIFF screening several films about East Timor in 2006 because of similar concerns. But organisers are optimistic Balibo will be approved.

The film's release in Australia earlier this year came just weeks before federal police announced they would conduct a formal war crimes investigation into the Balibo killings, a move that sparked some diplomatic tensions.

The probe follows a 2007 coronial inquest that concluded Indonesian deliberately killed the journalists to cover up their invasion of East Timor.

AAP

INDONESIAN SOLUTION UNRAVELS

It’s difficult to believe that Prime Minister Rudd, a man who claims to a complete and unassailable grasp on international diplomacy could be such an unmitigated diplomatic disaster. From his inept and humiliating kowtowing to the murderous dictators in China to his complete lack of comprehension of the intricacies of doing business in Indonesia.

"Officials in Tanjung Pinang were deeply unhappy with the deal struck between Canberra and Jakarta to take the refugees who have been at sea aboard the Australian Customs vessel Oceanic Viking for more than a week."

Did Rudd, the bumbling, over promoted public service buffoon yet again ignore the advice of his advisors? One would have to assume so, as only the most amateur novice would think a handshake deal in Indonesia means anything.

For the West a deal is done on a handshake and its cemented on the signature. For the average Indonesian businessman, the handshake is means to transmit the flu and a contract signature is the time to begin talking how to avoid the details of the contract and squeeze more money. The more the other party has committed the better as it becomes party time.

Now when everyone knows the rules of the game, it works as each party builds in their own safety net. However when one party walks in like a tourist in the seedy side of town, wearing gold chains and Rolex watches then that party is going to get rolled. The final piece of advice, NEVER EVER do business with the Indonesian Government unless you carry your testicular bits in a fire proof safe, the rules are in a constant state of change and the government is the umpire.

Seriously was there anyone on the planet, except the Idiot Rudd who didn’t think the Indonesians would not find a way to strangle the arrangement (as evil as it is) for more cash?

"But after earlier telling reporters Indonesia was not a "dumping ground" for refugees, provincial governor Ismeth Abdullah softened his remarks but queried the detention centre's readiness.
"Who is going to give (the Sri Lankans) their food?" he asked The Australian. "Where is the money going to come from for all their expenses?"

Any resident of Indonesia could translate the above statement for KRUDD into what it really means. You could almost hear the old ABBA hit wafting across the wharf...Money...Money ..Money..It's rich man's world.

Of course, asking someone to account for the over 50million dollars of Australian Taxpayers money already spent will result in the “screen-saver” face.

From here Australia has two choices if they insist on this idiots plan. Firstly, insist that Indonesia honour the deal and immediately cease the flow of funds into Indonesia across the board. Don’t threaten, don’t waffle, just do. Nothing cements an agreement or creates an atmosphere of cooperation faster than an official getting a pain the hip pocket.

The second way, and the one the idiot Rudd will take, cave in to the demands for more cash and gain short term cooperation. Then stand by as the demands become more and more outrageous as Australia becomes more and more committed to this lunacy.

The best way, admit the lunacy and withdraw all support for this insanity and return the illegal immigrants to Australian run, controlled and sponsored detention centres. This option would be a hoot as well as honourable, because you would also get to watch Indonesian Officials falling over themselves to resurrect the original plan as they see their platinum gravy train (boat) escaping their sticky fingers (Problem Mister..No Problem already fixed..It was miscommunication…All good now)

THE INDONESIAN SOLUTION AND LABOR PAINS

LIAR
–noun
A person who tells lies.

Synonyms:
falsifier, perjurer, prevaricator.


The Stump should not be surprised but never the less is disappointed with Australia’s Current Foreign Minister Steven Smith statements on the political news program “The Insiders” this morning. Now everyone would know by now that the Stump considers the current Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd a two- bob bully and the very worst kind of political opportunist who stands for nothing except his own personal advancement. However, Steven Smith has always impressed the Stump as an articulate, extremely intelligent individual which made his comments that he believed (paraphrased) that “Illegal Immigrants would be treated in a humane and civilised fashion within the proposed Indonesian Detention Centres to be run on behalf of the Australian people” even more repugnant.

It beggars belief that an Australian Foreign Minister would not know the conditions of Indonesian places of internment and the low priority placed on human rights and human dignity in the nation. To believe that mindset would change in a Detention Centre funded by Australia but managed by Indonesia makes Smith a unmitigated, immoral Liar or the person of such naive optimism he is not fit to hold a position such importance to Australia’s welfare.

Let there be no misunderstanding, the Stump is a strong supporter of absolute border protection and believes that a major cause of Australia’s current social woes is the blind support for the utopian nonsense that all cultures are equal. Never the less, the Stump fully understands that people will always try to enter Australia both legally and illegally generally as economic refugees. Obviously, these illegal immigrants need to be detained, reviewed and in the vast majority of cases returned to their places of origin. It is not and never was Australia’s role to be the guardian angel of the world.

However, all people need to be treated with respect and dignity. It is not unreasonable for a person to seek a better life for himself and his family. Therefore the process of detention and review should be conducted as quickly as possible in a place/s that provide decent accommodation, health care and security. Even the most brain dead, immoral swine could see that the “Indonesia Solution” would provide none of those basic humane requirements.

Jakartass,posed the question in a previous post comment “Did the Stump think SBY would accept the offer to act as Australia’s nation of choice for detention of Illegal Immigrants” (or words to that effect).

The answer of course, is Absolutely! The Indonesian "powers that be" must be almost wetting themselves with excitement at this manna from Heaven. Not only is the Australian Tax payer going to send literally millions of dollars directly into that unaccountable morass that is Indonesian government but they have provided the Indonesians with an unassailable point of leverage in every future discussion between Australia and Indonesia.

“Hey you Indonesians, about time you took human rights seriously”
“Hey Prime Minister, best you shut the “F” up or we will closed the detention centre and issue boats n maps to Australia”

"Hey you Indonesians, how about doing something about Papua"
"Hey OZ Foreign Minister, best you shut the “F” or we will release some pictures of your so called Indonesian Solution just prior to an election."

Does ANYONE THINK THIS WON’T HAPPEN?

AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY – AUSTRALIA’S CURSE AND THE LEFTS SHAME

The Stump challenges anyone to honestly and with a straight face repeat the KRUDD’S statement that sending Illegal Immigrants to a detention centre in Indonesia is "balanced and humane and fair"

On another note, what’s the truth that Bakie Brothers and their cash cow of choice Bumi are exiting as fast as they can from Australian Company Herald Resources? Could it be that they found the attention of the corporate watchdog a little more than they are used to in Indonesia or just yet another fire sale.

Rudd for Refugees.. A fair deal

\

The Stump refuses to use the term Refugee as the very name implies people fleeing from immediate persecution in their own country to a place of safety. The very fact these illegal immigrants have paid considerable sums of money to third parties and invariably transited numerous “safe” countries makes a mockery of the term Refugee.
As of the weekend the current excuse for a Prime Minister Little Kranky Kevin announced his plan to request Indonesia house and detain the immigrants on Indonesian soil in places of detention (read leaky rotten wooden boats) funded by the Australian Taxpayer. The Indonesian Government must have showed unusual discretion by not laughing out loud as they signed the agreement and took the money never to be seen again.

So where are they??? The repugnant Left that is, not the Illegal immigrants.
Where are all the screaming latte left hordes that condemned John Howard and his Pacific Solution as a cruel solution to the illegal immigrant issue? Where are the screaming hordes that denounced Howard’s plan to house these Illegal Immigrants in Australian run and sponsored offshore camps. Where are the idiots who declared Howards policy as inhumane and lacking compassion? Are they seriously thinking that asking and trusting Indonesia to run these “camps” will be more humane?

It’s hard to believe that the current Australian Government could be so witless! After all the beating of the chests and hand wringing about conditions in the detention centres under the Howard Government, does anyone really believe that a detention centre under Indonesian control will provide better conditions, healthcare resources? Does anyone seriously believe the money the Australian Taxpayer rams into this plan concocted on the fly will actually end up being utilised as it should and not building another mansion in sunny Pundok Indah?

Surely for an example of Indonesia’s treatment of homeless people, even the most naive traveller would know you only have to glance under the toll road bridges in Jakarta? Or if you wish see the way justice and compassion is applied to those people with no voice in Indonesia just look at the despair of mudflow victims just outside of SURABUYA.

Even the most clueless diplomat must know that Indonesian Foreign policy and agreements are (to the eternal frustration of career diplomats in Indonesia) subject to the whims of neo-nationalist and worldly ignorant Political trough feeders. Does it really take a genius to recognise that it is only a matter of months before its Australia’s turn to be Indonesia’s public enemy number one again.

The “us against the rest foreign policy” of Indonesia is a recognised cyclic routine to avoid addressing the real issues at home in Indonesia. Any one with more than a year’s memory recall remembers the “EVIL Singaporeans are stealing our sand, harbouring our criminals” ..yawn yawn...”The Evil Malaysians are stealing our songs..clothes” (always a hoot when Indonesia cries foul over intellectual property as anyone who has tried to buy original software in Indonesia will testify)..”The Evil Europeans are racist because our planes fall out of the sky”..”The Evil Australians are trying to steal Papua”... because that’s just what Australia needs another failed state to prop up with Tax payer funds.

What do the clueless ones think will happen to the agreement once its Australia’s turn to be king of the shit people again. Well at least we can be sure all the money would be returned..........................

This Australian KRUDD Government could well go down as the most inept government both domestically and internationally in Australia’s History. Their complete inability to separate ideological dream time from real politic is simply breathtaking in the long term damage it is doing to Australia. From decades of debt to ward off a non-existed economic depression (oh and spare us the stimulus plan that allowed every Australian to buy a Chinese Plasma TV saved the nation) to the bend over backward knee tremblers with China and Indonesia. Let alone the Economy destroying Carbon Tax that will not make the slightest difference to world pollution levels but will put thousands out of work. Yup Australians can be stupid!

INDONESIAN POLITICIANS AT WORK

Newly elected legislators, sleeping off their first visit to the trough?
The Stump is posting the above picture in the vain hope that it will become so widespread on the web that the people involved will become so humiliated they will crawl off back to their Kampungs where they belong.

The Stump doesn’t hold high opinions of politicians in any country but Indonesian pollies are simply mindboggling in their ability to amuse and disgust at the same time. It is a source of never ending wonder and occasional dismay when Indonesia is described as the Muslim world’s biggest democracy. Firstly the term “Muslim Democracy” instantly disrespects the millions of Indonesians who are not Muslims and have invested so much into making this nation what it is. Secondly, in a democracy, the legislators are in principle SUPPOSED to be responsible and answerable to the people who elected them. It could only be the most Arrack sozzled mind that would assume that is the case in Indonesia. In fact, in could be argued that that the only the sheer size of SBY’s (Indonesia’s President) win in the last election prevented a complete and bloody meltdown of what passes for democracy in Indonesia.

Back to the dark side, the Jakarta Post reported that over 60% of the newly elected legislators do not have a tax file number, although to be fair only 5% of the entire population has bothered to register with the tax office anyway. So essentially, 60 % of these trough feeders have never paid their way in society and now wish to hop on the tax payer gravy train. Principle, morality and honour are obviously fairly rubbery concepts for some.

Of course, this raises the question of who are the 5 % of honest people paying their way in this country?
Try the much maligned multi nationals, expats and Indonesians who actually care enough about Indonesia to give a stuff and ensure they pay their way. As for the rest of them, they are bludgers and parasites who need a swift kick up their leeching orifices.

Seems to the Stump, it’s not that difficult to gain majority compliance for NPWP despite the protests from inept government officials (is there another kind in this country?). Try perhaps a regulation where you cannot purchase a car, a motorbike or land without an ID Card and your NPWP (TAX FILE NUMBER). Surely if you have the money for one of those three items, it is a least reasonable to expect you to account for your tax burden to the state every year. Might be tricky getting the sleepy ones to stay awake long enough to enact the law but worth a try.

Don’t hold your breath though, we have more important things to worry about like Malaysia stealing songs and patterns that we stole first and sleeping off the effects of power without responsibility.

