Freedom of Expression

Road or highway is a place where motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle can move. Road density is different from one place to another. Higher level density road means higher risk of accident. Some people say that road is like a battle field in which road users, including pedestrian and bicyclist, can get killed that sometimes not because of their own mistakes.

Several countries have enforced traffic regulation regarding road safety, stating that all motor vehicle shall yield to pedestrian and bicyclist. Demerit points will be given to those do not yield to pedestrian and bicyclist.

In real condition, particularly in Indonesia, it is quite difficult to find driver or rider who yields to pedestrian and bicyclist. Most drivers and riders usually drive and ride in such a way so that they can arrive at the destination as fast as possible. As the result, they break traffic regulation or sign, e.g. red light running, speeding, etc. Indonesian people, can you yield to pedestrian and bicycle?

Dear Indonesian People,

If you are truly Indonesian People, born in Indonesia, growth in Indonesia, life in Indonesia, getting food and welfare in Indonesia, please, hear the sound of Indonesian earth: Don't exploit irresponsibly! Take care of me! I have been overload, so please do not add any!

In Indonesia, motorcycle is considered as a cheap, simple transportation mode. It is quite easy to acquire motorcycle since several dealers have provided credit selling in which the buyers may pay the motorcycle for certain period of time. As the result, sale rate of motorcycle in Indonesia increases drastically. More than 1 million motorcycles are sold every month.

As the consequence, the number of motorcycle running on the road is increasing that increase the traffic jam. In addition, it will increase the emission gas that subsequently will increase the GHG effect. Nothing can the government do?

There are actually several actions the government can take. One of them is an effort to limit the number of motorcycle. The limitation includes the CC of motorcycle. For example, the government can apply high level of motorcycle tax or value added tax. For preventive action, the government shall established a regulation stating that each motorcycle manufacture may sell certain number of motorcycle in certain period of time.

The CC of motorcycle should be limited as well. The CC of commercial motorcycle should not above the CC of police motorcycle. It would be useful for the police department particularly in the effort to enforce traffic regulation. With higher CC, policeman is to be easier to catch road users breaking the traffic laws, for example, red light running.

1. that an accident can happens because we loss attention for just two seconds before the accident?
2. that red light running endanger other road users?
3. that speeding can increase the accident risk?
4. that unnecessarily driving slowly can result in traffic jam?
5. that taking over school bus endanger the children?
   

Just as you have to trust your life to the honesty, skill, and judgment of strangers, so must
they, when they drive, put their lives in your hands on advance faith alone. Think of this
when you drive. Each car you meet and safely pass represents one more human being who
has staked his life on your respect for the law and on your skill and judgment.

Indonesia is recently facing a dilemma with regard to the increase of fuel price. The Government of Indonesia views that the policy to increase the fuel price is the most right act to cut the fuel subsidiary so that the subsidiary can be allocated to other sectors. However, as predicted before, the policy of increasing fuel price will result in the increase of basic needs price. Are there any other right solutions to prevent the long-term effect?

Considering the increase of the world oil price, the step taken by the government to cut the fuel subsidiary by increasing the fuel price is the right thing. The current world oil price is about US$100 per barrel. Surely, the increase of fuel price will stimulate the increase of basic needs price. The policy will surely be effective in short-term since the domestic fuel consumption still increase. Therefore, the subsidiary for fuel will keep increase.

Recently, the government of Indonesia cannot decrease the domestic fuel consumption. In fact, the fuel consumption increases from year to year. The increase of domestic fuel consumption results from the increasing number of motor vehicle in Indonesia. In one year, the sale of cars in Indonesia can reach one million units while for motor cycle the number can be much higher. Consequently, the increase of domestic fuel consumption is unavoidable.

In the future, the government shall take strict acts to decrease in domestic fuel consumption. One of them is limiting the number of motor vehicle sale or applying progressive tax rate to value-added tax of motor vehicle. It is great if the government of Indonesia is brave enough to limit the number of motor vehicle sale, particularly private vehicle.

