Volume 2 No. 1 20 November 2018
International International
Humanity
Newsletter Protection of Civilian’s Rights to Live in Asia and Africa
A rt i c les | STO R I ES | Po em s International Relation Bureau of Salam UI 21
INTERNATIONAL
Humanity Newsletter
Protection of Civilian’s Rights to Live in Asia and Africa
Opener
Head of LDK Salam UI 21
Asalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Bismillahirahmanirahim. Alhamdulilahilladzi ja’alna minannashihina. Wa-afhamana min’ulumil’ulama-ir rasikhina, washalatu wassalamu’ala man nasakha adyanal temperature kafarati wath thalihina, wa’ala alihi wa ashabihil ladzina kanu bi tamassuki syarii’atihi shalihina. Thank you for the presence of Allah SWT who has bestowed so much mercy and brilliant ideas so that we can all write them in this inspirational newsletter. May Allah SWT continue to protect us and bless the struggle of the International Humanity Newsletter team. Every stroke of ink that is born from the hands of the nation’s children hopefully can encourage people to improve ourselves. The second edition published in November 2018 coincides with the holding of the Universitas Indonesia Islamic Book fair. It can be expected to inspire people to keep on giving contribution in form of writing. We are always bombarded with reports of violations of the right to live in countries throughout the world. Starting from the expulsion of Muslim communities in Rohignya and China; looting and murder in Palestine and Syria; to the continuing humanitarian crisis in Africa. The publication of the International Humanity Newsletter with the theme “Civilian’s Rights to Live in Asia and Africa” protection is dedicated to facilitating SALAM UI, academic communities, and the general public on humanitarian issues in the world in order to create high awareness and sensitivity on humanitarian issues in Asia and Africa, especially regarding the protection of the right to live. This sensitivity and awareness is expected to be able to create a concrete solution and action to minimize the existing issues. The International Humanity Newsletter is not born easily, there are many obstacles that invite other problems in the publishing process. But with the permission of Allah SWT, the support of all parties, and the hard work of the team that finally reached the reader. Maybe there are still many shortcomings and mistakes from this magazine. Therefore, constructive criticisms and suggestions are very much expected to fix deficiencies and mistakes so that we can make it better. Hopefully, the birth of da’wah magazines at the international level will bring thousands of blessings and be able to inspire people from all over the world to create world peace. May Allah ease each of our affairs wherever and whenever we are.
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITY NEWSLETTER Protector: Allah SWT Adviser: Coach of Salam UI, Banu Muhammad N., M.S.E. Person in Charge: Head of Salam UI, Muhammad Ismail Project Officer: Hanifah Nurul Izzati Editorial Chief: Reza Kusuma Ridwan Editorial Secretary: Fini Khoirunnisa Finance: Zahra Silmi Kaffah Design Editor: Farah Shabihah Redactor: Vica Qattrun Jannah Azkiya Nisa Ahmad Maulana Fatahila Public Relation and Media: Aliva Zennedya Kurnia Printing: Ghilman Ismail Fikri Mujahid Najib Robbani Logistic: Anggrayna Pradikma Annisaa’ Fitri Nurfirdausi Syahri Helmi Zacky
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Contents 2 | Opener 4 | Asian section 5 Article
Bangsa Moro: Where Do They Belong
7 Story
The Branch
11 Poem
Portrait 1996
12 | African section 14 Article
The Black Continent: A Dark Place for Women
18 Poems 18 19 20 21
The Woman Voice African Painting For the Better Place Return the Blue Sky Again in Africa
22 | AYN’S Corner 3
AsianSection
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Article
Bangsa
Moro: Where They Belong? Article by: Dyana Yuri Aurora (Management Magister Student of Andalas University)
“Everyone has the right to the freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state “ - Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 13
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magine when you wake up in the morning, the first thing you realize is that you and your loved one are in danger. There are only two choices for you, and that is to get back at the people who will potentially hurt you or to flee. One more condition, you do not have the choice to step back. Wat will you do? Now, you might be thinking about the choice you will make deeply. Calculating every possible answer that will benefit yourself and your loved ones. Which one? To escape, or to stay? Or even you chose to just smile while realizing that you are not – and will not be – in this kind of situation since you are already living in a comfortable life. The life where your safety is guarantee by your nation-state because of your status as a ligible citizen whom the govern-
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Source: www.rappler.com ment has to protect. Unfortunately, Bangsa Moro does not have the same privilege that we consider unimportant. They have to struggle hard just to protect themselves from their own country. In the land of Southern Philippines, many things have happened since the colonial era. Regrettably, Bangsa Moro still lives in under conditions prone to dangers. They are marginalized until they fear to be themselves. That is why that kind of question, which may seem quite trivial to us, matters much to them. Let me ask you again. Do you have to fight for reclaiming the rights towards freedom that has been taken away from you? Or do you have to leave your beloved hometown just to make sure you are alive? Hence, is there any options other than helping them to regain their peaceful lives?
