Hanara's Academic Projects

Berspesialisasi Bersama Facebook ::

2009-11-09T22:44:00.000-08:00

Sejak tahun 2008 saya benar-benar merasakan dunia cyber sebagai berkah tak terhingga. Sejak tahun itu saya ber-azzam untuk serius menjadikan dunia cyber sebagai salah satu instrumen terpenting dalam pengembangan spesialisasi saya. Pasalnya, sejak tahun ini ada dua komunitas cyber yang begitu signifikan merangsang gairah saya untuk terus berproses otodidak menapaki tangga-tangga spesialisasi.

Komunitas pertama adalah komunitas online “Indo Blawgger” yang saya temukan pertama kali di bulan Januari 2008, ini adalah sebuah komunitas yang beranggotakan para pengelola blog hukum Indonesia yang kebanyakan adalah para akademisi hukum, mahasiswa hukum, peneliti hukum, praktisi hukum, dan bahkan pejabat di lembaga-lembaga hukum Indonesia.

Interaksi dengan komunitas online “Indo Blawgger” ini belakangan saya sadari telah menjadi fase fundamen maha penting dalam keseriusan tekad saya untuk benar-benar mapan berspesialisasi dengan segala ke-otodidakan yang niscaya. Mengingat sampai saat ini, dengan segala realita “takdir” studi di Al-Azhar dan minat karya masa depan, masalah spesialisasi adalah suatu hal yang bagi saya masih terus berproses dan belum pernah bisa saya putuskan secara final, karena di disiplin ilmu saya sendiri (Syariah dan Hukum), ada banyak sekali pilihan sekaligus tuntutan spesialisasi yang begitu dilematis, demikian juga di bidang Diplomasi yang saya minati untuk menjadi cita-cita karya masa depan saya.

Dengan aktif mengikuti perkembangan komunikasi dan wacana di komunitas online “Indo Blawgger” ini, berbagai pencerahan saya rasakan datang bertubi-tubi, saya berkali-kali tersentak menyadari jika sebagai mahasiswa jurusan Syariah dan Hukum, saya memiliki tanggung jawab moral yang lebih banyak, karena dalam satu waktu yang bersamaan, mahasiswa jurusan ini dituntut untuk menguasai segala teori hukum konvensional yang kebanyakan menjadikan hukum Mesir sebagai sampel teoritisnya, juga dituntut untuk mengerti detail tentang Hukum Islam, sekaligus juga dituntut untuk akrab dengan perkembangan realita hukum di tanah air, dan di atas semua itu, saya juga perlahan menyadari jika etika spesialisasi meniscayakan saya untuk berkomitmen menentukan bidang hukum apa yang harus saya kuasai secara mendalam. Klimaksnya, pencerahan itu benar-benar saya rasakan saat saya sampai pada keberanian untuk mengurus aplikasi magang di Departemen Luar Negeri dan diterima sebagai peserta magang perdana dari Al-Azhar setelah bertekad bahwa bidang Hukum Internasional-lah yang akan menjadi pilihan spesialisasi saya dari sektor disiplin ilmu saya di Al-Azhar, dan bidang diplomasi lah yang menjadi pilihan karya masa depan saya.

Pasca magang di Deplu, euforia saya untuk berspesialisasi semakin menjadi-jadi, saya semakin menemukan titik terang di mana saya akan benar-benar mengarahkan navigasi spesialisasi tersebut dengan tetap menyeimbangkan antara tanggung jawab moral atas disiplin ilmu saya di Al-Azhar dan tuntutan cita-cita karya masa depan. Lalu dengan harapan dan keinginan yang dalam, saya lalu mendeklarasikan bahwa Hukum [Internasional], Politik [Internasional], dan Diplomasi adalah bidang-bidang yang harus benar-benar saya tekuni.

Lalu di rentang inilah saya temukan jenis komunitas cyber kedua yang ternyata lebih dahsyat menstimulan saya untuk semakin berserius menekuni bidang-bidang yang telah saya deklarasikan untuk saya tekuni tersebut. Komunitas ini tak lain adalah komunitas Facebook.

Mengapa Facebook daya stimulannya saya sebut lebih dahsyat? Ya, karena semua leading academic advisors yang selama ini sangat pesat menginspirasi saya via komunitas online “Indo Blawgger” semuanya aktif juga berjejaring maya di Facebook, dan selain itu, Facebook memanglah terbukti merupakan media jejering sosial yang pola komunikasi dan kemitraannya sangat cepat terbangun dan tidak mengenal batas geografis bahkan batas golongan maupun kasta, hal ini sangat memungkinkan saya untuk berkenalan dan berinteraksi lebih banyak dengan leading academic advisors yang lain, yang tentu akan sangat membantu saya untuk semakin menemukan jalan dalam memenuhi tanggung-jawab moral deklarasi akademik saya tadi, terlebih jika mengingat bahwa bidang Politik [Internasional] dan bidang Diplomasi yang notabene juga mewajibkan pencapaian wawasan-wawasan di bidang Hubungan Internasional, Isu-isu Internasional, Perkembangan Internasional, dan lain-lain, benar-benar menuntut metode eksplorasi self-tailored atau metode yang meniscayakan perancangan agenda/capaian-capaian akademik secara mandiri.

Dalam deskripsi yang lebih spesifik, bisa disebutkan bahwa perkenalan dan interaksi dengan beberapa rekan yang concern, spesialis dan otoritatif di bidang-bidang tersebut di Facebook benar-benar telah dan terus menghantarkan saya pada beberapa poin kunci dalam menetapkan target-target dan tangga-tangga capaian yang harus saya tempuh di dunia nyata, serta juga menginspirasi saya untuk benar-benar memberdayakan Facebook sebagai instrumen maya terpenting dalam menunjang pencapaian target-target dan penapakan tangga-tangga capaian di dunia nyata tersebut. Dari sinilah inspirasi-inspirasi, agenda-agenda, tangga-tangga proses dan capaian-capaian dunia maya dan dunia nyata saya menemukan sinkronisasinya yang harmonis dan mutual dalam proses pencapaian proyek-proyek akademik saya.

Beberapa contoh sederhana dari sinkronisasi tersebut adalah jika dari para leading academic advisors saya di Facebook saya menemukan poin kunci yang menanamkan paradigma bahwa lembaga-lembaga Think tank adalah sumber-sumber luar biasa untuk memandang dan menekuni bidang Politik [Internasional] dan Diplomasi secara lebih substansial dari sisi keilmuan, maka hal ini menjadi motivasi luar-biasa bagi saya untuk meng-explore beberapa lembaga Think-tank terkait di Cairo dan mengusahakan agar bisa mengikuti forum-forum ekslusif terkaitnya seperti seminar, workshop, training, roundtable discussion, dan lain-lain yang tentunya membuka kesempatan untuk berinteraksi dengan tokoh-tokoh yang pakar di bidangnya, sebutlah Lembaga Think tank ICFS (International Center for Future and Strategic), PCSDC (Program of Cultural Studies and Dialogue among Culture), ILF (International Law Forum), ACPSS (Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies), dan lain-lain.

Contoh lain, saya selalu berusaha menjadikan beberapa fasilitas Facebook sebagai motivasi untuk mengembangkan wawasan di bidang yang telah saya deklarasikan dan juga sebagai wahana untuk mendialogkannya dengan para leading academic advisors saya dan rekan-rekan Facebook lainnya, seperti sebutlah status Facebook, Notes, atau bahkan Wall yang sering saya gunakan untuk share link-link yang saya beri catatan singkat pembacaan saya, dan saya tak segan-segan men-tag orang-orang yang otoratif di bidang yang sedang saya wacanakan demi input wawasan yang lebih substansial. Dan sinkronisasinya adalah, aktivitas-aktivitas Facebook yang maya ini menuntut saya untuk mengumpulkan archives wacana sebanyak-banyaknya dari aktivitas-aktivitas nyata saya, baik itu studi formal saya di Al-Azhar, maupun program non-degree education saya di Faculty of Economic and Political Science Cairo Uni, atau pembelajaran-pembelajaran di beberapa lembaga Think tank yang saya sebutkan sebelumnya, atau bahkan sekedar dari hasil bacaan saya atas literatur cetak.

