The day of Eid is celebrated amongst family and friends. They would visit each other and ask for forgiveness for past mistakes so they can start fresh and turn over a new leaf. The normal greetings on Eid is “Selamat Idul Fitri, mohon maaf lahir dan batin” which basically means “Happy Eid al-Fitr, please forgive my (physical and emotional) mistakes”.

Eid is also marked by the special meal which normally consists of ketupat (rice cake cooked in coconut leaves), opor ayam (chicken in coconut milk), gulai kambing (lamb curry), sambal goreng daging (minced meat in spicy sauce), and so on. It varies between families, but one thing is for sure: the ketupat will always be there.

This year’s Eid al-Fitr (or locally known as Idul Fitri) falls on Sunday, 20 September 2009. This is the first time in many years that the actual celebration falls one day earlier than predicted and printed by various companies in their annual calendar. The Indonesian were ready to celebrate it nevertheless.

The team of Indonesia To Go would like to wish you a very happy Eid al-Fitr, may the spirit of peace and forgiveness remain with you and your dearest ones throughout your whole life.

A day before, I was told by our secretary in Palangkaraya that they had not seen the sun for a few days. It has been dry season and it has not rained for 2 months now. At some point somewhere in the rainforest of Borneo, a spot in the peat land caught fire and has spread throughout the region. The smoke from the fire has covered most area in Borneo a.k.a. Kalimantan (meaning “rivers of diamonds”).

The inhabitants of the rainforest don’t seem to learn their lesson every year. Peat land easily catches fire and many of the local people living there recklessly burn their garbage outside their homes, not realizing (or maybe not even caring) that the peat soil may catch fire, which spreads deep in the ground and quietly throughout the island. Even international palm oil and other companies who are trying to clear the land are taking the easy and cheaper way out by burning down the forest. Every year around this time it seems that the government are busy enforcing the law. But as soon as the dry season is over, little (if not nothing at all) is done to prevent it from happening again the next year.

Mike Dammann and I sat quietly in the plane. Nobody was talking, there was absolute silence. We looked out the window as the plane approached the runway. We were able to see a few fire sources in the distance. I used to live here in this little city of Central Kalimantan. The last “smokey” season was back in 2006 which was probably just as bad as this one. At the time, people were inhaling dangerous smoke for 3 months. At the time, the dry, fiery season resulted in the deaths of a few local children.

As my plane was landing, I wondered how many more years do people have to go through the fire season and burn Borneo down. Nobody seems to remember doing something enough to prevent this from happening again every year.

The view from the plane before we landed

Mike Dammann was sitting next to me and nervously mumbling, worried that the plane is going to crash. Even without hearing the other passengers saying anything, I knew that the rest of the people on the plane was thinking about the same thing. Everywhere we looked, all we saw was thick gray smoke. How could any pilot in the world land in blindness like that. But I tried to tell myself that if it was impossible for the plane to land, the airline would have delayed the flight once again.

The plane had been delayed for 6 hours that day. We were supposed to leave on Saturday, Sep 5, 2009. But the plane had been canceled due to smoke and all flights had been delayed to the next day. On Sunday, the smoke had not gone  any better and they once again had had to delay it to Monday. When we finally had arrived at the airport and ready to board at 8.40am, we were informed that the airport in Palangkaraya was closed down. It was impossible for planes to land.

A woman with 2 kids had been at the airport for 2 days now. She was crying and literally begging the airline to compensate for the 2-day delayed flight back home to Palangkaraya. She had been without any money for 2 days and had been staying in the boarding room for 2 days without food. The two little kids looked tired and the younger boy was heard crying every now and again. When it was approaching 2pm, we were finally told to board.

When the plane landed and the exit door of the plane was opened, the strong smell of smoke irritated my nose and I started to sneeze a few times. Mike Dammann and I stayed at a Swiss friend whose house was turned into a guest house with a few bedrooms for $10 a night. After the first night there, Mike had trouble breathing because of the smoke and I had an alergy attack, sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. For the next 3 days, we stayed in the office area where there was air conditioner.

For Mike and me, it was only a few days stay on business. We have the choice to leave anytime we want when we can not stand it anymore. But there are so many people in Palangkaraya who do not have that luxury. An air pollution meter that the local government has set up in the center of the city showed the indicator at the highest, most dangerous point. The hot topic among the locals was the polution indicator. But then again, almost every year, the indicator was all the way up to the most dangerous point like this… and every year, they would talk about it and forget it when the indicators were down to normal.

I wonder, how many more years will this be going on?

Smoke at the guest house.

Friday, Aug 7, 2009 from 5 pm until around 9pm tens of thousands of people from various religion and background gathered in the spirit of nationalism, unity and hope for Indonesia’s better future.

