Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Indonesian Akik Fever

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There’s today a newfound excitement over akik stones in Indonesia. In general akiks are stone of the agate variety. Most of them are so cheap and readily available they’re sold by many street vendors over the years. But not all akiks are equal, with some considered as gemstones—stones with rare mineral qualities—and others invaluable because of their perceived mystical qualities. [Continue reading]

General Retirement Activity: Djoko Suyanto

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Air Chief Marshal (retired) Djoko Suyanto is the 12th Indonesian Military (TNI) chief, who served from February 2006 to December 2007 under the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). After his retirement, Djoko Suyanto entered the private sector and engaged himself in social activities. [Continue reading]

General Retirement Activity: General (retired) Da’i Bachtiar

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General (retired) Da’i Bachtiar is the seventeenth Chief of the Indonesian National Police (POLRI). He served from the period of November 2001 to July 2005. Gen. (ret) Sutanto eventually replaced Da’i Bachtiar upon the latter’s retirement. Not long after the end of his service, Da’i Bachtiar became the Indonesian ambassador for Malaysia for the period of April 2008 to September 2012. Unlike many other retired generals, who is deeply involved in their business ventures, Da’i decided to remain as a diplomat and as a lecturer. [Continue reading]

Revisiting the Release of Australian Drug-Runner Schapelle Corby

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At least two convicted Australian drug traffickers—Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan—are now facing the death row. They’re not as lucky as the other Australian convicted of drug trafficking, Schapelle Corby, who in 2005 was found guilty of smuggling 4.2 kg of marijuana into Bali. Many have begun to wonder, how did Schapelle Corby win her pardon? Was it pure luck? Did President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the man who gave her the pardon, simply did so out of the generosity of his heart? [Continue reading]

Aliya Rajasa Traumatized by Journalists?

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Last month, we attempted to organize a one-on-one conversation with Alya Rajasa, the daughter in law of the Sixth President of Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). We wanted to learn more about her engagement in social work activities through her foundation, namely, Satoe Indonesia. Having made contact with Alya’s staff, we were asked to send our list of questions. We asked why it was necessary, and we were made aware of a traumatizing experience with journalistic inquiry. [continue reading]

Mystery of the Unknown Grave

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If you happen to visit the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, have a look at the “Pahlawan 77” section in the complex. Therein you will find burial mound 62 with its upright stone marker bearing no identification of the person buried underneath. “Pahlawan 77” section is the final resting place for those who died in the 1977 Seroja Operation in Dili, Timor-Leste Out of the four unknown burial mound in that section, number 62 is the only one well-maintained. Who lies underneath? [continue reading]