Good News From Indonesia

Indonesian Special Forces (Kopassus) is arguably on of the best special forces in the world with high capabilities and strength. I was sure it should be in par with SAS of UK, or Navy Seals of the US. Well, you might argue with that, but what I wanna assure you is that you can’t find a special forces with such capacity easily

I think GNFI has posted enough entries regarding Kopassus, now i’d like to share you how one vehicle Kopassus possesses, it’s called the Casspir.

Casspir

Wikipedia says:
“The Casspir is a landmine-protected personnel carrier (APC) that has been in use in South Africa for over 20 years. It is a four wheeled armoured vehicle, used for transport of troops. It can hold a crew of two, plus 12 additional soldiers and associated gear. The Casspir was unique in design when launched, providing for passive mine defence. The main body of the vehicle is V-shaped and raised above the ground, so that if a mine is detonated, the explosion is less likely to damage the crew compartment and kill the occupants. The cross-section of the hull is V-shaped, directing the force of the explosion outwards, further protecting the occupants. The vehicle is also armoured for added mine safety, as well as protection from small arms fire. The Casspir was the inspiration and prototype for the US Marines MRAP project.”

Kopassus with the Casspir (Photo: Kaskus Militer)

Popularity: 5% [?]

State-owned Garuda Airlines and Krakatau Steel are among a clutch of Indonesian firms planning public offerings as investors clamor to gain a foothold in Southeast Asia’s emerging giant.

Foreigners have been pouring money into the region’s biggest economy, which was largely unaffected by the global financial crisis due to strong domestic demand and limited reliance on wobbly Western export markets.

The Jakarta Composite Index has soared threefold from its low in October 2008, hitting historic highs as the country’s improving prospects continued to attract foreign capital, dealers said.

“Stable economic and political conditions in Indonesia continue to be attractive to international investors,” Sucorinvest Central Gani analyst Gifar Indra Sakti said.

The World Economic Forum’s 2010-11 Global Competitiveness Index rankings, released this month, showed Indonesia as the third biggest mover, up 10 notches to 44th place.

A survey of business leaders from 523 companies by UK Trade and Investment and the Economist Intelligence Unit, published last week, put Indonesia fourth behind China, Vietnam and India as a destination for investment capital over the next two years.

“As (Asia’s) third-fastest growing economy, with huge upside potential for our markets, Indonesia is one of those exciting growth stories and our companies are increasingly receiving wider access to financing,” Indonesia Coordinating Investment Board chief Gita Wirjawan said.

Foreign direct investment in the archipelago of 240 million people — the fourth biggest country in the world by population — soared 53 percent on-year to 35.6 trillion rupiah (four billion dollars) in the April-June period, official figures show.

But analysts said concerns about corruption and the rule of law made equities — rather than direct investments in plant and infrastructure — a more attractive entry point.

Around 20 local companies will have raised more than five billion dollars on the sharemarket by the end of the year if current plans come to fruition. Many say they want to pay off debt and cash up for expansion.

Fourth-ranked lender Bank Negara Indonesia is targeting 10 trillion rupiah in a December rights issue, while another state-owned bank, PT Bank Mandiri, is marketing a 14-trillion-rupiah issue in the same month.

Indofood Sukses Makmur is expecting to raise about 700 million dollars from offering 20 percent of its subsidiary PT Indofood CBP in October.

State-owned Krakatau Steel, the country’s biggest steel producer, aims to list in November.

“Hopefully we can get fresh funds up to 600 million dollars. We plan to use the funds to expand our business and modernize our machinery,” Krakatau president director Fazwar Bujang said.

Another state-owned enterprise, flag carrier Garuda, wants to raise around 300 million dollars to strengthen its capital structure and help fund six new Airbus A330-200 aircraft valued at 1.15 billion dollars.

The airline — which was on an EU safety blacklist from 2007 to 2009 — has announced aggressive expansion plans, codenamed “Quantum Leap”, running through to 2014.

Equities are seen as the easiest way to get into the Indonesian market, with investors regularly citing legal uncertainty, chronic corruption and poor infrastructure as obstacles to direct investment in the mainly Muslim country.

