Latest on Fri, 09:25 am
On sex, religion and politics
Thoughts on a early, chilly and misty Sunday morning:
1. The problem with finding a partner fit to mate is that they only come ready made.
2. Nuns are women of genius who long ago got the felicitous idea that they could avoid the trouble of unruly men by marrying God.
3. A successful politician is an entrepreneur who knows how to sell dreams to you which you take for real.
Indonesia, a Jilbab Democracy?
Henk Schulte Nordholt ends his book (“Indonesia na Suharto, reformasi en restauratie“, 2008;ISBN 978 90 351 31354 ) with a quote by Ben Mboi, ex governor of Nusa Tenggara Timur: “Indonesia is like the Titanic. The only difference is that Indonesia keeps on sinking without perishing“.
I can say it at the outset: this is solid but tasty contemporary history. Preceded by two chapters on the Sukarno era and the Suharto’s New Order, it is mainly about the last ten turbulent years of Indonesia. An easy, informative and pleasant read, despite the thorough and scrupulous scientific approach the author took. It contains a lot of relevant facts ( of course), quite a number of new and refreshing insights ( at least to this reader) and useful matter-of-fact debunking of a number of myths, plus a general conclusion which leaves a lot of doubt about Indonesia’s future as a democracy. Read More
Indonesia – which way to prosperity?
They are unrepenting. Always trying to find new accomplices. Never stopping to impose their economic morals.
Last Friday The Jakarta Post reported the OECD had said: “RI needs more liberalization”. That looks like a warning. But according to the Amsterdam based NRC this club of thirty rich, developed countries had offered a “Special relationship for Indonesia”. Which can be considered to be an incentive for staying on the right track.
It was the first time an economic assessment dedicated to Indonesia has been presented by the organization. According to its secretary-general, Angel Gurria, it’s the first step on the country’s way to full membership. Despite quite a number of shortcomings, the survey strikes an optimistic note: Indonesia may well achieve the growth rates of China in the long run.
Promotion of the Open Mind.
Usually I try to keep clear of the construction workers of the castles in the air. Good doers and softies. But there is nothing wrong with people who practice their ideals. Courageous guys and dolls who persistently work towards reducing conflicts, helping mutual understanding and enhancing harmony in society and between societies. Especially in times when dogmatic loudmouth extremists – politically, economically and theologically- seem to have got hold of the stage.
It’s high time to promote the voice of moderation. Jennie Bev is one of those voices. I think she is right. It’s about time to contradict and, if necessary drown out, the too harsh, threatening, aggressive sounds of the Bushes, the Osama’s, the Wilders’ and the Abu Bakar Ba’ashirs. I think Jennie Bev’s article, which was in the Jakarta Post also, is about this common sense people trying to strengthen common sense on both sides of the gaps which divide them.
Short on Religion
Last week end I went to the pub with some friends. After the second round Jan said: “What on earth makes you always write those lengthy posts? Nobody is crazy enough to read that boring stuff!â€
Me: “????â€
Then Jeroen added: “And why the hell don’t you ever write about religion? That’s what everybody wants to talk and read about these days!â€
Me: “Okay. What will be your next drink? Same?â€
Well, I never ignore the advice of real friends. So here I come: