The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Friday 18 October 2019
GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.  

Vietnam opens consulate in Macau
From News Reports:
Hanoi, January 9: Vietnam's Hong Kong Consulate General launched a consulate office in the Macau Special Administrative Region of China on Friday, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Consulate General of Hong Kong, Tran Than Huan, said at the launching ceremony that the office aims to better ensure the rights of Vietnamese citizens and tourists in the region.
He said that the consulate office in Macau will provide easier access to information about Vietnam, saying that
it would boost friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Macau.
The Consulate General said that the office expected to recieve support from local organisations including the Vietnam Fellow Countrymen Friendship Association in Macau.
More than 20,000 Vietnamse are employed as domestic workers, in the service industry at Macau's casino's.
Vietnamese also operate tourist and services companies.
 The Southeast Asian Times

US invites Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary to the White House
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 6, 2015: The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will visit the United States from July 6 to July 10 at the invitiation of the United States State Department in a "landmark" visit, Rueters reports.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong will meet United States President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
Rueters quotes a senior state department official saying that the meeting between the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the President of the United States "would skirt protocol" because the General Secretary is "not part of a government".
"Obama saw the visit as crucial", Rueters reports the senior state department official as saying.
Rueters also quotes the senior state department official saying that "there was a broad agreement that it made sense to treat General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong as the visit of "the top leader of the country".
"It's a pretty big event," Rueters quotes the state department official as saying.
The Southeast Asian Times

France agrees to return Aboriginal remains home to Australia
From News Reports:
Canberra, November 25: French president Francois Hollande and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have agreed to work together to return Aboriginal remains to Australia during the first official visit by a French head of state to Australia last week, reports Australian Associated Press.
The French head of state and the Australian prime minister said that a joint expert committee is to be established to help identify the origin of the Aboriginal remains held in France.
The head of state and prime minister said in a joint statement that the identification process would respect the sensitivities and values of the two countries and consider the requests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including the French legal system.
"The French government will examine possible solutions to enable the return of the Aboriginal human remains to their community of origin." the statement said.
Australia believes the remains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are being held in Museum collections around the world including in Europe and the
United States.
In 2010 a British museum agreed to return 138 sets of Aboriginal skeletal remains to Australia including the severed head of Australian Aboriginal warrior, Yagan, to the Noongar of South West Western Australia after being missing in action for about 177 years. Yagan was shot dead for his resistance to British settlement on the Swan river.
The Southeast Asian Times

"No " to proposal to delete religion from Indonesian national identity card
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Islamic-based political party politicians oppose the proposal put by the newly selected Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, that national identity cards (KTP) do not include the religion of the car holder.
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Aboebakar Al Habsy said that not to include the religion of the card holder on national identity cards (KTP)
contradicted the country’s founding philosophy of Pancasila
“If we believe that Pancasila is our state ideology and our national identity, then why should we be ashamed of including our religion on our national identity card," he said
Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo also proposed that the regious beliefs of Indonesian citizens be omitted from official government documents.
He said that the religion of Indonesian citizens on national identity cards (KTP) or in official government documents should not be imposed.
"It's up to the people", he said.
The Souheast Asian Times

The Wolf bridge: An insult to Thai monarchy
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 31: Thai University students, Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were charged in the Ratrachada Court on Monday, with defamation of the Thai monarchy in a play titled "The Wolf Bridge" performed at the Thammasat university in October 2013, reports the Bangkok Post.
The students were charged with insulting the Royal Thai family in the fictional depiction of the monarchy in a play performed in commemoration of the 37th and 40th anniversaries of the October 6, 1976 and October 14, 1973 pro-democracy student uprisings at Thammasat University.
The prosecution cites nine passages from the plays's script, a work of fiction that depicts a fictional monarch, that allegedly insults the monarchy and as such is in violation of the lese majeste law.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, actor and Pornthip Mankong, producer of the play, in detention since arrested on 13 August, have been refused bail are scheduled to appear in court to enter pleas on December 29.
The Southeast Asian Times

World including
Asean PM's and Presidents to attend inauguaration of Indonesian president
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 18: World Prime ministers, Presidents and State representatives including US Secretary of State, John Kerry and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will attend the inauguaration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as President of Indonesiaon on Monday.
The speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan said that representatives from the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member nations have also been invited to attend the swearing in of the former governor of Jakarta, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as president of Indonesia.
"The Prime Ministers and Presidents of Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and South Korea are also expected to attend", he said.
He said that the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has also invited "domestic VIP's" including former Presidents and Vice-Presidents.
“All chairpersons of political parties have also be invited,” said the speaker.
The Southeast Asian Times

Banned ISIS flag found flying in Aceh
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 12: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag found flying from a coconut tree in Aceh on Sunday has been torn down, reports the Jakarta Post.
The discovery of the banned ISIS flag was reportedly the first in Aceh.
Police chief First Inspecter Azwan said that the flag of the nationally banned movement was discovered by chess players sitting at a food stall near the coconut tree in the Sungai Raya district of East Aceh regency in Aceh.
He said that a bomb disposal team inspected the area before the flag was taken down.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced Indonesia's rejection of the State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and banned the teaching of ISIL ideology in Indonesia last month at his parliamentary state-of-the-nation address and ahead of the 69th anniversary of Indonesias Independence.
The Southeast Asian Times

Singapore passes Trans- boundary Haze Pollution Act
From News Reports:
Singapore, August, 18: The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act by the Singapore parliament last week will enable Singapore regulators to sue individuals or companies in neighbouring countries for causing severe air pollution in Singapore.
The Act that was first proposed in 2013 would enable Singapore to impose fines of up to S$2 million on companies that cause or contribute to transboundary haze pollution in Singapore.
Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said that under the Act, Singapore will have the legal right under the Objective Territorial Principle to take legal action against air polluters.
"While neighbouring countries have the sovereign right to exploit their natural resources in accordance with their policies they also have a responsibility to ensure that "slash and burn" agricultural practices do not cause damage to Singapore", he said.
The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act gives Singapore the legal power to serve notices on those that do not have assets or a presence in Singapore.
Indonesia is yet to ratify an Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution that was signed by ASEAN member counries in November 2003 in order to
address haze pollution arising from land and forest fires.
A bill passed in the Indonesian House of Representatives in July 2013 gave the Indonesian goverment the power to seize assetts gained from illegal logging and illegal clearing of forests for palm oil plantations.
The new bill, designed to protect more than 13 million hectres from deforestation, gave the Indonesian government a mandate to establish a task force including police to monitor the prevention and eradication of deforestation.
The Southeast Asian Times

Papua Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.
The Southeast Asian Times
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China says, Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act "wrong decision"