In a major review of Indonesia’s financial stability, the International Monetary Fund warned last week that foreign investors would be cautious until more is done to fight corruption and improve the rule of law.

“Lingering concerns over weak enforcement of the rule of law, transparency, and governance issues weigh on market perceptions. Addressing these weaknesses should be a priority,” it said.

Source: AFP

Popularity: 2% [?]

Author: Thee Kian Wie, Indonesian Institute of Sciences

The Indonesian economy continues to surprise with its very healthy growth rate through the period of global financial crisis. The growth rate, driven by consumer spending, investment, and exports, has surpassed most predictions at 6.2 per cent during the second quarter of 2010. Domestic consumption is robust, investment figures are encouraging and exports are expanding at least as fast as global growth. While monetary policy and financial regulatory concerns remain, Indonesia is well-positioned for broad-based economic growth.

Perception indicators increasingly support the view that Indonesia’s economy is on an upswing. The Japan Credit Rating Agency has upgraded Indonesia’s investment grade from BB+ to BBB; the first in 13 years. Other credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s, have also upgraded Indonesia’s sovereign rating. Last year Indonesia was the only member of the G20 to lower its public debt-to-GDP ratio: a very positive economic management indicator.

What is responsible for Indonesia’s surprising growth performance?

Prices have been reasonably stable although inflation is still a worry. Even so, the inflation rate in August 2010 was lower than previously estimated, at 0.76 per cent month-on-month, or 6.44 per cent year-on-year. A major factor accounting for Indonesia’s generally higher inflation was the increase in electricity tariffs in July. And here, even though the direct impact of this increase was higher than expected, the indirect impact appears to have been relatively mild so far. For this reason, the Bank of Indonesia’s decision to keep the policy interest rate at 6.5 per cent for the time being seems sensible.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s banking sector is in good shape and has successfully weathered the global financial crisis (GFC). It was protected by prudential guidelines and sound banking practices, and is strongly solvent, with contained risk exposure, and solid profitability. The most recent World Bank and International Monetary Fund assessment of Indonesia’s financial system concluded that it is generally healthy, as demonstrated by its success in recovering quickly from the GFC.

On the trade side, there is good news too. Indonesia’s balance of payments during the second quarter recorded a big surplus of US$ 5.4 billion, $6.6 billion during the first quarter. This was due to the good performance of non-oil and gas sectors, a positive natural gas balance, and a surplus in the capital and financial account due to inflows of FDI and portfolio investment.

More specifically, Indonesia’s exports to the developed nations have not substantially weakened, despite apparent signs of a slowdown in these markets. Indonesia also increased its level of imports, with higher capital goods (machinery, mechanical and electrical appliances, and aircraft) inflows.

Unfortunately, green field investment in manufacturing has not mirrored the performance of other sectors. Foreign direct investment (FDI) amounted to US$ 3.7 billion the second quarter of 2010. Near-zero FDI was directed towards manufacturing.

FDI predominantly flowed into the transport, storage and communication sectors (US$ 1.5 billion); mining (US$ 0.6 billion), trade (US$ 0.4 billion) and electricity, gas, and water supply (US$ 0.3 billion). While this is good, more direct investment into the manufacturing sector would lead to higher employment and a faster reduction in absolute poverty. Government estimates identify $210 billion of infrastructure development over the next 5 years, of with almost $100 billion to be funded by the private sector. Strong foreign investment flows are vital Indonesia’s economic expansion plans.

The IMF and World Bank report identified two major issues that urgently need government attention: protection and support of financial regulators, and weak creditor rights.

The creditor rights issue is seen in the ability of large corporate borrowers to challenge contracts through long and arduous court battles. This in turn leads banks to focus on small and medium-scale (SME) lending. Indonesia is ranked 146 out of 183 countires surveyed in the 2010 Ease of Doing Business Index, with outstanding claims taking 570 days to enforce, for 120 per cent of the claim’s cost.

The financial regulator issue specifically refers to the political decision earlier this year to bail out the corruption-tainted Bank Century (now Bank Mutiara). It culminated in the ‘resignation’ of then Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, now a World Bank Managing Director). As a result, the pending adoption of the Financial System Safety Net law, which would clarify the responsibilities of various regulatory agencies, is crucial to achieving greater financial stability.

