Indonesia Sets Priorities: New Pura Inaugurated in the Netherlands, Focus Turns to IKN’s Government Center, and Teacher Salary Promise Faces Scrutiny
New Era for Expatriate Balinese Hindus as First Indonesian Hindu Temple Opens its Doors in the Netherlands
The
first pura, an Indonesian Hindu temple, opened its doors in the Netherlands on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Located in Taman Indonesia, Kallenkote, the pura marks a significant moment not only for the Balinese Hindu community residing in the Netherlands and its surrounding areas, serving as a dedicated space for worship and cultural expression.
"This pura is not only a place for worship rituals. It is a symbol of shared pride, evidence of our determination, harmony, tolerance, and spirit of togetherness," said Mayerfas, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, quoted from the official statement of the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague.
IKN Development Continues – Focus Shifts to Completing Government Center
President
Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his commitment to completing development of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). In a recent statement, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, clarified the direction of the project, focusing on completing the government center in the coming months.
"
Many people have asked whether the IKN will be continued? President Prabowo has clearly stated that the development of IKN will continue. However, it will be more focused on completing the government center," Yudhoyono stated during the 2024 National Leadership Meeting of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in Jakarta last Sunday.
The shift in focus comes as the government seeks to prioritize key areas crucial to the functioning of the new capital.
Teacher
Union Demands Clarification on Promised Salary Hike
Indonesia’s teacher union has demanded clarification regarding the government’s commitment to increase
teacher salaries, a campaign promise by President Prabowo.
The Indonesian Teacher Union Federation (FSGI) is calling for a transparent explanation
regarding the specifics of the raise.
"In his speech, President Prabowo stated that civil servant teachers
(ASN) would receive an additional income equivalent to one month’s basic
salary. Additionally, the professional allowance for non-ASN teachers will increase
to Rp 2 million per month," FSGI General Secretary Heru Purnomo stated.
However Purnomo expressed skepticism about the feasibility of this promise, citing budgetary constraints. "There is no funding source available," Purnomo emphasized "Our State Budget is already in
deficit due to providing free nutritious meals for Rp 10,000 per
student per day," he added
in his
official statement.
What are the concerns surrounding the Indonesian government’s promise to increase teacher salaries, and what demands are teacher unions making?
## Indonesia Shifting Priorities: A Look at Recent Developments
**Host:** We’re joined today by Dr. [Guest Name], an expert on Indonesian politics and society. Dr. [Guest Name], welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Indonesia seems to be juggling a number of important priorities right now. One notable event was the inauguration of the country’s first Hindu temple in the Netherlands. What does this signify for the Indonesian diaspora?
**Guest:** This is indeed a significant moment, particularly for the Balinese Hindu community in the Netherlands. The *pura*, located in Taman Indonesia, Kallenkote, serves not just as a place of worship but also as a powerful symbol of their cultural identity. It reinforces their sense of belonging and pride, and [emphasizes their role] in the broader Indonesian community, even while living abroad.
**Host:** Shifting gears now, President Subianto seems determined to push forward with the development of Nusantara, the new capital city. He recently highlighted the importance of completing the government center there. What’s the current progress on that front, and what challenges are they facing?
**Guest:** The development of Nusantara is a massive undertaking, and as of [current date], the focus seems to be on getting the government center finalized. [Mention specific developments or milestones if mentioned in the provided web search results]. The project faces various challenges, including infrastructure development, funding, and attracting businesses and residents to relocate to the new city.
**Host:** there have been some controversies surrounding the government’s promise to increase teacher salaries. Can you shed some light on this situation?
**Guest:** There are concerns about the government’s ability to fulfill its promise of a substantial increase in teacher salaries. [Elaborate on the current situation based on available information]. Teacher unions are demanding clarity on the timeline and implementation details of this salary hike. This issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in the coming months.
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for providing your expert insights.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
