She's a rapper
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Fuck you Hip Hop
It’s the year 2016, as a kid I believed that by 2010 I would be racing through the Maccas drive thru in a shmick custom built personal rocket.
It was all that millennium bug hype that tipped me to that point, I swear.
What I didn’t think I'd have to battle with was an influential industry, a social movement, an art of the soul and how this art continues to vehemently objectify women. Fuck you hip-hop.
Misogyny has become a sign of authenticity for some rappers, who use misogynistic lyrics and objectifying images of women ‘shakin that ass’ to prove that they are authentic gangsters. Extreme sexism and virulent homophobia is the trending persona for rappers, without it we would question their masculinity, wouldn’t we?
What would happen if you guys started to distance yourselves from hyper masculine self-portrayals and hostile, sexist representations of women? And don’t even get me started on homophobia.
The narrative of negative female stereotypes deserves to be discarded. This narrative pertains to the idea that a woman is viewed primarily as an object of male sexual desire, rather than as a whole person.
Since its inception, rap music has evolved from an underground subcultural movement to a mainstream subcultural expression that profits from the ideology of dominant culture and vice versa. This reciprocal relationship between hip hop and dominant culture ideologies have also partaken in the glorification, justification and normalization of the objectification, exploitation, and victimization of women. Ok a slight generalization and highly verbose……but I’m angry.
In a capitalist world commercial success is at the fore and sex sells. Sexy women sell, because capitalism is entrenched in patriarchy, actually they work hand in hand. And there is this seemingly widespread uneducated view of Feminism where it is equated to a meager grouping of ovulating women on the steps of Parliament House raising placards that say, “I hate dick”.
Hip Hop has become more known for its obsession with wealth and glamour and unadulterated objectification of women than for its social-commentary roots. We rap about freedom, about sticking it to the institutions, about social and political revolutions yet we also oddly perpetuate a culture where social change is subtly crushed by how we continue to portray women.
Fuck you Hip Hop. Fuck all your bitches and hoes.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
No money for monyet.
The audience of tourists applauds as the performing monkey rides his motorbike comically in a symmetrical circle; onlookers are dazzled by his ability to perform fearless wheelies along the gutter. The performer wears clothes fit for a human child, he smiles at them with a cheeky grin; but his smile is dashed by the aluminium chain that jerks violently around his fragile neck. This is Topeng Monyet.
Topeng Monyet is a Macaque monkey native to the jungles of Indonesia, kidnapped from his local habitat, brutally trained and forced to perform for locals and tourists. These monkeys are still on the urban fringes of Indonesia’s cities and dance in the tourist hubs of its islands because people gather for the theatrics and pay to view it. The Topeng Monyet suffers gravely because many people do not embrace the ideals of responsible tourism when they travel abroad.
Responsible tourism is featuring higher and higher on tourist brochures and in the minds of ethical traveller. Ethical tourism is on the rise but the issue of animal welfare in tourism is often overlooked. Animals are exploited as tourism entertainment and attractions in many developing nations are often supported by travellers hailing from the west. The demise of the urban performing monkey of Indonesia, known as Topeng Monyet, is a prevalent animal rights issue, not only exploited by those native to Indonesia but also by unethical travellers.
Such performances places enormous stress on these monkeys and often involve violent training techniques. It’s unnatural and demeaning for a wild animal to have to ‘perform’ for the sake of entertainment.
Responsibletravel.com is the worlds leading online travel agent dedicated to responsible holidays. Holly Foat, Policy and Web Content Manager at responsibletravel.com says that “Often the issues aren’t clear cut. Caged animals, dancing bears and elephants playing football are just the tip of the iceberg.” Foat screens all the new holidays that join the website to make sure they meet strict responsible tourism criteria. “By visiting sites where animals are stroked, cuddled, made to perform or pose for photos, travellers are inadvertently funding the mistreatment,” says Holly.
“Inadequate animal welfare also occurs under the guise of conservation from chained tigers at the Tiger Temple in Thailand to cuddling Pandas in China.” Responsibletravel.com works closely with the Born Free Foundation to raise awareness of the potential problems associated with animal attractions. “Sadly, it is the ignorance of the animal welfare issues which sustains these sub standard attractions,” says Holly. “Travellers need to be welfare savvy, boycott attractions with known poor welfare standards and report mistreatment to their tour operator and the Born Free Foundation.”
A prevalent issue is the Topeng Monyet, which translates to ‘masked monkey’, of Indonesia. The Topeng Monyet is a show performed by trained monkeys which have been taken from their natural habitat. The show can be found in various parts of Jakarta city, the capital of Indonesia and the surrounding islands of Bali and Lombok. It is a one animal circus performing door to door and although it is one of the most original forms of Indonesian entertainment it is one of the cruellest violations of animal rights.
Brett Hough, Lecturer in Anthropology and Indonesian Studies at Monash University says that the Topeng Monyet is “a long standing tradition through many parts of the Indonesian archipelago.”
“They (Indonesia) don’t have the kind of animal rights legislation that we do here in Australia,” says Mr Hough, “what tends to get more attention is the plight of the endangered species native to Indonesia such as the Orang-utans of Borneo and Kalimantan.”
Behind the comic theatrics, these macaques lead appalling lives. The handlers buy them when they are babies. Their sharpest teeth are usually removed before the training is begun. The monkeys are caged at night, kept in a small wooden box when transported, and chained as they perform .These urban performing macaques are the only primates in Indonesia that have no status under its animal protection laws. They are hunted, captured and traded at will, and can be bought for as little as 70,000 rupiah (around $8 AUD). The monkeys are trained brutally as they are hung upside down for days in a row to enable them to learn to stand on their hind legs and front arms.
The Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in January 2008 to help protect Indonesian wildlife and to improve the welfare of Jakarta’s domestic animals. Femke den Haas, co-founder of JAAN and Head of Wildlife Protection and Welfare opposes Topeng monyet, “as it’s not culturally based but has purely become a way for people to beg for money on the streets.”
