Zeric went to a peacebuilding meeting last week to represent USAID where they were talking about the conflict in Mindanao (Philippines). What was interesting was that the meeting was that it was hosted by Muhammadiyah, an Indonesian Islamic "reformist socioreligious movement" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammadiyah). Pretty cool when Indonesia is promoting peace regionally. The other really interesting thing about it was that he got to go to a city here on Java called Solo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surakarta). I haven't been yet, but everyone knows Solo because Jokowi was Solo's mayor before he was Jakarta's. And he's a pretty awesome guy. Democractic even. Some of us are hoping he'll run for president next year. He ranked #3 in world mayors of 2012. See here http://www.worldmayor.com/, and here's his blurb from that same site:
Comment: Jokowi is a representation of new generation of
Indonesian leader who long to break from the past "sin" of corruption, collusion
and nepotism in Indonesia. Through his successful work with and for his people,
he is arguably one of the most respected political leader besides Mr Dahlan
Iskan, the Indonesia's Minister for State-owned enterprises. His heart is with
the marginalized, the lower class of his society, while his policy also highly
respected by intellectuals. He made remarkable changes in his city, physically
and morally. He was elected as a governor of Jakarta pairing with Ahok, another
young leader figure as his vice. Jokowi is an inspiration and hope for
Indonesian worldwide. Humble, simple, but also smart, innovative, honest and
approachable. He is, hopefully, become the model of changing, and bring more
young leaders to spread the good news: New Indonesia. (By Ardi H)
Zeric didn't get to meet Jokowi while in Solo, but he did meet an albino cow who liked to have her head scratched.
He also brought home the most beautiful handmade silk batik I have seen yet.
And, as for peace in Mindanao? Not sure about that yet.. but fingers crossed!
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