China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, urges the United States to stop the advancement of the Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 to the Senate
From News Reports:
Hong Kong, October 18: The China Foreign Ministry has called the United States Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 that is in support of Hong Kong pro-independence protesters and that was passed by the United States House of Representatives on Tuesday, expected to be passed in the Senate "a wrong decision", reports the Asia News Network.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang accused the United states of intefering in Hong Kong affairs and China's domestic affairs, urging Washington to immediately stop the advancment of the Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 to the Senate,
The US Congressional-Executive Commission on China reportedly proposed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 in 2017" to renew the historical commitment of the United States to uphold freedom and democracy in Hong Kong."
The United States House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi called the passing of Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 in the House of Representatives on Tuesday "an important reminder of U.S. support for human rights in the face of the United States significant commercial interests in China".
"If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, then we lose all moral authority to speak out on behalf of human rights any place in the world," she said.
The Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 requires the United States to determine if political developments in Hong Kong would require Washington to treat Hong Kong as a separate trading entity from China.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, said that should the Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 advance to the Senate and become law "it would not only undermine China's interest and Sino-US relations but also the interests of the United States itself."
"The passing of the Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 in the House of Represenatatives fully exposes the shocking hypocrisy of the U.S. on human rights and democracy and their malicious intention to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability to contain China’s development,” he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

United States passes law blocking export of tear gas to Hong Kong

Hong Kong protesters marched on the United States Consulate in Hong Kong September 8, 2019 calling on the United States to pass the Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 and for President Donald Trump to liberate Hong Kong from China
From News Reports:
Hong Kong, October 17: The Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 that was passed by the United States House of Representatives on Tuesday in support of Hong Kong anti-China protesters that is expected to be passed in the Senate includes the blocking of the United States export of tear gas to Hong Kong authorities, reports the Associated Press.
The Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 would reportedly require the United States to determine if political developments in Hong Kong would require Washington to treat Hong Kong as a separate trading entity from China.
United States House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi called the Hong Kong Democratic Human Rights Act of 2019 an important reminder of U.S. support for human rights in the face of significant commercial interests in China.
"If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, then we lose all moral authority to speak out on behalf of human rights any place in the world," she said.
Last month thousands of Hong Kong anti-China protesters marched on the US Consulate in Hong Kong calling on the United States to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, calling on the US to liberate Hong Kong.
The US Congressional-Executive Commission on China reportedly proposed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in 2017 in order to "to renew the historical commitment of the United States to uphold freedom and democracy in Hong Kong."
Under the Act Washington would be required to assess the level of autonomy in Hong Kong with the United States cancelling trading privileges if autonomy in Hong Kong was not upheld.
In June Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China that "worries about undermining the rule of law and effecting business in Hong Kong" were unfounded.
The US Congressional-Executive Commission on China reportedly feared that the amended Hong Kong extradition bill would lead to the rendition of foreign business represenatives and activists to the China mainland, worsening US-Hong Kong relations.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, suspended the proposed passing of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinanace and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance or extradition bill in June amid the ongoing protests in the streets of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 would also reportedly "establish punitive measures against government officials in Hong Kong or mainland China who are responsible for suppressing basic freedoms in Hong Kong."
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Hua Chunying called on the United States to explain the role and purpose played by the United States in protests and violence in Hong Kong, saying "I remind the US that Hong Kong belongs to China and that the Chinese government absolutely does not allow any foreign interference in Hong Kong affairs."
The Southeast Asian Times

Royal Cambodian Armed Forces ordered to stop Rainsy coup attempt

Cambodia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Defence, General Tea Banh, left, and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, have ordered the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to put a stop to the attempted coup plot reportedly planned by former president of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sam Rainsy, who reportedly plans to return to Cambodia on November 9
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, October 16: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Defence, General Tea Banh, has ordered the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to stop a coup attempt planned by former president of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sam Rainsy, who plans to return to Cambodia next month, reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Minister for National Defence General Tea Banh gave the order to put a stop to the attempted Sam Rainsy coup plot to National Military Police Commander General Sao Sokha, Army Commander Lieutenant General Hun Manet and senior Royal Cambodian Armed Forces officials at a military parade marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Army Brigade 70.
"The coup is being led by Sam Rainsy and backed by foreigners to cause instability in the Kingdom," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Cambodia must enforce the law on those attempting to cause instability in Cambodia, saying that "we have no choice but to prevent the coup and quash activities that aim to cause chaos and compromise security and peace."
"Sam Rainsy has called on the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to turn their guns against the Hun Sen government," he said.
He claims that it is necessary for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to take action agianst incitement that effects security, saying that "we have to take measures immediately."
Last month Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen announced that all 10 Asean countries would receve warrants for the arrest of Sam Rainsy, former president of dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), who lives in exile in Paris and who has reportedly promised to return to Cambodia on November 9,
Sam Rainsy, former president of dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and eight former high ranking members are charged with plotting against the Hun Sen government and incitement under articles 453, 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code that include meetings in the United States in January where the former members reportedly planned the return of former president of the disolved opposition party to Cambodia, Sam Rainsy.
In April former president and co-founder of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) party, Sam Rainsy, said that he was determined to return to Cambodia and called on all Cambodians in South Korea where he was awarded the “Champion of Democracy in the Kingdom of Cambodia” to return with him, saying that he and the Cambodian people would arrest Hun Sen on his return.
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) former president and co-founder of the party, Sam Rainsy, went into exile in 2015 fearing arrest after parliamentary immunity was removed and he faced multiple criminal defamation charges in his accusation of corruption against the Hun Sen Cambodia's People's Party (CPP).
The Southeast Asian Times

