D.A.N.N.Y .A.B.D.A.T

The Proton Success Story

2011-10-09T19:02:00.000+08:00

Proton (Perusahan Otomobil Nasional) Berhad is a Malaysian car company incorporated in 1983 under the guidance of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Mahathir Mohamed (Proton, 2011). Proton was established to manufacture, assemble and sell motor vehicles and related products, including accessories, spare parts and other components through 11 subsidaries and associate companies in Malaysia (Proton, 2011).

Proton introduced the first Malaysian car, Proton Saga in 1985 and manufactured various model line-up includes the Waja, Satria GTi, Wira, Iswara, Arena, Perdana and Juara (Proton, 2011). Besides manufacturing, Proton is involved in research and development, sales and service activities all of which 42% of the shares are owned by Khazanah National Berhad (Proton, 2011).

Proton has a solid base built up for more than 25 years as the Malaysian car manufacturing industry progressed vigorously. Hence Proton is vision to strive and become a successful Malaysian automotive manufacturer by being customer oriented company and producing competitively priced and innovative quality products in the global arena (Proton, 2011).

Since the inception, Proton have gained a significant international presence in 27 countries across South-East Asia to the Middle-East, China, South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom with a net profit of RM 84.7 million on RM 2.29 billion revenue for the first quarter of 2010 (Sooi, 2010).

Proton has set to venture to the Indian automotive market, competing with well established brands such as Toyota, Honda and Tata Motors in India. With the rapidly growing middle class population reaching up to 450 million in 2007 (ImaginMor, 2011), the Indian car industry has transformed to one of the world largest and fastest growing industry which produced about 17.5 million vehicles, exported about 2.33 million and an annual sale exceeding USD 8.5 million in 2010 (ImaginMor, 2011). The lucrative market has triggered Proton to plan the venture and invest into the Indian automotive market.

Kata Siapa Kuliah di Luar Hanya untuk Orang Kaya?

2011-09-24T16:37:00.000+08:00

Studi ke luar negeri sering dianggap sebagai suatu pilihan yang terbuka hanya bagi orang-orang kaya. Untuk kalangan ekonomi menengah ke bawah, cita-cita menempuh pendidikan di luar negeri sering dianggap hanya sebagai impian. Seringkali pandangan seperti ini membuat cita-cita melanjutkan studi ke luar negeri hanya menjadi angan-angan belaka. Sayang sekali, sebab seperti kata pantun lama:

Berburu ke padang datar

Dapat rusa belang kaki

Berguru kepalang ajar

Bagai bunga kembang tak jadi

Syukur persepsi di atas itu tidaklah benar. Studi ke luar negeri memang membutuhkan uang yang cukup banyak, tapi kesempatan untuk belajar terbuka untuk setiap orang yang memang bertekad untuk meraihnya.

Negara-negara maju seringkali mempunyai anggaran untuk membantu negara-negara berkembang seperti Indonesia, termasuk dalam bidang pendidikan. Beberapa negera seperti Jerman dan Belanda bahkan mempunyai kementrian khusus untuk mengorganisasikan bantuan-bantuan ini. Sayangnya, informasi tentang peluang-peluang yang ada tidak selalu terbuka bagi mereka yang membutuhkannya. Banyak peluang dan potensi yang tidak terpakai karena ketidaktahuan.

Karena itulah langkah pertama yang harus diambil untuk mencapai cita-cita menuntut ilmu di luar negeri adalah berusaha mencari informasi sebanyak-banyaknya. Jangan malu bertanya! Semakin sedikit usaha mencari tahu, semakin kecil juga kemungkinan meraih kesempatan belajar ke luar negeri.

Memang benar keberuntungan juga kadang-kadang merupakan faktor yang menentukan, tapi jangan berharap uang dan kesempatan jatuh begitu saja dari langit!

Jadi, untuk siapakah studi ke luar negeri itu? Tidak lain dari mereka yang memang bertekad untuk mendapatkannya, yang dimulai dari usaha mencari informasi. Untuk orang-orang seperti inilah Hescar dibuat sebagai sarana untuk pencarian informasi sekolah, jurusan, karir, beasiswa dan kesempatan anda untuk melanjutkan studi ke luar negeri.

Selamat mencoba dan mencari info pendidikan dan beasiswa terlengkap di www.hescar.co.id

Penyetaraan Ijazah Luar Negeri

2011-09-24T16:36:00.000+08:00

Kabar bagus buat teman - teman HESCAR yang kuliah di luar negeri. Sekarang, pemerintah Indonesia, khususnya Departemen Pendidikan telah berbenah dan lebih memperhatikan nasib kita mahasiswa Indonesia yang menuntut ilmu di luar negeri.

Penyetaraan Ijazah Luar Negeri ini merupakan salah satu bentuk pelayanan yang diberikan oleh Direktorat Akademik Ditjen DIKTI dalam rangka memfasilitasi keperluan mahasiswa kita yang telah lama menginginkan kemudahan layanan ini.

Penyetaraan ijazah bukan dimaksudkan untuk menentukan diakui tidaknya ijazah dan gelar yang diperoleh seseorang dalam menempuh pendidikannya di luar negeri, akan tetapi lebih kepada menentukan gelar yang diperoleh tersebut setara dengan ijazah jenjang pendidikan yang berlaku di Indonesia.

Beberapa hal penting yang dilihat dalam penyetaraan ini termasuk;

Sistem akademik
Jumlah kredit yang diambil
Masa studi
Kualitas tugas akhir
Masa tinggal di luar negeri.

Sebenarnya, penyetaraan ijazah ini tidak wajib, namun kini banyak institusi atau perusahaan di tanah air yang mensyaratkan lulusan luar negeri untuk mendapatkan penyetaraan ijazah.

Proses dan syarat cukup mudah, kita tinggal mendaftar online, lengkapi semua dokumen penting yang diminta dan rata2 proses memakan 1-2 hari kerja. Cukup cepat bukan…Hebat juga nih! Apalagi, layanan ini GRATIS!…

Terobosan baru untuk birokrasi di Indonesia. Terima Kasih bapak mendiknas untuk layanan tersebut. Untuk informasi lengkap tentang penyetaraan ijazah kita, langsung aja kunjungi situs resmi DIKTI http://ijazahln.dikti.go.id/v4/

Selamat Mencoba!

Mau Kuliah di Luar Negeri?

2011-06-26T19:23:00.005+08:00

Hey teman,

Aku menemukan sebuah website yang sangt komprehensive dan bermanfaat bagi yang ingin kuliah di luar negeri. Klo kamu berencana kuliah di luar negeri? baik mau kuliah S1/S2/S2 kini di Indonesia sudah hadir layanan HESCAR.

Hescar itu sebuah portal pendidikan yang memberikan info lengkap dan membantu tuk daftar di universitas pilihan kamu sendiri di luar negeri. Keren banget website-nya. Kita bisa memilih jurusan yang kita cari, membandingkan dengan jurusan2 yang sama dari univ yg berbeda dan langsung mendaftar ke univ tersebut.

Langkah2 dan syaratnya pun mudah sekali....aku tinggal buat profil pribadi gitu di Hescar dan memasukan riwayat pendidikan kita, milih jurusan dan tekan APPLY! Ehh..dalam 2 hari ada staff mereka yang nelpon ngabarin aku qualified dan ingin bertemu dengan aku. Lalu mereka memberikan konsultasi pendidikan GRATISS!! serta bantu aku tuk daftar kuliah di AUSSIE.

Kita bisa memilih dari 24.000 jurusan di 220 Universitas di 22 Negara....

Oh yaa mulai dari 15 Juni 2011 ini klo daftar kuliah melalui hescar, kita akan berkesempatan untuk memenangkan iPad 2 - 16GB lengkap dengan 3G dan Wi-fi. Keren Jugaa gan!!

Langsung aja ke TKP HESCAR

http://hescar.com/id

Aku mau iPAd-nyaaaaaaaaaaaa....

Mengintip Perjalanan Kami di India

2011-06-19T23:03:00.002+08:00

Setelah mengenalkan Hescar di Malaysia dan di tanah air, kini Hescar telah melebarkan sayap ke negeri ribuan dewa, INDIA. Di India, Hescar diterima dengan baik oleh berbagai kalangan akademisi serta para siswa yang baru saja tamat SMA. Kami bangga dapat terus memberikan informasi pendidikan kepada berbagai kalangan muda di berbagai penjuru dunia. Ikuti kisah team Hescar di India berikut.

Perjalanan dari Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia menuju New Delhi, India memakan waktu kurang lebih 6 jam. Dengan menumpangi pesawat Air Asia X model Airbus 340 kami pun berangkat. Sepanjang perjalanan di atas awan, aku dapat melihat matahari tenggelam. Sungguh pemandangan yang menakjubkan dan menghibur hati yang sedang galau.

Sesampainya di Indira Gandhi International Airport di New Delhi, India kami dijemput untuk langsung menuju hotel dimana kami menginap. Walau hari hampir usai, malam hari di Delhi masih bising dengan berbagai kendaraan lalu lalang. Kemacetan, kebisingan dan polusi adalah impresi pertama untuk mengambarkan keadaan jalan di Delhi. Tak jauh berbeda dengan ibukota Jakarta, bahkan lebih parah di beberapa tempat tertentu. Bersyukurlah bagi yang tinggal di Jakarta, ternyata ada yang lebih parah…hehehe!

Team Hescar ikut serta dalam acara pameran pendidikan di jantung kota Delhi selama akhir pekan. Bertempat di Pragati Maidan convention hall, Hescar mendapatkan berbagai respon positif dari para siswa yang mencoba langsung website kami ditempat. Mereka semua mengutarakan kegembiraanya serta mendapatkan manfaat dari aplikasi Hescar untuk mencari universitas yang tepat.

Walau pernah dijajah oleh Inggris, Bangsa India tetap bangga menggunakan bahasa Hindi untuk berkomunikasi. Mereka pun menganggap saya orang India, sehingga orang - orang pada bicara dalam bahasa India denganku. Sudah tentu saya yang AREMA (arek Malang) asli, tidak dapat berbahasa Hindi. Setelah menjelaskan kalau saya bukan orang India, barulah mereka percaya dan mau berbahasa Inggris (Walau patah-patah dan ala India)

Di New Delhi begitu banyak penjaja makanan dijalan seperti di Indonesia, namun kita perlu berhati - hati karena makanan tersebut terkadang kotor terkontaminasi oleh polusi maupun debu (Oh ya sering sekali terjadi badai debu secara tiba-tiba di Delhi). Namun secara umum makanan disana mempunyai cita rasa yang tinggi. Kami pun mecoba berbagai macam masakan India yang mempunyai ciri khas manis, asin dan pedas. Untungnya perutku tidak membrontak dengan masakan - masakan rasa nano - nano tersebut.

Hari terakhir di India kami habiskan untuk mengunjungi salah satu monumen terindah di dunia yaitu Taj Mahal. Kami menyewa mobil dan berangkat menuju kota Agra (5 jam dari Delhi) melewati pemandangan pedesaan India yang begitu menawan. Sesampainya di kawasan Taj Mahal, kami harus menumpangi mobil elektrik karena konon 2 KM area Taj Mahal adalah Green Area dimana motor dilarang masuk. Hal ini bertujuan untuk melindungi Taj Mahal dari polusi udara akibat kendaraan bermotor.

Setelah berkeliling di Taj Mahal dan berfoto ria, kami melanjutkan perjalanan menuju airport Delhi. Kami sempatkan untuk mampir di Sikandara sebuah istana yang berisi pemakaman tua yang begitu indah dan mampir ke McDonald. Ironisnya saat kami memesan Big Mac meal, ternyata Big Mac tersebut terbuat dari ayam dan campuran sayur. Kami lupa kalau di India mereka tidak menjual produk dari daging sapi. Dan kami pun mecoba McVeggie atau burger dari sayuran. Rasanya gak jauh beda dengan jengkol..heheh!

Perjalanan kami pun berakhir dengan begitu mengesankan. Banyak sekali pengetahuan serta ilmu baru yang kami dapatkan di perjalanan singkat ini. Nantikan kisah Hescar di berbagai penjuru dunia lainnya saat kami berada di kota atau negara anda.

Salam Hescar dari Delhi, India

Pelatihan Diplomasi Bagi Mahasiswa RI di Malaysia

2011-04-19T22:11:00.004+08:00

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News) – Sebanyak 74 orang mahasiswa Indonesia di Malaysia, Sabtu, mengikuti pelatihan diplomasi dan negosiasi guna memperkuat peran strategis mereka dalam meningkatkan hubungan kedua negara.

Wakil Duta Besar RI untuk Malaysia, Mulya Wirana. menyambut baik lokakarya pelatihan diplomasi yang berlangsung di Melaka, Malaysia itu. Mulya Wirana mengatakan, semua segmen masyarakat, termasuk mahasiswa, memiliki peran strategis dalam kegiatan diplomasi dan negosiasi.

“Di era globalisasi ini, semua segmen masyarakat memiliki peran diplomasi yang kuat dalam memperjuangkan negara ini,” katanya.

Melalui kekuatan diplomasi dan negosiasi, hubungan Indonesia dengan negara-negara lain diharapkan dapat semakin erat dan kokoh termasuk memperkuat “posisi tawar menawar” (bargaining position) di tingkat internasional, katanya.

