How To Become a Music Journalist

Music Journalists - What Do They Do? :

 

Naturally, music journalists write about music and the music business, but there are a few different specializations that exist under that heading. Some music journalists work exclusively in reviews - they reviews new albums, shows, DVD releases and such. Other journalists tend to do more in depth pieces about musicians - they do interviews and cover the people behind the music. Some music journalists focus on writing about the music business itself - and still other writers do a mixed bag of work, combining music reviews, artist interviews and whatever else comes up that warrants press attention.

 

Different Mediums, Different Styles:

Music magazines are the most obvious outlet for music journalism, but they are far from the only place you'll find music related writing. Album reviews run in most general entertainment and men's/women's magazines - these publications also sometimes include interviews. Newspapers have varying levels of music coverage, from reviews to interviews with touring bands passing through town. The latest frontier in music journalism is the internet (more below).

Types of music coverage differs between publications - newspapers and general interest magazines tend to run short reviews, music mags give more in depth coverage.

 

Music Journalism and The Internet:

Like it has most things, the internet has changed music journalism dramatically. In addition to giving the usual publications another outlet, the internet has allowed music fans to start covering the music themselves by starting blogs and websites. Music journalism on the internet is where you are most likely to find the boundaries pushed - writers are bound by fewer rules than they are with print publications.

Of course, not ever fan page on the net counts as "journalism" - there is good and bad writing on the web - but more and more of the great journalists are using the net to do their writing.

Working as a Music Journalist - The Pros:

As you might imagine, music journalism can be a lot of fun:

• You get to hear the new music first
• You get to work closely with musicians and get the chance to sit down and ask some of your favorite artists the questions that are on your mind.
• Everyone wants press coverage, so you can count on plenty of promos and guest list spots, plus invitations to after parties and other events.
• You get to write about what you (presumably) love - music - and you get to weigh in on important issues facing the industry.

Working as a Music Journalist - The Cons:

The pros might make a career as a music journalist sound like all fun and games, but it's not. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and a lot of paying your dues. You also have to be a self starter - you'll have deadlines, but you'll spend most of the time working independently, so you'll need the discipline to get the job done. Some other cons to consider:

• The pay can be up and down - unless you have a steady assignment somewhere, you'll work freelance and only be paid when you get work.
• When you write a bad review or unflattering interview, you can expect to hear about it.

Making Money as a Music Journalist:

The way music writers get paid depends very much on their job. Freelancers get paid on a per project basis - they might be paid on word count (a set amount for every word) or they might agree up front to a set rate for the whole project. People who work for a specific publication are usually on a set salary, although sometimes they receive a base rate plus a bonus based on some kind of performance criteria - this is especially common with web writing, where traffic increases are rewarded. Aspiring freelancers can learn more about pricing their work on About.com's Freelance Writing site.

 

How to Become a Music Journalist:

There are several different ways to get a foot in the door. Some people find internships with music publications while they are in college, and those internships turn into job opportunities. Other people take any writing job they can get - even writing for free sometimes - to build up a portfolio of work they can eventually turn into a paying gig. Still others start their own blog or website, which can also help to build up a portfolio of writing samples - sometimes, these blogs/sites can be successful enough on their own to become a living, and sometimes they are stepping stones to a steady assignment. Check out About.com's Media Careers site for more advice on breaking into journalism.

Some of the most important music publications today are actually blogs and websites. Of course, not unlike trying to get noticed on MySpace, bloggers and websites have to fight hard to get readers on the internet. Developing a good relationship with other bloggers can help. If you're thinking of starting your own music blog or website, here are some good examples of varying sizes from around the internet to give you some ideas of what is working for other people (Note: sites may include language or images offensive to some users)

Source

Belief

I love this version of Belief, John Mayer. (Live in Abbey Road 2007)

Lagu-lagu Hujan

Huwam! Today, I spent my day with study and sleep. Later, maybe I'll watch DVD that I bought a week ago. Yak, sebenernya gak ada hubungannya juga sih sama apa yang gue ingin informasikan hehehe.

Okay, barusan terjadi hujan lebat, dan itu terjadi sewaktu gue di dalam kamar mandi. Dan juga sekarang ini sudah mulai memasuki musim hujan. Tiba-tiba ada flash di pikiran gue untuk merekomendasikan lagu-lagu yang pas buat didengarkan sewaktu hujan. Biasanya, kriteria lagu yang pas dengan hujan yaitu lagu-lagu yang mellow dengan irama yang lambat-sedang. Nggak nge-beat banget lah. Dan ada satu kriteria yang sangat penting: lagu ini bisa didengar sembari menyeduh teh atau kopi hangat. Hehe. Oiya, lagu-lagu yang akan gue rekomendasikan ini berasal dari yang ada di playlist WMP gue dan untuk sekarang, gue merekomendasikan band indie lokal saja (Aku Cinta Band Indie Indonesia :D). And these are my recomendations:

1. Efek Rumah Kaca - Kamar Gelap

Yak, pertama kali gue denger lagu-lagunya ERK langsung ada dua kata yang terlintas di otak gue: agak absurd. But it's okay. Gue terperanga dengan lirik yang di lagu-lagunya. Sangat mantap. Sangat susah untuk bikin lirik seperti yang ERK bikin. Kalau dari musikalitasnya, memang mellow dan enak buat didengar disaat hujan. Dan juga seperti yang gue bilang, agak absurd.

Best Track: Hujan Jangan Marah

Rating: 4/5

2. Sore - Ports of Lima

Nama band mereka benar-benar selaras dengan lagu-lagu yang mereka hasilkan. Begitu gue mendengarkan lagu ini, otak gue langsung conditioning sedang berada di suatu daerah yang agak ramai sore-sore menunggu matahari terbenam. Bener-bener enak buat chill out. Ditambah lagi dengan suasana hujan, very recomended.

Best Track: Vrijeman

Rating: 4/5

3. Adhitia Sofyan - Quiet Down dan Forget Your Plans

Yak, ini dia jawara bikin orang galau, Adhitia Sofyan. Hahaha. Lagunya sangat mellow dan easy listening. Gue yakin orang-orang pada jatuh hati ketika pertama kali mendengarkan lagu-lagunya. Btw, mas Adhitia ini akustikan saja; hanya menggunakan gitar. Ya seperti Kings of Convenience lah hehehe. Very Recomended untuk didengarkan selagi hujan, ditemani dengan secangkir teh/kopi hangat.

Best track: Deadly Storm Lightning Thunder

Rating: 4/5

Forget Your Plans ini adalah album kedua dari Adhitia Sofyan. Belum dijual di toko-toko karena masih dalam tahap produksi. Dan gue pun mendapatkan lagu ini dari blognya mas Adhit secara gratis disini

Best track: Forget Jakarta

Rating: 4/5

4. Andre Harihandoyo and Sonic People - Good For The Soul

This album really-really good for the soul. Trust me! Blues, jazz, dan sedikit pop dicampuraduk menjadi satu kesatuan. Their songs really hypnotized me. Bikin gue addicted. Cocok didengarkan disaat hujan. Very relaxing. And...okay, once again, their songs really good for our soul.

Best track: Room For Everybody

Rating: 4,5/5

5. Endah N Rhesa - Look What We've Found

Menurut gue, ini salah satu best album 2010. Enak banget lagu-lagunya. Asli, gak boong. Seperti mas Adhitia Sofyan, mbak Endah dan mas Rhesa ini akustikan juga. Di album ini, sepertinya mereka ingin menceritakan wild life di suatu hutan. Lagu-lagunya bisa bikin semangat dan galau. Hehehe. Oiya, satu kelebihan dari album baru mereka: sound-nya. Bener-bener jernih.

