Its official: Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition for Israeli leadership will be sworn in today. As previously summarized, this is a big development for the entire region and may have prophetic implications. Mr. Netanyahu (aka "Bibi") is far less concerned with international pressure than previous, recent Israeli leaders, as he is more concerned with Israel's right to survive. Additionally, and more importantly, Mr. Netanyahu is primarily concerned with Iran's nuclear plans and has promised to do whatever it takes in order to eliminate this threat. I believe this election, and now confirmation, could be one of the most significant developments in the region in decades.
In other news, we continue to hear the drumbeat for a new currency standard, just days before the G20 meeting. Now Russia and China appear to be on the same page, as they are "coordinating" proposals for a new global currency and stating that they have "similar positions on the development of the international financial architecture" read here.
Meanwhile, North Korea's plans to launch a missile have new ramifications as they are known to have nuclear warheads, and now they may have the technology to send these missiles to American soil read here.
Another week passing and we watch the world shaping up exactly as bible prophecy would predict. We're rapidly moving to a world currency and a global financial system. We're seeing Iran and Israel headed towards a major conflict. We're watching the upcoming G20 meeting and their attempts at consolidation of financial control, and we see another terrorist country progressing towards a nuclear warhead which would be "deliverable" almost anywhere on the globe.
Just another week of prophecy watching. Stay tuned - the coming weeks may be very interesting.
Selasa, 31 Maret 2009
Sabtu, 28 Maret 2009
The G-20 and a "global fix"
The G-20 meeting will begin on April 2, 2009, and as previously reviewed, more and more elements of the agenda are leaking out. In addition, US Treasury Secretary has confirmed that he is open to the idea of a "super-sovereign currency" as run by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Attached below is a brief commentary and update on this situation as written by Michael Mickey on RaptureAlert.com here.
We don't know about it, but sure!
by Michael G. Mickey
(3-27-09)
Two days ago I wrote a commentary on the topic of our nation being nudged down the pathway to a new world order through the creation of a global currency - a necessary element of that coming to pass and one that is prophesied to be on its way, although the final product (the mark of the beast) is nothing like what is being discussed at this present hour. A mere two sunrises later and here I am setting the stage to discuss it again.
As my regular readers know by now, the G-20 is going to meet on April 2, 2009 and the topic of a global currency being born is on the agenda with a number of world powers backing the idea, Russia and China among them. The United Nations, in what probably is a surprise to no one given the organization's dislike of the United States, is high on the idea as well. The following is from an AFP article:
A UN panel of expert economists pressed Thursday for a new global currency reserve scheme to replace the volatile, dollar-based system and for coordinated steps by rich countries to stimulate their economies.
"A new Global Reserve System -- what may be viewed as a greatly expanded SDR (Special Drawing Rights), with regular or cyclically adjusted emissions calibrated to the size of reserve accumulations, could contribute to global stability, economic strength and global equity," the panel said.
As part of several recommendations to tackle the global financial crisis, the panel also noted recovery would require all developed countries, in the short term, to take "strong, coordinated and effective actions to stimulate their economies."
And it stressed the need to "lay the basis for the long-run reforms that will be necessary if we are to have a more stable and more prosperous global economy and avoid future global crises." [More...]
As I've highlighted before, there is a lot of emphasis placed these days on global crises, the desired effect of which is to lead all of mankind to slowly but surely come to the inevitable, seemingly logical conclusion that global crises require global solutions and, just you wait and see, global leadership to organize everyone. Sure, the western world was able to work together and defeat Hitler's incredible war machine in WWII with much less to work with than we have today in our technologically advanced world, WWII a global crises to be sure, but we can't do that anymore. The answer to everything, both inside the borders of the United States and outside, is bigger government. No matter what the problem is, bigger government can fix it - or so the logic goes. Thinking like that is going to take mankind places it never dreamed possible as we look at Bible prophecy, particularly the 13th chapter of Revelation.
So everything that's been documented to date here indicating current trends are bringing us closer to the creation of a new world order that will ultimately be led by the prophesied Antichrist is progressing. It's full steam ahead, but what about the United States under the leadership of President Obama - a man considered by many to be the most intelligent man ever to occupy the White House who doesn't seem capable of speaking a sentence without a teleprompter? His Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, doesn't seem to know much concerning plans for a global currency - or does he?
The following is from an article by The Telegraph:
US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner confessed on Wednesday that he had not read the plans by China's central bank governor for a "super-sovereign reserve currency" run by the International Monetary Fund, but nevertheless let slip that Washington was "open" to the idea. Whoops. [More...]
Maybe President Obama needs to let Tim Geithner borrow his teleprompter, huh?
Ever feel you're like the only one who doesn't already know the punchline to a joke that's being told to you?
HEADLINE: 15th International Economic Forum Of The Americas To Meet June 8-11 Under Banner "Adapting To The New World Order"
The end times drama continues.
We don't know about it, but sure!
by Michael G. Mickey
(3-27-09)
Two days ago I wrote a commentary on the topic of our nation being nudged down the pathway to a new world order through the creation of a global currency - a necessary element of that coming to pass and one that is prophesied to be on its way, although the final product (the mark of the beast) is nothing like what is being discussed at this present hour. A mere two sunrises later and here I am setting the stage to discuss it again.
As my regular readers know by now, the G-20 is going to meet on April 2, 2009 and the topic of a global currency being born is on the agenda with a number of world powers backing the idea, Russia and China among them. The United Nations, in what probably is a surprise to no one given the organization's dislike of the United States, is high on the idea as well. The following is from an AFP article:
A UN panel of expert economists pressed Thursday for a new global currency reserve scheme to replace the volatile, dollar-based system and for coordinated steps by rich countries to stimulate their economies.
"A new Global Reserve System -- what may be viewed as a greatly expanded SDR (Special Drawing Rights), with regular or cyclically adjusted emissions calibrated to the size of reserve accumulations, could contribute to global stability, economic strength and global equity," the panel said.
As part of several recommendations to tackle the global financial crisis, the panel also noted recovery would require all developed countries, in the short term, to take "strong, coordinated and effective actions to stimulate their economies."
And it stressed the need to "lay the basis for the long-run reforms that will be necessary if we are to have a more stable and more prosperous global economy and avoid future global crises." [More...]
As I've highlighted before, there is a lot of emphasis placed these days on global crises, the desired effect of which is to lead all of mankind to slowly but surely come to the inevitable, seemingly logical conclusion that global crises require global solutions and, just you wait and see, global leadership to organize everyone. Sure, the western world was able to work together and defeat Hitler's incredible war machine in WWII with much less to work with than we have today in our technologically advanced world, WWII a global crises to be sure, but we can't do that anymore. The answer to everything, both inside the borders of the United States and outside, is bigger government. No matter what the problem is, bigger government can fix it - or so the logic goes. Thinking like that is going to take mankind places it never dreamed possible as we look at Bible prophecy, particularly the 13th chapter of Revelation.
So everything that's been documented to date here indicating current trends are bringing us closer to the creation of a new world order that will ultimately be led by the prophesied Antichrist is progressing. It's full steam ahead, but what about the United States under the leadership of President Obama - a man considered by many to be the most intelligent man ever to occupy the White House who doesn't seem capable of speaking a sentence without a teleprompter? His Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, doesn't seem to know much concerning plans for a global currency - or does he?
The following is from an article by The Telegraph:
US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner confessed on Wednesday that he had not read the plans by China's central bank governor for a "super-sovereign reserve currency" run by the International Monetary Fund, but nevertheless let slip that Washington was "open" to the idea. Whoops. [More...]
Maybe President Obama needs to let Tim Geithner borrow his teleprompter, huh?
Ever feel you're like the only one who doesn't already know the punchline to a joke that's being told to you?
HEADLINE: 15th International Economic Forum Of The Americas To Meet June 8-11 Under Banner "Adapting To The New World Order"
The end times drama continues.
Kamis, 26 Maret 2009
News worth watching
An interesting development is taking place within the EU, or, as known in prophecy circles, the "revived Roman Empire" which is described in Daniel 2. We know from biblical prophecy that a leader will ultimately emerge from this revival of the Roman Empire and will become known as the Antichrist. Prophecy watchers are always watching developments within the EU - for a strong leader to emerge, or perhaps a "position" or "title" of absolute power to emerge.
Currently, the President of the EU serves a 6-month term, and that office rotates to different EU countries, and the term is held by the leader of that country. The Czech government currently holds the position of the EU president, with Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolanek in the role of EU President.
However, just this week, the Czech parliament backed a "no confidence" vote against Prime Minister Topolanek, who subsequently resigned. Now a new government must be formed. This has potential ramifications on the EU:
Read here
and here
As stated in the first article attached above, "With the Czechs currently holding the presidency of the European Union, the consequences of this vote could resound far beyond the Prague and deep into Brussels"
There is already a movement within the EU which is calling for a permanent EU President. This current turmoil with the EU's top position will only hasten these calls for a permanent President of the EU, thus replacing the current system of rotating the office every six months.
Odds are, that the Czechs will maintain the EU Presidency for the remainder of their term uneventfully. However, at a minimum, this situation will serve to increase the pressure for the EU President to become a permanent position.
It is also remotely possible that a leader could use this situation to gain political power within the EU. One never knows how these situations will evolve. We've seen how the financial crisis has hastened calls for a one-world currency/financial system and a one-world governance of such a financial system. Now we have an EU leadership "crisis", so the possibility exists that such a crisis could be used for political posturing and/or a political advantage by an individual or a group.
This is breaking news, so it is hard to know if it will be significant or not.
Either way, this is definitely worth watching closely. Thats what we prophecy watchers do. Stay tuned!
Currently, the President of the EU serves a 6-month term, and that office rotates to different EU countries, and the term is held by the leader of that country. The Czech government currently holds the position of the EU president, with Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolanek in the role of EU President.
However, just this week, the Czech parliament backed a "no confidence" vote against Prime Minister Topolanek, who subsequently resigned. Now a new government must be formed. This has potential ramifications on the EU:
Read here
and here
As stated in the first article attached above, "With the Czechs currently holding the presidency of the European Union, the consequences of this vote could resound far beyond the Prague and deep into Brussels"
There is already a movement within the EU which is calling for a permanent EU President. This current turmoil with the EU's top position will only hasten these calls for a permanent President of the EU, thus replacing the current system of rotating the office every six months.
