Indonesia Arab Blog

About

While the Merina’s ancestors slowly undertook the exploration and colonization of Madagascar, others Nusantarians traded actively with the African coasts and the Middle East. The items traded were mostly spices, ivory, cowries, pearls, hides, slaves, and perhaps silk. It is highly probable (as referenced in some Arabic texts) that Melayu trading posts were established on the coasts of Africa.

2 Comments »

  1. hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii…bro!!!!!

    Goooooodddddd

    Comment by adisubagyokand | February 2, 2009 | Reply

  2. Amnesty International activists will protest in front of the Indonesian embassy on Saturday, May 9, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to demand the release of Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage, imprisoned in 2004 for taking part in a flag-raising rally commemorating the declaration of Papuan independence.

    The rally in Washington kicks off a month-long action by Amnesty International members in six states to secure the release of Karma and Pakage. Following the action, the organization also plans to hold a vigil the third Thursday of every month in front of the Indonesian Embassy until they are freed.

    Saturday’s event takes place the day before the anniversary of trial, when demonstrators in Indonesia will gather outside the actual courthouse in opposition to Indonesia’s corrupt justice system.

    Speakers at Saturday’s rally will include AIUSA advocacy director for Asia and the Pacific T. Kumar, AIUSA Mid-Atlantic regional director Folabi Olagbaju and a representative from the East Timor Action Network. More than 200 activists will demonstrate with flags, placards, banners and whistles.

    EVENT: Rally to Free Two Indonesian Prisoners of Conscience: Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage
    DATE: Saturday, May 9, 2009
    TIME: 3:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
    WHERE: Embassy of Indonesia, 2020 Massachusetts Ave, N.W. (Dupont Circle), Washington, DC

    Karma and Pakage, along with approximately 200 people who participated in the non-violent ceremony on Dec. 1, 2004, were met by police who advanced on the crowd, firing shots and beating people with batons. Police arrested Karma at the site of the ceremony, and reportedly beat and stomped on him during transport to the police station. Pakage was later arrested when he and a group of supporters protested Karma’s imprisonment at the police station.

    A court sentenced Karma and Pakage to 15 and 10 years in prison respectively, on charges of treason for having “betrayed” Indonesia by flying the outlawed Papuan flag. Amnesty International considers Karma and Pakage to be prisoners of conscience whose human rights have been violated by being unjustly imprisoned for nearly five years.

    For more information about Karma and Pakage, please visit:
    http://www.amnestyusa.org/individuals-at-risk/priority-cases/filep-karma-and-yusak-pakage

    For more information about the rally, please contact the AIUSA media office at 202-544-0200 x302.

    Comment by Laura Spann | May 5, 2009 | Reply


Leave a comment