Former terrorist warns of attacks ahead of Widodo inauguration

Former member of the outlawed Indonesian Islamic State (NII), Ken Setiawan, 40, who founded the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) Crisis Center in Jakarta to help those wanting to leave the organization or similar militant groups, warns that radical groups are preparing attacks ahead of the inauguration of the re election of President Joko Widodo next week
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 15: A former member of the outlawed Indonesia Islamic State (NII) warns that the assassination attempt on Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs,Wiranto, in the Banten province of Java last week, "is likely a forerunner of more serious acts of terror ahead of the inauguration of President Jokowo Widodo next week", reports the Jakarta Globe.
Former member of the outlawed Indonesian Islamic State (NII), Ken Setiawan, 40, said that the Indonesian government should get tough on radicals, saying that "there are many active terror cells ready to launch attacks."
"A zero-tolerance approach is best when it comes to dealing with radicalism and terrorism," he said.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto was stabbed in the lower abdomen in Menes Square, Pandeglang, Banten last Thursday as he arrived at the city square in a helicopter reportedly on a state visit to the Mathla'ul Anwar Islamic boarding school in Labuan, Banten.
Minister Wiranto was reportedly stabbed by Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara, 31, who is allegedly affiliated with the terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bekasi, is undergoing intensive investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Detachment Squad Densus 88 at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta.
Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara was reportedly exposed to the radical teachings of Abu Zee, former leader of terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bekasi.
Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara and his wife, Fitri Andriana, 21, who reportedly stabbed a police officer, planned the amaliyah or act of terror in alleged retribution for the arrest and detention of Abu Zee, former leader of terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bekasi.
Former member of the outlawed Indonesian Islamic State (NII), Ken Setiawan, said that "the attack on Minister Wiranto was just a warmup."
He said.claims that the ultimate target is to make Indonesia like Syria, saying that "radical groups are preparing attacks ahead of the inauguration of re-elected President Joko Widodo."
Indonesian Democratic Party executive Dedi Mulyadi said that the daylight attack on Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs,Wiranto in the presence of a sizable police contingent was hard to accept.
He said that security personnel should have taken a more cautious approach, saying that the Indonesian National Police had warned that Wiranto was targeted for assassination.
"Radicals had compiled a list of prominent security officials and ministers targeted for assassination earlier this year", he said.
He claims that it is possible that terrorists or those exposed to redicalism will stir chaos before the October 20 inauguration of the president and vice president,"
The Southeast Asian Times

Communist Party of Vietnam expells former ministers of communication

Communist Party of Vietnam, General Secretary and Central Committee’s chairman of the Party and President of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, expelled two former ministers of the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) from the Communist Party of Vietnam in Hanoi on Friday

From News Reports:
Hanoi, October 14: The Communist Party of Vietnam expelled two former ministers of the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) on the fifth working day of the Party Central Committee’s 11th session in Hanoi, reports the Vietnam News Service
The Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee’s chairman, and President of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, expelled the former ministers of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), Nguyen Bac Son and Truong Minh Tuan on Friday.
The two former ministers of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC),who were arrested in February for violation of regulations in the management of public funds in the State-owned Mobile Telecom Services Corporation (MobiFone) proposed purchase of the private multimedia company Audio Visual Global (AVG)
The former ministers were arrested on the orders of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and charged by the Supreme People’s Procuracy following the call in November last year by the Central Steering Committee on Anti-corruption to hasten investigations into the State-owned Mobile Telecom Services Corporation (MobiFone) purchase of the private multimedia company Audio Visual Global (AVG)
The Government Inspectorate (GI) had reportedly found in March last year that Mobile Telecom Services Corporation (MobiFone) had broken regulations in the acquisition of Audio Visual Global (AVG) by declaring an inaccurate financial position, allegedly leading to State losses of VNDD7 trillion.
The Government Inspectorate (GI) found that Mobile Telecom Services Corporation (MobiFone) was dishonest in its report of the financial position of Audio Visual Global (AVG) to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) during acquisition.
The Government Inspectorate (GI) also found irregularities in valuations provided by consultants and in the examination of the results in the purchase of Audio Visual Global (AVG).
Former minister of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) Nguyen Bac Son was removed from his position as minister and member of the Party Central Committee in October last year, with the Political Bureau (Politburo) of the Central Committee Communist Party of Vietnam
holding the minister responsible for the loss of VNDD7 trillion to the state.
Former deputy minister of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC)Truong Minh Tuan was removed from his position as deputy minister in July last year and transferred to the Popularisation and Education Commission of the Party Central Committee until his arrest.
Changes to the Anti-Corruption Decree of 2006 made executives of government utilities and agencies whose organisations were found to be involved in corruption liable to dismissal.
The changes would make ministers and deputy ministers of government agencies at least liable for censure and eventual removal from thier posts, reports the Vietnam news Service.
The Southeast Asian Times

Wiranto assassination attempt payback for arrest of terrorist

Indonesian National Police (Polri) spokesman Dedi Prasetyo with photos of knives used by Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara, 31, and his wife Fitri Andriana, 21 in the assasination attempt on Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs,Wiranto on Thursday
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 13: Indonesian National Police (Polri) believe that the motive for the assassination attempt on Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs,Wiranto, at Pandeglang, Banten on Thursday, is retribution for the arrest of the leader of terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bekasi, reports the Jakarta Post.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto was stabbed in the lower abdomen as he stepped from a helicopter in Menes Square, Pandeglang, Banten, reportedly on an official visit the Mathla'ul Anwar Islamic boarding school in Labuan, Banten.
Naional Police (Polri) spokesman, Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo said that Minister Wiranto was stabbed by Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara, 31, who is allegedly affiliated with the terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bekasi, saying that "Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara exposure to radical teachings led him to launch the assault on Minister Wirando.".
"Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara was upset because his teacher, Abu Zee, who is the leader of terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bekasi, is in detention," he said.
He claims that Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara "was stressed out" and "depressed" when he found that, Abu Zee, leader of terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) Bekasi had been arrested, saying that "Abu Rara carried out an amaliyah or act of terror because Abu Zee was in detention."
He said that Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara and his wife, Fitri Andriana, 21, planned the amaliyah or act of terror when they found that a helicopter carrying state officials had landed in Menes Square, Pandeglang, Banten.
He claims that Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara and his wife, Fitri Andriana, had planned to attack the state officials as they stepped from the helicopter, saying that "Fitri Andriana had attacked police officers."
Syahril Alamsyah alias Abu Rara and his wife, Fitri Andriana are reportedly undergoing intensive investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Detachment Squad Densus 88 at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta.
Military (TNI) general, Wiranto was appointed Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister in July 2016 with his appointment reporteded by the Jakarta Post "as a step to halt further investigations into the massacre of communists and their supporters in 1965. "
Minister Wiranto reportedly vowed to settle major human rights violations including the 1965 communist killings, the 1989 Talangsari massare in Central Lampung, the 2001 and 2003 Wamena and Wasior killings in Papua, kidnappings and unresolved killings in the 1980s and the May 1998 riots and the disappereance of activists on his appointment as Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs in July 2016.
Military (TNI) general Wiranto, who was indicted in 2003 by UN prosecutors for crimes against humanity in military-led atrocities in Timor- Leste in 1999, gave assurances that he would work to resolve the pending human rights cases.
The Southeast Asian Times

President Widodo orders arrest of radicals and terrorists in assassination attempt on Minister Wiranto

