Bandung – In greeting International Women’s Day, on Monday March 8 scores of students from the People’s Struggle Front (FPR) demonstrated in front of the Gedung Sate building in Bandung, West Java.

Bagus Kurniawan, Yogyakarta – Scores of women activists in the East Java city of Yogyakarta commemorated International Women’s Day on Monday March 8 by calling for equality and freedom for Indonesian women.

Women are not just housewives. They are not second class citizens.

Kid: Dad... 6.7 trillion, how many zeros has that go in it?

Critics have responded to recent remarks by legislators who have labeled student protests against them as “brainless” by saying that they should be ashamed of their poor attendance record and performance and that it’s a “no-brainer” to expect to pass proper legislation if you’re not there to deliberate it.

Kid: Forgetting, forgetting the people again... thinking, just thinking about positions... (Adapted from the hit song Forget Forget Remember by the Grave Band)

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.

Suwardiman – After nine years, support by various elements of society for special autonomy (otsus) is weakening.

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!

Wave: Chinese products

Boat: Indonesian products

Man: Ready to compete Mr?

Trade unions say that the Asean-China Free Trade Area agreement – which came into full effect on January 1 – will result in a flood of Chinese products, destroying domestic industries and raising the spectre of more job losses.

Hery Winarno, Jakarta – As usual, Jakarta will again be marked by protest actions by people wishing to convey their demands. Once again, the parliament building and the State Palace will be the favorite locations for people to voice the public’s hopes.

Amanda Ferdina, Jakarta – Greater Jakarta will be rocked by five protest actions today, which will be held at a number of different locations.