Indonesia is emerging, in some ways, as a model democratic polity for the Islamic world and some of its neighbors. For instance, in the politically troubled Thailand, it is seen by some as showing the way.

In a recent op-ed piece in The New York Times, Prof. Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University wrote, "For all the country's troubles, Indonesia's transition to democracy after decades of autocratic rule may offer the best model."

During her recent Indonesia visit, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, paid fulsome tribute to Indonesia both as a democracy and a moderate society.

While in Jakarta, she said, "If you want to know if Islam, democracy, modernity and women's rights can coexist, go to Indonesia."

Your comment:

Indonesia has just finished an undemocratic legislative election in terms of the civil rights to vote.

Millions of Indonesian citizens were unregistered and couldn't vote. Even if they eventually became registered voters they only found out two days before the election day, April 9, 2009.

The government and the national election committee, according to the law, are the most responsible parties to ensure every citizen exercise his/her voting right in the election.

Yet the Indonesian citizens' rights to vote were violated by the state. The current Indonesian government is ignorant!!!!

Liza Paramita

"Indonesia as a democracy model"

I laughed at the title alone...

Real democracy comes from taking account of public interest, even those who are minorities.

The reality is minorities in Indonesia still struggle to practice freedom of faith.

My Catholic brothers and I find it almost impossible to gain permits to build churches and as a result we have to attend masses conducted at shopping malls??!!

David L.

Lombok to get two new power plants -- April 30, online

The government will build two coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 75 megawatts in Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.

Your comments:

So, Lombok gets 2 power stations. "Lucky" them. Does this mean the Balinese have won their fight not to have any power stations on Bali? So poor Lombok gets two eyesores not one, because Bali is more powerful (pun intended)?

Mad Hatter

Denpasar

Lombok Island has geothermal potential in the northern part of the island. There is also significant hydropower potential and abundant water flowing from three lakes of Mount Rinjani.

Why the government decided to build this "dirty" coal power plant instead of developing the geothermal/hydro potential? What's the long term benefit to the country? Heat dissipation from the power plant's cooling water flow can surely destroy marine life and might endanger the pearl hatchery.

Catoer

PKS aiming for No. 2 job with SBY -- April 26, p. 2

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) is free to form a coalition not only with the Democratic Party (PD), but also personally with the incumbent president in an apparent move to bid for the country's No. 2 position.

PKS Chairman Tifatul Sembiring said on the sidelines of a meeting of the party's senior advisory board on Saturday that the meeting was held to determine who would be proposed by the party to be the running mate for the President to contest the upcoming president election and to discuss a 30-point political agreement to be proposed to the Democratic Party.

Your comments:

SBY-HNW (Hidayat Nur Wahid) is the best choice for the presidential election. As we know, the PKS have shown their consistency against corruption and are striving toward achievements for this country. We know our minister of youth and sport department, minister of agriculture, and the mayor of Depok city. They are from the PKS and I haven't seen evidence they have broken the Pancasila and UUD 45. So don't judge the book by its cover. I absolutely sure the PKS will not destroy our nation.

Anggit

Do you want to wait until they actually break the Pancasila before you see what they are like, or do you want to read the clear signs before it happens?

They call for a sharia state. Sure, they haven't dismantled the Pancasila yet, but do you need a clearer sign that they are not secular?

They have pushed for the punishment of non-conformist Muslim sects, they pushed for the anti-porn law where the victims so far have been non-pious Muslims and non-Muslims.

Wake up Anggit... your denial and everyone like you is what the PKS wants so it can slowly change Indonesia's social landscape without resistance.

Iain

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