Odds are, that the Czechs will maintain the EU Presidency for the remainder of their term uneventfully. However, at a minimum, this situation will serve to increase the pressure for the EU President to become a permanent position.
It is also remotely possible that a leader could use this situation to gain political power within the EU. One never knows how these situations will evolve. We've seen how the financial crisis has hastened calls for a one-world currency/financial system and a one-world governance of such a financial system. Now we have an EU leadership "crisis", so the possibility exists that such a crisis could be used for political posturing and/or a political advantage by an individual or a group.
This is breaking news, so it is hard to know if it will be significant or not.
Either way, this is definitely worth watching closely. Thats what we prophecy watchers do. Stay tuned!
Rabu, 25 Maret 2009
Wawancara oleh Human Capital: Brain Drain SDM TI yang Tersia-siakan
BRAIN DRAIN SDM TI YANG TERSIA-SIAKAN
Human Capital Magazine, Edisi 58 Januari 2009
Human Capital Magazine, Edisi 58 Januari 2009
Fenomena brain drain SDM TI terjadi di negara-negara berkembang, tak terkecuali di Indonesia. Bagaimana mengatasinya?
Sydney, Australia, 9 September 2007. Pan Mohamad Faiz, alumni Delhi Vishwavidyalaya (University of Delhi) yang berprofesi sebagai peneliti konstitusional di Mahkamah Konstitusi Indonesia menyampaikan makalahnya berjudul Brain Drain dan Sumber Daya Manusia Indonesia: Studi Analisa terhadap Reversed Brain Drain di India yang disampaikan pada Konferensi International Pelajar Indonesia (KIPI).
Pada makalah tersebut, Faiz mengidentifikasi fenomena brain drain yang umumnya terjadi di negara-negara berkembang. Faiz menguraikan problematika dan tantangan Indonesia dalam pengembangan SDM terkait dengan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi yang disebabkan oleh brain drain. Dan, pada akhir makalahnya, penulis menyuguhkan pola pengembangan SDM guna mencegah dan mengatasi efek negatif dari brain drain dengan melakukan studi analisa terhadap keberhasilan India dalam mewujudkan reversed brain drain khususnya di sektor TI.
Lebih lanjut Faiz menuliskan bahwa fenomena brain drain di Indonesia, walaupun hingga saat ini belum atau tidak terdapat data empiris, diperkirakan telah mencapai 5%. Jumlah ini bisa dikatakan cukup signifikan di tengah terpuruknya SDM Indonesia yang disertai kecilnya alokasi anggaran pendidikan yang hanya menyisihkan sebesar 11,8% dari APBN. (Anggaran pendidikan sebesar 20% baru akan direalisasikan pada APBN 2009 – red). Kondisi ini diperparah dengan alokasi anggaran riset dan teknologi yang tidak pernah mencapai angka 1% dari produk domestik bruto. Padahal, menurut analisa UNDP, angka tersebut merupakan anggaran minimum untuk terciptanya kemakmuran suatu bangsa.
Dihubungi HC lewat surat elektronik, Faiz memuji kualitas SDM TI di Indonesia. “SDM TI Indonesia sebenarnya cukup berkualitas, terbukti dari banyaknya tenaga TI kita yang dipercaya untuk memegang project-project besar di luar negeri,” kata Faiz memuji. “Hanya saja, mungkin kita sendiri yang belum menaruh perhatian lebih untuk bidang ini di dalam negeri, sehingga terkesan kita belum mampu menjadi tuan rumah di negeri sendiri,” ia menambahkan.
Namun demikian, Faiz meyakinkan, “Seiring dengan pesatnya laju industri teknologi Asia, saya yakin bahwa pada waktunya nanti para TI-ers kita, khususnya yang berada di luar negeri akan membangun basis ICT di Indonesia dengan tangan-tangan terampil yang dimilikinya seiring dengan masuknya investasi global untuk bidang pengembangan TI di Indonesia.”
Faktor penarik dan pendorong disebutkan Faiz sebagai faktor utama penyebab brain drain di mayoritas negara berkembang, termasuk Indonesia. “Faktor penarik yang datang dari negera tujuan, misalnya memperoleh prospek ekonomi dan kehidupan yang lebih baik; tersedianya fasilitas pendidikan, penelitian, dan teknologi yang lebih memadai; kesempatan memperoleh pengalaman bekerja yang luas; tradisi keilmuan dan budaya yang tinggi,” Faiz menjelaskan.
Di matanya, faktor pendorong yang datang dari dalam negeri, antara lain adalah: rendahnya pendapatan dan fasilitas penelitian, tidak adanya kenyamanan dalam bekerja dan memperoleh kebebasan, keinginan untuk memperoleh kualifikasi dan pengakuan yang lebih tinggi, ekspektasi karier yang lebih baik, kondisi politik yang tidak menentu, serta diskriminasi dalam hal penentuan jabatan dan promosi.
Brain drain di Indonesia, dijelaskan Faiz, fenomenanya sudah berlangsung sejak lama tanpa disadari dan makin gencar sejak pemerintah tidak menuntaskan program pengiriman tenaga ahli Indonesia untuk menempuh pendidikan di luar negeri. Dari program ini, katanya, diharapkan dapat mempercepat pengembangan industri teknologi di Tanah Air.
“Banyak tenaga ahli kita yang kini menetap atau bekerja di luar negeri tanpa pendataan yang tidak jelas. Akhirnya, SDM kita yang berkualitas menjadi tersia-siakan,” ujar Faiz menyesalkan. Belum lagi, tambahnya, sekarang gelombang pekerja profesional dan pelajar dari Indonesia yang berangkat ke luar negeri semakin deras. Jika tidak terencana dengan terarah dan seksama, baik dari pemerintah maupun masyarakat Indonesia, tidak mustahil kita akan kesulitan menangani efek negatif dari brain drain.
Setiap fenomena sejatinya diawali dengan sebuah tanda lalu sinyal yang harus diwaspadai agar Indonesia tidak kehilangan potensi SDM TI-nya yang memilih berkreasi di negara lain. “Menilik pengalaman bangsa lain, potensi SDM di dalam negeri akan sulit berkembang apabila tidak terdapat atmosfer pengembangan ilmu dan teknologi yang memadai,” tutur Faiz.
Ketika Indonesia belum banyak menciptakan produk TI tingkat tinggi, ungkap Faiz, di saat yang bersamaan gempuran produk TI berikut ahlinya mulai merambah masuk ke tiap bidang pekerjaan di Tanah Air. Akhirnya, baik tenaga TI maupun produk TI asal Indonesia sulit berkembang dan bersaing di pasaran. “Inilah yang harus menjadi catatan penting bagi kita,” katanya mengingatkan.
Di samping itu, Faiz menganjurkan kepada para profesional di bidang ini untuk belajar sebanyak mungkin dari negara-negara super lainnya. Menurutnya, tatkala sudah cukup “mencuri” ilmu dari mereka, pengembangan laboratorium TI di dalam negeri menjadi suatu keniscayaan yang tidak dapat ditunda-tunda lagi. “Saya rasa dengan jumlah populasi dan konsumen Indonesia yang begitu dahsyat, akan banyak investor yang berani menginvestasikan dananya di Indonesia,” katanya yakin.
Hanya saja, pemerintah harus pintar-pintar memilahnya, sehingga jangan sampai mematikan produk domestik sendiri. “Jika laboratorium ini mulai bermunculan, saya yakin SDM TI kita di luar negeri dalam waktu yang tidak lama akan kembali ke Tanah Air tanpa harus meninggalkan jejak dan jaringan yang sudah dibangun di tempat mereka bekerja di luar negeri. Generasi selanjutnyalah yang kemudian menggantikan posisi mereka di luar negeri, begitu seterusnya seperti suatu sirkulasi regenerasi pengembangan TI dari dalam-luar-dalam negeri,” paparnya.
Untuk mencapai target tersebut, Faiz menguraikan strateginya menarik kembali SDM TI lokal yang punya potensi untuk mendedikasikan dirinya bagi pengembangan TI di Indonesia. “Dalam hal ini kerja sama antara pemerintah, universitas, dan tempat pelatihan TI menjadi syarat mutlak. Mereka yang unggul di kelasnya masing-masing dapat dijadikan proyek embrio pengembangan TI,” kata Faiz menyarankan.
Yang ia sayangkan, kadangkala setelah mampu melewati tahapan tersebut, political will dari pemerintah kurang mendukung. Ratusan teknologi jadi dan siap pakai karya anak bangsa seringkali dinomorsekiankan hanya karena ada teknologi asing yang dianggap lebih baik mutu dan kelasnya. “Untuk itu revitalisasi arah dan pemikiran para pemimpin kita harus pula dilakukan agar nantinya mampu memfasilitasi dan menopang kualitas SDM TI Nusantara yang telah terbukti berhasil menciptakan beragam produk unggulan,” tuturnya.
Dan, tampaknya masalah SDM TI di Indonesia mulai mendapat angin segar dari pemerintah yang diwakili oleh Kementerian Riset dan Teknologi lewat program mendukung kemajuan teknologi Indonesia. Kusmayanto Kadiman, Menteri Negara Riset dan Teknologi RI saat ini menyatakan optimismenya dengan bahasa yang bersemangat. “Saya percaya Indonesia hebat,” kata menteri yang akrab disapa KK ini optimis. (*)
Sumber: http://www.portalhr.com/majalah/edisisebelumnya/teknologi/1id1219.html
Sydney, Australia, 9 September 2007. Pan Mohamad Faiz, alumni Delhi Vishwavidyalaya (University of Delhi) yang berprofesi sebagai peneliti konstitusional di Mahkamah Konstitusi Indonesia menyampaikan makalahnya berjudul Brain Drain dan Sumber Daya Manusia Indonesia: Studi Analisa terhadap Reversed Brain Drain di India yang disampaikan pada Konferensi International Pelajar Indonesia (KIPI).Pada makalah tersebut, Faiz mengidentifikasi fenomena brain drain yang umumnya terjadi di negara-negara berkembang. Faiz menguraikan problematika dan tantangan Indonesia dalam pengembangan SDM terkait dengan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi yang disebabkan oleh brain drain. Dan, pada akhir makalahnya, penulis menyuguhkan pola pengembangan SDM guna mencegah dan mengatasi efek negatif dari brain drain dengan melakukan studi analisa terhadap keberhasilan India dalam mewujudkan reversed brain drain khususnya di sektor TI.