GOLKAR DANCES - PEOPLE CRY

The Stump fancies himself as a bit of political pundit albeit one severely bruised by the Conservative party collapse in Australia and the USA. Although Australia’s conservative party leader (for want of a better term) Malcolm Turnbull only claim to fame is his infamous destruction of the Republican Debate in Australia a few years back. No one trusted him then and no one trusts him now.

Never the less, Indonesian Politics leaves any reasonable person like a pianist trapped in a flock of Galahs, hearing shed-loads of noise but unable discern any rhyme or reason from the shreechs of the preening plumaged parasites.

Golkar, the once dominant party of Suharto and still recognised as the vehicle of power and presence by the Indonesian elite and connected, was soundly thrashed and shellacked in the recent in Indonesia elections. Now as to be expected Golkar is undergoing a period of renewal, only in Indonesia this obviously means a period of back to the bad old days of money politics and connections. The much coveted Golkar Chairman's position is being pursued by (amazingly):

1. Aburizal Bakrie, The current (ok this always makes the Stump chuckle) Coordinating Minister for the People’s Welfare, at one time reputed to Indonesia’s richest man and rightly or wrongly forever linked to the Sidoarjo mudflow tragedy which left thousands homeless with little help on the horizon.

2. Hutomo “Tommy” Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto reportedly has an interest in teaming up with current politician Yuddy Chrisnandy. You all remember Tommy, he was the bloke convicted and sentenced in 2002 to fifteen years jail for paying a hitman to kill Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, a Supreme Court judge who had convicted him of graft. Other charges included illegal weapons possession and running from the law. Of course, justice was done the Indonesian way and he was released after serving four years (No wonder Corby is going insane).

3. The eldest daughter of former president Soeharto, Siti Hardiyanto Rukmana or Tutut is thinking about making a run for the prize as well. Tutut is rumoured (although this is disputed) to own the Citra Lamtoro Gung Group, with interests in more than 90 companies ranging from telecommunications to infrastructure, including tollway projects. On 19 February 19 of 2001, Siti Hardiyanti "Tutut" Rukmana was reportedly banned from leaving Indonesia due to corruption allegations for one year

It’s often an admirable trait not to be swayed by popular opinion but for a Political Party already demonstrably seriously on the nose with the people, it beggars belief that Golkar could honestly think this is anything but treating the Indonesian people with anything other than utter contempt.

Meanwhile other only in Indonesia moment was the outrageous and enormously amusing sight of the Nationalistic zombie rent a yobbos railing at the Malaysians for stealing a Balinese dance and using for Malaysian Tourism.

The irony of the copy centre of South East Asia complaining about copyright and intellectual property infringements was a truly precious moment. It became even more amusing when it turned out after a number of “nasty” official letters from the Indonesian Government to Malaysia that the said dance was purely the brainstorm of an advertising agency not even based in Malaysia...Ooops...is our face red...again. It’s also extremely problematic to for such a Java centric government to be claiming any kind of rights to a Balinese dance in the first place.
One can only marvel at the long suffering Indonesians who have to tolerate such fools day in and day out.

Still no one can say it’s not fun to watch.

CLIMATE CHANGE CHURCH CHANGES WHAT

For change in the Climate Change Discussion, let’s start by stating three facts that remain facts despite hockey stick graphs and rancid green hyperbole:

1. If Australia ceases CO2 emissions to ZERO then Australia will make ZERO change to World CO2 emission levels.

2. Governments do not create wealth, they merely redistribute (usually unfairly) the wealth efforts of others.

3. USA, Europe, Canada and Australia all have doubled their natural forest coverage over the last fifty years.

Yes, you read the first point right, ZERO for ZERO and yet to achieve this remarkable target Australians are going to be taxed an additional 12 Billion dollars at most conservative estimate. Oh don’t be dismayed to salve the pain of yet another piece of green inspired social lunacy, the taxes will be called and known by many tax payer funded names, carbon credits, concessions, cap and trade adjustments. However you can be sure, it will be the average bloke in the street (the one who still has a job) who will pay. The big electricity producer won’t be paying, he will claim his emission concession from the government, at the same time raising prices for a basic commodity to the man on the street .

Of course, the other piece of Macro lunacy and “greentime” dreaming is energy producers must (under the proposed legislation) must adopt 20% alternative energy by 2020. This is despite the fact that the huge white elephant wind farms in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland simply failed to work in June 2009 due to no wind (so much for the theory, if we spread them far enough apart then some wind will always be blowing somewhere). That leaves us with Solar which unfortunately like the wind tends to work to its own agenda rather than the Stumps need to microwave . Things are looking mighty grim but we still have nuclear although that in turn has its own inherent problems which perhaps Australia could overcome but only a fool would consider as an option for the near neighbours at least until they can master something as technically simple as safe ferry travel.

Now invariably, the fence sitters on the Church of Climate Change will say even if the science is wrong, then it can’t hurt to clean up the planet. This is possibly the most dangerous position of all for the intellectually lazy to take. The grand global focus of CCC deflects billions (trillions) of dollars into grandiose, white elephants that create huge committees of experts who ultimately achieve nothing but more committees. As yourself what has Indonesia achieved since the CCC summit Bali two years ago, rainforests still disappearing at record rates, airports in neighbouring countries closed due to illegal burning off but they have achieved 120 delegates to dash off to Europe later this year.

In their rush for global domination, the rancid greens and their gullible devotees have forgotten that like politics all environmental issues are local. Instead of 12 Billion dollars on improbable (nay impossible) targets and dreams which ultimately will achieve ZERO for the worlds environment and make very little impact on the local environment, ask yourself how much real difference 12 Billion dollars would make on repairing the damage to the Murray-Darling river system. The Stump understands that the Rudd and Julia government is not big on actual return for expenditure but 12 Billion to achieve Zero compared with getting the River Murray flowing?

