a) Ahok has been highly popular in Jakarta, despite being Chinese. His polling numbers were untouchable before the Pulau Seribu affair. So the locals aren’t implacably anti-Chinese.
b) Agus-Sylvi’s polling numbers contracted after the revelation that SBY allegedly sought to manipulate Muslims with a phone call to Ma’ruf Amin proposing a fatwa against Ahok. It seems that voters have no patience for that kind of old-style tactic. So it may be harder now to push the SARA button. (Incidentally, it’s a lesson for aspiring oligarchs trying to play puppet master in the modern era – don’t get caught, or even accused. Sometimes it’s the honest politicians who give fake news a bad name!)
c) Sofyan Tan had not been in executive government and didn’t have Ahok’s track record of dealing problems in public administration.
d) Many if not most of the people removed from slum areas were not Jakarta residents and would not have voted. In Kalijodo, where a large slum area brothel and gambling complex was closed down and replaced with a public facility aimed at young people and families, locals voted strongly for Ahok.
I agree with Prof Aspinall’s bottom line in the preceding article – the pragmatic, rational side of the temperament of the Jakarta electorate is important. No wonder there were so many folks from Lampung and elsewhere bussed into town on 2 December.
That underlying pragmatism amongst Jakarta voters may not be enough to get Ahok elected in April, but in the long term it’s difficult to say which way Indonesian voting inclinations are trending – towards a greater focus on delivery of practical public programs that aim to lift people’s standards of living, or towards the old politics of ‘primordialisme’.
I would like to suggest you to observe the non-conflict chinesse minister that Indonesia ever had. He is Mr. Kwik Kian Gie, who came from the same party which support the president. Most of the people are respectful to him even until he is retired. He is a good and profesional man, either chinese and non-muslim religion.
If the governor of Jakarta has that kind of behavior, I am pretty sure that he will not have such a conflict like today. The current governor of Jakarta, is in the fact is very cruel either disrespectful to others, especially to Muslim which is majority. Many of his policies invite SARA sentiment in the public. You can check it in many of youtube links.
Previously, we live in harmony even different races or religions but now the sentiment of SARA increases sharply after this man becomes public policy maker.
Please compare Mr. Kwik and Mr. Basuki, fairly. Even his name is Kwik (Chinesse name), I am highly giving respect to him.
Concerning to hear first hand about the problems in Rakhine State. Is it too much to hope that the OHCHR report will lead to improvements in this situation?
Congrats on your article being published by New Mandala. You might be interested in the news on the election of a Chinese Indonesian mayor in the City of Banjarnegara, Central Java last Wednesday:
Noticed that he tried to run for mayor in 2013 as well but lost. His deputy mayor is from the PPP Party and is certainly responsible for bringing in some Islamist votes into his camp.
This might be the recipe on how ethnic Chinese candidates can win Pilkada in the future, ally yourselves with a number of Islamic parties and court the votes these parties brought in order to increase the likelihood of victory.
Fully agree, except that one cannot take a view as to the difference between what Buddha taught and how what he he did teach (or is reported to have taught by onlookers since there are no recorded documents written by Buddha himself) has come to be practiced, without being familiar with the teachings themselves, which you say you are not.
Under those circumstances, having made note of the difference, I too would move away from the implications, so I see what you mean.
Is there any specific reason to think that this new Sangha Raja might be good for women? Has he ever done or said anything to suggest support for female monks?
Those are good odds still Chris Beale. Make the bet.
Trump’s Russian ties following the Flynn scandal could get Trump undone (a number of Senators including very angry Republicans are demanding a very thorough investigation). Trump family ongoing business conflicts will trigger an impeachment sooner rather than later. Lecherous Donald will soon be grabbing pu$$&&s inside the White House! Trump is mentally unhinged so some very horrible things will be said or done by The Donald.
I find Chong’s arguments and analysis accurate and cogent. It does reflect the reality for Sino-Indonesians who wade into the murky realm of Indonesian politics, one of intolerance, bigotry and corruption, but one Ahok with courage and persistence has been willing to bear with pride and patriotism.
The siege of Dhammakaya is because they won’t pay the huge bribes that have been demanded. The junta’s legal cases against the abbot and his preceptor are completely fabricated.
