Max Lane: Reflections on Libya

I have never read any book length or other in-depth studies on the history, politics or economics of Libya. The picture I have of the present developments in Libya is made up of a kind of collage of images, gathered from watching and reading the Australian and international mainstream media from the Melbourne Age to […]

Essay: Indonesian activist in solidarity with Papuan demonstration in Jakarta.

The following essay by  Surya Anta was written in response to a series of questions, I emailed him yesterday, August 4, 2011. “I am here to give solidarity, not as a provocateur”* Surya Anta, Jakarta, Indonesia, member Peoples Liberation Party On August 2, 2011 I and Kholis Annasir from the student group Pusat Perjuangan Mahasiswa untuk […]

Malaysia: Socialists at forefront of changing politics

Malaysia: Socialists at forefront of changing politics By Max Lane On July 29, six leaders of the Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) were released from prison, 34 days after their arrest on June 25. Their release was a result of the tremendous sustained and energetic campaign that received broad support, especially in Malaysia. Thirty members of […]

Poem: Jakarta worker

blood shot eyes, blood shot eyes, blood shot eyes four hours commute through chafing wind by motor bike each day? 12 hours shift? sleeplessness from heat and crowded quarters, crying child, weary wife? counting bills and income again and again and again? blood shot eyes, blood shot eyes, blood shot eyes

Sajak: pemandangan perjalanan (pergi jauh?)

Tembusi korden debu polusi, simfoni klakson dan bising campur azan memandang seribu dua ribu toko dan kios marhaen sepeda mebel kursi roda plastik-plastikan soto dan foto presiden-presiden Lewatkan entah rombongan atau khalayak nuju entah pula kemana sesak-sesak di metro-mini Pengamen berumur 12 tahun main gitar-gitaran di lampu merah Jendela membingkai pemandangan semua sampai juga negeri lain […]

Poem: Jakarta Child Asleep

breathing asleep ,sandwiched head on back of dad in front cars truck and buses shiting their dirty breath young eyelids closed protecting sight from the chafing whizzing wind mum’s arms circle child and husband heading home one among the swarm one hit from the monsters that rule the road, child will wake but grazed or broken by […]

Sajak: Anak Jakarta Tertidur

nyenyak terapit kejepit dua orang tua nuju pulang sunyi, bernafaskan asap diberakkan bis, truk dan mobil kelopaknya mata amat muda tutup berlindung dari angin kencang semoga nggak kesenggul macet-macet, motor bisa jadi jatuh dari labil