All in all, Indonesia’s economy is in a solid position. While inflationary and regulatory issues remain, with robust growth of the economy Indonesia is poised for increased economic and political influence within Southeast Asia.

Thee Kian Wie is a senior economist at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) in Jakarta and will be presenting the Economics Update at the Indonesian Update [1], to be held at the ANU, September 24-25.

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Source (article printed from): East Asia Forum

Popularity: 4% [?]

After successfully acquired 40% of stake at Carrefour Indonesia, TransCorp owned by businessman Chairul Tandjung is gearing up to grab stakes in Carrefour Malaysia and Singapore. TransCorp has been listed as one of the bidder to acquires both Carrefour in both country.

Carrefour has 19 stores in Malaysia and 2 stores in Singapore with turnover up to $400 million. Carrefour plans to focus on China and India, that is why they put the stakes in their stores in Malaysia, Singapore, and India up for grabs, up to 100% ownership.

Para Group is probably Indonesia’s fastest growing group with business ranging from media, entertainment, retails, commodity, and property. Chairul Tandjung is Indonesia’s 18th richest man according to Forbes. Para Group one among several groups in Indonesia to start eying overseas venture as Indonesia domestic market start to maturing.

Source: Tempo Interaktif

Popularity: 3% [?]

Indonesia: The Tiger Economy of Islamic Banking

Indonesia, an archipelago made up of approximately 17,508 islands, and is located in South-East Asia. The country has a population of approximately 230 million, making it the fourth most populous country in the world; its capital city is Jakarta, which is located on the island of Java. Since the majority of the population of Indonesia are Muslims, Indonesia can be considered the largest Islamic state in the world in terms of population. The Indonesian economy is classified as a developing economy, and is known as a “Tiger Cub Economy” which is a group that also includes Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This is a reference to the more economically advanced “Asian Tiger Economies” that include Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The Asian Tigers gained this name after attracting foreign investment and achieving impressive growth in their economy, manufacturing industries, and capital development. However the East-Asian economies suffered a financial crisis in 1997 as a result of so-called “hot money” [speculative funds], affecting both the Tiger and Tiger Cub economies, and causing the value of their currencies to collapse. By 1998, the Indonesian Rupiah – which was the currency most affected by this crisis – had lost around 74 percent of its value. This led to a decline in the Asian Tigers financial markets, as a result of the large sales that had been made by speculators.

The Asian Tigers stock market decreased by around 65 percent, which translated into overall losses that reached around 700 billion dollars in less than a year. Indonesia was also politically and economically affected by this, but it has since recovered and begun to experience growth once more. Indonesia has great economic potential, and this is due in no small party to the great international support that it enjoyed during the 1997 financial crisis, particularly from the US. The US had invested around 300 billion dollars into Indonesia, and it was not prepared to lose this.

Indonesia learned its lesson well, and so was able to withstand the global financial crisis that engulfed the world in 2007. It overcame the economic downturn with minimal damage, and this [financial] storm was one that hardly touched Indonesia. By mid-2009, the Indonesian financial markets have reached amazing heights, surpassing all other Asian markets with the exception of Mumbai and Shanghai. The Indonesian Rupiah had recovered most of its losses against the dollar, and Indonesia’s 2009 budget deficit stood at less than 1.6 percent of GDP. In 2010 – just as the Indonesian Central bank predicted – the economy is well on the way to achieving growth rates of 7 percent.

Despite all of these positive figures and statistics with regards to the Indonesian economy, national decision-makers do not have a long-term strategic vision in place to exploit the country’s favourable geographic location, and nurture its social environment in order to transform Jakarta into the capital of Islamic Finance in East Asia, which is a position that Jakarta is well-qualified to hold. The importance of this issue is further underlined by Indonesia’s neighbour, Malaysia, which through development over a number of years has been able to become the gateway and capital of the Islamic banking industry in East Asia.