The patriarchate is supposed to alternate between the two sects and it was Mahanikaya’s turn next (95% of Thai monks). So the traditional power sharing between the two sects is now over. Another problem is that the former candidate was the most senior in terms of rains retreat which is the only legitimate form of seniority in the Sangha. So the appointment will tarnish the image of Thai Buddhism internationally and exacerbate existing tensions between the two sects.
What ails Thai Buddhism is precisely this choke-hold of state control. Past a certain point it ceases to be alive and functioning. So the appointment of this monastic placeman is not a path to ‘order and prosperity’ it is another nail in the coffin of Thai Buddhism.
My recommendation to other temples that may be concerned about junta raids on their assets is to move them abroad. I would also suggest that they investigate the option of affiliating with the Siam Nikaya in Sri Lanka.
Thanks, Le-Fey. I try to focus on the legal process of the appointment and keep a little distance from that topic. First, I really have no idea what the original Buddha’s teaching is like. Second, it seems to me that most temples in Thailand, Dhammakaya or not, offer really weird teaching of Buddhism. Third, the distortion should be dealt with by open discussion, not by law, cracking down and defrocking monks as the NCPO and the new Sangha Raja are working on. .
I wish I could have more positive things to say about the younger generation but you are right. Nonetheless more of them become more critical than the previous generation. They are more confident to identify themselves as atheists or mock Buddhist monks. Still, there is a long way to go under the current education system.
Considerable time ago, I lived in vacinity of Dhammakaya. Used to buy petrol from the gas station opposite the temple’s front entrance. The overlap between temple and Thaksin supporters was very noticeable. This whole business has DEFINETLY been an extension, a further episode, in the on-going war between Prayut and Thaksin. As EACH tries to get their grubby hands on as much of the Royal fortune, and national treasure, as they can.
Then we are in near agreement after all. The pretended and proclaimed unity is a confection – a fantasy which sprang fully clothed in its turn from the head of the Dhammaraja fantasy. Many, many people wear black, these days primarily because it is expected, because its demonstrates their ‘Thainess’, their ‘belonging’, their connection.
This is why I say that Thais have sold their souls. For decades they have been propagandised to believe they are special because they have a demi-god at he top of their tree, while other populations do not. That they are spiritually advanced Buddhists where other populations are not, that they inhabit some kind of neo-utopia which they do not.
For decades they have been taught that Thainess is paramount – their culture is special and their instinctive compliance with Thainess sets them apart. Conformity is all-important so they can be manipulated and shorn of their national wealth, and they have been kept uneducated and unintelligent so that task is easier for the kleptocracy to perform efficiently.
Sometimes it seems that it’s almost a form of eugenics, it is certainly deliberate and organised on a massive scale. Corruption and dishonesty, while undoubtedly a part of the human condition, and ubiquitous, is deliberately uncontrolled and rampant in Thailand. And it stems from the very top of the Thai tree. Want to make a fortune brewing beer? certainly my good man, it’ll cost you 1 billion baht, and 15% per year. For that we’ll make sure you have minimal competition and have lots of influence and prestige to make you feel good about yourself. Want to create a bank? Certainly my good fellow, it’ll cost you a billion baht from your opium profits, then for 15% a year you san display this nice insignia to show you’re a part of the ‘family’ and we’ll make sure you have limited competition and full protection.
It’s the same modus as has been successfully employed by organised crime in the USA and other places. It’s everywhere in Thailand, and very easy to demonstrate merely by looking around. The the real reason corruption is a protected activity in Thailand is because of where it originates and from where it is sustained.
All the supposed ‘good works mentioned by another poster are shameless PR to maintain the people at the top of the tree as sacrosanct and inviolable, yet with a light and common touch, and having the welfare of the people at heart. What demonstrable tosh. And just in case someone is outspoken, then we’ll create a law about speaking ill of the mob (or their dogs or long-dead ancestors) and throw you in jail for 30 years if you do.
The Thais have sucked all this nonsense up for decades, though the real propaganda campaigns began with the end of WWW2 when the Americans correctly foresaw the rise of communism, and continued after the Vietnam war when the Americans were scared stiff they might lose their foothold on China’s back door.