Lebih lanjut Faiz menuliskan bahwa fenomena brain drain di Indonesia, walaupun hingga saat ini belum atau tidak terdapat data empiris, diperkirakan telah mencapai 5%. Jumlah ini bisa dikatakan cukup signifikan di tengah terpuruknya SDM Indonesia yang disertai kecilnya alokasi anggaran pendidikan yang hanya menyisihkan sebesar 11,8% dari APBN. (Anggaran pendidikan sebesar 20% baru akan direalisasikan pada APBN 2009 – red). Kondisi ini diperparah dengan alokasi anggaran riset dan teknologi yang tidak pernah mencapai angka 1% dari produk domestik bruto. Padahal, menurut analisa UNDP, angka tersebut merupakan anggaran minimum untuk terciptanya kemakmuran suatu bangsa.
Dihubungi HC lewat surat elektronik, Faiz memuji kualitas SDM TI di Indonesia. “SDM TI Indonesia sebenarnya cukup berkualitas, terbukti dari banyaknya tenaga TI kita yang dipercaya untuk memegang project-project besar di luar negeri,” kata Faiz memuji. “Hanya saja, mungkin kita sendiri yang belum menaruh perhatian lebih untuk bidang ini di dalam negeri, sehingga terkesan kita belum mampu menjadi tuan rumah di negeri sendiri,” ia menambahkan.
Namun demikian, Faiz meyakinkan, “Seiring dengan pesatnya laju industri teknologi Asia, saya yakin bahwa pada waktunya nanti para TI-ers kita, khususnya yang berada di luar negeri akan membangun basis ICT di Indonesia dengan tangan-tangan terampil yang dimilikinya seiring dengan masuknya investasi global untuk bidang pengembangan TI di Indonesia.”
Faktor penarik dan pendorong disebutkan Faiz sebagai faktor utama penyebab brain drain di mayoritas negara berkembang, termasuk Indonesia. “Faktor penarik yang datang dari negera tujuan, misalnya memperoleh prospek ekonomi dan kehidupan yang lebih baik; tersedianya fasilitas pendidikan, penelitian, dan teknologi yang lebih memadai; kesempatan memperoleh pengalaman bekerja yang luas; tradisi keilmuan dan budaya yang tinggi,” Faiz menjelaskan.
Di matanya, faktor pendorong yang datang dari dalam negeri, antara lain adalah: rendahnya pendapatan dan fasilitas penelitian, tidak adanya kenyamanan dalam bekerja dan memperoleh kebebasan, keinginan untuk memperoleh kualifikasi dan pengakuan yang lebih tinggi, ekspektasi karier yang lebih baik, kondisi politik yang tidak menentu, serta diskriminasi dalam hal penentuan jabatan dan promosi.
Brain drain di Indonesia, dijelaskan Faiz, fenomenanya sudah berlangsung sejak lama tanpa disadari dan makin gencar sejak pemerintah tidak menuntaskan program pengiriman tenaga ahli Indonesia untuk menempuh pendidikan di luar negeri. Dari program ini, katanya, diharapkan dapat mempercepat pengembangan industri teknologi di Tanah Air.
“Banyak tenaga ahli kita yang kini menetap atau bekerja di luar negeri tanpa pendataan yang tidak jelas. Akhirnya, SDM kita yang berkualitas menjadi tersia-siakan,” ujar Faiz menyesalkan. Belum lagi, tambahnya, sekarang gelombang pekerja profesional dan pelajar dari Indonesia yang berangkat ke luar negeri semakin deras. Jika tidak terencana dengan terarah dan seksama, baik dari pemerintah maupun masyarakat Indonesia, tidak mustahil kita akan kesulitan menangani efek negatif dari brain drain.
Setiap fenomena sejatinya diawali dengan sebuah tanda lalu sinyal yang harus diwaspadai agar Indonesia tidak kehilangan potensi SDM TI-nya yang memilih berkreasi di negara lain. “Menilik pengalaman bangsa lain, potensi SDM di dalam negeri akan sulit berkembang apabila tidak terdapat atmosfer pengembangan ilmu dan teknologi yang memadai,” tutur Faiz.
Ketika Indonesia belum banyak menciptakan produk TI tingkat tinggi, ungkap Faiz, di saat yang bersamaan gempuran produk TI berikut ahlinya mulai merambah masuk ke tiap bidang pekerjaan di Tanah Air. Akhirnya, baik tenaga TI maupun produk TI asal Indonesia sulit berkembang dan bersaing di pasaran. “Inilah yang harus menjadi catatan penting bagi kita,” katanya mengingatkan.
Di samping itu, Faiz menganjurkan kepada para profesional di bidang ini untuk belajar sebanyak mungkin dari negara-negara super lainnya. Menurutnya, tatkala sudah cukup “mencuri” ilmu dari mereka, pengembangan laboratorium TI di dalam negeri menjadi suatu keniscayaan yang tidak dapat ditunda-tunda lagi. “Saya rasa dengan jumlah populasi dan konsumen Indonesia yang begitu dahsyat, akan banyak investor yang berani menginvestasikan dananya di Indonesia,” katanya yakin.
Hanya saja, pemerintah harus pintar-pintar memilahnya, sehingga jangan sampai mematikan produk domestik sendiri. “Jika laboratorium ini mulai bermunculan, saya yakin SDM TI kita di luar negeri dalam waktu yang tidak lama akan kembali ke Tanah Air tanpa harus meninggalkan jejak dan jaringan yang sudah dibangun di tempat mereka bekerja di luar negeri. Generasi selanjutnyalah yang kemudian menggantikan posisi mereka di luar negeri, begitu seterusnya seperti suatu sirkulasi regenerasi pengembangan TI dari dalam-luar-dalam negeri,” paparnya.
Untuk mencapai target tersebut, Faiz menguraikan strateginya menarik kembali SDM TI lokal yang punya potensi untuk mendedikasikan dirinya bagi pengembangan TI di Indonesia. “Dalam hal ini kerja sama antara pemerintah, universitas, dan tempat pelatihan TI menjadi syarat mutlak. Mereka yang unggul di kelasnya masing-masing dapat dijadikan proyek embrio pengembangan TI,” kata Faiz menyarankan.
Yang ia sayangkan, kadangkala setelah mampu melewati tahapan tersebut, political will dari pemerintah kurang mendukung. Ratusan teknologi jadi dan siap pakai karya anak bangsa seringkali dinomorsekiankan hanya karena ada teknologi asing yang dianggap lebih baik mutu dan kelasnya. “Untuk itu revitalisasi arah dan pemikiran para pemimpin kita harus pula dilakukan agar nantinya mampu memfasilitasi dan menopang kualitas SDM TI Nusantara yang telah terbukti berhasil menciptakan beragam produk unggulan,” tuturnya.
Dan, tampaknya masalah SDM TI di Indonesia mulai mendapat angin segar dari pemerintah yang diwakili oleh Kementerian Riset dan Teknologi lewat program mendukung kemajuan teknologi Indonesia. Kusmayanto Kadiman, Menteri Negara Riset dan Teknologi RI saat ini menyatakan optimismenya dengan bahasa yang bersemangat. “Saya percaya Indonesia hebat,” kata menteri yang akrab disapa KK ini optimis. (*)
Sumber: http://www.portalhr.com/majalah/edisisebelumnya/teknologi/1id1219.html
***
Sekilas tentang Human Capital (HC):
PortalHR
PortalHR adalah portal internet yang mengkhususkan diri pada bidang Human Resource / sumberdaya manusia. Kelahiran portal ini salah satunya dipicu oleh banyaknya permasalahan dan pertanyaan mengenai sumberdaya manusia dan masalah ketenagakerjaan di Indonesia serta kebutuhan akan sumber informasi sumberdaya manusia dan ketenagakerjaan yang terpercaya.
Visi & Misi
PortalHR.com bertujuan menjadi wahana terpercaya di bidang sumberdaya manusia di Indonesia, yang membantu perusahaan, karyawan, dan praktisi HR dengan menghubungkan mereka pada pengetahuan dan sumberdaya yang dibutuhkan untuk mengatur sumberdaya manusia dalam bisnis. Selain itu PortalHR juga bertujuan untuk ikut serta menjadikan dan mengembangkan bidang sumberdaya manusia sebagai partner penting dalam pengembangan dan pelaksanaan strategi organisasi.
Tim Manajemen PortalHR
President Director : Nukman Luthfie
Executive Director : Meisia Lucia Chandra
IT Director : Erick Wellem
Business Manager : Nurjamila Baniswati
Content Manager : Is Mujiarso
Sales & Marketing Manager: Citra Yuliasari
Alamat Pemasaran PortalHR
Kindo Building
Jl. Raya Duren Tiga No. 101 Ruang B 202
Jakarta Selatan 12760
Indonesia
Phone. +62-21-798-2006
Fax. +62-21-798-3630
PortalHR
PortalHR adalah portal internet yang mengkhususkan diri pada bidang Human Resource / sumberdaya manusia. Kelahiran portal ini salah satunya dipicu oleh banyaknya permasalahan dan pertanyaan mengenai sumberdaya manusia dan masalah ketenagakerjaan di Indonesia serta kebutuhan akan sumber informasi sumberdaya manusia dan ketenagakerjaan yang terpercaya.
Visi & Misi
PortalHR.com bertujuan menjadi wahana terpercaya di bidang sumberdaya manusia di Indonesia, yang membantu perusahaan, karyawan, dan praktisi HR dengan menghubungkan mereka pada pengetahuan dan sumberdaya yang dibutuhkan untuk mengatur sumberdaya manusia dalam bisnis. Selain itu PortalHR juga bertujuan untuk ikut serta menjadikan dan mengembangkan bidang sumberdaya manusia sebagai partner penting dalam pengembangan dan pelaksanaan strategi organisasi.