Article
Even until now, most Bangsa Moro communities have leave their families and homes in Mindanao. Half of million even have to flee to Sabah, as spokesperson of Suara Bangsamoro said (Sambalud, 2018). Their forced leaves must mean that there is something wrong. Something that disrupted their amicable life, which they could not confront head on. Although years have passed, there is no guarantee that this matter has been solved. Considering article 3 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights that every nation has agreed to, which says, ‘everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person,’ Bangsa Moro case seems to be a big irony (UN General Assembly, 1948). In fact, they could not even live in their own country peacefully. For the last time, I will ask you a simple question.
In your opinion, where does Bangsa Moro belong? Bibiliography Sambalud, M. (2018). Massacres During Marcos Regime Gave Birth to Moro Resistance. Inquirer.net. Retrieved from https:// newsinfo.inquirer.net/1036779/massacresduring-marcos-regime-gave-birth-to-mororesistance UN General Assembly. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights (217 [III] A). Paris. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
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Story
The Branch Story by: Nurmala Arfany Arista (Student of SMAN 1 Soreang)
Photo Source: drewdoggett.com
I
am a branch that has lived on this prosperous land for decades. Being here allowed me to witness how the charming people of Mindanao have gone through their lives. Animistic notions that they once believed made them the people of nature. Yes, yes! You are right my friend. They value my existence to their heart content. I guess they acknowledge that they are nothing when compared to the forces of nature, my enchanting home. For me, their lives are just as peaceful as mine is. They would gather fruits, grow vegetables, nurture us, and catch fishes. Of course, they cared for each other that they exchanged what they had. Only for the sake of feeling what their brothers are feeling.
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What? No. No, the story has not ended yet, friend. Let me continue. One time, I saw a strange man came to this land. He was rather peculiar compared to the people whom I had known for long here. The man was attired with a simple white clothing doubled with all-red fabric. To me, he looked very dignified. A round, layered red cap sits comfortably at his head. A sturdy wooden rod propped every step he took, deeper into the soil of Mindanao locals. And with each calm step, the gold shawl he was wearing on his shoulder would sway with the breeze as if my kinds welcomed him heartily. He talked with the tongue that was foreign for me. Everyone told me that he comes from a distant land, West Sumatra. I had not known his intent for coming here until he met the people whom I had cherished this whole time.
Story “Did he meant ill, did you say? I shall only give you a hint. I was very happy for him.” The crowd seemed to accept him well. Language was no longer a barrier for them, for they spoke with their hearts. Although, he still insisted to learn the way everyone here talks and lives. Just as I expected, he adapted the people of nature’s way of living shortly. Many times, I saw him presenting new things to his new friends. The man kept telling them that those things that he called, ‘knowledge, tool, money, and Islam,’ would be very useful for them.
peared from the people, they were replaced with something more beautiful. The new concept of money allowed them to venture outside the island, and learn more about the exotic blue sky. I was so happy to see the progress of this land. My friend, I was a branch under the shade of a harmonious Islamic sky. Now, I would like to tell you another story. Oh? I am sorry that my tears shed. Thank you for reminding me. Let me wipe it quickly. There, done.
Sky felt different to me. The pastel light blue dye slowly turned grey. Dark clouds with red bolt catered above us. The breeze got chiller and stronger that it got me Pardon? How did it turn out? If you asked afraid. I felt something bad might happen soon, and yes. Tension rose. The Sulu and me that, I would say that he had made Maguindanao Sultanates that often were everything here better. the topic when people talked under my leaves started to compete and rival each There were many changes – positive ones – taking places since he had come to other. Lumads, a society who strongly greet us. Even though some habits disap- oppose Islam for their unwavering love for
Source: ips-dc.org
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Story
Source: ips-dc.org their ancestors’ fad, also became more active in spreading their animistic beliefs. The mild blue heaven was altered with a new chaotic sky. There were more confusions when other unknown men came here. They would call themselves civilized people of Spain. With the assumption that Islam will not bring any good for the native society, they taught Christianity to the land. They would shout ‘Moro! Moro!’ whenever they called the people of Mindanao. I had not known the meaning behind that word until I overheard some people who were talking beneath me. ‘Dark-skinned,’ they said. Well, even after for some times, a most stayed to believe in Islam.