So to prevent that eventuality, the Americans showed the Thai kleptocracy how to mould and shape public opinions and perceptions. Send all the proles a nice calendar with a portrait of the chosen one on it. Fool them into thinking that if they put it in a prominent place in their mud huts, it’ll bring them good luck. Fool them into praying to a calendar or a framed picture. Teach them how to be corrupt and ensure that if they’re good Thais, they’ll never be caught and punished. As long as a proper percentage of the take finds it’s way to the big house.
Yes – I’d say they sold out for a handful of baubles, wouldn’t you?.
Interesting piece, very helpful for the process of getting better insight, and concise too. It does however touch lightly upon the issue of the distortions of Buddha’s teaching, then flees away from it, which is sad in a way because the largely bogus buddhism which is practised today has little similarity to Buddha’s teachings.
Christine Gray – one thing we can say with ABSOLUTE certainty : is that the separatist movement in the 16 Lao majority “Thai” provinces, is growing stronger. Hence Prayut’s pathetic attempts to crush Thai dissidents in the Lao PDR.
The Americans are just waking up to the realization that their spanking new President Donald Trump is Not only inept and totally unfit to USA’s highest office, but could also be mentally unbalanced.
The world could only helplessly spine-tinglingly watch the new “Trump Horror Show”. We are now in Part 2. By Part 4, the finale, unless Trump is impeached, Trump gets to press THE BUTTON!
Facebook 
Twitter 
Soundcloud 
Youtube 
Rss
Segregation and violence in Rakhine State
Bangladesh calls for efforts to curb Rohingya influx
The authorities in Dhaka meanwhile say they are Burmese nationals and must ultimately go back.
http://www.dvb.no/news/bangladesh-calls-efforts-curb-rohingya-influx/74270
Hanging on by a ‘sin’ and a prayer
Some alternative points:
a) Ahok has been highly popular in Jakarta, despite being Chinese. His polling numbers were untouchable before the Pulau Seribu affair. So the locals aren’t implacably anti-Chinese.
b) Agus-Sylvi’s polling numbers contracted after the revelation that SBY allegedly sought to manipulate Muslims with a phone call to Ma’ruf Amin proposing a fatwa against Ahok. It seems that voters have no patience for that kind of old-style tactic. So it may be harder now to push the SARA button. (Incidentally, it’s a lesson for aspiring oligarchs trying to play puppet master in the modern era – don’t get caught, or even accused. Sometimes it’s the honest politicians who give fake news a bad name!)
c) Sofyan Tan had not been in executive government and didn’t have Ahok’s track record of dealing problems in public administration.
d) Many if not most of the people removed from slum areas were not Jakarta residents and would not have voted. In Kalijodo, where a large slum area brothel and gambling complex was closed down and replaced with a public facility aimed at young people and families, locals voted strongly for Ahok.
I agree with Prof Aspinall’s bottom line in the preceding article – the pragmatic, rational side of the temperament of the Jakarta electorate is important. No wonder there were so many folks from Lampung and elsewhere bussed into town on 2 December.
That underlying pragmatism amongst Jakarta voters may not be enough to get Ahok elected in April, but in the long term it’s difficult to say which way Indonesian voting inclinations are trending – towards a greater focus on delivery of practical public programs that aim to lift people’s standards of living, or towards the old politics of ‘primordialisme’.
Segregation and violence in Rakhine State
thanxs for the report , now stand bye for incoming reds from NM’s resident deniers ……
Hanging on by a ‘sin’ and a prayer
Dear Wu Ling,
I would like to suggest you to observe the non-conflict chinesse minister that Indonesia ever had. He is Mr. Kwik Kian Gie, who came from the same party which support the president. Most of the people are respectful to him even until he is retired. He is a good and profesional man, either chinese and non-muslim religion.
If the governor of Jakarta has that kind of behavior, I am pretty sure that he will not have such a conflict like today. The current governor of Jakarta, is in the fact is very cruel either disrespectful to others, especially to Muslim which is majority. Many of his policies invite SARA sentiment in the public. You can check it in many of youtube links.
Previously, we live in harmony even different races or religions but now the sentiment of SARA increases sharply after this man becomes public policy maker.
Please compare Mr. Kwik and Mr. Basuki, fairly. Even his name is Kwik (Chinesse name), I am highly giving respect to him.