Unfortunately, the CCC is controlled more by pseudo socialist engineers than real environmentalists. You can pick these modern day Captain Nemos, by the way they link grandiose and utopian environmental demands to black arm band wearing versions of history where the “West” (read democracies and developed nations) must pay a collective guilt tax for their standard of living. Never mind the fact that the greatest contributors to CO2 emissions are countries whose development is retarded by combination of constant injections of Western Aid and corrupt, inept local officials. The absolute reality is no amount of hand wringing, revisionist history and carbon taxes is going to make a shred of difference until China, India and Indonesia (amongst others) acknowledge that pollution and environmental damage is their issue to face and not a commercial or Foreign Aid lever to be pulled at their leisure with no accountability. The rancid greens and social engineers who continue to foster such behaviour are a far greater threat to the Global Environment that Bill Turner’s flatulent cows outside of Black Stump Australia.

SWINES and SWINE FLU

Well it would appear the greatest beat-up since global warming and Al Gore’s disappearing islands has coughed its way into a common cold. The Stump is of course referring to the Mexican Swine Flu or MSF (The swine bit being particularly unfortunate for millions of pigs as the ignorant and uninformed slaughtered millions of pigs in the name of...stupid). One of the more interesting factoids that came out was a 1000 people a year die from bee stings in the USA, one can only imagine the reactions if MSF death count had approached anything like that. Damn they would have been shooting planes out of the sky.

Indonesia ever reliable, provided endless amusement in its reaction to MSF. The masked medical avengers were standing by at every other airport taking temperatures of international travellers by scan or manually depending on the size of the airport (well that was the official line). In accordance with government tradition the Stump’s recent travel at the height of the scare revealed the standard “Style over Substance”
Incident One..Jakarta International (?) Airport, International flight from Singapore is delayed and arrives after 10 pm. Sure enough there are the scanners, the beds, the signs demanding everyone is checked. The amusement, it’s after 10pm and all the health staff (?) have gone home. Maybe the virus cannot live after dark, a reverse vampire thing?

Incident Two.. A major regional airport is testing international passengers with those digital thermometers you place in the ear. Funnily enough the medical staff (?) were shocked when passengers refused to be checked as they had run out of the disposable plastic covers that go over the pointy bit to prevent person to person infection. Best comment heard in the line “If you try and put that thing in my ear again, you will be measuring the temperature of your small intestine”

The stunning bit was the so called medical staff could not understand the reluctance of people to have an unsterilized instrument that had been in 150 unwashed ears rammed into their heads.

Meanwhile we have senior government officials musing that the virus was USA germ warfare...a rib tickler and the flu bug cannot live it hot climates (which must be news to the Mexicans).

On other issues the head of the corruption commission in Indonesian is currently assisting police with a murder investigation. This is a beauty with sexy caddie girls, drive by murders and allegations of a frame up. The elected officials quickly held a meeting to decide what to do about this, after all you would assume the issue would be how to keep the corruption commission going and uncovering the rampant graft...Ha ha..You assumed wrong..they wanted to cancel all future and current investigations...as well they would, seeing the number of pollies have been caught with their nose in the trough, time to line up again boys heey!

Still on dopy politicians, the Australian Krudd Government hands down its first budget on Tuesday. This budget is guaranteed to place Australia in more debt than any other time in history. The last Labor government left the Australian Taxpayer with 100Billion dollar debt that took over ten years to pay off during unprecedented boom times. Tuesday’s budget is expected to show a debt of 60 Billion dollars (for 26 million people are you morons serious?). The latest piece of tripe from Treasurer (?) Swan is the current problem is all the fault of the Howard Government..yea right the one that left theses no hopers with with zero public debt, a substantial surplus - $22 billion - lower taxes, record low unemployment, and higher real wages. All Australia will get out of these morons is a 300Billion dollar debt. Already 60 Billion dollars in debt (That's 80 Billion dollars plus all up in less than 12 months...now name one significant infrastructure project or plan).

To those complete dropkicks who fell for the Krudd line of glitz at the last election, your grandchildren will thank you...NOT. At least in Indonesia, the politicians don’t pretend to be providing a service to the people just witness the opportunistic grabs for power as the position of President hangs in the balance.

WE'RE BACK!!!!!!!!

Some one famous (or was it Guru Bob) once said “If a tree falls in the forest and no-one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?” or updated “If the Stump does not post does any one notice?”

Well the Stump is back although battle worn and bruised. Suffice to say the war of accountants has ended (here on know as the War of the Poses). Upsetting to some but the Stump and the loyal team of Stumplets have survived, a number of people in the “other” organisation have fallen on the sword of accountability.

Of course, a few more are to fall yet as the changing of the culture of the newly absorbed organisation begins (no, marking up supplier invoices by 10% and sharing the extra does not qualify you as a “self starter”).

The Stump notes Indonesia has got along fine without us (who needs one more fool in our quaint little circus). Our resident bottom feeders the FPI (Fantastically Pathetic Idiots) quickly disproved the myth that Religious Nut Bags are provoked into thuggery and terror by Western Attitudes as they attacked innocent people in central Jakarta with nail impregnated bamboo poles. The Stump has always stood in sheer awe of the morons who blithely state that Australia’s participation in Iraq increased the risk of terror attacks. Of course, the fact that the Bali bombings took place before Iraq escapes these web-footed, simple minded apologists for thugs. The FPI demonstrated once and for all that a moron and his religion will always find someone to hate.

Other news a new international study found with 99% certainty that the Brothers GRIM were responsible for flooding thousands of villages out of their homes. Hands up, who didn’t know that already..Ok Hands Down Mr B.. Money only buys the written truth in Indonesia not the real truth.

An Indonesian clergyman (who cares what his name is.. Father ILIEALOT or something) proved the church has learnt nothing from its shameless support of the NAZI’s by declaring that there was no problem with Religious Tolerance in Indonesia. One can only wonder what colour is the sky in his world?

The Junta over in Burma is still proving the ASEAN principles of inducing change in the “Asian Way” is a roaring success expect for the stench of rotting bodies but at least we remain polite about it.

Ok enough rants for one day..its gooooooddddddd to be back (that’s good not GOD)

FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND VIOLENCE

The Greenstump happens to think that good governance is not a cultural thing or political system thing but rests solely on the shoulders of a Free and Aggressive Press. The notion that any one group of people are more honest than others is a nonsense. However, the fear of exposure will keep many of the nastiest of us on the straight and narrow.

