Freedom of Expression

Currently, we could easily find advertisement offering making money online. The question is "Is that true? Is that real?" I have investigated several of them. From those I investigated, all of them is fake.

Previously, we will required to register. Then, the asked us to transfer several amount of money, usually for purchase of the program or guideline. The guideline in fact does not work at all.

So, do you still feel interested to do thins?

It has been well established that transport is vital to development. Transport provides accessibility to goods, services, jobs, educational opportunities, friends and relatives. Without viable transportation, the quality of life does not improve and poverty is only prolonged. Furthermore, rural poverty is pervasive and difficult to address. Improving mobility can reduce rural poverty by facilitating women, men, and children to more readily access services (education, health, finance, markets), obtain goods and income, and participate in social, political and community activities. Moreover, mobility requires a combination of appropriate transport infrastructure, improved transport services, and affordable means of transport, both motorized and non-motorized (Starkey, 2002)1.

Investment in transport infrastructure and improved transport service are crucial for meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). There is now an increased importance attached to measures that will help to achieve the MDGs. Beside economic objectives these emphasize social consideration relating to health, education and women's well being. In part, better road planning can be achieved through more effective public participation, including the active involvement of woman, to help identify the routes that are most wanted by the community and the engineering designs and choices that can maximizes work opportunities for local population (Forum News, 2007)2. Therefore, road selection and designs cannot be left to engineers and planners alone.

On the other hand, the development and provision of rural transport facility and infrastructure are unique matters that cannot be generalized with that of urban transport. The general problems which may emerge when develop and provide sufficient rural transport facility and infrastructure are limited amount of fund and its financial feasibility. Providing rural transport is frequently considered as financially unfeasible as the cost/expenditure is much larger that the revenue. This is the main constraint for the operator in providing rural transport service; besides, (local) government does not have enough financial resource to provide subsidiary. In fact, the more crucial problem in providing rural transport service and infrastructure is their sustainability.

First of all, I have to clearly declare that politic is not my concern. Nevertheless, it will be interesting if this subject is viewed from 'non-expert' people, just like me. We all agree that there are many problems facing the democration party in Indonesia, the big thing is DPT (Fixed Voter List).

Some political parties see that problem is such a conspiracy in order to win certain political parties. As the consequence, there many people who cannot use their right to vote. Furthermore, GOLPUT (group of people who do not use their vote right) is predicted to be extremely increase.

Some politicians consider that if GOLPUT amount 40%, the parliamentary election will be less reliable. The further consequence is that the government established as the result of the election will predictably face many problems, particularly from the opposition side.

It is true that no body is perfect. Consequently, every body will face persons who like him and those who dislike him. Commonly, people who like us will view us from the good side and therefore, the can tolerate well to our mistakes. On the other hand, people who dislike us will view us from the bad sides and therefore they will too critical to us and cannot tolerate to our mistakes.

In the real world, like and dislike are two sides of a coin and they have very-very thin and transparent border. People who previously dislike to some body can eventually like him and the reverse. The logical reason is that people who dislike some body will look at him very-very in detail and this eventually will make them understand him well.

As the suggestion, don't hate somebody crazily and don't love somebody crazily or you will be really crazy.

In the real world, people in general can be categorized into two main groups, i.e. speaker and listener. Good speaker not surely become good listener, and the reverse. Usually, the speakers are slow in learning while the listeners are fast learners.

I don't know whether it is a matter of choice or not. Shall speaker learns to become a good listener? or shall listener learns to become a good speaker?

A good friendship shall be build based on trust, and not money. A real friend is someone who will keep being beside us in all conditions. Sometimes, friendship is made in difficult condition, when the two sides are in hard condition.

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.