Segregation and violence in Rakhine State
Concerning to hear first hand about the problems in Rakhine State. Is it too much to hope that the OHCHR report will lead to improvements in this situation?
Hanging on by a ‘sin’ and a prayer
Dear Wu Ling,
Congrats on your article being published by New Mandala. You might be interested in the news on the election of a Chinese Indonesian mayor in the City of Banjarnegara, Central Java last Wednesday:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/02/16/chinese-indonesian-wins-in-banjarnegara.html
Noticed that he tried to run for mayor in 2013 as well but lost. His deputy mayor is from the PPP Party and is certainly responsible for bringing in some Islamist votes into his camp.
This might be the recipe on how ethnic Chinese candidates can win Pilkada in the future, ally yourselves with a number of Islamic parties and court the votes these parties brought in order to increase the likelihood of victory.
Restoring Thailand’s spiritual realm
Fully agree, except that one cannot take a view as to the difference between what Buddha taught and how what he he did teach (or is reported to have taught by onlookers since there are no recorded documents written by Buddha himself) has come to be practiced, without being familiar with the teachings themselves, which you say you are not.
Under those circumstances, having made note of the difference, I too would move away from the implications, so I see what you mean.
Restoring Thailand’s spiritual realm
Is there any specific reason to think that this new Sangha Raja might be good for women? Has he ever done or said anything to suggest support for female monks?
Risk and imagination in the Trump era
Those are good odds still Chris Beale. Make the bet.
Trump’s Russian ties following the Flynn scandal could get Trump undone (a number of Senators including very angry Republicans are demanding a very thorough investigation). Trump family ongoing business conflicts will trigger an impeachment sooner rather than later. Lecherous Donald will soon be grabbing pu$$&&s inside the White House! Trump is mentally unhinged so some very horrible things will be said or done by The Donald.
Hanging on by a ‘sin’ and a prayer
I find Chong’s arguments and analysis accurate and cogent. It does reflect the reality for Sino-Indonesians who wade into the murky realm of Indonesian politics, one of intolerance, bigotry and corruption, but one Ahok with courage and persistence has been willing to bear with pride and patriotism.
Restoring Thailand’s spiritual realm
The siege of Dhammakaya is because they won’t pay the huge bribes that have been demanded. The junta’s legal cases against the abbot and his preceptor are completely fabricated.
The patriarchate is supposed to alternate between the two sects and it was Mahanikaya’s turn next (95% of Thai monks). So the traditional power sharing between the two sects is now over. Another problem is that the former candidate was the most senior in terms of rains retreat which is the only legitimate form of seniority in the Sangha. So the appointment will tarnish the image of Thai Buddhism internationally and exacerbate existing tensions between the two sects.
What ails Thai Buddhism is precisely this choke-hold of state control. Past a certain point it ceases to be alive and functioning. So the appointment of this monastic placeman is not a path to ‘order and prosperity’ it is another nail in the coffin of Thai Buddhism.
My recommendation to other temples that may be concerned about junta raids on their assets is to move them abroad. I would also suggest that they investigate the option of affiliating with the Siam Nikaya in Sri Lanka.
Restoring Thailand’s spiritual realm
Thanks, Le-Fey. I try to focus on the legal process of the appointment and keep a little distance from that topic. First, I really have no idea what the original Buddha’s teaching is like. Second, it seems to me that most temples in Thailand, Dhammakaya or not, offer really weird teaching of Buddhism. Third, the distortion should be dealt with by open discussion, not by law, cracking down and defrocking monks as the NCPO and the new Sangha Raja are working on. .
Restoring Thailand’s spiritual realm
I wish I could have more positive things to say about the younger generation but you are right. Nonetheless more of them become more critical than the previous generation. They are more confident to identify themselves as atheists or mock Buddhist monks. Still, there is a long way to go under the current education system.
Risk and imagination in the Trump era
Current bookie odds on Trump being impeached are 11/10. I wish I’d placed a bet two weeks ago, when odds were much better.