These are the meanings of traffic light for small number of Yogyakarta people:
RED means bravery. Therefore, it must be brave enough to just keep running/riding. (RED means go ahead).
YELLOW means ride as fast as you can before the RED light turns on.
GREEN means blowing the horn since the cars/motorcycles in front of us do not run immediately.

Javanese culture actually contains many valuable life philosophies. One of them is Hasta Brata (Eight Acts of Self Control) lesson. It is actually a leadership theory containing matters symbolized with objects or conditions of the nature. The eight acts are symbolized with Surya (the sun), Candra (the moon), Kartika (the star), Angkasa (the sky), Maruta (the wind), Samudra (the ocean), Dahana (the fire), and Bhumi (the earth).

1. Surya (the sun) shining brightly, playing role as the source of life. The leader shall be able to grow and develop the life power of the community in order to develop the state and nation.

2. Candra (the moon), shining in the dark night. A leader is to give spirit and motivation to his people both in happiness or sadness.

3. Kartika (the star), twinkling, being placed in high placed that can play role as the guidance/compass. A leader shall be a good example for his people and able to give direction to the people.

4. Angkasa (the sky), unlimited in wide, that is able to receive/accommodate anything comes to it. Principally, a leader shall have a sincere heart and able to control himself in accommodating/moderating all opinions, ideas, suggestions, and critics of his varied people.

5. Maruta (the wind), being present everywhere without differentiating the place and being able to fill in the empty space. A leader shall be closed/near to his people, without differentiating their level and status.

6. Samudra (the ocean/water), being large, being flat in its surface, being fresh in nature. A leader shall love his people and able to give protection to them, playing role as the place to get peace.

7. Dahana (the fire), being able to burn everything it touches. A leader shall have a power/authority and be brave enough to put truth in the first place.

8. Bhumi (the earth), being strong and generous, giving advantages/benefits to everyone who takes care of it. A leader shall be generous in serving his people so that they will not be disappointed.

Indonesia tanah airku, Tanah tumpah darahku.
Disanalah aku berdiri, Jadi pandu ibuku.
Indonesia kebangsaanku, Bangsa dan Tanah Airku.
Marilah kita berseru "Indonesia bersatu."

Hiduplah tanahku, Hiduplah negriku,
Bangsaku, Rakyatku, semuanya.
Bangunlah jiwanya, Bangunlah badannya.
Untuk Indonesia Raya.

Refrein:
Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, Merdeka
Tanahku, negriku yang kucinta.

Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, Merdeka
Hiduplah Indonesia Raya.

Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, Merdeka
Tanahku, negriku yang kucinta.

Indonesia Raya,
Merdeka, Merdeka
Hiduplah Indonesia Raya.

The commotion happened in the Heaven is caused by a Giant King of Manimantaka kingdom named Nirwutakawaca (Nir = not, wuto = blind, kawaca = read; meaning that cannot accept/find the truth because the heart is blind). The king is really invulnerable. The king who always free his desire has caused a deep disappointment to the Gods. Initially, the Gods have let the Giant King marry a Fairy of the Heaven, Prabasini.

Unfortunately, the king forces to marry another fairy named Supraba. This demand surely makes the Gods feel angry. The demand is not met for this time since the Gods think that if the demand is met the King will ask fairy for the third, fourth, etc. Furthermore, the Gods are afraid that the King will destroy the order of Heaven. The Gods know well that the king has a great power that no one can defeat him.

Narada (one of the God) know that there is an ascetic named Begawan Ciptoning living in Indrakila Mountain. The ascetic had a great power. The Gods, however, are still unsure with the power of the ascetic. Therefore, Narada suggests to test the ascetic power by sending some of heaven soldiers and fairies. Some of the Gods also test the ascetic by them selves. The test consists of three parts, in general, i.e. power test, sexual desire test, and loyalty test.

