This week, Indonesia is on the spot in the world's news. That is so since the country is discussed in two articles of this week's Economist magazine. Unfortunately, both show a retreat in social and economic conditions.
First, it questions the religious freedom in Indonesia. Several recent incidents like an attack to a religious minority group in Jakarta, a clash between Muslims and Christians in Papua, and bans on churches' activities in Bekasi and Bogor happened. The authorities, namely police, local administration, judicial officers, and lawmakers do nothing and show no willingness to handle the situation. Even, in 2006, the government issued a regulation putting more burdens for religious minority to build houses of worship. In my opinion, this problem will remain as it has been there for decades, unless there is a strong external push factor forcing the government to improve the country's religious freedom.
Second, Rupiah plunged to its level in the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis. The economic growth is at the lowest level since 2009. Declining commodity prices, China's economic slowdown, and public expectation of US interest-rate hike are some of the main causes. In my opinion, while we are endowed with valuable commodities, it is more important to manage the commodities well so that in the long run those commodities will remain fruitful. Furthermore, we need to open up trade ties with any market in the world; this will lessen our dependence to the traditional markets.
First, it questions the religious freedom in Indonesia. Several recent incidents like an attack to a religious minority group in Jakarta, a clash between Muslims and Christians in Papua, and bans on churches' activities in Bekasi and Bogor happened. The authorities, namely police, local administration, judicial officers, and lawmakers do nothing and show no willingness to handle the situation. Even, in 2006, the government issued a regulation putting more burdens for religious minority to build houses of worship. In my opinion, this problem will remain as it has been there for decades, unless there is a strong external push factor forcing the government to improve the country's religious freedom.
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| Borobudur Temple |
Second, Rupiah plunged to its level in the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis. The economic growth is at the lowest level since 2009. Declining commodity prices, China's economic slowdown, and public expectation of US interest-rate hike are some of the main causes. In my opinion, while we are endowed with valuable commodities, it is more important to manage the commodities well so that in the long run those commodities will remain fruitful. Furthermore, we need to open up trade ties with any market in the world; this will lessen our dependence to the traditional markets.
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