Scum of the Earth

I was going to write a quick post on my trip around Indonesia over the past few weeks but that can wait. Religious biases aside, the reproduced article below makes you despair at the human race. I can only hope someone can prove the article is not true! if you want to see it for yourself it for yourself go here and look under "scum of the earth"


Osama group in boy slave racket
Marie Colvin, Muridke, Pakistan
May 22, 2006
THE slave traders came for 10-year-old Akash Aziz as he played cops and robbers in his dusty village in eastern Punjab.
Akash, still in the maroon jumper and tie he had worn to school that day, was pretending to be a "robber".

But as he crouched behind a wall, waiting for the school friend designated as the "cop" to find him, a large man with a turban and a beard grabbed him from behind and clamped a cloth over his nose and mouth before he could cry for help.

He recalls a strange smell and a choking sensation. "Then I fainted," said Akash, a delicate little boy from a loving family who takes pride in his enthusiasm for English lessons.

Akash woke up in a dark room with a bare brick floor and no windows. The heat was suffocating. As he languished there over the next month, 19 other panic-stricken boys were thrown into the room with him.

The children, all Christians, had fallen into the hands of Gul Khan, a wealthy Islamic militant and leading member of Jamaat-ud Daawa, a group linked to the al-Qa'ida terrorist network.

Khan lives near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, but when in the Punjab he stays at the JUD's headquarters in Muridke, near Lahore, where young men can be seen practising martial arts with batons on rolling green lawns patrolled by guards with Kalashnikovs.

Osama bin Laden funded the centre in the late 1990s.

The JUD, which claims to help the poor, says it has created a "pure Islamic environment" at Muridke that is superior to Western "depravity".

Khan's activities explode that myth. He planned to sell his young captives to the highest bidder, whether into domestic servitude or the sex trade. The boys knew only that they were for sale.

This is the story of the misery that Akash and his friends, aged six to 12, endured in captivity; of their rescue by Christian missionaries who bought their freedom and tried to expose the kidnappers; and of the children's reunions with their families, who had thought them dead.

Last week I had the privilege of taking six of the boys home to their parents, including Akash. The astonishment of mothers and fathers who had given up hope, and the fervent, tearful embraces made these some of the most emotional scenes I have witnessed.

That joy was a long time coming. In captivity, the boys were ordered not to talk, pray or play. Five of them were playing a Pakistani equivalent of "paper, scissors, rock" one day when the guards burst in and beat them savagely on their backs and heads. On another occasion, Akash was repeatedly struck by guards yelling: "What is in your house?"

"I kept telling them, 'We have nothing'," he said. "I was so afraid they would go back and rob my father and mother." It is painful to imagine blows raining down on the ribs of so slight a figure.

The guards mostly sat outside playing cards. The boys were allowed out of their room only to use a filthy hole-in-the-ground lavatory. All they could see were the high walls around the two-room building that was their prison. The other room was always kept locked.

The children were fed once a day on chapatis and dhal, but never enough.

I first saw Akash in a photograph among those of 20 boys who were being touted for sale in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan on the Afghanistan border, notorious as a smugglers' paradise and home to fugitives of the Taliban and al-Qa'ida. He was just another black market commodity along with guns, grenades and hashish.

Unbeknown to Akash, a Pakistani Christian missionary and an American evangelist who runs a tiny charity called Help Pakistani Children, had seen the boys' photographs and taken up their cause. Neither man is willing to be identified today for fear of the consequences.

An elaborate sting was set up. The Pakistani missionary would pose as a Lahore businessman named Amir seeking boys to use as beggars who would give their cash to him.

The two men would collect evidence that could be used in any police action against the kidnappers. "We knew if we just purchased the boys, the slavers would just restock. We would be fuelling the slave trade," said the US evangelist, who asked to be referred to as "Brother David".

The two men had no idea how hazardous their enterprise was until Amir used some black market contacts to engineer a meeting with Khan and discovered his links to the JUD.

"We realised we were out of our depth," Brother David said ruefully. But they persevered.

Amir played his part well. Within a week he had bought three of the boys for $US5000 ($6600) and put down a $US2500 deposit on the 17 others, including Akash.

The first three were handed over on a Quetta street in April and returned to their families. But Khan wanted $US28,500 for the lot. He gave Amir two months to come up with the money, saying he did not mind if the deadline was missed - he could earn more if he sold them for their organs, he said.

Brother David went home to the US to raise funds. Amir travelled again and again to Quetta, taking Khan to lunch. He enlisted police officers who insisted the eventual transaction be recorded with a secret camera so the evidence against Khan would be irrefutable.

Twelve days ago, Amir received a call from Khan summoning him to a meeting at a crossroads on a dirt road near the JUD's Muridke camp.

Amir finally found his quarry under a large shady tree, where he was sitting on a rope bed while an acolyte massaged his shoulders. "You have the money?" Khan asked.

When Amir handed him the cash in a black knapsack, he examined it briskly. But he broke his promise to hand over the boys there and then.

"I will check the dollars are real first," Khan said. "If your dollars are good, you will get the children." Another anxious wait ensued. Finally, a call came through from Amir's assistant in the dead of night.

Akash had just been dropped off by the side of a road 15 minutes' drive from JUD headquarters with the remaining 17 boys.

I drove there immediately and found Akash asleep on a plastic mat surrounded by his 16 friends.

As the children awoke, the bewilderment showed in their eyes. The first task of the missionaries was to reassure them, but few seemed to believe Brother David when he said: "We will protect you. We will take you home to your mothers and fathers. The bad men who took you are gone."

Not one boy smiled. It had been too long since they had dared to hope.

Akash shook as we approached his village. I thought he would collapse. Then came a quiet, uplifting moment that brought tears to my eyes.

He had not even reached the door of his house before his grandmother, wrapped in a colourful shawl, engulfed him in an embrace in the dirt alley outside, her face lit up with delight.

Akash's mother was so strangely impassive it made me angry until I realised she was too shocked to take in the fact the son she had thought was dead was snuggling up to her. Finally, she hugged him, kissing him over and over again on the top of his head. "We were hopeless," she said. "His father searched and searched. We prayed. But we thought he was gone."

Brother David and Amir are ready to present their dossier of evidence, including the secret tape of Khan taking the money for the boys.

In almost any other country, an investigation into Khan and his work for the JUD would be automatic. It is not so simple in Pakistan. President Pervez Musharraf has announced numerous crackdowns on religious militants, but the extremists continue to gather strength.

The Sunday Times

TRAVEL INDONESIA (before its too late)

To all of my loyal readers (both of you) sorry but that primal call of the wild has come again or to use a more "OZ" term I am off walkabout.

I am sorry, I cannot tell you where as I am not sure myself but should be back in about 2-3..ok maybe 4 weeks...Anyway, its time I got out and saw some more of Indonesia before its gone forever and ever

Then again maybe I am over reacting................BOOM..introducing the Indonesian Nuclear Planning Committee...



HOO ROO STAY SAFE STAY FREE

oh...T/S Don't forget to feed the Troll's while I am gone except for that one that Indcoup has picked up..that one's from from the shallow end of the gene pool!

Nuclear Indonesia and a blog trip

This a bit of a parasite post because I just don’t have the time this week to do my own research. So a quick trip around the Indonesian Blogsphere might be in order.

Firstly over at Jakartass;
The subject of Nuclear Energy has come up again. Indonesia still intends to push ahead with the INSANE plan to pursue nuclear power. This is despite Indonesia being right in the guts of the infamous Ring of Fire.

Sheer Utter Insanity!!!!

Forgetting about the Ring of Fire for a second, why should anyone thing that such a plan is feasible here anyway? Perhaps based on the technological successes of the “National Car", Garuda, PLN, and Pertamina?

Ok, it’s about “face”? Alright if we must have it, may I suggest Tangerang.

A quick click and we are over at Indcoup and the May Day protests. I noticed he is also campaigning for higher wages for the masses, which is cool. However, sometime back I was working in a country under UN supervision (guidance..whatever and No not Tim Tim) they also advocated higher wages for all and paid 5 to 20 times to market rate. Trouble is how do the 80% of those who don’t have a job then pay for their food at the market (prices always rise to what the market will bear), so we had daily riots. Paying 100 times the market wage will not improve the life of the 60% to 80% those who do not have job in the first place.

Personally, I believe the key is government investment in education and lots of it. It is the only way out of the poverty cycle.

On a side note Indcoup has also uncovered (can I say that?) the ring leaders of the FPI in Jakarta.

Treespotter has taken an interesting approach to the application of mmm... elements of Sharia Law in some provinces. I must admit he has confused me a bit, as his points seem to lead to one conclusion but he arrives at another!

I shall leave it to you to decide. Me?..I will have to read the posts a few times before venturing back into the fray.

Speaking of FPI and Sharia Indonesia-Anonymus has transcript of one of those conversations that could only happen in Indonesia at the moment.