Bagi mahasiswa Indonesia yang sedang melanjutkan pendidikannya di Malaysia, mereka berperan strategis dalam memperkuat hubungan antardua bangsa serumpun ini supaya menjadi lebih kokoh dan harmonis.

“Mahasiswa sebagai penerus bangsa diharapkan kelak menjadi diplomat ulung sehingga dalam perjalanannya posisi negara Indonesia semakin kuat di mata internasional termasuk dengan negara-negara tetangga terdekat seperti Malaysia ini,” ungkapnya.

Khusus untuk Malaysia, sebagai negara serumpun, adalah kewajiban bersama untuk meningkatkan hubungan bilateral. Oleh karenanya, para mahasiswa juga kelak diharapkan bisa menjadi pejuang diplomasi yang handal dalam menjaga keutuhan negara, katanya.

Senada dengan pendapat Mulya Wiranadi, Kepala Bidang Penerangan, Sosial dan Budaya (Pensosbud) KBRI Kuala Lumpur Suryana Sastradiredja mengatakan, mahasiswa harus pandai berdiplomasi dan bernegosiasi.

“Para mahasiswa harus menguasai teknik-teknik berdiplomasi. Mereka adalah aset bangsa yang harus dibina dan dipupuk kemampuan dalam melakukan diplomasi,” kata Suryana.

Oleh karenanya, lanjut dia, para mahasiswa juga perlu tahu tata cara dalam menghadapi suatu isu yang muncul yang nantinya akan dibicarakan, dirundingkan dan diambil keputusan dengan pihak lain.

“Setidaknya mereka harus menguasai secara baik bahasa Inggris agar pemahaman dalam kesepakatan diplomasi yang akan diambil dapat secara benar,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Atase Pendidikan KBRI Kuala Lumpur, Rusdi MA, mengatakan bahwa mahasiswa juga merupakan ujung tombak diplomasi Indonesia di luar negeri sehingga pelatihan diplomasi dan negoasiasi yang diberikan sangatlah penting dalam menambah pemahaman kepada mereka.

Menurut dia, pelatihan ini memberikan pelajaran dan pencerahan bagi mahasiswa agar dalam menyampaikan aspirasi dapat mengikuti standar baku dalam berdiplomasi.”

“Pelatihan ini kelak berguna dan bermanfaat juga dalam lingkungan pekerjaan yang nantinya akan mereka jalani,” katanya.

Ketua Panitia Pelatihan, Dimas Bagus Kusumah, mengatakan bahwa penyelenggaraan pelatihan seperti ini merupakan yang kedua kalinya dan mendapat respon positif para mahasiwa Indonesia di Malaysia.

“Untuk kali ini, pesertanya mencapai 74 orang yang datang dari sejumlah perguruan tinggi di wilayah Semenanjung Malaysia,” katanya.

Bagi mahasiswa, pelatih seperti ini sangat penting agar mereka bisa lebih memperkokoh hubungan antarnegara bertetangga.

Lokakarya ini diselenggarakan KBRI Kuala Lumpur bersama dengan Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI).

Editor: Priyambodo RH
COPYRIGHT © 2011

U- EDGE: You are the star!

2010-11-13T10:46:00.000+08:00

The year 2010 has been outstanding for UCTI with a host of achievements and awards, both for the university and the accomplished students we have in the university. Many of UCTI’s students had shown their traits and talents in different areas of extra-curricular activities. To continuously support the outstanding achievements and development of the students, the university introduced a recognition program called U-EDGE.

When U-EDGE was first launched in late 2009, the program encouraged many students to stand out, show their talents and be recognized in the university community. U- EDGE itself is a personal development program which acknowledges the contribution of UCTI students in non-academic activities that could directly or indirectly enhance their learning experience.

The program was first initiated by Anita Premila Paul, a senior lecturer of UCTI’s School of Business. It is aimed not only to motivate students to engage in many various activities as a student, but also as a career development program which testify to potential employers what personal attributes you have gained and experienced throughout your university education.

“Research has shown that job seekers and potential employers want graduates to stand out from the rest of the pool of job applicants. The U-EDGE cert is proof of that distinction, that ‘something extra’, to complement your degree and is a great way to impress,” says Ms Anita. “It builds character and brands personality. Besides, when a student looks back with pride at what they have achieved, they can be inspired to accomplish much more in the future!”

The program allows student to self-asses their learning experience as they engage in activities, projects, clubs involvement which falls under the following attributes; Leadership, Teamwork, Social awareness and community services ,Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Communication and Public Relations, Education and Career, Technology and Multimedia, Diversity and Cultural Awareness, Sports and Music appreciation. Evidently, some of these attributes are what employers look for in the job market.

Students need to simply document what they have done by filling and submitting a Self Assessment form available on webspace. This will go through the U-EDGE Committee to determine if the student has met the criteria for the U-EDGE Cert of Outstanding Achievement.

In order to receive the cert, students need to have the vital attributes of leadership, teamwork and social awareness as well to maintain a healthy grade point average of 2.5 and above. Additionally, the U-EDGE certified students are eligible to receive the PRISM AWARDS which will be shortlisted by the committee. The PRISM award is to reward final year students in specific categories and will be given once a year at the graduation.

For future developments, the committee plans to introduce the Special Achievement Award for exceptional and extra-ordinary accomplishment. This will be for students and staff to nominate any individual or team even if they are not attached to the U-EDGE program. This way, more UCTI students can have the opportunity to be stars in our campus. Are you the next star? Join the U-EDGE program to prove it.
Written by DANIAL HAMZAH for UCTI Newsletter.

Speak With Conviction - UCTI Debating Society

2010-11-04T18:32:00.004+08:00

Speak with conviction. This is the formula that the UCTI debating society promoted in UCTI over the year. The society which was founded in 2009 is aimed at developing the communication and public speaking skills of UCTI students through a fun mind game called debating.

Through debating, students not only learn how to overcome their fear and speak confidently in public, but at the same time learn about everyday issues such as social, economic, and political issues around the world. This encourages students to be critical and open-minded to controversial issues by analyzing both sides of the picture (positive and negative).

Managed by Mark Darren Savuriar (President), Teh Tian Yan (Vice President), Danial Hamzah (Secretary General) and Timothy Gerard Andrew (Treasurer), this year the society has developed rapidly with many achievements.

In 2009, the society represented UCTI in the quarter-finals of national tournaments such as the UiTM Novice and IMU Inter-Varsities. At the regional platform, UCTI reached the octo-finals of the Asian BP Championship in Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok – Thailand as well as quarter-finals of the Great Serdang Debate in University Putra Malaysia.

In 2010, the society participated in many regional and international tournaments such as the Malaysia Debate Open, Singapore Debate Open, United Asian Debating Championship in Assumption University, Bangkok, International Humanitarian Law Debate and many more in the list.

Outstanding achievements this year were contributed by Mark Darren and Choo Jiun Yan who emerged as runner up in a national debate competition held in Politeknik Merlimau Melaka. Timothy Andrew emerged as finalists in MMU IV and maintained that title at KDU Pro-Am together with his team mate, Choo Jiun Yean. Furthermore, Timothy Andrew, Phodiso Mptokwane and Danial Hamzah made it through the quarter-finals of UiTM Novice and Iskandar Debate Open in UTM, Johor Bahru. Mark Darren and Teh Tian Yan made it through to the semi-finals of SMU BP IV, Singapore. Last but not least, Lesego Barona Otlhabanye was top 10 adjudicator for Ramadhan IV and Singapore Debate Open.

In giving back to the UCTI society, the debate club had successfully organized public speaking and presentation workshops in which our members shared tips and tricks to overcome the fear of speaking in public and built the foundations for UCTI students to be great speakers and presenters.

In spreading the debating culture, the society organized a public debate session where students participated and voiced out their opinions. Another successful event this year was the 1st UCTI Debate Open which attracted debaters from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. UCTI’s very own tournament was held in conjunction with a debating seminar by Andy Hume, a 1997 Worlds University Debating Champion.

Currently, the debating society is representing UCTI among other universities around the globe in the Worlds University Debating Championship in University of Botswana. The society intends to gradually spread the debating culture in UCTI and continuously promote UCTI as a globally recognized award-winning university.

For more information about the UCTI Debating Society Visit www.UCTIDebates.com

65th Indonesian Independence Celebration – Merdeka!

2010-11-04T18:29:00.002+08:00

17 August 2010. Each year the Indonesian students’ society of UCTI celebrates their Independence Day among more than 70 different nationals studying in UCTI. This year’s celebration takes place in the foyer with an opening remark from Datuk. Prof. Mohamad Yusof bin Kasim as vice chancellor of UCTI who showed his appreciation to the Indonesian society of UCTI which consistently preserve their nationalism and show their cultures among the multicultural society in UCTI.

Present at the ceremony Datuk. Prof. Mohamad Yusof bin Kasim as vice chancellor of UCTI, managers of UCTI, lecturers, student representatives and more than 200 Indonesian students studying in UCTI.

The event started with a flag raising ceremony, commemoration of the fallen heroes and singing national songs which is part of the annual ceremony for all Indonesians around the world in celebrating the Independence Day.

Veronica Joy Sulaiman as the adviser of the Indonesian Students Society of UCTI in her mandate for this Independence day celebration urge all Indonesian students to study hard, be creative and innovative in the globalization era and shine as a global citizen contributing to make the world a better place.

Miss Veronica which is also a lecturer in the school of business also shares an Indonesian philosophy “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” which means unity in diversity. As a heterogenic campus consisting of students from many countries around the world, UCTI must always unite to achieve our common goal which is becoming an award winning university. No matter where you come from, your race, religion or social status we are all under the umbrella of UCTI.

This event coincide with the Ramadan month for the Muslims, hence a fast breaking together was held to celebrate the both the fasting month and our unity in UCTI.

Written by Danial for UCTI Newsletter 2010

Merantaulah

2010-10-26T15:11:00.002+08:00

Orang berilmu dan beradab tidak akan diam di kampung halaman
Tinggalkan negerimu dan merantaulah ke negeri orang
Merantaulah, kau akan dapatkan pengganti dari kerabat dan kawan
Berlelah - lelahlah, manisnya hidup terasa setelah berjuang

Aku melihat air menjadi rusak karena diam tertahan
Jika mengalir menjadi jernih, jika tidak, kan keruh menggenang

Singa jika tak tinggalkan sarang tak akan dapat mangsa
Anak panah jika tidak tinggalkan busur tak akan kena sasaran

Jika matahari di orbitnya tidak bergerak dan terus diam
Tentu manusia bosan padanya dan enggan memandang

Bijih emas bagaikan tanah biasa sebelum digali dari tambang
Kayu gaharu tak ubahnya seperti kayu biasa
jika di dalam hutan

Merantaulah...

BERBANGGALAH BAGI KALIAN YANG TELAH MERANTAU

Bait puisi ini diterjemahkan dari karya Imam Syafi'i.
Muhammad bin Idris asy-Syafi`i atau Imam Syafi' Lahir di Gaza, Palestina, 150 H / 767M dan meninggal di Fusthat, Mesir 204H / 819M. Beliau merantau ke Madinah dan Iraq pada umur 20 tahun demi mencari ilmu. Kini Mahzab beliau telah menjadi pedoman jutaan umat Islam di dunia. Yaitu Mahzab Syafi'i

Perpisahan, Biarlah Terjadi

2010-10-18T10:54:00.002+08:00

Tak lagi ada suara
tak ada canda yang membahana
yang ada hanyalah isyarat
detakan hampa di dada…

sekian lama terbina asa
harus kikis dalam album kenangan
entah apa maknanya
buat kita sadar bahwa hidup
memang fana…

Inilah detik-detik terakhir
saat kita harus berpisah…
Sahabat,
tataplah mataku
mungkin akan engkau temui
ungkapan hati kecilku,

Genggamlah tanganku,
mungkin kau akan merasakan hangatnya
kebersamaan kita dahulu…

Tak usah dicela,
biarlah semua terjadi atas Qodrat-Nya
biarlah kebisuan ini tetap terjaga
mungkin kelak akan kita rindukan,

Jikalau ada sebait asa di jiwa
biarlah terangkai menjadi lirik-lirik lagu cinta
Jikalau ada sebiji noda di qalbu
Singkapkanlah jauh dari pikirmu

Biarlah angin berhembus seperti biasa
Biarlah matahari terus berotasi…
Biarlah!

Karena kini,
Kita berhenti mengerti
arti sebuah kebersamaan
dan di persimpangan jalan ini,
kita melangkah sendiri-sendiri…

Mass Customization - The New Paradigm in Production

2010-10-18T10:44:00.004+08:00

Mass Customization is the new paradigm that replaces mass production, which is no longer suitable for today’s turbulent markets, growing product variety, and opportunities for e-commerce. Mass customization proactively manages product variety in the environment of rapidly evolving markets and products, many niche markets, and individually customized products sold through stores or over the internet e-commerce system.

Mass customizes can customize products quickly for individual customers or for niche markets at better than mass production efficiency and speed. Using the same principles, mass customizes can build to order both customized products and standard products without forecasts, inventory, or purchasing delays.

Mass customization is the new paradigm in manufacturing whereby companies personalize or customize products or services for individuals at a mass production price. (Davis, 1987) (Cited in Pines, 1993). It is a flexible process and structure of the organization to mass produce variety of products designed specifically to meet customers’ requirements.

