A new alliance or united front organization was formed in January in Indonesia to fight the current neo-liberal policies of the Indonesian government. Its leaflet calling for a January 28 protest action lists 17 organisations.

Fortune teller: In time all truths will come out. But no matter how bitter, it must be faced wisely. This is the Year of the Tiger!

2010 is shaping up to be another year of drama and controversy with most of the political scandals that dominated the close of last year yet to run their course.

Kompas – The families of the victims of forced disappearances in 1997-1998 are hoping that the government will soon form a team to search for the 13 people still missing. It is hoped that this demand will be fulfilled before the end of the 100 hundred days of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration.

1st Man: So who’s responsible?

2nd Man: Oh come on now, don’t play stupid...

Kid: It’s been like this for years...

Jakarta – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is being asked to immediately issue a presidential regulation in accordance with a request by the 2004-2009 House of Representatives (DPR) to establish an ad hoc human rights court. Neglecting the human rights agenda will have an affect on the gloomy outlook for human rights in 2010.

Prisoner: If there’s an inspection you’ll deal with it right, I’ll give you some more pocket money later ok?

Bottom cells: Chicken thief, pickpocket, clothing thief.

Wicak Hidayat, Jakarta – The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), an organisation banned in Indonesia, has again resurfaced. This time on Facebook.

Kid: It’s daytime, why are you carrying a torch?

Man: Ubi est veritas? Where are you, in truth? (Socrates)

Andi Saputra, Jakarta – In response to the recent banning of five books and moves by Justice and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar to examine 20 more for possible banning, 83 intellectuals and pro-democracy activists have rejected the banning of books by the government.