Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 April 2000

61 articles found

BPGS plans to reclaim ex-Asian Games land

BPGS plans to reclaim ex-Asian Games land JAKARTA (JP): The Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS) aims to reclaim its rights to ex-Asian Games land in Rawa Bilal area, Tebet, in South Jakarta, most of which is being used for housing complexes. "I checked the land last year and it was still empty.

Scrap Pancasila as state ideology: Franz

Scrap Pancasila as state ideology: Franz JAKARTA (JP): The five principles of Pancasila should be used as fundamental values of government policy but discarded as the state ideology, a philosopher said on Thursday. Franz Magnis-Suseno said use of Pancasila as an ideology since the country's independence distorted it into a totalitarian teaching which excluded other opinions.

President full of praise for Kostrad

President full of praise for Kostrad JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid accompanied Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Commander Lt. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusumah on a ride on an armed vehicle during an inspection at the green berets' headquarters in Cilodong, West Java. During Thursday afternoon's visit, the President acknowledged that the state had not given Kostrad due attention despite its contribution to the country.

Semen Gresik to spin off unit

Semen Gresik to spin off unit JAKARTA (JP): State cement maker PT Semen Gresik booked a net income of Rp 240.6 billion (US$30 million) last year, compared to Rp 221.6 billion in 1998, according to the company's audited Dec. 31, 1999, income statement. With increased sale prices and export markets the company managed to improve its total sales to Rp 3.1 trillion in 1999, compared to Rp 2.3 trillion the previous year.

Government expects to raise fuel prices in July

Government expects to raise fuel prices in July JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to increase fuel prices in July after a delay of three months from its original schedule of April due to mounting opposition from the public, a senior government official said on Thursday. Director general of oil and natural gas Rachmat Sudibyo said he hoped that after the three-month postponement the public would be fully aware of the urgency to raise fuel prices and accept the move.

Corporate governance in Indonesia

Corporate governance in Indonesia This is the first of two articles by Mark Baird, the World Bank's country director, based on a presentation on April 25 at the conference on freedom of economic information, held here among others by the LP3ES research institute in cooperation with the Washington-based Center for International Private Enterprise.

Military court to go ahead with Agus case

Military court to go ahead with Agus case JAKARTA (JP): Judges at the Jakarta Military Court ruled on Thursday that the court would continue the trial of defendant Army Second Lt. Agus Isrok on the grounds of a legal technicality. They rejected the demand aired by the defendant's lawyers in the previous hearing that Agus, a member of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus), be tried in a civilian court, instead of the military one.

Mayor gives Humpuss one month to vacate building

Mayor gives Humpuss one month to vacate building JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Mayor Andi Subur Abdullah said on Thursday he gave the diversified Humpuss Group of companies one month to vacate its property in the government office complex of the National Monument (Monas) area in Central Jakarta. "We are still waiting for the companies, under the Humpuss Group, to set a date to vacate the buildings.

Team manager all-important: Surjadi

Team manager all-important: Surjadi BOGOR (JP): Indonesia's team manager for the Thomas and Uber cups will play a crucial role, particularly for the decider in the best-of-five match ties, a former chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) said on Thursday.

RP agents make initial contact with kidnappers

RP agents make initial contact with kidnappers JOLO, Philippines (AFP): Government agents have made the first contact with Abu Sayyaf guerrillas holding 21 people from seven nations hostage in the southern Philippines and said the captives were unharmed, officials said on Thursday. The Philippine military meanwhile gave an assurance that it would not risk endangering the lives of the Malaysian, German, French, Finnish, South African, Lebanese and Filipino hostages with a rescue attempt.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on April 27, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Mobs loot teak trees

Mobs loot teak trees SEMARANG: Hundreds of locals have chopped down and stolen around 3,500 teak trees from forests around Randegan and Jeruk villages in Losari, Brebes, Central Java, over the past three days. "After parts of the forests were cleared, they planted plots with corn, peanuts and soybeans," Brebes regent Moh. Tajuddin Nuraly said on Thursday. People from Cirebon in West Java also took part in the looting, he said. The teak forests cover 600 hectares of land.