Dan Rekans, ketahuilah, meskipun tampak sederhana, aktivitas-aktivitas ber-Facebook yang terbukti telah bersinkron harmonis dan mutual dengan proses pencapaian proyek-proyek akademik saya di dunia nyata, bagi saya tetaplah merupakan upaya-upaya yang meniscayakan keseriusan karena saya sadar bahwa saya masih berlevel pemula di bidang-bidang yang telah saya deklarasikan, dan bahwa deklarasi akademik ini hanyalah merupakan pintu gerbang dari spesialisasi itu sendiri, masih akan ada perjalanan panjang tak terpetakan yang harus saya tempuh.[]

Dimuat di Kolom Suplemen Buletin Terobosan, edisi November 2009

“Syajarat Limun/Lemon Tree/Les Citronniers" Film ::

2009-10-29T00:55:00.000-07:00

This film is a touching one Guys! I watched it at “Layar Tancap” and Film Review held by AKAR Cultural House and Banten Student Association in Egypt some days ago. This film is substantially contained of scenes of Israel-Palestine conflict with a very authentic setting. And owh! I was literally fascinated! Suddenly felt that my love to Arab and Middle East significantly increased, and suddenly obliged myself to someday venture every part of Arab land.

Yeah, although I found many of misleading paradigms which was fundamentally and “massively” arranged through its each stages, and certainly, it was kind of a huge reductive one compared to the real condition of Palestinian, but this film still burn a “jihad” syndrome and left me a mysterious call to someday step my foot on that touching land… Watch it! :)

On Last International Forum for Al-Azhar Graduates, June 2009 ::

2009-10-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

Al-Azhar's effort to arrange a really ambitious theme on last International Forum for Al-Azhar Graduates was a very advanced step to clarify the principal misconception among the effort to manifest a real harmony between Islam and the West relationship. Since it is commonly stated that until now, the West still stands on their old assumption perceiving that both Islam and Muslim term can be lumped together under one banner. This assumption however, has became a major obstacle in achieving any significant improvements regarding the so called Islam-West relationship.

But unfortunately that both audiences and even speakers were mostly separated away from the soul of that great theme during the forum, as they didn't really discuss what really at issue and what really at stake pertaining on that theme.

And through these "misleading" conditions of forum, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed El Tayeab as a Chairman of World Association of Al-Azhar Graduates (WAAG), has frequently urged in every time that "misleading" happened, in order not to run away from the soul of that established theme (He also urged me! Haha, because I was kind off fascinated with one of speaker's "misleading" issue by arguing a similar "misleading" feedback ala thul after his presentation lol!)

Yeah, in short it should be admitted that last International Forum for Al-Azhar Graduates was still failed to really bring that great theme on the discussion table, although there were still some efforts that the committee strive to do to hide that failure through declaring some important summaries in the end of that forum.

And concerning on this failure, I think it is conceivably to urge WAAG to arrange a similar theme for the next forum, which is “Al-Azhar and West, The Scope and Governing Principles of Dialogue/Al-Azhar wa Al-Gharb, Dlawabithu Al-Hiwaar wa Huduuduhu”

Arab and Non-Arab Muslim States Are Both Shared Stakeholders! ::

2009-10-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Building the dialogue between Islam and the West has been a huge pursued project and a most told topic around the effort to manifest a real harmony of Islam-West relationship. As what was discussed on last seventh meeting of the Annual Ramadan Islamic Thoughts Forum held by The Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments in Hussein mosque, Cairo.

Mr. Musthofa Faqhi as a guest speaker unequivocally affirmed that Islam, as an integrated part of this world society, will be always in high interdependence with another component of that society. As Islam itself, has clearly declared that Muslim life will not be just limited on their own religious zone, as well as that a meritorious Muslim will not be just those who play their significant roles in religious zone, but also those who play another crucial role in the other sectors, be it in social, political, economic, diplomacy or many other area of roles.

To manifest that mentioned harmony of Islam-West relationship, Mr. Musthofa Faqhi stated that Egypt, with its whole “gold” position in each geographical, political and historical aspects, and with its existence as Al-Azhar University and Cairo University country, will absolutely play a central role among the other Muslim states, moreover considering that Egypt was proudly chosen as a “podium” of Obama’s speech to the all Muslim world on last June, in where Obama himself frankly appraised that Egypt with the existence and the role of those two “complementary” colleges, has been attaining its harmony in both tradition and progress.

As an entry of the point, I would firstly assert my agreement on Mr. Musthofa Faqhi’s other statement that accounted Obama’s last speech to all Muslim countries from this timeless city of Cairo has been a new beginning for Islam-West relationship after all previous decades of mistrust, as well as my agreement on a statement that accounted Obama’s last speech has became a real new spirit of those two colleges to prove that they really deserve to play those center roles.

Al-Azhar for instance, through its prestigious and influential forums of International Forum for Al-Azhar Graduates on last June in Grand Hyatt hotel, Cairo, had ardently tried to prove it by arranging a really ambitious theme: “Al-Azhar and West, The Scope and Governing Principles of Dialogue”, and inviting some of western leading speakers who has ultimate concern on related-matters such as Karen Armstrong, Karen Jo Torjesen, Paul F. Knitter, etc.

But on top of what I agreed before, I would also assertively assess that in case of declaring Egypt or any other Arab states as the only central power to pursue and manifest a real harmony of Islam-West relationship, we would find sort of discrimination treatment and perception on the essential meaning and the ideal role-equal among Muslim states itself, in which actually consist of Arab states and non-Arab states with high number of Muslim population like Indonesia, Malaysia, etc, which in fact, has been also playing many of their leading roles in building the understanding and the interfaith dialogue between Islam and the West.

Let’s observe Indonesia, for some latest years, Department of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Indonesia has been projecting interfaith dialogue as one of its diplomacy’s soft power in each national, regional and multilateral level. As well as disposing it as its both foreign policy’s sources and consideration. The first bilateral interfaith dialogue has been building with Austria on last May 2009, and as a positive respond, Germany, Japan and China has enthusiastically shown their serious will to hold a similar program with Indonesia.

Dr. Elisabeth Karamat, the delegation of Indonesia-Austria Diplomat Exchange, firmly affirmed that the interfaith dialogue in Indonesia has been taking its root. She said that Indonesia has its long experience in term of building the interfaith dialogue, where she acknowledged that Islamic tradition in Indonesia has its own typical ways to teach the importance of tolerance in building the advance, justice and civilized society, as well as to anticipate the inclination of extremity, which are resulted by some Muslim society themselves, or those are resulted by global injustice.

Approaching and asserting further on this argument, we should also take a look on the proliferation of regionalism in Asia, in where Indonesia has gained its bargaining position through that regionalism with its highest-achievement in democratization in Asia, beside also its position as the most important state in both geopolitics and geostrategic aspects among another ASEAN and East Asia states. In which due to those strategic and bargaining positions, it can be arguably stated that Hillary Rodham Clinton’s last initial trip to Indonesia, along with Japan, South Korea and China, was also regarded as a strong indication strengthening these positions, where that initial trip was accounted as a priority trip displacement considering that three previous US Secretaries State had contrary prioritized their initial trip to Europe and Middle East.

In addition, pertaining on the previous last estimation, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Indonesia, Hassan Wirajuda, was also asserting that Indonesia’s inclusion in that initial trip destinations strongly indicates Indonesia’s achievements as a model state in which democracy, Islam, and modernity able to be equal to each other, where in Indonesia, we can find sort of shared values in each term of democracy, the advancement and the protection of human rights, pluralism, including also tolerance.

Hence, at the end of the day, it is now sort of enormous necessity for all Muslim states to consciously clarify and assert the essential meaning of Muslim states itself which indeed refers to Arab states and non-Arab Muslim states, as well as to start rethinking and building an ideal role-equal appropriating their each potencies against what I complained as discrimination in both treatment and perception on that essential meaning and required ideal role-equal among Muslim states. Putting a humble example on that ideal role-equal, we could feature Iran-America conflict for instance, where here, Indonesia could play its role to bridge that conflict considering that Indonesia has its good relationship with both Iran and America, not to mention that not all of “leading and strategic” Arab states has their good relationship with both Iran and America to play a role of bridging that conflict.

