Surabaya – During the colonial era communism flourished in Indonesia. One of the reasons was the behaviour of the native elite (elite bumiputra) who failed to defend the ordinary people. This however is unlikely to be repeated now.

A recent case in which a hospital was accused of denying a family the right to take home and bury the body of their deceased newborn baby because the parents could not meet their medical bill has highlighted the fact that hospitals are still discriminating against poor families who are entitled to free medical treatment.

Suits: Co-ali-tion. Sign: Vested interests

Man: Who said a coalition for the truth?!

Kid: And not for us right Dad?

On Friday February 19, there was something different taking place at the Army’s Special Forces or Kopassus headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta.

1st Man: You lookin’ for something?

2nd Man: His conscience.

Sign: Dirt cheap political restaurant

Waiter (SBY): The special today luxury cars fried in butter, oyster sauce wage rise... or a peppered reshuffle... drinks include a joyous soda or... very bitter black tea!

Typewriter: Press Freedom?

Man: Relax, I’ve already got some coins ready...

Journalist organisations say that press freedom in Indonesia is under serious threat with the increasing use of lawsuits and the criminalisation of the press to coerce and silence the media.

Moksa Hutasoit, Jakarta – The Supreme Court appeal decision to release former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy Muchdi Purwoprandjono from all charges of involvement in the Munir murder was because the judges were incompetent. The Three Supreme Court judges handling the case were not experts in criminal law.

Moksa Hutasoit, Jakarta – After conducting a 1-year-study, the Public Examination Board (MEP) looking into the murder of human rights activists Munir has released a number of recommendations to the police, Attorney General’s Office and the courts. One of these is that the Munir case be reinvestigated.

Kid: Wage rises and luxury cars for government officials... it’s just the same as salting the sea Mr. (a waste of time)

Man: Politics is expensive don’t you know!