Tim Manajemen PortalHR
President Director : Nukman Luthfie
Executive Director : Meisia Lucia Chandra
IT Director : Erick Wellem
Business Manager : Nurjamila Baniswati
Content Manager : Is Mujiarso
Sales & Marketing Manager: Citra Yuliasari
Alamat Pemasaran PortalHR
Kindo Building
Jl. Raya Duren Tiga No. 101 Ruang B 202
Jakarta Selatan 12760
Indonesia
Phone. +62-21-798-2006
Fax. +62-21-798-3630
Minggu, 22 Maret 2009
What do we do now?
OK, so we're living in the end times as described in the prophetic scriptures - most of us realize that now. Usually after being exposed to a literal view of prophecy and the various signs that are present today, I find that most folks become convinced that indeed, we really are living at the very end of this age; awaiting Christ's return to gather up His Church. But the question often becomes "What do we do now? Now that we have this information - how do we react?"
Listening to a pastor preach on this very message this morning, reminded me that often - as we watch the various signs happening in the world around us, convincing us on a daily basis that we're rapidly approaching the last days - we forget the most important aspect of prophecy watching. What to do now that we have this vital information.
The bible offers some advice:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING." (Hebrews 10:23-25)
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ...Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus...May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)
"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming" (1 John 28)
To summarize the scriptures, which are specifically directed to living at the end of this age, we see the following messages:
- Hold to and "continue" in the hope that we profess - the hope that we are given by salvation, through Christ Jesus.
- Spur one another toward love and good deeds.
- Encourage one another by NOT giving up meeting together (in other words - MEET together, as Christians in a spirit of love).
- Pray continually and give thanks continually
- Live so that we may be "confident and unashamed" before Him at His coming.
- Encourage each other, and build each other up.
God knew that these would be dark days, perhaps a little scary, just before His return. It seems obvious, based upon these scriptures that God knew that gathering together, praying together, worshiping together, building each other up, encouraging each other, staying in constant prayer, and doing all of these things will allow us to meet Christ in way that we are "confident and unashamed".
These are powerful words, and these scriptures give us important information on how to live in faith during these last days. God knew the exact circumstances we'd find ourselves in. He knew that the financial collapse would be present; He knew the world would be seeing ominous signs, including war and rumor of war, famine, pestilences, a growing world-government, loss of freedoms, loss of financial security, worries about the future, and on and on this list goes. God knew all of this. And He also knows how we can have comfort as we watch the world's events just before His coming.
So we should gather together and give each other encouragement, pray together, build each other up, spur one another towards love and good deeds. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, lets hold on to the hope that we have in Christ.
Jesus will come back, and He will come back soon. Its a promise.
MARANATHA! Our Lord Comes!
Listening to a pastor preach on this very message this morning, reminded me that often - as we watch the various signs happening in the world around us, convincing us on a daily basis that we're rapidly approaching the last days - we forget the most important aspect of prophecy watching. What to do now that we have this vital information.
The bible offers some advice:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING." (Hebrews 10:23-25)
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ...Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus...May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)
"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming" (1 John 28)
To summarize the scriptures, which are specifically directed to living at the end of this age, we see the following messages:
- Hold to and "continue" in the hope that we profess - the hope that we are given by salvation, through Christ Jesus.
- Spur one another toward love and good deeds.
- Encourage one another by NOT giving up meeting together (in other words - MEET together, as Christians in a spirit of love).
- Pray continually and give thanks continually
- Live so that we may be "confident and unashamed" before Him at His coming.
- Encourage each other, and build each other up.
God knew that these would be dark days, perhaps a little scary, just before His return. It seems obvious, based upon these scriptures that God knew that gathering together, praying together, worshiping together, building each other up, encouraging each other, staying in constant prayer, and doing all of these things will allow us to meet Christ in way that we are "confident and unashamed".
These are powerful words, and these scriptures give us important information on how to live in faith during these last days. God knew the exact circumstances we'd find ourselves in. He knew that the financial collapse would be present; He knew the world would be seeing ominous signs, including war and rumor of war, famine, pestilences, a growing world-government, loss of freedoms, loss of financial security, worries about the future, and on and on this list goes. God knew all of this. And He also knows how we can have comfort as we watch the world's events just before His coming.
So we should gather together and give each other encouragement, pray together, build each other up, spur one another towards love and good deeds. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, lets hold on to the hope that we have in Christ.
Jesus will come back, and He will come back soon. Its a promise.
MARANATHA! Our Lord Comes!
Jumat, 20 Maret 2009
Paving the way
As I watch the news on a daily basis, I can't help but thinking about how the world is setting up for the rise of the Antichrist. In fact, a lot of the "work" that he would have to do, according to the scriptures, in order to create his world financial system, his world currency and his world government is already in the early stages of development.
The G-20 is a powerful collection of finance ministers and central bank governors, representing 19 of the world's economic leaders (countries) and the EU (G-20 website here). Additionally the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the President of the World Bank, plus the chairs of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and Development Committee of the IMF and World Bank also participate. This group met in November and will meet again in April. This group has tremendous influence on the world's economy and is determined to "fix" the current financial crisis.
According to the G-20 website, one of their main goals is to "tackle the international financial and economic crisis, restore worldwide financial stability" and "The financial markets and the world economy continue to face serious global challenges and the severity of the crisis and ongoing uncertianties demonstrate the need for urgent action...the immediate priority will be to gain further agreements for a concerted co-ordinated international response."
Several articles are also emerging which reveal the upcoming agenda. First, we see Russia pushing for the creation of a new "supranational reserve currency to be issued by international institutions as part of a reform of the global financial system."
(read here).
We also see the UN weighing in on the issue (article here), as they recommend that the world "ditch the dollar as its reserve currency in favor of a shared basket of currencies."
Then we read that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the support of the U.S. and Russia "appears positioned to launch a one-world currency at the upcoming G-20 meeting in London." (read here)
As usual, the best analysis of this situation has been summarized by Joel Rosenberg (read here).
One thing is clear: at the upcoming G-20 meeting, at least one major focus will be the development of a single, world currency. One additional idea, which is often made in these discussions, is the need for a "world governance" in order to govern this proposed single currency and the single-world financial system, which is largely in place now and growing stronger by the day.
Much of the work is already being done, for a single "world-leader" to emerge and take this "bull by the horns" (10 horns to be exact: Rev. 17:12, Daniel 7:24). We're actually watching the world shaping up to be in perfect position for someone to lead this world-wide effort to stablize economies and control the system which is being put in place. We're just waiting for such a leader to step forward.
The upcoming G-20 meeting should be very interesting, and we'll be watching it closely. All news regarding this meeting points to an agenda which will include more and more provisions for a world currency and consolidation of the emerging world financial system.
The road is certianly being paved for the biblical figure known as the Antichrist to ultimately assume control of the world's financial system and its single currency. We know how this story ends, as we have the advantage of biblical prophecy, which thus far is 100% accurate.
The G-20 is a powerful collection of finance ministers and central bank governors, representing 19 of the world's economic leaders (countries) and the EU (G-20 website here). Additionally the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the President of the World Bank, plus the chairs of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and Development Committee of the IMF and World Bank also participate. This group met in November and will meet again in April. This group has tremendous influence on the world's economy and is determined to "fix" the current financial crisis.
According to the G-20 website, one of their main goals is to "tackle the international financial and economic crisis, restore worldwide financial stability" and "The financial markets and the world economy continue to face serious global challenges and the severity of the crisis and ongoing uncertianties demonstrate the need for urgent action...the immediate priority will be to gain further agreements for a concerted co-ordinated international response."
Several articles are also emerging which reveal the upcoming agenda. First, we see Russia pushing for the creation of a new "supranational reserve currency to be issued by international institutions as part of a reform of the global financial system."
(read here).
We also see the UN weighing in on the issue (article here), as they recommend that the world "ditch the dollar as its reserve currency in favor of a shared basket of currencies."
Then we read that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the support of the U.S. and Russia "appears positioned to launch a one-world currency at the upcoming G-20 meeting in London." (read here)
As usual, the best analysis of this situation has been summarized by Joel Rosenberg (read here).
One thing is clear: at the upcoming G-20 meeting, at least one major focus will be the development of a single, world currency. One additional idea, which is often made in these discussions, is the need for a "world governance" in order to govern this proposed single currency and the single-world financial system, which is largely in place now and growing stronger by the day.
Much of the work is already being done, for a single "world-leader" to emerge and take this "bull by the horns" (10 horns to be exact: Rev. 17:12, Daniel 7:24). We're actually watching the world shaping up to be in perfect position for someone to lead this world-wide effort to stablize economies and control the system which is being put in place. We're just waiting for such a leader to step forward.
The upcoming G-20 meeting should be very interesting, and we'll be watching it closely. All news regarding this meeting points to an agenda which will include more and more provisions for a world currency and consolidation of the emerging world financial system.
The road is certianly being paved for the biblical figure known as the Antichrist to ultimately assume control of the world's financial system and its single currency. We know how this story ends, as we have the advantage of biblical prophecy, which thus far is 100% accurate.
Rabu, 18 Maret 2009
Ketidakcermatan UU Pemilu Legislatif
KETIDAKCERMATAN UU PEMILU LEGISLATIF
Hajatan terbesar nasional dalam rentang siklus lima tahunan segera digelar. Dalam hitungan hari, jutaan warga Indonesia baik yang berada di dalam maupun luar negeri akan memberikan hak suaranya di dalam Pemilihan Umum (Pemilu). Para peserta Pemilu yang terdiri dari 44 Partai Politik untuk calon anggota DPR, DPRD, dan DPRA/DPRK, serta 1.127 perseorangan calon anggota DPD beramai-ramai telah menggerakan mesin kampanyenya guna memperoleh simpati konstituen dan calon pemilihnya. Begitu pula dengan pihak penyelenggara, yaitu Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU), seakan berlomba dengan waktu dalam mempersiapkan segala sesuatunya guna kelancaran proses pencontrengan di tanggal 9 April nanti.Namun demikian, keluhan dari masyarakat bermunculan tatkala terlihat adanya kekurangsiapan pihak penyelenggara dalam hal sosialisasi teknis pemilihan, distribusi kertas dan kotak suara, serta penjadwalan kampanye yang dinilai dapat menjadi penghambat keberlangsungan proses dan momentum kehidupan demokrasi di bumi nusantara ini. Oleh karenanya, Pemerintah dengan berkoordinasi bersama KPU cepat-cepat mengeluarkan Perpu dan sederet Peraturan KPU guna mengisi celah-celah kecil yang berpotensi menyebabkan delegitimasi pelaksanaan Pemilu 2009.