Indonesia has known of the potential of the Islamic banking industry since 1992, when it founded its first Islamic bank, Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BMI). Yet the industry’s growth rates [today] do not exceed the growth witnessed by the industry between 2000 and 2009, which stood at between 2.5 percent and 5 percent growth. By the end of 2009, there were a total of 6 Islamic banks and 25 Islamic windows in conventional banks in Indonesia, in addition to 138-state owned provincial Islamic banks. However, Indonesian decision-makers have not paid attention to the financial strength of this promising industry until recently. They are now seeking to keep up with their neighbours by stimulating this industry and granting it the attention that it deserves. They have enacted relevant legislation, and the government has issued several independent Islamic Sukuk funds.

The government’s measures to stimulate the industry have led to an unprecedented growth in its [Islamic banking] assets, with the growth rate at the end of 2009 seeing an increase of around 37 percent compared to 2008. The growth rate in 2010 is expected to stand at around 81 percent, according to a report published by the Indonesian newspaper, The Jakarta Post.

But even with the high growth rates recently achieved in Indonesia thanks to Islamic banking assets, these assets still only make up less than 2.5 percent of Indonesia’s total financial industry. This is not proportionate with the incentives put in place by the Indonesia state to achieve growth in this industry.

The Indonesian government is therefore expected to seek to increase Islamic banking’s share of its financial industry by offering increased tax incentives, enacting further legislation, issuing more independent sukuk bonds. Thus, Indonesia will become Islamic banking’s tiger economy.

Source: Aawsat.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

I was in the town of Timika in Papua when I met high rank officials from Telkomsel, Indonesia’s largest mobile operator, sometimes in 2007. I gave a short speech before them and other guests, and shared my stories when I was traveling overseas. I told them that mobile operators from our neighboring countries had started venturing out overseas and acquiring some mobile operators in countries like Cambodia, Srilanka, India, Bangladesh, and Philippines, while there’s not even one Indonesian mobile operator that did the same.

I did not have a good response from them but merely an old classic answer, “But we are focusing on domestic market”.

One should understand that Indonesia’s many mobile operators are well-experienced and possessing world-class infrastructures and latest technology with good services. You may go to many countries outside Indonesia and you’ll find it difficult even to get a new number on top of your credit. Indonesia mobile operators are so much ready to expand its operation beyond borders.

I am overwhelmed that finally my wish comes true. PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Indonesia’s biggest phone firm, the mother company of Telkomsel, has said that it is looking at acquisitions in Southeast Asia as it sees its domestic market maturing.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, has become one of the world’s most crowded telecommunications markets, with 11 operators fighting for custom in a population of 237 million.

Telkom, which rarely comments on regional expansion, tried last year to acquire a stake in Iran Telecom but failed as it lacked backing from Indonesia’s government.

It is but said earlier that it sees capital expenditure in 2011 at about US$2 billion.

Telkom needs to invest heavily in telecoms infrastructure such as towers, and is also shifting its focus to data services to earn higher profits as Indonesian subscriber growth slows.

Indonesians has seen its domestic telecom operators being acquired or established by foreign companies, and has been reluctant to go for expansion. Now, it is the time to fight back.

(Akhyari Hananto)

Source: The Malaysian Insider

Popularity: 2% [?]

I was at Batam beach facing the island of Singapore sometimes in the year 2000, I could see chain of high rise buildings on Singapore soil. I had never been there, but i was so sure that time, Singapore is so much different from any place in Indonesia.

Singapore, for most Indonesians is merely a shopping paradise. Singapore welcomes more than 10 million tourist last year bringing in $14.5 billion of money, you can imagine a country with 4 million population hosting tourists tripe its population, it’s like Indonesia is welcoming 500 million tourists.

For a small country like Singapore (sized only half size of Gunung Kidul regency in Yogyakarta), it is really a great achievement. Great great one.

However, Singapore is not only a tourist destination. Singaporeans did not get this wealthy merely from tourist pockets. GDP percapita of this tiny nation is $52,000, a level even developed nations find it difficult to catch up with. Many of us don’t know that the architect of Singapore’s economy was Dr. Albert Winsemius, a Ducth economist who was Singapore’s economic adviser from 1961-1984. Dr Albert was involved in designing the industrialization of Singapore. He changed Singapore from a entrepot (transit point) to be world class manufacture center. Singapore is home to many industries world many billions of dollar. It is where the world’s largest oil refinery is located, it is a place of 130 international banks setup their biz, a country with world class and most advanced facilities in all sectors.

What can we do from here?