Today, advance technology in production enables a firm to produce products customized based on the demand of the customers in bulk. The advance of technology changed customer standards of living by the increase demand of personalized products that that suits their own preference, taste and style. Hence, customers can only be satisfied when the products are customized to meet their requirements. The living standards of the customers will only improve when their requirements are met. (Zhan, 2009)

In recent years, enterprises gained tremendous competition advantages by implementing large-scale customization. Some experts predicted that large-scale customization would gradually replace traditional mass production and become the manufacturing mainstream mode. (Zhan, 2009) Thus, making companies not only having a cost reduction avenue and achieve economic of scale. With that, companies can also increase wages of their staffs which will eventually increase the standard of living of the staffs and put a lid on inflation.

Interactive technologies such as internet, allows customers to interact with the producers and specify the unique requirements which are then manufactured by the automated system. (Bapna et all, 2000) Companies such as Dell utilize e-commerce system from which their website enables customers to customize their own laptops to their preferences then order and make payment online. The system will then list down the specific requirements of the customer and assemble the laptop, then deliver to the respective customer (Kepczyk, 2008)

E-commerce system will benefit both the customer and Dell as the manufacturer. Customers will advantage from buying a products that meets their requirement efficiently, while Dell achieve not only economic of scale through mass customization, but also operational cost reduction in distribution system. Therefore, e-commerce plays a big role in distributing customized products to the end customers directly.

Moreover, mass customization can also become a competitive edge in manufacturing technique. Mass customization allows producers to reduce waste and cost of production that does not meet the customers demand. One would argue that market forecasting can reduce the risk. But as the society demand and preferences changes, mass customization is the solution to produce in large volume at the same time meeting the customers demand. (Blecker and Friedrich, 2006) This manufacturing technique is proven the most efficient approach for manufacturers such as Toyota and Dell.

Mass customization is the new paradigm in manufacturing whereby companies personalize or customize products or services for individuals at a mass production price. (Davis, 1987) (Cited in Pines, 1993). It is a flexible process and structure of the organization to mass produce variety of products designed specifically to meet customers’ requirements.

Today, advance technology in production enables a firm to produce products customized based on the demand of the customers in bulk. The advance of technology changed customer standards of living by the increase demand of personalized products that that suits their own preference, taste and style. Hence, customers can only be satisfied when the products are customized to meet their requirements. The living standards of the customers will only improve when their requirements are met. (Zhan, 2009)

In recent years, enterprises gained tremendous competition advantages by implementing large-scale customization. Some experts predicted that large-scale customization would gradually replace traditional mass production and become the manufacturing mainstream mode. (Zhan, 2009) Thus, making companies not only having a cost reduction avenue and achieve economic of scale. With that, companies can also increase wages of their staffs which will eventually increase the standard of living of the staffs and put a lid on inflation.

Interactive technologies such as internet, allows customers to interact with the producers and specify the unique requirements which are then manufactured by the automated system. (Bapna et all, 2000) Companies such as Dell utilize e-commerce system from which their website enables customers to customize their own laptops to their preferences then order and make payment online. The system will then list down the specific requirements of the customer and assemble the laptop, then deliver to the respective customer (Kepczyk, 2008)

E-commerce system will benefit both the customer and Dell as the manufacturer. Customers will advantage from buying a products that meets their requirement efficiently, while Dell achieve not only economic of scale through mass customization, but also operational cost reduction in distribution system. Therefore, e-commerce plays a big role in distributing customized products to the end customers directly.

Moreover, mass customization can also become a competitive edge in manufacturing technique. Mass customization allows producers to reduce waste and cost of production that does not meet the customers demand. One would argue that market forecasting can reduce the risk. But as the society demand and preferences changes, mass customization is the solution to produce in large volume at the same time meeting the customers demand. (Blecker and Friedrich, 2006) This manufacturing technique is proven the most efficient approach for manufacturers such as Toyota and Dell.

In aircraft manufacturing industry, mass customization is also practiced. Aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing manifest different types of variety and customization in producing their finish goods. Hence, these manufacturers encounter challenges in producing customized products.

Gilmore and Pine (1997) identify four product perspective customization strategies; collaborative, cosmetic, adaptive and transparent. (Appendix 2) Hence, aircraft manufacturing falls under the collaborative customization category. In collaborative customization, the firm conducts a dialogue with individual customers to help them articulate their needs, to identify the precise offering that fulfills those needs, and to make customized products for them. (Gilmore and Pine, 1997) A customer defines the needs, wants, requirements and specification of the aircraft, only then the manufacturer assembles the products.

For instant, when Malaysia Airlines orders a new Airbus A380, the Airbus Company will ask the specifications, advance features, additional needs and preferences as well as the painting of the aircraft exterior. Thus, making the production of the aircraft is collaborative between the customer’s specific request and the company.
Some challenges of the product perspective are the miscommunication and misdirection from the respective customer, making the producer to mistakenly customize the product. Hence, a challenge for the manufacturer is to match the product customized exactly with the specification required.

While the product perspective oversees the manifestations of variety and customized product, the process perspective looks at where in the production value chain the company implements the customization (Comstock et al, 2004).
Generally, the process perspective is either to make to stock or (push system) or make to order (pull system). Make to stock (MTS) is when manufacture products for stock based on demand forecasts, which can be regarded as push-type production. MTS has been required to prevent opportunity loss due to stock out. While Make to order (MTO) is when manufactures starts production once the customer places the order (Anderson, 2004).

Aircraft industry as mentioned above only manufactures the aircrafts once an order of a specific aircraft is accepted from the customers. Thus, making the aircraft manufacturers practice MTO or make to order.
A big challenge in make to order or pull manufacturing system is the time gap between the order and the actual delivery of the finished good. It is a huge challenge for aircraft manufacturers to meet the promised time of delivery to the airline industry.

Lastly, mass customization must also follow the system perspective whereby it select enablers that makes customized product variety and customization possible are the focus. Zipkin (2001) outlined three main elements of mass customization that are connected by powerful communication links. They are; customer elicitation, process flexibility and logistics.

These communication links are the system perspective that aids makes mass customization possible. Some to mention are systems such as computer aided design (CAD), supply chain management system (SCM) and even customer relationship management system (CRM). These systems, including the e-commerce system acts as intermediary that links the customers to producers are those that enable mass customization to work at a specific point.

Yet, system perspective also having the challenge of system failures that might occur to the automated system they used in providing the customized product. Thus, making companies to always enhance and upgrade their system in order to avoid system failures.

Anderson (2004) argued that there are three ways to customize products: modular, adjustable, and dimensional customization. Modular customization usually modules are literally building blocks that can customize a product by assembling various combinations of modules. Examples of modules would include many components in automobiles such as engines, transmissions, audio equipment and tire.
Adjustable customization on the other hand is a reversible way to customize products. Adjustments could be infinitely variable. Discrete adjustments, or configurations, would represent few choices, such as those provided by electronic switches, jumpers, cables, or discrete software.

While dimensional customization, involves a permanent cutting-to-fit, mixing, or tailoring. Dimensional customization could be infinite or have a selection of discrete choices. Examples of infinite dimensional customization would include the tailoring of clothing and grinding eyeglasses.

Overseeing that there are many methods of product customization, this shows that mass customization has the potential to create or develop new products to be offered to the market. Hence, through mass customization, more varieties and featured product evolves and are created by manufacturers.

A good example is the giant A380 Airbus aircraft that was designed after customization of aircrafts to accommodate more passengers. Airbus A380 is right now the largest passenger plane ever made in the world to accommodate long haul flights that enables airlines to save on petroleum cost. The invention of the new airbus is a process of customization both modular and adjustable.Therefore, it can be concluded that mass customization has drive new product development and product creation to exist and enhance the creation of new products that will accommodate the changing needs and preferences of the customers.

In conclusion, mass customization has become a new paradigm in the manufacturing industry which will shift mass production as it is proven more efficient and effective in both reducing cost and ensuring profitability of certain product.

Hence, with the aid of e-commerce and advance technology, a complex and specified customization can easily be done by producers by enhancing the information flow in the supply chain management. Through disintermediation, producers not only saves cost of product distribution, but also able to meet the exact demand and interact with their respective customers.

Furthermore, mass customization not only beneficial to the producers extends, but also to the customers as they achieve a higher degree of satisfaction through the products that are customized to meet their personal requirements. Thus, it will also drive the creation of new products as the demand of customers’ changes.

Kiprah Mahasiswa Indonesia sebagai Duta Bangsa

2010-10-18T10:42:00.002+08:00

Kongres Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia di Malaysia (PPIM) dengan sukses dilaksanakan di University College of Technology and Innovations (UCTI) Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia mulai 12 - 13 Juni 2010. Acara tahunan ini tidak hanya menyatukan mahasiswa – mahasiswi Indonesia yang sedang belajar di Malaysia namun menjadi sebuah wadah pembelajaran demokrasi dengan memilih presiden PPIM periode 2010 -2011.

Kongres tahun ini menangkat tema Peran Mahasiswa Indonesia dalam Persaingan Global. Diharapkan muncul pemimpin – pemimpin yang tidak hanya memiliki intelektualitas tinggi, namun dapat pula berperan aktif di persaingan global jelas Danial Hamzah Abdat, ketua pelaksana acara ini.

Dalam sambutannya, Widyarka Ryananta – menteri konselor penerangan Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia (KBRI) Kuala Lumpur mengingatkan bahwa seluruh delegasi yang hadir dalam kongres ini mewakili 10.000 mahasiswa Indonesia di Malaysia. Tugas utama mahasiswa adalah belajar dengan giat, namun Mahasiswa Indonesia di Malaysia juga dapat menjadi duta bangsa yang menjadi agen - agen peredam konflik bilateral yang kerap terjadi antara Indonesia dan Malaysia.

Hal yang sama juga diutarakan oleh Gurpardeep Singh, wakil presiden bagian operasional UCTI yang memaparkan di UCTI terdapat lebih dari 400 mahasiswa Indonesia. Mahasiswa Indonesia tidak hanya cerdas secara akademis, namun selalu menonjol diantara berbagai mahasiswa UCTI yang berasal dari 62 negara yang berbeda. Hal ini membuat UCTI sangat bangga menjadi tuan rumah kongres PPIM 2010 ke-12.
Kongres PPIM ini di ikuti oleh lebih dari 120 perwakilan mahasiswa Indonesia dari 25 institusi pendidikan di Malaysia. Dalam acara ini, terpilih saudara Mohammad Hamidi dari University Malaya (UM) sebagai presiden PPIM periode 2010 – 2011 secara aklamasi.

Selain dari pada itu, kongres ke-12 ini juga meresmikan 4 cabang PPIM baru, yaitu; Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMap), University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTEM) dan University College Sedaya International (UCSI) serta 1 cabang persiapan dari Selangor International Islamic University College (SIIUC).

Acara peresmian serta serah terima jabatan disaksikan oleh Drs. Muhammad Imran Hanafi, atase pendidikan KBRI Kuala Lumpur yang memberikan pengarahan serta menutup resmi kongres yang akan kembali digelar di Kolej Univeristi Insaniyah, Alor Setar tahun depan.

UCTI, Kuala Lumpur : 13 Juni 2010

Analyzing the Malaysian Business Environment

2010-10-18T10:17:00.008+08:00

Prior to setting up a business or expanding a business to a new environment, it is essential that businesses take note of the environment factors effecting the business operations. Living and studying in Malaysia made me to analyze the environment factors as below.

Political-Legal Environment
Political stability is an important consideration in making investment decisions. Jürgen (2000) in Smith (2005) outlined factors leading to political instability, namely corruption, collusion and nepotism, non-democratic systems of government, inadequate electoral systems, lack of separation of powers and dependency of the judiciary.

Moreover, political risk can be measured in terms of internal strive to conflict between neighboring countries, and other unforeseen dangers such as conflicts, war and terrorism. Thus all generates compiling effects to the businesses invested in the country.

Malaysia as a federal constitution monarchy state which also adopts parliamentary democracy can be considered to have a very stable government. Malaysian government known as National Front consists of UMNO (United Malays National Organization) and parties from other communities such as MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association) and MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress) can work towards common benefits peacefully resulting in democratic elections in the country (Trade Chakra, 2009).

However, internal conflicts due to ethno-religious differences often occur in a complex society like Malaysia, resulting to political unrest in the country. For instant, controversy over use of the word ‘Allah’ resulting in tensions between different beliefs in the society and even the parliament (Mydans, 2010). Hence, a number of high – profile corruption cases involving bribes has made doing business in Malaysia inconvenience (BACP, 2010).

In addition, Malaysian government has numerous legislations in favor of the indigenous people and the Malaysian citizens in form of trade law and investment policies intended to protect the local economy. (Trade Charaka, 2009) Despite having these tensions, Malaysia is still considered politically stabile remained intact for foreign investors to expand their businesses.

Economic Environment

A stable political environment, effective bureaucracy, flexible economic policies, export-oriented industrialization and inflow of foreign direct investments (FDIs) has benefit Malaysia’s economy over the past decade. (Davies, 2009) This brought prosperity and a high level of confidence to the majority of the population in form of their purchasing power.

Malaysia has a healthy rapidly growing economy with a low inflation rate and currency exchange tightly regulated and pegged to the US dollar (Mohamed, 2001). Regardless the government has been criticized for state intervention over economic development and the imposition of capital and currency exchange controls in 1998, (Mohamed, 2001) the government is now reconsidering to liberalize the economy.