Best track: Tuimbe (Let's Sing)

Rating: 4/5

6. The Trees and The Wild - Rasuk

Yak, pasti udah banyak banget yang tau TTATW kan? Mereka akustikan juga. Tapi terkadang dalam beberapa show live nya, mereka bermain fullset (ditambah drum dll). Yang gue suka dari mereka, adalah lagu-lagu mereka mempunyai soul dan semangat tersendiri. Really calming for me. Dan pastinya, cocok didengarkan disaat hujan.

Best track: Berlin

Rating: 4/5

And that's all from me about my music recomendations. Later! :D

Jakarta Oh Jakarta

Hari yang cukup panjang dan melelahkan, setelah menemani sang Ibu berbelanja ke Tanah Abang. Phew... Tapi gakpapa, it was fun that I can helped my mom with drove her to Tanah Abang. Kan gue berusaha untuk menjadi anak yang berbakti gitu lho hehehe.

Hoke, back to the topic, "Jakarta Oh Jakarta". Tadi, dari Ps. Rebo gue ke Tanah Abang via Dewi Sartika-MT Haryono-Gatot Subroto-Kuningan-Mega Kuningan-Casablanca-Tn. Abang. Jadi, gue gak lewat Otista maupun Tebet. Hmmm gue cuma bisa geleng-geleng kepala sewaktu melihat jalanan yang gue lewati itu macet nan semerawut. Padahal gue kesana jam 11an loh. Gue kira jalanan sudah agak sepi gimana gitu. Terutama waktu di MT Haryono dan Gatot Subroto. Apalagi ditambah etika pengendarannya yang minus. Sekali lagi, gue cuma bisa geleng-geleng kepala.

 

Gue liat di jalan kebanyak satu mobil berisi satu orang. Paling banyak tiga orang lah, itupun bisa dihitung pakai jari. Ya terus gue mikir lah, gimana Jakarta gak macet kalo satu orang satu mobil di jalan? Hadeh. Mindset yang seperti inilah yang harus diubah. Dan juga salah satu 'kebiasaan' masyarakat sekarang yang 'sedikit-sedikit beli motor' daripada naik transportasi umum. Kok bisa? Karena hanya dibutuhkan DP Rp 0,00 saja agar bisa membawa pulang motor. Inilah suatu 'kemudahan' yang diberikan kepada masyarakat yang pada akhirnya memberi kesengsaraan yang amat sangat. Tapi, terkadang naik transportasi umum pun bukan solusi yang tepat juga. Contoh: busway yang seringkali penuh dan akhirnya berdesak-desakan, dan juga tadi di Tn. Abang gue melihat banyak sekali angkot tidak berpenumpang yang justru itu bikin macet jalanan disana. Bahkan, sang Ibu mengatakan bahwa beliau pernah melihat angkot tak bertuan yang diparkir-tak-bertanggungjawab-di-pinggir-jalan yang bikin jalanan macet parah. Sekali lagi, gue cuma bisa geleng-geleng kepala.

 

Sempat terpikir juga waktu di jalan tentang rencana pemerintah membangun MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) yang nantinya itu terdiri subway, busway, commuter train, dll. Dan juga pemda DKI berencana menambah jaringan jalan di Jakarta. Gue tau info ini berkat National Geographic yang menampilkan Jakarta sebagai salah satu Megacities di dunia. Ada beberapa daerah yang sepertinya akan ditambah ruas jalannya seperti di Casablanca. Tadi gue melihat ada pancang-pancang yang kata sang Ibu akan dibangun menjadi fly over toll tapi gak bayar, dari Kp. Melayu sampai Tn. Abang. Ini merupakan langkah yang gue anggap tepat untuk mengurangi kepadatan jalan di Jakarta.

 

Tapi, itupun belum cukup. Menurut gue, selain menambah ruas jalan dan menerapkan MRT di Jakarta, Pemda juga harus berani membatasi pembelian kendaraan bermotor dan itu harus dibarengi dengan perbaikan fasilitas transportasi umum agar masyarakat pun mau menggunakan Transjakarta, commuter train, dll. Dan juga, Pemda harus menanamkan mindset dari dini kepada masyarakat (mungkin dari SMP/SMA) agar tidak gampang membeli kendaraan bermotor secara kredit. Karena pasti nanti akan merugi apabila tidak bisa mengolah kredit itu sendiri dan juga pastinya akan mengontribusikan macet dan juga polusi, terutama polusi udara. Pernah liat iklan masyarakat yang tentang perbedaan orang yang nabung sama orang hobi ngredit? Orang yang suka nabung untuk beli sesuatu itu akhirnya bisa hidup bahagia karena gak punya beban hutang maupun psikologis yang diakibatkan hutang tersebut. Beda sama orang yang dikit-dikit kredit, yang akhirnya barang-barang yang udah dia beli (secara kredit) itu ditarik lagi karena gak sanggup bayar cicilannya. Hayoloh...

 

Omong-omong soal polusi udara, menurut gue polusi udara Jakarta yang dihasilkan ketika weekdays itu bener-bener kotor. Jujur aja, gue udah gak sanggup buat menghirup udara Jakarta pagi/siang/sore di hari-hari kerja. Gue cuma bisa menghirup sekitar 50% dari kapasitas maksimal paru-paru gue. Dan itupun, yang sebagaimana kita ketahui, di atmosfer ini lebih banyak hidrogen-nya ketimbang oksigennya. Ya, bisa ditebak, udara yang gue exhale sangat lebih banyak ketimbang yang gue inhale. Fuck it, man. Kasihan paru-paru gue. :(

 

Oiya, terkahir, gue suka miris ngeliat lahan kosong di Jakarta. Kenapa miris? Karena mereka akan end up dengan bangunan, bukan tanaman. Ckckck. Dasar manusia Indonesia. Sekedar info, ruang hijau terbuka di Jakarta kurang dari 10%. Padahal senggaknya 30% lahan suatu kota itu ditumbuhin tanaman, biar balance. Ada suatu dearah di dekat Plumpang (Jak-Ut), beberapa minggu yang lalu gue lewat lahannya masih kosong, lalu beberapa hari lalu gue lewat lagi sudah ada petak-petakan buat fondasi bangunan. Hmm ini namanya mempercepat proses penenggelaman Jakarta. Gue inget banget dulu banyak lahan yang kosong yang akhirnya jadi pusat perbelanjaan (yang secara tidak langsung 'menurunkan' tanah Jakarta, ditambah lagi pengambilan air tanah yang tanpa kendali oleh penduduknya) seperti Semanggi (dulu adanya cuma Balai Sarbini, sekarang plus Plaza Semanggi -_-), Cibubur (dulu area yang dipakai Cibubur Junction itu lapangan kosong dan banyak orang-orang belajar nyetir disitu), Cililitan (dulu belum ada PGC, adanya terminal Cililitan), dan lain lain yang gak gue tau. Oke, bagi yang belum tau, dahulu sewaktu gue masih TK dan SD, Jakarta hanya dimonopoli oleh beberapa mall besar seperti PIM, Citraland, Mangga Dua Mall, Blok M Plaza, Plaza Indonesia, dan Plaza Senayan. Dulu belum ada yang namanya MKG, MOI, Citos, Artha Gading, Sency, STC Senayan, WTC Mangga Dua, dll.