So finally, if Obama, on his last speech to all Muslim world said that in order to build a real harmony of Islam-America relationship, both Islam and America should understand that the challenges they both face are shared, and their failure to manifest it will hurt them all, I think it is also relevance to call a similar statement to both Arab and non-Arab Muslim states, which precisely means that they should consciously realize that they both are shared stakeholder in manifesting that aimed real harmony of Islam-West relationship.[]

Outlining A Youthful Plan of Actions in Building the ASEAN Community 2015 ::

2009-09-26T02:45:00.000-07:00

Through the project of ASEAN Community Establishment 2015, ASEAN is now significantly transforming into a more integrated and futuristic phase of cooperation. The acceleration of its establishment from 2020 to 2015 requires its member states with whole of its society components to simultaneously strive for facing the challenges of this project, especially the challenge to adapt the ASEAN countries’ development with the proliferation of other countries’ development, as also the challenge to increase ASEAN peoples’ awareness and a “we-feeling” to ASEAN, in order this kind of international cooperation will totally transform into people-centered organization in the upcoming years.

An ASEAN Community itself, as mentioned in the Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration, stands with its noble goals which comprise three pillars, namely political-security community, economic community and socio-cultural community, all of which are closely intertwined and mutually reinforcing for the purpose of ensuring durable peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region.

ASEAN-Indonesia Youth Ambassador and the Power of Youth

I do agree on what Kinanti Wicaksono said in her statement at the ASEAN Foundation 10th Anniversary Forum on last 16th of January 2008, that as a youth, we should certainly convey our highest appreciation to Department of Foreign Affairs for initiating such smart event of ASEAN-Indonesia Youth Ambassador Election, in order to get more youth involved in ASEAN integration and community building process. In which we can frankly assess that by walking this way, Department of Foreign Affairs, with its position as ASEAN cooperation’s focal point, has been able to empower youth’s remarkable potencies within its country by treating youth as an inseparable part and a real stakeholder of it.

And involving the youth is always a right decision in holding any kind of crucial agendas, with the consideration that youth, as one of crucial society components, basically own their propensity to take initiative and be open-minded, idealist, active, energetic, dynamic, tolerant and optimistic. As also basically own their proved-significant positions as an agent of changes, future leaders and region’s key stakeholder.

So, what plan of actions should be outlined for youth to play all their active roles in this ASEAN integration and community building process?

Firstly, it is important to be insisted that the acceleration of ASEAN Community’s Establishment by 2015 requires ASEAN to balance the attainment of its three pillars, in order those pillars will be closely intertwined and mutually reinforcing as commanded in Bali Concord II. Hence, what we are going to outline as youth’s roles should certainly support what Bali Concord II commanded and be in accordance with it. Which means that we should categorize youth’s roles according to those three pillars beside we should also notice every single of those roles as an action plan priority without any distinctions, in order to support the establishment of ASEAN Community 2015 that is politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible. Well, here is the outline:

1. Youth’s Roles in Building the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)

Adapted on what APSC Blueprint and Joint Statement of the ASEAN University Youth Summit 2008 outlined, we can note some following plan of actions for youth to play all their active roles in building the APSC:

a. Taking part in promoting the understanding and appreciation of political systems, culture, history, and security issues of ASEAN Member States. Beside also actively involved in some ASEAN youth cultural and historical exchange in order to enhance popular and broader participation.
b. Taking part in promoting good government, principles of democracy, preventing and combating corruption and terrorism, include also peace and stability in the region.
c. Promoting the effort of ASEAN for the protection of youth’s rights and also promoting the vigilance among youth against security treats.
d. Encouraging youth friendship across borders in preventing conflicts between ASEAN Member States, as also promoting a culture of tolerance and acceptance of differences among those ASEAN Member States.
e. Taking part on some ASEAN humanitarian assistance and volunteering in some post conflicts areas.

2. Youth’s Roles in Building the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

To support the realization of the end goal of economic integration, youth can implement some following youthful plan of actions, which is also adapted from AEC Blueprint and Joint Statement of the ASEAN University Youth Summit 2008:

a. Taking part in promoting the understanding and the importance of equitable economic development through ASEAN Economic Community and Regional Economic Integration, as also promoting the understanding and the importance of integration into the global economy, in order to expand both economic growth and development in the region.
b. Encouraging ASEAN Member States to promote single market and production base, comprising its five core elements, include promoting the sustainable development.
c. Supporting and promoting the principles of Competition Policy, Consumer Protection, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Taxation, and E-Commerce.
d. Bridging the economic development gap in the region, as like being a volunteer that provide technical assistance to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV countries).
e. Supporting and strengthening the entrepreneurship in the region.
f. Calling on ASEAN Member States to increase infrastructure development and skilled employment opportunities in order to retain human capital.

3. Youth’s Roles in Building the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

Adapted on what ASCC Blueprint and Joint Statement of the ASEAN University Youth Summit 2008 outlined, we can also note some following plan of actions for youth to play all their active roles in building the APSC:

a. Conducting various kinds of capacity building and human development programs to support effective youth participation and leadership in ASEAN, as like taking part in investing the human resource development through leadership training, promotion of English as a common language, teacher exchange, etc. Include also taking part in promoting of decent work, promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT), strengthening entrepreneurship skills for women, youth, elderly, and person with disabilities, etc.
b. Taking part in enhancing social welfare and protection through actively involved in promoting the spirit of poverty alleviation, food security and safety, ensuring a-drug free ASEAN, etc.
c. Taking part in enhancing social justice and rights through promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of women, children, the elderly, and person with disabilities, also the rights and welfare of migrant workers. Include also encouraging the ASEAN Member States to pay more attention to human trafficking, in particular woman and children, and enforcement of legislation to combat human trafficking.
d. Taking part in fostering the environmental sustainability through conducting many “green” activities, as like addressing global environmental issues, promoting the sustainability of freshwater resources, responding to climate change and addressing its impacts, etc.
e. Taking part in building the ASEAN identity through promoting the ASEAN awareness and a sense of community, preserving and promoting the ASEAN cultural heritage, and promoting the cultural creativity and industry.[]

Act Your Declared-Area of Concern Projects! ::

2009-09-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

Time to act! Attain Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs NOW! Your plan is now really reasonable to be pursued! Find a top Egyptian Diplomat! Learn the local (diplomatic) perspective on what's really at issue and what's really at stake in Egypt and Middle East! Realize that until now, you still don't have any Egyptian Diplomat sources! Just their Political Scientist!

*Ah, that Young Thinker is still so much inspiring! May God bless him!*

SBY! Grrrrr... ::

2009-09-23T01:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Indonesianists! Please do give me some reasons on how to respect SBY among keterancaman Pengadilan Tipikor dan KPK, ke”ragu-ragu”-an SBY yang sangat akut, serta ANCAMAN dilegalkannya Perpu "Kuda Troya" yang banyak berpotensi untuk mengontrol dan merusak Independensi KPK?! I’m about regretting my vote on him on last presidential election! :(

[This is my loud complaint in my declared-solidarity day of my "Facebook Kingdom" on CICAK movements in beloved Indonesia. Due to this declared-solidarity day, I posted some related-links and statements from some credible sources in my Facebook wall. Hopefully that it could be a small step for us to know what’s really at issue and what’s really at stake. Viva CICAK!]

Ideas Archive Today ::

2009-09-21T01:14:00.000-07:00

I'm about immersing myself in Site of CFR, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fyuhhh! what an abundant challenged-projects I found. Suddenly aspire to find an equal think tank with this CFR in beloved Indonesia. Also suddenly plan to intern in this Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a most credible Egyptian related-think tank before leaving this timeless city of Cairo.

Secretary Clinton's Speech in Advance of the United Nations General Assembly, September 2009 ::

2009-09-19T01:09:00.000-07:00

What's it actually about? US administration's scene of bureaucracy, or a scene of bureaucratic courtesy? A call to missile defense, or the so-called “shelving” missile defense? Highlighting President and The Secretary of States’ agendas key topic, or blurring what’s really at issue and what’s really at stake?

But yeay! Still love you, Clinton! Love your smart and energetic thoughts! Agree that United Nations does not have to be just a diplomatic talk shop on First Avenue! Agree that effective global institutions are NOT a choice! Impressed on your statement that The Iranian Government seeks a sense of justice in the world, but stands in the way of the justice it seeks! Appreciate that you keep pursuing that gender-equal on some issues!

And hmmm, integrating the diplomacy, development and defense??? We’ll see!

http://www.cfr.org/publication/20236/secretary_clintons_speech_in_advance_of_the_united_nations_general_assembly_september_2009.html?breadcrumb=/region/

What Say You, Tan Malaka? ::

2009-09-13T01:02:00.000-07:00

Jika Tan Malaka hidup di zaman ini, akankah ia setuju dengan upaya pengatasan sengketa Indonesia-Malaysia lewat jalur diplomasi?