In 2008, Malaysia also suffers from the global economic crisis. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth significantly drops to 0.1%, compared with an average of 6.3% in the first 9 months of the year (Abdul Razak, 2009).The decline mainly due to contraction in export value of 13.4%. The fall in exports has adversely affected economic growth of the country (Abdul Razak, 2009). Hence, the government promises higher economic development, through stimulus packages offered to aid the local economy in 2010.

Despite the global economical crisis and the increase of taxes and tariffs, Malaysia still remains among top 10 competitive economies in the region benefiting from strong demand in Asia and efficient economical policies the businesses in to invest (Mohamed, 2010). Thus investors are encouraged to devote in businesses to the Malaysian market.

Social Environment

Malaysia is indeed complex having a high level of heterogeneity of cultures, races, religions and beliefs domestically. Islam being the majority constitutes many teachings that affect the socio-cultural perspective of the people (Davies, 2009). For instants, norms and ethical issues in the society are aligned to the Islamic law such as having Halal certifications for all public consumed products in the society. Thus businesses are obliged to follow these norms as well as being socially responsible to the community.
Moreover, with the constantly changing demographics, Malaysia’s socio-cultural factors implies on the trends and buying behaviour of the people, thus purchasing power are also affected due to the nations’ unstable income rate (Davies, 2009). Trends such as technology procurement, healthier lifestyle and more women in the workforce derive Malaysia’s economy to grow rapidly. Therefore, being socially cautious and responsible with aid of the media is the best approach in entering the Malaysian business market.

Technological Environment

Malaysia has the every opportunity to advance the technological development of the country. Technologies for production, transportation and communication have been established as the nation infrastructure after the rise of Petronas and Malaysia’s economy in 2001. (Lai and Yap, 2004) Thus innovations and advancement of technologies are encouraged over research and development as well as through higher education all over the country.

Innovations on green technologies have shown the excellence and the capabilities of Malaysia in producing better methods to answer the global climate change (Matrade, 2010). While advancement in nuclear technology secures Malaysia from shortage of electricity in the long run (Associated Press, 2010) Hence, the nations’ quality of internet connection services has been upgraded to cater the growing population demand for internet (Bernama, 2010)

Although advancement of technologies in Malaysia has rapidly been endorse by the government to cater to the needs of the people as well as the businesses, intellectual property rights and patents would need strengthening to avoid misuse of technologies available. Yet, businesses to operate in Malaysia shall have nothing to worry about the technological development of the country both as infrastructure and procurement.

BALI : a heaven to visit

2010-01-15T11:19:00.005+08:00

Bali is an island in Indonesia, and became one of the provinces of Indonesia. Bali lies between Java and Lombok Island. The provincial capital is Denpasar, located on the southern island. Bali is a majority of the population embraces Hinduism. Famous as a tourism destination with a unique variety of art-culture, wonderful beaches and awsome holiday activities destination. Bali is also called the Island of Gods and Goddesses.
Some major great places you should visit is Ubud, Bedugul, Pasar Sukawati, Tanah Lot, Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua,Uluwatu, Dreamland beach, Kuta, Lovina, Sanur, Batubulan, Jimbaran & Seminyak and of course Denpasar the main city.
Whether you want to throw yourself from high altitudes, hurtle down frothing rapids, explore the wonders of the deep or just lie back and take it easy, Bali is the place. The beach is a major factor in any island holiday and Bali has a coastline which offers every possible water activity, including surfing some of the best waves in the world, swimming with dolphins, cruises, snorkeling, diving, sailing, and parasailing.

Although not everybody knows it, Bali is also the perfect spot to do, safely, a lot of outdoor activities such as rafting, mountain cycling, hiking, and many others, including some extreme activities like bungee jumping and paragliding. Being an island is natural that most of the outdoor activities are related to the sea and indeed Bali is one of the best known place all over the pacific rim to do surfing.
Bali offers travelers of all ages numerous and various leisure activities to enjoy in this paradise island. Do not worry about your interests and budget, you can always find activities to satisfy your needs and pocket.

Life is so short

2009-12-02T14:12:00.005+08:00

Saya pertama kali bertemu dengan Charles dan Linda Graham saat pasangan asal Amerika itu ikut serta dalam rombongan tur ke Eropa Barat yang saya pimpin, kira-kira 12 tahun yang lalu. Ketika itu mereka mengadakan perjalanan dalam rangka memperingati ulangtahun emas perkawinan mereka. Saya banyak berkomunikasi dengan mereka sebab mereka duduk di baris pertama pada bus yang kami kendarai sepanjang perjalanan, tepat di belakang bangku tempat duduk saya.

Selama 14 hari perjalanan mengunjungi 9 kota di 5 negara, pasangan yang sudah berusia lebih dari 70 tahun itu kerap menjadi perhatian saya. Bukan karena saya mengkhawatirkan kondisi fisik mereka yang mungkin kelelahan akibat perjalanan panjang, karena untuk ukuran kebanyakan orang seusianya, mereka tergolong cukup sehat dan lincah. Yang saya perhatikan justru bagaimana mereka tampak begitu menikmati setiap momen dalam perjalanan tersebut.

‘Pengamatan’ yang saya lakukan secara sembunyi-sembunyi terhadap mereka –entah dengan mencuri pandang melalui kaca spion bus yang kebetulan mengarah langsung pada mereka, atau memperhatikan bagaimana mereka berunding untuk menentukan mau pergi ke mana ketika acara bebas—membuat saya melihat ada sesuatu yang ‘berbeda’ diantara keduanya dibandingkan para peserta lain. Keduanya tampak sangat ceria, yang terpancar jelas dari raut wajah mereka yang sudah dipenuhi keriput.

Rasa penasaran saya atas pasangan Charles dan Linda belum sempat terjawab ketika perjalanan yang kami lakukan sudah harus berakhir. Seluruh rombongan berpisah untuk kembali ke tempat tinggal masing-masing, sementara saya melanjutkan hidup saya seperti biasa.

Setahun berikutnya, ketika ditugaskan untuk memimpin sebuah rombongan tur ke Eropa Timur, secara tak sengaja saya bertemu lagi dengan Charles dan Linda yang ternyata juga ikut serta dalam rombongan tur yang saya pimpin saat itu. Kali ini mereka melakukan perjalanan untuk merayakan ulangtahun perkawinan yang ke-51.

Lantaran sudah saling kenal sebelumnya, kami menjadi cepat akrab. Sebenarnya, saat itu saya hanyalah seorang tur leader pengganti lantaran tur leader yang seharusnya memimpin perjalanan tersebut mendadak jatuh sakit. Di awal perjalanan, saya berterus terang kepada para peserta tur bahwa saya kurang familiar dengan rute perjalanan kali ini.

Di luar dugaan, Charles secara diam-diam berbicara banyak tentang saya kepada para peserta tur lainnya berdasarkan pengalaman yang dialaminya saat ikut serta dalam rombongan tur yang saya pimpin setahun sebelumnya. Tentang bagaimana saya sudah menjadi tur leader yang menurut dia sangat baik dan caring serta berbagai hal-hal positif lainnya.

Berkat dia pulalah, sebagian besar peserta tur jadi memiliki penilaian positif terhadap saya. Konsekuensinya, saya jadi lebih tertantang untuk berbuat semaksimal mungkin, memberikan kualitas layanan yang terbaik dan memuaskan.

Pengalaman memimpin grup tur ke Eropa Timur saat itu adalah awal perjalanan karir saya sebagai seorang tur leader, namun justru di saat saya merasa banyak kemungkinan untuk melakukan kesalahan karena minimnya ‘jam terbang’ dan penguasaan medan, hampir seluruh peserta tur malah memberikan dukungan positif atas apa yang saya lakukan saat itu sehingga saya merasakan situasi yang nyaman sepanjang perjalanan tersebut. Dan semua itu disebabkan karena berbagai pernyataan positif yang disampaikan oleh Charles.

“Hidup ini terlalu singkat untuk dijalani, kalau bisa membuatnya lebih indah, kenapa harus dijalani dengan airmata. Kalau bisa memotivasi orang lain dengan pujian, mengapa kita harus menyampaikannya dengan celaan?” demikian kata Linda saat saya menyampaikan terimakasih atas ‘promosi’ yang dilakukan suaminya untuk saya.

Prinsip life is too short yang dianut oleh Charles dan Linda itu membuat saya merenung tentang makna hidup yang sudah saya jalani saat ini. Usia pernikahan yang mereka jalani hingga sanggup mencapai angka di atas 50 tahun adalah suatu hal yang langka, dan menurut saya perjalanan hidup mengarungi kehidupan selama 70 tahun lebih bukanlah waktu yang singkat pula.

“Kita tidak pernah tahu kapan hidup ini bakal berakhir, kapan saat terakhir kita bakal bertemu dengan orang yang kita kasihi. Bisa saja besok saya atau kamu dipanggil Tuhan, dan alangkah menyesalnya kita ketika menyadari betapa banyak hal yang sebenarnya ingin kita capai, ternyata tidak pernah terwujudkan.

Jika setiap saat kita berpikir bahwa hidup ini terlalu singkat untuk dijalani, maka kita akan termotivasi untuk memberikan makna terbaik pada hari-hari yang kita jalani saat ini,” demikian ungkap Charles panjang lebar. “Dan jika pada kenyataannya kita diberi anugerah untuk menjalani hidup ini lebih lama, bukankah hari-hari yang sudah kita lalui bakal menjadi rangkaian kenangan nan indah?

Selama kehidupan pernikahan kami, rasanya kami tidak sempat meributkan hal-hal kecil karena waktu kami telah tersita dengan pemikiran bagaimana mengisi hari-hari ‘pendek’ kami dengan sebaik mungkin.”

Perkataan Charles dan Linda itu terus melekat di benak saya hingga kini. Prinsip hidup yang mereka anut telah berhasil mempengaruhi jalan pemikiran saya, sehingga sejak saat itu saya menjalani kehidupan dengan lebih bersemangat.

Ketika menikah beberapa tahun yang lalu, saya bersama istri juga telah bersepakat untuk menjalani kehidupan ini dengan prinsip ‘life is so short’. Setiap saat kami selalu berpikir bagaimana caranya agar mengisi hari-hari kami dengan sebaik mungkin. Peringatan hari ulang tahun saya dan istri, maupun ulangtahun pernikahan, kami menjadi ajang untuk introspeksi tentang hari-hari yang telah kami lewati bersama, sekaligus merencanakan apa yang akan kami lakukan untuk kurun waktu setahun ke depan.

Kami menjadi lebih ekspresif dalam mengungkapkan isi hati dan perasaan masing-masing dan tidak ragu-ragu untuk saling mempersembahkan yang terbaik dan berupaya untuk saling membahagiakan satu sama lain. Setiap kali ada konflik yang terjadi, kami berupaya untuk menyelesaikannya dengan sesegera mungkin.

Banyak orang yang mengatakan bahwa kehidupan rumah tangga yang kami jalani barulah ‘seumur jagung’, sehingga saat ini kami baru menikmati yang manis-manis saja. Memang benar, selama hampir dua tahun kehidupan pernikahan kami, hampir bisa dipastikan kami jarang bertengkar. Perselisihan memang ada, namun kami berdua senantiasa mengupayakannya agar persoalan yang kami hadapi tidak melebar dan meluas ke mana-mana. “If you can make it simple, why make it hard?”, begitu kata Linda.

Apabila setiap saat kami mempertahankan prinsip yang sama dalam menjalani hidup ini, dan ketika nantinya kami dikaruniakan umur panjang untuk bisa merayakan ulangtahun pernikahan yang ke-10, 20, 30 atau bahkan yang ke-50 seperti Charles dan Linda, wow.... betapa bernilainya hari-hari yang telah kami jalani selama ini, dan betapa banyak kenangan indah yang telah terukir sepanjang kehidupan ini.

Dan kalaupun toh kami tidak dikaruniakan usia yang panjang, setidaknya kami berdua sudah pernah melewati hari-hari yang indah bersama-sama.

Beberapa bulan yang lalu, saya mendapat kiriman surat dari Linda (kami memang sering saling berkirim surat semenjak pertemuan kami di Eropa bertahun-tahun lalu). Di suratnya Linda menceritakan bahwa Charles telah meninggal dunia, beberapa saat setelah peringatan ulangtahun pernikahan mereka yang ke-62. Herannya, saya tidak menangkap kesan kesedihan di dalam suratnya tersebut.

Bahkan dia mengatakan bahwa mereka berdua sudah sejak lama bersiap menghadapi momen perpisahan yang tak mungkin terelakkan oleh manusia manapun di dunia ini. Linda mengungkapkan bagaimana beruntungnya mereka bisa melewati saat kebersamaan yang panjang, dan bersyukur atas begitu banyak peristiwa yang boleh mereka jalani berdua. Dan ketika memang ‘saat’ itu tiba, yang terungkap justru rasa syukur karena telah diberi banyak kesempatan untuk menjalani hari demi hari bersama dengan orang yang dicintainya.

When you think your life is so short and when you always keep trying to fill up your days with cheers and laughter; someday you’ll be amazed, how many great moments you’ve been through in your lifetime. Itulah kalimat penutup yang ditulis Linda Graham dalam surat terakhir yang dikirimkannya pada saya.

Ditulis oleh: Agung Basuki - www.travelhemat.com
( Traveller, writer and my friend)

Making The Perfect Pitch

2009-10-31T12:58:00.000+08:00

Although many business owners operate retail shops that focus on providing products for customers, some owners face the task of selling their services to prospective clients. While these services are needed, customers often shop around due to the fact they are not purchasing a tangible product they can see before they buy. This is why it is important that business owners are able to deliver the perfect pitch and close the sale.

Determine why your service is needed

Understanding the reasons behind the purchase is one of the key ways to ensure you make the perfect pitch as a business owner. For some business owners this will be obvious as clients purchase or inquire about their services due to something that has happened in their life or something they need. Lawyers are a great example of this as people seek them out when they are in trouble with the law or are forced to go to court. However, other business owners may not have it this easy with their potential customers. For example, advertising companies must often ask a lot of questions before they get to the truth behind why the business they are working with needs their help.

Know your target audience

As more information is provided about why a purchase is being made, you can begin to get to know your customers. This too is important in making the perfect pitch since many customers will purchase services or products based on a personal connection. While it may not be necessary to know the fine details of your customer's business, you should know them by name and treat them as though they are the most important customer in the world. Not only will this help to develop a pleasant and solid working relationship with the customer, but it could also potentially lead to additional business through word-of-mouth referrals.

Back up your words with print

Of course when making the pitch to the customer about why your services are better than your competitors it is important to use printed materials to back up what you are saying and even provide additional information. Most people don't pay companies and businesses for non-tangible services right away unless they are something they are going to use only one time. Instead they want time to think it over, and printed materials can be a great resource to use in these situations. Poster printing, flyers, brochures and more are excellent ways to keep your name and information in front of your customers even when they are in the comfort of their own home.

The perfect pitch is obtainable, and it something you must achieve if you offer services rather than products. Following the suggestions discussed here, you can ensure that your potential customers convert into actual clients that make your business profitable and allow it to grow.

Asian Parliamentary Debate Guidelines

2009-10-21T15:23:00.010+08:00

Asian Parliamentary Debate is a debate format, similar to American Parliamentary Debate, in which two teams of three compete in each match.

Overview
In Asian Parliamentary Style, there are 2 teams - Government and Opposition. Each team has 3 members and each team gives 4 speeches. The format is a limited preparation format, meaning that the topic is announced, depending on the tournament, roughly 30 minutes before the debate.

The 3 members of the Government should defend the motion. The 3 members of the team, each of which gives a 7 minute speech, are:
* 1) Prime Minister
* 2) Deputy Prime Minister
* 3) Government Whip

One speaker from the Government team - either the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister - is charged with giving a 4 minute reply speech that clarifies the debate from the Government perspective without bringing forth new arguments.

The 3 members of the Opposition team should negate the motion and refute arguments brought forth by the Government. The 3 members of the team, each of which gives a 7 minute speech, are:
* 1) Leader of Opposition
* 2) Deputy Leader of Opposition
* 3) Opposition Whip

Like the Government team, one speaker from the Opposition team - either the Leader of Opposition or Deputy Leader of Opposition - is charged with giving a 4 minute reply speech that clarifies the debate from the Opposition perspective without bringing forth new arguments.

In the 7 minute speeches, the opposing team can stand up and ask for Points of Information (POI) after the first minute and until the sixth minute. A POI should be a brief question or comment and not a long-winded monologue or back and forth cross examination session.

Roles of Speakers

Government:
Prime Minister (PM)
* Define context and parameters of debate. For example, in an open motion like "This House Would Support Musicians", the debate could be contextualized into whether music should be a commodity for trade, or it should be available free (i.e. free music download and transfer)
* Provide concise background or history leading to the issue
* Give framework of government bench's case. I.e. mechanisms (if any), argumentation flow (what the government's first argument is and what the Deputy Prime Minister will talk about)
* Introduce 1st argument
* Assert Government stand

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM)
* Rebut first argument from Leader of Opposition
* Rebut rebuttals to PM's argument
* Introduce 2nd and 3rd argument
* Reassert Government stand and case

Government Whip
* Rebut Deputy Leader of Opposition, and Leader of Opposition
* Rebut rebuttals to DPM and PM arguments
* Provide a deeper level of analysis for previous arguments and rebuttals
* No new arguments, but new angles of arguments should be given
* Brief summary of entire case of Government
* Reassert Government stand and case

Opposition:
Leader of Opposition
* Agree or disagree with context/ parameters of debate (any definitional challenges, accusations of squirreling, or unfair set up should be made from the LO speech and no later)
* Rebut Prime Minister's argument
* Give framework for Opposition case (if Opp agrees to problem, then their case should provide solution, or at least effectively highlight how Government proposal will worsen the situation)
* Introduce first Opposition argument
* Assert Opposition stand

Deputy Leader of Opposition
* Rebut DPM and PM arguments
* Rebut rebuttals to LO arguments
* Introduce 1st and 2nd (if any) argument
* Reassert Opposition stand and case

Opposition Whip
* Rebut DPM and PM arguments
* Rebut rebuttals to LO & DLO arguments
* Provide a deeper level of analysis for previous arguments and rebuttals
* No new arguments, but new angles of arguments should be given
* Reassert Opposition stand and case

Reply Speech:
* Can only be done by either 1st or 2nd speaker from each bench
* Provide a biased 'oral adjudication' of why the debate should go to own bench
* Highlight issues you think your side won, carefully tiptoe around issues you think you lost
* New examples to expand on discussed examples is usually allowed and makes the reply speech sound fresh as opposed to verbal regurgitation
* Reassert stand
-----
Most importantly, try to have fun while you're doing all this. ;)

Marhaban Yaa Ramadhan

2009-08-19T09:45:00.001+08:00

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Days pass so quickly. We welcomed last Ramadhan, then we bade it farewell. Only a short period of time passed and we are welcoming Ramadhan again. So we should hasten to do good deeds in this month and strive to fill it with what Allah is pleased with.

Ramadhan is full of discipline, self-control, patience, and good behavior. And we know its the most blessed month in the Islamic calendar. Its primarily a spiritual training course intended to help us cultivate essential virtues and skills in order to lead a meaningful life. I believe that most often we forget our true essence and identity as human beings. In other words, we become totally preoccupied with the physical and material dimensions, forgetting the spiritual core of our personalities. And Ramadhan comes to remind us of who we truly are and how we can discipline ourselves in such a way that we are fully awake to our full spiritual potential.

Let our fasting be a fasting of body, mind, and soul. For while staying away from food, drink, and sexual gratifications, minds, eyes, ears, and tongue. This time is the perfect opportunity to break free of all negative habits that have been holding us back from achieving the true happiness and perfection that is ours as a birthright. Make Ramadhan as the month of empathy and generosity. In fact, one of the main purposes of fasting is to instill in us empathy for the poor and the less deprived. By exposing us to compulsory hunger, we are given a practical lesson in hunger and thirst and thus we become better motivated to empathize with the poor. Hence we are ordered to practice the optimum level of charity in the month of Ramadhan. And don't forget to make this holy month Ramadhan to familiarize ourselves with the Qur’an, the true source of guidance, healing, and mercy—Allah’s perfect gift to humanity.

Marhaban Yaa Ramadhan

Journey to Bromo - Tengger Crater

2009-08-01T15:19:00.009+08:00

If Mount Semeru is well known with the highest peak in Java Island and Mount Merapi as the world's most active volcanic mountain, Mount Bromo is uniquely known because of its volcano inside a volcano. The Base of the Mountain rises from an ancient Tengger caldera.

Mount Bromo is one of the five mountains within the the Tengger caldera in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park located in East Java, Indonesia. With height 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) Mt. Bromo has a unique natural phenomena in from of a crater on the crater covered by sand sea.

Major access point to the National park is from Cemoro Lawang (northeast) of village Ngadisari 5.5 km from Probolinggo. Another trail is from Tosari (northwest) which is around 35 km from a town called Pasuruan through steep mountain road and spectacular scenery.

In Tosari, there are many cottages providing accommodations for travelers and hikers, as well as other services including small restaurants, shops and 4 wheel drive car rents.

From Tosari, we head to the Sea of Sands, forms the floor of the massive Tengger Caldera. The sandy region measures to 10 kilometers in diameter. Eruptions from the surrounding mountains spewing tonnes of volcanic rock which eventually became fine black sands as we see it today.

There are 5 volcanoes inside the caldera of black sands, Mt Bromo (2,329m), Mt Batok (2,470m), Mt Kursi (2,581m), Mt Watangan (2,661m) and Widodaren (2,650m) and of course the great Mt. Semeru or known as Mahameru at (3,676m) which ironically not within the black sea of sands.

Deep by the sea of sand lies Pura Luhur Poten, a Hinduism temple that holds a
significant importance to the Tenggerese tribe scattered across the nearby villages.
Apart from rituals, the temple host the annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony. The event lasts for about 1 month, which on the 14th day, the Tenggerese will congregate at Pura Luhur Poten to ask for blessings from Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa and God of Mahameru (Mt Semeru).

Then the mass will proceed along the crater edges of Mt Bromo where offerings of rice, fruit, vegetables, flowers, livestock and other local produce will be thrown into the deep gully. The offering service dates back to the time of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger who performed a sacrificial ritual of animals and plants in replacement of their 25th child who initially was supposed to be thrown into the crater.

To get to the peak of Mount Bromo itself, you can either walk or take a horse ride to the staircase of the mountain. Horse rides are operated by local Tenggerese youngsters that will cost you Rp. 30.000 at the most.

Then we use the concrete stairs up to the edge of the crater where you will see a large caving crater with smokes coming out of the bottom showing the active volcano.
From there you could enjoy one of the world's greatest volcanic mountain and the outstanding natural panorama they have surrounding the national park.

Trekking Mount Penanjakan (2.770m) is something you should not miss out on your visit. It is a popular vista or look out platform which enables us to view the massive Tengger Caldera. Before the viewing platform, there are plenty of shops selling gifts, foods and jacket rental for those who feels they may need extra layer of protection since weather there is cold enough to keep your fingers froze.

The vista viewing platform is indeed spectacular. To the south, you will see the massive Tengger Caldera, inside which the Sea of Sands stretches as far as your eyes could see. Also within this ancient crater you can see Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, Mount Kursi and the majestic Mount Semeru in the far horizon.

The view to the east is landscaped by Mount Argopuro (3,088m) and Mount Raung (3,332m), and if the weather is clear enough, you can see the western tip of Bali island. And try to look to the west where you can catch the glimpse of the twin peaks of Mount Arjuno (3,339m) and Welirang (3,156m) as the sun rising above the morning mist over the city of Malang.

Be sure to capture many pictures and videos as the journey ends. A last minute tips is always bring adequate clothing to keep you warm and enough food supply if you are camping out. Have a great journey!

Difference between a college and a university?

2009-07-31T17:57:00.003+08:00

What is the difference between a college and a university? This confuses me because the words seem to mean very different things in my country. Maybe this short article here will help you to understand.

In the United States, the word “school” describes any place where people learn. You can call a college a “school.” You can even call a university a “school.” You can use the word “school” for any English language institute, graduate program, or secondary (“high”) school.

College or university follows after high school, or secondary school. A college in the U.S.A. is not a high school or secondary school. College and university programs begin in the thirteenth year of school, when a student is 17 or 18 years old or older. A two-year college offers an Associate’s Degree. A four-year college or university offers a Bachelor’s Degree. Programs that offer these degrees are called “undergraduate” schools.

A “university” is a group of schools for studies after secondary school. At least one of these schools is a college where students receive a Bachelor’s Degree. The other schools in a university are “graduate” (also known as “postgraduate”) schools where students receive advanced degrees. Therefore, a university offers both the Bachelor’s Degree and graduate degrees such as the Master’s (M.A.) and Doctorate (Ph.D.).

You can earn a Bachelor’s Degree at either a college or a university. However, students in the U.S.A. prefer to use the word “college” rather than the word “university” when they talk about the four-year undergraduate program and the Bachelor’s Degree. They say “going to college” and “a college degree” when they talk about undergraduate programs at either a college or a university.

Most “colleges” are separate schools. They are not located in a university. Some colleges are part of a university and are located on the university campus. (The “campus” is the school buildings and surrounding area.) A few colleges offer graduate programs in selected subjects. Usually, however, it is universities that offer graduate programs. So, Americans use the word “university” and not “college” when they talk about graduate study.

Taken from Many sources

BATAVIA : A Stainless Love Tale

2009-07-30T19:14:00.003+08:00

BATAVIA (Ballad of APIIT-UCTI Through All Variety of Indonesian Arts) is a drama musical theatre adapted from the well-known classic love story of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. This world famous drama will be presented in a unique Indonesian version performed by the very students of APIIT-UCTI from various countries. The production composed of diverse features from all across exquisite Indonesian cultures, bringing together a never before reality-based play.

Narrated in English, the performance is packed with the familiar twisted love conflict where divergence perplexed over a dispute. The drama emphasizes on its role portrayal from all races, entertaining both students and public audience.

This event is open for public & students.
Ticket price is RM15/Person, bring along your friends.. :)

Performance Date :
Friday, 31 July 2009, Seating: 7 PM onwards.
Saturday, 1 August 2009 Seating: 7 PM onwards.
Show starts at 8:30pm sharp.

For more information about ticket & location please contact :
Hanna Rauda (+60 16 3140872)
Dwi Indah (+60 17 2068547)
Ike Yasinta ( +60 17 3473770)

supported by UCTI & DBKL.