The National Anthem Indonesia Raya (Great Indonesia), a national song Indonesia Pusaka (Indonesia, the Heritage) and patriotic songs written by today’s generations’ bands and song writers such as Gebyar-gebyar (Sparkling) written by Gombloh and Merah Putih (Red-white — as in the colour of the flag) written by the band Coklat and many more were sung together.

As the event was hosted by the Christian organization and church, every element around the venue bore symbols of hope, glory and longing of the reign of the Kingdom of God himself over Indonesia. Hundreds of banners were waved in reference to the God of the Christians with different kinds of symbols on each banner. When I looked around and looked closer at the banners the Christian hosts were waving, I recognise the symbols, the meaning and the messages that were waved through the air that night.

A banner of the rose of Sharon was a symbol of Jesus Christ himself. With every wave of this banner, a glimpse of hope that the sweet scent and beauty of the rose of Sharon will fill the nation was expressed. A banner with a crown as a symbol of the King of kings expresses the longing of the just King of heaven to rule over the country. Names of the God of Israel were on other banners, such as Jehovah Nissi (God who fights for me), Jehovah Jireh (God who provides) and Jehovah Shalom (God is my peace).

In the audience I saw hundreds of people waving banners of the colour of the Indonesian flag, red and white, with symbols in the middle. Symbols of a crown, a royal staff and other symbols taken from the Bible, particularly from the Book of Revelation, to honour the king of heavens, were seen.

The event was opened by percussions and the sounding of a Shofar, followed by the ringing of a church bell. The meaning of the Shofar and the church bell was explained by the Moslem leader, Gus Wicaksono, who shortly after the sounding of the Shofar and the church bell said a prayer to the God whom he referred to as  the God of Abraham, Isaac and his descendent Jacob a.k.a. Israel, Ishmael and his descendent Muhammad. In his explanation he told a story of a boy who later became the Commander in Chief of Jakarta’s military area who asked what the meaning of the church bell ringing was. The answer was to call people to enter life. The sounding of the Shofar and the ringing of the church bell at the beginning of the event was exactly to do that – to call people to enter life.

People who were not Christians could easily miss all of the beautiful symbols and messages expressed in every detail you can find throughout the event. But those who understand were silently absorbing each message which made their hearts a place for God to rain down and be present among the people. Yes, God was present. You can feel the deep feeling of peace, warmth and a different, wonderful presence of Somebody throughout the event.

Just after the sounding of the Shofar and the ringing of the church bell, hundreds of doves were released into the air. A dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus came out of the water after he was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended over Him in a form of a dove.

Torches brought in by children were lit up surrounding the fields. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said in the Bible and the torches were symbolizing prayers that in the end Indonesia would bring light to overcome darkness in the whole world.

Five leaders of the biggest religions in Indonesia went on stage to say their prayers, leaders of the Hindus, Buddhist, Moslems, Catholics and Christians. Only 2 of them left a deep impression in the audience. The first was the prayer of the Moslem leader, Gus Wicaksono. He interceded for the country and asked the “God of Abraham” for forgiveness on behalf of the small radical group who had attacked again. He mentioned Jesus Christ with the Christian version ‘Jesus’ as opposed to the Muslim version ‘Isa’ (fyi the Jewish version is ‘Yeshua’.) and prayed that the “God of Abraham and Jesus” would not turn His back against Indonesia and punish the nation for their sins. He asked to heal the land and restore what the country has damaged, and reviving the people, so that Indonesians will be the “salt of the earth” to bring meaning to the lives of the people all over the world instead of destroying lives.

The other prayer that left even a bigger impression was offered by the Christian leader Petrus Hadi. Many leaders of great churches in the whole world have come to Indonesia to prophecy that the country will rise and walk in God’s glory and live in abundance, becoming a blessing to other nations, becoming exporters of missionaries rather than terrorists. Petrus Hadi was one of all the Christians under the synod JKI that believed in it. He spoke blessings over Indonesia and prayed that Indonesia would rise and live in abundance as rich and developed as first world countries – if not richer. He prayed that Indonesia would rise out of their poverty, illiteracy, and all the things that have held them back. As the other four leaders offered their prayer while standing, Petrus Hadi was kneeling on stage, humbling himself before the King of heavens.

Prayers in the form of poems, songs and narration to a play were offered. The last Marriot and Ritz Carlton bombings were to be the last one ever. No more tearing this country apart. We prayed for the government that they be equipped with wisdom, skills, knowledge and God Himself to fight against violence and everything that has destroyed Indonesia for so long.

The whole event was fully packed with songs of prayers and hope for the new Indonesia. The lyrics of the songs were projected on the screens next to the stage so that people were able to sing along. The greatest strength of Indonesia showed up in the event. Indonesian people have a strong sense in solidarity and brotherhood. That is the main reason why there has not been any social revolution despite the fact that unemployment rate has reached nearly 35%. Families stick together, taking care of each other. Even if you are only living as a neighbour in the same village, you are a member of the family. The strong bond and unity was felt strongly during the event.