Kesalahan Penulisan
Sejak tiga bulan terakhir, wajah media massa baik cetak maupun elektronik, tidak henti-hentinya memberitakan seputar persiapan Pemilu. Perdebatan pun bermunculan mengenai regulasi mulai dari persiapan dan pelaksanaan Pemilu hingga antisipasi penanganan munculnya sengketa antara Peserta Pemilu dengan KPU.
Undang-Undang Nomor 10 Tahun 2008 tentang Pemilihan Umum Anggota DPR, DPD, dan DPRD (UU Pemilu Legislatif) merupakan landasan yuridis yang paling mendasar untuk mengantarkan 550 wakil rakyat menuju gedung bundar di Senayan. Namun apa jadinya apabila di dalam UU Pemilu Legislatif sebagai alas yuridis terdapat kesalahan substansi yang sepertinya remeh-temeh namun cukup fundamental.
Di dalam kalimat pertama paragraf kesatu Penjelasan Umum UU tersebut tertulis, “Pasal 2 ayat (1) Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945 menyatakan bahwa “kedaulatan rakyat berada di tangan rakyat dan dilaksanakan menurut Undang-Undang Dasar”.
Sedangkan di awal paragraf kedua tertulis, “Sesuai ketentuan Pasal 22E ayat (6) Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945, pemilihan umum untuk memilih anggota Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat, Dewan Perwakilan Daerah, dan Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah diselenggarakan berlandaskan azas langsung, umum, bebas, rahasia, jujur, dan adil setiap lima tahun sekali.”
Secara sepintas memang tidak ada kesalahan susunan kalimat pada kedua paragraf di atas, namun apabila dicermati lebih mendalam, maka pencantuman kedua Pasal di atas merupakan kesalahan yang cukup nyata.
Konsep “kedaulatan rakyat” sebenarnya diatur di dalam Pasal 1 ayat (2) UUD 1945, dan bukan di dalam Pasal 2 ayat (1) UUD 1945 yang justru hanya mengatur mengenai komposisi Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (MPR). Sedangkan, ketentuan mengenai asas pelaksanaan Pemilu, waktu pelaksanaan, dan tujuan pemilihan diatur di dalam Pasal 22E ayat (1) dan ayat (2) UUD 1945, dan bukan di dalam Pasal 22E ayat (6) yang mengatur tentang ketentuan pemberian delegasi pengaturan tentang pemilihan umum dengan undang-undang.
Mungkinkah kesalahan ini hanya terletak pada lembar pencetakan Penerbit dari UU yang penulis baca? Setelah membandingkan UU Pemilu Legislatif yang tersedia di toko buku, terpampang bebas pada situs resmi KPU, hingga salinan aslinya, tampaklah sudah bahwa telah terjadi kesalahan yang sama untuk keseluruh UU tersebut. Oleh karenya dapat disimpulkan bahwa kesalahan penyusunan Undang-Undang tersebut berasal dari lembaga/penjabat yang diberi kewenangan membentuk perundang-undangan (wetgevende macht)
Status Penjelasan
Dalam salah satu buku terbarunya, “Menata Ulang Sistem Peraturan Perundang-undangan" (2008), Prof. HAS Natabaya membagi unsur-unsur sistem peraturan perundang-undangan dengan: (1) asas-asas pembentukan; (2) pembentuk dan proses pembentukannya; (3) jenis dan hirarki; (4) fungsi; (5) materi muatan; (6) pengundangan; (7) penyebarluasan; (8) penegakkan dan pengujian. Menurutnya, apabila salah satu unsur baik yang berkaitan dengan dengan formalitas maupun materialitas, maka sistem itu akan timpang dan bahkan dapat menghasilan suatu produk yang “cacat hukum”, sehingga dapat atau harus diuji oleh lembaga legislatif melalui legislative review/political review atau oleh lembaga yudikatif melalui judicial review.
Sesuai dengan Pasal 5 UU No. 10 Tahun 2004 tentang Pembentukan Peraturan Perundang-Undangan (UU 10/2004), pembentukan perundang-undangan harus memenuhi asas-asas yang meliputi: (a) kejelasan tujuan; (b) kelembagaan atau organ pembentuk yang tepat; (c) kesesuaian antara jenis dan materi muatan; (d) dapat dilaksanakan; (e) kedayagunaan dan kehasilgunaan; (f) kejelasan rumusan; dan (g) keterbukaan. Dalam penjelasannya, asas “kejelasan rumusan” terakit dengan pemenuhan syarat teknis penyusunan peraturan perundang-undangan, sistematika dan pilihan kata atau terminologi, serta bahasa hukum yang jelas dan mudah dimengerti, sehingga tidak menimbulkan berbagai macam intepretasi dalam pelaksanaannya.
Dalam konteks kesalahan penulisan sebagaimana telah diuraikan sebelumnya, penjelasan umum yang memuat pengacuan ke peraturan perundang-undangan lain atau dokumen lain harus pula dilengkapi dengan keterangan mengenai sumbernya. Penjelasan Umum seharusnya memuat uraian yang sistematis mengenai latar belakang pemikiran, maksud, dan tujuan penyusunan peraturan perundang-undangan yang telah tercantum secara singkat dalam butir konsiderans, serta asas-asas, tujuan, atau pokok-pokok yang terkandung di dalam batang tubuh peraturan perundang-undangan, sebagaimana telah diuraikan secara panjang lebar di dalam lampiran UU 10/2004.
Lebih lanjut, penjelasan juga berfungsi sebagai tafsiran resmi pembentuk perundang-undangan atas norma tertentu dalam batang tubuh. Oleh karenanya, penjelasan haruslah dimaksudkan untuk memperjelas norma dalam batang tubuh dan tidak boleh mengakibatkan terjadinya ketidakjelasan dari norma yang dijelaskan. Dalam penjelasan juga harus dihindari rumusan yang isinya memuat perubahan terselubung terhadap ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan.
Konsekuensi Hukum
Sulit untuk beralasan bahwa kesalahan penulisan di dalam Penjelasan Umum UU Pemilu Legislatif hanya sebatas alasan clerical error, sehingga harus dimaafkan. Sebab ketidakcermatan penulisan kali ini justru terjadi pada rujukan yuridis yang amat mendasar, yaitu UUD 1945 sebagai Undang-Undang yang tertinggi (grondwet is de hoogste wet). Padahal di dalam suatu pembentukan Undang-Undang, para perancang (legislative drafter) yang berkualifikasi dan bertaraf nasional telah melewati tahapan komposisi kegiatan pembentukan yang terdiri dari: (i) pembuatan draft awal, (ii) melakukan revisi, (iii) melakukan pemeriksaan silang, (iv) konsultasi pihak lain; (v) dan (vi) melakukan penghalusan.
Sebenarnya penulis sengaja mengendapkan permasalahan ini ketika mendengar akan dikeluarkannya sebuah Peraturan Pemerintah Pengganti Undang-Undang (Perpu) tentang Perubahan UU Pemilu Legislatif, dengan harapan perbaikan terhadap Penjelasan Umum dalam UU Pemilu Legislatif akan dicakup di dalam materi Perpu tersebut. Sebagaimana diatur di dalam Pasal 7 UU 10/2004 terkait dengan jenis dan hierarki peraturan perundang-undangan, perubahan atau revisi suatu Undang-Undang hanya dapat dilakukan melalui Undang-Undang yang baru atau sebuah Perpu (legislative review). Argumen ini diperkuat oleh Ahli Ilmu Perundang-Undangan, Prof. Maria Farida Indrati dalam suatu kesempatan diskusi dengan Penulis. Namun ternyata, keluarnya Peraturan Pemerintah Pengganti Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 2009 tentang Perubahan Atas Undang-Undang Nomor 10 Tahun 2008 tentang Pemilihan Umum Anggota DPR, DPD, dan DPRD pada tanggal 26 Februari 2009 yang lalu, sama sekali tidak memuat perbaikan terhadap Penjelasan Umum UU Pemilu Legislatif tersebut. Dengan demikian, kesalahan rujukan di dalam Penjelasan Umum UU tersebut masihlah ada dan akan tetap ada selama tidak ada perbaikan.
Upaya untuk memperbaiki UU 10/2008 sebenarnya dapat pula dilakukan melalui cara lain, yaitu judicial review dengan cara membatalkan frasa “Pasal 2 ayat (1)” dan frasa “Pasal 22E ayat (6)” yang tercantum di dalam Penjelasan Umum. Sehingga setelah dibatalkan maka tanpa mengurangi substansinya, penjelasan kedua paragraf tersebut dapat dibaca secara utuh sebagai berikut, yaitu “Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945 menyatakan bahwa …” dan “Sesuai ketentuan Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945, pemilihan umum …”. Hanya saja, selain akan membutuhkan waktu cukup lama, hal yang seharusnya dapat disempurnakan dengan mudah akan menjadi terkesan dicari-cari atau mengada-ada. Tetapi itulah konsekuensi hukum dari apa yang seharusnya ditempuh apabila ditemukan bagian dari UU yang tidak sesuai dengan asas-asas pembentukan peraturan perundang-undangan dan/atau bertentangan dengan semangat UUD 1945.
Penutup
Seyogyanya, para pembentuk Undang-Undang menyadari hal ini sejak dini dan tidak membiarkan kesalahan-kesalahan demikian terjadi terus-menerus dan berulang kali. Sementara para pihak tengah berjibaku menegakkan Peraturan KPU dan teknis pelaksanaan di lapangan, ternyata dalam tataran landasan dasar yuridis masih terdapat pokok kesalahan penyusunan (drafting failure) yang seharusnya jangan lagi diberikan toleransi. Sehingga tepat rasanya apabila mengutip pepatah melayu yang berbunyi, “kuman diseberang pulau terlihat, gajah di pelupuk mata tak nampak”.