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto in Pandeglang, Banten on Thursday before he was attacked with a knife by an assailant reportedly affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 12: President Joko Widodo has ordered National Police Chief Tito Karnavian and State Intelligence Agency (BIN) head Budi Gunawan to arrest the alleged network of radicalists and terrorists reportedly responsible for the attack on Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto on Thursday, reports the Jakarta Post.
“Through a joint force, we can eradicate terrorism and radicalism in our beloved country,” he said.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto was reportedly attacked with a sharp weapon believed to be a knife during a working visit to Pandeglang, Banten.
The minister was attending the inauguration of a university building in Sindanghayu village, Saketi subdistrict when he was attacked.
He was rushed to the Berkah Pandeglang General Hospital with reportedly two stab wounds to the stomach.
Berkah Pandeglang General Hospital director, Firmansyah, said that the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto is in "a stable condition", saying that "the minister will need further treatment as the wounds are deep".
The Banten Police arrested a male identified as SA and a woman identified as FA immediately following the attack on Minister Wiranto, with National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo saying that the male identified as SA had allegedly been exposed to radical teachings that led him to launch the assault.
The Jakarta Post reports that the male identified as SA was reportedly affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah, saying that authorities had monitored his move to Bogor in West Java and later to Menes in Pandeglang.
Last week Wiranto, dismissed calls for a Papuan referendum on self determination, saying "the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is final" in responce to protests calling for West Papua independence that began on Indonesia Independence Day on August 17 and that spread to almost all regions in West Papua in August and September.
"NKRI is non-negotiable, including Papua and West Papua,” he said.
Military (TNI) general, Wiranto was appointed Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister in July 2016 with his appointment reporteded by the Jakarta Post "as a step to halt further investigations into the massacre of communists and their supporters in 1965. "
Minister Wiranto reportedly vowed to settle major human rights violations including the 1965 communist killings, the 1989 Talangsari massare in Central Lampung, the 2001 and 2003 Wamena and Wasior killings in Papua, kidnappings and unresolved killings in the 1980s and the May 1998 riots and the disappereance of activists on his appointment as Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs.
Military (TNI) general Wiranto, who was indicted in 2003 by UN prosecutors for crimes against humanity in military-led atrocities in Timor- Leste in 1999, gave assurances that he would keep working to resolve the pending human rights cases.
"I will find the solutions even though people doubt that I will do so," he said on his appointment following the International People’s Tribunal (IPT) in the Hague finding in July 1965.
The Southeast Asian Times

People's Court sentences Vietnamese woman to death for drug trafficking

Dao Thi Hai, 51, and her son with heroin found by police in her vehicle at Hai Duong Province Tu Ky district on May 20
From News Reports:
Hanoi, October 11: The Peoples Court in northern Hai Duong Province sentenced a Vietnamese woman to death for drug trafficking on Tuesday, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Ðao Thi Hai, 51, from Le Chan District, northern Hai Phong City was sentenced to death for transporting more than 10 kilos of heroin.
Ðao Thi Hai was arrested in Hai Duong Province Tu Ky district on May 20.
Police found 30 packages of heroin in her vehicle that was driven by her son, who was reportedly unaware that the drugs were in the vehicle and was not charged.
Twenty six packages of heroin were reportedly hidden in two bags of rice and a further four packages were found in a backpack.
Hai Duong People’s Court was told the woman had previous criminal convictions for drug use, organising gambling, gambling and associating with criminals.
In May 2015 Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong presented legislators with proposed amendments to the Penal Code including the death penalty for seven crimes at the National Assembly in Hanoi.
Amendments to the Penal Code included the abolition of the death penalty for seven of twenty-nine crimes that carry the death penalty in Vietnam.
Crimes that carry the death penalty include murder, armed robbery, treason, drug trafficking, the sexual abuse of children, economic crimes and corruption including the embezzlment of state property.
The proposed abolition of the death penalty for seven crimes include the embezzlment of state property, the destruction of national security facilities, treason, crimes against humanity, war crimes and drug trafficking.
Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong said that the proposed abolition of the death penalty "is reflected in recent resolutions on justice reform and the practice of criminal legislation".
The Minister said that the death penalty should be maintained for those convicted of corruption, saying that measures have been taken but they have yet to prove effective.
“We are uncompromising in our effort to combat crime", he said.
In February 2017 The Hanoi People's Court sentenced father and son, former director general and sales manager of the bankrupt state-owned Vinashin Ocean Shipping Ltd, or Vinashinlines, to death for embezzlement
Former director general Tran Van Liem, 62, and his son, sales manager Giang Kim Ðat, 40,were found guilty of the embezzlement of more than VNÐ260 billion (US$11.5 million)
The Southeast Asian Times

Court security camera showing Thai judge shooting disappears

Office of the Judiciary, official, Suriyan Hongvilai, said that Judge Kanakorn Pianchana who drew a handgun and shot himself in a Yala courtroom in Southern Thailand last Friday "is being treated for his injuries and is out of danger"

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 10: Future Forward Party (FFP) secretary-general, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who campaigned in the general elections in March on military reform, has called for the disclosure of footage from security cameras in a Yala courtroom in southern Thailand where Judge Kanakorn Pianchana drew a handgun and shot himself last Friday, saying that security camera footage and postings on his Facebook has disappeared, reports the Bangkok Post.
Future Forward Party (FFP) secretary-general, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, and also the House committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights, chairman claims that the broadcast of Judge Kanakorn Pianchana drawing a handgun and shooting himself after delivering a not guilty verdict together with a 25 page document on Facebook has disappeared.
Future Forward Party (FFP) secretary-general, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, and the House committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights, chairman also called for the disclusure of documents that Judge Kanakorn Pianchana allegedly posted on Facebook that reportedly claim disagreements among senior judges over his ruling to acquit five Muslims charged with murder in the ongoing separatist conflict in southern Thailand with allegations that supervising judges had violated the principle of independence of a judge in delivering a verdict.
Judge Kanakorn Pianchan reportedly claims on Facebook that the director of the office of the chief justice for Region 9 ordered him "to penalize the five defendants" without solid evidence to prove that they had committed crimes," saying that he would not follow his order.
Judge, Kanakorn Pianchana reportedly shot himself in the chest in the packed Yala Provincial courtroom in Southern Thailand after he delivered a verdict of not guilty in the trial of five Muslims charged with murder in the ongoing separatist conflict in southern Thailand, saying "you need clear and credible evidence to punish,"
"So if you're not sure, don't punish them", he said.
Future Forward Party (FFP) secretary-general, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, said that the Future Forward Party (FFP) had obtained information from those present in the Yala Provincial Court last Friday after Judge Kanakorn Pianchana handed down a guilty verdict against the orders of supervisory judges and drawing a gun and shooting himself, that officers from the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) allegedly erased posts from Facebook.
The Southeast Asian Times