Well that’s it, hope you enjoyed a quick fling around the Indonesian Blogsphere, there are lots more out there… Enjoy!!

Ghost, Hantus and Ralph

The “Hantu” (Ghost/Spirit) is back. A move of house sometime back seemed to have confused things for awhile as it must take some time for Ghosts to pack for a move as he went missing for awhile. Fortunately things are back to normal and Ralph is back in residence. I would have prefered the ghost pictured but deep down I was missing ole Ralph.

Bizarrely enough, it really seems to be the same Hantu. Previously I had always thought ghosts were like region/house/forest specific. Our household Hantu, as you can see we call him Ralph, is relatively harmless (Which reminds me of a joke..What do you call a dog with no legs?...Nothing…He can’t come to you anyway). However, Ralph is a somewhat neurotic ghost with compulsive washing seeming to be the order of the day.

As with our previous abode, showers and taps in various parts of the house seem to come on at odd times of the day and night with no (?) human assistance. Additionally, for some reason Ralph gets some perverse pleasure unhooking the generator (of course, maybe he is just trying to encourage that most useless of organisations the PLN to actually to provide some basic infrastructure to rural areas.

I admit, I have yet to see him. However, the lady that helps out around the house swears she has seen him. Interestingly, she says he is wearing an old type of traditional dress she does not recognise.

Despite the advent of Islam and Christianity, Spirits, Ghosts and Black (White ?)Magic is not far below the surface of most Indonesians and they may be right. My own mother could not be shaken from the Guardian Angel theory till the day she died and who am I to say different. I personally have had drivers who refuse to travel through certain areas at certain times, not to mention getting a special cleansing for a vehicle that was involved in an accident. Sometimes it’s better to bow to things you don’t really understand rather that take the high ground.

So with that said, I guess I have a new boarder and I had better get used to it …and the higher water bills.

On a slightly more serious although still humorous (albeit in a scary way, two of the people over at Indonesia-anonymus had an interesting encounter the other day. Well worth a read.

Oh and my question for the weekend…. Why does Iran (and for that matter Indonesia) need Nuclear Power with all its inherent risks when they are sitting on the worlds biggest oil drum??

ANZAC DAY VIDEO

This was pretty emotional if you have any interest in the ANZACS

Faith Based Law in Indonesia

Being friday and in my wild, erractic fancy, a vision comes to me unexpected of .....

All political corruption trials in Indonesia being held in a Sharia Province from now on. The sight of major corruptors having a hand or two lopped off would make an interesting change. Certainly a major change from some poor taxi driver being beaten for daring to bet 1000Rp on a game of cards or someone's wife being arrested and thrown in gaol for three days becuase she happened to on the street after dark.

Might make a few pollies think about some of the technical issues with faith based law as well.

Anyway as I said..tis but a wild erractic fancy..........

ANZ, INDONESIA & LOGIC LOOPS

Previously, I have commented on getting caught in the Indonesian Logic Loops. This is where you start a seemingly innocent conversation that due differences in perception and langauge quickly descend into a bizarre half world of confusion and segments from the book Catch 22“”.

For example..

Question: Excuse me, is that the toilet over there?”

Answer: No Toilet here (Tidak ada)

Question: What is that building?

Answer: Oh..Thats the toilet

Question: Huh.. but you said there was no toilet??

Answer: Ya (Betul)

Question: But that is the toilet isn’t it?

Answer: Ya but no key, it is locked

Question: Why is it locked?

Answer: Because no-one uses the toilet

Question: Isn’t that because it is locked?

Answer: Is locked because no one uses it

Question: Giving up) Ok is there another toilet?

Answer: Tidak ada………………tapi.........


Now to be fair, if I had kept my mouth shut at the first “tidak ada” it would have saved everyone a lot of time. Strangely enough the logic loops extend to the corporate world. Jakartassoften seems to be involved in an endless battles with various companies in Indonesia, usually about hand phone bills for non existent hand phones.

Just for a change, yesterday I had a variation on the theme, the Australian Logic Loop. As regularly happens here, my credit card number was stolen (although I still had the card, another card with my number turned up in Europe). However, the great bank god was on the job. ANZ BANK rang me to inform me my card was canceled (terrific, cancel the holiday) and they would send a replacement card.

Sure enough, after four weeks a new card arrives. The card has the ominous sticker “Please ring ANZ to activate this card”. So it begins

Me: (After listening to 25 Mins of inane music) ..Hi, I have rung to activate my credit card

ANZ Girl: Please wait and I will transfer you to the activation center

Me: Aggghh….ten mins of music….transfer ring ring..

ANZ Machine: Hi you have contacted Adam Wilson, I am not in right now please leave a message….Phone goes dead….. (Adam Wilson you are a pr&cK)..

Repeat above steps (30 Mins)

Me: Hi I have rung to activate my card, here is the number

ANZ Guy: Oh sorry, we cannot activate the card as you missed a payment last month

Me: Hang on, you guys canceled the card, therefore I cannot use the net to make the payment

ANZ Guy: You will have to come down to a branch and make a payment

Me: I am 3000km from a branch

ANZ Guy: I cannot activate the card until you make a payment

Me: I cannot make the payment until you activate the card. Look at your screen, payment was made in full every month until you canceled the card

ANZ Guy: I will transfer you to someone who can help….beeeeeeeeeeeeeep.. phone dead (Another Pr#ck)

And so it went on for 7 more calls until finally I got hold of ANZ’s "Debbie". Explained the situation and in less than two minutes, card was activated, payment made and everyone happy (ish).

Debbie... you should be running the Bank not trying to fly with the turkeys.

ANZAC DAY - LEST WE FORGET

Yesterday was ANZAC DAY. It is a day of reflection and remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders on those who have paid great sacrifices in the service of their nation and their comrades.

Perhaps Australian Ex-Prime Minister Paul Keating said it best:

"That is surely at the heart of the Anzac story, the Australian and New Zealand legend which emerged from the war. It is a legend not of sweeping military victories so much as triumphs against the odds, of courage and ingenuity in adversity. It is a legend of free and independent spirits whose discipline derived less from military formalities and customs than from the bonds of mateship and the demands of necessity."

25 April 1915

"The word Gallipoli has profound meaning to the people of New Zealand and Australia. It was the first major campaign in which the ANZACs1 fought, and because of the extremely heavy casualties, it seems that every family in these young colonies was affected. In some ways the battle became symbolic in forging the national identities of both nations, and to this day it is remembered on the 25 April, Anzac Day, the day the first ANZACs landed in 1915.

The exact events and decisions made are controversial to this day, but it is clear that not enough use was made of intelligence regarding the landscape and topography of the peninsula, and the enemy's positions and preparedness. This resulted in the ANZACs being landed on the wrong beach, and being forced to fight inland up a steep eroded slope to high ground held by an enemy who was already dug in, with predictably high casualties. Worst of all for the chances of success, the element of surprise had been lost, and the Turks had time to reinforce their positions.

The ANZACs were not the only troops in the campaign. There were troops from France, Britain, India, Nepal (Gurkhas), South Africa, and most of the British and French Empires. But it was the ANZACs who bore the brunt of attacking the toughest terrain, and the toughest opponent - Mustapha Kemal. ( later known as Ataturk, the founder of the modern state of Turkey). Kemal was a young Turkish officer who had been charged with the defence of the high ground above the ANZACs' landing grounds. Unfortunately for the ANZACs, but crucially for the fate of Turkey, he was brilliant at his job.

With the high ground gone, and the casualties mounting, it became clear to the high command that the campaign was lost and the allies must evacuate. Ironically this was the only phase of the campaign which went smoothly. Through subterfuge the ANZACs managed to convince the Turks that the ships arriving and leaving were actually reinforcing their positions, rather than evacuating them, and thus managed to avoid casualties. In the end the final ANZAC soldier left on 20 December, almost eight months since their first landing.

During that time the small colony of New Zealand had suffered 7,500 casualties and Australia 26,000. Other nations had also lost many men. France had lost 27,000 and other British Empire losses were around 120,000. The Turkish losses would have been similar, if not worse. After visiting Gallipoli, the Australian war correspondent CEW Bean wrote, 'The dead lay so thick that the only respect which could be paid to them was to avoid treading on their faces.
'
This was a terrible campaign in a terrible war. Similar tales can be told about many theatres of war. The ANZACs continued to fight and die on the Western Front; everywhere else the war was waged; and small country towns on the other side of the world erected monuments to the fallen. A generation later there was another world war, and more New Zealanders and Australians died in far-off lands. However it is Gallipoli in particular that started the ANZAC Legend, and retains a place in the history and hearts of New Zealanders and Australians."

In one of the most moving things ever said by a war time leader Ataturk, despite an invasion by foreign powers showed his compassion to all those families, mothers and children who lost someone in that far away land. I think you will look for a long time to find a more noble statement of compassion.

