Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 November 2000

63 articles found

Rupiah up late on dollar profit-taking, stop-losses

Rupiah up late on dollar profit-taking, stop-losses JAKARTA (Dow Jones): The Indonesian rupiah rose 2 percent late Wednesday, as it extended Tuesday's technical rebound amid easing political tensions in Jakarta, dealers said. Around 0920 GMT, the dollar was at Rp 9,130, down from around Rp 9,330 late Tuesday, but up from Wednesday's intraday low of Rp 9,115. Early in the day, dollar-selling by a large U.S.

Will RP witness People Power II?

Will RP witness People Power II? By Malou Mangahas MANILA (Reuters): A campaign to drive Philippine President Joseph Estrada out of office is reminiscent of the movement which ended Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship but is still far from the intensity of the 1986 revolution.

Workers' protest ends in violence

Workers' protest ends in violence SURABAYA: A protest by 150 workers of PT Mepoli Industry Top, a plastic business located in Tandes, West Surabaya, degenerated into a riot on Wednesday after unidentified people armed with sickles attacked the protesting workers. Eyewitnesses said that ten muscular men, emerged from the factory compound and attacked the workers after the protest had continued for 30 minutes. "We did not know the men.

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Piracy, the age-old scourge of the

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Piracy, the age-old scourge of the high seas, is resurfacing with a vengeance around the world but the most dangerous stretch of water is the Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, according to a report released on Wednesday. In the first nine months of this year the number of reported pirate attacks on ships rose 66 percent over year ago levels, said the report released by the International Maritime Bureau.

Yogyakarta street children to get aid

Yogyakarta street children to get aid JAKARTA (JP): At least 500 girls living on the streets of Yogyakarta will soon receive a total of US$1 million in assistance from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Kus Hardjanti, the project manager, said at a media briefing here on Wednesday that the money would be used to finance health services for the victims of sexual abuse and child prostitution.

Indonesian chess players draw against Latvia

Indonesian chess players draw against Latvia JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian men scored a 2-2 draw with Latvia while the women drew 1.5-1.5 with Finland at the 34th Chess Olympics in Istanbul on Tuesday. For the men's side, the result was a repeat of Wednesday's tie with Mexico. Against Latvia, Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto defeated N. Miezis in the 49th move. Meanwhile, GM Cerdas Barus and V. Meijers agreed to a draw after the 47th move. FIDE Master (MF) Rudin Hamdani conceded the match to A.

Bali struggles to curb thriving drug trade

Bali struggles to curb thriving drug trade By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Sitting in his small office at Bali Police Headquarters, chief of the narcotic detectives division Supt. Wayan Suwena unbuttoned the top of his uniform. The artificial breeze produced by an electric fan could not defeat the boiling heat on this October afternoon. "The temperature is so hot, and so is the narcotics business in Bali," he said, grinning widely as usual.

Soldiers to be tried for JSX bombing

Soldiers to be tried for JSX bombing JAKARTA (JP): A joint police-military team has completed its investigation of two soldiers allegedly involved in the September bomb blast at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building, a military police officer said on Wednesday. "The investigators are completing the dossiers. Once completed, they will be handed over to the city military tribunal in East Jakarta," Col.

New airlines may lose licenses in 12 months if...

New airlines may lose licenses in 12 months if... JAKARTA (JP): New airline companies will lose their licenses if they do not operate within 12 months after the issuance of their permits, a senior aviation official said on Wednesday. Director General of Air Transportation at the Communications Ministry, Soenaryo Yosopratomo, said that three of seven new airline companies licensed in June had yet to operate.

BII responds

BII responds In response to a customer's complaint published in The Jakarta Post, Oct. 7, 2000 titled Tough question for BII we would like clarify as follows: Based on our analysis and evidence tracing of the transaction on the Journal Audit from BII's ATM Center, about Rp 3 million was withdrawn by ATM, the PIN (Personal Identification Number) of which was valid and acknowledged by the customer herself.