Akhirnya, perlu pula disampaikan bahwa tulisan singkat ini sama sekali tidak ditujukan untuk memperkeruh keadaan menjelang Pemilu, apalagi menambah deret persoalan legislasi seputar pelaksanaan Pemilu. Akan tetapi semata-mata sebagai catatan kecil dari seorang warga negara yang berkewajiban untuk mengingatkan para wakilnya guna memperbaiki ketentuan yang belum sempurna. Sebab, para wakil rakyat sejatinya adalah juga seorang legislator handal, sebagaimana telah menjadi amanat konstitusi di dalam Pasal 20 UUD 1945, sekaligus sebagai konsekuensi jabatan dalam menjalankan fungsi, tugas dan kewenangan pokoknya dalam hal legislasi yang ditegaskan di dalam Pasal 25 dan Pasal 26 UU No. 22 Tahun 2003 tentang Susunan dan kedudukan Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat, Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat, Dewan Perwakilan Daerah, dan Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah (UU Susduk)
Semoga di masa periode berikutnya kita dapat memiliki para wakil rakyat yang semakin baik dari apa yang kita miliki saat ini dalam hal dalam membentuk suatu produk peraturan perundang-undangan. Jika tidak, maka puluhan miliar rupiah yang dikucurkan selama proses Pemilu mendatang akan terbuang secara sia-sia. Oleh karena itu, jangan sampai salah pilih!
* Penulis adalah Alumnus Pascasarjana Program Master of Comparative Laws (M.C.L.) pada Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.
Selasa, 17 Maret 2009
Headlines
Occasionally, the headlines speak for themselves:
Nobel-prize winner backs world currency
Mediterranean Union: Secretary General to be named by April
Russia announces rearmament plan
Additionally, Joel Rosenberg has provided his usual timely and interesting update on Israel, their elections and the Middle-East: (click "blog") Netanyahu begins finalizing government
Nobel-prize winner backs world currency
Mediterranean Union: Secretary General to be named by April
Russia announces rearmament plan
Additionally, Joel Rosenberg has provided his usual timely and interesting update on Israel, their elections and the Middle-East: (click "blog") Netanyahu begins finalizing government
Sabtu, 14 Maret 2009
Preparing for the Mark of the Beast
Revelation 13 and 14 provide detailed information regarding the Antichrist and the False Prophet. As part of these descriptions, which provide a summary regarding their actions during the Tribulation, we also receive information on the well-known "Mark of the Beast" :
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name." (Rev. 13:16)
A few verses later (Rev. 14:9-12) we receive information regarding the fate of those who receive the "mark":
"If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives the mark on the forehead or on the hand, he too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur...and the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. This calls for patient endurance on the part of the Saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus."
To summarize these scriptures, several points are apparent:
1. During the Tribulation, one must have the "mark of the beast" in order to buy or sell anything.
2. Taking the mark of the beast also serves as a "declaration" that the individual has formally rejected Jesus and has declared that he/she will worship the Antichrist.
3. God considers this as an irreversable rejection of His salvation, and that person will "drink of the wrath of God's fury...forever."
So the question becomes, how could a central world figure (the Antichrist) control buying and selling via this "mark"?
While much of this is speculation, we have watched the technology ("RFID" radio chip) increase in a stepwise manner for the last 2 decades. Slowly but surely, this technology has creeped into the mainstream thought. The VeriChip Corporation has been the leader in this technology, and has pushed this agenda as their technology has increasingly expanded over the years.
Their own website (here) reveals how far this technology has advanced. The "chip" today, smaller than a grain of rice can be implanted in the hand, and it can contain extensive information on the individual. Additionally, it has the ability to track individuals locationally, via satellite, and can contain extensive medical/financial information on each individual who receives this verichip.
We are now seeing a push to mandate "enhanced" drivers licenses, at least according to the Department of Homeland Security (see here) which would contain the same RFID technology, embedded within the license itself. The basic, intuitive resistence that many people have to something like this (fears of loss of freedom, fears of loss of privacy, fears of government intervention etc.) are being overcome by selling the "positives" of having this chip inserted. These selling points of the VeriChip include - the ability to track children who are lost/abducted, the implememtion of a "cashless" financial system, a solution to "identity theft", enhanced security, and health care information, which could be immediately obtained in the event of a medical emergency, and on and on this list goes.
Paul McGuire, a Christian author who has been following this situation, provides a nice summary of the situation:
here.
Today, anyone who receives the VeriChip is clearly NOT receiving the Mark of the Beast. The Antichrist is not in power yet, and taking this VeriChip now is not linked with worship of the Antichrist. However, many of us believe that the current progress and advancing technology for the VeriChip could be preparing the way for general acceptance of the "Mark", when the Antichrist DOES arrive on the world scene.
The Tribulaton will serve as a last chance for non-believers to accept Christ and His message of salvation. God will reveal Himself in dramatic ways during the Tribulation, and "multitudes" will receive Christ (Revelation 7:9-14, 20:4). People living during the Tribulation will be forced to choose between Christ and the Antichrist, and the "Mark of the Beast" will serve as the outward "symbol" of the individual's choice: there will be no other options available. That is part of the reason (in my humble opinion) for the Tribulation: every individual will have one last chance to receive Christ.
Introducing the technology, via mandatory drivers licenses will serve as one more step in the direction of the Mark of the Beast. It will serve to give people a gradual acceptance of the concept of giving up certian freedoms in the quest for security. It will serve as a gradual acceptance of having a central "registry" , and, according to Homeland Security, your personal chip will trigger a central computer to "pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer..." RFID technology could be initially accepted via an ID card, or in this case, drivers licenses. Later, it can be argued that having the chip inserted into the hand would be FAR easier and would make a LOT more sense. Then, one doesn't have to worry about losing a card containing the chip, and subsequent identity theft, etc. Additionally, with insertion into the hand, one would not have to worry about children keeping up with an identity card, and finding a lost child would then be virtually guaranteed. There are many many advantages to having this technology inserted into the body, rather than in a card or drivers license.
Fortunately, the Bride of Christ (aka the "Church") will have been taken to Heaven by the time the "Mark of the Beast" becomes a reality. But we are seeing the genesis of the Mark of the Beast today, as we watch the technology expand and the conditions ripen for administration of a VeriChip tool. Acceptance is increasing, as use of this technology seems to offer solutions to many of the most pressing problems today: lost children (we could track everyone with the VeriChip), identity theft (without credit cards, checkbooks, etc, identity theft would be almost impossible), implementation of a"cashless" society with a single currency (helping to solve the world's financial crisis), and homeland security could be enhanced (passports, border security), just to name a few.
One more step towards the last days. We watch the progression of biblical events - which all point to the final pieces of the prophetic puzzle coming together. As Jesus said in His final discourse:
"So be on your guard; I have told you everything in ahead of time" (Mark 13:23).
In His infinite love, Jesus informed us of these things coming to pass. We know the signs, because Jesus gave them to us - to watch and to receive comfort that our time, here on earth, is almost up. We also know what awaits us:
"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near" (Luke 21:31).
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name." (Rev. 13:16)
A few verses later (Rev. 14:9-12) we receive information regarding the fate of those who receive the "mark":
"If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives the mark on the forehead or on the hand, he too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur...and the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. This calls for patient endurance on the part of the Saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus."
To summarize these scriptures, several points are apparent:
1. During the Tribulation, one must have the "mark of the beast" in order to buy or sell anything.
2. Taking the mark of the beast also serves as a "declaration" that the individual has formally rejected Jesus and has declared that he/she will worship the Antichrist.
3. God considers this as an irreversable rejection of His salvation, and that person will "drink of the wrath of God's fury...forever."
So the question becomes, how could a central world figure (the Antichrist) control buying and selling via this "mark"?
While much of this is speculation, we have watched the technology ("RFID" radio chip) increase in a stepwise manner for the last 2 decades. Slowly but surely, this technology has creeped into the mainstream thought. The VeriChip Corporation has been the leader in this technology, and has pushed this agenda as their technology has increasingly expanded over the years.
Their own website (here) reveals how far this technology has advanced. The "chip" today, smaller than a grain of rice can be implanted in the hand, and it can contain extensive information on the individual. Additionally, it has the ability to track individuals locationally, via satellite, and can contain extensive medical/financial information on each individual who receives this verichip.
We are now seeing a push to mandate "enhanced" drivers licenses, at least according to the Department of Homeland Security (see here) which would contain the same RFID technology, embedded within the license itself. The basic, intuitive resistence that many people have to something like this (fears of loss of freedom, fears of loss of privacy, fears of government intervention etc.) are being overcome by selling the "positives" of having this chip inserted. These selling points of the VeriChip include - the ability to track children who are lost/abducted, the implememtion of a "cashless" financial system, a solution to "identity theft", enhanced security, and health care information, which could be immediately obtained in the event of a medical emergency, and on and on this list goes.
Paul McGuire, a Christian author who has been following this situation, provides a nice summary of the situation:
here.
Today, anyone who receives the VeriChip is clearly NOT receiving the Mark of the Beast. The Antichrist is not in power yet, and taking this VeriChip now is not linked with worship of the Antichrist. However, many of us believe that the current progress and advancing technology for the VeriChip could be preparing the way for general acceptance of the "Mark", when the Antichrist DOES arrive on the world scene.
The Tribulaton will serve as a last chance for non-believers to accept Christ and His message of salvation. God will reveal Himself in dramatic ways during the Tribulation, and "multitudes" will receive Christ (Revelation 7:9-14, 20:4). People living during the Tribulation will be forced to choose between Christ and the Antichrist, and the "Mark of the Beast" will serve as the outward "symbol" of the individual's choice: there will be no other options available. That is part of the reason (in my humble opinion) for the Tribulation: every individual will have one last chance to receive Christ.
Introducing the technology, via mandatory drivers licenses will serve as one more step in the direction of the Mark of the Beast. It will serve to give people a gradual acceptance of the concept of giving up certian freedoms in the quest for security. It will serve as a gradual acceptance of having a central "registry" , and, according to Homeland Security, your personal chip will trigger a central computer to "pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer..." RFID technology could be initially accepted via an ID card, or in this case, drivers licenses. Later, it can be argued that having the chip inserted into the hand would be FAR easier and would make a LOT more sense. Then, one doesn't have to worry about losing a card containing the chip, and subsequent identity theft, etc. Additionally, with insertion into the hand, one would not have to worry about children keeping up with an identity card, and finding a lost child would then be virtually guaranteed. There are many many advantages to having this technology inserted into the body, rather than in a card or drivers license.