As one of the singers on stage presented motivational songs, people sang along with one strong united voice, determined to change the prayer in the song into reality. Go to this post to download the songs in the event and also to read the lyrics of the songs.

The prayer event started at about 5 pm. Every soul who cared about Indonesia in Jakarta gathered to sing and pray with the President of Indonesia.

Little did they know that exactly at the same time, at 5pm, far away in Central Java, the police surrounded a house that was a base camp of the South East Asia militant Islamic terrorist, Noordin M. Top. Noordin M. Top, a Malaysian who was the brain behind all the bomb attacks in Indonesia was hurt in the shooting that occurred later that night. The next morning, the news was filled with the first victory of Indonesia as Noordin M. Top and his men were announced dead.

Indonesia believes that God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel is here on this land. Indonesia believes that it will rise up with His love and power and become a powerful influence in the world. I have received oppositions by western cynics who do not believe that this will ever happen. But millions of Christians of Indonesia believe it wholeheartedly and that is enough faith to make it come to pass.

What do you love about Indonesia and what would you like to see change?

I will update this post frequently and add more of your tweets and comments.
You can answer on this blog or reply to me on Twitter.

Here are a few of the replies I have received so far:

@janeinjava What I love most about Indonesia is that the people are so friendly. I hate the corruption!

@irenzzz i love the culture, the history, the old town n old building

@jenjenne definitely food! and culture ;D lesser criminals? it sucks! definitely not helping out in promoting our country good image

@swyuda Love the spicy food, wouldn’t trade it for the world, hope the public infrastructure improve, especially mass transportation

@alisyahsamosir I love the fact that we have so many culture and being united because of that re:What do you love about Indonesia

@amara173 I love Indo because Indo is amazingly beautiful!!! I’d like to see more improved transportation system and to be more clean!

@treespotter oh, that’s the other thing to improve. INSANE IMMIGRATION POLICIES.

@janeinjava I would like to see the healthcare system improve and the public education system.

@sharindrari what I would like to see improve: law enforcement. seriously. top of the list.

@alveta o education.. indonesians need to appreciate what they have.
love: diversity. improve: public facilities.

@anditweet : love Indonesia’s diverse culture and natural beauties,I just wish the govt makes a REAL effort to market it #indonesiaunite

On Indonesia Unite – Indonesia Bersatu on Facebook I have received the following comments:

diminish corruption will gain wealth, prosper and well attain of how our tax done

because i think the most critical problem in our country is only corruption, human resources and how or do our economics better…

corruption in our country tend peoples or Human Resource more lazy, less work because money come well and all infrastructures get low standard because of corruption going on

We encourage everyone from Indonesia to leave a comment!

Thank you very much!

Mike Dammann and the Indonesia To Go Team!

You can also join the ongoing discussion on Facebook:

What are the things that you love about your country.
What would you change if you were in the government?

What do you think would be the step by step solutions to make Indonesia the place that you would want to present to the rest of the world?

Post #2
Roy Maroe wroteon July 24, 2009 at 5:15am
diminish corruption will gain wealth, prosper and well attain of how our tax done

because i think the most critical problem in our country is only corruption, human resources and how or do our economics better…

corruption in our country tend peoples or Human Resource more lazy, less work because money come well and all infrastructures get low standard because of corruption going on

Post #3
You wroteon July 24, 2009 at 5:33am
Thank you, I will add this comment and others on an upcoming blog post.

Keep them coming!

Post #4
Marc Bourdeau (Montreal, QC) wrote9 hours ago
I agree with the corruption, it is a major problem in Indonesia. But what people need to remember, corruption isn’t only at the government, but also to the majority of citizens.

For instance, when you get arrested by the police, are you one of the person that will bribe the police so you can go do your business? Small things like that, makes you as guilty as the police who request the money.

As long as discipline won’t be a part of citizens’ life in here, corruption will still be. People need to start doing something positives, to show to the rest, that some DO care about a healthy & sane country.

Nobody’s perfect, we all know that, but it all start by how you educate your kids, having your kids away in school even on Saturdays, decrease the time with family. My point here, school is the right place to make a difference, it should be Monday – Friday, morning until 4PM, Saturday and Sunday should be simply for spending time with your family.

I do not blame the kids here, i blame the parents who do not take time to educate their children, so at the end, they end-up blowing themselves in hotels because the one who educates him wasn’t a father or mother, left alone, free to do whatever he wants. Of course, depends if the parents are as much responsible for those acts, by not having the right education in the past too.

Take no offense to what i said please, all Indonesian know that discipline is a matter here, but you/they just prefer to follow the rest, which is much easier.