Overlooking Anzac Cove is a wall that has a quote from Ataturk on it:

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us, where they lie side by side here in this country of ours... You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."

I put the above together from numerous sources and some personal knowledge. I hope those sources will forgive me if I do not acknowledge them all. The picture is from the Australian War Memorial.

No one but a complete idiot glorifies war, death and carnage. The following is also a true story.

I personally knew a man very well, who served in World War 2 in North Africa and New Guinea. He never spoke much about what he did or saw during that time except for occasional asides such as

”Well I joined up because it seemed like a good idea, a bit of lark. They gave us two weeks training in the parklands with wooden guns and two weeks later we sailed past Fremantle (a small coastal town in Australia). I remember thinking…bloody hell !!What have I gotten into! That was the last time I saw Australia for five long years.”

Many years later, this same man was well into his eighties, sick and bed ridden. I was visiting and noticed tears in his eyes (which I never seen before in his whole life). I asked him what was wrong and after much prompting came this story:

“We were looking after wounded in Alexandria (North Africa), and young boy (remembering the storyteller would have also only been in his early twenties) came in from “the Black Watch”, a bullet had passed through his lower face and jaw rendering speech impossible. We did not have much in the way of medicine and we knew he would not live but he lingered for some time.

As I would check on him, he would thrash around and gasp at my arms. As time went by the thrashing got worse and worse eventually we had to strap him down. I just assumed it was the pain.

He died later that night.

In the morning as we wearing clearing his bed space, I found someone had placed all of his personal belongings underneath the bed, amongst them were several unopened letters from home that he must have received just prior to being shot.

The poor bugger wasn’t thrashing in pain, he just wanted someone to read him his letters from home before he died….
The old man’s voice trailed off then as he was very sick himself at this time..
”I know he will be waiting for me…”

That poor old man had carried the guilt of not knowing about those letters for over sixty years, and it was still what he was thinking about in the final hours before his own death.

KARTINI

As most in Indonesia would know, April 21 was Kartini day. Raden Ayu Kartini
, (April 21, 1879-September 13, 1904), was/is Indonesia's most famous champion of women's rights in Indonesia.

Unfortunately, women generally remain very much an underclass in Indonesia. Women are daily subject to the whims and desires of a very closed patriarchal society. For the vast majority of women, it is debatable if the situation has improved at all since Kartini's time.



"In recent months, there has been a concerted push for the passage of the pornography bill by religious hardliners, as well as the enactment of a number of bylaws that single out women for punishment, including on how they dress in public, interaction with the opposition sex, even to imposing limits on what time they can be in public places."

The sanctimonious crap-trap put up in defence of these regulations "we are saving these women from prostitution and exploitation beggars belief". There is no social security structure for abandoned wives, mothers who have no income etc etc. The vast majority of women forced into these situations are there by economic and social misfortune. To jail them in the absence of an alternative support structure is the height on an unthinking, uncaring patriarchal mindset.

This is not unexpected where, for many young males social interaction with women is limited to family and direct relatives. This makes it extremely difficult for any realistic connection or empathy with members of the opposite sex.

An interesting side note, despite a plethora of statues of male heros throughout the Indonesia the one famous statue of Kartini in Jakarta was under threat of removal (with vague promises of relocation). Does anyone know if the plan went ahead?... What happened to the statue?..

FORESTS, ACEH AND PLAYBOY

Back from my trip and was thinking some nice things. It actually appeared that a lot of the forest was regenerating from the vandalism, criminal burning off, illegal logging and the other assorted quasi-condoned jungle rapes that abound in Indonesia. I was all prepared to write a happy up-beat post, when a quick spin around the blogsphere soon proved I was merely deluding myself again.

Indcoup reports on a Chinese Company that intends to join in on the rape and pillage of the Indonesia Forests, “The Chinese state company, called China Light, needed a total of 800,000 cubic meters of logs or equivalent to 400,000 cubic meters of processed wood up to 2008.”

Meanwhile in the
The Jakarta Post today, the most arrogant comment of the week goes to the PT KLI manager who when tackled about his company’s logging activities said “you can see our premises are green” referring to the leafy environment around his office.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailheadlines.asp?fileid=20060422.A03&irec=5

Indcoup further brought our attention that up 30%-40% of all aid funds to Aceh have been stolen!!! This is simply stunning!! I think I recall President SBY saying that Indonesia must monitor these funds correctly as the world will form an opinion of Indonesia on the way we handle these funds…Well, one wonders what that opinion is now?

In my secular soul, I find it impossible to understand these immoral, low life scum. How do you justify stealing from people so much in need? How do you look at yourself in the mirror…Aceh being what it is, I can only assume that a lot of these scum are supposedly deeply religious, what I would like to know then. Is how do you reconcile your thievery come Fridays..perhaps an extra prayer…
“ Hey I stole a few bucks but I also burnt a Playboy Magazine so we are square right?”

So with all this shocking news, you would think people would be in the streets protesting and you are right.






Of course not exactly protesting over what you may think is important but protesting none the less

Oh dear the more things change the more they stay the same

LOST

Not Blogging for a week or so. Time to wander off into the Jungle for awhile and see whats out there again...Did someone say something about numbers.....Have fun and to each his own...

Easter Funnies

A quick funny for Easter.


Meanwhile in other Easter News, Religious Hardliners in Jakarta today were severely mauled when acting on information that a Playboy Bunny was sighted in South Jakarta, Unfortunately, there appears to have been a miscommunication with the group tangling with a very angry Easter Bunny (EB). EB still smarting from the Christians knocking off his pagan weekend was in no mood to tolerate another bunch of myopic religious loons and acted accordingly. Police are now seeking suspect pictured below for questioning after several members of the hard line group were..eaten.

Suspect was last seen heading to Tangerang...

EASTER CROWS -

Because its Easter and Treespotter is trying to grasp the finer points of Footy and pick a team that is more suited to him. I am going to suggest the Adelaide Crows pictured..they are weird, openly hyper-manic depressive at times and the followers could seem all to be "Chardonney Sipping Urbo-Sexuals"

Adelaide Crows: Colours: Navy blue, gold and red. Emblem: Crows ... the Adelaide Football Club, known as the Crows

Last nights footy action, in a biblical turnaround The "Saints devoured The Lions"

This weeks rule: Remember you can only interfere (?) with another player going for a mark if the ball is within 5m ...

HAPPY EASTER ALL

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE...

Just a religious thought ..Wouldn't it be fun if we could get all the religous over the top nutcases out here to wear bunny ears this weekend. Then we could all put the slipper on (in). Loads more fun than easter egg hunts.

Bit of Easter History:

Quite a few pagan cultures hold celebrations in the spring. It's the time of year when plants return to life after being dormant all winter and when animals mate and procreate. These festivities celebrate the renewal of life and promote the fertility of crops, animals, and even people, which was important in these agrarian communities. The Saxons believed in a maiden goddess of fertility named Eastre or Eostre (Oestre in Latin) and honored her with a spring festival. Hares and rabbits were considered sacred to Eastre because they are notoriously fertile animals.

In the second century A.D., Christian missionaries tried to convert northern European tribes. To help make Christianity attractive, the missionaries turned pagan festivals into Christian holidays. The pagan Eastre festival occurred around the same time as the Christian celebration marking Christ's resurrection so the two celebrations blended into one, rabbit and all.

Over time, Eastre became Easter, and the symbolism changed as well. Instead of the Easter rabbit symbolizing fertility, the rabbit may symbolize an innocent, vulnerable creature that can be sacrificed, similar to the lamb. To Christians, these innocents are tokens of Christ and the sacrifice he made.
Read more here

SUNSPOTS AND CGAF

Sorry for no posts for a few days I have had a bad case of “CGAF” (Couldn’t Give A Stuff). Besides annoying the bejesus out of Jakartass and his hatred of all things Freeport, Papua, I have been fairly busy work wise and lazy with everything else.

Freeport

My view is that any discussion that neglects the money that Freeport brings into Indonesia every year is a very frail discussion indeed. A Fact omitted is a truth denied!

A billion dollars in taxes and royalties is a bit more than beads and trinkets as some would have us believe.

Of course, that Papuans have not exactly seen the benefits of this wealth would be the under-statement of the decade. Like a lot of the provinces, much natural wealth has been extracted to little gain for the local populace. Unless the government seriously addresses these issues, its difficult to see anything but very sad times ahead. Meanwhile political opportunists and commentators will continue to agitate with, as usual, the poor bugger in the kampung getting the shitty end of the stick.

Still on the Papua issue, The Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Immigration Minister Vanstone have just reported they are rushing in a new policy on refugees. “Under a hardline policy announced today, people arriving illegally by boat will now have their asylum claims processed at one of three offshore detention centres”.

This then prevents any refugee from accessing the Australian Court System to appeal their claim should they be refused refugee status (once onshore in Australia, everyone has access to the courts and out of the government’s control). This according to Howard had nothing to do with Indonesian Governments tantrum of visas recently..In the words of a famous man PIGS ARSE.