West Papua calls on Indonesia to return political prisoners

Indonesia National Police spokesperson, Sr. Comr. Asep Adi Saputra, said that the transfer of seven West Papuans charged with treason from West Papua to Kalimantan was carried out in order to avoid conflict during their trial
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 9: The National Committe of West Papua (KNPB) condemned the alleged secretive transfer of seven West Papuans charged with treason from West Papua to East Kalimantan, calling on West Papua police to return the political prisoners, reports the Jakarta Post.
Agus Kossay, chairman of the National Committe of West Papua (KNPB) and Buktar Tabuni, Fery Kombo, Alexander Gobay, Steven Itlai, Hengku Hilapok, Irwanus Uropmabin who are members of Free Papua Movement affilated groups, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) were transferred on Friday.
The National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) who is representing the seven West Papuans said in a press statement that the transfer of the West Papuans was carried out without any legal basis, saying that "KNPB members were surprised to learn of the transfer on Friday."
The National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) claims that "the transfer process was secretly done, denying the prisoners' rights to legal assistance," saying that "the Law and Human Rights Ministry had yet to issue a letter to justify the transfer of the seven from West Papua to Kalimantan".
"The Papua Police chief and police investigator are in breach of Article 85 of the Criminal Law Procedures Code (KUHAP)" the statement said.
The seven West Papuans were arrested in Jayapura in August and September following a series of student protests that spread to almost all regions in West Papua including Jayapura, Nabire, Paniai, Deiyai, Manokwari, Fakfak and Sorong with West Papuans calling on Indonesia for a referendum for independence for West Papua.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, has dismissed calls for a Papuan referendum on self determination, saying that the “NKRI the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is final, ” he said.
He said the New York Agreement, signed in 1962 by the Netherlands and Indonesia, had officially made Papua and West Papua legitimate territories of Indonesia.
“That means NKRI is final, NKRI is non-negotiable, including Papua and West Papua,” he said.
"Referendums are for occupied countries that are given the choice to be independent or to join with the occupying country", he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Judge shoots himself in Thai court in protest against order to convict

A mesage saying “Return verdict to the judge, return justice to the people” and flowers were layed at the Yala Provincial Court in Southern Thailand in support of Judge Kanakorn Pianchana who shot himself in the courtroom after acquiting five Muslims charged with murder against orders to convict

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 8: The Thai Office of the Judiciary is to conduct an investigation into the alleged suicide attempt of a Thai judge who shot himself in the Yala provincial court in southern Thailand on Friday after acquiting five Muslims charged with murder in the ongoing separatist conflict in southern Thailand, reportedly against orders to convict, reports Agence France Presse.
Thai Office of the Judiciary spokesman, Suriyan Hongvilai, claims that Judge Kanakorn Pianchana shot himself due to personal stress, saying that "the cause of stress is not clear and will be investigated."
"Judge Kanakorn Pianchana is being treated by doctors and is out of danger." he said.
Judge, Kanakorn Pianchana reportedly shot himself in the chest in the packed Yala Provincial courtroom after he delivered a verdict of not guilty in the trial of five Muslims charged with murder in the ongoing separatist conflict in southern Thailand, saying "you need clear and credible evidence to punish."
"So if you're not sure, don't punish them", he said.
"I'm not saying that the five defendants didn't commit the crimes, they might have done so", he said.
"But the judicial process needs to be transparent and credible... punishing the wrong people makes them scapegoats." he said in his address to the court that was posted on Facebook live.
The judge reportedly recited a legal oath in front of a portrait of the Thai King before pulling out a hand gun and shooting himself in the chest.
Postings on Judge Kanakorn Pianchana Facebook reportedly claim disagreements among senior judges over the ruling to acquit all five charged with murder with allegations that "supervising judges had violated the principle of independence in delivering a verdict."
Judge Kanakorn Pianchan claims on Facebook that the director of the office of the chief justice for Region 9 ordered him "to penalize the five defendants" without solid evidence to prove that they had committed crimes, saying "but I won't follow his order.”
Lawyer, for the five Muslims, Abdulloh Hayee-abu, said that Judge Kanakorn ruled that the prosecutor's evidence was insufficient to convict, saying that "the five are in detention waiting to see if the state prosecutor appeals their acquital."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia establishes military bases
on maritime border with Australia and Timor Leste

President Joko Widodo announced the establishment of four Indonesian Military (TNI) bases including on the maritime border with Australa and Timor Leste at a ceremony to commemorate the Indonesian Military's 74th anniversary at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force base in East Jakarta on Saturday
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 7: President Joko Widodo announced the establishment of four new Indonesian Military (TNI) bases in Indonesia including bases on the maritime border with Australia and Timor Leste saying that "the bases would improve combat readiness," reports the Jakarta Post.
President Joko Widodo announced the establishment of the new military bases at Biak, Merauke, Morotai and Saumlaki at a ceremony commemorating the Indonesian Military (TNI) 74th anniversary held at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force base in East Jakarta on Saturday.
"Small islands in Indonesia's vast archipelago may function as carriers from where fighter jets and soldiers could be deployed quickly to conflict areas," he said.
He said that the military bases located on Biak Island, at the coastal town of Merauke in West Papua and at Saumlaki located on Maluku's Jamdena Island on the maritime border with Australia and Timor Leste "would improve combat readiness."
"The military base on Morotai Island that is part of the province of North Maluku will allow the Indonesian Military (TNI) a closer watch of maritime borders near the southern Philippines", he said.
He said that the Indonesian Military (TNI) is shifting from three separate forces to a more integrated system, saying that "efforts are being made to ensure that the Army, Navy and the Air force work closely in tackling major defense threats including terrorism," he said.
The military bases in Biak, Merauke, Morotai and Saumlaki follow the establishment of the Natuna military base in the North Natuna Sea located along the southern part of the strategic Malacca Straits in the southern waters of the South China Sea.
In July 2017 Indonesia renamed the resource-rich Natuna Islands located off the southern end of the 'nine-dash line' in the South China Sea, the North Natuna Sea, in the Indonesian territorial map that was issued in Jakarta.
Last month the Biak Numfor Regency that includes the islands of Biak and Numfor located at the entrance to Cenderawasih Bay in northern Papua rejected separatism from Indonesia in the Biak Peace Declaration that was signed on Biak Island on September 9, 2019.
On July 6, 1998, 40 West Papuans on Biak Island were killed and more than 100 arrested and reportedly tortured by Indonesian military (TNI) for hoisting the banned West Papua independence Bintang Kejora or Morning Star separatist flag.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesians call on President to revoke amendments to KPK despite impeachment threats