Begawan Ciptoning is actually the transformation of Arjuna, one of Pandawa. Previously, Arjuna faces many problems that make him worried. Knowing that his master worries, Semar, one of Punakawan, suggest that Arjuna shall make himself calm by keeping silent/meditating in a mountain. Semar, furthermore, suggests Indrakila Mountain as the right place. During the meditation, Arjuan meets a mysterious creature that subsequently gives him the name of Begawan Ciptoning.

The first test faced by Begawan Ciptaning was power test. In this test, Bathara Indra has transformed himself into a giant. He challenges Begawan Ciptaning by arguing that what Begawan Ciptaning has done has disturbed his life. Begawan Ciptaning does not feel worry nor afraid facing the giant. By his power, Begawan Ciptaning is success to defeat the giant.

After that, seven fairies come to disturb Begawan Ciptaning’s meditation. This test is to investigate whether Begawan Ciptaning can control his sexual desire or not. Begawan Ciptoning passes the test as well. The last test is administered by Bathara Guru. He tests the power and loyalty of Begawan Ciptaning. Begawan Guru transforms himself into a giant. Eventually, the ascetic passes the test.

Recognizing that the ascetic is really powerful and invulnerable, Bathara Guru then transform himself into his original body. Knowing that the Giant is actually Bathara Guru, Begawan Ciptaning asks forgiveness. Subsequently, Bathara Guru explains his objectives of testing the ascetic. Bathara Guru, on behalf of the Gods, asks Begawan Ciptaning to fight commotion caused by Nirwutakawaca. The ascetic accepts that and subsequently climbs to heaven accompanied by Bathara Guru.

After arriving in heaven, Bagawan Ciptaning is received well by Bathara Indra. He asks his daughter, Supraba, that is also one of heaven’s fairies, to change Bagawan Ciptaning’s clothes. Supraba is the most beautiful fairy in heaven.

After that, Begawan Ciptaning establishes a plan to defeat Nirwutakawaca. Begawan Ciptaning knows that the giant really has desire to marry Supraba. The ascetic asks Supraba to come to the giant and says that she agrees to marry him. After Supraba has got closed with the giant, she has to find the weak point of the Giant. Begawan Ciptaning also ensures Supraba that he will always stay near Supraba.

Supraba has agreed to the Begawan Ciptaning’s plan. She comes to Nirwutakawaca and tells him that she agrees to marry him. Fortunately, Nirwutakawaca is not suspicious to her. Supraba then asks why Nirwutakaca can be so strong that no one can defeat him. The giant tells her that his weak point is his throat. The throat must not contact with something sharp.

Knowing the weak point of the giant, Begawan Ciptaning emerges from his hiding place. He suddenly holds Supraba and brings her away. This surely makes the giant feels really angry. The tries to catch Begawan Ciptaning to get Supraba back. In the distance, Begawan Ciptaning asks Supraba to run while he will fight the giant. The ascetic then turns back and finds the giant on the way.

The ascetic tries to find a way how he can stab the giant’s throat. During the combat, the ascetic fights using all his power. He finally finds an idea on how to make the giant opens his mouth. The ascetic pretends to lose. Surely, the giant feels that he is the strongest one and no one can defeat him. He laughs, laughs, and laughs, opening his mouth widely. The ascetic does not throw the chance away. When the giant opens his mouth, the ascetic quickly stabs his weapon (Keris) to the giant’s throat. The giant eventually comes to death.

At the end, Bathara Guru, on behalf of the Gods, shows gratitude and great appreciation to Begawan Ciptaning. Furthermore, Bahtara Guru and all the Gods have agreed to pronounce Begawan Ciptaning and Supraba as wife and husband. From this marriage, Supraba bears a child subsequently named Abimanyu.

Education encompasses both the teaching and learning of knowledge, proper conduct, and skills. It is training by formal instruction in a skill, trade or profession, mental, moral & aesthetic development, the provision of information, and persuasion to feel, believe, or act in a desired way.^[1] Education began when adults trained their young in the necessary skills to live in society. It has since evolved into the current system of schools and colleges. Our schools today incorporate many different, and often conflicting, philosophies of education, concerning what curricula and pedagogies should be used. A good education is essential for nations to experience economic growth and achieve greater social equity. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education)

1. educating: the imparting and acquiring of knowledge through teaching and learning, especially at a school or similar institution

2. knowledge: the knowledge or abilities gained through being educated

3. instruction: training and instruction in a particular subject, e.g. health matters

4. learning experience: an informative experience Spending a weekend in their house was a real education.