Hmm pada akhirnya semuanya berubah karena perkembangan zaman. Tapi, sayangnya perubahan itu kearah yang kurang baik karena long-term-plan pembangunan Jakarta yang sayangnya dibuat dengan tidak baik, yang pada akhirnya 'menyesengrakan' penduduknya sendiri di tahun 2010 ini. Semoga, dengan terobosan pemda sekarang ini, dapat menyejaterahkan kehidupan penduduknya dan membuat Jakarta menjadi kota yang layak dan nyaman untuk ditinggali warga. :)

The Tallest Man On Earth - Where Do My Bluebird Fly

Ngiler (pt. 2)

Halo, selamat pagi. Pagi yang agak cerah dan agak melelahkan, karena gue baru saja bersih-bersih kamar gue dan merapihkan meja belajar gue. Hmm hari ini gue bolos sekolah karena gue malas masuk dan juga kayaknya udah gak ada hal lagi yang mau gue kerjain di sekolah. So, I decided to stay home today. Dan mungkin gue baru masuk sekolah lagi tanggal 2 Januari 2011 hahaha.

Oke. Dalam edisi 'ngiler' ini, gue lagi ngiler sama sepeda. Wabilahilkhusus sepeda Fixie. Memang tipe sepeda ini yang lagi ngetrend di Jakarta. Disukai banyak orang karena Fixie itu dirakit dari part-part dan merk-merk yang berbeda, bukan lo beli dari pabrik langsung jadi. Suka-suka lo mau Fixie lo warna ungu, merah, hitam, putih, atau mejikuhibiniu kek, itu yang bikin Fixie catchy eye banget. Gak cuman warna sebenarnya, tapi juga part-part yang lain kayak velg dan ban. Suka-suka lo mau velg-nya berwarna putih terus ban-nya warna merah, itu terserah. Hahaha. Nih gambar-gambar Fixie yang gue dapet dari google:

Keren kan? Hehe. Ini yang bikin gue ngiler. Selain karena style-nya yang catchy, lumayan juga buat olahraga, hitung-hitung mau liburan. Daripada tidur mulu, mending sepedahan muter-muter cari keringat, cari udara segar, dan juga biar kurus. Hehehe. Semoga dapat terwujud untuk punya Fixie dekat-dekat ini. ;)

The Social Network

Yep, sebenernya sudah beberapa minggu yang lalu gue nonton film ini, sendirian #jomblogituloh, tapi tak apa lah, gue pingin ngereview fim ini hehehe.

 

Film ini berkisah tentang seorang mahasiswa Harvard yang sangat genius dalam bidang web dan sejenisnya, yaitu Mark Zuckeberg. Dia adalah pendiri website social network yang terkenal sampai sekarang dan juga masih digunakan oleh khalayak, yaitu Facebook. Dulu sebelum dia membuat Facebook, dia sempat membuat website yang membandingkan kecantikan perempuan-perempuan yang ada di Harvard, yang kontroversial dan membuat dia disidang di hadapan rektor dan petinggi-petinggi Harvard. Dia juga sempat ditawari untuk membuat website pertemanan dengan orang kaya kakak-beradik (yang gue lupa namanya hehehe) yang berujung pada disidangnya Zuckeberg karena dituduh mencuri ide si bersaudara itu untuk membuat web pertemanannya sendiri (Facebook).

Facebook, yang pertama-tama bernama The Facebook, pertama-tamanya dibuat dengan $1000 dan sampai sekarang bernilai $25millions. Disini juga diceritakan tentang bagaimana lika-liku hidup yang dihadapi Mark Zuckberg dalam membangun Facebook yang tak selalu mulus.

Wah sensation   : kegeniusan Mark dan cerita panjangnya tentang Facebook sampai sekarang

Boo sensation    : agak gantung di-endingnya

Worth to watch: Yes

Score: 4 from 5

I wish you would change your mind.

Thank you :)
 

Holiday Project

Halo semuanya. Ah, minggu pagi (atau siang) yang cerah tetapi berawan. A very perfect sunday I think. Ditambah lagi kegiatan gue sampai detik ini cuma main gitar, bikin lirik, main laptop, dan lain lain. Tidak ada 'hardwork' untuk hari ini! Yeaaah, this such a freedom. Jarang-jarang di hari yang libur ini gue bisa sebebas sekarang. Biasanya gue disuruh ini itu sama nyokap. Phew...

But It's okay. Lately,  I'm working on my music project. Mumpung ujian-ujian sudah selesai dan sebentar lagi libur. So, I have much spare time to spend with. Sudah beberapa hari ini, gue kembali ke aliran musik gue yang lama, akustik folk. Si Strato mau gak mau dikandangin dulu. dan posisinya digantikan si Unkl Espanola. 

Biasanya gue sering menentang orang-orang yang selalu galau setiap saat. Tapi jangan kaget kalau nanti lagu gue 'berperasaan' galau. Hahaha, I'm good make galau songs, and I still don't know why. But it's not all about love. Mungkin karena gue berpendapat kalau bikin lagu itu harus bener-bener. I mean lo harus mencurahkan seluruh jiwa lo di lagu tersebut. Singkatnya, harus bisa menjiwai lagu yang lo bikin sendiri. Buat gue, tanda-tanda gue udah menjiwai lagu tersebut adalah kalau gue bisa merinding pas gue lagi main gitar. Disitulah klimaksnya, bak seseorang yang sedang beroragsme, dia berkata "aaaaaaahhhhhhh", begitu.

As I said, lagu gue akan bernada galau. Dan liriknya pun juga. Mungkin rada-rada curhat juga sih hehehe. Lirik-lirik gue akan banyak diinspirasikan oleh kehidupan sehari-hari yang memang gue rasakan. Dan bakal diungkapkan dengan gaya John Mayer, Kings of Convenience, ataupun Adhitia Sofyan. Hehehe.

Yah, konklusinya, doakan sajalah proyek gue akan berjalan dengan lancar. Doakan saja mungkin 1-2 minggu kedepan, khalayak umum sudah bisa mendengarkan lagu sekedar-kedaran dari gue hehehe. ;)

Maybe

Maybe her 
Maybe she is the person whom I looking for 
Maybe yes 
Maybe no
Maybe she is not the person whom I looking for
Maybe no
Maybe yes
Maybe now it's time
Maybe yes
Maybe no
Maybe now it isn't time
Maybe later
Maybe God has a different plan for me
Maybe yes
Maybe no
Maybe no
Maybe yes
Maybe her


By: Rachmat Reksa Samudra

Done yet Still

Whoaaa. Finally feel the glorious Friday. The day that all of the high school students been waiting for. The day that very worthed to be waited. Finally, UAS officially DONE. Thanks to God, my family, my friends (for the answers), and others that made this event succesfsul! But... I think not that success. -__-

Oke, sekarang gue berbahasa Indonesia saja. UAS semester ganjil Tahun Pelajaran 2010/2011 akhirnya selesai. Tetapi, remedial-pun mengeluarkan jadwalnya. Haduh payah deh. Memang belum semua pelajaran yang nilainya sudah keluar. Gue, dari 4 pelajaran yang gue tau, ada 2 yang remid. Sedih gak tuh? Padahal gue sudah merasa mengeluarkan segala tenaga, jiwa, dan pikiran untuk mengerjakan itu semua. Tapi, yasudahlah. Gue menerima saja, gak usah dibawa stres. Mungkin itu nilai yang pantas buat gue.