ASEAN Community Establishment Dilemma ::

2009-08-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

Berakhirnya ASEAN SOM & Related Meetings dua hari lalu memang semakin memperluas implementasi APSC Blueprint & memantapkan beberapa agenda krusial ASEAN menjelang the establishment of ASEAN Community 2015. But wait! Saya jujur sampai sekarang masih terusik dengan lontaran kritis dari seorang Senior yang semacam mengkhawatirkan jika proses integrasi ASEAN ini justeru akan rentan konsep neoliberalisasi.. Hufff! What say you, Dear Colleagues?

Membedah Sistem Perpolitikan Negara Islam ::

2009-08-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

Judul Buku: al-Nidzâm al-Siyâsiy li Daulah al-Islâmiyah
Penulis: Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa
Penerbit: Dâr al-Syurûq
Cetakan: III, 2008 (di Penerbit Dâr al-Syurûq)
Tebal Buku: 362 halaman

Buku “al-Nidzâm al-Siyâsiy li Dualah al-Islâmiyah (Sistem Perpolitikan Negara Islam)” yang ditulis oleh Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa ini adalah buku standar untuk membaca dan menelaah sistem perpolitikan Negara Islam secara lebih terstruktur dan komprehensif. Buku ini ditulis dengan pendekatan historis yang tak terlepas dari kaidah-kaidah umum yang esensial-komprehensif dalam Hukum Islam, untuk kemudian didialektikakan dengan realitas, landasan, dan ketetapan umum dalam sistem perpolitikan secara global. Sebuah pendekatan yang lumrah digunakan dalam menelaah kajian serupa ini, mengingat perkembangan jenis metode pendekatan ini sangat terkait erat dan serasi dengan tuntutan dinamika perkembangan sistem masyarakat Islam.

Buku ini secara gamblang menjawab pertanyaan-pertanyaan substansial seputar landasan, konsep, dan teknis pelaksanaan Negara Islam dalam konteks historis, semisal bagaimana Rasulullah SAW menyelesaikan masalah perpecahan golongan dan mendirikan negara Madinah untuk dihuni bersama-sama oleh umat Islam, Ahlul Kitab dan kaum non-Muslim. Berikut juga jawaban atas pertanyaan-pertanyaan substansial seputar landasan, konsep, dan teknis pelaksanaan Negara Islam dalam konteks modern, semisal pertanyaan tentang bagaimana batas-batas hubungan antara agama, negara, ulama, dan pemerintahan? Juga pertanyaan tentang bagaimana kaum non-Muslim diperlakukan dalam Negara Islam? Bagaimana pendapat Islam tentang partai politik? Bagaimana konsep “al-Amr bi al-Ma’rûf wa al-Nahyu ‘an al-Munkar (Menyeru pada Kebaikan dan Melarang Kejahatan)” dalam Negara Islam? Apakah Konstitusi/Piagam Iran sepenuhnya merepresentasikan pemikiran politik Islam yang benar? Serta juga pertanyaan-pertanyaan substansial lainnya.

Dalam membangun kerangka dan logika bukunya, Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa berangkat dari statemen bahwa Negara Islam yang didirikan Rasulullah SAW di Madinah adalah representasi dari sampel negara pertama yang terbentuk dari unsur komunitas politik. Yang berarti bahwa Negara Islam inilah yang pertama kali mengkultuskan Asas Legalitas atau asas tunduknya otoritas negara terhadap otoritas hukum.

Disebutkan bahwa dasar pengkultusan Asas Legalitas dalam Negara Islam ini adalah bahwa hukum yang dilandaskan pada Al-Quran dan Sunah merupakan hukum yang ditetapkan oleh lembaga yang lebih tinggi dan otoritatif dari semua lembaga yang ada dalam negara Islam itu sendiri. Di mana semua lembaga tersebut tunduk pada hukum-hukum yang bersifat given tersebut, dan ketundukan ini berlaku sama di setiap negara Islam dan di setiap masa.

Dari pijakan statemen inilah, Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa kemudian secara beruntun dan ritmis mengurai pemikirannya dalam beberapa judul besar yang teralokasikan dalam lima Bab padat dan independen.

Di Bab Pertama, Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa mengupas cukup komprehensif masalah Negara Islam dan perkembangannya, yang memuat uraian tentang Perjanjian Mekah dan Perjanjian Madinah, fenomena munculnya pandangan politik di era Perjanjian Mekah, fenomena Hijrah dan pendirian Negara Islam, Munculnya wujud Politik Islam, fenomena Piagam Madinah, dan review bagaimana Negara Islam menjalankan perannya. Selain itu, bab ini juga membahas kondisi perpolitikan Arab sebelum Islam, di mana Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa mendeskripsikan realitas politik kabilah Badui dan realitas politik kabilah Hadlar di Mekah, hingga berujung pada kesimpulan bahwa Mekah sama sekali belum mengenal sistem perpolitikan sebelum Islam, sebagaimana Madinah juga belum mengenal sistem perpolitikan sebelum hijrahnya Rasulullah SAW ke Madinah, sebuah kondisi yang berbeda dengan kondisi beberapa kerajaan di Jazirah Arab dan sekitarnya, yang ternyata sedikit banyak telah mengenal sistem kerajaan yang memuat ciri politik.

Lalu di Bab Kedua, Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa mengajak kita untuk menelaah panjang sistem pemerintahan pasca wafatnya Rasulullah SAW. Yang dimulai dari pemilihan Abu Bakar sebagai Khalifah Pertama sebagai hasil dari mufakat sebuah perkumpulan yang disebut Ijtimâ’u al-Saqîfah, di mana disinggung bahwa perkumpulan inilah yang kemudian menjadi cikal-bakal lahirnya empat kelompok/partai, yakni kelompok Muhajirin, kelompok Anshar, kelompok Syiah, kelompok al-Aristiqrâthiyûn al-Makiyûn. Selain itu, dimuat juga uraian-uraian tentang konsepsi Islam terhadap partai politik, review hasil dari Ijtimâ’u al-Saqîfah, musyawarah sebagai landasan pemilihan pemimpin negara, pendapat para sahabat tentang pentingnya kepemimpinan politis, review masa kekhilafahan Abu Bakar, review masa kekhilafahan Umar, dan puncaknya, dibahas legkap juga tentang perkembangan politik di masa Utsman berikut fenomena munculnya kelompok-kelompok politik di masa tersebut.

Sedangkan di Bab Ketiga, kita akan menemukan pembahasan tentang fenomena keterkaitan antara agama dan negara yang terurai melalui pokok bahasan Islam dan Politik, serta juga bedah pemikiran Ali Abdur Raziq berikut kritik para Ulama atas bukunya, “al-Islâm wa Ushûl al-Hukmi”, dan pembahasan-pembahasan baru seputar buku ini. Di samping itu, bab ini juga memuat tentang tujuan pemerintahan Negara Islam yang terurai gamblang dalam pembahasan tentang kewajiban Kepala Negara Islam, pembahasan tentang kepentingan umum antara Negara Islam dan negara German, juga dalam prinsip yang men-statemen bahwa semua Hukum Islam dimaksudkan untuk mewujudkan kepentingan umum, serta juga prinsip yang mengafirmasi bahwa tujuan dari Negara Islam adalah prasyarat utama sekaligus prasyarat kekal.

Sementara Bab Keempat dari buku ini membahas tentang Hukum Umum dan Kaidah-kaidah Dasar Perpolitikan Islam, yang diawali dengan penegasan tentang statemen yang menyebutkan bahwa kewajiban akan penegakan Hukum Umum dan Kaidah-kaidah Dasar Perpolitikan Islam adalah hak sekaligus kewajiban bagi setiap umat, juga penegasan tentang perlunya membedakan antara hukum-hukum yang wajib dan ketetapan-ketetapan yang otoritasnya bersifat temporal, serta penegasan tentang seberapa luas otoritas Hukum-hukum umum dan Kaidah-kaidah Dasar Perpolitikan Islam.

Setelah itu, baru kemudian Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa mendedah konsep “al-Amr bi al-Ma’rûf wa al-Nahyu ‘an al-Munkar (Menyeru pada Kebaikan dan Melarang Kejahatan)”, yang mencakup defenisi, landasan legalitas konsep ini baik dari sudut pandang Al-Quran, Sunah, maupun Ijma’, serta juga syarat, sifat wajib, dan urutan prioritas ketetapan konsep “al-Amr bi al-Ma’rûf wa al-Nahyu ‘an al-Munkar (Menyeru pada Kebaikan dan Melarang Kejahatan)” ini.

