They're at it again. As usual the Indonesian government treats its own citizens like enemy combatants - this time the military is burning villages in Papua and murdering civilians. I mean seriously, what kind of army 'takes revenge' against its own people?
On The Age today:
http://www.theage.com.au/world/soldiers-accused-of-papua-rampage-20120607-1zyyc.html
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Monday, 2 April 2012
Slavery in Mauritania
Check out this CNN report on the shocking slavery that still goes on in the West African nation of Mauritania. An estimated 10 - 20% of the population are slaves!!
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2012/03/world/mauritania.slaverys.last.stronghold/index.html
Friday, 27 January 2012
Colour photographs from over 100 years ago
Most people do not associate colour photography with anything pre-1950s or 60s. Colour images I’ve seen in photo albums from before this era have generally been painted, and so to view good quality colour photographs from 100 years ago is simply breathtaking. The depth, reality and immediacy that a colour photograph brings out cannot be understated.
The name Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky probably doesn’t ring a bell to most people but this Russian photographic innovator born in 1863 was an amazing pioneer in colour photography. Using a camera he developed to take a series of three pictures in sequence, each through a different coloured filter. He was then able to reconstruct the colour of the scene by projecting all three pictures.
Between 1907 and 1915, Prokudin-Gorsky was commissioned by Czar Nicholas II to freely document the Russian empire. He travelled for years around the vast territory by train, armed with special permits and privileges that granted him access to restricted areas.
The name Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky probably doesn’t ring a bell to most people but this Russian photographic innovator born in 1863 was an amazing pioneer in colour photography. Using a camera he developed to take a series of three pictures in sequence, each through a different coloured filter. He was then able to reconstruct the colour of the scene by projecting all three pictures.
Between 1907 and 1915, Prokudin-Gorsky was commissioned by Czar Nicholas II to freely document the Russian empire. He travelled for years around the vast territory by train, armed with special permits and privileges that granted him access to restricted areas.
Above: Lifting bridge on the river Vytegra, dated 1909
Prokudin-Gorsky recorded his images on glass plates. It has only been in the last few years that we have finally been able to view his amazing body of work, reproduced from his original negatives. Although thousands of his images were lost or damaged, it is hard to believe that colour photographs of such amazing clarity were produced over a century ago! Learn more about the process he used here.
These photographs tell the tale of a long-lost pre-revolutionary Russian empire but look like they could have been taken yesterday. I’ve spent hours looking and admiring these spectacular works of art and genius.
Check out these links to see his photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prokudin-gorsky/
http://www.thespektator.co.uk/spg2.html
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Indonesian police violence in Bima
Obtained from Amnesty International:
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Index: ASA 21/001/2012
10 January 2012
Government must ensure accountability for police violence in Bima
The Indonesian government must ensure accountability for the deaths of at
least three people and injuries to dozens of others at a peaceful protest
in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara province in late December.
If ongoing investigations find that the security forces committed unlawful
killings or torture or other ill-treatment, then those responsible,
including persons with command responsibility, must be prosecuted in
proceedings which meet international standards of fairness, and victims
provided with reparations.
On the morning of 24 December 2011, some 100 protesters blocked the road
to Sape port near Bima, demanding the revocation of an exploration permit
issued to a gold mining company. They cited environmental concerns and
fears it would threaten their livelihoods. An estimated 600 police
including the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit, Criminal investigation
unit and intelligence officers were mobilised to the port to disperse the
protesters. According to credible reports, the police opened fire and
used excessive force against the protesters, killing at least three people
and injuring around 80 others, including women and children. The police
subsequently arrested at least 56 Bima residents for their involvement in
the demonstration and for allegedly possessing weapons. According to local
sources, at least 37 are still detained.
An initial investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas
HAM) found indications that the police had committed human rights
violations. According to the commission, the Bima district police chief
had given orders to use force and the police punched, kicked and dragged
the protesters who had put up no resistance. The commission also found
evidence that the police had tampered with the crime scene by collecting
empty bullet shells scattered in the area of the shooting.
Amnesty International recognizes the challenges involved in policing
demonstrations. However, in this case the security forces appear to have
violated the rights to life and to freedom from torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, both non-derogable rights
under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to
which Indonesia is a state party.
The police also appear to have contravened the Indonesian police
regulation on the Use of Force in Police Action (No 1/2009). The
Regulation provides for, among other things, that force should be used
only as a last resort, in proportion to the threat posed, and designed to
minimize damage or injury.
Internal police disciplinary proceedings held in Mataram, the capital of
West Nusa Tenggara province, found five police officers in breach of
police procedures for beating and kicking the protesters while attempting
to disperse them. They were reportedly given punishments of three days’
detention, written reprimands and postponement of further training.
While Amnesty International welcomes any internal disciplinary process
into police misconduct, it must never replace bringing those suspected of
offences involving human rights violations before civilian courts.
The police leadership should also immediately conduct a thorough review of
police tactics and use of weapons during public order policing, with a
view to ensuring that they comply with international standards, in
particular the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN
Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement
Officials.