“Topeng Monyet indeed started as a local cultural activity to amuse local children in a small area in Central Java, but at present it has been taken over completely by the beggar community,” says Femke.
Femke says that JAAN is currently working with the Indonesian Veterinary Department on a local regulation to forbid the use of the monkeys on the streets for many reasons. These reasons cover health, welfare and trade illegalities; “Long tailed macaques indeed have diseases transferable to humans and vice versa, they are potential rabies carriers and are kept under such poor, non - hygienic conditions allowing all pathogens to run free and become a true hazard.”
”Macaques are social primates, living in large groups in the wild. The confinement, training procedures and even the poor diet are a big attack towards their welfare,” says Femke, “Even though macaques are not protected in Indonesia, for the capturing of any wild animal a permit should be obtained from the National forestry department. The macaques used and trained to be become 'Topeng Monyet' are wild caught. The owners of the Topeng Monyet have no such permits.”
Femke adds that “Macaques in Indonesia face no protection today as they are still exported in their thousands for biomedical research and they are also captured from the wild to be mistreated for the Topeng Monyet phenomena. “Macaques might be the worst off of all primates in Indonesia, as they are exploited in such big numbers. In fact, Indonesia has an animal welfare law (known as KUHP Pasal 302) that could be used to end this cruelty; it’s just up to the government to take action as well.”
ProFauna Indonesia is another wildlife and forest protection organization in Indonesia. Butet Sitohang, International Communication Officer at ProFauna Indonesia says that, “Looking at the big picture, what happens (with the masked monkey) is the lack of awareness and knowledge both by the monkey owner and the spectators both locals and foreigners.”
“They don't know that monkeys are not toys and they are sentient beings. Especially in Indonesia, the long-tailed monkeys are not protected and the show is legal. So it is impossible to do law enforcement like what ProFauna always does for the protected animals,” says Butet.
“Education is the key point to the problem, but you know that Indonesia faces many problems and the animal problem is always less considered.”
The World Conservation Union, the world's biggest and most important conservation network, lists the long-tailed macaque as close to qualifying as a vulnerable species, with a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. The Topeng Monyet is not dying out as a form of entertainment although many non government organisations (NGO’s), focused on the protection and rights of animals, are attempting to address these issues. International Animal Rescue Indonesia helps the macaques by educating people in animal welfare and raising awareness of the dangers of keeping these animals as pets and the risk of diseases, as well as campaigning to win macaques some legal protection in Indonesia.
For 25 years, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has aimed to promote the concept of animal welfare in regions of the world where there are few, if any, measures to protect animals. Louise Fitzsimons, Media Manager at WSPA Australia says that “Cruelty, confinement, neglect and abuse means millions of animals worldwide pay a heavy price for tourist entertainment – many even pay with their lives. Tourist activities that involve the mistreatment of animals exist for one reason: tourists choose to support them.”
Other NGO’s aimed at combating such issues and raising awareness about tourism impact on the welfare of animals are People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Born Free. Born Free, an international wildlife charity working to prevent animal suffering and protect wildlife in the wild, have endeavoured to educate tourists of their impact. Their website insists that ‘When on holiday it’s important to consider the welfare of the animals and wildlife in the host country’. Born Free responds to travelers’ concerns about animal exploitation in captivity or in the wild: and encourages the public to alert Born Free of any wild animal welfare problems they may see on their travels both at home and abroad.
The WSPA Australia website says that ‘By making animal-friendly choices on your next trip you’ll become a compassionate traveller, and you’ll be helping to end the exploitation of animals for tourism around the world’.
Luckily ethical tourism is on the rise and education in the realm of animal welfare in tourism is becoming more widespread. Animals that are exploited as tourism entertainment and attractions in many developing nations should no longer be supported by travellers hailing from the west. Indonesia bound tourists that come across Topeng Monyet, will hopefully see past the theatrics and understand the gross violation of animal rights that is taking place. Responsible travel will aid in such atrocities fading out once and for all.
Topeng Monyet is a Macaque monkey native to the jungles of Indonesia, kidnapped from his local habitat, brutally trained and forced to perform for locals and tourists. These monkeys are still on the urban fringes of Indonesia’s cities and dance in the tourist hubs of its islands because people gather for the theatrics and pay to view it. The Topeng Monyet suffers gravely because many people do not embrace the ideals of responsible tourism when they travel abroad.
Responsible tourism is featuring higher and higher on tourist brochures and in the minds of ethical traveller. Ethical tourism is on the rise but the issue of animal welfare in tourism is often overlooked. Animals are exploited as tourism entertainment and attractions in many developing nations are often supported by travellers hailing from the west. The demise of the urban performing monkey of Indonesia, known as Topeng Monyet, is a prevalent animal rights issue, not only exploited by those native to Indonesia but also by unethical travellers.
Such performances places enormous stress on these monkeys and often involve violent training techniques. It’s unnatural and demeaning for a wild animal to have to ‘perform’ for the sake of entertainment.
Responsibletravel.com is the worlds leading online travel agent dedicated to responsible holidays. Holly Foat, Policy and Web Content Manager at responsibletravel.com says that “Often the issues aren’t clear cut. Caged animals, dancing bears and elephants playing football are just the tip of the iceberg.” Foat screens all the new holidays that join the website to make sure they meet strict responsible tourism criteria. “By visiting sites where animals are stroked, cuddled, made to perform or pose for photos, travellers are inadvertently funding the mistreatment,” says Holly.
“Inadequate animal welfare also occurs under the guise of conservation from chained tigers at the Tiger Temple in Thailand to cuddling Pandas in China.” Responsibletravel.com works closely with the Born Free Foundation to raise awareness of the potential problems associated with animal attractions. “Sadly, it is the ignorance of the animal welfare issues which sustains these sub standard attractions,” says Holly. “Travellers need to be welfare savvy, boycott attractions with known poor welfare standards and report mistreatment to their tour operator and the Born Free Foundation.”