Dan jangan lupa, remedial masih menghantui, dan juga tugas-tugas yang belum selesai merengek-rengek untuk dikumpulkan. Yea, just fuck yourself and get your own problems done, ass-ignments. And don't forget, may God bless me with lucky during remedial week. Amen.

Holiday After Cursed 4

 

H.A.C. Management proudly present Holiday After Cursed 4. Tidak seperti event yang terdahulu yang masih mencampur berbagai aliran band, kali ini H.A.C. mengusung tema hardcore metal, terlihat dari jajaran band yang akan manggung nanti. Jadi, bagi anda para metalhead, gigs ini cocok untuk melampiaskan emosi anda untuk ber-headbang dan moshing-ria. Dan jangan lupa untuk membawa uang lebih karena disana juga akan dijual merchandise dari band-band yang akan tampil. So, see you there!

*tanggal, tempat, waktu, dan band-band yang akan tampil bisa dilihat di poster diatas

 

Laneway Festival

 

Phew... Laneway Festival. Festival musik yang diadakan di beberapa kota di Australia plus Singapore dan gue sangat tertarik untuk datang kesini. Bukan biar gue dibilang 'anak gaul' atau sebagainya -_- tapi karena gue penasaran sama festival yang diadain negara lain. Pingin gue bandingin sama festival-festival yang ada di Indonesia kayak Java Rockin'Land dan kroninya dan juga gue pingin nambah ilmu buat bikin semacam festival musik, soalnya gue sekarang bercita-cita jadi seorang promotor. Hehehe.

Festival ini main-nya ada di Australia, diselenggarakan di kota Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, dan Perth. Plus Singapore. Band-band yang akan tampil mungkin masih rada asing buat telinga musik Indonesia seperti !!! (chk chk chk), Yeasayer, Deerhunter, Beach House, Foals, Ladyhawke, Holy F@#K, The Temper Trap, Warpaint, Bear In Heaven, Blonde Redhead, PVT, Two Door Cinema Club, dan masih banyak lagi. Oiya, festival ini diselenggarain sepanjang bulan Januari.

Hmm beberapa waktu yang lalu gue ngeliat webzine Deathrockstar, dan mereka menawarkan semacam paket nonton Laneway Fest. yang di Singapore. Kisarannya 2jt-3jt lah. Naaaaaah, mungkin ada dari teman sekalian yang ingin mensponsori gue buat nonton ini? Gampanglah nanti feedback-nya, bisa didiskusikan hehehe :D

More info? Here and here

Surprise News

Baru mendengar, eh melihat deng hehe, di timeline twitter gue bahwa salah satu band favorit gue yang berasal dari Inggris, yaitu Bloc Party katanya akan manggung di Jakarta. Berita itu gue dapet kemarin sore dari orang yang gue follow, Adib Hidayat, yang merupakan salah satu orang majalah Rolling Stone Indonesia. 

Wow man! Gue super duper excited! Mengingat juga tanggal mainnya yang akan dirilis adalah 29 Desember. Beh, a perfect timing! Itu pas gue lagi liburan, jadi kemungkinan gue akan nonton Bloc Party sudah 70%. Tapi sayangnya, pihak promotor (Ismaya Live, red) belum sepenuhnya memastikan hal ini. Gue lihat di timeline Ismaya Live kalau mereka belum merilis pengumuman resmi kalau Bloc Party mau kesini. Tapi mereka sudah memberi semacam 'pertanda'. Ini dia foto dari Bloc Party yang kata promotornya ini merupakan foto official yang dikirim dari manajemen mereka...

Bagi yang penasaran dengan Bloc Party, bisa langsung lihat profil MySpace atau Official Website mereka. Hehehe.

Ngiler

Halo semua, sudah beberapa hari ini tak berblogria. Gue tiba-tiba keinget dengan sebuah foto yang gue dapet dari Flickr. Foto Erlend Oye yang lagi main gitar. Bukan dengan Eirik (Kings of Convenience) tapi dengan band sampingannya dia, The Whitest Boy Alive. Ini dia fotonya...

Disini gue bukan pingin ngebahas tentang The Whitest Boy Alive-nya. Tapi okelah gue akan kasih review. Whitest Boy Alive adalah band yang dibuat Erlend, mempunyai empat personel yang beraliran pop techno gitu. Menurut gue ini adalah pelampiasan Erlend yang dulu pernah solo karier dan itu berlarian pop techno juga. Terbentuk tahun 2003 kalo gak salah ini. Apa 2001 ya? Hehehe bisa lah ya cari di google atau wikipedia :P

Oke, yang pingin gue bahas itu gitarnya, man. Gitarnya! Hahaha. Gue ngiler banget-bangetan! Gitarnya Erlend tuh Fender Telecaster. Yang bikin gue ngiler ada warna gitarnya. Telecaster warna emas atau warna kayu terus strap Fendernya dengan bordir warna emas juga. Beeeeh kombinasi yang mantap! Gue juga pingin Telecaster karena buat main lagu yang beraliran techno pop. Enak diliat juga sih hehe.

Btw di rumah udah ada dua gitar, yaitu Espanola (gitar pertama gue nih haha) dan Fender Stratocaster. Rencana gue beberapa tahun ke depan sih gue pingin punya sedikitnya lima gitar. Selain dua yang udah gue sebutkan di atas, gue pingin Fender Telecaster  buat main pop techno/post-rock, Schecter buat main yang keras-keras kayak metal gitu, dan gue juga pingin satu gitar akustik string dan gue lebih memilih Martin&Co. Beeeh mantap banget kalau gue punya semuanya.

Semoga rencana dan impian gue diatas terwujud. Amin!

Masa SMA-ku (by Dewobroto Adhiwignyo)

Masa SMA-ku

Kuhabiskan selama tiga tahun

Di sekolah yang sarana dan prasarananya tidak terlalu baik memang

-Tapi tak jadi masalah buatku-

Di sana kotor

Yang jadi persoalan

bukan kotor lantainya, dindingnya, atau lingkungannya

(Jadi, apa yang kotor?)

Politiknya kotor.

Sekolah SMA-ku

yang penuh dengan para Primordialis...

OSIS-nya kotor, MPK-nya kotor

Bahkan beberapa organisasi lainnya juga kotor

Di SEKOLAH NEGERI itu

yang dapat menjadi pengurus OSIS dan pengurus MPK

hanyalah mereka yang (dianggap sebagai) Muslim (yang baik).

Yang dapat menjadi Ketua OSIS dan Ketua MPK hanyalah kaum Adam.

Mereka tidak peduli dengan hak asasi

Ya

Mereka... yang mengaku terpelajar dan menghormati Tuhannya.

Dan di balik itu semua mereka masih berkoar-koar menyuarakan kebebasan berpendapat dan nilai-nilai luhur kepemimpinan, etika, serta moral.

Yang Nasrani ada pula yang tak jauh berbeda.

Seringkali kutemui

orang-orang yang hanya bergaul dengan rekan seagama/sesukunya saja

Dibalut dengan sikap fanatik berlebih.

Tidak.

Aku tidak suka suasana kacau balau itu

Aku merasa tidak nyaman

Muak.

Memang sudah berlalu

Tapi sangat membekas. Seringkali terbesit di dalam pikiran...

Kenapa aku bisa masuk 'Kandang Primordialis' seperti itu?