On the weather front, there must be sunspots over at Indcoup as his latest post reads as if he believes China is a model Indonesia should follow… I must have read it wrong!!! Leaning left is one thing but too far and you fall off the perch.

Weirdest Conspiracy theory of the Week.

The recent of arrest of an Indonesian (amongst others) Arms Dealer in Hawaii this week, has some in blogsphere saying they were purchasing arms for use in Papua..Sh#T …..as Treespotter says unless Birds of Paradise have decided enough is enough then there is not a lot of call for Surface to Air missiles in Papua.

Fair go guys! Shady arms deals happen every day particularly with the various weak arms embargoes the US has. Perhaps its time to take a deep breath.

Is it Art or is it Porn?

Score wise, the footy was disaster this weekend. Although the Crows getting done by the Eagles by a mere 2 points was a good match to watch.

Seeing how the Indonesian Playboy according to Indcoup and Jakartass is fairly tame, with all the women fully clothed (doesn't matter we only read for the artciles anyway..right).

I thought I would throw up the above picture for your pleasure. I guess what we have to ask is it Porn or is it Art under the draft Anti Porn Bill? Personally I like it, I wouldn't mind a full size copy for the house.

Meanwhile, I am pleased to report the global warning crisis must have stopped?!.It was reported yesterday that less than 1% of the Great Barrier Reef is affected by bleaching (yet in 2002 it only had 5-10 years life left due to global warming) ..I'm confused.. Next they will be telling me the ice sheets in Greenland are getting thicker.

SHINBONERS

To continue my fixation with the Australian Rules Football. The "Kangaroos" were until recently named after their Melbourne suburb of origin "North Melbourne (The dropping of the suburb name was in the name of the never ending supporter drive). North Melbourne was/is a working class suburb and the 1996 census (bottom of post) shows an interesting ethnic, working class mix:

However to the dedicated supporter the kangaroos or North Melbourne will always be "THE SHINBONERS"

Although lost in the mists of time, it is generally believed that the name "Shinboners" nickname came from two possible origins:

1. From the days when many of the players worked at the local abattoirs and spent their days separating meat from shinbones and local butchers used to decorate their windows with the bones.

2. Or possibly the name may have been due to the Irish population playing hurley at the football ground, using their hurley sticks with little regard for their opponent's shins.

It doesn't really matter, in my wild erractic fancy, I wish they had kept the name and there I would see the supporters waving the shinbones above their heads at away matches..grin

North Melbourne

North Melbourne sprang up during the 1850's goldrush. Located on the goldfields road, the suburb's first businesses and residents served the steady flow of traffic headed between the city centre and the fossicking districts and in 1925 North Melbourne joined the VFL (Victorian Football League). In their first game the Shinboners defeated Geelong by 8 points.

Postcode: 3051
Where: 2 kilometres north of the city
Population: 8417
Born in: Australia 48%
Vietnam 8%
China 6%
UK 4%
Italy 2%
Hong Kong 2%
Religion: Christian 50%
Buddhist 6%
Islam 3%
Jewish 0.1%
Language: 53% speak only English

Trumped up Corellas and Kangaroos

There is general trend in some irrational circles to hate all things Australian at the moment but the latest piece of news from Australia is very ominous...

"April 07, 2006
THE Kangaroos are officially the least popular team in the AFL (WHAT!!!, TELL ME IT AIN'T SO), adding further ammunition for those who believe the club must flee Melbourne to build its future"

More of this calamity here

On the bright side, the article mentions the Kangaroos may have to migrate North to survive...The Indonesian Kangaroos perhaps?



In other news that will have the "deep greenies" besides themselves with indecision. An Angry, trumped-up corella (Bird) has stalled a 220Million Aud dollar alternative energy programme in Australia.

Are there mysterious forces afoot in the Animal Kingdom....

Thats What I Like About Football

Once upon a time you would grow up play for your home district team. In the good ol days teams were based around regions. Nowadays, to start you have to pick a bunch of colours to follow with a passion bordering on obsession. Players are traded and swapped and it would be rare thing to find a player actually living in the suburb he plays for (More and more teams are dropping the geo-centric names in search of a wider supporter base).

Ok base rules.

Scoring: Four Posts at both ends of oval field.

Kick the Ball thru the two center posts = 6 points (also known as a Goal) Near Miss = 1 Point (also known as a...a point)

Tackling = Yep sure can.. Anywhere between Knees and Neck and not from the back

Mark = Clean catch from a kicked ball over 15m away..No one is allowed to tackle you.

Mission = to kick more Goals than the other team over four quarters.

Required Football Terminology

Torpedo, Screw, Punt, Stab, Place, Banana, Check side, Drop = All types of kick.

Hand Pass = Legal way of passing ball by hand (punch the ball with clenched fist from palm of other hand)

White Maggot = Referee (losing its effect since they started dressing in funny colours)

One Eyed Maggot = Referee failing to see the obvious injustices your team is suffering

Mongrel = Dirty Player (other team)

Hard Man = Dirty Player (your team)

"Speccy" = Spectacular Mark (catch)

Sausage Roll = Goal (six points)

Pill = Football

"BALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL" =Holding the ball .. Shouted by the crowd when a player fails to release the ball when tackled

Sheila = Player who plays the game with the attributes of girl (sexist..but hey its football)

Red Hot Go = Valiant effort

Turn the Corner = Make a comeback

TAGHLAY = Take a good hard look at yourself (reapply yourself to the task)


Ok that’s enough to get your started, just follow the crowd and have fun,a detailed knowledge of the rules is not required and even removes a lot of the fun.

For those of you with a more serious desire to learn, you can learn more here

See you at the Bali 9's

Hotel Sahid Bans Aussies

An Oigal Note: I have edited this post because Mr Snag has pointed out that I may have been a bit harsh on the Manager of the Sahid hotel. Upon further reflection he is probably right. Unconfirmed reports indicate another group of Papuans are seeking Asylum in Australia tonight, so I don't intend to add to the insanity that may follow if I can help it.

It is reported that the Sahid Hotel in the capital of South Sulawesi "agreed in writing that we are prohibited from accepting Australian guests"

Indonesia and Oval Footballs

Its that time year to forget politics, business and differences in Religion. The football season has started, kicked off if you will.

Now of course, I am not talking that round ball game that so preoccupies the normally astute and observant Jakartass
. No I am talking the game played by the "chosen few"...

Yep..Thats right we are talking Australian Rules Football, no helmets, no round ball and no "Nil all" drawn games.

For those lucky enough to have "IndoVison" pay tv, there were no less than six games played over the weekend.

And what a great weekend it was as well, with those champions of champions The Shinboners sending that pack of wharf rats Port Power packing

Indonesia also has a small but vibrant (as in all good things) Australian Rules Football Community. Check out the(now how did they arrive at that name?) Jakarta Bintangs .

Next post will deliver a brief run down on the rules, so those sadly neglected types can understand a bit of the chosen game (except if you barrack for Port Adelaide because those wharf rates have never played by the rules anyway). Also a introduction to Bali 9's competition


LET THE GAMES BEGIN...................

Cartoons Papua and Coal

It goes on..on and....on.

"Indonesia has described as "tasteless" a caricature in an Australian newspaper depicting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as a dog."

The Australian caricature cartoon, drawn by award-winning cartoonist Bill Leak, shows Yudhoyono as a tail-wagging dog mounting a startled-looking Papua dog and saying "don't take this the wrong way".

The caption under the cartoon reads "no offence intended".

Meanwhile the "" war of cartoons continues to get international(ok regional then) coverage bringing further (Unwanted?) attention to the Papua situation.

Commenting on the cartoon, Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said "It's in poor taste. Sometimes the media, both in Indonesia and other countries, resort to poor taste, which actually demonstrates the level of their quality,"

Bill Leak has quite a following and is well know for biting satire. Bill rarely pulls his punches and no target is safe. Before anyone accuses him of being anti-indonesian maybe they should look here for some samples of his work.


Sorry, I don't have a copy of the actual cartoon but I shall keep looking! I have seen a copy of it and admit it did raise a wry smile. I do notice Mallarangeng was bit late commenting on the Indonesian version with Howard as a dog but better late than never I guess.

Meanwhile.....



Speaking of Papua (or cartoons), I notice the calls for more of the wealth continue and fair enough. In the interests of comparision and my own education, I would very interested in the local divestment of wealth (% or dollar) by that other huge mining organisation KALTIM PRIMA COAL. The KALTIM website seems a little out of date with PT Bumi Resources being listed as the owner, whereas I was under the impression they had recently sold out for a massive (?) profit. So if anyone has the details of local divestment please let me know.