A prevalent issue is the Topeng Monyet, which translates to ‘masked monkey’, of Indonesia. The Topeng Monyet is a show performed by trained monkeys which have been taken from their natural habitat. The show can be found in various parts of Jakarta city, the capital of Indonesia and the surrounding islands of Bali and Lombok. It is a one animal circus performing door to door and although it is one of the most original forms of Indonesian entertainment it is one of the cruellest violations of animal rights.
Brett Hough, Lecturer in Anthropology and Indonesian Studies at Monash University says that the Topeng Monyet is “a long standing tradition through many parts of the Indonesian archipelago.”
“They (Indonesia) don’t have the kind of animal rights legislation that we do here in Australia,” says Mr Hough, “what tends to get more attention is the plight of the endangered species native to Indonesia such as the Orang-utans of Borneo and Kalimantan.”
Behind the comic theatrics, these macaques lead appalling lives. The handlers buy them when they are babies. Their sharpest teeth are usually removed before the training is begun. The monkeys are caged at night, kept in a small wooden box when transported, and chained as they perform .These urban performing macaques are the only primates in Indonesia that have no status under its animal protection laws. They are hunted, captured and traded at will, and can be bought for as little as 70,000 rupiah (around $8 AUD). The monkeys are trained brutally as they are hung upside down for days in a row to enable them to learn to stand on their hind legs and front arms.
The Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in January 2008 to help protect Indonesian wildlife and to improve the welfare of Jakarta’s domestic animals. Femke den Haas, co-founder of JAAN and Head of Wildlife Protection and Welfare opposes Topeng monyet, “as it’s not culturally based but has purely become a way for people to beg for money on the streets.”
“Topeng Monyet indeed started as a local cultural activity to amuse local children in a small area in Central Java, but at present it has been taken over completely by the beggar community,” says Femke.
Femke says that JAAN is currently working with the Indonesian Veterinary Department on a local regulation to forbid the use of the monkeys on the streets for many reasons. These reasons cover health, welfare and trade illegalities; “Long tailed macaques indeed have diseases transferable to humans and vice versa, they are potential rabies carriers and are kept under such poor, non - hygienic conditions allowing all pathogens to run free and become a true hazard.”
”Macaques are social primates, living in large groups in the wild. The confinement, training procedures and even the poor diet are a big attack towards their welfare,” says Femke, “Even though macaques are not protected in Indonesia, for the capturing of any wild animal a permit should be obtained from the National forestry department. The macaques used and trained to be become 'Topeng Monyet' are wild caught. The owners of the Topeng Monyet have no such permits.”
Femke adds that “Macaques in Indonesia face no protection today as they are still exported in their thousands for biomedical research and they are also captured from the wild to be mistreated for the Topeng Monyet phenomena. “Macaques might be the worst off of all primates in Indonesia, as they are exploited in such big numbers. In fact, Indonesia has an animal welfare law (known as KUHP Pasal 302) that could be used to end this cruelty; it’s just up to the government to take action as well.”
ProFauna Indonesia is another wildlife and forest protection organization in Indonesia. Butet Sitohang, International Communication Officer at ProFauna Indonesia says that, “Looking at the big picture, what happens (with the masked monkey) is the lack of awareness and knowledge both by the monkey owner and the spectators both locals and foreigners.”
“They don't know that monkeys are not toys and they are sentient beings. Especially in Indonesia, the long-tailed monkeys are not protected and the show is legal. So it is impossible to do law enforcement like what ProFauna always does for the protected animals,” says Butet.
“Education is the key point to the problem, but you know that Indonesia faces many problems and the animal problem is always less considered.”
The World Conservation Union, the world's biggest and most important conservation network, lists the long-tailed macaque as close to qualifying as a vulnerable species, with a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. The Topeng Monyet is not dying out as a form of entertainment although many non government organisations (NGO’s), focused on the protection and rights of animals, are attempting to address these issues. International Animal Rescue Indonesia helps the macaques by educating people in animal welfare and raising awareness of the dangers of keeping these animals as pets and the risk of diseases, as well as campaigning to win macaques some legal protection in Indonesia.
For 25 years, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has aimed to promote the concept of animal welfare in regions of the world where there are few, if any, measures to protect animals. Louise Fitzsimons, Media Manager at WSPA Australia says that “Cruelty, confinement, neglect and abuse means millions of animals worldwide pay a heavy price for tourist entertainment – many even pay with their lives. Tourist activities that involve the mistreatment of animals exist for one reason: tourists choose to support them.”
Other NGO’s aimed at combating such issues and raising awareness about tourism impact on the welfare of animals are People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Born Free. Born Free, an international wildlife charity working to prevent animal suffering and protect wildlife in the wild, have endeavoured to educate tourists of their impact. Their website insists that ‘When on holiday it’s important to consider the welfare of the animals and wildlife in the host country’. Born Free responds to travelers’ concerns about animal exploitation in captivity or in the wild: and encourages the public to alert Born Free of any wild animal welfare problems they may see on their travels both at home and abroad.
The WSPA Australia website says that ‘By making animal-friendly choices on your next trip you’ll become a compassionate traveller, and you’ll be helping to end the exploitation of animals for tourism around the world’.
Luckily ethical tourism is on the rise and education in the realm of animal welfare in tourism is becoming more widespread. Animals that are exploited as tourism entertainment and attractions in many developing nations should no longer be supported by travellers hailing from the west. Indonesia bound tourists that come across Topeng Monyet, will hopefully see past the theatrics and understand the gross violation of animal rights that is taking place. Responsible travel will aid in such atrocities fading out once and for all.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Towards a global zero in nuclear arms. By Crystal Clancy Antara 10/02/2010
JAKARTA today held a Panel discussion on the International Nuclear Commission for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND) report: ‘Eliminating Nuclear Threats: A Practical Agenda for Global Policymakers’.