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love. Shortly, a cater of dark- no, a big herd of pitch black glooms returned to overwhelm the land. Storm came. Then shock. Then panic. Then chaos. Then butcheries. Then slaughters. Then genocide. Then silence. Then bloods, bloods, bloods. I wished I could close my eyes and ears.
The next few years after the great mourning, I heard that Philippines gained their independence. Something kept telling me that it was very odd despite after the nation became independent, Moro people could not feel the same benefit. Left behind and oppressed, without anyone caring for them. Time to time, they dealt with the situation no matter how bad it was. Poor educaHonestly, my kindred were restless that tion, marginalization, strict employment, Islamic belief would fade away because poverty, severe famine, even discriminative of them. violence had been their close friends all along. Children’s loud cries finally fractured I mean, we liked it better than the other the metal plate of perseverance Mindanao teachings. It just feel right. people had been wearing. They could not Years after years, the Hispanics’ efforts bear it anymore. Their unfulfilled rights still could not overthrow Islam’s influence forced them to separate themselves from on Sulu region. The two big sultanates the country. Petitions submitted. Protests united and protected Islam with everyheld. Negotiation done. The power, of thing they had. Peace, then, came back course, would not accept it. They kept and transformed in to a different form – trying even though there was a notion of a form in which people with different col- hopelessness in me. Freedom was no lonors and beliefs lived side to side. Many ger for everyone. years later, a tribe ashore, the Visaya, alongside the government, enforced the politics of migration on the people that I
Story
What are you thinking, my friend? You look I will remain a branch. A silent troubled. Sorry, what? The reason behind witness with no power. the country’s refutation? I think because I will remain praying for the safety this land has so much natural resources. of all innocent lives. But I might be wrong. I will remain here, clinging to my mother, the tree. My leaves shriveled out of sorrow. Seeing I will remain here. Waiting until Moro children could not go to school that the metallic monster tears us down. accommodates their Islamic creeds broke To witness a world with no viomy heart. They struggled hard to be aclence, no bloodshed, and no injustice. cepted on their new environment. Steadily, I will always be waitthey were left behind. More people came ing until the end of my life. A long, to the area offering helps, money, weap- long time. ons. Moros decided to accept their help and started to fight the government force with violence. Until now, those things still happen. Generations of Moro has suffered never-ending destruction and misery. No school, no marketplace, no hospital, and no home. Terror is the only thing left. Moros failed to put up with their common senses now. They had no place to go and take shelter. Their longed independence is only a childish dream. The situation where they could believe in Islam peacefully is a mere imagination. To live the way the wanted, beneath the shade of their God’s grace without bloodshed and terror, is the last thing they would experience ever. I, the branch from Mother Nature, is mourning. When the freedom to live side by side and to believe in what we believe is snatched away. I, the branch from Mother Nature, will be jubilant. When everyone lives with peace, with everyone, and reunites with my family, nature.
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Po e m
Portrait 1996 Poem by: Siti Nuralimah (Student of SMAN 2 Gowa)
The firing temple.... Is a witness to, Cherific scheme. In 1996, The solidarity warriors,the unity.... The sober disorder of hope, Subliminate the heart,revoke the promise To revoke the peace. In 1996, Spill a swoard soath Willingness to clear the difference. There’s no such things as a discrimination, We Are Us..... The human who claims the right The human mementalians. Then, will it be in the past cracle by The warrior’s oath, Still staying at uphold? Have any footprints been hu-
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manating? Without judge or tribal? Hey we all...... If an invisibility is celebrating hate And the difference still leads The cash to the conscience, Remember the 1996, Serene we humans are moral rich dignity Trying to impress the difference to be A true peace of peace. Remember, We are part of life, wealth of the world Remembrant generations. Remember, When we try to appreact humanity Feeding all rights Because we are human. Then remember in 1996....