Restoring Thailand’s spiritual realm
Considerable time ago, I lived in vacinity of Dhammakaya. Used to buy petrol from the gas station opposite the temple’s front entrance. The overlap between temple and Thaksin supporters was very noticeable. This whole business has DEFINETLY been an extension, a further episode, in the on-going war between Prayut and Thaksin. As EACH tries to get their grubby hands on as much of the Royal fortune, and national treasure, as they can.
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Then we are in near agreement after all. The pretended and proclaimed unity is a confection – a fantasy which sprang fully clothed in its turn from the head of the Dhammaraja fantasy. Many, many people wear black, these days primarily because it is expected, because its demonstrates their ‘Thainess’, their ‘belonging’, their connection.
This is why I say that Thais have sold their souls. For decades they have been propagandised to believe they are special because they have a demi-god at he top of their tree, while other populations do not. That they are spiritually advanced Buddhists where other populations are not, that they inhabit some kind of neo-utopia which they do not.
For decades they have been taught that Thainess is paramount – their culture is special and their instinctive compliance with Thainess sets them apart. Conformity is all-important so they can be manipulated and shorn of their national wealth, and they have been kept uneducated and unintelligent so that task is easier for the kleptocracy to perform efficiently.
Sometimes it seems that it’s almost a form of eugenics, it is certainly deliberate and organised on a massive scale. Corruption and dishonesty, while undoubtedly a part of the human condition, and ubiquitous, is deliberately uncontrolled and rampant in Thailand. And it stems from the very top of the Thai tree. Want to make a fortune brewing beer? certainly my good man, it’ll cost you 1 billion baht, and 15% per year. For that we’ll make sure you have minimal competition and have lots of influence and prestige to make you feel good about yourself. Want to create a bank? Certainly my good fellow, it’ll cost you a billion baht from your opium profits, then for 15% a year you san display this nice insignia to show you’re a part of the ‘family’ and we’ll make sure you have limited competition and full protection.
It’s the same modus as has been successfully employed by organised crime in the USA and other places. It’s everywhere in Thailand, and very easy to demonstrate merely by looking around. The the real reason corruption is a protected activity in Thailand is because of where it originates and from where it is sustained.
All the supposed ‘good works mentioned by another poster are shameless PR to maintain the people at the top of the tree as sacrosanct and inviolable, yet with a light and common touch, and having the welfare of the people at heart. What demonstrable tosh. And just in case someone is outspoken, then we’ll create a law about speaking ill of the mob (or their dogs or long-dead ancestors) and throw you in jail for 30 years if you do.
The Thais have sucked all this nonsense up for decades, though the real propaganda campaigns began with the end of WWW2 when the Americans correctly foresaw the rise of communism, and continued after the Vietnam war when the Americans were scared stiff they might lose their foothold on China’s back door.
So to prevent that eventuality, the Americans showed the Thai kleptocracy how to mould and shape public opinions and perceptions. Send all the proles a nice calendar with a portrait of the chosen one on it. Fool them into thinking that if they put it in a prominent place in their mud huts, it’ll bring them good luck. Fool them into praying to a calendar or a framed picture. Teach them how to be corrupt and ensure that if they’re good Thais, they’ll never be caught and punished. As long as a proper percentage of the take finds it’s way to the big house.
Yes – I’d say they sold out for a handful of baubles, wouldn’t you?.
Restoring Thailand’s spiritual realm
Interesting piece, very helpful for the process of getting better insight, and concise too. It does however touch lightly upon the issue of the distortions of Buddha’s teaching, then flees away from it, which is sad in a way because the largely bogus buddhism which is practised today has little similarity to Buddha’s teachings.
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Christine Gray – one thing we can say with ABSOLUTE certainty : is that the separatist movement in the 16 Lao majority “Thai” provinces, is growing stronger. Hence Prayut’s pathetic attempts to crush Thai dissidents in the Lao PDR.
Myanmar’s media and Internet muzzle
Why they are focus on this unnecessary law, while building peace process is the top priority which is aspired by ethnics group.
Risk and imagination in the Trump era
The Americans are just waking up to the realization that their spanking new President Donald Trump is Not only inept and totally unfit to USA’s highest office, but could also be mentally unbalanced.
The world could only helplessly spine-tinglingly watch the new “Trump Horror Show”. We are now in Part 2. By Part 4, the finale, unless Trump is impeached, Trump gets to press THE BUTTON!