tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241919842008-07-20T05:17:54.585+07:00Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-7562299847339640052008-06-19T13:15:00.005+07:002008-06-19T13:45:43.025+07:00

Rupanya, proses penerbitan buku itu lumayan rumit. Tahap yang paling melelahkan adalah pengeditan dan perancangan (design) buku. Mungkin karena buku ini berisi tulisan-tulisan yang pernah dipublikasikan, sehingga tahap penulisannya tidak begitu rumit karena naskahnya sudah siap cetak. Anyway, pengalaman pertama kan selalu exiting. Jadi, ini dia buku pertama yang saya publikasikan! Buku ini

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-30522464499289824032008-06-11T17:47:00.006+07:002008-06-11T18:05:45.062+07:00

As always, in the height of fuel prices issues and impacts, controversy with Malaysia always follows. This kind of threads is usually effective to attract the Indonesian public attentions, arises negative sentiments to the neighbouring country and subsequently shifts the focus from the fuel prices hike impacts. I predict this issue will come forward as soon as the FPI controversies calmed down.

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-76744539565014171362008-06-03T17:22:00.002+07:002008-06-03T17:26:17.509+07:00

The World Bank Growth Commission published their 2008 report. It’s the report that the economist William Easterly mocked at in his column at the Financial Times. “My students at New York University would have been happy to supply statements like these [in the report] to the World Bank for a lot less than $4m,” he said. He further argues that individual freedom, rather than directions from the

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-52326547451413224832008-05-30T12:12:00.005+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.487+07:00

So far, I have been blogging in English. The reason is because I have seen lack of understanding about Indonesia and its situation among foreigners or those who live outside the country. However, now I also observe that public discourse in Indonesia is also very distorted. I see there are two main reasons why it happens. First, because I am now aware that even among Indonesians, understanding

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-42638552211414542202008-05-15T14:18:00.004+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.488+07:00

Found this book at a book store in Jakarta:

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-57705428935870545092008-04-25T16:40:00.003+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.490+07:00

An American-based influential magazine, Foreign Policy, has come up with their list of top 100 Public Intellectuals. This year, an Indonesian was put on the list, that is Anies Baswedan, the president of Paramadina University. Other names include Pope Benedict XVI (Germany/Vatican), Noam Chomsky (United States), Richard Dawkins (Britain, the author of 'The God Delusion'), Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-75756229950331744792008-04-23T19:21:00.004+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.491+07:00

The victory of Fernando Lugo, an ex Catholic Bishop, in Paraguay’s presidential election reminded me of a similar story 10 years ago when we started the reformasi in Indonesia. At that time, the HKBP church, which I’m a member of, was in trouble because of an intervention by the Soeharto’s regime. The church was divided between two groups that accepted and rejected the appointment of the

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-10724499433859950152008-04-21T17:49:00.008+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.493+07:00

I have long been suspicious about the 'common sense' of the causes of terrorism. As many have said, poverty and lack of education have been mentioned as the root causes of terrorism. New research by Alan Krueger of Princeton found out that terrorists do not come from poor family or people with lack of education. Most people who got involved in violent acts or organisations that urge violence as

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-17359573993847327932008-04-16T19:37:00.003+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.494+07:00

After predicted to win the gubernatorial elections in West Java and North Sumatra, Tifatul Sembiring, the President of PKS, boosted that the victories will subsequently increase the party’s votes in 2009. “The victories are our asset to achieve the 20 percent target of votes in the 2009 national election... We have won 89 out of 149 elections,” he said as quoted by Detikcom.He further said that

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-13206541520311887312008-04-08T17:49:00.005+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.495+07:00

A few days ago, I had a conversation with a friend about the government’s banning on websites that contain adult materials. Him (H): Good! I support the government’s policy to block all porno websites! Me (M): Why? H: Because it is impossible for parents to control what their kids are doing on the internet. M: But, if it’s so difficult for parents to control their own children, do you think the

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-17957595321054911672008-04-08T16:25:00.004+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.497+07:00

The parliament (DPR) finally passed Boediono as new governor of Bank Indonesia. Contrary to the DPR's response to the previous candidates, Raden Pardede and Agus Marto, the ‘fit and proper test’ for Boediono ran smoothly. Forty-five out of 46 members of the Komisi XI gave their votes for Boediono. The only rejection came from PAN’s Dradjad Wibowo, who questioned Boediono’s credibility due to his

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-30717056435846392142008-04-07T17:55:00.001+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.498+07:00

Again, a religious issue is used to divert people’s attention from our real problem. Now, it’s a short movie produced by a Dutch politician about Islam. Several groups protested and the government has asked all internet service providers to block all websites and blogs that contain the movie. We must remind all parties that our country is now in the middle of a serious situation. Currently, we

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-24176435799904361662008-04-02T18:58:00.003+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.498+07:00