Senior public figures including former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK commissioners called on President Joko Widodo at the state palace in Jakarta to revoke the newly passed amendments to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that would reportedly weaken the commissionIndonesians call on President Joko to revoke amendments to ant-corruption commission despite threats of impeachment

From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 6: Senior public figures including former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK commissioners called on President Joko Widodo to issue a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) to revoke the newly passed amendments to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) despite threats of impeachment from political parties, reports the Jakarta Post.
Senior public figures cultural critic Goenawan Mohamad, economist Emil Salim, Quran expert Quraish Shihab, former Constitutional Court chief justice Mahfud MD, philosopher Franz Magnis-Suseno and former KPK commissioners Taufiequrachman Ruki and Chandra Hamzah who met with President Joko Widodo at the State Palace said that those who wanted a weakened KPK had put forward misleading information.
The Senior public figures reportedly blamed the 'political eletes' for misleading the public in saying that a regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) cannot be issued by the President to revoke ammendments to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that were passed into law by the House of Representatives last month.
The Senior public figures claim that the political eletes have threatened to impeach President Jokowi if he revoked the ammendments to the KPK that include the removal of KPK ability to recruit its own investigators, the establishment of a supervisory council that would monitor the KPK and the requirement by the KPK to obtain permits to conduct wiretaps.
The Senior public figures argued that the issue of a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) issuing was a constitutional right of the President and therefore could not be used as a pretext to impeach him.
“We call on the President to immediately issue a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) to correct the KPK Law ammendments in order to strengthen the President’s commitment to corruption eradication,” they said.
“We remind the political elites not to issue misleading and alarmist statements or threaten the President.”
President Joko Widodo reportedly said he would consider issuing a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) to revoke the ammendments to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that was passed into law last month with NasDem Party official Surya Dharma Paloh, saying that "issuing a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) could prove problematic for Jokowi."
"Such a move could easily be politicized and Jokowi could face impeachment for doing so," he said.
The government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) once issued by President Jokowi, would require approval from the House of Representatives to effectively revoke the newly passed Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law.
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was established in 2003 with the swearing in of five commissioners by President Megawatti on 29 December 2003.
The People’s Consultative Assembly said in 1998, the same year that Soeharto resigned, that they wanted "a clean state administration free from corruption, collusion and nepotism".
Indonesia established - anti-corruption courts in 33 provinces in 2011 each with six judges with two of the judges attached to the higher court. The corruption courts reportedly hold trial hearings with their secretariats at existing district courts.
The Southeast Asian Times

Trial for instigating incitement and insulting PM begins in Phnom Penh

Former dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), member, Kong Mas, on trial for posting messages on Facebook and printing election leaflets that allegedly instigated incitement in Cambodia and insulted Prime Minister Hun Sen

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, October 5: The trial of a former dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), member charged with instigatimg incitement and insulting Prime Minister Hun Sen began in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court with the accused saying "I have never personally attacked Prime Minister Hun Sen," reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Former dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) member, Kong Mas, who was arrested in January, appeared before Judge Pich Vicheathor on Wednesday charged with posting messages on Facebook between April and October last year including the July 29 elections that allegedly instigated incitement and insulted Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The former dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) member, Kong Mas, is charged with creating five Facebook accounts with the intention of posting messages insulting Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen.
“You called Prime Minister Hun Sen the destroyer of Cambodia’s forests; you appealed to people to rise against the government; you planned to print 100,000 leaflets calling on voters to boycott last year’s national elections on July 29; you said Hun Sen was a puppet who had contributed to the destruction of democracy in Cambodia,” said Judge Pich Vicheathor.
Prosecutor Seng Heang accused former president of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Sam Rainsy, who is on trial in absentia for plotting against the Hun Sen government, of ordering Kong Mas, to print 100,000 leaflets calling on Cambodians to abstain from voting in July 29, 2018 election.
"Kong Mas prepared the leaflets and made a budget request to Sam Rainsy through Ho Vann former dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) legislator, who is also on trial in absentia, for incitement and for insulting Prime Minister Hun Sen, he said.
He accused Kak Komphear, a former party member, who is also on trial in absentia for instigating incitement and insulting Hun Sen, for ordering Kong Mas to edit audio recordings.
Kong Mas said that former president of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Sam Rainsy, was not involved in the printing of leaflets saying “I prepared the leaflets myself without being told to do so.
"I planned to distribute the leaflets to make the Hun Sen government think again about the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP)
He said that the leaflets that said ‘Don’t go to vote on July 29, 2018, ’was taken from the former president of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Sam Rainsy, Facebook page.
"I have never personally attacked Prime Minister Hun Sen," he said.
The former president of the dissolved opposition party, Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Sam Rainsy, who is in exile in Paris, is on trial in absentia for plotting against the Hun Sen government and incitement under articles 453, 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code that include meetings in the United States where former members reportedly planned the return of the former president of the disolved party to Cambodia reportedly this month.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai police to stop surveilance of Muslim students at universities

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha defended the Royal Thai Police Special Branch Bureau (SBB) law enforcement agency in the gathering of information from Thai universities on Muslim students, saying that "no rights have been breached, we cannot manage anything if we don’t have data”

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 4: Thai Future Forward Party (FFP) Members of Parliament, who campaigned in the March General elections on military reform, were given assurance by the Special Branch Bureau (SBB) that the law enforcement agency under Royal Thai Police authority would stop the practice of gathering information from universities across Thailand on Muslim students, reports the Bangkok Post.
Future Forward Party (FFP) Member of Parliament and House Committee on Laws, Justice Process and Human Rights, spokesman, Rangsiman Rome, said that the committee was notified by the Special Branch Bureau (SBB) on Monday that the law enforcement agency had ceased the practice of seeking information from unversities on Muslim students.
"Special Branch police have withdrawn their demand for universities to provide them with information about their Muslim students," he said.
The Muslim Students Federation of Thailand (Mustfeth) reportedly petitioned the House committee on law, justice and human rights to examine the practice of seeking information from universities on Muslim students by the Special Branch Bureau (SBB) law enforcement agency
Muslim Students Federation of Thailand (Mustfeth) president, Ashraf Awae, submitted a petition to Future Forward Party (FFP) secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who chairs the House committee on law, justice and human rights, saying that "the letter sent by Special Branch Bureau (SBB) to tertiary education institutions, requesting details about their Muslim students including their extra curricular activities is a violation of Section 27 of the constitution that guarantees equal rights and freedom."
"The Special Branch Bureau (SBB) letter to the universities shows the government's distrust of Muslims," he said.
He said that the Muslim Students Federation of Thailand (Mustfeth) saw the letter as "singling out Muslim students for surveillance and interfering with the education institutions' affairs."
The Special Branch Bureau (SBB) law enforcement agency gathering of information from Universities on Muslim students last month reportedly follows a series of bomb blasts in Bangkok in August.
Three have been arrested and 11 others believed to be Muslim Malays from southern Thailand are still at large.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian migrants in Wamena West Papua urged not to join mass exodus