One of the things that continually puzzle me is the way people say with a straight face that a free press exists in Indonesia. It doesn't! Although this has less to do with Government Regulation and more to do with the lack of solidarity amongst journalists. The silence and acceptance when one of their brethren is attacked or threatened (legally or physically)is mystifying to someone brought up on the ideals of a free and aggressive Press Corp.

This lack of support has lead to the Conga Line of Suckholes that currently provide the schloss that passes for news and information in Indonesia...Yeesss Pak...No Pak...Thank You Pak. A quick example, why isn’t the press crawling all over this guy!
It was the world’s worst and most inept explanation for systematic corruption and yet he gets away with it. By the way, I don’t blame the plodders that actually did the deed in the linked video. Your average copper have little choice but to engage in "external" activities just to survive on the official wage not to mention the burden of repaying the entry to the force favours.

Even more of a freedom of speech concern are those who both within and outside the profession that support the suppression of free speech. Their very first plank of treachery to the people is the nebulous claim there has to an absolute responsibility for what is written. What thuggish and dictatorial rubbish!



When it comes to comments on public figures and politicians as the cartoon says “You wear green tights, ya take your chances”. In a democracy, the only way to hold these people accountable is via the press. In regard to this trust, with some notable exceptions, who are regularly left hanging by their brethren when the dark powers move in to silence their critics, the Press fails not only the people but itself.

Spare me the spurious argument that does that mean I support pornography, hate sites etc. A healthy robust reporting community exposes such evils to the light of day where they wither and die anyway. To say otherwise underestimates the readers and insults the public. Libel and slander allegations are generally is just so much floss and the last refuge of the corrupt and evil. Newspapers, Television even blogs become self regulating if allowed to conduct themselves in an environment of free speech rather than one of fear, intimidation and money favours.

It may surprise some that even blog world is self regulating if allowed to be. For instance, a regular blogging Troll happens to state that Greenstump spends a lot of time in a pool of vomit. Slander, not really, the Troll has no credibility and would not be believed by any reasonable person. Should a more respected member of the blog world say that, quite possibly it would be believed. However, continued falsehoods would quickly eat any at the site’s reputation and damage returned would be far more than the slander slung. More to the point a fair and aggressive questioning by others on dubious assertions presented (free from violence and intimidation) would soon relegate the transgressor to the dustbin of the also-rans.

However, all of the above is not the case in Indonesia which remains a scary place for any that step out of line (although difficult to know who drew the line). Even here in good ol Blog World, there is this silly notion that bloggers should not be anonymous(or allowed to be). Whilst, I concur that the very fact you are anonymous (albeit to a certain extent a delusion) detracts from the reputation of your posts for a lot of us its small price to pay for some level of protection from the small minded, the petty and the vindictive.

There is no shortage of nasties who seek to stifle free speech in ALL it's forms and strangely these "throwbacks" to darker times are supported by the most surprising of people. To suggest that there is no risk in commenting on the rich and powerful or even the just plain nasty in Indonesia is to live in a fantasy world of bizarre dimensions.

To subscribe to the notion that a writer who pokes fun and mischief at the powerful, the self absorbed and the egotistical should be held to same standard of proofs required in a court of law is absurd. Even more obscene is the suggestion, that a writer in any forum should expect (or deserve) threats of violence if they annoy someone by what they write in the public interest (whoever small or large their public may be)

Should there be standards, of course there should. As discussed previously a healthy robust writing community will and should self regulate via debate, discussion, ridicule if required. Threats of violence and the suppression of someone’s right to speak, should not be supported by “dollar each way comments” in any shape or form. It’s sad to read such comments by people with the experience to know better because there lies the road to the destruction of their own prepubescent industry.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD MISH MASH

Hi all,

Been a bit idle lately with the blogging, although as can been seen from the picture far far better things to do. Bit of a trip to Victoria and toured the great Ocean Road, was a cold but fantastic trip.

Of course every trip has its downside, we meet our first fair dinkum aussie racist who strangely enough works (or manages? Who knows, he never had the guts to introduce himself properly)at an Anglesea Holiday Park. Its a strange world when these kind of idiots can get jobs in the tourist industry. It is always a bit of challenge when you run across these bottom feeders. Do you rear up and piss on them to at least make them smell like a man and risk leaving your loved ones alone whilst you cool your heels in Gaol, or do you just ignore the driftwood of life?

Meanwhile, the Australian Election is now a week away. With the twerp Rudd getting a dream run from the media and actually getting away with making statements for the economic future such as "Australia could become fund managers for chinese investors in Latin America". Who said the Looney Australian Labour Party of old was gone! Of course the habitual liar Howard is doing all he can to stay in power, flinging money around like a mad woman's shit.

Still, personally I cannot lose! If the union driven, Labour Party gets the nod, the aussie dollar will fall back to 50 cents to the USD and my USD wage looks a lot lot better. If the liar, but pro business Howard gets in, the economy will continue to go from strength to strength and my job opportunities will expand even more than they already have.

What else,.. Ah yes even in secular Australia, the "believers" are still scamming the poor bloody taxpayer. The NSW government is about to wear a $100 million bill for an upcoming visit from the King Condom Hater Pope Whatever Who Cares. Just goes to prove we all still have a long way to go to escape the clutches of the self appointed, self important and self delusional speakers for the various GODs of the Gaps.

Back in Indonesia I see we have been living up to our tolerant and inclusive image with more intimidation and arrests of people who happen to follow a different witchdoctor than the rest. Way to go lads!

ASEAN...Laugh..joke time (unless you are from Burma)

And lastly, Drugs in Sport. As a former sportsman of no repute but much effort, I have no sympathy for Drug Cheats and believe it is no laughing matter. However this comment made me laugh:

"IF HE IS CLEAN, WHAT DOES IT MATTER WHAT THE REST OF THEM ARE ON"
European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady suggesting (tongue in cheek)that drug testing in Golf could be limited to Tiger Woods

As Time Goes Bye

Just stopping by for a breather, but not really into posting yet just thought I would pop in and see if I missed much in the world's most dysfunctional democracy (?!).

I see its been a fairly interesting TIME here, while I have been away. We all knew things were not going so well, but Indonesia really has come the full circle since the heady hopes brought about by the student led Indonesian 1998 Revolution. A revolution of hope, which pushed the autocratic President Suharto of Indonesia kicking and screaming from power (but not for long, it seems).