Post #5
Roy Maroe wrote6 hours ago
i know sir or Marc is ok? first of all, i’m sorry about my english! so i need some of you little bit understand, i’m going to describe few of my opinion in bad or good things going on in here…

as you may know, indo-gov has gotten ecomic impact in 97 until now is gotten worsened, from govern officers until lowest citizenz in here were unstable by one of so i called a BIG problem is corruption, corruption it self made kind of trigger an pyramid act like these

from govern officer got money from our tax, yes? but sadly maybe 40% or 60% of it got decrease by it when the below govern officer got it’s like only 40% and decrease more when gotten by departments who in charge on our poverty, security maybe our infrastructure (police dept, general labor, etc)

because of these pyramid trigger our departments feels like (low budget for buying secure appliances for the citizen secures and confortness) and for our city got impact in (less standard because the budget has been cut off 20% until 30% like building road layers it’s more like 70% max of the potency and that’s not all)

and for our human resources as you describes an police got bribery, yes that’s the humiliating part of our life in here….lives in here like live in the forest full of ferocious animal who is the strongest and smartest lives good and the “stupidest” animal got live worse as word in our is (the rich got richest and the poor got poorer) because of our live such unstable in here and because of that many peoples ad i say not only from gov officer but in the loooowest citizens get access how to corrupt for himself….me also corrupt for myself poverty! the Indonesians sadly got position “evil circle” because whenever we do it’s same, it’s endless! i think the main problem is from the government, the govern both president, main officer and below it must act wisely to get out from these endless humiliating, and for school! i think you have good point but you don’t see in my view in here, have you already saw our school (the school of “rich people standard” may different from the people who have less money) we have low curriculum standard in asian here for poor peoples, they only have maybe 30% or at least 60% of their potency in school, half of their potent is made from outside and that’s is society (society in here 70% are unfair-we live in unfair society) how do you think we can manage our generation when outside family they got much bigger then they have (in here family form their children to survive from outside harsh world in only 30% or 80% for rich family because they have good live and for poor people? they only have jungle in there and struggle to survive with only 30% guided how to survive)

most of our citizens tend to think for themselves and for their importance ego
because of the strongest and smartest will live

how or can you live like us? is there maybe a psychiatrist to treat us?

do you know the one of most well payed job in Indonesia is psychiatrist and the doctor? because we all in our deepest mind, we all Indonesia are crazy

i hope you understand about my English word……..my english writing it’s baddddddd…..

Post #6
Marc Bourdeau (Montreal, QC) wrote3 hours ago
Assalamu’alaikum
@Roy:
Hi Roy, Marc is fine, and every level of english is fine, you made your point, and i’m sure we all got the idea behind your thoughts.

I’ve been in Indonesia for quite long now, in 1998 (4 months), I was here when Soeharto went down, i knew in which position was Indonesia during those dark times. 1999 (2 months), i was here too when Habibi went down. Then in 2001, 2 weeks after the WTC crashes, I got here, since then never went home again. I am what we can say, an Indonesian Resident now, and I saw many many things like all of you did. I’ve learn Indonesian language, your culture, married a local, which i have 2 kids now. So i love this country now like it is mine.

Take note, that, corruption happens all over the world, even the biggest countries in the world, the difference with Indonesia, is that, it is open, everybody knows, and ONLY since SBY got the power, we were able to see real changes, KPK is doing their job fine, at least, what we know of.

Since my wife work alot with business man/woman, investors etc, I saw many darksides of the people, eveybody want a piece of everything, which always end with nothing, or no deal at all. (to not bring to much, the Monorail was one of them). My wife had the investor for it, all money was ready, 650 millions US. The mororail group decided to reject the audit demand from the investor, so the investor went back home with his money. That shows how dark people are. Since my wife and partner want to do clean work, it just impossible to get it through, UNLESS you pay money.

And for education, as a Teacher, I’ve been in many schools around Jakarta, rather rich or poor, and you might be surprise how an expensive school might not be has good as a free school. The teachers make the difference, I’ve worked in expensive schools that ask me to cheat on marks, so they can get a good name, how bad do you think this is?

Education is the key, putting more money in it would help, as for the topic title, I think the actual President, is doing his best to bring what Indonesians NEED, not what they WANT, a big difference here. We all want to be rich, all wan to have this and that, cheap gaz, cheap education, cheap food. In a world crisis like we are now. People should start accepting what their government’s doing for them, at least your President. Indonesia voted at 61% for him, that is showing how much Indonesian that can vote, trust him, and should continue to trust him, because he is your leader.

May peace be upon you, all of you who cares about your country!