Indonesia Likes and Frustrates

THINGS I LIKE DOING IN INDONESIA

1. Scuba Diving some of the best “Drop Offs” in the world ( trick is to find the operator who charges local not Tourist Price);
2. Going for beer at the local. (Where else does the beer arrive cold, and its considered poor service if you have to tap the cap off your own bottle);
3. Driving to work (?) True – Its like a playing a full size video game with surround sound and 360 degree vision;
4. Eating boiled corn at the kaki lima (mobile street stall);
5. Getting trapped in a logic loop conversation due to language differences and culture;
6. Being able to afford to ride up the “pointy” of a plane from time to time;
7. Climbing on plane with the words “FLY IS CHEAP” written on the side;
8. Never having to wear a sweater;
9. Being accepted as part of an ever growing family;
10. Borobudur.
11. Bali sans Kuta




THINGS THAT FRUSTRATE THE H#LL OUT OF ME IN INDONESIA

1. Lazy, Corrupt Officials;
2. Kulit (Skin) Tax;
3. Driving to work (see three above);
4. Getting trapped in a logic loop conversation;
5. Having to travel on planes with the words “FLY IS CHEAP”;
6. Not being able to travel up at the pointy end of the plane all the time;
7. The Indonesian definition of “carry on luggage” (see three 6 above);
8. The disparity between caring for your family and screw you attitude towards everyone else;
9. Illegal Logging;
10. Babies and mothers begging in the street;
11. Bali with Kuta

You will notice some items appear in both lists, just goes to prove: Indonesia is not a place…It’s a state of mind!!

P.S. T/S I was going to put a close up picture of Borobudur but I think there was a belly button visible..grin

Freeport - Easy Dark Green Target

Ah what the hell! Freeport has been in the news of late and made into the Blogsphere a few times, invariably as the BBM (Big Bad Multinational)..Yawn. The trouble with those of the "Dark" Green colour is they tend to be little more than socialists covered with a green mould with a deep hate of all business and development.

Ok a few points before I start.

One.. Development is good!! It gives most of us a lifestyle our ancestors could not even imagine; those who are left out of the cycle are victims of poor government not development per se

Two.. I consider myself a bit of green although of a light green colour, I firmly believe with wealth creation comes time which grants us the ability to think of others instead of day to day survival

Three.. I am not about to get into the politics of Papua. Although very serious (people are dying) as far as I am concerned one issue is economic the other political/national.

There is a huge outcry at the moment to shut down the “EVIL” Freeport. Ok, let’s go along with the shutdown plan, let’s shut down Freeport what are the consequences:

For a start that’s US 1.1 billion dollars the Indonesian Government won't get this year assuming things stay the same as last. Of course, Freeport didn't do too bad either scoring about $350 Million for the years work. Mind you if you read the claptrap around at the moment you would swear the ratio was the other way around.

Obviously the share price will collapse along with the 9.36% of the shares held by the Government.

Freeport employment for just under 20,000 employees not including indirect suppliers and contractors, along with the taxes paid into the Indonesian Coffers will disappear.

Now to pose a few questions:

Would the Indonesian government continue to maintain the Hospital and University once the Freeport financial support disappears?

Closure of the mine, would have what effect on the other international investments in Indonesia?

Can Indonesia really afford to close this mine?

Perhaps some people think, Indonesia should go back to pre-investment days (was there ever such a time?)

Freeport or more correctly Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold have been rightly accused of environmental damage which is no great surprise it’s a mine! Just how bad the environmental damage as compared to benefits to Indonesia as whole is subject of much debate. What to do about it in rational manner is the question that must be answered not irrational calls to close the mine.

There is no doubt that Freeport has become a symbol of the tension between the Government in Jakarta and Papuan people seeking a better deal. It has been alleged current "crisis" has the usual "mysterious figures" in the background. How true?

The fact that the local Papuans seem to have got a raw deal with them carrying the cost of the environmental damage with little of no benefit is not disputed. However, that the local people are getting a "raw deal" is the case throughout the provinces with any number of large income producing projects. The question that must be answered is should the company be held responsible for the policies and laws of the Government of the day or ?
A far deeper issue is the whole policy of equitable sharing of resources in an open transparent manner devoid of corruption is the only way to avoid continuing violence. Surely this is Government responsibility not a company one.

Should Freeport (for instance) start pouring money into the local community via various officials when does a gift become a bribe? Should not the central Government be responsible for the distribution of revenue in a fair and equitable manner (not saying it happens that way, but that it should)?

Ok that’s it for now, I fully expect to get ravaged by Greens seeing red (funny how they change colour so quick). I just think Freeport is an easy target without looking beyond the surface at what really needs to be done and don't forget what happens at Freeport is repeated in any number of provinces every day, so why only freeport at the moment?.

In summary, my view:

Mining along with other development is a necessary evil.

Most regions (including Papua) do not receive a fair and equitable share of the country's wealth leading to a very volatile environment, mining companies are easy but boring targets but they don’t make the regulations

Without the creation of wealth, the environment will always be under threat (hard to care about the survival of the blue bird of happiness when you are starving).

It is the Governments role to regulate companies not companies role to pick up after Governments.

Asylum from Bird Flu

Thanks to Nilk/Leeianne for the cartoon. I really don't think I need to comment on cartoons, more than enough has been said and forgotten over recent months.

Meanwhile, The Jakarta Post
reported that "Indonesia postponed signing an agreement on Australian assistance to fight bird flu with A$10 million of funding.

"This postponement is linked to the granting of the visas," Lalu Mara Satria Wangsa, from the public welfare minister's office, told Agence France-Presse.

"The government has one voice on this," Lalu said, adding that the agreement would be signed when "diplomatic relations are more conducive"."

Why is it the poorest people always pay the biggest price for Politcians stupidity (in all countries)? You can bet should bird flu break out in Indonesia, the connected, the rich and the powerful will have no trouble getting hold of "Tami Flu" tables and good medical assistance. As for the poor they can be secure in knowing they taught Australia a lesson.

One suggestion The Public Welfare Minister's Office might want to consider a name change.

Dingos, Politicians and Asylum Seekers

It appears I severely under-estimated the Indonesian Governments Reaction to the Australian Government's granting of Protection Visas to the Papuan Asylum Seekers. The Indonesian Government has withdrawn its Ambassador to Australia and the more Nationalist Newspapers are having field day. Some of the more bizarre newspaper cartoons depict Prime Minister Howard and Foreign Minister Downer as Dingos (an Australian Native Dog - pictured). I wonder what the reaction would be in reverse (oh that's right, we have seen that).

Personally, I cannot see what other decision could have been “reasonably” expected in democratic country. The rules are fairly simple:
Under The United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees a refugee is "A person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution."

The only question is would the Papuan's have a "well-founded fear of persecution" I guess they can only base that on past history (you can come to your own conclusion as well).

I would have to question the withdrawal of the Indonesian Ambassador raising what would have been a minor new item into Major International News. Who on earth plans the government's response to these sorts of things?

BTW, if anyone has knows where the Dingo Cartoons online are, I would love to know.

Kalimantan BOO HOO ?

In my post, Kalimantan (Borneo) WOO HOO. It has been pointed by a number of people that I had my facts to use a crude term "arse-about" with who was purchasing what, in particular reference the Bakrie Empire. Although my point was more about social responsibilty than who bought what, I take on board the comments and offer the following defence.

Now that I was wrong is not uncommon. However, in this case, I have to refer to that Doyen of Business Gossip "Yosef". I don't pretend to know the ins and outs of the Bakrie Empire, but Yosef's comments and those of his readers make very very interesting reading. See the blog in question here.
You can draw your conclusions from someone much more knowledgable then me in these matters

Is it the start of better times for the local people..?

Asylum Seekers

As the blurb says on the top of the blog, this blog is supposed to have some stories from Australia. Therefore, it is only fair to report that Indonesia is angry with Australia (again?..But its ok Malaysia took the last turn). See the details here


In brief..
Foreign Ministry spokesman Yuri Thamrin, said "Indonesia was disappointed and "deeply deplored" Australia's decision, accused Australia of a double standard because it had previously rejected applications from asylum seekers from areas other than Papua".

You have to feel sorry for Amanda Vanstone as the Australian Minister responsible for granting Visas (she is also a cartoonist's dream come true). She was on a hiding to nothing for this one. Disapprove the Visa's and she was a heartless dragon, approve it and she is a double standard hypocrite.

Although the Indonesian/Australian rift should be easy to fix. Indonesia can approve "Protection Visas" for the next 43 Australians seeking asylum and protection and Australia won't say anything

See easy tit for tat and problem solved

BROKE BACK MOUNTAIN TWO

The first "flyer" for BrokeBack Mountain Two has been released and as promised it looks like a doozy. I think for the Indonesian Opening, I will ask IndCoup
to set up his Anti-Anti Porn Bill T-Shirt Stall in the foyer.. Should be a great night!!

Not only would you get to see all those beautiful women but the "little men" would be clutching their hearts as they fall to the ground ...Does not get any better than that.

Oh if only...