Journey to East Java, Indonesia

2009-06-25T18:06:00.009+08:00

It's Friday, June the 12, 2009. I went for presentations in campus and finishes my day earlier and start packing as I make my way to the airport heading for Surabaya, Indonesia. I've booked a great deal of itinerary for my 10 days stay in the heart of Indonesia. Arriving at Juanda International Airport around 11 pm local time I claimed my baggage and went out of the arrival hall.

As soon as I went out, I can feel the hot air of Surabaya with many strangers hoping for you to enter their cab to wherever you want to go. I looked around for shuttle buses as I always took to continue my journey to my hometown which is 3 hours drive from the airport.

A taxi driver complete with his uniform and cigar on come approaching to me as I looked around for the shuttle bus. He asked me where I am heading, and nicely I replied that I am going for Batu with the shuttle bus. He told me that shuttle buses aren't allowed anymore to enter to the airport so instead he offered me to hire him for 500.000 rupiah (around 200 Ringgits) to get to my place. I thank him for the offer and left him without acceptance.

With the small changes left, I called a friend to ask him for a favor. But another guy come approaching to me. He must have heard where is my destination. He told me to look for shuttle bus agents near the ATM center as they will pick me you up from there. I got so relieved as I knew that I wont sleep in an airport with strangers that night. I hurried to the ATM center and found the drivers then got on the shuttle bus. Thank God for that!

That day I learn a lesson of being confident of yourself and never easily trust strangers who wanted to earn money from you. But I also learned that there are still honest and kind people in this world that doesn't see humanity as an economical opportunity.
Ooupps... I just remembered that I forgot to thank that kind guy. May God Bless him!

Ready to go...

2009-06-09T18:08:00.003+08:00

All my bags are packed down, I am ready to.
I am standing here outside your door....
its not just a song lyric, but it is happening!

to all my friends I am sorry that I wont be online for a while, since Im gonna have my holidays in Indonesia for a week ahead. Any sort of communication please do deliver it to my email danialhamzah@yahoo.com, I will open it once in a while I am free. Hope to have a safe, fun and thrilling journey!

cheers! have a wonderful holidays guys.

FACT : Women are from Mens Rib

2009-06-02T18:41:00.003+08:00

Our Prophet, Muhammad saw instruct us "Treat women with a good manner. Women are created from mans rib, its the most crooked part of its top. If you insist straighten it, it will be broken. But if you let it, it will be hooked forever. So advice to women in a good way! "(HR. Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Abi Shaibah, and Baihaqi)

Why is it that Rasullulah gives a great deal of attention to this matter? because the position of women, in the eyes of God is the same as men in terms of faith.

Women were created from a crooked rib, does not mean that women are crooked. But this is to distinguish the different functions of women and man.

And why is that crooked rib? Is not there are no other bones. If only the bones of the right breast it will be narrow, because the presence of women can give comfort where it is located.

Try to see the form of a rib that was crooked, he serves as the framework of preparing the body strength. So also the woman who can establish and enforce life.

With a crooked rib so many organs of protected. Women, can keep his family life, children are still weak.

Its curved shape is not the weakness of women, so he said to advise women of good things. This is to ensure that the lives of women is not broken, so it can run its main function as a mother, wife, and as her own man person. Because that is the duty of women which is given by God.

God has given strength to the women, as in the successor. Children who are both born from a mother who marvel nurture and raise them. It is also believed that Behind the success of her husband, lies a great wife that accompanies him.

Women should be treated well, so that the soul awakened with love and patience. Love and pity all the time in assisting children and their families without feeling of being abused.

Best Short term ESL Job in Thailand

2009-05-10T15:14:00.004+08:00

Best Short term ESL Job in Thailand - Earn USD 900 per month + Accommodation

Length of Position: 4 -5 months
Dates: September/October 2009
Places : Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Hua Hin, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi

Description: A unique opportunity to explore Thailand! Earn while you travel. JOB in 14 attractive locations in Thailand. Earn US$ 900 + per month + Accommodation. Assignment starts in September & October 2009.

What is it that draws thousands of people to Thailand? Is it the food, the shopping, the people, the beaches, the mountains, the temples or the culture? If you want to find out then you have to come to this amazing land yourself. Thailand embodies everything that is truly Asia. We at American TESOL Institute, one of the most trusted names in the teacher training world give you the opportunity to work and live and earn in Thailand for 5 months at a most nominal cost.

The first three weeks for the TESOL / TEFL program are spent at one of the most exotic locations in the world Phuket - The tiny island on the south western coast of Thailand is the dream destinations of travelers across the globe. The silver sand beaches, azure blue waters, green hills flowing into the sea, exciting water sports, friendly people and mind boggling array of food makes it one of the hottest destinations of the world. Therefore you not only enrich your mind on the TESOL course but also enrich your soul.

After the successful completion of the TESOL training you are qualified to teach anywhere in the world. But we save you the trouble of searching, applying and appearing for interviews by placing you directly into schools. Once again you have the privilege of exploring this beautiful country by working in a school in some other region for the next 4 months and earning US$ 900 per month. A pay that even experienced teachers are not offered. It is a chance to see the diversity within the same fabric of culture.

This time however you also will be applying all the classroom techniques that were taught to you on the course. Practically experiencing what was theoretically comprehended. At the same time it will be a rare opportunity to see the place up close and personally, since you will be working along and with the local people which no traveling package can offer.

So if you are a Native English speaking adult and have a degree in any discipline you are eligible to apply. You do not need any previous experience of work or the knowledge of a foreign language. All those who are teachers or want to be teachers, those who want to do something different, and those who want to bring some excitement into their lives the America TESOL Institute's TESOL certification program is for you.

The American TESOL Institute TESOL certification is recognized worldwide and will hold good even after the completion of this program. It is widely accepted and will be your entry into schools abroad and in your home country.

Job Details
* Salary - 900 USD per month
* Accommodation - Schools provides
* TESOL Training starts September or October 2009
* Accommodation during the course and during teaching assignment Provided
* Visa and Work permit - Provided
* Insurance - Provided
* Student's Age group - Most schools 12-18 yrs / Some schools Young learners
* Schools - Thai Government and Private Schools

Other Details
* The project includes 120 hrs of International TESOL Certification from American TESOL Institute
* The TESOL course is recognized world wide
* Free accommodation (double occupancy) at a beautiful resort of in Phuket during the course
* Free Airport Pick up
* Welcome dinner
* Assistance during your stay in Thailand
* Orientation on Thai culture and Thai Language on the first day of the project leading to an exhaustive TESOL program
* After the completion of the TEFL / TESOL course, a salary of 30,000 baht (currently US$900) per month + free housing
* Insurance, Work permit, Visa papers and Visa assistance for the TEFL trainee turned teacher.
* Unique cultural experience in interacting with the local people and while teaching in local schools.

For further Information visit : www.justtefl.com

Silence

2009-04-22T22:37:00.002+08:00

Today, We are silent
We are not talking about the past
Not even the future
Just let it flow in the hands of time
Because, we cant do anything for today

Today, we are silent
about the melancholy grief and hardship
we cannot do anyhting about it
let the tsunami occurs
Lapindo sludge dins
the large flood floods
landslides happens
disasters and catastrophies
just pretend its not set eyes
think it never happens

today, we’re silent
about democracy
about politics
the legislative parliament
about the general election
coz, they tend to disclaim their words
just think that we never even elected them

today we are silent
about the laws and criminalism
corruption cases everywhere
illegal loggings
bribeable prosecuters
lets just say, we never heard about it

Today we are silent
About the economic conditions
Global turnovers and inflations
Export and imports
People queued for petroliums
Let the police deal with the prostitute
Just seems to not understand them all

Today, we are silent
About the religion and beliefs
Because we’ve broke Gods commands
And because
silence is for the better

7th ILF English Fiesta

2009-04-19T16:01:00.005+08:00

ILF ( International Language Forum) of Muhammadiyah University Malang, is a student activity unit that specifies on foreign language, especially in English. In the history, this organization had a metamorphosis on its name from SEF (Student English Forum) to ILF. Lots of activities and achievements won by this organization have made UMM even more famous.

There are more prestigious achievements that awarded to ILF-UMM, which proves ILF as the one of the Student Activity Unit (SAU) in UMM with exceed quantity and in quality. Thought the past years ILF has developed tremendously in outraging many new potentials with great knowledge and skills on presentations, public speaking, debating and rhetoric.

As a member of the social organization communities both in debating and student empowerment, as well as celebrating ILF establishment (birthday) in showing our existence in the community, ILF is proudly to hold an annual event named "English Fiesta".

This year's, 7th English Fiesta will be held from May 1st - 4th 2009 in our prestigious campus Muhammadiyah University Malang (UMM). The event will include an English Debate Competition followed by university students from all over Java Island of Indonesia. A very wonderful event to extend our debating skills and not to forget get along and meet hundreds of university students in Java.

Located in the cold city of Malang and Batu, East Java. This years English Fiesta is going to be a great event for you all to participate. With lots of friends, fun and prizes, We welcome you to the 7th ILF English Fiesta, " Empathy of Humanity".

For informations on the event, please visit : www.englishfiesta.weebly.com

Whats a PEST Analysis?

2009-04-01T10:00:00.004+08:00

A PEST analysis is used to identify the external forces affecting an organization. This is a simple analysis of an organization’s Political, Economical, Social and Technological environment. A PEST analysis incorporating legal and environmental factors is called a PESTLE analysis.

Political
The first element of a PEST analysis is a study of political factors. Political factors influence organizations in many ways. Political factors can create advantages and opportunities for organizations. Conversely they can place obligations and duties on organizations. Political factors include the following types of instrument:
- Legislation such as the minimum wage or anti discrimination laws.
- Voluntary codes and practices
- Market regulations
- Trade agreements, tariffs or restrictions
- Tax levies and tax breaks
- Type of government regime eg communist, democratic, dictatorship

Non conformance with legislative obligations can lead to sanctions such as fines, adverse publicity and imprisonment. Ineffective voluntary codes and practices will often lead to governments introducing legislation to regulate the activities covered by the codes and practices.

Economical
The second element of a PEST analysis involves a study of economic factors.
All businesses are affected by national and global economic factors. National and global interest rate and fiscal policy will be set around economic conditions. The climate of the economy dictates how consumers, suppliers and other organizational stakeholders such as suppliers and creditors behave within society.

An economy undergoing recession will have high unemployment, low spending power and low stakeholder confidence. Conversely a “booming” or growing economy will have low unemployment, high spending power and high stakeholder confidence.

A successful organization will respond to economic conditions and stakeholder behavior. Furthermore organizations will need to review the impact economic conditions are having on their competitors and respond accordingly.
In this global business world organizations are affected by economies throughout the world and not just the countries in which they are based or operate from. For example: a global credit crunch originating in the USA contributed towards the credit crunch in the UK in 2007/08.
Cheaper labor in developing countries affects the competitiveness of products from developed countries. An increase in interest rates in the USA will affect the share price of UK stocks or adverse weather conditions in India may affect the price of tea bought in an English cafe.

A truly global player has to be aware of economic conditions across all borders and needs to ensure that it employs strategies that protect and promote its business through economic conditions throughout the world.
Social

The third aspect of PEST focuses its attention on forces within society such as family, friends, colleagues, neighbors and the media. Social forces affect our attitudes, interest s and opinions. These forces shape who we are as people, the way we behave and ultimately what we purchase. For example within the UK peoples attitudes are changing towards their diet and health.

As a result the UK is seeing an increase in the number of people joining fitness clubs and a massive growth for the demand of organic food. Products such as Wii Fit attempt to deal with society’s concern, about children’s lack of exercise.

Population changes also have a direct impact on organizations. Changes in the structure of a population will affect the supply and demand of goods and services within an economy. Falling birth rates will result in decreased demand and greater competition as the number of consumers fall.

Conversely an increase in the global population and world food shortage predictions are currently leading to calls for greater investment in food production. Due to food shortages African countries such as Uganda are now reconsidering their rejection of genetically modified foods.

In summary organizations must be able to offer products and services that aim to complement and benefit people’s lifestyle and behavior. If organizations do not respond to changes in society they will lose market share and demand for their product or service.
Technological

Unsurprisingly the fourth element of PEST is technology, as you are probably aware technological advances have greatly changed the manner in which businesses operate.
Organizations use technology in many ways, they have;

1. Technology infrastructure such as the internet and other information exchange systems including telephone
2. Technology systems incorporating a multitude of software which help them manage their business.
3. Technology hardware such as mobile phones, Blackberrys, laptops, desktops, Bluetooth devices, photocopiers and fax machines which transmit and record information.

Technology has created a society which expects instant results. This technological revolution has increased the rate at which information is exchanged between stakeholders. A faster exchange of information can benefit businesses as they are able to react quickly to changes within their operating environment.

However an ability to react quickly also creates extra pressure as businesses are expected to deliver on their promises within ever decreasing timescales..
For example the Internet is having a profound impact on the marketing mix strategy of organizations.

Consumers can now shop 24 hours a day from their homes, work, Internet cafe and via 3G phones and 3G cards. Some employees have instant access to e-mails through Blackberry but this can be a double edged sword, as studies have shown that this access can cause work to encroach on their personal time outside work.
The pace of technological change is so fast that the average life of a computer chip is approximately 6 months. Technology is utilized by all age groups, children are exposed to technology from birth and a new generation of technology savvy pensioners known as “silver surfers” have emerged. Technology will continue to evolve and impact on consumer habits and expectations, organizations that ignore this fact face extinction.