AfricanSection
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Source: rodmclean.com
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The Black Continent:
Article
A Dark Place for Women Article by: Titi Saniyatul Chusniyah
(Bachelor of Arabic Education The Islamic University Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Source: joshidaniel.com
T
he African continent is the second largest continent in the world with an area of 30,224,049 KM² (Rosenberg, 2018). According to Rosenberg (2018), the population of Africa reaches up to 1.2 billion. Still on the same continent, numerous religions like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, traditional religion, and the other coexist (Okonkwo, 2014). That diversity constitutes Africa as a continent that differs much from the other continents across the globe. However, being one of the largest continents in this world would not guarantee the lives of its inhabitants. Africa is a land with climatic diversity. Worldatlas.com (2018) claims that most lands in Africa are located in the tropics line, including the central and southern areas. Deserts, however, are the only things we would ever find in the northern part of Africa. Despite those geographical conditions, dry lands and deserts make up 60% of the entire
land surface (“African Climate and Weather”, 2018). In other words, it is obviously inevitable that a big portion of African population have to face an extreme condition. Furthermore, climate change issue that has been happening lately contributes to the prolonged drought that befell on African soil (“Eight Ways Climate”, 2014). Consequently, the little natural resources they have forces them to experience a long-term state of severe poverty. This problem, unfortunately, will only become more complex. As 350africa.org (2014) asserted, poverty also affects other critical aspects of Africans’ lives, such as public health and welfare, agriculture, and food production. That is, it has become more difficult than ever for people to fulfill their basic needs. Sadly, the low education level in Africa results the people’s inability to think of better ways to cultivate African lands productively. Presently, it is still a big question for them regarding the way to
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Article improve the quality of their lives without harming others. In fact, on contrary, the sufferings caused by poverty often lead to violence and criminal actions in order to meet their basic needs instantly. Looking at that condition, women and children are the ones who have the most disadvantages. According to data released by the African Official Police (2017) more than 70% women in South Africa have experienced sexual violence. It is recorded that the number of rapes reported exceeded 46.000 cases. Based on a survey that was published in the BusinessTech.com (2017), it is found that a girl or woman is raped every 13 minutes in South Africa. Looking at those data, it is shown that female in Africa is very vulnerable towards the outcome of African harsh environment. This also serves as an irony and disgrace for Islam as a religion that has the second largest believers among the other beliefs in Africa. Islam never teaches any form of violence. For tackling with problems that have existed ever since in Africa, there are at least two approaches that come from the Holy Qur’an. First of all, in the 10th verse of surah Hujurat, Allah SWT explained that He cre-
Source: www.flickr.com
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ated humans as nations so that they could know and help each other, also learn from one another. This means that everyone has to start to work together for helping Africans to survive in their barren lands. For instance, the government in each states should increase their multilateral cooperation to solve economic problems. Opening job fields that is exclusively targeted on Africans may be an option to help them improve their lives’ quality. Another example is to held international African forum that focuses on discussing critical problems in Africa and ways to solve it. I believe that if everyone sits and discusses issues together, good solutions that are worth a try will eventually appear. Secondly, regarding the treatment towards women, multiple verses in the Holy Quran such as An-Nisa: 19, Ar-Rum: 21, An-Nahl: 72, Al-Baqarah: 187, Al-Mujadilah: 1, and many other verses show her importance in Islam. One of many reasons is that women are trusted with the great duty to educate children for a better future for humankind. Even though God created men with better physical strength than women, it shall only be used for protecting women and themselves from dangers around them. Howev-
er, as long as Africans stay low in education, that idea will likely be hard to realize since the understanding of their duties as men and women can only be gained through better education. Once again, education is very important for everyone, especially women, to enable themselves to protect and care for everyone, including herself. For men, if he is able to take good care of himself then he will be able to care for others and his children too. After discussing existing issues and possible solutions towards the problems in Africa, it can concluded that cooperation, economy, and education have significant roles in the problem-solving process. That is, violence towards women will still occur as long as the society are not taught methods to manage their lands and to be responsible with the privilege men have. However, it would only have little significance if everyone did not cooperate with each other and build the bright future together out of love and peace. In rank, education comes first, then economy.