Post #7
Roy Maroe wrote2 hours ago
i like you Marc, you impress me! my bad to saying things like that to you, umm, it’s hard to thing that i’m doing this by myself, i cannot do much you know marc! it’s like you want do something for your country but none or at least you are a minority opinion….it’s like you’re alone and everybody else doing by themself! for me, my goal in my life only make more money with good ways, doing lotta works to enchance my experience and maybe make a living also get a family…..live in jakarta which people doesn’t mind with everything and only think by them self, go work and after that go home, met with family and after that go sleep, in here we only have time to release stress and maybe think like a normal person it’s only at the night or when we get free day (don’t know how to spelled in English but Indonesia is “libur”)

we have many problems in here but yes your opinion about expensive school is maybe not good as free school or in indonesia is “sekolah umum”
we have unfair and untreated kids in here and they all being strayed for not being school or get what should they do, as you may see many of these childrens are doing “pengemis” kind of people live in the street and make living by others donations

yes2, if you put more efforts, peoples willing to help and money in education i think few of the minority peoples will help the humanitarian in indonesia

but lets face it, still with our words and acts spreads away! many of our important person don’t doing their role both in government and as citizens structures

sometimes i think that maybe Soeharto must rule again with all their might, ahh i miss that days!…today a thousand hundred or a million can’t assure our needs but if you..live in that day! any way….i think SBY can be strong as Soehato in many ways, but without proper help from below to us, i tell you……these unstable will be going on until I HAVE A MONEY to go outside and live out there…i’ve being dreaming to live in Japan because of what i learn of it, Japan or anything else that my country is great to discover, i’m had it with live in big city…i have to travel to open my mind and to socialize with other country…many peoples in indonesia has already live out there because of many problems, one of it is…..indonesian proggress is like turtles, how can you learn or be something when others has already near finish?

any way Marc, as indonesian! i maybe proud of my country, but when you look at it….with less that you have, you unable or less to change people in indonesia….i think the priority to help my country is make MORE money, gather peoples where are willing to help each other and hope that you’re doing good things with all that money….as for now! i’m only a normal person with a few hundred on my wallet and millions for my futures, if i’m willing to help each other it means i have to be more than this….

i hopeeee you don’t give wrong impression about me! for a wrong words i take please understand it….

any way we could be friends, i like about your thinking! i hope there are many of you and maybe, we get more proggress about building indonesian person and city also….

i’m happy (in this time when i wrote this word for you i cannot stop smile for my self)

i’m sure with few or maybe many of you can tribute good things for each other, i’m also want to change people, i choose my path to help others in my country with the act of my doing, i hope all that my doing will end well…i’m doing without want give back for my doing, i’m doing good things because it should….

You can also see my latest posts on Twitter here and I will retweet all of the best tweets:follllow me on Twitter

Wherever you are we will be sending the t-shirt to you with these prices (not including shipping):

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over 15 pieces = US$8.25 each

You can now pre-order the Indonesia Unite t-shirts. They are still in production but will be available for distribution starting Monday, July 27th, 2009.

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To order, use the contact form below. In the message box tell us:

- What size you would like to order (small or large)
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“Sumpah Pemuda” was a declaration on Oct 28, 1928 by young Indonesian nationalists to proclaim one motherland, one nation, one language. The declaration was known as the Youth Pledge or “Sumpah Pemuda”.

During the Dutch colonization, the political movement of “adu domba” (playing one against the other) seperated the people of the land which at the time was known as the Dutch East Indies. Indonesia is the biggest archipelagic state in the whole world, comprised of 17,000 islands… united (if not seperated) by oceans, seas and straits. We have hundreds of different cultures and 300 different languages and dialects; not to mention the different beliefs and religion the people embrace. Given the rich diversity Indonesia has, it is very easy to disunite the people. It is the one thing that was an advantage taken by the Dutch.

The politics of “adu domba” by the Dutch made it possible for them to stay on our soil for 350 years until at one point in history, the young generation of 1928 arose and basically declared unity, having learned the fact that “Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita runtuh”, which means “United we stand, divided we fall.”

In today’s Indonesia, it has a different setting. Unlike the generation of 1928, digital Indonesia of 2009 is not facing colonizing “adu domba” politics. Today’s generation just started to experience real freedom from 350 years of colonization and 32 years of dictatorship. This is the first generation that actually has a more vague memory of the fear and terror of past defeat by both colonial domination and tyrannt government.

Shortly after the new freedom in 1998, fear and terror of another type of domination, Islamic radicals’, almost overcame them. After the last bombing in 2004, thanks to the great work of the government and the help of Australia, the generation of Indonesia Unite finally got to embrace their new freedom… for 5 years… and two new bombs shook Indonesia.

Although still learning how to handle new freedom and young democracy, a fresh sense of nationalism and anger arose. It was only after they tasted a little bit of freedom, that they understood what it meant to have it taken away from them. Indonesia Unite didn’t rise 5 years ago when the first terrorist attacks happened. It rose only after Indonesians tasted freedom, so that they refuse to live without it anymore.