Lalat saja tidak pilih-pilih sampah basah jenis apa yang mau ia jilat

Aku netral. Tidak membela siapa pun.

Juga tidak terpengaruh dan dipengaruhi siapa/apa pun.

Mungkin tidak bisa sepenuhnya disebut orang baik dan patuh

Tapi aku punya pendirian prinsipil.

Aku tidak akan pernah merekomendasikan siapa pun untuk masuk mendaftar ke sekolah itu.

Menjadi siswa di sana, berarti harus siap menerima kenyataan

Bahwa orang-orang di sana lebih mementingkan tradisi, ketimbang akal sehat dan hak asasi.

Kuakui, mereka (yang terlibat) bukanlah orang-orang bodoh

Hanya saja hati nurani mereka buram

Ya. Buram.

Ada, namun buram.

Tentang hak asasi -hak kehidupan manusia paling dasar- saja mereka berani langgar.

Dan aku yakin setiap manusia terlahir dengan hak asasi. Siapapun Tuhan mereka.

Apapun agama dan ras/suku mereka.

Menjemukan. Tamak. Egois.

Munafik.

Terkutuklah mereka yang memulai dan menjalankan sistem dalam tradisi hitam itu.

Namun, aku tahu

Di antara mereka (yang terlibat)

masih ada yang berpikiran kurang lebih sama denganku

dan sependapat dalam hal ini.

Dan di luar itu semua

Aku suka dengan masa SMA-ku

Aku rindu masa-masa itu.

Bandung, 18 November 2010

Dewobroto Adhiwignyo

sumber

Down Stroke

Akhir-akhir ini kesehatan sedang menurun. Semangat sekolah-pun juga menurun entah mengapa. Haduh, it's my down stroke now. Padahal sebentar lagi UAS, tapi semua serba menurun. Eh, untung semangat belajar gue masih on-fire hehe. Ya, gue lebih suka belajar di rumah atau di tempat les. Lebih nyaman, enak, tentram, lebih konsen, lebih segala-galanya deh. 

Sekolah? Bah.. adanya gue tidur mulu. Entah kenapa gue jadi ngantukan banget di sekolah, altough I had a proper 8 hrs sleep. Contoh, tadi pas pelajaran seni, pas guru lagi bincang-bincang dengan murid yang di depan, gue dengan innocent-nya tidur. Dapet kali 20 menit, sampai seorang teman gue ngebangunin gue kalo udah mau pulang. Beh, school really gets me bored these days, man. Ditambah lagi akhir-akhir ini banyak hari-hari gak efektif belajar karena libur nasional sampai penyambutan kepala sekolah sepulang dari tanah suci. Halah halah..

Gue lebih mencintai tempat les dan rumah sebagai tempat belajar yang paling efektif. Seperti yang udah gue bilang diatas dan juga gue mendapat teman baru yang unik, keren, dan wow dari sekolah lain. Oiya, dan juga tambatan hati (hehehehe). Gue terlanjur cinta dengan tempatnya, orang-orangnya, kakak-kakaknya, ...semuanya lah. Lot better than school. Rumah, rumahku istanaku. Nothing better and comforter than your own home. Even 5 stars hotel or hotel like Al-Burj in Dubai. Hahaha just trust me, man. In hotel you must pay, just for sleep. Home? Totally free. Karena gue lebih suka belajar menyendiri, rumah adalah tempat yang paling nyaman untuk belajar. Tapi ya diatas jam 9 malem hehehe. Tapi ya begitulah, I love course and home more than school.

Dan juga... Semoga cepat sembuh untuk gue sendiri. Dan juga nilai Try Out gue bagus dan bisa nembus 20 besar lagi (amin!), dan juga semoga jiwa raga gue siap menghadapi UAS yang sebentar lagi, agar mendapat nilai yang maksimal.

AMIN!

Liberidealis

Halo halo semua. Cuaca di luar agak mendung dan sepertinya akan hujan nanti. Semoga saja hujan, sudah cukup tadi merasakan di-oven sewaktu perjalanan pulang dari sekolah. Been a good week so far sih. Dalam seminggu, hari produktif-nya cuma ada tiga hari, dan gue meliburkan sehari, jadi buat gue cuma dua hari. Hehehe.

Oke cukup berbasa-basi-nya. Ada hal yang ingin gue bicarakan. Ini masalah prinsip gue sebagai human being. Ini cukup serius buat gue. Ada banyak ideologi dan pandangan di dunia ini dan gue rasa kita bisa memilih yang mana yang sesuai. Indonesia sendiri berideologi Pancasila. Ideologi yang ternyata secara tidak langsung sudah ada sejak zaman nenek moyang. Pancasila sendiri disebut orang-orang ideologi yang berbeda sendiri di dunia ini, karena Pancasila satu-satunya ideologi yang mengatur pengikutnya untuk beragama. Unik memang. Ialah Sang Proklamator, Bung Karno, yang pertama kali mengutarakan isi Pancasila ini yang akhirnya di-ubah sedikit oleh Panitia Sembilan di sila pertama, karena Indonesia adalah masyarakat yang majemuk. Karena tidak hanya masyarakat yang bergama Islam saja yang tinggal di Indonesia.

Tetapi gue agak berbeda. Gue tidak sepenuhnya menganut Pancasila. Mungkin ini disebabkan perkembangan zaman. Globalisasi, modernisasi, dan sifat alami masyarakat perkotaan yang invidualis yang membuat gue tidak sepenuhnya berPancasila. Hmm mulai menyinggung ke judul postingan ini, 'Liberidealis'. Ya, gue Liberidealis. Gabungan antara liberal dan ideal. Liberal itu sendiri cenderung ke paham orang-orang barat, yang bebas memilih dalam hal apapun dan tidak terikat oleh aturan namun masih dalam batas yang wajar. Dan ideal, ideal adalah yang kalau gue bilang sih pandangan seseorang yang cenderung semua-muanya harus 'pas' dengan diri seseorang itu. Hampir sama dengan perfeksionis, namun ideal masih memberi peluang untuk melakukan kesalahan.

Balik lagi, akhir-akhir ini, ehm gak akhir-akhir ini juga sih, dari dahulu mungkin yang tepat, gue sering mengkritik seseorang didasari dengan rasa ideal gue. Hmm pernah dua kali gue berdebat dengan beberapa orang yang gue rasa mereka tidak mengerti tentang pesan apa yang gue sampaikan dibalik pernyataan-pernyataan yang gue sendiri merasa itu adalah sebuah sindiran-satir yang hebat. Gue seperti itu karena merasa prihatin dengan kondisi remaja sekarang yang cenderung berpikiran sempit, menanggapi sesuatu yang berlebihan, dan selalu tunduk dengan arus sosial yang ada. Yang gue inginkan dari remaja sekarang adalah remaja yang berpikiran 'breakthrough' dan baru, bukan remaja yang bisanya mengkritik suatu pikiran 'breakthrough' tersebut yang malah membuat mereka stuck, malah bisa mundur. Mereka yang terlalu mengikuti tren-tren yang ada, agar stereotype mereka tetap terjaga di mata orang lain yang mereka-pun adalah orang-orang yang hanya bisa duduk di bangku penonton dan menjadi budak-budak modernisasi dan globalisasi ini. Prihatin.