After some fits, starts and farts, aspirations were high when the current president took power with the vast support of the the people. Finally, here was a man who had the moral mandate and the peoples support to clean out the corrupt, the evil and the insane who seem to make up the vast majority of the political and the elite of Indonesia. Unfortunately, like so many things in Indonesia it was only surface gloss and the opportunity has slipped away along with the chances of better life for the average Indonesian.

As Time magazine (only read the previous link, if you have an extermely developed sense of the absurb) and the people of Jakarta have found out, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Still was good to see such revered (?) institutions as the Supreme Court willing to take a stand in the face overwhelming good sense, shame they are not so proactive in demanding justice for ..say the Mud Lovers in Surabuya . You really should get a copy of this piece of classic television soapie. The series is in Bahasa Indonesia but that should not stop you, bizzare transends language. A bigger shame is in the early days of Independence the Supreme Court really was a defender of Justice..where did all the good people go?

For a quick read on just how far the hopes of of 1998 have fallen try here.

Meanwhile close to our quaint little village, well away from the mainstream eight people died in recent floods. Our local religious nutters (RN's)...we grow our own here, its more organic and nothing warms the cockles of your heart more than seeing little kids clad head to toe in black, sorry I digrese. Our RN's declared the flood was God's Wrath as people were not observing Ramadam with due piety. Of course it had nothing to with the fact that a bunch of new developments have blocked off natural water runoffs or the majority of the streams are treated as waste disposal pits.

Speaking of things religious, I have never really got the hang of religion since our nice (but crazy) old Grandma,grabbed my little sister by the ear and held her in front of a picture of Jesus and yelled at her the tears in Jesus's eye's were becuase she was naughty (now even at that tender age, I could tell the tears probably had a lot more to do with the nails than us dropping a bottle of lemonade).

I can't help but think, if there was a GOD, he/she would be much more impressed if we cleansed things like THIS before we decided to cleanse ourselves during this holy month of Ramadam. But as I said I just don't get it...or maybe I will come judgement day.

Have a good one..

Nuclear NGO's

NGO's serve a real need but unfortunately a large number of NGO's seem to think the principles of accountability and transparency they demand from others does not apply to them. An abject failure to realise that one bad act can ruin years of good work has compromised a number of NGO's to the stage where they a little more than fronts for political and corperate thugs.

Unspun has a number of posts and articles (search for WALHI) on this and other issues. Perhaps aptly should be titled "Where's WALHI as they seem to have little to say about their own internal practices.

The relative ease of which allegations are made, careers ruined and the selective nature of environmental and other protests are made should be a concern for any reasonable person (Newmont vs Lapindo anyone).

More importantly (I am not singling out any particular sleazy mob here) it is common practice to engage "rent a mob" under an environmental, nationalist or whatever umbrella to force more favourable company take-overs. Of course, once the share price has been driven down, the environmental or other issues just fade away.

There is an interesting article here about the control regulation of various NGO's (both environmental and religious). Something has to be done in Indonesia to restrict the damage they do with their secret and unaccountable agendas.

Some excerpts of the article below for your enjoyment..

"The Trade Practices Act has long recognised that there is a clear line between a business or a union criticising a corporation and organising with others to harm that corporation or prevent it from competing. It’s similar to religious vilification laws. I can say I think Christianity is wrong, even evil. But I can’t organise with others to hurt Christians. So in future, NGOs can speak out all they want but if they cross the line by using business blackmail, they like other extortionists, will be zapped by the new laws. (WALHI would find this kind of law worth a lot of study)

For some time, the Australian Taxation Office has been pursuing a related path. It has been cracking down on politicians dressed up as charities. An ATO probe has been cross-checking Australian Electoral Commission records on political donations against the names of tax-deductible bodies. The rule is simple. If a charity spends most of its time politicking, then it’s not a charity. (Gee wouldn't that sit MUI on their arse in Indonesia)

Some NGOs have long operated in a nether world of tax scamming and lack of accountability. Whilst always the first to proclaim their virtues and the vices of others, applying the blow torch (even on very low heat) to them produces screams of indignation."

All of the above...TOO BLOODY TRUE!

Of course, these is any number of real environmental issues in Indonesia that need pursuing, for instance:


INDONESIA – Agreement on nuclear plans dated 28 Aug 07

Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co (KHNP) have signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia's PT Medco Energi Internasional (Why does this name ring a bell..clear as mud?) to start implementing the country's nuclear plans.

This will involve construction of two standard 1000 MWe OPR-1000 units from KHNP at a cost of US$3 billion.

The agreement was part of a wider energy collaboration. Earlier plans were to call for tenders for these Muria units in 2008.

- News sourced from Australian Uranium Association Weekly News Digest"

Three Billion USD!!!!!!!!!.. What kind of drugs are these idiots on and where's WALHI??

Three Billion from a nation where you cannot throw a stick in the ground without hitting oil/gas or coal!!..

Here's a bizarre idea for discussion:

Instead of syphoning off billions in royalties and taxes to build yet another obscene palace in Jakarta or Singapore. How about a contract with a provision for the building and running of a non-nuclear power station? Ok, just kidding..We know why, its easier to steal cash, power stations are hard to fit into a brown paper bag.

That said, its a disgrace that a nation who exports millions of tonnes of coal and and gas every single year cannot provide a semblance of reliable domestic power to its own people.

They say these nuke poisoning plants will be up and running by 2014, so the stump still has a couple of years before its time to move upwind of Indonesia. Fortunately the nuke stations will have little impact on the native jungles in 2014 as it is unlikely there will any left by then, just "glow in the dark" people

DILBERT GOES NUCLEAR

As promised, more from the National Office of Shallow Thought (also known as Indonesian Nuclear Technology Supervisory Agency)

Now just because I do not support the wholesale alarmist calls of the more radical Green groups does not mean (as some have suggested) that we at the stump are blind to moronic plans to turn us all into glowing mutants.