Against colonial domination or terror by Islam radicals, the same spirit of unity has grown in young Indonesians empowering this generation to stand for their country and actually make a difference, just as they did in 1928.

Back to the question by the interviewer, “Is Indonesia Unite ‘Sumpah Pemuda’ reborn?” In terms of promoting unity, yes. But the movement Indonesia Unite has yet to prove that with the size of the masses and supporters (which is growing every minute) they are actually doing far greater things than what was done in 1928.

Although I would be most honored to be historically recorded as being involved in something like “Sumpah Pemuda” reborn, Indonesia Unite still needs to concretely act and build on this spirit to actually be considered in the same level.

Within only 2 hours, #indonesiaunite became the number one trending topic on Twitter. The person behind the Indonesiaunite movement on Twitter is unknown but after talking to Alex Abimanyu, one supporter of this movement that was interviewed by the Indonesian national news channel MetroTV, I realized that there are many independent individuals arising online to support the new movement by Indonesia’s digital generation. It is the movement of “Indonesia Bersatu”, which means “Indonesia Unite!”.

This movement is a call to unite all intellectuals, professionals, students and so on, young and old,  whoever cares to fight terrorism and finally free this country from economic, political and social destruction. This country has worked hard for the past 5 years to get back on its feet again after being attacked by terrorists between 2002-2004.

It is not enough that Indonesians had to struggle to recover from these attacks in the past, they also had to face the world’s judgement as in their eyes, 240 million people of Indonesia were seen as guilty with the attackers. One example of this is the Twitter account of Sasha Lowe, an African-American woman living in the US (her Twitter account has now been deleted), who cursed all Indonesians for this attack. In one of her tweets she said that Indonesians look like monkeys anyways and they all had to be killed.

On Nov 7th, 2008, the Bali bombers of 2002 were finally executed. 8 months later, July 2009, another bombing attack hit two American luxury hotels, JW Marriot and Ritz-Carlton. The people behind the attacks? Most likely from the same militant network headed by a Malaysian.

Today, investigators have found evidence that the two attacks was masterminded by Noordin Top, a Malaysian who heads a breakaway faction of the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah. Read the whole story of the investigation here. The Indonesian government is working together with Malaysia to capture him.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s digital generation join forces to prepare a greater and stronger movement to fight for this country’s freedom of fear and terror. One Indonesian started a Twitter account. Another started a Facebook fan page. Then there is a Facebook group and also the website of the movement.

The Indonesia Unite movement has been all over the news in Indonesia, MetroTV and the Jakarta Post have covered the spirit of young digital Indonesian ready to act and defend this country. Digital Indonesia hope to spread the word to the world that they are not the same as a few people under the Malaysian head of a militant Islam network in South East Asia, and they are not afraid.

Alex Abimanyu who was interviewed by MetroTV expressed his plan to use the joined voices of Indonesia unite to save this country from becoming a nest of the Malaysian network of suicide bombers. In his phone conversation with me, he explained how it was a surprise for him to be interviewed by MetroTV as the instigator of this movement was not exactly him. But who it was is not important. It seems that Indonesians have one mind and one heart one opinion regarding the attacks and it has produced one great movement from different individual souls of Indonesians (or fans of Indonesia) which has come together and synergized.

IndonesiaToGo.com has decided to support this movement as well. We will keep bringing real news about the real people of real Indonesia to the world, along with other necessary support to get this country back to its feet and rise beyond any attempt of domination by anybody. Every move will be updated here on IndonesiaToGo.com.

We had 350 years of colonization and 32 years of dictatorship. Nothing shall control our lives any longer, especially not those God-forsaken terrorists! Arise, Indonesia! Enough is enough!

The people behind Mighty Eagle Foundation are mainly Christians from the new church JKI Mt. Tziyon which is located in Bekasi. There are still only a few people in this church but by God’s grace they have shown great compassionate acts to the poorest community in Bekasi for the past year.

The Christians in Indonesia have received what they call as prophecies by great church leaders of the world from different countries. It is said that Indonesia will arise and become a great blessing to the nations and open one of the many paths “from the ends of the earth back to Jerusalem” as prophecied in the Book of Isaiah.

Charismatic churches have held great events to share blessings with the communities through city-wide events such as ‘Semarang Berbagi Bahagia’ (Sharing Joy with Semarang) and ‘Bekasi Berbagi Bahagia’ (Sharing Joy with Bekasi). These events were held last year and were filled with games, parades and showering people with gifts and free food.

Indonesia maybe poor compared to so many developed countries but they are wonderfully passionate givers.