Two arrested for thefts

Two arrested for thefts DENPASAR, Bali: Bali police have arrested two men for stealing motorcycles and seized six stolen motorcycles from them. The head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, Sr. Insp. Wawan Ridwan, told reporters on Tuesday that the two suspects, both of whom hail from Banyuwangi, East Java, were identified as Adenan (21) and Eko Budiono (25). Adenan was nabbed at his boarding house on Jl.

Indonesia at danger from global climate changes

Indonesia at danger from global climate changes JAKARTA (JP): Experts warned on Wednesday of the global climate changes that have caused irregular climatic patterns and rising sea levels. "The topic is very relevant and we must be wary of these changes as signs of freak weather have been evident here," head of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) Sri Diharto said on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Regional Consultation on Climate Change held at the Gran Melia Hotel.

Malaysia palm oil ends off highs

Malaysia palm oil ends off highs KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed with pared gains on Wednesday as players turned cautious after rises earlier in the day and on Tuesday. Traders said market talk that exports were likely to slow down this month capped the upside. They noted resistance at 870 ringgit a ton. The benchmark third-month January futures KPOF1] contract ended up seven ringgit at 859 ringgit (US$226.05) a ton after trading as high as 869.

Nightspots should respect Muslims during Ramadhan

Nightspots should respect Muslims during Ramadhan JAKARTA (JP): Muslim leaders responded positively on Wednesday to Governor Sutiyoso's decision to observe the city bylaw which allows nightspots to remain open during Ramadhan. Contacted separately, Nadjamuddin Ramly, who chairs the Muhammadiyah Youth, and Ridwan Saidi, the former chairman of the Islamic Student Association, said Islam teaches people to respect differences.

On replacement of the President

On replacement of the President From Suara Karya The statement of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman in Surabaya rejecting the presidential replacement without a general election was hard to understand as the 1945 Constitution enables a replacement without an election, such as in the 1967 Special Session of the Provisional Consultative Assembly (MPRS) when first president Sukarno's mandate was withdrawn.

Tommy's defense team pledges to resist summons

Tommy's defense team pledges to resist summons JAKARTA (JP): The defense team of businessman Hutomo Mandala Putra, alias Tommy, said on Wednesday that their client would not appear at the South Jakarta Prosecutor's Office to fulfill the summons for an execution of a Supreme Court ruling on Thursday. They called such a measure "premature" and in violation of the law. L.M.M.

Reform? Who is it for?

Reform? Who is it for? To the political elite in this country, the lot of millions of Indonesian children is obviously not as important as the political fate of President Abdurrahman Wahid, the deteriorating relations between Indonesia and the United States or the question of whether or not Hutomo Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, should go to jail.

Hero Supermarket employees rally demanding more pay

Hero Supermarket employees rally demanding more pay JAKARTA (JP): Some 2,000 employees of Hero Supermarket rallied on Wednesday in front of the company's headquarters on Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta, demanding more pay. The protesters, mostly wearing their uniforms and red arm bands, arrived at 9 a.m. and listened to speeches in the parking lot until about 5 p.m. The protest caused the temporary closure on Wednesday of some 25 outlets of the supermarket chain in Greater Jakarta.

Woods to get honorary doctorate from Thai university

Woods to get honorary doctorate from Thai university BANGKOK (AP): A Thai university will give Tiger Woods a honorary doctorate of philosophy in sports science to honor his talents and excellence in golf, a university representative said Wednesday. Woods has agreed to accept the degree from the Kasetsart University in Bangkok, said assistant professor Wallee Phattarophas of the university's department of sports science.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition The Body Fantasy by I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, Lingkar Becik Gallery, Jl. Raya Celuk, in Celuk village, Sukawati, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 295411), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Nov. 5. * Painting Exhibition Cultural Sensitivity by Inda C. Hoerhadi at The Gallery of the The Chedi - Ubud, in Payangan, Gianyar, Nov. 4 to Dec. 16. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl.