In order to encourage further public awareness of non-proliferation and disarmament issues, the Australian Embassy, the Japanese Embassy, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KEMLU), and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted an expert panel discussion on the ICNND’s report.
The report was launched today by His Excellency Bill Farmer AO, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, His Excellency Kojiro Shiojiri, Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia and His Excellency Hamzah Thayeb, Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa.
The ICNND was established in August of 2008, a joint initiative of the Australian and Japan governments that endeavoured to reenergised high level political discussion on the issue.
Amongst the threats humankind face today are poverty, mass hunger, economic crisis, climate change, terrorism and the issue that has been overlooked; imminent threat of nuclear holocaust. ‘We are in no less danger of radioactive incineration as we were at the end of the cold war’, said Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, Hamzah Thayeb.
Today’s panel discussion was chaired by Dr Rizal Sukma, Executive Director of CSIS, with expert panellists consisting of Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, Indonesian Commissioner on the ICNND; Professor Dr Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Deputy Chairman for Social Sciences and Humanities, LIPI; and Dr Hudi Hastowo, Chairman of the Indonesian Nuclear Energy Agency.
‘The world’s nuclear arsenals consist of around 2300 active nuclear warheads’, said Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, Indonesian Commissioner on the ICNND. These statistics are detailed in the ICNND report but it is noted that these are a rough approximation due to a lack of transparency on this category of weapon. China, India and Pakistan amongst other countries release no official figures on its nuclear forces, making it difficult for political leaders to completely understand the threat.
‘United States and Russia will have to take a leading role’, said Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, as these two countries are reported to hold the most deployed and reserve nuclear arsenals in the world. The ICNND report asserts that the minimisation and ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons entails a ‘…critical need to change perceptions of their role and utility…’ ‘There is now a race between nuclear holocaust and educating humankind of the threat of nuclear arms’, said Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo.
There are three pillars to the endeavours of the ICNND; achieving nuclear disarmament, achieving nuclear non-proliferation and promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The overall strategy in achieving total nuclear disarmament documented by the ICNND report is ‘…to achieve their progressive delegitimation, from a position in which they occupied a central strategic place to one in which their role is seen as quite marginal, and eventually wholly unnecessary as well as undesirable…’ ‘Nuclear weapons should have no place in our civilisation. It is morally abhorrent to hold weapons of mass destruction’, said Professor Dr Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Deputy Chairman for Social Sciences and Humanities, LIPI.
‘2010 is a decisive year in achieving a world free of nuclear weapons’, said Japanese Ambassador Kojiro Shiojiri. The ICNND report concludes that although the ultimate elimination phase is decades away, we must begin now in detailed analysis and international debate, ‘…to help motivate and inform the work that must generate and sustain momentum for change for many years to come…’
The threat of nuclear weapons and a nuclear holocaust is evident. It is imperative that this issue is not overlooked; the message of the ICNND is that action starts now but is only possible with total global involvement. Common ground among nuclear armed states on nuclear doctrine is needed. Hamzah Thayeb, Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, reinforces this with the statement that ‘All peace loving nations must mobilise now’.
In order to encourage further public awareness of non-proliferation and disarmament issues, the Australian Embassy, the Japanese Embassy, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KEMLU), and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted an expert panel discussion on the ICNND’s report.
The report was launched today by His Excellency Bill Farmer AO, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, His Excellency Kojiro Shiojiri, Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia and His Excellency Hamzah Thayeb, Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa.
The ICNND was established in August of 2008, a joint initiative of the Australian and Japan governments that endeavoured to reenergised high level political discussion on the issue.
Amongst the threats humankind face today are poverty, mass hunger, economic crisis, climate change, terrorism and the issue that has been overlooked; imminent threat of nuclear holocaust. ‘We are in no less danger of radioactive incineration as we were at the end of the cold war’, said Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, Hamzah Thayeb.
Today’s panel discussion was chaired by Dr Rizal Sukma, Executive Director of CSIS, with expert panellists consisting of Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, Indonesian Commissioner on the ICNND; Professor Dr Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Deputy Chairman for Social Sciences and Humanities, LIPI; and Dr Hudi Hastowo, Chairman of the Indonesian Nuclear Energy Agency.
‘The world’s nuclear arsenals consist of around 2300 active nuclear warheads’, said Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, Indonesian Commissioner on the ICNND. These statistics are detailed in the ICNND report but it is noted that these are a rough approximation due to a lack of transparency on this category of weapon. China, India and Pakistan amongst other countries release no official figures on its nuclear forces, making it difficult for political leaders to completely understand the threat.
‘United States and Russia will have to take a leading role’, said Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, as these two countries are reported to hold the most deployed and reserve nuclear arsenals in the world. The ICNND report asserts that the minimisation and ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons entails a ‘…critical need to change perceptions of their role and utility…’ ‘There is now a race between nuclear holocaust and educating humankind of the threat of nuclear arms’, said Ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo.
There are three pillars to the endeavours of the ICNND; achieving nuclear disarmament, achieving nuclear non-proliferation and promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The overall strategy in achieving total nuclear disarmament documented by the ICNND report is ‘…to achieve their progressive delegitimation, from a position in which they occupied a central strategic place to one in which their role is seen as quite marginal, and eventually wholly unnecessary as well as undesirable…’ ‘Nuclear weapons should have no place in our civilisation. It is morally abhorrent to hold weapons of mass destruction’, said Professor Dr Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Deputy Chairman for Social Sciences and Humanities, LIPI.