For rent: 10,000 Indonesian islands

For rent: 10,000 Indonesian islands JAKARTA (JP): The government hopes to rent 10,000 small uninhabited islands to local and foreign investors, an official at the Ministry of Maritime Exploration said. The islands would be rented out to bring in foreign exchange revenue and help even out population distribution, the director general of coastal areas, beaches and small islands, Rohmin Dahuri, said. "This would put idle resources to good use," he said on Tuesday.

Families of 21 Sipadan hostages wait in anxiety

Families of 21 Sipadan hostages wait in anxiety SEMPORNA, Malaysia (AFP): Families of the 21 hostages abducted from a Malaysian resort off Kalimantan were by Thursday still anxious but hopeful they would be safely returned to their loved ones. Norisah Musbaniah, 36, wife of policeman Abdul Jawah Salawat, told AFP she felt "really anxious and worried about his safety" following his abduction along with 20 others by gunmen on Sipadan island late on Sunday.

Cambodia to probe ferry disaster

Cambodia to probe ferry disaster PHNOM PENH (AFP): Cambodia's tourism minister on Thursday pledged a full investigation following Wednesday's fatal sinking of an allegedly overloaded ferry linking the ancient temples of Angkor Wat with the capital. A Taiwanese tourist drowned in the accident, apparently unable to escape the sinking boat after it rammed a bamboo fishing barricade along the picturesque and winding Tonle Sap river.

Hapua agrees To form power grid joint venture

Hapua agrees To form power grid joint venture SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Delegates at the 16th meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Power Utilities/ Authorities, or Hapua, agreed in principle to set up a joint venture between member nations to invest in an Asean power grid, the Bangkok Nation newspaper said on Thursday.

Jakarta Commercial Court again irritates IBRA

Jakarta Commercial Court again irritates IBRA JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court on Thursday turned down the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) bankruptcy suit against PT Sumi Asih. The court did so because the amount of unpaid debt claimed by the agency was disputed by the palm oil producer. Seemingly upset, IBRA's lawyer Kitty Sugondo Kramadibrata criticized the court's ruling as a manipulation of the country's existing 1998 Bankruptcy Law.

Karpov shows his class to beat Utut in JAPFA Classic

Karpov shows his class to beat Utut in JAPFA Classic By Ivy Susanti SANUR, Bali (JP): Indonesian Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto bowed under pressure to chess legend GM Anatoly Karpov in the fifth round of the JAPFA Classic International Tournament 2000 on Thursday. The country's top player said after the match that he was seeking a draw with Karpov but the Russian's precise moves and experience were too strong. Utut gave up to Karpov in the 41st move, using the "Queen Indian defense".

Yet another low

Yet another low Whatever one may say about the deficiencies of Abdurrahman Wahid's young presidency, promoting good relations with other countries is certainly not one of them. In the six months that he has been in power, Abdurrahman has visited more countries than many observers can remember -- most probably more than his predecessors Sukarno or Soeharto visited in the entirety of their decades-long presidencies.

SSI hopes for better revenue with Glodok Plaza

SSI hopes for better revenue with Glodok Plaza JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed property company PT Surya Semesta Internusa said on Thursday it was optimistic the reopening of Glodok Plaza in downtown Jakarta would boost its financial performance. "The center will become our cash cow," company vice president Johannes Suriadjaya said. Glodok Plaza, which was the country's largest electronics and computer center, was one of hundreds of buildings burned down during the May 1998 riots.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 27, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 800 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 375 0 75,500 Alakasa Industrindo 625 -50 4,000 Alfa Retailindo 825 50 975,500 Alter Abadi 150 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 50 37,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 8,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,000 -25 927,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Bank Niaga recapitalization cost soars

Bank Niaga recapitalization cost soars JAKARTA (JP): The recapitalization cost of publicly listed Bank Niaga is estimated to soar to around Rp 9.3 trillion (US$1.23 billion) from an earlier estimate of Rp 8.6 trillion, according to senior deputy chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Arwin Rasyid. Arwin said the higher cost was due to a delay in the recapitalization of the bank.

Police seize $60,000 in bogus note haul

Police seize $60,000 in bogus note haul JAKARTA (JP): Police announced on Wednesday the seizure last week of counterfeit American dollars totaling $60,000, in $100 denominations, from a 61-year-old resident of Bekasi. Chief of Jakarta Police detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo told reporters that the arrest of Imansyah on April 18 at his home on Jl. Bandeng II in Malaka Jaya subdistrict, Bekasi, was made based on a tip-off from two other men who were arrested earlier in the day.