1. We can benefit from Singapore’s wealth for sure. Investment, export destination, tourism, to name a view.
2. We can actually replicate the way Singapore developed itself to our cities. Imagine if Indonesia has 8-10 cities like Singapore.
3. We can also establish more free-trade zone in regions sharing border with Singapore.

Any other idea?

Akhyari Hananto

Popularity: 4% [?]

Spelling Global

In the midst of waves of foreign battery products, battery ABC still strolled over almost half the domestic market for both types of alkaline batteries and carbon zinc. Not only that, products of PT International Chemical Industry, has been exported to around 50 countries, with different brands, making it one of the most-widely sold battery around the globe.

This is the list of the countries that sells Indonesia’s ABC battery:

Popularity: 5% [?]

China-Indonesia ties are currently seeing a renaissance, not least boosted by the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two regional giants.

In almost all sectors statistics show a positive trend. In the last decade bilateral trade enjoyed an average growth rate of 20 percent annually. Both countries bilateral trade volume to reach US$30 billion in 2010 and $50 billion by 2014.

In fact China has become the single largest origin for imports and the third largest export destination for Indonesia. The commencement of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) will only spur further both trade and investment in the coming years. Already more than 93 percent of Indonesian exports to China enjoy zero tariffs.

People-to-people, the foundation of any substantial relationship, is also becoming increasingly solid.
Last year the Chinese government reported that nearly 8,000 Indonesians studied there. According to China’s Ministry of Education this means Indonesians make up the eighth largest foreign student contingent there. These numbers are catching up, if not already surpassing the number of Indonesian students visiting traditional study destinations such as Australia and the United States.

Add to that Beijing’s eagerness to invest in Chinese cultural centers here. A total of six Confucius Institutes for language training are to be set up here.

The various aspects of the relationship are being spurred on with the “Year of China-Indonesia Friendship” to mark this 60th anniversary. Highlighted by various art exhibitions, cultural performances and seminars there can be nothing but a constructive outcome to these endeavors.

We commend the Chinese government, especially the Embassy of China here, for their enthusiasm in engaging with the Indonesian public. It may be two decades since the resumption of diplomatic ties, but wariness towards this Asian giant still lingers in some quarters.

The recent uproar over CAFTA was one example of how emotions, misunderstanding and suspicions can easily boil over to potentially disrupt relations which were previously perceived as tranquil.

It is imperative that whilst both sides continue to build on the future, they should not neglect the problems that dogged them in the past. As a giant in Asia and a regional power, Beijing must accept that its moves will always be analyzed with skepticism. Hence they must be well motivated in their approach and sincerity towards their neighbors and partners.

Issues (and questions) surrounding the South China Sea, the future trajectory of domestic political developments and the environment along with financial and trade issues should be addressed in an open, constructive manner.

It is not so much the case of others, especially Indonesia, wanting to intervene in China’s domestic affairs, but rather that the consequences of any developments involving China may have such major impacts on the region as a whole.

Without such willingness for dialogue, suspicions will only grow and multiply.

We are, nevertheless, confident that China is fully aware of its “obligations” as a responsible regional power. The recent and current dialogues that have taken place are a key element in developing mutual understanding to a new level in both countries.

Honesty can hurt, at first. But honesty and openness is the basis of trust which comprises the pillar of longstanding relationships.

We support and look forward to more intense interaction on these lines in the months to come.

Source: The Jakarta Post - 21 Sept 2010

Popularity: 3% [?]

I was in front of a TV during the last 17-Agustus celebration, with two senior citizens, when I switched the channel to MetroTV and found two young ladies being interviewed on Indonesia issues. The interviewer later introduced them as Bandanaira, a duo of Lea Simanjuntak (singer) and Irsa Destiwi (pianist), offering something patriotic to Indonesian audience. They were then asked to sing few songs from their album “The Journey to Indonesia” which was so stunning and heartwarming at the same time.

Believe me or not, the two senior people sitting next to me were weeping when they sang their new single ‘Aku Indonesia‘ (well, I myself was close to tears too). I encouraged myself to ask one of them what went wrong. He said, “Something is crushing my heart.  I fought the Dutch, I fought the Japanese, I’d die for this great nation. But, what about young people in this time? Are they willing to sacrifice for Indonesia too?”