Di samping hal-hal di atas, Bab Keempat ini juga mendedah tentang kaidah-kaidah konstitusi terpenting dalam Islam, seperti Prinsip Musyawarah Mufakat berikut segala aspek peninjauannya, baik aspek landasan legalitasnya dalam Al-Quran dan Sunah, wilayah legalitas Musyawarah Mufakat dan elastisitas pembatasan wilayahnya, aspek wajibnya pemberlakuan Musyawarah Mufakat berikut pembahasan tentang landasan pendapat penentang ide wajibnya pemberlakuan Musyawarah Mufakat ini, dan juga beberapa wacana kontekstual seputar tema Prinsip Musyawarah Mufakat ini. Selain itu, ditemukan juga pembahasan tentang Prinsip Keadilan yang mencakup judul besar pengharaman kedzaliman, keadilan antara pola pandang Islam dan pola pandang Barat dalam konteks modern, dan ketetapan atas keadilan yang tidak terbatas pada peraturan yang legal. Serta juga ditambah pembahasan tentang Prinsip Kebebasan dan Prinsip Kesetaraan berikut beberapa sub-bahasan peninjaunya.

Dan di Bab Terakhir yang merupakan pembahasan puncak dari substansi buku ini, kita akan temukan telaah detail-terstruktur tentang Negara Islam Modern, yang mula-mula dibidik Muhammad Sali Al-‘Awwa lewat beberapa penegasan seputar dua metodologi penyelarasan antara ajaran Islam dan tuntutan perkembangan zaman, berikut rekomendasi Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa atas posisi ideal untuk memposisikan diri di antara dua metodologi tersebut bagi Muslim, dan juga penegasan deskriptif seputar Negara Islam Modern.

Setelah itu, Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa mulai beranjak mengurai beberapa permasalahan substansial yang mewarnai dinamika Negara Islam Modern. Seperti permasalahan Sistem Negara Islam dan Posisi non-Muslim di dalamnya, yang ditinjau dari tiga perspektif mendasar, yakni perspektif Al-Quran, Sunah, dan asas pelaksanaan semangat persaudaraan antar-manusia. Juga permasalahan Negara Islam di Iran, yang meliputi deskripsi seputar Konstitusi/Piagam Iran, berikut landasan legalitasnya, penjelasan tentang kewajiban negara, Asas Legalitas, wilayah otoritas pemikir dalam pandangan ulama Syiah, wilayah otoritas pemikir dalam pandangan ulama Ahlus Sunah, musyawarah dalam teks Konstitusi/Piagam Iran, konsep “al-Amr bi al-Ma’rûf wa al-Nahyu ‘an al-Munkar (Menyeru pada Kebaikan dan Melarang Kejahatan)”, konsep persatuan umat Islam, agama negara dan madzhabnya, prinsip kebebasan, dewan pengawal konstitusi, kedaulatan dan instansi-insatansi yang berkembang di dalamnya, teks yang melandasi Asas Legalitas tindak kriminal dan hukumannya, teks formil Hukum Pidana Islam, pengakuan terhadap Maslahah Mursalah dalam Fiqh Madzhabiy, amnesti dan pengampunan dari hukuman, konsepsi bahwa Hukum Islam adalah hukum yang digunakan untuk menyelesaikan persengketaan ketika tidak ada undang-undang konvensional, dan juga beberapa penjelasan deskriptif lainnya.

Terakhir, bab ini juga memuat tentang pemikiran politik Islam Mesir dalam seratus tahun terakhir, yang terurai dalam mozaik-mozaik review pemikiran dan pergerakan para tokoh pemikiran dan pergerakan politik Islam, seperti Jamaludin Al-Afghani yang terkenal sebagai peletak dasar-dasar pemikiran politik Islam di Mesir, Muhammad Abduh, yang dijuluki sebagai Bapak Pembaharu pemikiran Islam, Hasan Al-Bana yang giat memperjuangkan segmen pemikiran berikut segmen pergerakan politik Islam, Sayid Qutub, yang dijuluki sebagai simbol kebangkitan dari era Jahiliah, dan Hasan Al-Asymawi yang concern mengusung Konsep Ketuhanan dan Kemanusiaan dalam Pemikiran Politik. Lalu sebagai pemungkas, Muhammad Salim Al-‘Awwa juga melengkapi bab ini dengan telaah yang dimulai dari pemikiran Hasan Al-Aysmawi menuju ke Proyek Poros Tengah (Masyrû’ Hizbi al-Wasth).

Demikian, secara umum buku ini memang sangat mencukupi untuk digunakan sebagai pisau pembedah sistem perpolitikan Negara Islam. Di cetakan terakhir ini, buku ini banyak mengalami pembenahan substansial, di mana ditemukan banyak penambahan, pembenahan dan pengayaan dalam setiap babnya, terutama pengindependenan pokok bahasan tentang pemikiran politik Islam di Mesir dalam 100 tahun terakhir dan penambahan bab khusus untuk pembahasan Konstitusi/Piagam Iran yang banyak mengalami perubahan substantif pasca wafatnya pendiri Republik Islam Iran, Ayatullah Khumainiy. Selamat membaca!

Dear Masisir, We Are Diplomacy Stakeholder in This Pharaoh's Land! ::

2009-08-21T00:41:00.000-07:00

Semangat patriotis menggema dari Auditorium Fakultas Kedokteran Al-Azhar. Membumikan kembali fakta bahwa mahasiswa-mahasiswa Indonesia Mesir era kemerdekaan memang sangat berperan dalam merangsang pengakuan Mesir dan Liga Arab atas kemerdekaan Indonesia. Sekaligus juga menantang generasi Mahasiswa Mesir masa kini untuk menjaga citra nusantara di negeri cikal-bakal diplomasi Indonesia di kawasan Timur-Tengah ini.

Again, Myanmar! ::

2009-08-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

ASEAN harus menginventarisir tambahan Rapor Merah Myanmar atas keputusan pengadilan pidana kepada Aung San Suu Kyi sebagai dasar untuk mempertimbangkan kembali keanggotaan Myanmar di ASEAN. Benar sekali bahwa efek putusan ini jelas-jelas akan menjadikan Pemilu 2010 inclusive dan semakain memperkuat dugaan proses ke arah Pemilu yang tidak credible.

Colonialism Circle? ::

2009-08-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

Ternyata, meski Hukum Indonesia dominan teradopsi dari Belanda & Hukum Mesir dominan teradopsi dari Perancis, tetap ada banyak kesamaan antara keduanya. Mengingat masing-masing dari Indonesia & Mesir adalah negara-negara Commonwealth yang banyak mempraktekkan hukum-hukum Romawi. Terlebih, jika mengingat bahwa Belanda sendiri adalah negara pos-kolonial Perancis.

*Hmm, jadi Teori Lingkaran Kolonial dunk bukan Lingkaran Konsentris :D*

Declaration! ::

2009-07-19T00:36:00.000-07:00

Yea! Here I'm! A twenty-something Law student. Insisting to have an ultimate concern on Law, Politics and Diplomacy! Standing on my own track! Maintaining every single part of what God devotes me! Pursuing what I notice as an ideal future dream! Striving to contribute somewhat crucial for Indonesian Diplomacy!

The Establishment of ASEAN Community 2015 ::

2009-06-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

Politically cohesive, economically integrated, and socially responsible.. Aw aw, how does it sound, Everyone? :) So, what's actually your idea about the establishment of ASEAN Community 2015?

Dubes Dian Triansyah Djani ::

2009-06-21T23:47:00.000-07:00

Baru tahu jika The Rising Star Marty Natalegawa sudah diganti oleh Dubes Dian Triansyah Djani yang sekarang terpilih menjadi Wapres Dewan HAM PBB. Anyway, benar sekali bahwa posisi Wapres Dewan HAM PBB ini sangat strategis & profit untuk semakin menggencarkan sosialisasi profil dan citra Indonesia dalam upaya pemajuan dan perlindungan HAM global dan nasional yang telah terbangun secara baik selama ini.

Sincere Wishes Toward Indonesian Presidential Election ::

2009-06-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

Jika memang PRO RAKYAT, semoga benar-benar PRO RAKYAT, jika ingin meLANJUTKAN, semoga memang banyak capaian yang bisa dilanjutkan, jika memang bisa LEBIH CEPAT dan LEBIH BAIK, semoga terbukti.

