Rumah Cantik Menteng is bought by Ibas aka SBY son

This president son doesn't have a real job. He is only a politician. How can this guy afford to buy the Rumah Cantik which costs US $ 1,7 million? You know the answer...it involves Machiavellian way..power tends to corrupt...
Setelah Menikah Ibas Beli Rumah 16 Milyar Rupiah - DetikForum

It has been revealed that eight months ago a protected award-winning house in Menteng, Central Jakarta, was half torn down after it was sold to one of the country’s top political figures.

Sources who learned about the transaction last year said that the house, an iconic Dutch Indische Woonhuizen (Indies Residences) style house known as “Rumah Cantik” (beautiful house), was sold for about Rp 16 billion (US$1.76 million) to Edhie Baskoro “Ibas” Yudhoyono.

The house’s front fence is now sealed off with corrugated iron panels. Recent photos of the house show that much of its roof is missing, the presence of large holes in some of the walls, and that the once beautiful garden, which was filled with colorful flowers and neatly cropped hedges, was dead.

All that remains are some tiles and the skeleton of the house.

Previously, almost everyone who passed the house, which is located on the corner of Jl. Teuku Cik Di Tiro and Jl. Ki Mangunsarkoro, Central Jakarta, stopped to admire its classic beauty.

“The house was torn down probably seven or eight months ago. I don’t know why the new owner did not continue to re-construct the house,” a nearby resident said.

The house, which has received several awards from the city administration, is protected under a 1993 gubernatorial decree on heritage buildings.

The rules permit the owner to construct new buildings, but they cannot change the original structure.

The house is thought to have been built in 1932.

Because of the beautiful and well-managed appearance, the 350-square-meter building, which sits on a 863-square-meter plot of land, was often rented out as a location for films and sinetron (soap opera), including The Big Village and Dunia Tanpa Koma (World without Comas).

Menteng was started as a housing complex for the haves in 1908 when the estate was purchased by real estate company De Bouwploeg, whose office was at the site currently occupied by the Cut Mutiah mosque.

University of Indonesia archaeologist Candrian Attahiyat said that many old buildings in Menteng had been torn down and replaced with modern houses.

“The area is divided into two: the old Menteng, where we still can see some old-style buildings standing there, and the new Menteng, where the old buildings have undergone some changes,” he said.

Candrian said that old Menteng included Jl. Teuku Umar and Jl. Lembang, and that new Menteng included Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto and Jl. Sam Ratulangi.

“Economic reasons are mostly behind the change. Many of the modern buildings have been turned into shops or offices,” he said.

Candrian also said that some of the owners of the old classic buildings used a special strategy to convert them into modern houses.

“Many of them intentionally leave the house empty for several years so that they have a reason to build with a new designs as the structure has been damaged [through neglect],” he said.

Ever since Rumah Cantik was sold, prices of houses in the surrounding area have soared, local residents said.

“Maybe it had become the benchmark for this area,” he said.

Antasari Azhar

 interesting post about Antasari Azhar (http://rusdimathari.wordpress.com)

I found what this guy wrote about Antasari Azhar, has given me a background of the Indonesian's former anti-graft chief. Actually I have to admit that I don't follow much his case.

“Ha? Antasari ditangkap? Urusan yang dulu itu?” tanya saya.

“Ya benar, urusan Nasrudin. Besok pasti jadi HL di koran-koran.”

Nasrudin yang dimaksud adalah Nasrudin Zulkarnaen, Direktur PT Putra Rajawali Banjaran, anak usaha usaha PT Rajawali Nusindo. Perusahaan yang disebut terakhir adalah anak usaha PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia, BUMN yang bergerak di bidang agro industri, farmasi & alat kesehatan dan perdagangan & distribusi.

Barrack Obama will be in Indonesia in March 2010

Us President Barack Obama will visit Indonesia and Australia in March


(Obama will visit Indonesia in March. During his childhood, Obama lived in Menteng Jakarta for 4 years. Therefore, he can speak Indonesian language. The childhood connection have made him hugely popular here. Even we have some Obama statues placed in Yogyakarta and Jakarta. Though some people protested it and asked the statues to be replaced by Indonesian genuine hero.  )

US President Barack Obama will will visit Australia in March after a trip with his family to his childhood home in Indonesia.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Mr Obama looked forward to discussing issues including green energy, climate change, economic recovery and non-proliferation with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Mr Rudd and Mr Obama have met a number of times since Mr Obama became President last year and have forged a close diplomatic relationship.

Mr Rudd welcomed the President's visit.

"President Obama will be a most welcome guest in Australia on his first official visit," he said.

"Australia's relationship with the United States of America is our most important international partnership.