Sedikit bayangan tentang betapa ideal-nya gue dan juga teman gue, disaat kita sedang ada di suatu event musik yang digelar di Jakarta Selatan. Disana gue dan teman gue banyak membicarakan musik, terutama musik lokal. Gue banyak mengkritik, mengomentari musik-musik yang ada sekarang. Kasarnya, mungkin setiap orang yang mendengar pembicaraan kita bakal berpikir "nih orang apa-apaan sih, sok tau banget" dan sebagainya. Gue rasa itu hal yang wajar, karena dengan kritik-kritik yang keluar dari kita, kita berusaha membuat sebuah tren yang baru di dunia musik, yang benar-benar breakthrough dan yang bakal menjadi kiblat orang-orang di masa mendatang. Dan juga terjadi lagi, gue mengkritik pikiran-pikiran remaja yang sekarang bisanya hanya menye-menye atau galau dan sebagainya setiap waktu. Hasilnya? Bisa ditebak. Bisa dibilang gue mendapat pertentangan yang cukup menantang buat gue sendiri. Gue berpikir kenapa sih orang-orang harus mempunyai pikiran yang sama? Satu galau, semua galau. Man, pikiran kalian sempit sekali kalau hanya cinta saja yang diurusi. Bagaimana Indonesia mau maju di masa depan kalau penerusnya saja kebanyakan seperti ini? Damn, bakal susah banget. Malah bisa saja terjadi kemunduran, terutama di bidang moral dan perilaku.

Memang, gue menyadari kalau mengubah sesuatu yang sudah tertanam kuat dan dianut oleh masyarakat luas itu bakal susah banget dan masyarakat pada umumnya akan mengatakan apa yang gue lakukan adalah hal yang radikal. Gue berharap bahwa ada orang-orang diluar sana yang berani melawan arus tren sosial. Gue juga berharap, mereka, orang yang gue sebut 'common people' itu, tersadarkan dan mulai membuat terobosan-terobosan baru dan tidak terbawa arus-arus yang malah membuat mereka terkesan bodoh.

- Rachmat Reksa Samudra | @reksamudra -

Well...

Okay, I want to talk about music concert that to be held in 2011 in Jakarta. Few days ago or maybe a week ago, Adrie Subono announced that Jimmy Eat World will come to Jakarta. For goat's sake that being torched at the moment, I'm fucking excited because Jimmy Eat World is one of my favorite band. But my exciteness turned into a huge disappointments because it's date. It will be held on April 3rd. Daaaaaamn! You know that's Sunday. And the next day is Monday. And Monday the 4th, the national exam will be held! Once again, for goat's sake that being torched at the moment. Damn! I won't come to their concert even I have much money.

And today, this afternoon exactly, Adrie Subono back announced another band that will come to Jakarta on April. Yep, this band pretty legend, Maroon 5. My childhood favorite, and they were everyone's favorite band at that moment. I'm sure that the euphorias will be awesome welcoming them. My friends on my Twitter's timeline were overwhelmed when Subono announced that. But unfortunately the ticket's price quiet expensive for student's wallet. Just for pre-sale start to 500k to 700k and that's more expensive than Placebo's, 395k to 495k. FYI, Placebo is the winner of EMA 2009 for best alternative band and their sounds are great. But, I think it's okay. They are legend, man. The expensive price maybe will be worthed for people statisfication, doesn't it? Hahaha.

And... Once again, I've prepared well the deepest condolences for myself not coming to JET and M5 concert. But, because I must fighting hard for my future, University of Indonesia, and also national exam, I won't regret that. Everythings that smells good, really needs sacrifices good too, doesn't it? :) 

Into Love

R: Eh serius lo dia nanyain gue?
A: Iyeee
R: Waaaah *diantara kesenengan dan kegeeran*
A: Disaat-saat yang kayak gini ya, dua kata itu berarti banget
R: Hahaha iya bener banget!

Setuju banget sama perkataan teman gue. Disaat-saat orang lagi mulai jatuh cinta, dua/tiga kata yang keluar dari orang yang kita sukai menjadi sangat bermakna. Seperti gue sekarang ini hehehe. Non sense? Almost.

Rollah-costah!

Yeah, this drawing was made by me special for my class, Canvast, Carnival of Social Three. So proud can make them happy with my drawing, and our plan is to put this picture to our sweater. Yeaaaaah love you all my mates!

(Rahasia)

Hehehe rada gak jelas ya sama judulnya? Maaf ya, bingung mau kasih judul apa :P

Begini, akhir-akhir ini banyak teman gue yang bertanya kenapa kok bisa muka gue bersih dari jerawat. Ehmm sebenarnya gak bersih-bersih banget sih. Eh tapi bener deng, muka gue emang bersih, terus terlihat putih bersinar gitu *habis ngaca* *geer parah*, tapi ini serius man. So, apakah ada yang mau tips rahasia turun temurun gue cara biar muka bersih???

Rahasia gue cuma satu, CUCI MUKA! (di-block biar keliatan :P) Gak lebih gak kurang. Ya pasti kalian bertanya-tanya kenapa dengan seperti itu saja muka gue bisa 'kinclong' gitu. Dari dulu, sejak kecil, gue selalu diajarkan untuk membersihkan diri sehabis bepergian, kayak cuci muka, tangan, kaki, dan sebagainya. NAH, itu dia man. Kalau ditanya berapa kali gue cuci muka dalam sehari, gue bakal jawab gak keitung. Itungannya setiap gue nyampe di suatu tempat atau gue baru pulang dari suatu tempat, pasti hal pertama yang gue cari adalah toilet, dan gue akan cuci muka dulu, itu belum termasuk membasuh muka pas wudhu loh ya. Jadi, yang pasti >5x gue cuci muka dalam sehari.

Anyway, dulu pas SMP gue juga pernah jerawatan tapi gak pernah parah, dan dulu juga gue pake produk anti jerawat gitu deh. Hehehe. But still, mencegah BENAR-BENAR LEBIH BAIK daripada mengobati. 

Jadi sekali lagi gue ingatkan masbro mbaksis semuanya yang ingin punya muka yang bersih dan bebas dari jerawat, rahasianya hanya satu, sering-sering cuci muka dengan air bersih ya! Simpel kan? :)

- Rachmat Reksa Samudra | @reksamudra -

Wah! Station Blogzine

Yes, finally I've made my music blogzine! I called it Wah! Station.

Senang sekali rasanya! Hehehe. Ini adalah langkah pertama gue untuk merambah ke bisnis dunia musik. Bukan bisnis juga sih, tapi lebih ke nyalurin hobi terpendam. Rencana kedepannya, blogzine gue mau gue bikin kayak Deathrockstar. Tapi konsepnya isinya diambil dari majalah Rolling Stone. Gue gak akan totally ngebahas musik dan musik, tapi juga ngereview film dan ngebahas tren musik yang lagi 'in'. Ya terus pokoknya gitu deh hehehe. Semoga blogzine gue bisa berkembang! :D

Transcipt of Obama's Speech in University of Indonesia

Remarks of President Barack Obama -  As Prepared for Delivery

Jakarta, Indonesia

November 10, 2010

As Prepared for Delivery—

 
Thank you for this wonderful welcome. Thank you to the people of Jakarta. And thank you to the people of Indonesia.
 
I am so glad that I made it to Indonesia, and that Michelle was able to join me. We had a couple of false starts this year, but I was determined to visit a country that has meant so much to me. Unfortunately, it’s a fairly quick visit, but I look forward to coming back a year from now, when Indonesia hosts the East Asia Summit.
 