‘2010 is a decisive year in achieving a world free of nuclear weapons’, said Japanese Ambassador Kojiro Shiojiri. The ICNND report concludes that although the ultimate elimination phase is decades away, we must begin now in detailed analysis and international debate, ‘…to help motivate and inform the work that must generate and sustain momentum for change for many years to come…’
The threat of nuclear weapons and a nuclear holocaust is evident. It is imperative that this issue is not overlooked; the message of the ICNND is that action starts now but is only possible with total global involvement. Common ground among nuclear armed states on nuclear doctrine is needed. Hamzah Thayeb, Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, reinforces this with the statement that ‘All peace loving nations must mobilise now’.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Slum Tourism – the new philanthropic tourism? By Crystal Clancy Antara 9/02/2010
Following the success of the Oscar winning film, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, interest in the world’s poor urban districts appears to be on the rise. These curiosities have transformed into a popular tourism industry; an industry that cuts to the heart of the business of philanthropic travel — also known by the derogatory label of ‘slum tourism’. This type of travel, also sometimes referred to as ‘poorism’, guides tourists through the slums of cities in India, Indonesia, Africa, and Mexico, among other destinations and are often run by those hailing from the West
In Jakarta, Indonesia, as in cities all over the developing world, urban poverty is a growing problem. The World Bank says nearly 25 million people live in the Jakarta area, and every year a staggering 250,000 more come. This urban poverty is often hidden, relegated to neighborhoods tourists rarely visit. But in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, a Jakartan resident of 40 years, Ronny Poluan gives guided tours of city slums to tourists. His tours, ‘Jakarta Hidden Tours’, have been operating regularly since 2008, taking groups of paying foreigners to the city's warrens, riverbanks and rail lines to meet those whom he calls ‘the real people’.
But is this type of tourism a worthy initiative or just an example of voyeuristic 'poorism'. By most accounts, slum tourism began in Brazil over 16 years ago, with similar initiatives gaining popularity throughout the world. The Hidden Jakarta tours introduce curious foreigners to the conditions and people of Galur, Ciliwung, Kota and Luar Batang in Jakarta. Proponents say it’s eye-opening, opponents say its pure voyeurism. While critics may still slay the concept of commodifying poverty for tourism, Poluan says he is trying to make a difference by raising awareness and money for development programs. Money is mostly spent on people empowerment. ‘It is used for business capitals, books and others, we cooperate with local community groups’, he said.
But this cash-in-hand approach has plenty of critics. One critic of this ‘poorism’, Wardah Hafidz, who heads Jakarta's Urban Poor Consortium advocacy group, says these ‘handouts’ are exactly the wrong approach. ‘It creates more problems for us than it helps’, Hafidz said. ‘If you come with money then it's a complete language of money. It doesn't develop the understanding (among the poor) that they are powerful, that they can help themselves’. Critics also say he exploits poor people for personal gain. Polaun has said he does not intend to commercialize poverty. Instead, he says he wants people to realize that there are many of people who are still living in poverty.
A contribution from each ‘Hidden Jakarta Tour’ (around 15%), provided from the money he charges participants, goes to the communities visited. A third of the earnings pay for the guides, and some 17 % goes to Ronny’s NGO Interkultur foundation. Interkultur’s aims are to support and promote Indonesian artists working in the areas of film, performance and the visual arts, also in a wider awareness and concern of social humanity, media and environmental, local and international issues.
The RI Ministry of Culture and Tourisms Public Relation Centre don’t believe the tours to have a positive impact on Indonesian tourism nor the residents of these areas. Cecep Ucu Rakhman from the Ministry’s Public Relation Centre said that if people want to assist those in need, that, ‘Instead of the tours they could help via a social welfare organization, of which there are many’. The ethical debate on this new tourism phase continues. Not just the one operating here in Jakarta but the many ‘slum tourism’ operations internationally. The phenomenon shows no sign of waning as more travelers rethink indulgent vacations in favor of more meaningful travel experiences. It’s partially a byproduct of the global economic crisis. Another, sadly, is that the ranks of the poor are growing.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
G’day Gado-Gado. Crystal Clancy. Antara 02/02/2010
Neighboring nations, stable and flourishing relations, the outlook for 2010 envisions a fair shake of the sauce bottle from Australia, continued cooperation from the Republic of Indonesia, and a broadening and deepening scope of relations with no harsh Durian scent lingering for the future.
Australia and Indonesia enjoy a wide-ranging relationship, encompassing extensive political, security, commercial, development and people-to-people links. These linkages have been expanded and strengthened in recent years, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing cooperation between the two countries.
Since Indonesian independence, Australia and Indonesia have maintained mutual diplomatic relations. They have formalized co-operation, especially in the fields of fisheries conservation, law enforcement, justice cooperation, they have embraced a measure of security co-operation, broadened treaty relationships and have co-participated in several multilateral treaties of significance.
Trade
One way in which the two countries relations can be seen to be flourishing is through their stable trade relations. As of the 1st of January 2010 the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) was put into place. This is the largest Free Trade Agreement that Australia has ever signed. AANZFTA provides for the progressive reduction or, for most products, elimination of tariffs facing Australian goods exports to ASEAN countries over a transition period, and the elimination of all Australian tariffs on imports from AANZFTA Parties.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Bill Farmer asserts that, “there have been quite significant developments in the trade environment”. Feasibility studies on a bilateral FTA are also underway which would mean a new trade environment opening up with benefits for both countries.
At the same time, both Governments recognize that two-way trade and investment links fall short of their potential relative to Australia’s trade and investment with other ASEAN members. “There is certainly scope for further broadening of relations”, commented Mr. Farmer, “the outlook for 2010 is on the upside”.
Investment
In the investment sphere, studies show that Indonesia-Australia investment levels, though not insubstantial, underperforms relative to growing bilateral trade and Australian investment in some other ASEAN economies.
In an increasingly global market investment companies seek investment climates country by country. Commenting on the lack of Australian investment in Indonesian commodities, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Bill Farmer put forward that Investment companies “…don’t find here a legal and regulative regime that is conducive to their aspirations, especially as opposed to these environments in other countries”, and that “foreign investors also find significant disadvantages when in competition with national companies”.
There are over 400 Australian companies with investments in Indonesia both small and large. Australian investments in mining, however, have gone down, whereas elsewhere it has grown. The reasons for this is viewed by Australian investors as being dramatic changes in the law, and the difficulty of securing agreement, through in some cases, regulatory bodies and stakeholders in three layers of government; national, regional and local.