"We are allies, we are trading partners, and we cooperate on the international challenges confronting all nations."

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Related Coverage


This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Australia and the US.

"Our formal military alliance, the ANZUS Treaty, has been in force for nearly 60 years," Mr Rudd said.

"The President's visit will underline the strength and breadth of the relationship."

Mr Obama, who was known as "Little Barry" when he lived in Jakarta with his mother in the 1960s, said last year in Singapore that he was looking forward to visiting his old haunts in Indonesia.

He was invited to make the trip by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and both sides have said they plan to use Mr Obama's childhood ties to the country to further tighten a crucial pan-Pacific relationship.

"This trip is an important part of the president's continuing effort to broaden and strengthen the partnerships that are necessary to advance our security and prosperity," Mr Gibbs said.

Mr Gibbs said that Mr Obama would inaugurate the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership during the visit, which is intended to further deepen ties between the two countries.

It is possible he will introduce his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, to neighbourhoods he knew as a boy and also to some old school friends.

Mr Obama's visit will be greeted with massive expectations in Indonesia, and a comprehensive security operation in the world's most populous Muslim nation.

The childhood connection and his knowledge of a few words of the Indonesian language have made him hugely popular in the country of 234 million people, 90 per cent of whom are Muslim.

SBY's Speech on the Jakarta Bombings Full Text

SBY's Speech on the Jakarta Bombings: Full Text

A full translation of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's speech to the nation on the Jakarta bomb attacks, delivered at the Presidential Palace on Friday afternoon:

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Greetings to everyone,

My fellow countrymen and women, to all Indonesians that I love, wherever you are. Today is a black dot in our history [as a nation]. Once again, there has been an attack or a bombing committed by terrorists in Jakarta. It is suspected to have been committed by a group of terrorists, although it may not necessarily be the same terrorism network that we have realized cause nothing but sufferings and troubles that all Indonesians have had to bear.

This barbaric act has brought about innocent casualties as well. Therefore, on this opportunity, on behalf of the country and the government, and as a person, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. To all the victims, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My fellow countrymen and women, the inhuman and thoughtless bombing occurred just when our nation had held its presidential election and while the General Elections Commission (KPU) is still tallying the votes. It has greatly disrupted the security and peace of the country while people want a safe, peaceful and conducive situation. People want the conclusion of the 2009 General Elections to be the starting point for us to unite and rebuild our country for the sake of all Indonesian people.

The bombing was committed when people were still concerned with political brouhaha at the elite level, also — as I have been noticing everyday — with provocative remarks that maintain heated and hostile circumstances, which is not the aspiration of the people who fulfilled their political duties a few weeks ago.

My fellow countrymen and women, I believe almost all of us feel sympathy and sadness, and cry inside, as I do now. Indeed, there are few people who are laughing and screaming in delight, satisfying their maddening anger. These few people, heartless and careless for the destruction of our country from terrorism, do not care about the vast implications of their brutality toward our economy, business climate, tourism, image in the world and many other factors.

Presently, my brothers and sisters, beside us, the government is performing emergency response measures to treat the victims of the bombing. An investigation is on the way as well. I have received a preliminary report of the ongoing investigation. After I read the report, I instructed the Chief of Police, the National Intelligence Agency and other related state institutions to conduct a proper and thorough investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice.


I believe, as we have discovered before, that the perpetrators and the people who masterminded this terror will be apprehended and we will prosecute them under the law. I have instructed law enforcers to prosecute anyone involved. Whoever he or she is, from whatever political rank and background.


This morning, I have received many statements, or reminders, that made me theorize, or at least be concerned, that this terrorism is related to the result of the presidential election. I would respond like this — that we should not point our fingers, or blame someone without proof. All theories and speculations must be proven in court. Our country is a lawful country, as well as a democratic one. Therefore, the norms of law and democracy must be enacted properly. If someone is guilty under the law, then we could say that the person is guilty.


I must say for the first time to all Indonesians that during the series of legislative and presidential elections in 2009, there were several intelligence reports that were gathered by law enforcers. Once again, this information has never been made public. The report showed a group of terrorists had practiced shooting at my picture, SBY's picture, as a target. Let me show you.


This is a video recording of them practicing shooting. Two men are shooting with handguns. This is the target. And this is my picture, and they are aiming approximately at my face. This is the intelligence report, with video tape and pictures. It is not a slander, nor an issue. I received the report several moments ago. It is still related to the intelligence that acknowledged there is a plan to commit violence or actions against the law in relation to the election result.


There was also a plan to occupy the office of the General Elections Commission when the result is to announced. There was a statement that there would be a revolution if SBY wins. This is an intelligence report, not rumors, nor gossip. Other statements said they wished to turn Indonesia into [a country like] Iran. And the last statement said that no matter what, SBY should not and would not be inaugurated. You can interpret such threats, and the tens of other intelligence reports that are currently in the hands of our law enforcers.