Badminton body moves to attract more sponsors and TV coverage

Badminton body moves to attract more sponsors and TV coverage JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC) has taken steps to attract more sponsors and television coverage for the sport by applying the new scoring system of three out of five games with seven points in each game. ABC President, Korn Dabbaransi, told reporters on Wednesday that since TV plays a big role in attracting sponsorship, the badminton itself must be attractive and watchable for TV viewers.

Five suspects in RSCM morgue mayhem

Five suspects in RSCM morgue mayhem JAKARTA (JP): Police announced on Wednesday that they were investigating five suspects who were believed to have been involved in the mayhem which occurred in the morgue of Central Jakarta's Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital on Monday. "The five suspects are among 14 people who are being questioned over their alleged involvement in the incident," Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Insp. Mathius Salempang said.

RI needs firmer legislation

RI needs firmer legislation During a lunch break in a recent conference in Singapore, I was among some people talking about China and how it had managed to fight corruption over the past two years, by bringing three big shots to court and handing out death sentences to them. A few thousand others are now in the pipeline. When they asked me about Indonesia, I could only say that we had been combating corruption for the last 12 months, unfortunately with very minuscule results.

Street vendors occupy City Hall

Street vendors occupy City Hall BUKITTINGGI, West Sumatra: Hundreds of street vendors occupied the Bukittinggi City Hall on Wednesday in protest against the demolition of their kiosks. Eri Pangeran, spokesman for the vendors, said they were upset after security and order officials launched a cleanup operation and demolished their kiosks near the Aurkuning Tower. Eri said that the traders had been prohibited from doing businesses in the area.

INRO to halt stock sales

INRO to halt stock sales SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): In addition to suspending sales of rubber stored in Europe, the International Natural Rubber Organization will halt sales of rubber Nov. 6-10 in the U.S., INRO Chief Executive Arch Roberts told Dow Jones Newswires Wednesday.

Toyota eyes F1 race after buying Japanese circuit

Toyota eyes F1 race after buying Japanese circuit TOKYO (AFP): Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it was buying one of Japan's largest racing circuits in a bid to break rival Honda Motor Co. Ltd.'s grip on Formula One in Japan. Japan's largest automaker said it had agreed to purchase 49 percent of Fuji International Speedway Co. Ltd. for 2.5 billion yen (US$23 million) from Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

'Lontar' texts clue to old Balinese life

'Lontar' texts clue to old Balinese life SINGARAJA, North Bali (JP): If your child suffers from chicken pox, you may not need to take him or her to a doctor -- as long as you can master the ancient Balinese manuscript titled Usada Kecacar. The old manuscript deals with ways to treat people suffering from the illness. "Much of the old manuscripts' contents is still relevant to modern times," said Gde Suparna, a staff member at the Gedong Kirtya library.

Indosat books Rp1.3 billion net profit in 3rd quarter

Indosat books Rp1.3 billion net profit in 3rd quarter JAKARTA (JP): State owned and publicly listed long distance call operator PT Indosat announced on Wednesday consolidated unaudited net profit of Rp 1.35 trillion (about US$151.6 million based on the current exchange rate) for the third quarter of this year, up 13 percent compared to the same period last year.

House delays questioning of Suwondo's wife

House delays questioning of Suwondo's wife JAKARTA (JP): The special committee from the House of Representatives investigating the Bulog financial scandal canceled on Wednesday the planned questioning of Teti Nursetiati, the wife of the main suspect in the scandal, Suwondo. "I have the right to be accompanied by my lawyers and to have legal protection," she said in response to the special committee's demand that she be questioned without her lawyers present. Denny A.

Man tries to kill wife, children

Man tries to kill wife, children TANGERANG (JP): A man tried to kill his wife and infant children in the village of Warnakerta, Pasar Kemis district on Tuesday for unclear reasons. Hasanudin, known as a respected teacher of Koranic verse recital, stabbed his wife Emuy, and his two children Asep (4) and Neneng (2) who were asleep at the time. Emuy tried to resist and protect her two children from the attack.