Amnesty International also urges the Indonesian authorities to set up an
independent police complaints mechanism to deal with human rights
violations by police officers or empower existing bodies such as the
National Police Commission or the National Human Rights Commission so that
they can carry out independent investigations and submit their findings to
a public prosecutor or to the police internal disciplinary body.
ENDS/
Public Document
International Secretariat, Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London
WC1X 0DW, UK www.amnesty.org
Link: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA21/001/2012/en
****************************************
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Index: ASA 21/001/2012
10 January 2012
Government must ensure accountability for police violence in Bima
The Indonesian government must ensure accountability for the deaths of at
least three people and injuries to dozens of others at a peaceful protest
in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara province in late December.
If ongoing investigations find that the security forces committed unlawful
killings or torture or other ill-treatment, then those responsible,
including persons with command responsibility, must be prosecuted in
proceedings which meet international standards of fairness, and victims
provided with reparations.
On the morning of 24 December 2011, some 100 protesters blocked the road
to Sape port near Bima, demanding the revocation of an exploration permit
issued to a gold mining company. They cited environmental concerns and
fears it would threaten their livelihoods. An estimated 600 police
including the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit, Criminal investigation
unit and intelligence officers were mobilised to the port to disperse the
protesters. According to credible reports, the police opened fire and
used excessive force against the protesters, killing at least three people
and injuring around 80 others, including women and children. The police
subsequently arrested at least 56 Bima residents for their involvement in
the demonstration and for allegedly possessing weapons. According to local
sources, at least 37 are still detained.
An initial investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas
HAM) found indications that the police had committed human rights
violations. According to the commission, the Bima district police chief
had given orders to use force and the police punched, kicked and dragged
the protesters who had put up no resistance. The commission also found
evidence that the police had tampered with the crime scene by collecting
empty bullet shells scattered in the area of the shooting.
Amnesty International recognizes the challenges involved in policing
demonstrations. However, in this case the security forces appear to have
violated the rights to life and to freedom from torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, both non-derogable rights
under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to
which Indonesia is a state party.
The police also appear to have contravened the Indonesian police
regulation on the Use of Force in Police Action (No 1/2009). The
Regulation provides for, among other things, that force should be used
only as a last resort, in proportion to the threat posed, and designed to
minimize damage or injury.
Internal police disciplinary proceedings held in Mataram, the capital of
West Nusa Tenggara province, found five police officers in breach of
police procedures for beating and kicking the protesters while attempting
to disperse them. They were reportedly given punishments of three days’
detention, written reprimands and postponement of further training.
While Amnesty International welcomes any internal disciplinary process
into police misconduct, it must never replace bringing those suspected of
offences involving human rights violations before civilian courts.
The police leadership should also immediately conduct a thorough review of
police tactics and use of weapons during public order policing, with a
view to ensuring that they comply with international standards, in
particular the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN
Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement
Officials.
Amnesty International also urges the Indonesian authorities to set up an
independent police complaints mechanism to deal with human rights
violations by police officers or empower existing bodies such as the
National Police Commission or the National Human Rights Commission so that
they can carry out independent investigations and submit their findings to
a public prosecutor or to the police internal disciplinary body.
ENDS/
Public Document
International Secretariat, Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London
WC1X 0DW, UK www.amnesty.org
Link: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA21/001/2012/en
****************************************
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Disgusting Indonesian sports fans
The recent South East Asian Games (SEA Games) was held in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang from 11-22 November 2011. The games are aimed at strengthening ties between ASEAN nations and improving regional sporting quality. As I was in Indonesia at the time, I had the privilege of attending several events.
I was shocked to witness the absolute disrespect of Indonesian sports fans towards opposing teams. Indonesians are renowned for their friendliness, politeness and hospitality however it all seems a facade if you attend an international sporting event.
Malaysia and Indonesia have a rivalry in soccer and naturally this was going to be shown at the SEA Games given Malaysia was reigning champion and the two countries were drawn in the same group. The two teams met twice - during the group stages and during the final. At both games the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium was packed beyond capacity - over 100,000 people vying for 85,000 seats. Predictably Malaysia won both matches. And predictably, Indonesia's crowds were despicable. During the Malaysian national anthem, the packed stadium booed, jeered and held up their middle fingers. They persistently chanted obscenities and held up insulting banners. I have never in all my life seen anything quite so disgusting towards a visiting international team at a supposedly "friendly" games. The Indonesian fans also attacked the bus transporting the Malaysian team so much so that there were requests for an armoured car transport for the final. No visiting Indonesian team would ever be treated like this in Malaysia. Of course the police stood by doing nothing as usual. In fact they were helpless when the crowds rushed the gates. Oh and predictably several people died too.
I watched the basketball semi-final where Indonesia played Thailand. It was a close contest with Thailand pulling away in the last few minutes to win the match. As soon as the Indonesian crowds saw they had lost, they began hurling rubbish at the Thai team, spitting on them and shouting at them. The Thai team had to be quickly evacuated from the building. For what? For winning. Disgusting.
Just another example of this ridiculous behaviour was shown during the Pencak Silat martial arts tournament. Indonesia was against Vietnam. When the Vietnamese coach went to the judges' table to complain about something (and yes the judging during the games has been biased as all hell), an Indonesian spectator runs out of the stands and fly-kicks the coach to the head! Of course then a ruckus ensues with other Indonesians joining in.