5. study of teaching: the study of the theories and practices of teaching a degree in education

6. system for educating people: the system of educating people in a community or society jobs in education

Freedom of religion is the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance. It is generally recognized to also include the freedom to change religion or to not follow any religion. Freedom of religion is considered by many in many nations and people to be a fundamental human right. ^[1]

In a country with a state religion freedom of religion is generally considered to mean that the government permits religious practices of other sects besides the state religion, and does not persecute believers in other faiths.

Today there are concerns about the persecution of religious minorities in the Muslim world and in some Communist states such as China and North Korea, as well as other forms of intolerance in other countries, for example banning the wearing of prominent religious articles such as the Muslim veil in some contexts in European countries. ^[2] Freedom of religion as a legal concept is related to, but not identical with, religious toleration, separation of church and state, or laïcité (a secular state).

Where individuals and not governments are concerned, religious toleration is generally taken to refer to an attitude of acceptance towards other people's religions. Such toleration does not require that one view other religions as equally true; rather, the assumption is that each citizen will grant that others have the right to hold and practice their own beliefs. Against this backdrop proselytism can be a contentious issue, as it could be regarded as an offense against the validity of others' religious beliefs, including the belief in no religion at all.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the fifty eight Member States of the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France defines freedom of religion and belief as follows: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance."

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. In its very first session in 1946, before any human rights declarations or treaties had been adopted, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 59(I) stating "Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and ... the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated."

Freedom of expression is essential in enabling democracy to work and public participation in decision-making. Citizens cannot exercise their right to vote effectively or take part in public decision-making if they do not have free access to information and ideas and are not able to express their views freely. Freedom of expression is thus not only important for individual dignity but also to participation, accountability and democracy. Violations of freedom of expression often go hand in hand with other violations, in particular the right to freedom of association and assembly.

Progress has been made in recent years in terms of securing respect for the right to freedom of expression. Efforts have been made to implement this right through specially constructed regional mechanisms. New opportunities are emerging for greater freedom of expression with the internet and worldwide satellite broadcasting. New threats are emerging too, for example with global media monopolies and pressures on independent media outlets.

http://www.hrea.org/index.php?base_id=147

To deny a person's freedom of thought is to deny what can be considered one's most basic freedom; to think for one's self.

Since the whole concept of 'freedom of thought' rests on the freedom of the individual to believe whatever one thinks is best (freedom of belief), the notion of 'freedom of religion' is closely related and inextricably bound up with these. While in many societies and forms of government, there has been effectively no freedom of religion or belief, this same freedom has been cherished and developed to a great extent in the modern western world, such that it has often been taken for granted.

This development was enshrined in words in the United States Constitution by the Bill of Rights, which contains the famous guarantee in the First Amendment that laws may not be made that interfere with religion "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Today nearly all democratic nations around the world contain similar language within their respective Constitutions.

A US Supreme Court Justice (Benjamin Cardozo) later went on to reason in Palko v. Connecticut (1937) that:

"Freedom of thought... is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every other form of freedom. With rare aberrations a pervasive recognition of this truth can be traced in our history, political and legal."^[1]

In other words, without the right to freedom of thought, other rights such as the right to freedom of speech hold little meaning.

Such ideas regarding freedom of thought, as developed over time, ultimately became a vital part of international human rights law. In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), it is listed under Article 18:

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

The Human Rights Committee states that the above Article 18, which became legally binding on member states with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

"distinguishes the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief from the freedom to manifest religion or belief. It does not permit any limitations whatsoever on the freedom of thought and conscience or on the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one's choice. These freedoms are protected unconditionally."^[2]

Similarly, Article 19 of the UDHR guarantees that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_thought#Explanation