"The biggest threat against a positive development towards democracy in Indonesia,

 besides the fact that the military still has a lot of influence in politics,

is the culture of fear among our people...."

Munir after receiving the Right Livelihood Award in Stockholm, 2000
 

Australian model on drug charges denies Muslim dress a ploy

An Australian lingerie model facing drug charges in Indonesia has denied that she has adopted full-cover Muslim dress in detention to win favor with the authorities. Michelle Leslie said that her Muslim faith was helping her avoid going "crazy" in her police cell in Bali as she awaits trial on charges of possessing two ecstasy tablets.  If found guilty she could be jailed for up to 15 years. Leslie, who says she converted to Islam a year ago, last week began wearing a head-to-toe black Islamic outfit which also covers her face, Australia's national AAP news agency reported.

Indonesia says no Israel ties before Palestinian state Forbes
 

A Year Later, Munir’s Killers Evade Justice
On September 7, 2004, Munir died on Garuda flight 974 from Jakarta while en route from Indonesia to the Netherlands to pursue graduate studies. He complained of being unwell during the flight, and died just hours before the flight arrived at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. Two months later, the Dutch Forensic Institute made public the findings of its autopsy, revealing that the cause of death was the presence of a lethal dose of arsenic in Munir's body. (Human Right Watch)

4th Indonesia Golf Expo

at Atrium World Trade Center, Jl Sudirman.  11am to 7pm every day 6-9 Sept.

FROM THE EDITOR:

For the last few months I wasn't bothered walking around in shopping malls with my 6 or 7 month pregnant baby sitter. But recently - actually since the white pembantu uniform didn't fit her anymore - the looks have become increasingly suspicious. Especially in the Mata Hari clothes department I could feel hundreds pair of eyes bluntly staring at us. Finally this morning her replacement arrived from Solo. I asked my daughter, who is now three years old, if the new girl was ok. 'SIP!!', she shouted enthusiastically while putting her little thumb up in the air. She dragged the new babysitter through the house to show her her toys. One problem solved. But many more things to finish.

More suggestions are welcome. Then a special warning for all customers in the near future to BuGils: The crazy colonel is back. If you read the book Bule Gila you know the person I am talking about. He scares people off by telling them to watch out. Watch out for what? Nobody knows. Only the colonel. He can look aggressive but is actually quite innocent. If you happen to stand next to him at the bar (he normally stands in the far left corner of the bar), he can suddenly grasp your arm for a few seconds, look you straight in the eyes, and then lets you go again. I have a visitor over who last night in BuGils happened to stand on the other side of the bar, opposite the Colonel. Suddenly the colonel walked around the bar up to Johannes. 'Nobody takes things from behind the bar without permission from the staff', he told Johannes in an military way. Johannes didn't get the message and wanted to ask him what he was  referring to. He didn't have a change. 'No. You keep quiet', the colonel warned. 'Just sit here and shut up. I am keeping an eye on you.'. Johannes was stunned but before he could respond the colonel was back in his corner, putting up a warning finger in the direction of Johannes. The colonel is weird and disturbing but part of the interior and in general pretty harmless. Just don't hit him.

PS. Tonight LIVE Music in BuGils. Come and meet the colonel.



ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD: 

Drunk woman dies in cemetery accident
An inebriated Belgian woman died in a freak accident when she ended up beneath a heavy grave stone at a cemetery, local news agency Belga said Wednesday.

 

Indonesia might cut fuel subsidies 60 pct
Indonesia said on Thursday it was considering cutting its costly fuel subsidies by as much as 60 percent this year -- but only after sealing a compensation package for the poor by October. (Reuters)

Rupiah fall sparks new rate rise  (BBC)

FOR SALE: STELLA ARTOIS  -  home delivery - free stroopwafels!

Rp.375.000,- for 24 bottles home delivered.  Order now and receive a pack of stroopwafels for free. Just send me an email with your address and when you want to have it delivered. Many other beers for home delivery available, like Kriek Bellevue, Hoegaarden, Duvel, Leffe, Asahi and others. bartele@bugils.com

Letter from Indonesia: Cooperation on terror seems 'one-way street'
The fight against terrorism requires international cooperation. That's the mantra. The reality is something else. (International Herald Tribune)

Drugs: High noon in Indonesia
Indonesia's tourist island of Bali is feeling the heat of the country's anti-drug drive. High-profile arrests, notably of Australians, have added to the publicity and also helped to obscure the real narcotics problems that beset Indonesia. (Asia Times)

The International School of Bogor (ISB)

is an international school offering high quality education, based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, to children living in Indonesia. ISB offers a warm and friendly community minded atmosphere, excellent academic standards and a commitment to a multicultural education. Classes start at pre-school through high school with low student teacher ratios. Instruction is given in English and the school represents 17 nationalities.

Located just 50 minutes by car from Jakarta and at 270 meters above sea level, Bogor is a pleasant, cool and green get away from Jakarta. Many parents of children at ISB locate their family in the comfort and security of Bogor and commute to Jakarta to work.

With very attractive fees, ISB offers one of the most affordable ways in Indonesia to educate your child to an international standard. Indonesian and Expatriate children welcome. Trials are available. Contact: Chris Rawlins – Principal 0251 328 512 or visit the website: www.isbogor.org

FROM A READER:

Dear Bart,  Your book took me back 30 years to when I worked at the American Embassy and then managed a bar & restaurant on the Balikpapan bay called the Teluk Indah Tavern or better known as the TIT Bar.  Your book provided many a smile and laugh-out-loud stories.  We were going to open up another bar in Jakarta and call it “The Other TIT”.   

I married the daughter of an Indonesian diplomat and decided it was best to get out of the bar business and Balikpapan to raise a family. I look forward to visiting BuGils one day and swapping stories with you…..“Those were the days my friend, I thought they would never end…”  I have often thought of writing a book about it all but I haven’t got past the title, “The Last of the Balikpapan Heros”.

It seems from your book and newsletter you take good care of your staff and you are to be commended.  As you know, so many Indonesians get abused by their employers.

Mac McGrory

Ensure your receipt of this publication by taking a moment to click the “Confirm” button below. This affirms your wish to receive this newsletter, getting you VIP mail routing from us to your ISP