Free Rice and Oil

How can a land with 240 million people go straight from colonisation by the Dutch to a 37 year dictatorship mixed with attacks from radicals and always being dominated by someone else dictating their way of life and putting them in international isolation without feeling the need to take matters into their own hands?

I don’t get it.

However, on Twitter there has been a new channel called Indonesia Unite and I have come accross this button:

If you are on Twitter, follow us as well on Indonesia To Go.

Also check out the following for latest developments in the movement:

Indonesia Unite on Twitter
Indonesia Unite .NET

However, SBY still urged that this be given top priority in investigation to find out what the bombing was really about. It may be related to the presidential election but it may also be another Islamist terrorist attack after 5 years of peace since the last bombing in 2004.

Indonesia has fought hard against Islamist terrorist, helped by foreign governments, especially Australia. Here is a quote of the Australian online news, the Australian.

No country has done more, or better, than Indonesia in fighting Islamist terrorism. There have been hundreds of arrests, dozens of transparent trials that have educated a sceptical Indonesian public about the intentions and capabilities of the Islamist groups. Hundreds of people have gone to jail long-term. A society-wide consensus has been forged against terrorism. The biggest and most influential Islamic groups all condemn terrorism without qualification.

Indonesia has not done all this to please Washington, still less to please Australia. The nation has taken this stand because it reflects Indonesia’s values and interests and identity.

Indonesia is not a permissive environment for terrorism.

Yet seven years after the Bali bombings, Islamist terrorists can still blow up a five-star hotel, the JW Marriott which they bombed five years ago.

Here is the full translation of SBY’s speech on the Jakarta Bombings at the press conference, Friday afternoon.

Greetings to everyone,

My fellow countrymen and women, to all Indonesians that I love, wherever you are. Today is a black dot in our history [as a nation]. Once again, there has been an attack or a bombing committed by terrorists in Jakarta. It is suspected to have been committed by a group of terrorists, although it may not necessarily be the same terrorism network that we have realized cause nothing but sufferings and troubles that all Indonesians have had to bear.

This barbaric act has brought about innocent casualties as well. Therefore, on this opportunity, on behalf of the country and the government, and as a person, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. To all the victims, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My fellow countrymen and women, the inhuman and thoughtless bombing occurred just when our nation had held its presidential election and while the General Elections Commission (KPU) is still tallying the votes. It has greatly disrupted the security and peace of the country while people want a safe, peaceful and conducive situation. People want the conclusion of the 2009 General Elections to be the starting point for us to unite and rebuild our country for the sake of all Indonesian people.

The bombing was committed when people were still concerned with political brouhaha at the elite level, also — as I have been noticing everyday — with provocative remarks that maintain heated and hostile circumstances, which is not the aspiration of the people who fulfilled their political duties a few weeks ago.

My fellow countrymen and women, I believe almost all of us feel sympathy and sadness, and cry inside, as I do now. Indeed, there are few people who are laughing and screaming in delight, satisfying their maddening anger. These few people, heartless and careless for the destruction of our country from terrorism, do not care about the vast implications of their brutality toward our economy, business climate, tourism, image in the world and many other factors.

Presently, my brothers and sisters, beside us, the government is performing emergency response measures to treat the victims of the bombing. An investigation is on the way as well. I have received a preliminary report of the ongoing investigation. After I read the report, I instructed the Chief of Police, the National Intelligence Agency and other related state institutions to conduct a proper and thorough investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

I believe, as we have discovered before, that the perpetrators and the people who masterminded this terror will be apprehended and we will prosecute them under the law. I have instructed law enforcers to prosecute anyone involved. Whoever he or she is, from whatever political rank and background.

This morning, I have received many statements, or reminders, that made me theorize, or at least be concerned, that this terrorism is related to the result of the presidential election. I would respond like this — that we should not point our fingers, or blame someone without proof. All theories and speculations must be proven in court. Our country is a lawful country, as well as a democratic one. Therefore, the norms of law and democracy must be enacted properly. If someone is guilty under the law, then we could say that the person is guilty.

I must say for the first time to all Indonesians that during the series of legislative and presidential elections in 2009, there were several intelligence reports that were gathered by law enforcers. Once again, this information has never been made public. The report showed a group of terrorists had practiced shooting at my picture, SBY’s picture, as a target. Let me show you.

This is a video recording of them practicing shooting. Two men are shooting with handguns. This is the target. And this is my picture, and they are aiming approximately at my face. This is the intelligence report, with video tape and pictures. It is not a slander, nor an issue. I received the report several moments ago. It is still related to the intelligence that acknowledged there is a plan to commit violence or actions against the law in relation to the election result.