Watch the clip below.
Indonesian sports fans, you should be ashamed of yourselves! Until you learn how to behave like civilised humans, the world will continue to view you as a sporting backwater.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Enough is enough: Indonesia's human rights abuses in West Papua
The people of West Papua have been fighting for independence ever since Indonesia invaded the territory in 1962 and subsequently (after years of international pressure) in 1969 conducted the sham 'referendum' of 1022 hand-picked collaborators to legitimise their occupation.
I do not express an opinion as to whether West Papua should be granted independence or not but simply that its people (a) be given the right to choose their fate democratically and (b) that the human rights violations and violence perpetrated by the Indonesian government against West Papuans cease immediately.
Leaving aside the issue of a free West Papuan state, the Indonesian government is not doing itself any favours if it is trying to convince Papuans that they are Indonesian. Decades of violence, rape, murder, political detention, forced disappearances, religious persecution, discrimination and racism are the only gifts Indonesia has ever given the resource-rich region, all the while filling Jakarta's pockets with mining money. Indonesia's treatment of Papua only encourages the independence movement.
The provinces of West Papua remain some of Indonesia's poorest and underdeveloped. Yet the region provides significant income to Jakarta.
Recently murders and other violence by the police and military have made headlines, even in Indonesia. In October police opened fire on hundreds of civilians at an independence rally because they declared independence from Indonesia.
I do not express an opinion as to whether West Papua should be granted independence or not but simply that its people (a) be given the right to choose their fate democratically and (b) that the human rights violations and violence perpetrated by the Indonesian government against West Papuans cease immediately.
Leaving aside the issue of a free West Papuan state, the Indonesian government is not doing itself any favours if it is trying to convince Papuans that they are Indonesian. Decades of violence, rape, murder, political detention, forced disappearances, religious persecution, discrimination and racism are the only gifts Indonesia has ever given the resource-rich region, all the while filling Jakarta's pockets with mining money. Indonesia's treatment of Papua only encourages the independence movement.
The provinces of West Papua remain some of Indonesia's poorest and underdeveloped. Yet the region provides significant income to Jakarta.
Recently murders and other violence by the police and military have made headlines, even in Indonesia. In October police opened fire on hundreds of civilians at an independence rally because they declared independence from Indonesia.
I mean what kind of sick country has a police force that systematically kills and intimidates its own people? In response to the shooting of 2 police officers in early December, police attacked villages by burning down houses and churches! Even the National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia is beating round the bush. Deputy Chairperson Ridha Saleh was quoted as saying “The police should not be reckless or foolhardy. They must not act blindly, which can cause more casualties of regular people than perpetrators,”. OF COURSE THEY SHOULDN'T!! What a stupid response. They are violating basic human rights and burning down people's houses. He should be saying "the Indonesian government through its police force and military must be held accountable for their crimes against their own people!" , not "play nice now policemen".
It's interesting to note that Indonesia has carried out far more human rights abuses against its own people than the Dutch colonialists ever did - and it continues. Just look at the Indonesian Genocide of 1965-1966. Or the shooting of unarmed farmers in Jambi by police officers earlier this year. The government of Indonesia has NEVER apologised for committing human rights abuses. Not even after Suharto was kicked out in 1998. Even after the world was shocked at the riots that saw thousands of ethnic Chinese murdered and raped across Java in May 1998, the Indonesian government still refuses to officially acknowledge that it ever happened. This is in stark contrast to the Netherlands who yesterday issued a formal apology and compensation to the victims of the Rawagede massacre.
It's interesting to note that Indonesia has carried out far more human rights abuses against its own people than the Dutch colonialists ever did - and it continues. Just look at the Indonesian Genocide of 1965-1966. Or the shooting of unarmed farmers in Jambi by police officers earlier this year. The government of Indonesia has NEVER apologised for committing human rights abuses. Not even after Suharto was kicked out in 1998. Even after the world was shocked at the riots that saw thousands of ethnic Chinese murdered and raped across Java in May 1998, the Indonesian government still refuses to officially acknowledge that it ever happened. This is in stark contrast to the Netherlands who yesterday issued a formal apology and compensation to the victims of the Rawagede massacre.
I feel sorry for West Papua. I can only hope that one day their voices are heard by the world community.
Monday, 7 November 2011
The Sulu / Philippines claim on North Borneo
In surfing the net these days we find many articles, blogs, opinions and views on a range of topics that once might never have seen the light of day. Through this medium the dispute over ownership of Sabah (once known as North Borneo) has seen some discourse. While this is not really an issue for many Malaysians, the descendants of the Sulu Sultanate claim that Sabah should really be part of Sulu (and perhaps the Philippines).
Most of the articles out there are written by Filipinos, however this hard-hitting article written from a Sabahan perspective knocks them out of the water and brings back a dose of reality.
From www.northborneo.webs.com
Most of the articles out there are written by Filipinos, however this hard-hitting article written from a Sabahan perspective knocks them out of the water and brings back a dose of reality.
From www.northborneo.webs.com
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