Touch n Go, Malaysia's smart card for all

2009-03-15T09:24:00.005+08:00

Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd) are the operator of Touch ‘n Go, SmartTag and The Central Clearing House System (CCHS).

Incorporated in October 1996 and officially launched its services in March 1997 at Metramac Highway and PLUS Expressways, TNGSB provides contact less means of fare payment services via a pre-paid e-payment card called the Touch ‘n Go card.

TNGSB holds the intellectual property rights to the Touch ‘n Go system, which is locally developed according to standard fare, the de-facto standard for contactless smartcard. This enables the company to modify, enhance and upgrade the system independently.

Touch ‘n Go is now the one and only Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) operator for all highways in Malaysia. It is also being accepted as the Common Ticketing System (CTS) for major public transports all over Malaysia.

This is to make card management convenient and financially sound, as the users do not have to carry multiple cards for different transportation services or being bonded by several financial commitments. Based on the Touch ‘n Go’s research and development, 4 millions people from 20 millions population use the card. (AbsoluteAstronomy.com, 2008)

As a service provider to the transportation users in Malaysia, Touch n Go has a non- direct intervention to the costumers physically or mentally. Unlike other services, the company delivers it service intangibly with low involvement of both service personal or customers. Instead, they are given an electronic card as a service equipment or tool to perform the services.

The service enhances the convenience and efficiency of paying for low-value but high frequency transactions. It is able to reduce the transaction time effectively at the point-of-usage and eliminate the hassle of preparing small change for the fare.
The card can b used through out Malaysia transportation services, tolls, and places where customers can meet the Touch ‘n Go sign as part of the company’s information role. This also shows how information becomes very essential towards the service. Information’s can be widely accessed in the company’s official website (www.touchngo.com) or brochures and call center..

Supplementary Product Elements
1.Smart Tag
Smart Tag is the Malay acronym for “Sistem Membayar Automatic Rangkaian Tol,” or literally means Automatic Payment System for Toll Network.

It is a vehicle on-board unit that works in combination with the Touch ‘n Go card to allow user to pay toll with drive-through convenience.

2.Manual Touch ‘n Go Card
Touch ‘n Go card is an electronic purse that can be used at all highways in Malaysia, major public transports, selected parking sites and Theme Park. Touch ‘n Go uses contact less smart card technology. The card looks similar to a credit card. User can continue using the card as long as it is pre-loaded with electronic cash

3.Touch 'n Go Zing Auto Reload Card
The innovation is in the financial packaging of a credit card with Touch ‘n Go services to bring greater convenience to the customers. With Zing card, users can enjoy the Touch ‘n Go convenience without having to worry about insufficient card balance to pay for fares. Every time the card balance falls below a preset threshold, it will trigger the auto reload mechanism to top up the card

4.Fleet X’s
Fleet Xs is a post-paid corporate Touch ‘n Go card that is pre-loaded with electronic cash. Fleet Xs can be used at the following highways: PLUS, ELITE, Second Link, Penang Bridge, SHAPADU, SPDH (Seremban Port Dickson Highway), ECE (East Cost Expressway).

5.Biz Xs Card
BizXs is a post-paid corporate Touch ‘n Go card that is pre-loaded with electronic cash. It can be used to pay toll at all highways in Malaysia and selected business complexes equipped with Touch ‘n Go parking system.

Customer viewpoint
As the famous prepaid service, Touch ‘n Go has a lot of customers. Besides the benefits that given by the card, there are also some problems in the service. Some customers have given their viewpoint about Touch ‘n Go’s service.

Touch ‘n Go card can be used at all highways in Malaysia, major public transports, selected parking sites, theme park and some fast food restaurants like Burger King and Dunkin Donuts. The card can be used as an integrated ticket in Kuala Lumpur public transport system. So the users don’t have to prepare for small change or wait in queue to get the ticket for example in the KL Monorail Station or toll and highways.

Also, with the introduction of Touch ‘n Go facilities at KLIA and LCCT since February 2008, customer can now enjoy swift access and exit at that parking areas.

In the other hand,some customers also said that it’s difficult to reload the card because reload facilities are only available at a few major railway stations, and not all of the highways. (mt.m2day.org, 2008)

The Touch ‘n Go card has a lifespan of 10 years from the year of issuance date. Thus, touch ‘n Go cards that exceeds more than 10 years from the issuance or date purchased is considered “expired”. Customers may experience difficulties of using the ‘expired’ card. For instance, usage failure at any point-of-usage such as tolls.

To renew the card, RM10 will be charged to customers. A lot of customers have complained about the charge for the renewal. Why do they need to pay for new card while even credit cards are free now.

The other problem that caused by the card is some customers are complained about reloading the card at ATM. Topping up the card at the ATM is very risky and we can lose some or even all the credit in the card, as well as will incur an additional fee of RM0.50 and RM1.00 at Cash Deposit Machine. (ipohchai.com, 2008)

Written For TnG Project.
November 30th 2008

Life too short to live...

2009-03-03T01:33:00.004+08:00

"Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change. Kiss slowly, play hard, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything and have no regrets. Life's too short to be anything but happy"

Life gives answer in 3 ways... It says Yes & gives u what u want, it says no and gives u something better, it says wait and gives u the Best!
What is trust ?? Trust is a feeling that a one year child has , when you throw him in air and catch again , and he enjoys it
The happiest people don't have EVERYTHING in life.They just make THE BEST of everything that life brings their way!STAY HAPPY ALWAYS By Pretty

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

*~Don't ask God for an easy life,ask him to make you a strong person~*
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promissory note , today is cash...spend it wisely

IF U DON'T HEAR OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING, FIND ANOTHER DOOR NEVER LOOK DOWN ON ANYBODY UNLESS YOU ARE HELPING THEM UP

Life ends when you stop dreaming, hope ends when you stop believing and love ends when you stop caring.
Enjoy Your Life Today Because Yesterday Has Gone and Tomorrow May Never Come.

Courtesy of : Nurmianti Hasibuan ( A great friend of mine)

Money Talks, But Its not Loud Enough!

2009-03-01T20:38:00.001+08:00

A theoretical study on the effectiveness of financial reward in motivating employee.

Many business managers today are not aware of the effects that motivation have a big role on their business, and it is therefore important they learn and understand the factors that determine positive motivation in the workplace. In his book, (Hunt, 1992), explain inspiring individuals to perform better (motivating) is probably the most important of the managers human skills. It is also possibly be the one providing the greatest return to the manager.

Motivating individuals means creating an environment in which they can satisfy their goals by adding energy and effort. Understanding motivation means understanding three links, they are; goal profile, energy and reward. (Hunt, 1992)
Ideally, managers would recruit individuals whose goals were the same as those of the organization. Managers would select those individuals with more energy to pursue these goals persistently, over a long period of time. Finally, they would have to design a reward system which allows individuals to achieve their goals while at the same time contributing to the goals of the organization.

Basically, there are two reward system used to motivate employee. Rewards can be given financially or non – financially. Financial rewards are a method that is most common when businesses rely on the quantity of the output of employees. For Instant, employees involved in production, could be issued a piece rate system where they are paid for each individual product they produce. In this case, they would be motivated to produce as much as possible in order to achieve a high pay. Managers also can motivate employee financially through paying schemes such as seniority based rewards, performance based, job status and skilled based rewards. (Mcshane and Von Glinow, 2003)

Whiles non financial rewards focuses on motivating employee without the monetary value as an objective. Managers can give employees more responsibility so that they feel their contribution is more valuable to the business and that their role is of higher importance. Examples are job promotions, enlargement, enrichment and rotations. (Mcshane and Von Glinow, 2003)

It is very essential for managers to choose the best reward system approaches to motivate their employees which also depends on the factors that the managers meets, such as company budget and business type. Arguments and discussion has been going on for long in deciding the most effective method to motivate employees.

According to Peter Drucker, ‘There is not one shred of evidence for the alleged turning away from material rewards. Antimaterialism is a myth, no matter how much it is extolled. In fact, they are taken so much for granted that their denial may act as a de-motivator. Economic incentives are becoming rights rather than rewards.' (Drucker, 1974)

In hence, Peter explains there is no doubt that we live in a money-motivated world. Any amount of human relations cannot compensate for a lack of monetary reward. If the reward is right, good human relations will give that extra zest to a team, motivating them to give of their best efforts. ‘Insufficient monetary reward cannot be compensated by good human relations’ (Drucker, 1974)

Ducker’s point of view is based on the theory of scientific management raised by Frederick Winslow Taylor who put forward the idea that workers are motivated mainly by pay. One of Taylors basic assumptions on human behaviour at work is ‘Man is a rational economic animal concerned with maximising his economic gain’ This means that the main form of motivation is high wages, linked to output produced by the workers.

However, other theories have explained a very different prospective compare to what Taylor has conclude in his research. Thus, explains the possibility of money becoming a motivator but not as primary method to motivate the employee on their work performance.

Abraham Maslow along with Frederick Herzberg introduced the Neo-Human Relations School in the 1950’s, which focused on the psychological needs of employees. Maslow put forward a theory that there are five levels of human needs which employees need to have fulfilled at work. All of the needs are structured into a hierarchy and only once a lower level of need has been fully met, would a worker be motivated by the opportunity of having the next need up in the hierarchy satisfied. (tutor2u.net, 2008)

In this case, financial rewards is not the best motivator as it only full fills lower level needs as showed in the diagram. An example would be the need for self – actualisation which cannot be satisfied by financial rewards alone. The need for self – actualisation of an employee can be motivated by other factors like achievements recognitions and awards. Thus, make financial reward have to be considered twice in motivating employees. Frederick Herzberg in the Motivator-Hygiene Theory classifies money or financial rewards as a hygiene factor. ‘Financial rewards do not contribute significantly to job satisfaction; yet the absence of it will result in job dissatisfaction’.

In addition, Herzberg studied what people want from their jobs and classified them into two categories which are satisfier and motivators. Satisfiers are factors that people require from a job to justify minimum effort. These factors include working conditions, money and benefits. After employees are satisfied, however, just giving them more of the same factors don’t motivate them to work harder. Motivators are factors that stimulate people to put out more energy, effort, and enthusiasm in their job. He then concluded that at some stages, financial rewards only meet as a satisfier not as a motivator. (Pell, 1999)

Douglas McGregor in his Theory X makes assumption that the employees in lower level of organizations are motivated to work by financial rewards. He also make another assumption in this theory that people dislikes works and not ambitious, thus financial rewards will be the best motivating factors for this group of employees. For this group of employees, financial reward is a very effective motivating factor that motivates them to perform better in their job.

However, McGregor also comes up with Theory Y which makes assumption that employees in higher level of organizations are not solely motivated by financial rewards. He makes assumption that these groups of people are ambitious and are willing to accept more responsibility in their job. In this case, financial rewards will be insufficient to motivate the employees to perform better and will require proper job design and career planning to motivates them. (Mcshane and Von Glinow, 2003)

In practice, we have to admit that there is business that went to the peak by motivating employees through financial rewards. This is done in companies which their goals focus on the quantity of output made. A sales or marketing company in some ways would be effective to use this method to gain as much profits as possible, encouraging staffs to maximise the sales for a greater earnings.

In some cases financial rewards becomes effective. But in a more wider prospective for both the managers and employees, financial rewards isn’t the best effective ways to motivate the employees to extend their performance since there are high risk of possibility that financial rewards can fail to motivate as desired.
Williams Monahan, CEO of Oakdale, argued that ‘high performers don’t go for the money’. There are also quite a number of top managers who comment that financial reward alone is insufficient in motivating good employees. Thus, companies like Xerox do motivates their employees mainly by designing interesting and challenging jobs. (Mcshane and Von Glinow 2003)

In conclusion, even though in reality we face that financial rewards becomes a motivator, But researches and theories developed by experts as explained above shows that financial rewards doesn’t play a big important role to keep on motivating employees in job performance as they also need to have a psychological motivations like self actualisation and recognitions. Financial rewards aren’t the most effective way to motivate employees for a long period of time. Therefore, it is believed that money talks, but it does not talk loud enough.

Bukit Jalil, February 13 2009

Capacity to a Contract

2009-03-01T20:36:00.007+08:00

One of the elements constitute a valid contract is the parties entering to the contract are those who have the competentcy of which is based on section 10 (1) of the Contract Act 1950 which stated “ All agreements are contracted if they are made by the free consent of parties competent to contact, for a lawful consideration and with a lawful object, and are not hereby expressly declared to be void” Section 10 (1) Contract Act 1950.
A competent person to the contract is explained further to have the capacity of being an adult, having a sound mind and not forbidden to enter any contract by law.
This principle is based to the regulation which state that “Every person is competent to contract who is of the age of majority according to the law to which he is subject, and who is of sound mind, and is not disqualified from contracting by any law to which he is subject”. Section 11 Contract Act 1950.
In Malaysia, the age of majority is recognized as above eighteen years of age as stated in the Age Majority Act 1971, “The minority of all males and females at the age of eighteen years and every such male and female attaining that age shall be of the age of majority.”
As an effect of section 10 and 11 of contract Act 1950, the court held in the case of Mohori Bibee V Dharmodas Ghose (1903), Tan Hee Juan V Teh Boon Kiat (1934) and Government of Malaysia V Gurcharan Singh (1971) that all such agreements are void. Therefore, all contracts entered by a minor is generally void and a minor cannot sue or be sued such void contracts
However, there are some exceptions towards a minor binding a valid contract. Under section 69 of Contract Act 1950, it is said “If a person, incapable of entering into a contract, or anyone whom he is legally bound to support, is supplied by another person with necessaries suited to his condition in life, the person who has furnished such supplies is entitled to be reimbursed from the property of such incapable person.” Under necessaries a minor can enter valid contract if only it is the basic need of the minor and suitable of his station in life or lifestyle.
Contract of Scholarship between a minor and the government or non governmental organizations is also valid under the section 4 (a) Contracts (Amendment) Act 1976 “the scholar entering into such agreement is not of the age of majority”.
Similarly, a minor may enter into a contract of marriage or divorcement as at section 4 (a) Age Majority Act 1971, “Nothing in this Act shall affect the capacity of any person to act in the following matters, namely, marriage, divorce, dower and adoption”.
Lastly, a minor may enter into a contract of insurance, pursuant to the Insurance Act 1966 (Revised 1972).