There was also a plan to occupy the office of the General Elections Commission when the result is to announced. There was a statement that there would be a revolution if SBY wins. This is an intelligence report, not rumors, nor gossip. Other statements said they wished to turn Indonesia into [a country like] Iran. And the last statement said that no matter what, SBY should not and would not be inaugurated. You can interpret such threats, and the tens of other intelligence reports that are currently in the hands of our law enforcers.

This morning, just like I used to do, I wanted to come personally to the location [of the attack]. But the Chief of Police and others suggested I should wait, since the area was not yet secure. And danger could come at any time, especially with all of the threats I have shown you. Physical threats.

Surely, life and death is in God’s hands. I should not worry and be restrained in doing my duty to the people, to this country. Since presidential security is borne by the Indonesian Armed Forces, I believe the armed forces have taken the precautions needed. To all intelligence reports, whether they are related to the bombing or not, I have instructed to all law enforcers to perform their duties correctly, objectively, decisively and lawfully.

If the threats are not related to today’s bombing, they still need to be prevented, because anarchy, violence, vandalism and all other crimes are not the characteristics of a democratic and lawful country, obviously. For all of this, I, as the president, condemn the brutal act of terrorism. I also feel very sorry about the incident. Perhaps, or usually, during times like this, many of us are afraid to express our scorns or condemnations due to political considerations. On the other hand, I must say it loud and clear, as my mandate as the president.

Why do I have to feel very sorry? First of all, you all know that for the last five years, our economy has been growing rapidly. Business, tourism, food self-sufficiency, investment, trade, real sectors, have all been moving favorably regardless of the global crisis. Secondly, during the last week alone, our stock exchange index were improving drastically and our Rupiah was strengthening [against US dollar] as well. With the growing economy, the welfare of our people was developing also, including the execution of poverty and unemployment eradication programs, which I usually mention as the Pro-People Program.

All that has happened, my beloved brothers and sisters of Indonesia, is because in the last couple of years, our country has been truly safe and peaceful. In addition to the economic growth, our people throughout the country can work and live their lives in peace, free from fear. Meanwhile, the reputation of our country in the world is increasing as the world sees our country to be more safe, organized and peaceful. Our country has a blooming democracy and improved human rights implementation, a developing country that plays its role globally. Even, and this is a sad part, if the bombing did not occur, a legendary football club, Manchester United, would have played in Jakarta.

My fellow countrymen and women, with all of these brutal and thoughtless acts of terrorism, what we have built in the last five years with the labor and sweat of all Indonesians, once again must endure another shake and setback. Implications, once again, must be borne by all Indonesians, minus the bombers.

Therefore, truth and justice will be served. I swear, for the sake of my beloved Indonesians, that the government will execute proper and decisive punishments to the bombers, including the mastermind and organizers, and for other crimes that might or could happen on our country nowadays.

To the Indonesian Police Force, Indonesian Armed Forces and National Intelligence Agency, also the governors, district chiefs and mayors, I would like to ask you to remain on high-alert status and strive to prevent terrorism. More importantly, the law enforcers must truly seek, capture and prosecute the perpetrators, organizers, and masterminds behind this violence. Maybe some of them have committed crimes, assassination or murders and gotten away with these crimes, but this time we will not let them become Draculas and death-mongers in our country.

I realize that for the last five years, police have frequently prevented and stopped terrorism actions. Confiscating explosive materials, uncovering several terrorism networks, even though today’s bombing has happened, a disaster that has torn the security and reputation of our country and nation. To prevent and exterminate terrorism, and other crimes properly, the intelligence [agency] must be very sharp. Prevention must be very effective. The police, the intelligence agency, the armed forces must unite in a complete synergy. Negligence and ignorance must be discarded. This is our mandate given by the people, for our country.

To all Indonesians, as you increase public alertness, stay at your work and live your lives normally. If something suspicious happens, call the police. Don’t let terrorists and their masterminds lurk in your neighborhood. You can fall prey to their actions at any time if they are allowed to mastermind further terror in our country.

For the future, I encourage all Indonesians and all elements of the nation to unite and stand together in protecting the safety and peace of this country. No country and no religion condones terrorism, whatever the motives and reasons are. Don’t hesitate, nor be afraid, in preventing and exterminating terrorism. Meanwhile, the terror we had today should never break our spirit and endeavor to build and to advance our country.

We must keep on fighting to better our economy, politics, democracy, human rights implementation, law enforcement, regional development, people’s welfare and so on. The fact is that there is a major catastrophe due to today’s act of terrorism. But we will make it right together, and we shall rise and move forward again. We, the nation, the country and the people, shall not falter nor cave in to terrorism. No violence, extremism, and other crimes shall continue to live on this country.

God Almighty, Allah SWT, shall protect and save our lives. With God’s blessings, I assure you, my brothers and sisters of Indonesia, that I shall stand right up front to face the clear and present danger and to carry out the hard, yet noble, mandate you have given to me.

Thank you,

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.