It has been recommended that deeper economic integration would strongly complement already close strategic, security and political engagement between the two countries.
Future Apprehensions
There are some minor apprehensions for the future of relations in terms of the reopening of the Balibo Five case and the very fragile subject of terrorism.
There have been concerns that the reopening and probable further legal proceedings of the Balibo 1975 case, may cause tensions in relations between the two countries.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) started a reinvestigation of the case in August of last year. With a declaration from the New South Wales Coroners Court coming forth in 2007, that the incident did in fact constitute a war crime and that the Indonesian Military (TNI) was involved.
The reopening of the case was a decision made by the AFP and wasn’t an Australian government decision. The Government of Australia doesn’t interfere with decisions made by the AFP for democratic reasons.
The current strong relations between Australian and Indonesian governments facilitates constructive solutions, no one particular issue is likely to upset the ties between the countries broadly. “Australia and Indonesia have a broad ranging relationship which is positive across the board”, said Mr.Farmer.
A subject that cannot be avoided when discussing potential strains on the relations between Australia and Indonesia is Terrorism. Since 2002 a number of terrorist attacks in Indonesia have been directed at Western interests including the Australian embassy in Jakarta and the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, which killed a total of 92 Australian nationals. Indonesian diplomatic and consular premises in Australia also received a number of hoax and threat messages in 2005. Both the United States and Australian governments have issued warnings against travel to Indonesia, advising their citizens of a continued risk of attacks. The current travel advisory suggests Australian travelers to reconsider the need to visit Indonesia because of the 'very high threat of terrorist attack'. Although last year, despite terrorism fears, there were a record number of Australian tourists in Indonesia.
Refugees
There are also many issues surrounding the unregulated movement of people that these neighbours are collaborating on. Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) are very positive on continuing to work together on this issue, Mr Farmer commented, “The two countries, being close neighbours, have worked on these issues for a long time, both bilaterally and nationally”.
The cooperation between the two countries appears to be working effectively, with support for and from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) processes.
The Sri-Lankan refugees from the Ocean Viking, which have now all departed detention in Indonesia, and were not given “special treatment”, asserted Mr. Farmer. The Australian government came to a suitable agreement with the Republic of Indonesia. The situation was different than those other regular influxes of refugees to the nation. It was a humanitarian exercise performed by Indonesian Authorities, rescuing the refugees at sea.
“There is definitely scope for doing more and implementing different strategies to deal with the unregulated movement of people, amongst other issues”, said Mr. Farmer.
Climate Change
In terms of environmental strategies, whilst many nations are seeking a global solution to climate change, these neighbours have implemented there own initiatives to battle the climate change war. The two nations have agreed to a AUD30 million REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) project being implemented in Kalimantan. The governments are also in discussions surrounding a second project. Ausaid assert that ‘Indonesia and Australia share a strong commitment on REDD and are working collaboratively to support an effective outcome under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’.
The Nations are also contributing greatly to the area of disaster prevention with the recent development of the Australian – Indonesian Centre for Disaster Prevention.
Aid
In 2008-09, Indonesia was the largest recipient of Australian aid at a value of AUD462 million. In January 2005, former Prime Minister Mr. John Howard and President Yudhoyono announced the formation of the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD) under which Australia will contribute $1 billion over five years towards reconstruction and development in Aceh and elsewhere in Indonesia.
The development assistance partnership with Indonesia is Australia’s largest—at about $500 million per year—and the most innovative. It is built on a strong foundation of capacity building that will help Indonesia meet the challenges of managing a diverse, decentralised economy of 230 million people where almost 15 per cent still live below the national poverty line.
The long-term goal of Australia's development assistance program with Indonesia is to assist the country to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. The Australia Indonesia Partnership reflects Australia's national interest in Indonesia's stability and prosperity by helping Indonesia improve governance, reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.
The relationship between the neighbouring nations is “at an all time high”, said Ambassador Mr. Farmer, and this has been commented as being so by both nations governments. And there is “a very good understanding of the scope for deepening and broadening the relationship”.
At a political level the relationship is flourishing in a very positive environment and there is keen interest in expanding the cooperation. Some very strong areas of cooperation are law enforcement, defence and development, the Ambassador for Australia in Indonesia believes will certainly grow and expand over time.
Australia and Indonesia enjoy a wide-ranging relationship, encompassing extensive political, security, commercial, development and people-to-people links. These linkages have been expanded and strengthened in recent years, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing cooperation between the two countries.
Since Indonesian independence, Australia and Indonesia have maintained mutual diplomatic relations. They have formalized co-operation, especially in the fields of fisheries conservation, law enforcement, justice cooperation, they have embraced a measure of security co-operation, broadened treaty relationships and have co-participated in several multilateral treaties of significance.
Trade
One way in which the two countries relations can be seen to be flourishing is through their stable trade relations. As of the 1st of January 2010 the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) was put into place. This is the largest Free Trade Agreement that Australia has ever signed. AANZFTA provides for the progressive reduction or, for most products, elimination of tariffs facing Australian goods exports to ASEAN countries over a transition period, and the elimination of all Australian tariffs on imports from AANZFTA Parties.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Bill Farmer asserts that, “there have been quite significant developments in the trade environment”. Feasibility studies on a bilateral FTA are also underway which would mean a new trade environment opening up with benefits for both countries.
At the same time, both Governments recognize that two-way trade and investment links fall short of their potential relative to Australia’s trade and investment with other ASEAN members. “There is certainly scope for further broadening of relations”, commented Mr. Farmer, “the outlook for 2010 is on the upside”.
Investment
In the investment sphere, studies show that Indonesia-Australia investment levels, though not insubstantial, underperforms relative to growing bilateral trade and Australian investment in some other ASEAN economies.
In an increasingly global market investment companies seek investment climates country by country. Commenting on the lack of Australian investment in Indonesian commodities, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Bill Farmer put forward that Investment companies “…don’t find here a legal and regulative regime that is conducive to their aspirations, especially as opposed to these environments in other countries”, and that “foreign investors also find significant disadvantages when in competition with national companies”.
