Just a quick comment on the above story: It would a serious mistake to ban foreign ads from Indonesian television and radio. This would distance yourself from foreign investment, tourists and all other forms of revenue outside of Indonesia.
To companies from outside Indonesia, it is an uneducated stance that would plunge your economy and cause higher inflationary pressure than current levels.
Maybe, if the ban could be on certain programs such as news and current affairs, this may dampen the effect it has on foreign investments.
ROD
Sydney
Busway not so safe and comfortable -- June 9, p. 5
Safety is the most important issue for the whole country. Introducing a 'safety watch dog' is a must, as this will avoid compo money, not just in Indonesia but around the world.
Australia has established the 'Work Safety' body (which is working well) to control and prevent accidents, which are caused by many manufacturers and service providers including public transport.
If there are shortcuts in construction, than someone needs to answer to this. In China, there was recently a tragedy where building collapsed after quake because builders were using low grade materials. Such responsible people should be shot. The world doesn't need accident victims arriving from builders and their negligence or corrupted officials.
B. B. LEO
Jakarta
Anti-Ahmadiyah decree -- June 16, p. 0
I agree with the opinion of the chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), that the decree has curbed freedom of religion in Indonesian society. I have two reasons.
First, Indonesia admits and respects several religions and other beliefs under the five principles of Pancasila, so that the government should give people freedom of religion and belief.
Second, freedom in Islam is one of the most sacred rights, which means Islam places freedom of opinion, belief and expression compatible with Islam's sharia law. It means that Islam is tolerant to non-Muslims as God's creatures and gives freedom for learning and choosing their beliefs.
But on the contrary, I do not agree with his opinion that the Indonesian government should not follow the example of Pakistan. Why?
First, Although Indonesia is not an Islamic country, the majority of Indonesians are Muslim, who have great influence on the country's laws. Therefore, I agree that Indonesia take the example of Pakistan in declaring Ahmadiyah not an Islamic organization.
Second, the government should declare that Ahmadiyah is not an Islamic organization because we all know that they are not Muslims and there is no guarantee that they will not propagate their religious teachings.
KETTI
Jakarta
Ahmadiyah ruling a test for civil society -- June 16, p. 6
Reading this article, it is not hard to conclude: Let the FPI exist and don't disband it, because it contradicts the idea of civil society and democracy. The writer says, "Disbanding the FPI will make the problem more complicated and encourage its supporters to take vengeance and raise prejudice among the people."
The question is: Is it possible for the FPI not to use violence as their way to "force" their ideas? Can the FPI be disassociated from violence? Hopeless!
MASDEEM
Leiden, The Netherlands