Trade surplus widens as export growth continues

Trade surplus widens as export growth continues JAKARTA (JP): The country's trade surplus widened to US$2.70 billion in September from $2.5 billion in August as exports recorded a consistent growth while imports remained low, at below 2 percent during the month, the Bureau of Central Statistics (BPS) reported on Wednesday. BPS chief Soedarti Subakti said exports in September remained strong, growing by 4.47 percent to US$5.79 billion from $5.54 billion the month before.

Mahaka Satria Muda set to defend league title

Mahaka Satria Muda set to defend league title JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Mahaka Satria Muda of Jakarta aims to defend its title in the 2000 Nuvo Kobatama national basketball league final four. Mahaka's team captain, Amran A. Sinta, said his club was well prepared for the upcoming event at the Senayan Indoor Stadium on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19.

Criticism of U.S. Ambassador continues

Criticism of U.S. Ambassador continues JAKARTA (JP): The furor over United States Ambassador Robert Gelbard persisted on Wednesday as Defense Minister Mahfud MD again criticized the envoy while legislators said they would demand that President Abdurrahman Wahid call on the U.S. President to recall the ambassador.

No end to floods as rain continues

No end to floods as rain continues Several districts in Cilacap regency remained flooded on Wednesday as a relentless rain pounded the area for the fifth straight day, with only short breaks in the clouds. Majenang remained the most badly affected of the six districts in Cilacap, with the water level remaining well above one meter. Cilacap Police chief Supt. Bambang Sudarisman told The Jakarta Post over the telephone at least 22 villages were still inundated.

Government, BI form joint team to end dispute over loan

Government, BI form joint team to end dispute over loan JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Rizal Ramli said on Wednesday that the government and Bank Indonesia had formed a joint team to verify the disputed amount of the bank liquidity support facility. Rizal said that the team was expected to complete its work next week.

16 soccer schools to join tournament

16 soccer schools to join tournament JAKARTA (JP): Sixteen soccer schools in Greater Jakarta will take part in the under-13 Aspirin Cup soccer tournament from Nov. 4 to Nov. 12. The tournament, which offers a total of Rp 3.75 million (US$400) in prize money, will be held at the newly constructed Aspirin soccer field, formerly E field, at the Senayan sports complex here.

Abdullah may strengthen grip under rule changes

Abdullah may strengthen grip under rule changes KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has improved his chances of becoming the next prime minister after ruling party leaders endorsed proposals to delay internal elections, politicians and analysts said Tuesday.

Missing teenager found dead

Missing teenager found dead BOGOR (JP): A 16-year-old resident of Kedaung village, Depok, was found dead in a gutter near his home on Wednesday after having been missing for two days. Apit, an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver, was found dead with severe head wounds by local resident Udin. Udin, who works for a public cemetery in the vicinity, then reported to Jainuri soon after finding Apit's remains.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 1, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,800 100 666,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 120 10 89,000 Alakasa Industrindo 435 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 875 0 244,500 Alter Abadi 210 30 21,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 280 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,050 0 801,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

167 legislators register for Kwik's meeting

167 legislators register for Kwik's meeting JAKARTA (JP): At least 167 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) have registered to attend a meeting organized by former Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie, slated for next week. Speaking at a media conference at his residence on Jl. Cilacap in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, Kwik who is also a legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), said the gathering would be held on Nov.

Jakarta-Merak toll road

Jakarta-Merak toll road From Media Indonesia When we went for holiday to Anyer on Oct. 25, we were shocked by the Jakarta-Merak toll road condition. It seems the said toll road can more appropriately be called "village road" as it has no supervisor who is responsible for it. But at the end there are hoodlums demanding payment from users. Before and after the Cikupa gate one can see old and new food stalls on the roadside, constructed by breaking the toll road fence.