Fortunately, the Bride of Christ (aka the "Church") will have been taken to Heaven by the time the "Mark of the Beast" becomes a reality. But we are seeing the genesis of the Mark of the Beast today, as we watch the technology expand and the conditions ripen for administration of a VeriChip tool. Acceptance is increasing, as use of this technology seems to offer solutions to many of the most pressing problems today: lost children (we could track everyone with the VeriChip), identity theft (without credit cards, checkbooks, etc, identity theft would be almost impossible), implementation of a"cashless" society with a single currency (helping to solve the world's financial crisis), and homeland security could be enhanced (passports, border security), just to name a few.
One more step towards the last days. We watch the progression of biblical events - which all point to the final pieces of the prophetic puzzle coming together. As Jesus said in His final discourse:
"So be on your guard; I have told you everything in ahead of time" (Mark 13:23).
In His infinite love, Jesus informed us of these things coming to pass. We know the signs, because Jesus gave them to us - to watch and to receive comfort that our time, here on earth, is almost up. We also know what awaits us:
"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near" (Luke 21:31).
Kamis, 12 Maret 2009
Breaking News: Indonesia Juara Pertama the Asia Pacific International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition
INDONESIA JUARA PERTAMA THE ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW MOOT COURT COMPETITION
Mahasiswa Fakultas Hukum Universitas Indonesia (FHUI) mengharumkan nama Indonesia dengan menjadi juara pertama lomba peradilan semu "The 7th Red Cross International Humanitarian Law" (the winning team) untuk kawasan Asia-Pasifik yang berlangsung pada 6 hingga 7 Maret 2009 di Hongkong. Indonesia diwakili oleh Katrina Marcellina (2007), Tracy Tania (2007), Aloysius Selwas Taborat (2005).Dalam keikutsertaan kali kedua ini, tim Indonesia harus berlaga dengan wakil dari 16 Universitas ternama di kawasan Asia-Pasifik diantaranya The University of Adelaide, Chulalongkorn University, National University of Singapore, The University of Tokyo, Ewha Womens University (Korea). Didampingi oleh Hersapata Mulyono, S.H, tim FHUI harus melewati tahapan general round, semi-final round, dan final round.
Pada ronde pertama di general round, tim FHUI melawan tim dari China, yaitu Beijing Normal University. Sedangkan, pada ronde ke dua tim FHUI melawan Gujarat National University dari India. Pada semi-final, tim Universitas Indonesia bertemu dengan Tim Ewha Womans University dari Korea, yang merupakan lawan tangguh karena berbekal hasil riset yang intensif. Tim dari Universitas Indonesia dan tim dari Gujarat National Law University kembali lagi bertemu pada babak final. Tahun lalu, tim FHUI yang diwakili oleh Wincen Adiputra Santoso (2005) dan Simon Barrie Sasmoyo (2005) merupakan semifinalis dalam Kompetisi tersebut.
Ini bukanlah prestasi baru bagi para mahasiswa yang tergabung dalam International Law Moot Court Society (ILMS), Universitas Indonesia. Sederet prestasi lain yang pernah dicapai ialah Champions of Asia Cup International Law Moot Court Competition, Tokyo, 2006; Champions of International Maritime Law Arbitration Moot Competition, Australia, 2007; First Best Oralist Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Washington DC, 2007; Ranking 3 dalam Preliminary Rounds dari 109 universitas seluruh dunia dalam Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Washington DC, 2008; Ranking 15 dari 204 universitas seluruh dunia dalam Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, Vienna, 2008.
Pembentukan organisasi ini sendiri bertujuan untuk mempromosikan pendidikan hukum internasional publik dan perdata kepada mahasiswa fakultas hukum; mengembangkan kemampuan mahasiswa dalam legal research, legal writing dan advocacy serta memperkenalkan dan menumbuhkembangkan kegiatan peradilan semu dalam hukum internasional.
Alumni ILMS telah berhasil diterima di universitas top seluruh dunia seperti Harvard Law School, Duke University, Universiteit Leiden, Universite Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne, Berkeley University dan National University of Singapore. Mereka umumnya telah menempuh karir di kantor-kantor advokat papan atas Indonesia juga di lembaga Internasional seperti Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Court dan the Cambodian Khmer Rouge War Criminal Tribunal.
Sebagai informasi, pada 23-28 Maret 2009 nanti, Fakultas Hukum UI kembali menjadi duta Indonesia dalam Shearman & Sterling International Round di Washington DC. Indonesia akan bertarung dengan wakil dari 120 universitas seluruh dunia. Tim FHUI diwakili oleh Adeline Wijayanti (2006), Ivan Nikolas Tambunan (2005), Rivana Mezaya (2005) dan Wincen Adiputra Santoso (2005).
Source: Berita UI.
Senin, 09 Maret 2009
Inching closer to Gog-MaGog
Over the weekend, an article in the Jerusalem Post (article here) began with an ominous statement: "In a chilling indication that Iran's arms program is advancing steadily, Israel acknowledged for the first time that Teheran had mastered the technology to make a nuclear bomb on the same day that the Iranians announced thay had successfully tested a new air-surface-missile."
Additionally, Iran is now able add approximately 100 kg. of Uranium to its stockpile each month, according to the article.
The closing statements were also concerning: "Reuters, meanwhile, quoted Iran's Fars News Agency on Sunday as saying the Islamic republic had test-fired a new air-to-surface missile, in the country's latest display of military power...designed for use by military aircraft against naval targets...believed to be meant to disrupt sea traffic in the strategic Straits of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of the world's oil must travel."
The new conservative coalition in Israel will formally consolidate power this month, a coalition who has promised that Iran will not be allowed to complete development of a nuclear bomb (translation: they will take military action if necessary).
The axis of Turkey-Iran-Russia is solid. When Israel initiates this military action against Iran, it will bring Russia into the conflict almost immediately. These countries are very familiar to those studying Ezekiel 38-39. The Middle-East is on the verge of erupting, and when it does, it very well may precipiate the last remaining prophetic events; those events leading into the Tribulation.
Keep watching this situation involving Israel and Iran - it seems to be approaching rapidly.
Additionally, Iran is now able add approximately 100 kg. of Uranium to its stockpile each month, according to the article.
The closing statements were also concerning: "Reuters, meanwhile, quoted Iran's Fars News Agency on Sunday as saying the Islamic republic had test-fired a new air-to-surface missile, in the country's latest display of military power...designed for use by military aircraft against naval targets...believed to be meant to disrupt sea traffic in the strategic Straits of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of the world's oil must travel."
The new conservative coalition in Israel will formally consolidate power this month, a coalition who has promised that Iran will not be allowed to complete development of a nuclear bomb (translation: they will take military action if necessary).
The axis of Turkey-Iran-Russia is solid. When Israel initiates this military action against Iran, it will bring Russia into the conflict almost immediately. These countries are very familiar to those studying Ezekiel 38-39. The Middle-East is on the verge of erupting, and when it does, it very well may precipiate the last remaining prophetic events; those events leading into the Tribulation.
Keep watching this situation involving Israel and Iran - it seems to be approaching rapidly.
Jumat, 06 Maret 2009
FEAR
These are troubling times that we are living in. Many folks are watching their life savings dwindle to almost nothing. Discussions about a world depression are common. Lay-offs. Major U.S. companies on the brink of disaster. Home values dropping dramatically. The stock market is collapsing, along with our way of life. Its an uncertian and often scary world that we find ourselves in. I know a lot of people who are living in fear on a daily basis; fear of the future, fear of the unknown, fear of terrorism, fear of warfare, financial fears, and on and on this list goes.
What are we to do?
Jesus gave us prophecy for many reasons. One of the reasons is to provide comfort during these times.
In His own words:
"...see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen , but the end is still to come" (Jesus reminds us that we would see the early signs that would potentially lead to fear, but He reminded us to not become alarmed - Matt. 24:6)
"So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance" (Jesus reminds us that He has given us this information, in advance - another reminder that He is in complete control - we can rest assured in Him - Mark 13:21)
The apostle Paul spent considerable time on this topic. He closed each of his "prophecy talks" (1 and 2 Thessalonians) by extensive considerations towards how we should see the world in these last days:
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." (1 Thess. 5:9-11)
"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thess. 5:16-24).
Encourage one another? Build each other up? Give thanks in ALL circumstances? How can that be? As we watch the world's financial system collapse? As watch our 401K shrink to nothing? As we lose jobs? As we watch our country rush headlong into a depression? Huh?
The context to Paul's words are critical to understand his rationale. He had just described, in great detail (1 Thess. 4) the "gathering up" or the "catching up" of the Church. He had just described the Rapture of the Church that we're all familiar with.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven...and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. THEREFORE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER WITH THESE WORDS." (1 Thess. 4:16-18).
This last statement clarifies WHY we are able to encourage each other during these difficult, dark days.
We were given many such instructions as they pertain to the last days. Please note. There are NO biblical instructions to the Church regarding how we are to survive the Tribulation. None. Zero. So what "instructions" are we given?
According to the apostle Paul, are we to encourage each other, build each other up? During these times? Yes! The context here is clearly referencing the Rapture of the Church - this is where our hope and optimism can be found during these times. See what else is said in this context. Paul instructed us - as we await our Lord to return:
"...to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." (1 Thess 10)....
That is exactly what we are doing, as prophecy watchers. We wait for Jesus - who will rescue us from this coming Tribulation.
Jesus reminded us again about this "waiting period" that we find ourselves in today:
"I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world...I am coming soon" (Revelation 3:10).
So, rather than receiving information on how to survive the darkest of days (aka the Tribulation) - we receive other, more significant information. We are told that Jesus will rescue us FROM this period of time.
These aren't my words - these are the very words of Jesus.
Jesus clarified how He intends to keep us from this hour of trial that is rapidly approaching:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God, trust also in me.
In my Father's house there are many mansions...
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go there to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am"
(John 14:1-3).
Note the key words: DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. The same message preached by Paul. TRUST IN GOD, TRUST ALSO IN ME.
Jesuus reminded us that we must trust Him - we must trust the very words that He had just given us.