*Best wishes for the upcoming years of Indonesia!*

Myanmar! ::

2009-06-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Setuju dengan sikap tegas ASEAN yang akan mempertimbangkan kembali keanggotaan Myanmar jika Myanmar tidak memenuhi janjinya untuk menjalankan demokratisasi sesuai amanat Piagam ASEAN!

The Full Text of President Obama's Speech in Cairo, Egypt, Titled "A New Beginning" ::

2009-06-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaikum.

We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam - at places like Al-Azhar University - that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson - kept in his personal library.

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words - within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.

That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths - more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism - it is an important part of promoting peace.

We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future - and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.

So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed - more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction - or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews - is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people - Muslims and Christians - have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations - large and small - that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers - for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.

That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation - including Iran - should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.

There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments - provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.

Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld - whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action - whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.

I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations - including my own - this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities - those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek - a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many - Muslim and non-Muslim - who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort - that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country - you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.

International Cooperation; Its Achievements and Drawbacks ::

2009-04-25T02:30:00.000-07:00

The world we are living now is wholly appearing as a scene of fast globalizing with an enormous increasing of its interdependence. By observing the proliferation of recent global threats, it can be concluded that most of global threats were resulted by the advance of that fast globalization. Because as widely realized, beside growing some positive effects such as sparking economic development and providing people with larger opportunities, the advance of globalization is also accounted as a main cause of global threats’ expanding, as like the expanding of environmental degradation, uneven wealth distribution, the use of nuclear weapon, political clashes, the ongoing global crises and so on.

The above globalization’s realities had been enhancing humanity to make more and more huge efforts to comprehensively tackle those global threats. One of the effort is in a form of International Cooperation, which is due to the mentioned proliferation of global threats, had been continuously developed and initiated, in order to reach its most qualified form in tackling those globalization’s negative effects.

As far, it can be generally stated that the achievements of International Cooperation is quite noticeable, with the consideration of variety in form, approach, procedures, legal tradition and the different level of economic and institutional development of agencies world-wide.

Those achievements can be firstly observed from EU’s perspective, where according to Philip Lowe, the Director General of Directorate General for Competition in European Commission, EU has achieved a lot toward its two distinguished main pillars of cooperation, which are case cooperation and policy dialogue.

Philip described that in case cooperation, EU’s achievement sample can be observed in the EU’s bilateral cooperation with partner jurisdictions on cartel cases (including the planning and coordination of dawn-rides, for example the International Cooperation in the vitamins and graphite electrodes cartels), and also in EU’s cooperation on abuse cases. While in policy dialogue, EU’s achievement sample can be observed in the exchange of views on policy initiatives and experiences.

Secondly, we can observe it from multilateral level, where ICN, OECD and UNCTAD have gained importance over few years, especially after unsuccessful attempts at including competition law into the WTO framework.

And the third, we can also observe it from the roles of International Cooperation agencies. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for instance, with its existence as one of world’s largest bilateral development agency, JICA had been gaining many achievements, as like strengthening the peace building, restoration and reconstruction through its fast track system in eastern Sudan, Palestine and Mindanao. And also its achievement in helping the world’s developing nations toward its far reaching merger with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), where in this sector, Indonesia has gained a lot since Indonesia was devoted as the first receiver of Climate Change Japanese ODA Loan that JBIC is providing as part of the “Cool Earth Partnership”.

Nevertheless, despite stating that the current system of International Cooperation has gained its achievements in many aspects, we also find that it still has some drawbacks in demonstrating its roles and objectives. Those drawbacks, however seem difficult to be generalized, could be summed up as bellow:

First: The jurisdictional gap. This gap could be observed from the discrepancy between a globalized world and national—the two separate units of policy-making. In this case, we can see that International Cooperation still stays in its traditional place as an “external affairs” with its limited authority in tackling today’s challenges which are mostly global. Therefore, it is highly required in order the future International Cooperation able to undertake its position as a policy-maker applicable to most of issue areas.

Second: The participation gap. As it is still primarily an intergovernmental process in which other actors participate on the fringes, undermining the effectiveness of traditional efforts to address global policy issues. While on contrast, it is widely realized that for many decades, the emergence of important new global actors had been witnessed, to avoid such participation gap which is extending to marginal and voiceless group.

Third: The incentive gap. With the broader scope of International Cooperation, the implementation or the operational side of international agreements becomes more important. But unfortunately, the operational follow-up to these agreements relies too exclusively on the aid mechanism, ignoring many other practical policy options that could make cooperation a preferred strategy for both developing and industrial countries.

Fourth: Some difficulties resulted by the controversial on some areas. As like the difficulties in coordination of investigations, or the difficulties in dealing with different legal system, priorities and other common hurdles include language problems, lack of transparency, etcetera.

Thus, the above mentioned drawbacks should be carefully learned by the related stakeholders, in order the International Cooperation will gain its most effective system to create a better look of our world, which is secure peace, greater economic well-being, social justice and environment sustainability.

Tabloid Diplomasi ::

2009-03-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ada keterpanaan saat pertama kali menemukan Tabloid Diplomasi edisi online dua bulan lalu di situs milik Deplu. Sungguh, media ini benar-benar merupakan akses akbar bagi WNI di luar negeri seperti saya untuk bisa tetap update dengan perkembangan diplomasi Indonesia.

Dalam pandangan saya, tabloid yang diterbitkan oleh Direktorat Diplomasi Publik-Deplu bekerja sama dengan Pilar Indo Meditama ini, tampak sebagai gerbang penalaran untuk lebih akrab memahami dinamika Departemen Luar Negeri dalam memerankan diplomasi Indonesia di kancah internasional. Dari tabloid ini, bisa dibaca bagaimana Indonesia dan Deplu memposisikan dirinya di tengah-tengah sesaknya isu global.

Secara substantif, tabloid ini sudah sangat meng-cover segala lini dinamika dan capaian-capain diplomasi Indonesia ter-update. Penyajiannya yang menarik dan relatif ringan benar-benar menjadikannya sebagai tabloid yang tidak ekslusif untuk kalangan yang terkait atau yang berkepentingan saja, tapi justeru menyerupai media sosialisasi progress report diplomasi Indonesia kepada masyarakat secara umum.

Di edisi Desember 2008/Januari 2009 dan Januari/Februari 2009, Tabloid Diplomasi ini banyak menyorot masalah Bali Democracy Forum (BDF), yang seperti dikemukakan oleh Dewan Redaksi Tabloid Diplomasi, merupakan bagian dari langkah Indonesia untuk mengukuhkan eksistensinya sebagai negara yang berpotensi menjadi pusat pandangan dunia. Di mana lewat BDF ini, Indonesia berinisiatif melakukan langkah awal guna mengarahkan peningkatan kerjasama internasional dan regional dalam bidang demokrasi, serta pengembangan masalah politik bagi negara-negara demokrasi dan negara peminat demokrasi di dunia, terutama di Asia.

Selain itu, dua edisi tersebut juga mengangkat isu-isu lain, seperti di edisi Desember 2008/Januari 2009 yang juga mengangkat masalah Interfaith Dialogue yang gencar dilaksanakan sebagai upaya untuk mengatasi berbagai miss-interpretasi dan pandangan dalam kehidupan beragama, berikut juga beberapa “Focus Op-Ed” seputar ASEAN seperti kritisme atas ASEAN Community dari Peneliti CSIS, Rizal Sukma, yang men-statement bahwa ASEAN Community akan sulit tercapai tanpa demokratisasi, juga penegasan Ketua Pansus Piagam ASEAN, Marzuki Darusman, bahwa RI sebenarnya mendorong prinsip demokrasi dan HAM dalam Piagam ASEAN.

Kemudian di edisi Januari /Februari 2009, yang antara lain memuat juga suntingan Op-Ed Dubes RI untuk AS, Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, yang termuat di Kompas tentang Presiden RI dan Babak Baru Hubungan Indonesia-AS, serta juga penjelasan Watapri untuk PBB, Marty Natalegawa, tentang keputusan Indonesia memilih abstain dalam pemungutan suara proses adopsi resolusi sidang darurat Majelis Umum PBB karena Indonesia menilai bahwa resolusi ini tidak cukup keras mengutuk Israel.