PPD afflicting more children, say doctors

PPD afflicting more children, say doctors JAKARTA (JP): Doctors are calling for a greater awareness of Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) such as autism, as statistics show a dramatic increase every year in the number of children in this country suffering from the ailment. PDD is a condition where the basic development in children, such as their social behavior, oral and motor skills, and ability to concentrate are impaired.

City Park Agency embarks on a regreening project

City Park Agency embarks on a regreening project JAKARTA (JP): The City Park Agency will launch a major regreening project next year, focusing primarily on 17 "slum" areas in the city. The project will attempt to establish parks in these locations where sufficient space is available or to plant more trees where space is not available. Agency Chief Dadang Ruskandar said on Wednesday that the parks will be designed to be community centers where local residents can gather and relax.

Gedong Kirtya, a home to precious Balinese manuscripts

Gedong Kirtya, a home to precious Balinese manuscripts By Rita A. Widiadana SINGARAJA, North Bali (JP): To many foreign and domestic tourists visiting the northern part of Bali, the modest and dusty Gedong Kirtya library on Jl. Veteran, Singaraja (the capital city of the Buleleng regency), possess no glittering attraction.

Police find container theft suspects already in jail

Police find container theft suspects already in jail JAKARTA (JP): Police discovered that the party behind the theft of four containers full of fabric from a Tanjung Priok port terminal in North Jakarta were already in jail, City Police spokesman Supt. Muhammad Nur Usman said on Wednesday. Nur said the suspects, namely Herman Surahman, 48, and Johny Kainawa, 56, were released from Salemba Penitentiary in Central Jakarta on Oct.

Two killed as building collapses

Two killed as building collapses MEDAN: A three-story building which formerly housed the South East Asia Bank here, collapsed on Tuesday, killing two construction workers and injuring dozens of others. As of Wednesday, the bodies of the two workers, identified as Nazib and Slamet, had not been recovered from the wreckage, while the injured had been taken to the Dewi Maya, Pirngadi and Elizabeth hospitals. The 50-year-old building, situated on Jl. Pemuda no.

TNI identifies peacekeeper's suspected killer

TNI identifies peacekeeper's suspected killer JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) is searching for Jacobus Bere, who is suspected of killing a New Zealand member of the United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor in July, an officer said on Wednesday. The head of the Udayana Military Command overseeing Nusa Tenggara and Bali, Maj. Gen.

Ong Ewe Hock out of Asian Badminton C'ships

Ong Ewe Hock out of Asian Badminton C'ships JAKARTA (JP): Ong Ewe Hock of Malaysia suffered the biggest upset so far at the US$150,000 JVC Asian Badminton Championships at Senayan Indoor Stadium on Wednesday, bowing out to China's Chen Yu in the second round. Indonesia's top players had no trouble reaching the next rounds of the event, which is now missing a number of top players.

More to be grilled over July 27, 1996 incident

More to be grilled over July 27, 1996 incident JAKARTA (JP): National Police spokesman Sr. Supt. Timbul Sianturi said on Wednesday that the police would soon question more former top government and civilian figures over the July 27, 1996 incident. "Police will soon question those who attended a meeting prior to the July 27, 1996 incident," Timbul told reporters at National Police Headquarters.

RP central bank chief warns of recession

RP central bank chief warns of recession MANILA (DPA): The Philippine economy may plunge into a recession next year if a bribery scandal engulfing President Joseph Estrada drags on, Central Bank Governor Rafael Buenaventura warned on Wednesday. Buenaventura said the Central Bank's efforts to halt the free fall of the peso, which has fallen more than 9 per cent due to the controversy, could result in severe damages to the economy if sustained beyond "60 to 90 days".

Maid rift: Members must follow club rules

Maid rift: Members must follow club rules By Bob Ng SINGAPORE: The controversy over whether maids should be allowed into private clubs, now into its fourth month, rages on. And what, to most sensible people, seems a pretty straightforward issue has developed political, social and racial overtones that have served only to complicate the subject.

Minister warns of negative effects of decentralization

Minister warns of negative effects of decentralization JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Surjadi Soedirdja warned on Wednesday over the growing misperception of regional autonomy and the potential for the decentralization of corruption as an unwanted effect of regional autonomy.

