Titus Jonathan's Stories

(published by The Jakarta Post on 29 Apr 2014. Click here ) The shocking, saddening sexual abuse of a 6-year-old kindergarten pupil by cleaning staff recently, has alerted us to the threats our children face every day. Our innocent children are vulnerable, even when they are at school. We consider school the safest place for kids — but in this case it has failed to guarantee our children’s security, even it is a prestigious international school. Not only have children become the targets of predators moving freely at school, but also they suffer traumatic impacts for the rest of their lives. Only the grace of God can heal a wounded soul. We would like to convey a deep sympathy and pray for the innocent victim concerned. I imagine schools as places where children are happy while they are learning and playing. Schools should be places where our children feel at home. They go to school to know the world better and in the knowledge they are expected to make the world better someday. ...

( published by The Jakarta Post on 2 Apr 2014. Click here ) As the legislative election approaches, people are beginning to talk about those who will be contesting the presidential election — a warmer topic than the number of seats parties might secure in the House of Representatives. Even without knowing the results of the April 9 election, it is quite obvious that it will be a straight forward duel between current Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and chief patron of the Gerindra Party Prabowo Subianto.  The two figures are polar opposites with regards to their background, careers, experiences and even appearance. Jokowi is modest, low profile, “down to earth” and skinny. Prabowo is glamorous, high profile, strong, decisive and muscular. Let the people decide. But before that, their parties must work very hard to win at least 25 percent of the popular vote, or 20 percent of the seats in the House in order to put forward a presidential candidate on their own. Otherwise,...