There are over 400 Australian companies with investments in Indonesia both small and large. Australian investments in mining, however, have gone down, whereas elsewhere it has grown. The reasons for this is viewed by Australian investors as being dramatic changes in the law, and the difficulty of securing agreement, through in some cases, regulatory bodies and stakeholders in three layers of government; national, regional and local.
It has been recommended that deeper economic integration would strongly complement already close strategic, security and political engagement between the two countries.
Future Apprehensions
There are some minor apprehensions for the future of relations in terms of the reopening of the Balibo Five case and the very fragile subject of terrorism.
There have been concerns that the reopening and probable further legal proceedings of the Balibo 1975 case, may cause tensions in relations between the two countries.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) started a reinvestigation of the case in August of last year. With a declaration from the New South Wales Coroners Court coming forth in 2007, that the incident did in fact constitute a war crime and that the Indonesian Military (TNI) was involved.
The reopening of the case was a decision made by the AFP and wasn’t an Australian government decision. The Government of Australia doesn’t interfere with decisions made by the AFP for democratic reasons.
The current strong relations between Australian and Indonesian governments facilitates constructive solutions, no one particular issue is likely to upset the ties between the countries broadly. “Australia and Indonesia have a broad ranging relationship which is positive across the board”, said Mr.Farmer.
A subject that cannot be avoided when discussing potential strains on the relations between Australia and Indonesia is Terrorism. Since 2002 a number of terrorist attacks in Indonesia have been directed at Western interests including the Australian embassy in Jakarta and the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, which killed a total of 92 Australian nationals. Indonesian diplomatic and consular premises in Australia also received a number of hoax and threat messages in 2005. Both the United States and Australian governments have issued warnings against travel to Indonesia, advising their citizens of a continued risk of attacks. The current travel advisory suggests Australian travelers to reconsider the need to visit Indonesia because of the 'very high threat of terrorist attack'. Although last year, despite terrorism fears, there were a record number of Australian tourists in Indonesia.
Refugees
There are also many issues surrounding the unregulated movement of people that these neighbours are collaborating on. Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) are very positive on continuing to work together on this issue, Mr Farmer commented, “The two countries, being close neighbours, have worked on these issues for a long time, both bilaterally and nationally”.
The cooperation between the two countries appears to be working effectively, with support for and from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) processes.
The Sri-Lankan refugees from the Ocean Viking, which have now all departed detention in Indonesia, and were not given “special treatment”, asserted Mr. Farmer. The Australian government came to a suitable agreement with the Republic of Indonesia. The situation was different than those other regular influxes of refugees to the nation. It was a humanitarian exercise performed by Indonesian Authorities, rescuing the refugees at sea.
“There is definitely scope for doing more and implementing different strategies to deal with the unregulated movement of people, amongst other issues”, said Mr. Farmer.
Climate Change
In terms of environmental strategies, whilst many nations are seeking a global solution to climate change, these neighbours have implemented there own initiatives to battle the climate change war. The two nations have agreed to a AUD30 million REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) project being implemented in Kalimantan. The governments are also in discussions surrounding a second project. Ausaid assert that ‘Indonesia and Australia share a strong commitment on REDD and are working collaboratively to support an effective outcome under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’.
The Nations are also contributing greatly to the area of disaster prevention with the recent development of the Australian – Indonesian Centre for Disaster Prevention.
Aid
In 2008-09, Indonesia was the largest recipient of Australian aid at a value of AUD462 million. In January 2005, former Prime Minister Mr. John Howard and President Yudhoyono announced the formation of the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD) under which Australia will contribute $1 billion over five years towards reconstruction and development in Aceh and elsewhere in Indonesia.
The development assistance partnership with Indonesia is Australia’s largest—at about $500 million per year—and the most innovative. It is built on a strong foundation of capacity building that will help Indonesia meet the challenges of managing a diverse, decentralised economy of 230 million people where almost 15 per cent still live below the national poverty line.
The long-term goal of Australia's development assistance program with Indonesia is to assist the country to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. The Australia Indonesia Partnership reflects Australia's national interest in Indonesia's stability and prosperity by helping Indonesia improve governance, reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.
The relationship between the neighbouring nations is “at an all time high”, said Ambassador Mr. Farmer, and this has been commented as being so by both nations governments. And there is “a very good understanding of the scope for deepening and broadening the relationship”.
At a political level the relationship is flourishing in a very positive environment and there is keen interest in expanding the cooperation. Some very strong areas of cooperation are law enforcement, defence and development, the Ambassador for Australia in Indonesia believes will certainly grow and expand over time.
A collective effort needed to curb stray population. Crystal Clancy. Antara 05/02/2010
Wild and stray cats are ubiquitous in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, a sprawling city with 12 million people in the metropolitan area. These felines suffer immeasurably through lack of food, illness and neglect and are multiplying in our urban jungle. The issue is not only the increase in number of this stray species, but also the inhumane solutions municipalities utilize in an attempt to control the influx to their areas. Disease is rife among them, with recent studies uncovering the avian flu (H5N1) virus residing in a large percentage of these cats. The problem has spread from a national animal welfare issue to a global health risk. A humane, tried, tested and proven solution to this issue must be embraced and enforced at both a local and national level.
The population of stray cats in Jakarta is vast. Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), a non-government animal welfare organization wants to help reduce the street cat population by conducting sterilization activities, thus minimizing the number of cats added to an already overwhelming population. "We have to control the stray cat population if we want to improve their welfare," said Karin Franken, co-founder of the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), earlier this week at JAAN's clinic in Kemang, South Jakarta.