Four Indonesians survive SIA plane crash

Four Indonesians survive SIA plane crash JAKARTA (JP): Four of the five Indonesians aboard the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Boeing 747 jetliner that crashed at Taiwan's Chiang Kai-shek International Airport on Tuesday survived the accident, an official said on Wednesday. Singapore Airlines spokeswoman Susi Charma said the four surviving passengers were husband and wife, Anton Gunadi and Lailawati Gunadi, Hendric Leenardo and Sigit Suciptoyono.

President calls on the public to remain calm

President calls on the public to remain calm JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid, who is facing growing pressure from his critics to step down, called on the public on Wednesday to remain calm and not to react emotionally to the country's political bickering. In a statement released by the presidential secretary's office, Abdurrahman appealed to his supporters "not to respond too emotionally" to mounting criticism against the government.

France Telecom sees no reason to quit Indonesia

France Telecom sees no reason to quit Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): France Telecom, a major shareholder of PT Pramindo Ikat Nusantara, would like to continue its cooperation with PT Telkom despite some "differences" with the state-owned telecommunications operator, the company's chairman said on Wednesday. France Telecom chairman and CEO Michel Bon said he saw no reason why the existing cooperation with Telkom should be ended.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 1

Rupiah Rates Nov. 1 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

MOU on civil, administrative disputes settlement signed

MOU on civil, administrative disputes settlement signed JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with nine city-owned companies (BUMD) on Wednesday aimed at easing the settlement of civil and state administrative disputes. The agreement, which was signed by the Head of the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office Fachry Nasution and nine president directors of the companies, facilitates an out-of-court dispute resolution for such cases.

Militias leave E. Timor, lose support of Army: UN

Militias leave E. Timor, lose support of Army: UN DILI (AP): After arming and organizing the murderous militias that devastated East Timor last year, the Indonesian army appears to have cut its support for the gangs, a top UN peacekeeper said on Wednesday. Australian Brig. Ken Gillespie, who heads UN's peacekeeping operations along East Timor's border, said that groups of armed militiamen who had infiltrated into the territory are gradually withdrawing into Indonesian-held West Timor.

Asia has the best and worst economic freedoms: Report

Asia has the best and worst economic freedoms: Report HONG KONG (AFP): Asia counts four of the world's top 10 freest economies, but the "schizophrenic" region also has six of the most repressed, according to a report released here Wednesday. Freewheeling Hong Kong came out top in the "2001 Index of Economic Freedom," published by The Heritage Foundation -- a leading US think tank -- and The Wall Street Journal.

Susilo says government serious in Maluku

Susilo says government serious in Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dismissed on Tuesday the allegations that the government had not been serious in handling the sectarian violence in the Maluku and North Maluku provinces. He said Jakarta had deployed 13,000 soldiers to the territory to help restore peace and order.

Quiet diplomacy best for RI-U.S. relations

Quiet diplomacy best for RI-U.S. relations SINGAPORE: A string of disparate events is creating an unwelcome new source of uncertainty in Indonesia, to add to the outer provinces' sectarian and secessionist troubles. While the security situation in Aceh, the Maluku islands, the Timor border and West Papua is fraught, there is not a strong likelihood of precipitate actions by either the rebel forces or the military and provincial authorities which could disturb the state of controlled tension.

House wants expats to join social security programs

House wants expats to join social security programs JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives Commission VII for labor and social affairs urged the government on Wednesday to revoke two controversial ministerial decrees that exempt expatriates and Indonesian overseas workers from joining social security programs.

DoCoMo has $4.5b fund for U.S., Asian investments

DoCoMo has $4.5b fund for U.S., Asian investments TOKYO (AFP): Japanese mobile phone giant NTT DoCoMo has built up a war chest of 500 billion yen (US$4.5 billion) to invest in American and Asian telecommunication operators, a senior DoCoMo executive suggested to AFP Wednesday.