About 10,000 Indonesian migrants in Wamena, Jayawijaya regency, West Papua are waiting to be airlifted out of Wamena, with thousands waiting in shelters including at the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) base following deadly riots that broke out in Wamena last week
From News Reports:
Indonesia, October 3: The West Papua provincial administration has called on South Sulawesi migrants in Wamena, Jayawijaya regency, West Papua not to join the mass exodus of Indonesians following the deadly riots in Wamena last week that left 33 dead amd more than 70 injured, reports the Jakarta Post.
"All Indonesians, including those from South Sulawesi, have the right to live in Papua as an integrated part of Indonesia," said Provincial Government's Regional Secretary for Economic and Social Welfare Affairs, Muhammad Musaad, at a meeting with Papua Governor Governor Lukas Enembe, South Sulawesi Deputy Governor Andi Sudirman and South Sulawesi Provincial Administration Secretary, Abdul Hayat on Monday.
Provincial Government's Regional Secretary for Economic and Social Welfare Affairs, Muhammad Musaad, said that " Papua Governor Governor Lukas Enembe has vowed to coordinate with the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian Police (Polri) to ensure the safety of all Wamena residents including Indonesians from South Sulawesi.
Papua Governor Lukas Enembe South Sulawesi Deputy Governor Andi Sudirman and South Sulawesi Provincial Administration's Secretary Abdul Hayat Enembe reportedly called on the survivors of the Wamena not to join the mass exodus but to remain in Wamena, with South Sulawesi deputy governor Andi Sudirman donating Rp1 billion in humanitarian aid to the Jayawijaya regency.
"To help ease the local government's financial burden and assist the affected community members," he said.
West Papuans separatists reportedly organised by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) brandished machetes and arrows in the streets of Wamena last week as they set government offices ablaze forcing local officials to close the Wamena Airport.
About 6,000 joint Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police personnel were reportedly deployed to secure West Papua's eastern provinces including Jayapura, Nabire, Paniai, Deiyai, Manokwari, Fakfak and Sorong following protests last month calling on Indonesia for a referendum for independence for West Papua that had spread to almost all regions in West Papua.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, dismissed calls for a Papuan referendum on self determination, saying “NKRI the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is final, ” he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

President Widodo orders capture of West Papuan separatists in Wamena

West Papuan separatists reportedly organised by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) brandished machetes and arrows in the streets of Wamena Jayawijaya regency, West Papua last week as they set government offices ablaze forcing local officials to close the Wamena Airport
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 2: President Joko Widodo has ordered the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian Police (Polri) to capture the armed West Papuan group allegedly responsible for the deadly riots in Wamena, Jayawijaya regency, West Papua last week that left 33 dead and more than 70 injured, reports the Jakarta Post
The President said that he has ordered Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian Police (Polri) to capture the armed groups.
The President claims that the armed criminal group "came down from the mountains of Jayawijaya regency", saying that "the armed men torched houses, instigating riots that sent thousands of residents fleeing the affected areas for fear of further violence."
West Papuans separatists reportedly organised by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) brandished machetes and arrows in the streets of Wamena last week as they set government offices ablaze forcing local officials to close the Wamena Airport.
Silas Parepare Air Base in Jayapura, Air Cdre. Tri Bowo Budi Santoso said that about 10,000 Wamena residents are waiting to be airlifted out of Wamena, with thousands waiting in shelters including at the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI).
About 6,000 joint Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police personnel were reportedly deployed to secure Indonesia's most eastern provinces including Jayapura, Nabire, Paniai, Deiyai, Manokwari, Fakfak and Sorong following protests last month calling on Indonesia for a referendum for independence for West Papua that had spread to almost all regions in West Papua.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, has dismissed calls for a Papuan referendum on self determination, saying “demands for a referendum are inappropriate.”
“NKRI the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is final, ” he said.
He said the New York Agreement, signed in 1962 by the Netherlands and Indonesia, had officially made Papua and West Papua legitimate territories of Indonesia.
“That means NKRI is final, NKRI is non-negotiable, including Papua and West Papua,” he said.
"Referendums are for occupied countries that are given the choice to be independent or to join with the occupying country", he said.
"But Papua and West Papua are legitimate territories of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times
MEDIA CHECK
Cambodia-China Journalist Association (CCJA) launched in Phnom Penh ...open here


Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here



"Goodbye America" says B.A. Hamzah as he calls for Asians to determine their own political destiny in "Time for Asia to set it's own course, minus the U.S."...open here


Is prescribed burning of grasslands in northern Australia out of control? ......Chris Ray reports ... open page here

"Rockefeller and the Demise of Ibu Pertiwi" by Kerry B. Collison "is undoubtedly fictional but by no means improbable, " says Johannes Nugroho ....open page here

Viet Nam is planning to go nuclear by the year 2020.reports
John Loizou in "Calculating the costs of nuclear energy in Vietnam" ...open page here

Bombed by the Americans for Christmas in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital is still a war zone...Christina Pas reports...Open page here


The founder of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, the now former Prime Minister of Timor Leste, after losing the May 12, 2018 election to the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party, led by Xanana Gusmao, has accused the opposition of a coup attempt.
Twelve years ago Mari Alkatiri also accused the opposition of a coup attemp claiming then that the crises that led to his resignation was the result of a conspiracy. "I have no doubt about that" he told Darwin reporter John Loizou in an interview in Dili on 6 November 2006
......open page here

 

Cuba's 302 physicians in East Timor work at five hospitals and remote villages throughout the republic...writes Darwin reporter John Loizou ...open page here

 

Indonesia ready for big 'brother' role in ASEAN
By Prashanth Parameswaran .......open page here

 

Benedict Anderson, a man without a country, dies in Indonesia Jeet Heer reports.....open page here


Thousands of Northern Australia's indigenous rock art sites are under threat from buffalo, fire and feral animals. Tim Lee reports ........open page here

 

Copy of letter 29 May 2012 from Vietnam Womens Union to International Olympic Committee...open here


A cartoon goes inside the tour bus in Manila on the day that ended with the slaying of eight Hong Kong tourists ...Open page here