With Indonesian’s Nuclear Power proposal even Blind Freddy could see that a Nuclear Power Plant/Industry in Indonesia would be an unmitigated economic and environmental disaster! Fortunately, us ANTI – NUKES have secret ally in fighting such a proposal, none other than the Nuclear Technology Supervisory Agency itself. Even the dullest moss rock upon reading the tripe that issues forth from this tomb of creative thought would be left in any doubt that Indonesia is not ready for a Nuclear Industry.

Risk Management is a fairly basic industry requirement (any industry) requiring a risk management study to be performed before any project is begun. This requires an honest and open assessment of any and all risks in the project that may be encountered. Fortunately, our very own agency has come up with these RISK MANAGEMENT “Howlers” to keep us all amused.

"All forms of technology involve certain risks, but since the early development of our reactors we have surveyed all probabilities”.

All probabilities???? Very godlike, most professional risk management strategies at least have the humility to allow for the unforeseen in some fashion but not these guys! Direct line to the Gods apparently.

"Regulations oblige us to choose power plant technology that has been proven safe, rather than new, untested technology,"

One assume these are similar to the regulations and regulated in the same manner that ensure our “SAFE” air travel, sea travel and train travel.

“Many Asian countries frequently affected by earthquakes such as Japan and Korea had long been developing their own nuclear power plants. Japan has built more than 50 power plants and South Korea has built more than 20 power plants. Japan is often hit by earthquakes but has avoided nuclear accidents. Why are we so worried about risks we are able to anticipate?"

Honest assessments of the risk remember? Is our Agency of Stupid suggesting that Indonesia is on technological par with South Korea and Japan? Sheesh.. There comes a time that even self delusion needs medication before we do serious harm! Seriously, we have not even been able to dig a flood mitigation channel in our capital city in 60 years or maintain a sidewalk fit for pedestrians, on what planet do we think we could maintain a Nuclear Power Plant?

What kind of self serving, dodgy risk management study has been done if you cannot even acknowledge that countries like Japan and South Korea just might just have a technological edge on Indonesia.

Ok maybe I am a cynic, but with a radio-active fallout having a half life of hundreds if not thousands of years, surely we are entitled ask…”WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?”

Of course, it would naïve to think this about bettering the lives of the general populace. Everyone knows that Nuclear Power Plants are hideously expensive and there would be MEGA BUCKS to be made. You can just see Ma Baker (ie) and the boys waiting for honey pot(pun intended) to be opened.

For those who do think I am being overly cynical perhaps you could point me to something/anything that would put our hearts at rest that we could trust these guys not to make us glow green in the night!

As a side issue, I have never understood the concept of why Nuke Power in Indonesia (or Iran for that matter). Millions of tonnes of free coal, free gas and free oil in the ground but Indonesia just sells it off and seeks in import hideously expensive glow in the dark technology. Less to do with a realistic approach to a problem and more to do with macho erections and mega bucks perhaps.

I don’t claim to a economist, but surely one way out of the power crisis (without glowing green) would be to build into future coal, oil contracts a requirement to build and supply fuel for public access power stations, the cost of which could be offset against normally paid taxes and royalties. This would mean there would be fewer opportunities for the parasites of this country to sneak their fingers into the honey jar, so it won’t happen anytime soon, don’t hold your breath waiting ok.

Anyway for those who would like to read the silliest statement made in support of Nuclear Energy, check out May 9th edition of the Jakarta Post. Once again where are our reporters to challenge such blatant “Dilbert” statements? Seriously guys/girls there is more to reporting than spewing out mindless press releases on behalf of some self serving public servant (Ok its a risk using that term here).

Disclaimer:
1. I am actually a supporter of Nuclear Energy, but why I would trust the blokes talking and speaking so far to organize a hooker in a knock shop

2. Sorry about the picture, I was looking for mutants and found “Communist Mutants From Outer Space”..Gotta love the title anyway

Indonesian Quest

"Indonesia Most Liveable" has generated some very interesting comments and
Jakartass has added his considerable influence to assist in the Greenstump quest. Thanks J.

I am hoping for some comments/advice on various regions from the Indonesian Perspective. I did get one comment from the resident blogshpere "expat pretending to be Indonesian" but included it for low class humour value only and it certianly doesn't count as an Indonesian Perspective Comment.

Based on the information so far, some future locations are already penciled in for a visit in the very near future. Bitangs on the beach, relaxing in the rainforest sounds so nice but in the meantime

"I am sitting in my dingy little office,
where a stingy ray of sunlight struggles feebly down between the houses tall,
And the foetid air and gritty of the dusty, dirty city
Through the open window floating, spreads its foulness over all.

And in place of lowing cattle, I can hear the fiendish rattle
Of the tramways and the buses making hurry down the street,
And the language uninviting of the gutter children fighting,
Comes fitfully and faintly through the ceaseless tramp of feet.

And the hurrying people daunt me,
and their pallid faces haunt me
As they shoulder one another in their rush and nervous haste,
With their eager eyes and greedy,
and their stunted forms and weedy,
For townsfolk have no time to grow, they have no time to waste

With a few more suggestions, perhaps we could develop an intineray purely based on Indonesian bloggers recommendations. A bloggers intinerary?? ...Mmm what would we call it "The Blogger's Run"...naagh... sounds a little to Hash House Harriers to me and might scare off the more "relaxed" bloggers out there. Suggestions anyone?

If this keeps going perhaps a new blog, with pictures and comments from our bloggers on each place..the mind boggles or is that bloggles.

Indonesia Most Liveable

Jakartass recently reminded me that there are yet many places in Indonesia, I have yet to visit. We can too easily get set in our ways and forget that Indonesia is huge and diverse place so.........

I intend to be around in Indonesia for some time and shall now launch on a new mission:

To find Indonesia's most liveable province/city/town/village.

Naturally any such quest would be highly subjective, in my case the following would have to be considered:

1. Tolerant and FPI (and assorted other nutters) free;

2. Progessive Schooling;

3. Unpolluted;

4. Adhence to basic rule of law;

5. Beach/Mountain vistas;

6. Access - roads, rail, airports;

7. Infrastructure;

8. Traditional as opposed to imported culture;

9. Friendly, open society;

9 ...Eeer.. I will think of more and I open to suggestions .