Sementara di edisi Februari/Maret 2009, Tabloid Diplomasi memuat banyak hal, antara lain review tentang kunjungan Hillary Rodham Clinton, yang dilaporkan berbuah komitmen kuat RI-AS untuk membangun kemitraan komprehensif. Juga beberapa review seputar wacana dan kinerja KPU, khususnya PPLN dalam mempersiapkan pemilu legislatif bagi WNI di luar negeri 9 April mendatang. Serta juga beberapa sorotan tentang citra Indonesia yang semakin membaik di mata internasional terkait masalah penegakan HAM berikut review isu tematik HAM 2008 dan statemen bahwa Indonesia adalah negara paling terbuka untuk kerja sama HAM dan memiliki pasukan perdamaian yang bersih dari pelanggaran HAM dalam beberapa Op-Ed. Di samping juga beberapa wacana yang terfokus pada Rusia, antara lain yang terkait dengan laporan bahwa hubungan bilateral Indonesia-Rusia semakin erat, dan wacana yang mensinyalir bahwa peluang studi di Rusia makin terbuka bagi masyarakat kita dan realita bahwa Indonesia masih sangat minim ahli tentang Rusia.

Lalu satu hal terakhir, seperti yang dipromosikan oleh Menlu Hasan Wirajuda dalam Sambutan Pengantarnya pada acara Foreign Policy Breakfast dalam rangka HUT Deplu ke-63 lalu, bahwa cover Tabloid Diplomasi ini kerap menampilkan para artis cantik sebagai penarik minat publik, seperti di tiga edisi terakhir yang secara berturut-turut menampilkan Tamara Bleszynski, Dian Sastro dan Zivanna Letisha.

Namun betapapun demikian, meskipun pemuatan artis-artis cantik sebagai bintang cover Tabloid Diplomasi tersebut sekilas cenderung “nge-pop”, saya kira kita tetap tidak bisa memandang hal ini sebagai bentuk pragmatisme Deplu, karena artis-artis cantik tersebut juga hadir dengan kapasitasnya masing-masing sebagai bagian tak terpisah dari upaya diplomasi Indonesia secara umum, seperti halnya Tamara dengan kapasitasnya sebagai Duta Tinju yang banyak membantu memberikan dukungan untuk perkembangan dunia Tinju tanah air, juga Dian Sastro yang berkapasitas sebagai Duta Wirausaha Muda, dan Zivanna Letisha dengan kapasitasnya sebagai Puteri Indonesia yang tentu akan menjadi duta Indonesia dalam perhelatan Miss Universe mendatang.

Hillary, Asia dan Indonesia ::

2009-02-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Dari beragam wacana dan pandangan yang tersebar di beberapa media (khususnya Kompas), berikut disimpulkan beberapa fakta dan persepsi penting terkait agenda kunjungan kenegaraan Hillary Clinton ke Indonesia dan beberapa negara Asia lainnya.

Agenda kunjungan kenegaraan Hillary mengundang banyak wacana karena sosok Hillary secara pribadi memang tergolong sangat istimewa. Selain cerdas, ia memiliki riwayat karir luar-biasa. Ia adalah mantan US First lady dan juga calon presiden yang ketangguhannya tetap mengundang interest di tengah fenomena Barack Obama yang menghegemoni.
Posisi Hillary selaku Menlu AS yang merupakan salah satu pilar utama dalam pemerintahan Obama, dipandang sebagai salah satu peran penentu dalam penetapan arah kebijakan luar-negeri AS yang sampai saat ini masih menjadi objek prediksi banyak pihak.
Ditetapkannya Asia sebagai kawasan pertama yang menjadi sasaran kunjungan kenegaraan Hillary dipandang banyak pihak sebagai bentuk pergeseran prioritas di pemerintahan Obama. Mengingat pada tiga masa pemerintahan sebelumnya. Tiga Menlu AS secara berturut-turut—Madeleine Albright, Colline L Power, dan Condoleezza Rice—justru mengutamakan agenda kunjungan kenegeraan mereka ke Eropa dan Timur Tengah.
Menguatnya regionalisme di Asia, khususnya Asia Timur dan Asia Tenggara, banyak dipandang sebagai motif utama ditetapkannya Asia sebagai kawasan pertama yang menjadi sasaran kunjungan Hillary sekaligus sebagai sasaran pembenahan citra baik AS selaku negara yang selalu berperan dalam menyelesaikan pemasalahan-permasalahan yang tidak bisa diselesaikan oleh negara manapun di dunia ini. Hal ini terjadi menurut Edy Prasetyono, karena selama beberapa tahun terakhir, khususnya di masa pemerintahan Bush, ada banyak ditemukan period of neglect dalam kebijakan luar negeri AS atas Asia Timur dan Asia Tenggara yang harus dibayar mahal dengan meningkatnya pengaruh diplomasi China di tengah-tengah negara Asia.
Menurut mantan Duta Besar AS untuk Indonesia, Stapleton Roy, China menjadi begitu mengancam bagi AS karena China saat ini memiliki posisi yang relatif lebih kuat dibandingkan AS. Jika China bisa pulih lebih dahulu dari krisis perekonomian global dibandingkan AS, China bisa menggantikan kekuatan global yang dimiliki AS.
Masuknya Indonesia dalam daftar agenda kunjungan kenegaraan Hillary mengundang ragam wacananya tersendiri. Sebagian kalangan memandang bahwa hal ini merupakan indikasi positif atas citra baik potensi peranan Indonesia bagi keberlangsungan dinamika Internasional, baik karena fenomena demokratisasi di Indonesia yang terbukti telah melampau negara-negara lain di Asia, maupun jika mengingat secara geopolitik dan geostrategis, Indonesia adalah negara terpenting di antara negara-negara lain di kawasan ASEAN dan Asia Timur. Sementara di sisi lain, Abdillah Toha sempat mewacanakan jika kunjungan kenegaraan ke Indonesia ini lebih merupakan kunjungan simbiolis ketimbang kunjungan substantif, karena tidak seperti kunjungan ke Jepang, Korea dan China yang membawa isu-isu yang lebih jelas dan umum diketahui di AS, kunjungan ke Indonesia tidak memuat agenda mendesak yang menjadi prioritas Amerika.
Menurut Menlu Hassan Wirajuda, kredibilitas Indonesia yang semakin kuat di mata AS merupakan salah satu alasan mengapa Indonesia dipilih menjadi salah satu dari sedikit negara yang dikunjungi Hillary. Hal lainnya menurutnya adalah terkait keberhasilan Indonesia menjadi model di mana demokrasi, Islam, dan modernitas dapat berjalan beriringan. Yang mana di Indonesia ditemukan semacam shared values dalam bidang demokrasi, pemajuan dan perlindungan HAM, pluralisme serta toleransi.
Seperti yang diinformasikan oleh Abdillah Toha, Global Trends 2025: “A transformed World” yang dirilis oleh National Intelligence Council (NIC) AS, menyebutkan bahwa Indonesia akan berperan penting dalam dekade mendatang, yakni di masa ketika hegemoni AS dan Eropa menurun, mengalahkan Singapura dan Malaysia yang memiliki tingkat pertumbuhan ekonomi lebih tinggi. Hal ini karena Indonesia dilukiskan sebagai entitas yang kekuatan ekonomi dan politiknya diperkirakan kian meningkat.
Menurut Abdillah Toha, kunjungan Hillary akan sukses dari sudut pandang pemerintahan baru Amerika dalam hubungan dengan Indonesia bila setelah pulang, Hillary meninggalkan kesan positif, tidak mendikte dan menegaskan perubahan politik luar negeri AS yang lebih halus dan akomodatif. Dan mengingat retorika nasionalisme dan isu palestina yang sensitif, terutama menjelang pemilu 2009, disarankan agar Hillary berhati-hati mewacanakan konflik Timur-Tengah yang sudah berjalan puluhan tahun.
Masih menurut Abdillah Toha, dalam rangka melaksanakan amanat konstitusi untuk menciptakan perdamaian dunia yang adil dan abadi, Indonesia mungkin bisa menawarkan jasa baik sebagai penengah atau mediator konflik Iran-Amerika yang dipicu antara lain oleh dugaan upaya Iran mengembangkan senjata nuklir. Tidak banyak negara yang mempunyai hubungan baik dengan Iran sekaligus Amerika seperti Indonesia. Kesempatan emas ini juga diperkuat respon positif Presiden Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad baru-baru ini terhadap tawaran Presiden Obama untuk membuka dialog langsung. Sementara dalam hal konflik Palestina, Indonesia juga bisa menawarkan jasa untuk membuka dialog dengan kelompok Hamas dalam rangka persatuan Palestina menuju perdamaian, mengingat Indonesia mempunyai hubungan baik dengan kedua faksi yang bertikai, dan penyelesaian konflik Israel-Palestina tidak akan bisa dicapai tanpa adanya pemerintahan Palestina yang bersatu.
Secara umum, isu-isu yang akan dibahas Hillary dengan para pemimpin negara dan pejabat tinggi lainnya terkait dengan perubahan iklim, ketahanan pangan, pendidikan, energi, serta dampak krisis keuangan global.
Menurut Juru Bicara Deplu, Pemerintah Indonesia hendak mengetahui cetak biru kebijakan AS di bawah pemerintahan Obama.
Sementara menurut Juru Bicara Kepresidenan Dino Pati Djalal, salah satu pokok bahasan antara Presiden SBY dan Hillary adalah proposal perdamaian Palestina. Beberapa pihak juga menyarankan agar Pemerintah Indonesia membahas mengenai keberadaan korporasi AS di Indonesia, khususnya pertambangan.