Oh.....Do go and see Indcoup's t shirt its breath-taking..literally

PENIS ENVY OR CRYPTIC MESSAGES

I think this counts as a Happy Post.. Someone just sent me a penis today!!..Not a real one (That would be way too much like a perverts Mafia..No finger but penis in a box). No they sent me a picture of one, its big and chocolate (ish) colour.

I am not sure what it all means, random spam? The sender thinks I am one? Or maybe that I need one? Answer to the first..Its been said before. Answer to the second..No thanks this one still works) Very cryptic indeed.

Perhaps its just plain bad luck. My luck has not been so good of late, it could be raining virgins and I would get hit by Heath Ledger (Broke Back Mountain indeed).

Mind you, I can hardly wait for Broke Back Mountain 2, sounds fantastic...

Reminds me of when I first starting going out with the Padang Princess. Naturally a lot of people were curious, usual thing... Where did you meet? What do you see in him/her? etc. Having a mildly crude streak (and hate intrusive questions) I coached the Princess (who at that stage did not speak English with the aplomb she now does). The next time someone asks dumb questions, just tell them "You like me because I have a big dick" Well sure enough the time came, the Padang Princess looked at me. I gave the the stage nod and bold as brass she announces to world "I like Oigal because he is a big dick!!""

has has has has not is..... One word, as people collapse around me laughing ..I still suspect the Padang Princess was not as language challenged as she pretended that night.


Stick around and I will post some details on the upcoming Broke Back Mountain 2

Kalimantan (Borneo) WOO HOO!!

The Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People’s the People’s Welfare Aburizal Bakrie was quoted by the Jakarta Post yesterday as “Proposing a Social Contract for Human Development”

He was then quoted as saying “a charter on human development would require central and regional governments, NGOs and businesspeople to carry out and support welfare programs.”

And “Every human being had basic rights, such as the right to food security, education, health care and safety”You can get the full article here. here

This is fantastic news, Yosef
who is always seems to be a reliable source of news, business and politics, reported the Bakrie family is rumoured to have close links to the recent buy coal mine buyout in Kalimantan worth 3.2 Billion USD.
See Yosef’s recent post People behind Renaissance Capital.

Aburizul has come out and shown leadership from the front. Based on his statements and connections then Kalimantan should soon a model of business social responsibility. Woo Hoo

No more will foreign multi nationals be allowed to exploit Indonesia saying “that’s the way things are done here”. Minister Aburizul will be able to point to his business connections in Kalimantan and say “There, that’s what we call social responsibility” shape up or ship out”. For too long Indonesia has heard words and platitudes but no action now here is the “MAN” with the position, connections and the resources (tons and tons of resources) to make what he says a reality!

I mean it has to happen doesn’t it.?

I am so excited about this, it been a long time since I have been to Kalimantan and longer since visiting the coal town of Sangatta. I do remember the region being dirty and depressing despite the millions in coal extracted every year. (Where did that money go?).

Well it’s going to change now. I can almost hear the new schools and hospitals springing up all over Kalimantan. The dawn of a new age!!!

Way to go Minister, Woo Hoo!!

Little Men Little Minds

Bored and tired tonight so I will just leave a couple a couple of quotes for those sexually inadequate little men who can't seem to stay out of other peoples lives..

"Intelligence is the capacity to receive, decode and transmit information efficiently. Stupidity is blockage of this process at any point. Bigotry, ideologies etc. Block the ability to receive; robotic reality-tunnels block the ability to decode or integrate new signals; censorship blocks transmission."
RobertWilsonn

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home, but unlike charity, it should end there."
- Clare Boothe Luce

LETS GO TO THE MOVIES

Had a bit of chuckle today. Taking some time off to read that Prince of Newspapers, the Jakarta Post, A MR/MRS/MISS (whatever) Sierra has written a letter to the editor on the evil habits of Indonesian movie goers. With their catcalls, yahoos, talking etc etc, he had thoroughly miserable time. He also chose the movie "Brokeback Mountain", which was always going to be a hoot to watch in an Indonesian theater.

Poor Sierra doesn't realise that unlike the West, watching movies in Indonesia in Indonesia is most often an inter-active experience. People go to have good time with their friends and relatives, chatting, catcalls and generally having a good time is an obligation. The movie is at best, background for a jolly good social outing.

Not that you can blame Indonesian movie goers. Those who are not fluent in English (and why should they be) have been subjected to years of abysmal sub title translations and censored movies by the Indonesian Censor Board (pictured). The Censor board is infamous for editing movies with no thought given to flow, format or context. One of my personal inane favorites (and forgive the language)was Wesley Snipes yelling "You MotherF@cker" only to be subtitled "Orang Bodoh" (You silly/stupid person) which does not really carry the same impact.

Even after many years here, if I really want to see a movie in the "traditional" (?) manner. I sneak out during a week day morning when the theaters are deserted or and this is the best angle, comes with side benefits. I suggest to the family its time they go and did something fun. Naturally, I cannot go due to urgent work commitments (never said I was an angel and I do play up the working slave angle). I then settle down for 2 hours of movie bliss. Of course, if you time it right and spread a few writing papers around, ensuring you are hard at work when they return.... You achieve the much sought after title "Kasihan" (poor soul), you had to work and we had such a good time". This is your link to pampering for the rest of the day.

So Sierra, my advice go to the movies, enjoy the interactive aspects and absorb all. After all there is always the DVD so you really can get the best of both worlds.

THEM VS US

Well, that was interesting, my last post “Culture of Contempt” which was basically to direct attention to the "Culture of Littering" seemed to morph into a scary movie version of them “them vs. us”.

I am never real happy with a “them vs. us” argument as I am never sure what team I am supposed to be on. Take EXPAT for example are all BULE (white skin) Expats? Is there a time limit? Length of residence? Family Roots? What about the children of mixed race?

Moving on, you can have Philipino or Japanese Expats but they cannot be “BULE” (or maybe nominated BULE like asian whites in apathied South Africa)? A citizen of East Timor working in Indonesia, are they EXPATs or cousins returning to the old country?

Chinese are Expats except when they are born here, then they are accepted as part of the fabric of the country? Does one have to be Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu to be part of the team? Or is it Javanese, Balinese, Sudanese perhaps Papuan? Maybe there is secret points system that I am not aware of. Maybe a second generation, mixed blood, Papuan Christian is entilted to so many opinion points as opposed to???.

Maybe I should I stick to just being a “BULE” , sort of “off white” so should pass there but does that mean I have to:

a. Drink to excess (what if I don’t , can that be overlooked?)
b. Chase underage women (what about the major enthic group that frequents areas like Batam, does this mean they get “BULE” points?)
c. Over Earn (If I don’t do I lose points?)

Maybe I don’t do any of those things does that make me a good Bule or bad Bule (or maybe there is no such thing …)

If I am Javanese and move to Bali/Papua for a job, am I a variation of EXPAT? my culture, customs are as different in that area as any “BULE”. I am obviously there to earn more money than I can at home which is a prime driver for any number of Bule.

Ok that’s it, just a little rant for a Sunday. In reality, I believe that Indonesia’s greatest strength is her diversity. People who try and dictate what makes an particular social or enthic group here are doomed to failure and frustration. Be it Javanese, Sudanese, Chinese, Bule, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Expat, Tourist, all go into the pot and in some way make Indonesian what she is. You can boil the pot all you want but she will still continue to confound, confuse, amaze and tempt you.

P.S. I still don’t know what team I am on…I kinda like it like that.

Culture of Contempt

As mentioned earlier I have been on the "road (and air and sea) over the past few days trying to make living.

By good luck, more than good management, we had time to take a walk through a planned tourist "walk" in the jungle. I admit I sometimes have trouble understanding some apects of Indonesian culture and that would be my fault. I can understand why local people would kill Elephants raiding their food crops or for the couple of extra dollars they can earn selling various bits and pieces of Elephant (Although I do not excuse a government more concerned with what people wear, see and listen to than preserving a world heritage). What I cannot understand is why so many people seem to think it is perfectly acceptable to trash and pollute the very Environment they live in.

The walk through the jungle was highlighted not by the beauty of nature or the potential award wining natural tourist attraction but the endless trails of plastic bottles and mounds of rubbish. Sometime in the recent past funds had been made available to build a pool and some villa (?) units at the base of the “walk” (being a government facility, I can only assume it was done via some grant or other). The pool was green with slime and the piles of rubbish were blowing around in the wind.

My disappointment and frustration was so great, I could not help myself so I asked one of the five workers sitting around smoking “Why is the pool green and why is there so much rubbish lying around? Answer: “Belum Bersih Mister” (Not clean yet). I then had to ask “You not embarrassed at this, this is your country, your home” Answer..Blank Stares.

The sad part is forest tourism is like “money for jam”, people the world over will pay to walk through pristine jungle, and it costs next nothing and is forever renewable. I guess it takes a modicum of thought.

Same thing happens August every year, flag waving, singing, pride in the nation and when it’s all over the people go home whilst the countryside groans under the weight of the rubbish left behind.