This morning, just like I used to do, I wanted to come personally to the location [of the attack]. But the Chief of Police and others suggested I should wait, since the area was not yet secure. And danger could come at any time, especially with all of the threats I have shown you. Physical threats.


Surely, life and death is in God's hands. I should not worry and be restrained in doing my duty to the people, to this country. Since presidential security is borne by the Indonesian Armed Forces, I believe the armed forces have taken the precautions needed. To all intelligence reports, whether they are related to the bombing or not, I have instructed to all law enforcers to perform their duties correctly, objectively, decisively and lawfully.


If the threats are not related to today's bombing, they still need to be prevented, because anarchy, violence, vandalism and all other crimes are not the characteristics of a democratic and lawful country, obviously. For all of this, I, as the president, condemn the brutal act of terrorism. I also feel very sorry about the incident. Perhaps, or usually, during times like this, many of us are afraid to express our scorns or condemnations due to political considerations. On the other hand, I must say it loud and clear, as my mandate as the president.


Why do I have to feel very sorry? First of all, you all know that for the last five years, our economy has been growing rapidly. Business, tourism, food self-sufficiency, investment, trade, real sectors, have all been moving favorably regardless of the global crisis. Secondly, during the last week alone, our stock exchange index were improving drastically and our Rupiah was strengthening [against US dollar] as well. With the growing economy, the welfare of our people was developing also, including the execution of poverty and unemployment eradication programs, which I usually mention as the Pro-People Program.


All that has happened, my beloved brothers and sisters of Indonesia, is because in the last couple of years, our country has been truly safe and peaceful. In addition to the economic growth, our people throughout the country can work and live their lives in peace, free from fear. Meanwhile, the reputation of our country in the world is increasing as the world sees our country to be more safe, organized and peaceful. Our country has a blooming democracy and improved human rights implementation, a developing country that plays its role globally. Even, and this is a sad part, if the bombing did not occur, a legendary football club, Manchester United, would have played in Jakarta.

My fellow countrymen and women, with all of these brutal and thoughtless acts of terrorism, what we have built in the last five years with the labor and sweat of all Indonesians, once again must endure another shake and setback. Implications, once again, must be borne by all Indonesians, minus the bombers.


Therefore, truth and justice will be served. I swear, for the sake of my beloved Indonesians, that the government will execute proper and decisive punishments to the bombers, including the mastermind and organizers, and for other crimes that might or could happen on our country nowadays.


To the Indonesian Police Force, Indonesian Armed Forces and National Intelligence Agency, also the governors, district chiefs and mayors, I would like to ask you to remain on high-alert status and strive to prevent terrorism. More importantly, the law enforcers must truly seek, capture and prosecute the perpetrators, organizers, and masterminds behind this violence. Maybe some of them have committed crimes, assassination or murders and gotten away with these crimes, but this time we will not let them become Draculas and death-mongers in our country.


I realize that for the last five years, police have frequently prevented and stopped terrorism actions. Confiscating explosive materials, uncovering several terrorism networks, even though today's bombing has happened, a disaster that has torn the security and reputation of our country and nation. To prevent and exterminate terrorism, and other crimes properly, the intelligence [agency] must be very sharp. Prevention must be very effective. The police, the intelligence agency, the armed forces must unite in a complete synergy. Negligence and ignorance must be discarded. This is our mandate given by the people, for our country.


To all Indonesians, as you increase public alertness, stay at your work and live your lives normally. If something suspicious happens, call the police. Don't let terrorists and their masterminds lurk in your neighborhood. You can fall prey to their actions at any time if they are allowed to mastermind further terror in our country.


For the future, I encourage all Indonesians and all elements of the nation to unite and stand together in protecting the safety and peace of this country. No country and no religion condones terrorism, whatever the motives and reasons are. Don't hesitate, nor be afraid, in preventing and exterminating terrorism. Meanwhile, the terror we had today should never break our spirit and endeavor to build and to advance our country.


We must keep on fighting to better our economy, politics, democracy, human rights implementation, law enforcement, regional development, people's welfare and so on. The fact is that there is a major catastrophe due to today's act of terrorism. But we will make it right together, and we shall rise and move forward again. We, the nation, the country and the people, shall not falter nor cave in to terrorism. No violence, extremism, and other crimes shall continue to live on this country.


God Almighty, Allah SWT, shall protect and save our lives. With God's blessings, I assure you, my brothers and sisters of Indonesia, that I shall stand right up front to face the clear and present danger and to carry out the hard, yet noble, mandate you have given to me.


Thank you,