Bibiliography
Article
(Jan 5, 2018). Africa Climate and Weather. Worldatlas.com. Retrieved from https://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/afweather. htm Okonkwo, O. (August 14, 2014). Top Ten Most Popular Religions in Africa. Pulse.ng. Retrieved from https://www.pulse.ng/communities/religion/here-they-are-top-10-most-popular-religions-in-africa-id3048509.html Rosenberg, M. (October 16, 2018). The Seven Continents Ranked by Size and Population. ThoughtCo.com. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/continents-ranked-by-size-and-population-4163436 Wilkinson, K. (June 22, 2016). South African Rape Statistics A guide. Africa Check. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Sexual_violence_in_South_Africa Writer, S. (March 10, 2017). The Shocking Truth about Rape in South Africa. BusinessTech. com. Retrieved from https://businesstech.co. za/news/general/163503/the-shocking-truthabout-rape-in-south-africa/
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Source: www.imtresidential.com
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Source: www.empower54.org
Po e m
Photo by: Jerome Delay
The Woman Voice Poem by: Krisdayanti
(Bachelor of Foresty Engineering Bandung Institute of Technology)
I heard a voice... I don’t know where I started When my mind wrinkles, when my heart rumbles What world is this? What era is this? When I, a woman, no longer feel as a human Because they! Enslave me Hurt me Oppress me Embarrass me And... Snatch my sanctity No more respect for me
Is there justice for me?, just for me Even though still many of the same screams out there Is there any mercy for me?, just for me Although still many of the same groans out there But ... to whom I speak? If “the peacekeeper” is the culprit Bullshit about justice, if they still have fun Just forget about mercy, if make them arrogant. That’s the woman voice, that I heard from Africa
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Po e m
African Painting Poem by: Muhamad Rizki Azhar (Student of Andalas University)
Erratic horizon Hooded sun embarrassed chirping of boisterous birds Scrape me on the face of Africa continue to save pain In Africa rain tears Hooded pain in this chest Do not know humanity! Children, young and old Divorced in slaughter All directions of crying in pain Tastes! Tastes! Tastes! It’s really my tears that are soft
Slavery increasingly haunts them Harassment is game material Do not know humanity Really savage! How long will this pain run out? I’m confused with this country Full of mere falsehood Oh God knows all Protect us who are helpless Like a fragile tree trunk We want your justice Now I can’t say anything Only ripples fret Drifting agitated
Oh Africa Hot steam soaks the country The heat is beyond measure In the blazing heat of the day Trees are silent witnesses Malignity of the dark master Evict a calm soul This heart scream squealed loudly Not strong enough to withstand the load This suffering never goes away Help them ! Help them ! Source: cg.org
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Po e m
For the Better Place Poem by: Aprodita RL Africa, This misery is not what I want to see Unwanted cries of innocent children Women with patience behind their tears Staring at the future This is a war Not with the swords nor horses Neither about the warriors and their leader It’s a war With resistance against the misery Hear the birds chirping Feel the beauty of African nature Leave the darkness Welcome the new days World knows this war can be resisted God never sleeps Joyful and smiles can be spread We are all the same human beings, we do care And so does the universe For Africa, for the better place
Source: healthintell.com
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Po e m
Return the Blue Sky Again in Africa Poem by: Riana Dewi
(Student of Udayana University)
Source: www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de
Say something to Africa About the blue sky that turned cruel or eyes that were still blind How violence continues to season before the mass media Where life is about singing moans and hunger Say something to Africa About the upturned hand Or the cries that are too much compromise with the situation Maybe the world is still deaf Even though it’s not enough to fill the world news screen today Say something to Africa
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How irony always applauds happily Rampant in the arms of children who have not had time to open their mouths Or women who are not strong enough to cry because they are tired of torture Say something back to Africa Will there be a sky that is truly blue in Africa? Who might have slipped between unfinished dreams and hopes Or a lump of color that hasn’t been seen yet? Before the sad words fill the front page of our world notice board
AYN’s Corner
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AY N ’s Co r n e r
What is
AYN?
ASEAN Youth Network (AYN) is a forum that accommodates relations with several Moslem Student Associations or Non-Gouvernement Organization in Southeast Asia. So far, SALAM has built relationships with several countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. AYN often hold discussion once a month. This discussion talks about issues especially about humanity in the national and international regions and carried out on WhatsApp.
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AY N ’s Co r n e r
Discussion Topics of
AYN
Islamophobia in UK and Europe: Seeking Peace Speaker: Junaidi, S.S., M.A. Facilitator: Sadewo Prakoso
bit.ly/AYNDiscussion1 A Perspective: Islam and Terrorism Speaker: AKBP Imam Subandi, S.S., S.H., M.H. Facilitator: Thareq Akmal
bit.ly/AYNDS
History Talk: The Arrival of Jews and Israel in Palestine Speaker: M. Zulifan, S.Hum., M.A. Facilitator: Juan Antonio C.
bit.ly/AYNDiscussion03 24
AY N ’s Co r n e r
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International Humanity Newsletter “Protection of Civilian’s Rights to Live in Asia and Africa” International Relation Bureau Salam UI 21 Media Center Salam UI 21 Nuansa Islam Mahasiswa Universitas Indonesia 21 Address: Masjid Ukhuwah Islamiyah Lt. 2 Pusat Kegiatan Mahasiswa UI Depok
Protection of Civilian’s Rights to Live in Asia and Africa