I can only assume it’s me and I am missing something in the culture, because I can find no excuse poverty or otherwise to treat your mother land with such contempt.

As a start, I think there is a lot to be said for placing a 500Rp returnable deposit on every plastic drink bottle in Indonesia.

Who? What? Where?

This is not a blog as such, but a couple of questions for all those IT guru's out there. As you can see I recently put up one of those "Cluster Maps" that is supposed record the vast volumes of visits I get (Ho, ho, ok ten or so, its my blog I am allowed to be boring) and where visitors are from.

My questions are:

Are those maps accurate?

If so, who the @@#?, would be reading my Blog in China (or is just some Trojan thingy trying to get in?

I can understand some traffic from Indonesia, I have Jakartass , Treespotter , INDCOUP, who take me to task for some of my more brain dead posts, but China???

I should also note Treespotter had already captured photos of the dreaded TROLLS, so I was a bit late. His latest picture is far more frightening than anything I have..Its something like a British Politician (Kinky lot those brits).




cheers and thanks in advance

TROLLS - TIME FOR A QUICKIE

Hi All,

Back for a day, to catch my breath in the pursuit of the unholy dollar. Trip has been eventful and as always interesting, more on that on the weekend.

But the big news is I have identified the "Troll" with the aid of hidden cameras and keyboard tripwires it was caught (see picture) between making inane comments and beginning the Troll mating ritual. Troll Mating Ritual = "Flying around in ever decreasing circles squealing obscenities until it disappears up its own orifice"

TIME OUT

Hi All,

Seriously busy this week, out and about chasing the almighty $$. I know its not really all that spiritual to be chasing the dollar. But hey as Guru Bob always says "Money cannot buy happiness ..but it does buy a much better class of misery"

In the meantime, may I suggest you click on The Religious Policeman (links on the right). He claims to be a Saudi Muslim, which is subject to some dispute however it is a very well researched and written blog (funny at times as well).

After reading about the Muslim (?) Militants and their crazy ways, have a look at the comments section for the some the Christian Crazies responses ...Mmmm now if there was only a way to get both groups into strait-jackets and one room. They could spit venom at one another all day long and the rest of the human race could get on with living.

Oxygen Thieves

Forget the Anti Porn Bill, what this nation urgently needs is a law against people breathing oxygen and producing nothing of value in return...Don't believe me ..read on

Woohoo..Today's insanity is brought to you by the 34 Members of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission VII. Who so thoughtfully turned up yesterday to scruntinize (sic) and discuss the $30 Million PT Newmont Minahasa Raya out-of-court settlement for the alleged pollution of Buyrat Bay.

Lo and behold, when they got to the meeting, Jakarta Post (JP) reports that nobody had a copy of the document!!

You have got to love this quote from the JP:

"After spending some 90 minutes arguing among themselves, the 34 members of the House of Representatives Commission VII overseeing the environment decided to postpone the hearing indefinitely until each had a copy of the deal"

It took them 90 damn minutes to realise that nobody had read or had a copy of the document and there was nothing to talk about?

NOT ONE of these valued, hard working, dedicated Representatives of the People actually took the time to source the document and read it before the meeting (although research and thought prior to deliberations has never been a strong point witness the anti-pornography bill)?

How many of the Legislators will claim their "meetings" allowance for this shamozzle?

Mind you, its all a waste of time anyway (as are most of those involved). The settlement is already signed off, sealed and done. Now what will be interesting is how much of the $30 Million goes back to the villagers of Buyrat Bay. Don't hold your breath for the media in Indonesia to follow it up though ok.

I can call it a funny post for its sheer arrogant stupidity and I can laugh or cry (I choose laugh this time). The average Indonesian should be outraged at the sheer waste of space the majority of their elected officials have proven to be. They, who time and again embarrass the nation and its people. Although to be fair, it can be hard to outraged when you are busy wondering where your next feed is coming from or when the next idiot is going to tap you on the shoulder because your t shirt is too tight.

Of course, the actual details of the Newmount case, along with Freeport, KPC all have a very interesting ....mmmm...history later ok

What are they thinking? HP 6

I can only assume its a matter of perspective. Mom and Dad apparently need helmets (albeit plastic helmets but helmets never the less)but the baby will bounce.

So what's funny about this post,

Not the Baby playing "Fear Factor" (oh what they wear helmets on that show..Cowards)!
Not Mom riding side saddle!

No, what's funny is I got pulled over and fined (?..a version there of) for not wearing a seat belt 3 minutes before this shot was taken. Oh well can't say I was not...warned

Safety Safety Safety - Happy Post 6

Just when it was getting desperate, the External Safety Audit guys came to the rescue. What is it with these guys the world over that removes them from reality? Is there some sort of University of Bizarre Consequence on planet Bizarro they all must attend? However I digress..

The Audit was going smoothly with all the usual issues. "Oh that's not good" auditor glancing at exposed bolt 2m up on the wall "Someone could poke themselves with that" ...

Well yea if that someone happen to be Andre the Giant (one for the wrestling fans) or the bolt happened to fall, bounce at right angles to the door..Twist left hit a grassy knoll.... But ok its expected. Then the cruncher:

Auditor - Do you have a Risk Analysis for this equipment?

Answer - Yes here

Auditor - This is bad, it says Risk 1, extremely high risk, you can't use this

Answer - No it says, do not work on internals or remove weather proof covers in the rain or wet conditions

Auditor - So you cannot use this in the rain but it is outside

Answer - No it says you cannot pull it to bits in the rain

Auditor - What if it breaks down

Answer - aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh...Wait

At this stage our friendly liaison guy goes quietly insane whilst his off sider suddenly dashes back with a New Risk Analysis

LG to Auditor - "Wait there is an updated version released this year, its no longer Risk 1 its Risk 2" (handing over the new sheet).

Auditor - Oh good, we cannot have Risk 1 equipment in our operations, what's next...

At this point, I should add, it was the same risk analysis just reprinted off the computer, with the risk score changed from 1 to 2. Further, we will keep using the Risk 1 document because it is not a good plan to strip electrical equipment in the rain as a general rule.

So the went the rest of the Audit..No sure of the final result, we have not got the report back yet, apparently they had a traffic accident on the way home (true)

On another note, The Jakarta Post
had a number of interesting articles and letters today. It would appear that a number of the proposed laws are meeting some resistance.

till next time..Have fun

Harder than it Looks - Happy Post 5

Had I known it was going to be this hard to write ten happy posts in row, I never would have made the statement!! Sheesh so much going on that needs a bit of grumpy outrage:

1. Unbelievable statements by pollies in the JP.
2. Being slashed on another blog
3. Having to read its the woman's fault for being raped due to the clothes she wears (please..What are we Cro-Magnum man?)
4. Internet stalked by a Troll (ok that's actually funny, pathetic but funny)
5 Accused of rushing the happy posts (yep guilty, just got to finish them now)
6 Accused of religion bashing..(absolutely not guilty)

Further, my use of Milo has been brought into question, some clarification is urgently required. Milo is not a small furry dog, but a quasi chocolate drink, excellent hot just before sleeping. Small furry creatures do not figure in my night routine.

Now on with the post, not actually "Happy" more like a good news story. Every so often my company donates goods etc to schools in need. It gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. Well we did it again last week, and whilst feeling all warm and fuzzy I noticed some other new stuff. Where from? That's from "J" he and his wife donate stuff every week.

Further research soon proved, that not only did Mr and Mrs "J" "donate stuff every month" they did it without company sponsorship and from their own pockets. More importantly, I have known J for over three years and never once have I heard about this, Let alone the hundreds J donates every month.

It certainly made me doubt my "warm and fuzzies" I wonder how many other people are out there quietly raising the bar for humanity.

I agree it not happy post but it is a nice story, so I am gunna count it....Besides if I have to be nice and sweet much longer I am going to scream.

TIME TO GROW UP

In the name of transparency, I have to divert from the Happy posts for a minute. I have confession to make ..I have censored (gasp!!) five of seven comments from Clean Expat. As you can see, I left a couple of the more coherent ones (although equally stupid) such as "what a boring post, compared to your other great posts. To long without any mention of beer, whores, and other pastimes"

I really hate to disappoint some people but I don't normally go whoring (sorry well and truly taken, beer? ..I think I bet some one an ale on one post, other past times?..Lots so stick around. In the meantime may I suggest some lessons on the use of grammar and don't use a comma with and etc(If I am saying that, you are really bad!)

Personally, I was always taught that there is only one person who can change your life and that you. Perhaps its time to grow up!

I am not into censorship, but if you want to abuse, contradict or challenge me make it interesting and I promise to publish it (inane crap goes into the every growing inane, childish, crap bin), otherwise start your own Blog and quit pretending to be something you are not.

Now, I am off to hug my princess, check the kids, drink my milo, and other pastimes..kinda boring without the stereotypes huh.