A dream list is one thing, reality is different and life is a trade-off. It should be fun and I really would like suggestions on where to start, who knows I might learn something despite being an "Ol Dog". In the meantime, some thoughts:

Jakarta: Nice (make that interesting) to visit but who would want to live there? A city self destructing after generations of uncontrolled growth and poor planning. Is this not the world's polluted city?

Bandung: Seriously pretty, particularly up in the mountains. Bandung is (was) great, all the facilities of a big city, progessive, no serious traffic issues and then...they built the tollroad!!! Vale Bandung. However general area remains a favourite, perhaps a town close by?

Papua: Talk about views..talk about nature at its best. Is this not one of the last true paradises on Earth? Unfortunately, any place under a media black-out obviously has some very ugly secrets.

Kalimantan: I think we missed it, unless you are into seeing vast Oil Palm plantations or worse vacant, eroded hillsides where virgin forests used to stand, then Kalimantan's glory days are past. I have no doubt that Kalimantan will gain prominance again in the future as a symbol of short sighted greed and contempt for the environment. Furture generations will curse their forebears every time Kalimantan is mentioned.

Bali: Island of the Gods under attack from within and without. Still in my opinion, one of the most interesting cultures in Indonesia. Do yourself a favour a read some history of Bali before you go (preferably not the sanatised versions printed in Indonesia). To live there..I would need to travel to some of the more remote places I think.

Others...heaps..suggestions, comments

Green Workers and Green Trees

We all have them, those pivotal moments in a plan where we make a decision and run with it, only think later “Damn, hadn’t thought of that”!

This is one such story. A couple hours from where I live is a nice little town and from an outsider’s point of view the Wali Kota (Mayor) has/is doing a very good job. The streets are clean, there is a garbage service and generally the town infrastructure is sound. Of course, like the majority of Indonesia, basic amenities like power and water remain sporadic at best, however that is well outside the local Wali Kota’s control.

Along with clean streets a significant work force is employed to ensure the Parks and Gardens are maintained. This is where the pivotal plan moment kicks in, its very easy to imagine.

Scene: The bosses all sitting around admiring their new Blackberrys (in tandem with the second compulsory “mistress phone”).

First Official “Ok, we have got these Parks and Gardens up and running and have a new budget for uniforms”

Second Official “Great, that should keep every one happy, what is the design”

First Official “I was thinking Parks and Gardens, its obvious the uniform should be Green”

Second Official “ Great Idea, lets do it maybe we will get mention in the Stern Report”

Three weeks later…

First Official “We seem to be going through a lot of Parks and Gardens workers’

Second Official “Why, they not happy? We bought them uniforms”

First Official "That’s the trouble, most of our Gardens are in the middle of the roads, with the green uniforms, the workers look just like bushes until they stand up in front of the on-rushing bus”

Second Official “Sheesh, our poor workers, Green seemed such a good idea. I wonder what the last thing is going through their mind when the bus hits them"

First Official “Their arse”

HAPPY PHONE RINGS = END SCENE

Ferrys and Braveheart

Not a lot of posts lately, still tripping around. Its always an interesting activity and you see lots of WTF sights. However I would like to take the time to express my admiration for the "Ferry Operators" of Indonesia. You would think with the raft of recent transport disasters the operators would be too scared to move unless everything was just right and perfect.

Naaghh Maybe not!
Now I don't claim to be a qaulified Captain (well of ferries anyway) but I would think the first rule in ocean safety would be close the doors before we set off?

Or if you must transport a truck load of flammable fluid on a passenger/car ferry then have someone standby with a fire extinguisher?

Oh well, the Greenstump rule of ferry travel remains.

Park the vehicle, quick as possible to the top deck, pick your jumping off spot, carry a two litre plastic drink bottle as it provides more than enough flotation for someone who can swim more than 50M.

Don't bother with the Life Buoys as they are normally triple knotted to the ship to stop people knocking them off. This of course can be hassle if the ferry sinks in water deeper than the rope reach to the Life Buoy.

Vanquished Forests

Recently “Kompas” a local newspaper revealed that Indonesia had the dubious honour of being the number one nation in de-forestation for 2006. This was quickly followed by the news on the weekend that Indonesia is now number three in the world as a major contributor to CO2 emissions behind the United States and China.

The number 3 rating is much undeserved and should be protested. With correct score weightings, Indonesia should have easily achieved the number one rating in both divisions. It should be noted that in both China’s and the United States, there are at least payoffs to the nation’s populace with increased access to power and in most cases an increase in the standard of living (albeit at someone’s expense).

In the case of Indonesia, the increased CO2 emissions are not due to the production of electricity or services to the public. Rather the CO2 is a direct result of uncontrolled burning off, deforestation and peat burning. All of which line the pockets of the chosen few at the expense of the rest of the population. This way everybody loses.

Last week I had the opportunity to see for myself the devastation to the forests wrought by the chosen few. Thought we would take a long drive and see the much abused tropical forest before it was all gone!.. Bugger me, if the forest didn’t drive right past us (see picture)

My Indonesian comrade was moved to say “I hate these guys”! Apparently ever since the supposed clamp down on illegal logging, all they have done is change their methods. Instead of huge mills in the jungle, they employ poor local villagers to operate small, portable mills and have them deliver the logs to the side of the road. These small two or three men operations disappear every time there is word of a Police raid (sadly, the raids always received plenty of advance warning).

Once on the road, the logs are picked up by trucks picking up timber, like bemos (bus) on a passenger run.

Asking the obvious “What about the trucks? Don’t they get stopped by the Police”? With an obvious pity for my poor grasp of the situation, my comrade just rubbed his thumb and forefinger together.

Poor Fella, My Country

Still on the conservation front, the lamest interview this year goes to the spokesman for Nuclear Power in Indonesia (whose name is forgettable as is his grasp of the issues, but see last weekend’s Jakarta Post it you want to send a dill a card).

After several column inches of vague assurances and dubious science, his finishing statement was essentially, “Don’t Worry, even if there was an accident, the government would pay compensation”..??????????????????????

I wonder what the formulae are for compensation for radio active fallout which lasts hundreds of years! About the same for mudflows, I am guessing.