Meilono Soewondo, a friend and a ‘big brother’ passed away yesterday at 1 pm in Bandung. I went to his funeral today at TPU Jeruk Purut along with other hundreds of people to pay him our last respect. I knew mas Meil about six years ago. It was a spontaneous meeting between activists and a few members of parliament who wanted to do something to bring this nation back on track. After series of

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-3760890381744475862008-03-31T14:56:00.005+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.500+07:00

I just got back from West Sulawesi Province for a field research. The area that we went to is a remote area, which probably you have never heard before. It’s a small village called Doda in Mamuju Utara regency. The area was part of Mamuju regency, until 2001 when President Megawati Soekarnoputri signed the presidential decree of Mamuju Utara as a new regency. The people we met were very

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-61508091313765438642008-03-19T15:48:00.003+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.501+07:00

My friends urged me to publish a compilation of my writings in various newspapers. In the beginning, I didn’t give much attention to the idea, because I wanted to publish my dissertation first. But then, they quickly organised all the processes; from editing, proofreading, cover design, until ISBN registration, and now it is almost ready to be printed. One thing is still needed, though. That is

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-48704675263693348042008-03-18T14:33:00.007+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.501+07:00

I had a new driver last week and several times we had ‘discussions’ when he’s driving. One time he took the right lane when we were about to turn left, and I asked: Q: Why are you taking this lane when you know we are about to turn left? A: Because the queue on the left lane is too long, Pak. Q: Yes, but by doing this, you disrespect other people’s rights who want to go straight! And, it’s also

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-75882159956445220942008-03-14T11:22:00.007+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.502+07:00

It is not a surprise to see the DPR’s decision of the proposed candidates, Agus Martowardojo and Raden Pardede, for the Governor of Bank Indonesia (BI). We have known from the beginning that both candidates were nominated without enough support from the public, as well as political support from the Parliament. However, the comments from the law-makers are surprising. This is what they say: Agus

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-62979971983118568042008-03-12T16:42:00.006+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.503+07:00

I had lunch with Ong Hock Chuan (link: Unspun Blog) today. I just realised that it was my first 'Kopdar' with other bloggers! (well, I've also met the blogger Wimar, but that was before we became bloggers) We talked for about one hour about many things; such as Malaysia, Indonesia, corruptions, current projects, blogging, etc. The last issue that we talked about was the plan for (a bigger) Pesta

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-73361741012226596772008-03-12T10:48:00.004+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.504+07:00

Abstract: The downturn of US supreme economic power is a valuable opportunity for Indonesia to seek more alternative economic supports. If Indonesia can smartly play its role, its advantage as the biggest nation in the Southeast Asia region can be beneficial for making more fair economic deals to foster its development. Read more in SGP's Analysis Corner (free registration)

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-7026249839942934502008-03-11T14:25:00.005+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.505+07:00

Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC), a Hongkong based firm, released its newest survey result on corruptions in Asian nations. This year, Indonesia ranked third, which is a better position, under the Philippines and Thailand. "International ratings agencies might have improved Indonesia's foreign and domestic currency debt ratings recently, citing the government's efforts to tackle

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-73429377958991006582008-03-10T14:23:00.002+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.506+07:00

Sorry for being silent for almost two weeks. I was ill and treated in hospital for typhoid for one week and must rest for recovery for another four days. But now, as you can see, I’m back! Together with the people of Malaysia, I want to celebrate the beginning of democracy in Malaysia. As widely reported, Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition, has lost its more than two decades absolute

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-71183123133955466712008-02-27T15:59:00.004+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.506+07:00

Recently, I met several former activists who are now forming new political parties. They come from Partai Pergerakan Rakyat (People’s Movements Party) and Partai Persatuan Pembebasan Nasional (National Liberation United Party). Another friend, also a former activist, is a member of Megawati Soekarnoputri’s PDI Perjuangan, joined our discussion. We were talking about the new political and

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-2109762583396644012008-02-25T15:57:00.001+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.507+07:00

Many celebrated the Law no. 23/1999, and later strengthened by Law no. 3/2004, that granted Bank Indonesia (BI) a status of an ‘independent central bank’. People hoped that it will make the central bank free from any interventions from the executive branch of government. However, it is because of the effort to strengthen its independence that BI now has to deal with graft case. No less than Rp

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-74815854565507900632008-02-22T12:15:00.005+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.508+07:00

We are going to see Wimar again back on TV, starting next month. Although he has been voted 2 times as favourite male talkshow host and got highest ratings many times, Wimar's TV programmes were three times sacked. Now, he says, he will be back for real. Welcome back, Wimar!

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191984.post-62090104327744849602008-02-19T14:52:00.005+07:002008-06-03T16:18:19.509+07:00

I had a 5-day visit to Bangkok from February 11 to 15, 2008. The last time I visited the city was in 2002 for a seminar. The last week trip was for a discussion about ASEAN-EU Free Trade Area. Six years ago I still arrived at Bangkok's old airport Don Muang, which is now being refurbished. Last week, it was already Suvarnabhumi Airport, a huge and modern airport that amazed me. When looking

Martin Manurunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16081065694089397478noreply@blogger.com