Descended from Apes HAPPY POST 3

Offensive, as I have stated before is subjective. I must admit I am in two minds about posting this picture...Is it Offensive? Is it funny? Is it proper for public viewing? I dunno, so if I get comments that seem to think it should go, then I will delete it. I should add abusive comments from "annoying mouses" will be, as usual treated with all the due consideration they deserve.

I thought the picture was kinda funny and certainly puts theory of evolution beyond doubt.

A more interesting question, would this picture violate the proposed Indonesian Anti-Pornography Laws? Although as usually the case, it would proablably say more about those bringing the charges.

Definately counts as a Happy Post, you don't get that look from sucking lemons!!

Bandung Music - Happy Post 2

The is a quick one but still counts as a happy post..without a doubt one of my favorite places in Indonesia, is BANDUNG as well being central to number of very important turning points in the history of Indonesia, Bandung also seems to churn out any number of music bands of all types.

The next time you hear a band that sounds good anywhere in Indonesia, ask them from whence they came, I will bet you an ale 70% of time the reply will be Bandung .

GOTTA LOVE THE LIVE MUSIC SCENE IN INDONESIA ..A MAJOR PLUS.

GECKOS

Busted again…! Treespotter
has held me to writing ten Happy posts (I lasted all of one post). Although he has made it tough for subjects after ruling out a shedload of subjects with the below comment.

“but there must be something else here but the cheap whores, cheap politicians, cheap laws, cheap golf and even more cheap whores”

This may or may not be a funny post,it starts badly.. There is war on !! I don’t know if it’s that evil “J” word or a Crusade, but I have suddenly become the victim of a hellish mob that threatens my every sleeping moment.

Dang Gecko’s (lizards, I forget the local name) they are mobbing and driving out of my home. Normally, we co-habituate very successfully and ignore one another. They eat the mozzies, each other and anything smaller than themselves and I go easy on the fly spray.
All was well, until an outsider arrived. He (I guess it’s a he, how do you find out? Not a big issue I suppose, unless you are another lizard) was different than the rest, larger (about 14cm), darker and decidedly more pushy.

The little bugger (lets call him Os for short) set up shop in the Kamar Mandi (bathroom) which is just pushing the co-existence thing too far. So re-calling my childhood days, I reached down to grab and evict Os from whence he came. …

Ouch… This is not a shy little gecko, I remember tormenting in my childhood. Not only did he bite but he brought the battle to me. Relocating the battle lines to the bedroom. Ok the truth is, I retreated and was preparing to whimper, when I saw our local smaller geckos all staring me. I suspect the little guys were deciding if this was time to follow the outsider and evict me altogether, dang mob mentality.

Gathering my courage (and a towel) I rushed back into the fray (2 hours later) only to discover Os had a friend..Now I had two of the creatures to deal with, only smarter, nastier and impossible to catch without serious injury!! This required a rethink. Afterall, I do have two showers in the house anyway.

I have decided I will enlist the help of my mate the Monitor Lizard. I have been feeding him eggs for 12 months now in the front yard (yea it’s a pay off but you do what you have to do). There is now a trail of eggs leading to the Kamar Mandi...

Plan A.
Monitor eats the eggs
Monitor ends up in the KM
Monitor gets hungry
Monitor eats Os and his Mate
Monitor returns to his home turf

Plan B
Monitor eats the eggs
Monitor ends up in the KM
Monitor gets hungry
Os and his Mate eat Monitor
I move house..

Update..I just had one of the little guys drop the table whilst I am writing..I hope this isn’t the beginning of lizard version of kamakzi attacks. I see them with little cloth bands around their heads......

BTW ..I am counting this as one happy post )

Just to annoy the TWATS

Thanks INDCOUP

And guess what...... we have seen it and the sun will rise tomorrow..

TWAT

"I've read enough ex-pat blogs to understand that they oppose the anti-pornography laws out of purely artistic and intellectual reasons, of course."

So said Annoying Mouse Well actually no .. I find it offensive that some ignorant, twat thinks he/she has the right to tell what ANYONE what they can or cannot read, write or see.

The other snide point "Annoying Mouse" is trying to make is racist and just plain offensive! Like all of his insecure brethren, he does not debate the issue, preferring to make snide remarks in support of censorship by the insecure few.

I challenge you "Insecure Mouse" Should the picture of the Bali Girls be banned or not (as it would be under the proposed laws)..Easy question yes or no? If yes by what right?

Support Indonesian Culture (all of it)

In keeping with my promise to write nothing but happy posts for ten posts, I am not going to comment on poor sexually insecure little men, with poor education and even less artistic merit. But if you think the above picture is artistic and pleasing to the eye and deserves to be viewed ...I strongly PLEAD/BEG you to go to
FREE SOUL

WHY LIVE IN ASIA

One of the other reasons I like living in Asia, is my Nation of Birth has become just “oh so precious”

Don’t smoke…like anywhere
Don’t Drink…Unless it a nice red wine with Friends (Damn it, I came here to drink not to make friends!!)
No one drinks Coffee….its Latte now (pretentious P#$#Ks)
Airline Hosties are now Stewards or Pursers (Give me a break!)
University Learning is now a life time occupation for some (Get a job will ya)

Its always the Governments or some- else’s fault that I am or my child is a (and you owe me a living):

Bum;
Out of Work;
Criminal;
Drunk;

On another issue, I love the cheap airfares in Asia, as compared to the over protected, bad mannered airlines in most western countries.

Top Ten Reasons to enjoy flying in Asia


1. You can catch a plane and the hostess (yes I said hostess) will be under 50 years of age (If you like over 50 refer QANTAS or BA);

2. You can catch a plane and use a real knife;

3. You don’t have to worry about being late for your flight (every one knows departure times are a guide);

4. Airfares are reasonable, travel is within the scope of most (well most of those who are lucky enough to have a job);

5. If you don’t have a book, you can kill a couple of hours figuring how does a Singapore Girl actually get into that uniform;

6. If you fly from Jakarta to Singapore you have a good chance of doing the security thing backwards!! They security check you as you get OFF in Singapore;

7. On the regional’s, you get to stand on scales with HUGE faces so everyone can see what you weight.(it helps to share);

Sorry could not think of another three…

As a matter of interest, I as far as I am concerned (and each flight is different)

The Top Three Airlines plying the region are:

1. Singapore Air – Smooth, Professional but expensive
2. Thai Air – Friendly, Professional
3. SAS – I know, bizarre choice but staff just so dang pleasant


The Worst

1. QANTAS – Arrogant, sloppy service
2. GARUDA – Planes are getting older and older and that wretched habit of bumping booked passengers if someone more “important” comes along.
3. BA – Just plain dismal


I have heard very good things about Emirates but never flown. I did like Virgin Blue if in Australia, but recently the PC crowd and the unions (you would think they would be happy having driven Ansett out of business) have savaged them for their policy of hiring young cabin crew who can joke and smile.

The old QANTAS crones rule the roost again. You would think being a hostie was young persons job anyway. Lets be honest, if you are still serving drinks at 45 it might be time to move over and give a young person a chance to start moving on a career path without having to climb over your fossilized body.

Feel free to comment of your fav airline, it would be interesting to see what people think

Things We Love About Indonesia

I stand accused of being an Angry Blogger and although one of my visitors friskodude seems to think that is good thing, it has brought home the fact it is often frustration and anger that spurs pen to paper (finger to keyboard). However, there is much to love and to be amazed about in Indonesia and South East Asia. Maybe its time to make another list (don’t groan).

The Top Ten Things I love or amaze me about Indonesia

1. The School Kids on the way to school every morning despite all the trials and tribulations. How do their parents get them looking so clean in their white shirts and Uniforms every single day?

2. The Scuba Diving and pristine ocean environment (Just pray the “powers that be" wake up to what a free and constant resource this is).

3. The absolute joy that can be found when welcomed into one of the Kampungs as a guest (beware the local brew..kicks like a mule), and the old guys seem to love someone choking after drinking the fire water.

4. The need to rely on your own social skills to live in the kampung (no use calling the police for a domestic dispute in Indonesia). Make your bed and lie in it.

5. The lack of bullshizzer PC regulations (as opposed to one state in Australia where they are now talking banning cigarette smoking in your own car..get a life!!).

6. The genuine open welcome given by the vast majority of Indonesian People.

7. The history of Indonesia. (Europe…they give you a run for the money. Its shame it is not taught more in school).

8. Bintang Beer (Nuff said0, The food (love Makan Padang), The Music (Ok not all).

9. The sheer number of pretty girls per square km (I never said I was PC). I must add from a male perspective, I love the way they treat their man as well.

10. Last but not least, Indonesian Newspapers for providing daily quotes and expect people to accept them . They never fail to make you say out loud “He said WHAT!!!!!” (and they do!!). I should add they confuse me as well, I bagged Perspektif Online and they wrote and thanked me?? oh well I just feel bad now...