Before I go any further, I want to say that our thoughts and prayers are with all of those Indonesians affected by the recent tsunami and volcanic eruptions – particularly those who have lost loved ones, and those who have been displaced. As always, the United States stands with Indonesia in responding to this natural disaster, and we are pleased to be able to help as needed. As neighbors help neighbors and families take in the displaced, I know that the strength and resilience of the Indonesian people will pull you through once more.  
 
Let me begin with a simple statement: Indonesia is a part of me. I first came to this country when my mother married an Indonesian man named Lolo Soetoro. As a young boy, I was coming to a different world. But the people of Indonesia quickly made me feel at home.
 
Jakarta looked very different in those days. The city was filled with buildings that were no more than a few stories tall. The Hotel Indonesia was one of the few high rises, and there was just one brand new shopping center called Sarinah. Betchaks outnumbered automobiles in those days, and the highway quickly gave way to unpaved roads and kampongs.
 
We moved to Menteng Dalam, where we lived in a small house with a mango tree out front. I learned to love Indonesia while flying kites, running along paddy fields, catching dragonflies, and buying satay and baso from the street vendors. Most of all, I remember the people – the old men and women who welcomed us with smiles; the children who made a foreigner feel like a neighbor; and the teachers who helped me learn about the wider world.
 
Because Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, hundreds of languages, and people from scores of regions and ethnic groups, my times here helped me appreciate the common humanity of all people. And while my stepfather, like most Indonesians, was raised a Muslim, he firmly believed that all religions were worthy of respect. In this way, he reflected the spirit of religious tolerance that is enshrined in Indonesia’s Constitution, and that remains one of this country’s defining and inspiring characteristics.
 
I stayed here for four years – a time that helped shape my childhood; a time that saw the birth of my wonderful sister, Maya; and a time that made such an impression on my mother that she kept returning to Indonesia over the next twenty years to live, work and travel – pursuing her passion of promoting opportunity in Indonesia’s villages, particularly for women and girls. For her entire life, my mother held this place and its people close to her heart.
 
So much has changed in the four decades since I boarded a plane to move back to Hawaii. If you asked me – or any of my schoolmates who knew me back then – I don’t think any of us could have anticipated that I would one day come back to Jakarta as President of the United States. And few could have anticipated the remarkable story of Indonesia over these last four decades.
 
The Jakarta that I once knew has grown to a teeming city of nearly ten million, with skyscrapers that dwarf the Hotel Indonesia, and thriving centers of culture and commerce. While my Indonesian friends and I used to run in fields with water buffalo and goats, a new generation of Indonesians is among the most wired in the world – connected through cell phones and social networks. And while Indonesia as a young nation focused inward, a growing Indonesia now plays a key role in the Asia Pacific and the global economy.
 
This change extends to politics. When my step-father was a boy, he watched his own father and older brother leave home to fight and die in the struggle for Indonesian independence. I’m happy to be here on Heroes Day to honor the memory of so many Indonesians who have sacrificed on behalf of this great country.  
 
When I moved to Jakarta, it was 1967, a time that followed great suffering and conflict in parts of this country. Even though my step-father had served in the Army, the violence and killing during that time of political upheaval was largely unknown to me because it was unspoken by my Indonesian family and friends. In my household, like so many others across Indonesia, it was an invisible presence. Indonesians had their independence, but fear was not far away.  
 
In the years since then, Indonesia has charted its own course through an extraordinary democratic transformation – from the rule of an iron fist to the rule of the people. In recent years, the world has watched with hope and admiration, as Indonesians embraced the peaceful transfer of power and the direct election of leaders. And just as your democracy is symbolized by your elected President and legislature, your democracy is sustained and fortified by its checks and balances: a dynamic civil society; political parties and unions; a vibrant media and engaged citizens who have ensured that – in Indonesia -- there will be no turning back.
 
But even as this land of my youth has changed in so many ways, those things that I learned to love about Indonesia – that spirit of tolerance that is written into your Constitution; symbolized in your mosques and churches and temples; and embodied in your people – still lives on. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – unity in diversity. This is the foundation of Indonesia’s example to the world, and this is why Indonesia will play such an important role in the 21st century.
 
So today, I return to Indonesia as a friend, but also as a President who seeks a deep and enduring partnership between our two countries. Because as vast and diverse countries; as neighbors on either side of the Pacific; and above all as democracies – the United States and Indonesia are bound together by shared interests and shared values.
 
Yesterday, President Yudhoyono and I announced a new, Comprehensive Partnership between the United States and Indonesia. We are increasing ties between our governments in many different areas, and – just as importantly – we are increasing ties among our people. This is a partnership of equals, grounded in mutual interests and mutual respect.
 
With the rest of my time today, I’d like to talk about why the story I just told – the story of Indonesia since the days when I lived here – is so important to the United States, and to the world. I will focus on three areas that are closely related, and fundamental to human progress – development, democracy, and religion.
 
First, the friendship between the United States and Indonesia can advance our mutual interest in development.
 
When I moved to Indonesia, it would have been hard to imagine a future in which the prosperity of families in Chicago and Jakarta would be connected. But our economies are now global, and Indonesians have experienced both the promise and perils of globalization: from the shock of the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s to the millions lifted out of poverty. What that means – and what we learned in the recent economic crisis – is that we have a stake in each other’s success.
 
America has a stake in an Indonesia that is growing, with prosperity that is broadly shared among the Indonesian people – because a rising middle class here means new markets for our goods, just as America is a market for yours. And so we are investing more in Indonesia, our exports have grown by nearly 50 percent, and we are opening doors for Americans and Indonesians to do business with one another.  
 
America has a stake in an Indonesia that plays its rightful role in shaping the global economy. Gone are the days when seven or eight countries could come together to determine the direction of global markets. That is why the G-20 is now the center of international economic cooperation, so that emerging economies like Indonesia have a greater voice and bear greater responsibility. And through its leadership of the G-20’s anti-corruption group, Indonesia should lead on the world stage and by example in embracing transparency and accountability.
 
America has a stake in an Indonesia that pursues sustainable development, because the way we grow will determine the quality of our lives and the health of our planet. That is why we are developing clean energy technologies that can power industry and preserve Indonesia’s precious natural resources – and America welcomes your country’s strong leadership in the global effort to combat climate change.  
 
Above all, America has a stake in the success of the Indonesian people. Underneath the headlines of the day, we must build bridges between our peoples, because our future security and prosperity is shared. That is exactly what we are doing – by increased collaboration among our scientists and researchers, and by working together to foster entrepreneurship. And I am especially pleased that we have committed to double the number of American and Indonesian students studying in our respective countries – we want more Indonesian students in our schools, and more American students to come study in this country, so that we can forge new ties that last well into this young century.
 
These are the issues that really matter in our daily lives. Development, after all, is not simply about growth rates and numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about whether a child can learn the skills they need to make it in a changing world. It’s about whether a good idea is allowed to grow into a business, and not be suffocated by corruption. It’s about whether those forces that have transformed the Jakarta that I once knew –technology and trade and the flow of people and goods – translate into a better life for human beings, a life marked by dignity and opportunity.
 
This kind of development is inseparable from the role of democracy.
 
Today, we sometimes hear that democracy stands in the way of economic progress. This is not a new argument. Particularly in times of change and economic uncertainty, some will say that it is easier to take a shortcut to development by trading away the rights of human beings for the power of the state. But that is not what I saw on my trip to India, and that is not what I see in Indonesia. Your achievements demonstrate that democracy and development reinforce one another.  
 