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Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's

erty sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times

China to invest in rail and road construction
in Indonesia
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Indonesia's Railway Corporation (PT KAI) and state construction company PT Jasa Marga signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with China Investment Fund (CIF) to develop indonesia's railway services and toll road construction.
Witness to the signing, coordinating Minister for the Economy Sofyan Djalil, said that the MoU will provide the groundwork for further cooperation between China Railway and P KAI and China Investment Fund (CIF).
"The MoU is the first step towards further development of public services between China and Indonesia" he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng said that the MoU would spark more cooperations between China and Indonesia and would bring about "real benefits to the public."
The Southeast Asian Times

Penang health department shuts down soya bean factory
From News Reports:
Penang, October 19: Five Penang food factories including a 100 year old soya bean factory at Tanjong Bungah were ordered closed by the state health department for failure to observe health standards.
State health, food safety and quality division, deputy director Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said soya bean products were processed in an unclean "rusty and moldy kitchen".
"Our inspectors found that wet products were left to dry on "dirty" bamboo sticks along with bathing towels. The bamboo sticks were also dirty and dusty," she said.
A "sweets" factory in Teluk Kumbar, a noodle factory in Simpang Ampat and a sauce factory in Bukit Metajam were also closed by the state health department
The Southeast Asian Times

Fuel smugglers including military personnel under arrest
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: Riau Islands Police have arrested 30 suspects including several Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and seized 64 cars, two boats and 106 tons of fuel.
Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Arman Depary said in Batam last week that the seized cars had been modified to hold 100 litres of fuel.
"The Military (TNI) personnel are suspected of fuel smuggling and have been handed over to the military base", he said.
TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko said that the alleged suspected fuel smugglers are honor-based service military personnel.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai coup blammed for fall in tourist arrivals
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 18: The Thai tourism sector suffered its largest fall in international visitors to Thailand in June, the first month after the establishment of marshal law and the military seizure of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Tourism reportedly accounts for 10 percent of the Thai economy.
Data from the Thai Department of Tourism shows that inernational tourist arrival numbers in July fell by 10.9 percent compared to the same time last year.
International arrivals in July totalled 1.91 million compared to 2.15 million in July 2013.
Arrivals from China with a18 percent share of all visitors to thailand and the largest group of visitors to Thailand, fell by 25.3 percent.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom with a 4 percent share of all visitors to Thailand, was one of the few large markets to record a gain, of 6.2 percent
The Southeast Asian Times

US Senate approves sales of nuclear equipment to Vietnam
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 31: The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed legislation approving a 123 agreement on civil nuclear commerce with Vietnam at a business meeting of the committee last week.
The 123 agreement under the US Atomic energy Act of 1954 establishes a civil nuclear commerce agreement that allows the US to export nuclear reactors, research information and equipment to Vietnam.
The civil nuclear commerce agreement between the US and Vietnam is "part of Vietnam's effort to ease its shortage of energy towards meeting over 10 percent of the domestic power demand by 2030", reports the Vietnam News Service
The Southeast Asian Times

Court for construction
Industry
established
in Malaysia
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, May 3: The first two Construction Courts for Malaysia were opened by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam last week, reports the Star.
The courts will deal with disputes in the construction industry.
Works Minister Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof said that the establishment of the courts will transform the way the construction business in the country operates.
"The construction industry stakerholders can now have their disputes resolved by judges with expert knowledge and experience in construction industry disputes', he said.
The proposal by the Construction Industry Board (CIDB) for the establishment of the construction courts was first put to the Judiciary in January 2013.
Britain is the only other country that has a specially designated court that deals with construction industry disputes.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali communities want larger share of tourism revenue
From News Reports:
Denpasar, April 14: Bali community-based tourism operators have called for amendments to regulations that stipulate that the local community pay the Bali regency administration 60 percent of their total tourism revenue.
Penglipuran tourist village in Bangli, community-based tourism manager, Nengah Moneng, said that he objected to the fact that his community received only 40 percent of the total revenue.
"We want to have 60 percent share of the tourist revenue to pay for operating costs", he said.
The Penglipuran tourism manager said that operating costs for trekking, traditional dance, cultural shows including religious rituals had increased.
The cost of operating lodges and community halls for tourism had also increased.
"An increase in revenue for not only the Bangli community but for tourism based communities across Bali would benefit tourism island-wide" said the tourism manager.
The Southeast Asian Times

Riau forest fires force Chevron to shut down oil wells
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 21: PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the Indonesian subsidiary of US-based oil company Chevron has shut down 573 oil wells in the Riau province of Sumatra.
The deteriorating quality of air due to forest fires that have been raging for the last month has forced PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) to shut down its oil wells and evacuate workers and there families.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, public relations officer, Handoyo Budi Santoso, said that oil assets in Riau province are important to national crude oil production.
"The biggest production loss came from the shutdown of Rokan block, operated by Chevron Pacific Indonesia, the country's biggest producer of crude oil production", he said
The Jakarta Posts reports that potential losses are estimated at about 12,000 barrels of oil a day.
The Southeast Asian Times

Sabah caters to influx of tourists from China
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 5:
The New Straits Times reports that there was an 86 percent increase in tourist arrivals from China
to Sabah in the last two years.
Data from the Sabah Tourism Board reportedly shows that 193,010 tourist tourists arrived in Sabah from China in 2011 increasing to 360,361 in 2013
Sabah West Coast Coffeeshop Association chairman, Yong Chee Yun, said coffee shop operators were catering to the influx of tourists from China.
"Coffee shops displayed tourist friendly signs in Chinese saying 'how are you?' and menues included China's favourite foods", he said.
Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels and general manager of the At Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort,
said that staff members are encouraged to learn Mandarin.
"So that they can converse better with guests" he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pilots strike forces Merpati to cancel
flights
From News Reports:
Jakarta,January 29: A pilots strike forced State-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines to cancelled all scheduled flights to Surabaya, Merauke and Timika on Saturday, reports The Jakarta Post.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra said that the airline had not paid salaries to pilots and cabin crew for two months.
The Jakarta Post reports that PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines was required to restructure its operations.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra says that Merpati has signed a memorndum of understanding (MoU) with PT Armagedon Indonesia and PT Bentang Persada Gemilang to restructure the company.
The airline has debts of Rp 6.5 trillion (US$533 million) reports the Jakarta Post.
"The management would pay the salaries around March or early April, said the Merpati corporate secretary.
Merpati’s workers union advisory board official, Erry Wardhana, said about 200 Merpati pilots planned to strike again next Saturday for an indefinite period.
"The pilots would strike until 1,600 Merpati employees were paid", he said.
The union advisory board official says that this is the first time that Merpati workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages.
The pilots are owed wages for December and January reports the Jakarta Post.
The Southeast Asian Times