GNFI has the honor to do an exclusive interview with Bandanaira. Here we go:

GNFI: Many bands/singers enjoy popularity and privileges singing mainstream music, but you opted to bring something really different to Indonesian audience. Aren’t you worried that it’d be difficult for you to penetrate the market?

Irsa: Frankly, we didn’t think of anything but making a great album of rearranged Indonesian national songs. We did it sincerely, no expectations.

Lea: Bandanaira is a long- term project. It will take years to educate the nation to love their national songs. We don’t take it as a problem, though. As long as we can produce good work for our country.

GNFI: The journey of Indonesia. The idea of such theme isn’t really booming in Indonesia. Did you intend to dedicate that album for the sake of your country, or also for commercial?

Irsa: For the sake of our country and nation. It was so sad to find that our children were no longer singing our own patriotic songs. That’s why we wanted to reintroduce these great, beautiful tunes to the young generation.
We created all new arrangements in order to attract the audience to listen to the songs.

Lea: We dedicate our album ‘The Journey of Indonesia’ to all our heroes, who delivered Indonesia to a new chapter of independence. Also to all the people of Indonesia who can now easily breathe in the air of freedom. In hope that they can achieve a new spirit of love for this country. We hope that our album can bring a change of perspective towards Indonesia, you know, for the nation, especially for the young generation.

GNFI: I do really like your duo name, Bandanaira. It reminds me of my good old days bands like Karimata, Krakatau; names derived from places in Indonesia. Any particular reason you chose the name? Or is it simply an easy-to-spell name? Have you been to Banda Islands?

Irsa: Yes, we simply wanted to name our duo something typical Indonesia. Me and Lea searched for names, there were few of them but we fell in love with the word Bandanaira. It sounded just right.
I’ve never been to any of Banda islands. Yet I would really love to go. I want to experience bandanaira. I heard it’s extremely stunning.

Lea: Why thank u… Yes, Irsa & I really wanted a name that resembles Indonesia. We did a vote, just both of us. And among all the other beautiful names of places in Indonesia, Bandanaira was the one we chose. We browsed a few sites about Bandanaira (no, we’ve never been there… yet) & grew to love the island. We hope that this duo can reveal true beauty, like the island itself.

GNFI: How do you see Indonesia nowadays, especially in this globalized and fast-moving world? Do you think that we are lagging behind our peers?

Irsa: Indonesia nowadays, full of intolerance people. and I loathe it. Yes in some points, we are lagging behind. iI only we all unite and respect each other, we could be such a great and strong nation. Moreover, catching up is easy whenever we’re all on the same page. Moving forward together.

Lea: Lagging behind? Well in some points, yes. For example: education, health, etc. But I’m sure we are potential in many other fields, one of which is art. In my opinion, if we really want to catch up with our peers, we should start with fields we are most potential in. I hope that our government focus on giving us more facilities such as better concert halls, art centers, schools of art, etc.

Irsa: Hmmm I guess #4 answers #5.
In my opinion, the young generation should be more creative in doing something, in order to bring Indonesia to be more acknowledged internationally. Do the best sincerely all the time. That would make some great contribution in the development of this country, I guess.

Lea: One of the barriers in the development of Indonesia is the lack of ‘connectors’ or if I may say, ‘bridges’ between the government & the people. Most medias show more unnecessary news rather than the ones that can actually give hope. This builds fear in the nation, especially in the young generation, which is why I think, is the reason why they’re not giving enough for their country. It’s really understandable why they’re afraid, angry, and perhaps even disappointed at this country (this is what inspired us in writing our newest single ‘Aku Indonesia’), but I hope they won’t linger in that situation, for a nation has to rise.
As an optimist, I say yes, of course we have time & chances to catch up.
But of course there’s a price to pay. And that, I shall answer in question #6. Haha…

GNFI: Share me your dreams about Indonesia 10-20 years from now.

Irsa: Well, I don’t dream that much. So it’s kinda hard to answer this question. I just have one hope for all Indonesians to go back to the great 5 principals of Pancasila. I mean, Pancasila is just the most suitable …., hmmm what do you call it? Idiology… for Indonesia. Ya anyway.
Oh and, kill and burn all the corruptors. Respect pluralism. Then, we can live peacefully.