KL, November 11 2008

Dampak & Legalitas Tayangan Kekerasan di Televisi Nasional

2009-03-01T20:36:00.006+08:00

Keberadaan komunikasi massa telah mengantarkan kita pada Global Village, sebuah perkampungan global yang menawarkan ruang tak terbatas, membuang sekat-sekat antarnegara dan mengintegrasikannya ke dalam satu persepsi sehingga persoalan-persoalan internasional dapat kita ketahui bersama. (Resensi : McLuhan - Zainurrazi)

Ini terjadi berkat revolusi informasi yang memasuki pelosok dunia lewat saluran layar televisi dan internet. Melalui bantuan teknologi mutakhir ini pula kita dapat mengakses berbagai berita mulai dari kebijakan pemerintah, kenaikan harga di pasar, perseteruan antarpemilik saham, gosip selebritas, pemerkosaan, seks bebas, hingga kriminalitas.

Hal ini, didukung pula oleh lahirnya kebebasan komunikasi massa dalam bentuk media massa cetak dan elektronik dari rahim Undang-Undang Penyiaran No. 32 tahun 2002 dan Undang-Undang Pers No. 40 tahun 1999 serta dibungkus dengan himpunan etika profesi wartawan (kode etik jurnalistik) bagi para pencari berita.

Sehingga, tidak heran kalau dewasa ini media massa cetak maupun elektronik berlomba untuk menayangkan variatif program untuk mendongkrak posisi rating mereka serta mendapatkan keuntungan sebesar – besarnya.

Salah satu bentuk pemberitaan adalah pemberitaan kasus kriminalitas seperti Patroli, Buser, Sergap, dan sejenisnnya. Penayangan adegan kekerasan semacam ini di sinyalir termasuk kekerasan media (media violence).

Baik dari sisi penayangannya di televisi nasional yang dapat diakses oleh hampir semua masyarakat, maupun dari segi bagaimana berita tersebut tercipta. Walau banyak yang telah mengkritisi tayangan kekerasan ini, namun, belum ada langkah tegas khususnya dari komisi penyiaran Indonesia (KPI) ataupun Dewan Pers untuk melarang penayangan yang dapat dikategorikan sebagai kriminalitas media (media crime) ini.

Mungkin masih ada di benak anda kasus penayangan WWF / WCW (wrestling) atau pergulatan oleh Lativi beberapa waktu yang lalu. Setelah menuai banyak korban yang terluka bahkan meninggal dunia, penayangan program ini lalu dicekal oleh KPI dengan alasan melanggar Undang – undang pers dan penyiaran.

Secara umum tayangan seperti “Sergap” oleh Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI) yang menayangkan berita kriminalitas harian memang termasuk media crime. Hal ini terbukti dengan berbagai pelanggaran atas peraturan penyiaran berita.

Pada saat itu, kami sedang mengamati tayangan dimana terdapat adegan beberapa orang polisi sedang mengejar seorang maling. Lalu sang polisi menembakkan timah panas ke arah kaki sang maling, untuk melumpuhkannya. Lalu sang maling dibawa ke kantor kepolisian setempat untuk di intrograsi dan dijebloskan ke penjara.

Ternyata adegan seperti di atas adalah fiktif. Dimana pihak kepolisian setempat ingin membentuk citra positif institusinya sehingga dikenal masyarakat luas telah berhasil menangkap maling dan mengamankan daerahnya. Sedangkan manfaat bagi wartawan adalah mereka mendapatkan berita yang memiliki nilai berita untuk mengejar deadline semata.
(Hasil wawancara dengan Frida Kusumastuti,Msi)

Perbuatan kedua belah pihak di atas telah mengabaikan regulasi yang berlaku hingga tayangan semacam ini menjadi bak salah satu bentuk polusi yang telah menodai dunia pertelevisian kita, hingga menjadikannya tidak lagi sehat untuk ditonton.

Terlebih lagi, cara memperoleh berita seperti demikian sangatlah berlawanan dengan Kode Etik Jurnalistik yang dikeluarkan oleh Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia (PWI) berikut ;

Pasal 3, “ Wartawan Indonesia pantang menyiarkan karya jurnalistik yang menyesatkan memutar balikan fakta, bersifat fitnah, cabul dan sensasional.”

Pasal 7, “Wartawan Indonesia dalam memberitakan peristiwa yang diduga menyangkut pelanggaran hukum atau proses peradilan harus menghormati asas prduga tak bersalah, prinsip adil, jujur dan penyajian yang berimbang.”

Pasal 11, “ Wartawan Indonesia meneliti keberan bahan berita dan memperhatikan kredibilitas serta kompetensia sumber berita.”

Dan penyiaran acara ini di media massa termasuk sebuah pelanggaran atas UU. No 32 tahun 2003 pasal 36 dimana dinyatakan bahwa isi siaran harus mengandung informasi, dan pendidikan, serta harus netral dan tidak mengutamakan kepentingan golongan semata. Terlebih isi siaran dilarang bersifat fiktif (bohong), fitnah dan memonjolkan unsur kekerasan.

Maka, sudah seharusnyalah tayangan seperti ini di tindak secepatnya tanpa harus menunggu korban berjatuhan ataupun dampak – dampak negatif yang akan timbul sebagai hasil penayangan acara ini.

Sejak tiga dasawarsa terakhir penelitian mengenai dampak penayangan adegan kekerasan di media massa terhadap kesehatan jiwa khususnya terhadap peningkatan perilaku kekerasan pada khalayaknya, terutama anak-anak dan remaja, menunjukkan bahwa penyajian agresi pada televisi meningkatkan agresi penontonnya pula.

The National Institute of Mental Health di Amerika Serikat, misalnya, melaporkan bahwa hal penting akibat pemaparan kekerasan pada media massa adalah adanya hubungan yang bermakna antara tayangan kekerasan di media massa dan peningkatan perilaku agresif pada pemirsa.
(Agung Frijanto- Koran Tempo)

Selain itu, peliputan kriminalitas membawa dampak negatif dalam masyarakat. Misalnya, sering kita saksikan dalam tayangan televisi seorang pencuri motor dikeroyok massa, kemudian dibakar hidup-hidup selain dianiaya dan dipukul dengan benda-benda keras sampai babak belur hingga bersimbah darah. Lalu, tayangan televisi menvisualisasikan tindakan kepolisian terhadap para pelaku kriminalitas dengan menembak kaki , sehingga lumpuh dan berlumuran darah yang kemudian diseret dan dipukuli.

Berbagai tayangan kekerasan yang disaksikan masyarakat mengindikasikan kriminalitas tidak lagi dianggap sebagai suatu yang menakutkan atau mengerikan tetapi justru dianggap sebagai hal biasa bahkan merupakan hiburan. (Agung Frijanto- Koran Tempo)

Menurut Guru Besar Hukum Pidana UI, Prof. DR. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo, yang terjadi sekarang ini tidak hanya dekriminalisasi tapi berkembang menjadi dissensitifikasi. Yaitu tindakan kriminal yang tidak lagi dipandang sebagai suatu kejahatan yang harus dihindari tetapi suatu hiburan karena disuguhkan atau disajikan sedemikian rupa. Jadi dengan kata lain masyarakat tidak lagi sensitif terhadap tindak kejahatan atau kekerasan, karena tayangan-tayangan yang vulgar menyebabkan masyarakat terbiasa dengan tindakan kekerasan. (Harian Sinar Harapan)

Bahkan, para penonton acara berita kriminalitas tersebut dapat pula mendapatkan pelajaran untuk ikut melakukan kegiatan kriminalitas tersebut. Karena, secara kodrat, manusia adalah amkhluk peniru (imitative human). Bukan mustahil apabila mereka menirukan tindakan – tindakan kekerasan tersebut.

Maraknya tindakan kekerasan di masyarakat mungkin terjadi dari hasil imitasi tayangan televisi di Buser, Sergap, Brutal, Reportase, Derap Hukum, jejak dan sebagainya. Sehingga tayangan ini haruslah dihentikan demi menjaga kebersihan dunia pertelevisian Indonesia. Karena, selian melanggar undang – undang penyiaran yang berlaku, berita kriminalitas yang mengvisualisasikan kekerasan ini membawa dampak negatif yang jauh lebih berbahaya. Sudah saatnya KPI mengeluarkan surat teguran untuk tayangan ini. Untuk menyelamatkan generasi bangsa mendatang

STOP MEDIA VIOLENCES…..!

Malang, 20 Juni 2008

National Exam is Just a Big Burden

2009-03-01T20:29:00.005+08:00

There are many arguments for and against the government regulation to held national examinations for students as a parameter to determine their high school level completion. Moreover, the ministry of education raised up the passing grade standard and add the amount of subjects tested from three to six different subjects in the 2008 examination.

Those who agrees with the decision said that our national education should be better so that the national exam will motivate both the students and teachers to work hard to pass the examination. As an exemplar, the minister of education pointed Malaysia which has a high passing grade of 7,0 for their national examination in 2007, whiles we only have 3,25 in the same year.

In the other hand, we as students really disagree if national examination becomes the only determiner towards the three years of study we’ve been through in senior high school. We believe that the completion of the high school study cannot be measured by our ability in mastering the global subjects tested. But we should also consider soft skills owned by each students. In additional, each school across the nation has different quality of teachers, educational equipments and capability in mastering the subjects. For instant, the students who happens to be victims of the Tsunami in Aceh would have psychological problems to master the subjects compare to those who survive

In conclusion, I believe that government national examination should be erased since it is lack of fairness upon the variety kinds of students across the nation. Instead, the government would have to consider the other aspects to determine high school students completion which will not become a big burden for all party.

Written By : Danial Hamzah for SMABA
Date : May, 18 2008

Contact

2009-03-01T14:43:00.007+08:00

Thank you for your visit

For any discussions, critics and suggestions drop me an email to

danialhamzah(at)yahoo(dot)com

or

Its Just the Ordinary Me

2009-03-01T14:42:00.002+08:00

Full Name : Danial Hamzah Abdat
Nick Name : Danny
Birthday : March 2, 1990
Hometown: Malang – East Java, Indonesia
Current City : Sri Petaling – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Relationship Status: Single
Political Views: Modarate
Religious Views: Moslem
Activities: Student & in Business
Graduate School or College:
• Staffordshire '11 | BA, International Business Management
• University College Technology and Innovation '09 | Business Studies
• Muhammadiyah University Malang ’08 | Communication Public Relation
• State Senior High School 1 Batu '07 | Language Program

Interests:
Photography, Travelling, Writing, Swimming, Reading, Negotiating, discussing and debating - lots more!

Favorite Food :
French Fries, Fish and Chips, Nasi Goreng, Nasi Pecel, Satay, Soya Milk and Coffee

Favorite Music:
Eminem, Eagles, Pink, Samy Yusuf, Hussein Al Jasmy, Nancy Ajram and others likely in my ears

Favorite TV Shows:
ABC new, The View, Oprah Winfrey, Kick Andy, 4 Mata, The Apprentice and lots more

Favorite Movies:
All action movies, journalism, investigations, Rush Hours | Harold & Kumar | Freedom Writer | A Walk to Remember | Big Momma | Inside Man| Italian Job| The Bournes| Hotel Rwanda | EuroTrip

Favorite Books:
Al Quran Al Kareem, Who Moved My Cheese? , All business & Marketing books, communication books and drama novels.

Favorite Quotations:
Life is not a straight and easy corridor along which we travel free. But if we have faith, a door will open for us, not perhaps one that we ourselves would ever have thought of, but one that will ultimately prove good for us

Copyright@ 2009

Photo Gallery

2009-03-01T14:19:00.015+08:00

Somethings About Me!

2009-03-01T14:10:00.016+08:00

A thinker & dreamer... Crazy about Movies, Aviation, Traveling & Photography. I am whatever you say I am!

Born in a small town in Batu, East Java - Indonesia in 1990, Danial finished his high school education in 2007 from SMA Negeri 1 Batu majoring in language studies. He then continue his higher education in University College Technology Innovations (UCTI) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and was awarded with a Bachelor (Hons) degree majoring in International Business Management by Staffordshire University, UK.

Danial is currently working as a marketing executive of an online education portal which connects potential students with universities around the world, www.hescar.com. Danial plans to build his career in the tourism and aviation industry in the future. In his spare time, Danial loves to jog and swim. His hobbies includes reading books, novels, traveling to new places, culinary and photography.

Danial believes that we should live beyond borders and learn beyond limits!

Copyright@ 2011