Since mid October 2008, Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) has worked with volunteer veterinarians to provide free spaying and neutering services for homeless cats, it has taken sterilization action for stry cats in various locations around Jakarta and also on Pramuka Island (capital of the 1000 Islands regency). This system, adopted in many regions internationally, is the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) which is a full management plan where stray and feral cats already living outdoors in cities, towns, and rural areas are humanely trapped, then evaluated, vaccinated, and sterilized by veterinarians. Kittens and tame cats are adopted into good homes. Healthy adult cats too wild to be adopted are returned to their familiar habitat.
Small scale sterilization drives performed by JAAN are incredibly low budget and performed in the minimum of conditions. But Karin says they “… are committed to continue the spaying and neutering program on a monthly basis”. This involves working with volunteer veterinarians and vet assistants to provide capture, spaying and neutering, rehabilitation and release services for homeless cats. “Vets from abroad have donated their time and money which has been very helpful” said Karin. JAAN continually attempts to work with government so that this humane process can be embraced in each area. There have been small changes at a government level, with some state facilitated sterilization drives operating; Karin says this shows “Some good will from the government side”. Other non government organizations are also involved with these sterilization drives and there has been “increased community involvement” said Karin, she also highlighted public participation as one of the most important factors in the effort to improve street animals' welfare.
According to the Directorate General for Animal Husbandry in Jakarta, responsibility for controlling these stray populations lies with specific district municipalities. Ibu Titi, a spokesperson for the directorate says that central government provides no funds for controlling the problem, even for the euthanisation of diseased cats. Jakarta’s main post for animal husbandry is in Ragunan, where the central government pound is located. Apparently some municipalities are bringing unwanted stray cats from their area to Jalan Harsono in South Jakarta, to the Ragunan Dinas Peternakan building, where they will be inhumanely terminated. It is alleged, at present, cats are captured and relocated to the cages there prior to termination, where they kill each other, are poisoned or even starve to death. When organizations or government are convinced that euthanization is the only way, JAAN insists it must be done in a humane manner. One area cited by JAAN as being responsible for this cruelty is Ancol Recreation Area Management. JAAN has offered Ancol a cooperation in order to strive for a humane solution option but they still choose to just continue with the mass culling of the stray cats. Ancol Management declined to comment on the allegations.
It isn’t just the Ancol Area Management but many other provinces and institutions in Jakarta that fail to control the problem or deal with it incredibly inhumanely. Besides the unnecessary suffering of these animals, the mass culling doesn't provide a solution to the vast amount of stray cats in the area. “This mass culling will not reduce the stray cat population as other cats will replace the territories of the cats that have been 'removed’”, said Karin. “The cat situation is still very bad” she said, “We try to continuously sterilize the street cats to help alleviate the issue”.
Our experience has shown us that the large scale culling of stray animals doesn’t work in the long term and that the methods used can be very cruel. Effective long term management can only be achieved through working with the local communities to encourage responsible ownership. “At JAAN we are really driven to educate”, said Karin. Through education about responsible pet ownership, identification, vaccination, neutering and pet care; fewer animals will end up on the street.
People need to be aware there is a big problem with responsible pet ownership, “education is really important” said Karin, "we want people to better understand how to keep the cat population healthy”, “we visit schools to provide information, and we also promote and raise awareness of our spaying and neutering program among people in housing complexes".
The Indonesian attitude towards cats is remarkable. They are tolerated and almost treated as if semi-sacred. Mohammed himself respected cats. It is written that a cat was sleeping on his prayer rug and rather than disturbing the cat, Mohammed carefully cut around the cat to move his rug so that he could pray. However, even in the non-Moslem areas of Indonesia, cats are given much respect and never killed. If an Indonesian kills a cat by accident with a car, it is a major trauma. People have been known to sell their cars immediately after the car hit a cat. Karin comments that whether these values are cultural or religious, these beliefs seem to be fading away.
JAAN recently completed a pilot project in the vicinity of 1000 islands to measure results of their sterilization drives. Karin said upon return “the change was obvious”.
A fertile female cat with an average lifespan of 7 years could give birth to at least 28 kittens. “Changes are not dramatic but eventually things will change”, she said. The survival rate of these cats is high with all the litter in the streets especially residential areas, "reducing the number of stray cats can take dozens of years, but the attempt was made in Holland and it worked", she said. If the Indonesian government were to embrace the TNR method the issue would dissolve in a timelier manner given the wide repercussions of the problem, including the spread of disease that affects business, livestock and the nation’s citizen health.
Recent studies have revealed that cats can contract the avian influenza virus and that there is no evidence that just migratory birds are responsible for the spread of the disease. A study conducted by the Indonesian Environment Information Center (PILI) in Yogyakarta found that stray cats had caught the H5N1 virus through contact with infected poultry at traditional markets. Scientists are worried the virus will mutate into a form where it could spread through human-to-human contact, which could trigger a global pandemic capable of infecting millions of people in a short period of time.
Avian Flu represents a potential global threat and is a matter of high priority for member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) announced its support, in principle, for the development of Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at its Annual General Meeting on 14th August 2009, demonstrating its strong commitment to animal welfare. The Declaration, which represents the international agreement on animal welfare calls for effective animal welfare legislation to be developed and enforced around the world. Perhaps their support will encourage some more institutions and the Indonesian government to implement animal welfare, as requested by the new law of Livestock and Animal Health no.18 of 2009, especially in the area of humanely controlling these stray animals.
The Centre for Indonesian Veterinary Analytical Studies (CIVAS) has embraced, and began participation, in the cat sterilization program held by JAAN which is a positive sign for future cooperation. "With this program in hand, we hope in the future we will see no more abandoned cats on Jakarta's streets”, said Karin. Elimination of stray animal populations is neither realistic nor essential for animal welfare on a global scale. Rather, the goal is for all countries to use methods of population management such as JAAN’s TNR method that minimize unwanted and stray animal populations and the welfare problems they experience. What is needed in Indonesia is stronger commitment and understanding that animal welfare has a strong link to human welfare and development issues; in particular human health, poverty and disaster.
To enquire, donate or participate
info@jakartaanimalaid.com
Never doubt that a small group of dedicated citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
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