So, rather than giving us instructions on how to survive the coming "hour of trial", we are told something quite different. We are told to watch for, and wait for Jesus' coming. We're reminded that we can and should trust His words.
Fear? No way. We know what awaits us, and there is nothing to fear. At this very moment, Jesus is putting the final touches on our eternal home. He is awaiting our reunion with great anticipation. As we watch this world collapse around us, we can stand firm, with hope, encouragement and trust.
As stated in the final scriptures of the Bible:
""He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."
What are we to do?
Jesus gave us prophecy for many reasons. One of the reasons is to provide comfort during these times.
In His own words:
"...see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen , but the end is still to come" (Jesus reminds us that we would see the early signs that would potentially lead to fear, but He reminded us to not become alarmed - Matt. 24:6)
"So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance" (Jesus reminds us that He has given us this information, in advance - another reminder that He is in complete control - we can rest assured in Him - Mark 13:21)
The apostle Paul spent considerable time on this topic. He closed each of his "prophecy talks" (1 and 2 Thessalonians) by extensive considerations towards how we should see the world in these last days:
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." (1 Thess. 5:9-11)
"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thess. 5:16-24).
Encourage one another? Build each other up? Give thanks in ALL circumstances? How can that be? As we watch the world's financial system collapse? As watch our 401K shrink to nothing? As we lose jobs? As we watch our country rush headlong into a depression? Huh?
The context to Paul's words are critical to understand his rationale. He had just described, in great detail (1 Thess. 4) the "gathering up" or the "catching up" of the Church. He had just described the Rapture of the Church that we're all familiar with.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven...and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. THEREFORE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER WITH THESE WORDS." (1 Thess. 4:16-18).
This last statement clarifies WHY we are able to encourage each other during these difficult, dark days.
We were given many such instructions as they pertain to the last days. Please note. There are NO biblical instructions to the Church regarding how we are to survive the Tribulation. None. Zero. So what "instructions" are we given?
According to the apostle Paul, are we to encourage each other, build each other up? During these times? Yes! The context here is clearly referencing the Rapture of the Church - this is where our hope and optimism can be found during these times. See what else is said in this context. Paul instructed us - as we await our Lord to return:
"...to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." (1 Thess 10)....
That is exactly what we are doing, as prophecy watchers. We wait for Jesus - who will rescue us from this coming Tribulation.
Jesus reminded us again about this "waiting period" that we find ourselves in today:
"I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world...I am coming soon" (Revelation 3:10).
So, rather than receiving information on how to survive the darkest of days (aka the Tribulation) - we receive other, more significant information. We are told that Jesus will rescue us FROM this period of time.
These aren't my words - these are the very words of Jesus.
Jesus clarified how He intends to keep us from this hour of trial that is rapidly approaching:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God, trust also in me.
In my Father's house there are many mansions...
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go there to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am"
(John 14:1-3).
Note the key words: DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. The same message preached by Paul. TRUST IN GOD, TRUST ALSO IN ME.
Jesuus reminded us that we must trust Him - we must trust the very words that He had just given us.
So, rather than giving us instructions on how to survive the coming "hour of trial", we are told something quite different. We are told to watch for, and wait for Jesus' coming. We're reminded that we can and should trust His words.
Fear? No way. We know what awaits us, and there is nothing to fear. At this very moment, Jesus is putting the final touches on our eternal home. He is awaiting our reunion with great anticipation. As we watch this world collapse around us, we can stand firm, with hope, encouragement and trust.
As stated in the final scriptures of the Bible:
""He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."
Rabu, 04 Maret 2009
A "New World Order" sets the stage for the Antichrist
"Global currency", "global government", "global new deal", "global grand bargain", "global television", and on and on it goes. These daily headlines are now common - headlines which openly discuss the need for a global solution to solve the global financial problems. We have all reached the obvious conclusion that the world's economy is now linked, and when one major "player" fails (most recently, the U.S.) the entire world's economy is affected. The obvious solution therefore must involve the "world" rather than a selective, country-specific solution.
We know from Revelatiion 13, that during the Tribulation, the Antichrist will gain power to ultimately gain control of, or "authority" over "every tribe, people, language and nation" (Revelation 13:7). This won't last indefinitely, as the scriptures tell us that his reign will be ended by Christ Jesus at the Second Coming (Daniel 2:44, 7:26-27, Revelation 19, etc).
We also know, from Revelation 13:16-17 that he, along with his "false prophet", will institute a world financial system that will include the mandatory "Mark of the Beast", which everyone will be forced to receive, in order to engage in any financial transaction.
Just this week we see how much the stage is being set for the arrival of the Antichrist. You could also say that his road to power is already being paved for him to step right in and assume power. The following stories are quite revealing:
"European Chiefs propose global rules"
"Global new deal 'possible' on banking sector in months"
"Brown calls on world to strike 'grand bargain' to solve economic crisis"
"Radio chip coming soon to your driver's license?"
These are just a few headlines circulating on a daily basis. The world is finding itself squarely in a world-wide economic crisis. The proposed solution, as called for by the so-called world's leaders is all about a "Global" cure. A global currency, a global financial system, and last but not least: a global governance. All of these items must take place in order for the Antichrist to gain his political power, and we're seeing it all fall in place as we watch.
I can recall discussing prophecy, just a few short years ago, and the mention of a world financial system, a world currency and a world-government seemed completely out of reach. My point back then - in response - was that such things would be easily accomplished following the Rapture of the Church, because the world would be in such turmoil. It seemed obvious that only something on the scale or the magnitude of the rapture could lead into such widespread calls for a world-system-government.
Yet, because of this world-wide financial crisis, we're already seeing it happen. Its both amazing (for a "prophecy watcher") and surreal at the same time. The Antichrist is very much alive and well at this very moment. He is waiting for his time - the perfect time to rise, gain power, and offer solutions to these world problems. He will also present a peace-plan for the Middle-East. He will appear to have solutions to every problem facing the world. He will usher in a period of temporary peace. It will indeed be temporary, as the scriptures tell us when he does create this apparent "peace", then "sudden destruction" will ensue. In other words, soon after his rise to power and soon after offering solutions to all problems, then the judgments of the Tribulation will begin as described in Revelation 6-18, bringing "sudden destruction" upon the world.
The road is being paved - indeed - for the rise of the Antichrist.
But we don't have to worry about this. We are specifically told to watch for the arrival of Christ Jesus and his "gathering up" of His bride, the Church:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28)
What is Jesus referring to here? He elaborated on this idea in the passage found in John 14:1-3:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
In my father's house there are many mansions...I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you may be where I am."
Comforting words during an uncertian time on earth. While the world fixates on the economic crisis, and the numerous other concerns (terrorism, famine, food shortages, oil crisis, earthquakes, etc.) - we patiently await the arrival of Jesus - as He promised.
We can stand firm during these hard times - like being in the eye of a hurricane - we have Jesus on our side. He gives us comfort and hope, and He described our glorious fate in great detail. As bad as the world gets around us, we can rest assured in the word of God - our fate is sealed.
Jesus is coming, and He is coming soon. Be prepared, and as directed by Jesus - Look up - our redemption is drawing near.
Maranatha!
We know from Revelatiion 13, that during the Tribulation, the Antichrist will gain power to ultimately gain control of, or "authority" over "every tribe, people, language and nation" (Revelation 13:7). This won't last indefinitely, as the scriptures tell us that his reign will be ended by Christ Jesus at the Second Coming (Daniel 2:44, 7:26-27, Revelation 19, etc).
We also know, from Revelation 13:16-17 that he, along with his "false prophet", will institute a world financial system that will include the mandatory "Mark of the Beast", which everyone will be forced to receive, in order to engage in any financial transaction.
Just this week we see how much the stage is being set for the arrival of the Antichrist. You could also say that his road to power is already being paved for him to step right in and assume power. The following stories are quite revealing:
"European Chiefs propose global rules"
"Global new deal 'possible' on banking sector in months"
"Brown calls on world to strike 'grand bargain' to solve economic crisis"
"Radio chip coming soon to your driver's license?"
These are just a few headlines circulating on a daily basis. The world is finding itself squarely in a world-wide economic crisis. The proposed solution, as called for by the so-called world's leaders is all about a "Global" cure. A global currency, a global financial system, and last but not least: a global governance. All of these items must take place in order for the Antichrist to gain his political power, and we're seeing it all fall in place as we watch.
I can recall discussing prophecy, just a few short years ago, and the mention of a world financial system, a world currency and a world-government seemed completely out of reach. My point back then - in response - was that such things would be easily accomplished following the Rapture of the Church, because the world would be in such turmoil. It seemed obvious that only something on the scale or the magnitude of the rapture could lead into such widespread calls for a world-system-government.
Yet, because of this world-wide financial crisis, we're already seeing it happen. Its both amazing (for a "prophecy watcher") and surreal at the same time. The Antichrist is very much alive and well at this very moment. He is waiting for his time - the perfect time to rise, gain power, and offer solutions to these world problems. He will also present a peace-plan for the Middle-East. He will appear to have solutions to every problem facing the world. He will usher in a period of temporary peace. It will indeed be temporary, as the scriptures tell us when he does create this apparent "peace", then "sudden destruction" will ensue. In other words, soon after his rise to power and soon after offering solutions to all problems, then the judgments of the Tribulation will begin as described in Revelation 6-18, bringing "sudden destruction" upon the world.
The road is being paved - indeed - for the rise of the Antichrist.
But we don't have to worry about this. We are specifically told to watch for the arrival of Christ Jesus and his "gathering up" of His bride, the Church:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28)
What is Jesus referring to here? He elaborated on this idea in the passage found in John 14:1-3:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
In my father's house there are many mansions...I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you may be where I am."
Comforting words during an uncertian time on earth. While the world fixates on the economic crisis, and the numerous other concerns (terrorism, famine, food shortages, oil crisis, earthquakes, etc.) - we patiently await the arrival of Jesus - as He promised.
We can stand firm during these hard times - like being in the eye of a hurricane - we have Jesus on our side. He gives us comfort and hope, and He described our glorious fate in great detail. As bad as the world gets around us, we can rest assured in the word of God - our fate is sealed.
Jesus is coming, and He is coming soon. Be prepared, and as directed by Jesus - Look up - our redemption is drawing near.
Maranatha!
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