Like any democracy, you have known setbacks along the way. America is no different. Our own Constitution spoke of the effort to forge a “more perfect union,” and that is a journey we have travelled ever since, enduring Civil War and struggles to extend rights to all of our citizens. But it is precisely this effort that has allowed us to become stronger and more prosperous, while also becoming a more just and free society.
 
Like other countries that emerged from colonial rule in the last century, Indonesia struggled and sacrificed for the right to determine your destiny. That is what Heroes Day is all about – an Indonesia that belongs to Indonesians. But you also ultimately decided that freedom cannot mean replacing the strong hand of a colonizer with a strongman of your own.
 
Of course, democracy is messy. Not everyone likes the results of every election. You go through ups and downs. But the journey is worthwhile, and it goes beyond casting a ballot. It takes strong institutions to check the concentration of power. It takes open markets that allow individuals to thrive. It takes a free press and an independent justice system to root out abuse and excess, and to insist upon accountability. It takes open society and active citizens to reject inequality and injustice.
 
These are the forces that will propel Indonesia forward. And it will require a refusal to tolerate the corruption that stands in the way of opportunity; a commitment to transparency that gives every Indonesian a stake in their government; and a belief that the freedom that Indonesians have fought for is what holds this great nation together.
 
That is the message of the Indonesians who have advanced this democratic story – from those who fought in the Battle of Surabaya 55 years ago today; to the students who marched peacefully for democracy in the 1990s, to leaders who have embraced the peaceful transition of power in this young century. Because ultimately, it will be the rights of citizens that will stitch together this remarkable Nusantara that stretches from Sabang to Merauke – an insistence that every child born in this country should be treated equally, whether they come from Java or Aceh; Bali or Papua.
 
That effort extends to the example that Indonesia sets abroad. Indonesia took the initiative to establish the Bali Democracy Forum, an open forum for countries to share their experiences and best practices in fostering democracy. Indonesia has also been at the forefront of pushing for more attention to human rights within ASEAN.  The nations of Southeast Asia must have the right to determine their own destiny, and the United States will strongly support that right. But the people of Southeast Asia must have the right to determine their own destiny as well. That is why we condemned elections in Burma that were neither free nor fair. That is why we are supporting your vibrant civil society in working with counterparts across this region. Because there is no reason why respect for human rights should stop at the border of any country.
 
Hand in hand, that is what development and democracy are about – the notion that certain values are universal. Prosperity without freedom is just another form of poverty. Because there are aspirations that human beings share – the liberty of knowing that your leader is accountable to you, and that you won’t be locked up for disagreeing with them; the opportunity to get an education and to work with dignity; the freedom to practice your faith without fear or restriction.
 
Religion is the final topic that I want to address today, and – like democracy and development – it is fundamental to the Indonesian story.
 
Like the other Asian nations that I am visiting on this trip, Indonesia is steeped in spirituality – a place where people worship God in many different ways.  Along with this rich diversity, it is also home to the world’s largest Muslim population – a truth that I came to know as a boy when I heard the call to prayer across Jakarta.
 
Just as individuals are not defined solely by their faith, Indonesia is defined by more than its Muslim population. But we also know that relations between the United States and Muslim communities have frayed over many years. As President, I have made it a priority to begin to repair these relations. As a part of that effort, I went to Cairo last June, and called for a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world – one that creates a path for us to move beyond our differences.
 
I said then, and I will repeat now, that no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust. But I believed then, and I believe today, that we have a choice. We can choose to be defined by our differences, and give in to a future of suspicion and mistrust. Or we can choose to do the hard work of forging common ground, and commit ourselves to the steady pursuit of progress. And I can promise you – no matter what setbacks may come, the United States is committed to human progress. That is who we are. That is what we have done. That is what we will do.
 
We know well the issues that have caused tensions for many years – issues that I addressed in Cairo. In the 17 months that have passed we have made some progress, but much more work remains to be done.
 
Innocent civilians in America, Indonesia, and across the world are still targeted by violent extremists. I have made it clear that America is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. Instead, all of us must defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates, who have no claim to be leaders of any religion – certainly not a great, world religion like Islam. But those who want to build must not cede ground to terrorists who seek to destroy. This is not a task for America alone. Indeed, here in Indonesia, you have made progress in rooting out terrorists and combating violent extremism.
 
In Afghanistan, we continue to work with a coalition of nations to build the capacity of the Afghan government to secure its future. Our shared interest is in building peace in a war-torn land – a peace that provides no safe-haven for violent extremists, and that provides hope for the Afghan people.
 
Meanwhile, we have made progress on one of our core commitments - our effort to end the war in Iraq. 100,000 American troops have left Iraq. Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their security. And we will continue to support Iraq as it forms an inclusive government and we bring all of our troops home.
 
In the Middle East, we have faced false starts and setbacks, but we have been persistent in our pursuit of peace. Israelis and Palestinians restarted direct talks, but enormous obstacles remain. There should be no illusions that peace and security will come easy. But let there be no doubt: we will spare no effort in working for the outcome that is just, and that is in the interest of all the parties involved: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
 
The stakes are high in resolving these issues, and the others I have spoken about today. For our world has grown smaller and while those forces that connect us have unleashed opportunity, they also empower those who seek to derail progress. One bomb in a marketplace can obliterate the bustle of daily commerce. One whispered rumor can obscure the truth, and set off violence between communities that once lived in peace. In an age of rapid change and colliding cultures, what we share as human beings can be lost.
 
But I believe that the history of both America and Indonesia gives us hope. It’s a story written into our national mottos. E pluribus unum – out of many, one. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – unity in diversity. We are two nations, which have travelled different paths. Yet our nations show that hundreds of millions who hold different beliefs can be united in freedom under one flag. And we are now building on that shared humanity – through the young people who will study in each other’s schools; through the entrepreneurs forging ties that can lead to prosperity; and through our embrace of fundamental democratic values and human aspirations..
 
Earlier today, I visited the Istiqlal mosque – a place of worship that was still under construction when I lived in Jakarta. I admired its soaring minaret, imposing dome, and welcoming space. But its name and history also speak to what makes Indonesia great. Istiqlal means independence, and its construction was in part a testament to the nation’s struggle for freedom. Moreover, this house of worship for many thousands of Muslims was designed by a Christian architect.
 
Such is Indonesia’s spirit. Such is the message of Indonesia’s inclusive philosophy, Pancasila. Across an archipelago that contains some of God’s most beautiful creations, islands rising above an ocean named for peace, people choose to worship God as they please. Islam flourishes, but so do other faiths. Development is strengthened by an emerging democracy. Ancient traditions endure, even as a rising power is on the move.
 
That is not to say that Indonesia is without imperfections. No country is. But here can be found the ability to bridge divides of race and region and religion – that ability to see yourself in all individuals. As a child of a different race coming from a distant country, I found this spirit in the greeting that I received upon moving here: Selamat Datang. As a Christian visiting a mosque on this visit, I found it in the words of a leader who was asked about my visit and said, “Muslims are also allowed in churches. We are all God’s followers.”
 
That spark of the divine lies within each of us. We cannot give in to doubt or cynicism or despair. The stories of Indonesia and America tell us that history is on the side of human progress; that unity is more powerful than division; and that the people of this world can live together in peace. May our two nations work together, with faith and determination, to share these truths with all mankind.

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