Lea: A nation with inspiring stories about how the country survived. Healthier children with broad minds & big smiles. More Indonesian scientists, musicians, & athletes competing in international events!
BUT…
We sure have to go through a ‘detox’ phase, heheh… Yes, we should all go on a strict diet of selfishness, corruption, arrogance. And equip ourselves with more knowledge, produce more great local products (I love how young Indonesian designers are growing right now), and have enough love. You know… do every little thing to make a healthier, sexier Indonesia?

GNFI: Back to music. Do you think you’ll compose more patriotic songs in your next album?

Irsa: It’s possible. I mean, why not? Mixed repertoire would be very interesting, I guess. But still, the main theme of Bandanaira is collecting and rearranging old patriotic-national Indonesian songs.

Lea: Of course!

GNFI: Do you have fave singers/bands?

Irsa: Hmmm… personally, as a pianist, I listen a lot to Brad Mehldau. (Among) Indonesian artist I adore, Indra Lesmana, that’s it.
For singer, I heart Lea. She is one complete package of what you call an artist. She sings, plays instrument, composes, acts, dances. She knows what she’s doing. There I said it Lea!!! Hahaha…

Lea: Aerosmith, Ari Lasso, and Barbra Streisand.
Aww… I’m touched, Irsa. Thank u. Xoxo

Irsa Destiwi

Lea Simanjuntak

GNFI: If you were appointed to be one of ministers in SBY administration, in which post you’d like to be, and why?

Irsa: None. Why would I be a minister?? Hahaha. I make music with all my heart. I’m sending all the messages through music. Don’t you think its enough? Haha.

Lea: Right, this is one of those ‘if I were a…’ questions, eh? Perhaps education. Or Health. Look at our children today, nation-wide… You’ll know why.
And perhaps we should make a new Art Department. I’d vote for Ms. Irsa any day. She’d be perfect for it.

GNFI: Which part of Indonesia do you like most?

Irsa: Since I haven’t been to many places in Indonesia, I guess Bali is still in top position. iIjust love the vibe with all of the tradition, culture, art, food, the nature, the people, etc, etc.

Lea: Ooooh… Not faaaair! Such a difficult question! Hahah!
Well ok, I love the east. Maluku, Papua, etc. The landscape, the food, the culture.
For Jakarta though, my favorite spot is that junction near Lapangan Banteng. Where the most beautiful church stands face to face with the most admirable grand mosque, as if to laugh at how we still let ourselves be driven to assault one another.

GNFI: What about Indonesia you are so proud of?

Irsa: That Indonesia owns tons tons of culture, languages, dialects, arts, traditions, religions, and so on. They’re all in one whole package, called Indonesia. Amazing!

Lea: Well, I’m proud of how our people endure life.

GNFI: Message to our readers and your fans?

Irsa: Love your own cultures and traditions, respect the variety of them. As far as you fly high, always go back to the root. Get to know your Indonesia well.
Im also still learning here

Lea: To my fellow Indonesians, especially friends who are still deeply hurt, angry, disappointed, either by our government, or a group of people… My heart cries with you.
But soon we must get up! Arise!
I’ve once read about 3 stages of being success. First, we are the victims. And a victim must rise, then he’d be called a winner. But being just a winner isn’t enough. Because winners may fall, when situations get tough. Hang in there, finish a couple more races, and be an overcomer. Because an overcomer doesn’t only win in his present life, he wins his past. And he’ll surely win his future.
So come on, Indonesia.
Let’s overcome!

Irsa & Lea: We hope it can be useful. Once again, thank u GNFI!

Bandanaira’s album entitled “The Journey of Indonesia” is an album with patriotic songs we have known well, “Indonesia Pusaka”, “Payung Fantasi”, “Sersan Mayorku”, “Sepasang Mata Bola”, “Cinta Indonesia”, “Maju Tak Gentar”, “Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama”, “Ibu Kita Kartini”,  “Hari Merdeka” and “Desaku”. All composed in Jazz. They have release their new single titled “Aku Indonesia”.

Go grab ‘em!

Popularity: 6% [?]