Menanti Lahirnya “Singa-singa Tua" Diplomat Perempuan Indonesia ::

2009-02-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Ada daya hipnotis yang kuat yang akan kita temukan di naskah pidato sambutan Condoleezza Rice sebelum pelaksanaan ICWA Forum di Jakarta Convention Centre, 15 Maret 2006 lalu. Sungguh, setiap jengkal isi pidato yang tersampaikan oleh Rice begitu persuasif dan sangat USA-minded. Tak salah jika “Time Magazine” menobatkan Rice menjadi 100’s world most influential people sampai empat kali berturut-turut.

Naskah yang termuat di Majalah “DUTA-Indonesia and the World”, edisi May 2006 ini benar-benar mencerminkan ide-ide Transformational Diplomacy yang diinisisasi Rice saat ia menjabat The Secretary of State-nya Bush. Dalam pidato sambutan yang bertajuk “Indonesia, the United States and the World Today” tersebut, Rice berhasil dengan cerdas menggiring semua isu-isu yang ia sampaikan di pidatonya ke dalam pandangan dan penilaian yang relevan dalam kacamata Diplomasi yang bercorak Transformational Diplomacy yang dicanangkannya.

Sampai saat ini, keberanian dan kegagahan “Singa-singa Tua" Diplomat Perempuan Amerika Serikat dalam berdiplomasi dan mereformasi haluan dan corak diplomasi Amerika Serikat memang pantas dikagumi. Seperti halnya Rice, sang mantan pejabat puncak kementrian luar negeri Amerika Serikat yang dengan gagah menggagas Transformational Diplomacy sebagai bentuk reformasi dan restrukturisasi diplomasi untuk dijadikan salah satu pijakan utama foreign policies pemerintahan Bush, di samping dua gagasan lain, yakni pengupayaan ekspansi pemerintahan demokratis pasca tragedi 11 September serta pengupayaaan reformasi dan restrukturisasi kabinet Gedung Putih.

Transformational Diplomacy dideskripsikan Rice sebagai bentuk kerja sama dengan beberapa partner Amerika di seluruh dunia dengan membangun dan mendukung negara demokrasi dan berpemerintahan baik yang responsif terhadap kebutuhan masyarakatnya dan bertanggung-jawab terhadap sistem internasional.

Transformational Diplomacy tersebut meliputi lima elemen inti berikut:

1. Menempatkan para diplomat Amerika di negara-negara yang menjadi sasaran prioritas diplomasi Amerika, seperti Cina, India, Brazil, Mesir, Nigeria, Indonesia, Afrika Selatan dan Libanon.
2. Meminta kepada para diplomat untuk mengalokasikan waktunya di wilayah-wilayah bergejolak, seperti Irak, Afganistan, Sudan dan Angola; memiliki kepakaran minimal di dua kawasan; dan mahir dalam dua bahasa asing, seperti Bahasa Cina, Arab, dan lain-lain.
3. Fokus terhadap solusi-solusi domestik, seperti terorisme, transaksi narkoba, dan pembasmian penyakit.
4. Bekerja sama dengan negara-negara lain dalam kerangka bilateral untuk membantu mereka membangun infrastruktur yang lebih kuat dan mencegah keterlepasan pengaruh Amerika atas negara-negara asing.
5. Menciptakan posisi strategis Direktur Pelayanan Luar Negeri untuk mengawasi bantuan luar negeri Amerika Serikat.

Transformational Diplomacy inilah yang telah menjadi haluan Rice selama mengusung misi-misi diplomatiknya. Dengan Transformational Diplomacy ini, Rice membuktikan bahwa diplomasi bukan hanya sekedar aktivitas mempengaruhi dan mengomentari pemerintah, tapi juga merubah kehidupan masyarakat lewat hal-hal yang menjadi problema umum, semisal penanggulangan AIDS, pendidikan perempuan, dan pemerangan terhadap tindak kekerasan kaum ekstremis.

Selain Condoleezza Rice yang terkenal “garang” dengan ide Transformational Diplomacy-nya, kita tentu sedang menunggu aksi-aksi lanjutan “Singa Tua" Diplomat Perempuan Amerika Serikat lainnya, Hillary Rodham Clinton yang baru saja dilantik menjadi Menlu Amerika Serikat Januari lalu. Hillary tampil memukau dengan inisiatif Diplomasi Kemampuan Cerdik yang digagasnya dalam dengar pendapat di Komite Hubungan Luar Negeri Senat.

Seperti diberitakan Kompas 22 Januari lalu, di forum tersebut Hillary dengan tegas menyebutkan bahwa pemerintahan Obama harus menggunakan apa yang disebut Diplomasi Kemampuan Cerdik sebagai rangkaian peranti penuh yang dimiliki—diplomasi, ekonomi, militer, politik, hukum dan budaya, dengan menggunakan alat yang tepat atau kombinasi alat bagi setiap situasi. Di mana dengan kemampuan cerdik, diplomasi akan berada di barisan depan kebijakan luar negeri Amerika.

Diplomasi Kemampuan Cerdik yang memerlukan uluran tangan kepada teman dan musuh, guna mendorong persetujuan lama dan membina yang baru ini, langsung dilancarkan Hillary pasca pengambilan sumpahnya di Capitol Hill guna meningkatkan citra Amerika Serikat di dunia dan menciptakan lingkungan internasional yang baik bagi pemulihan ekonomi. Pernyataan Hillary mengenai Diplomasi Kemampuan Cerdik ini dipandang sebagai salah satu panduan paling penting bagi kebijakan luar negeri pemerintahan Obama ke depan.

Demikian, Amerika Serikat memang patut berbangga dengan kualitas sumber daya diplomat perempuannya yang bukan hanya kapabel sebatas tough negotiator dan foreign policies maker saja, tapi bahkan juga kapabel sebagai diplomacy reformer. Maka wajar jika kemudian Amerika Serikat mencatat baik-baik dua gagasan reformasi dan restrukturisasi diplomasi yang diusung oleh Rice dan Hillary ini sebagai dua inisiatif besar dalam bidang diplomasi Amerika Serikat.

Dan overall, dua profil kegagahan “Singa-singa Tua Diplomat Perempuan Amerika Serikat” di atas, kiranya sangat relevan untuk dijadikan motivasi bagi Departemen Luar Negeri (Deplu) kita agar lebih meningkatkan pengarus-utamaan jender di tubuh kepegawaian Deplu.

Jika Menlu Hassan Wirajuda dalam Sambutan Pengantar Foreign Policy Breakfast dalam rangka HUT ke-63 Deplu 19 Agustus tahun lalu, menyebutkan bahwa terkait pengarus-utamaan jender, kiprah Deplu sudah membanggakan, mengingat 30% pejabat Eselon 1 di lingkungan Deplu saat ini adalah perempuan, ditambah juga dengan kenyataan bahwa 50% dari 100 calon diplomat tiap tahunnya adalah perempuan, maka ke depan diharapkan, bukan hanya pengarus-utamaan jender berbasis kuantitas yang perlu terus dijaga kestabilannya per-tahun, tapi juga pengarus-utamaan jender berbasis pemberdayaan kualitas dan profesionalisme.

Karena jika kedua jenis pengarus-utamaan tersebut bisa terwujud bersamaan, dalam rentang 20 tahun ke depan, bukan hanya para Duta Besar perempuan yang akan berjumlah imbang dengan para Duta Besar laki-laki seperti yang disampaikan oleh Menlu, tapi juga akan bermunculan “Singa-singa Tua" Diplomat Perempuan Indonesia yang bisa menyaingi nama besar Rice dan Hillary.