Militia head queried about illegal gun

Militia head queried about illegal gun JAKARTA (JP): The leader of an East Timor prointegration group has been questioned by East Nusa Tenggara Police in connection with the illegal possession of a weapon, police said on Thursday. Col. Saleh Saaf of the East Nusa Tenggara Police said by telephone Eurico Guiterres was questioned by local police in early March and the investigation was ongoing. "He had an FN-45 pistol and we received reports that the gun was illegal," Saleh told The Jakarta Post.

City awash in protests for different demands

City awash in protests for different demands JAKARTA (JP): Protests covering various demands were held in the city as President Abdurrahman Wahid clarified his economic and political policies with members of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday. Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) supporters and the City Forum (Forkot) group of student protesters, who earlier announced plans to take to the streets on Thursday, canceled without an explanation.

China beats RI in Federation Cup

China beats RI in Federation Cup OSAKA, Japan (AFP): China maintained its unbeaten record in the Fed Cup tennis Asia Oceania Group One tournament Thursday with victory over Indonesia. China's women tightened their grip on Pool B after Li Na defeated Asian Games champion Yayuk Basuki 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 and Yi Jinqian beat Wynne Prakusya in straight sets. Yi triumphed 6-4, 6-1 to give the second seeds an unbeatable 2-0 lead.

City police to be reshuffled

City police to be reshuffled JAKARTA (JP): City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis hinted on Wednesday a planned reshuffle at the Jakarta Police headquarters, involving four significant police officers. "The decree for the reshuffle has already been issued, signed by National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo," Zainuri Lubis told reporters. City Police chief of operational control Col. D.A. Soenarko, will be replaced by Col. Nono Suprijono, who is currently the South Jakarta Police chief.

'Nanook of the North' set for Jakarta

'Nanook of the North' set for Jakarta By Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): Local moviegoers will have the chance to enjoy ethnographic film week from April 27 to April 29 at Lingkar Budaya on Jl. Tanjung, Central Jakarta. The cultural center screens selected films every month. This week, documentary films such as Nanook of the North, Spirit of Zen, Tana Toraja and The Slope of Tambora will be featured. Ethnographic films are about the life and culture of an ethnic group.

Doubts cloud Aceh military trial

Doubts cloud Aceh military trial YOGYAKARTA (JP): Skepticism persists about the trial of 24 soldiers and a civilian charged in a mass killing in Aceh last year as violence continued in the strife-torn province on Thursday. Member of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) Munir said the joint military-civilian tribunal now under way was aimed at placating the public while shielding the real offenders from prosecution. He said the disappearance of key suspect Lt. Col.

Rebel leader killed in clash between separatists

Rebel leader killed in clash between separatists JAKARTA (JP): An Irian Jaya rebel leader was shot dead in a clash between rival separatist groups, a report said on Thursday. Antara news agency quoted Irian Jaya Military Commander Maj. Gen. Albert Inkiriwang as saying the clash between separatist rebels occurred on Tuesday in Sandaun province in neighboring Papua New Guinea. He identified the dead rebel leader as Hans Bomay, who was killed by members of an armed group led by Mathias Wenda.

Abdurrahman must beware of growing political divisions

Abdurrahman must beware of growing political divisions Disappointment with Abdurrahman Wahid's (Gus Dur) government is leading to strange bedfellows, with the former ruling party, Golkar, the faction being most courted, says observer Azyumardi Azra, rector of the state-run Syarif Hidayatullah Institute of Islamic Studies in South Jakarta.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 8:30 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Documentary 3:30 Music 4:00 News 4:30 TV Series 5:30 TVRI News (in English) 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 9:00 World News 9:35 Music 10:30 News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Music 5:30 City News 6:30 Documentary 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 8:00 Documentary 8:30 Prosperity Program TPI 5:30 a.m.

Amien warns Gus Dur to keep Cabinet intact

Amien warns Gus Dur to keep Cabinet intact JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais cautioned President Abdurrahman Wahid on Thursday that further changes to his economic team would be political suicide. He said the President should learn from the financial market consequences of his decision to fire Yusuf Kalla and Laksamana Sukardi as minister of industry and trade and state minister of investment and state enterprises development respectively.

Over 90 new species found in Irian Jaya

Over 90 new species found in Irian Jaya JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A group of researchers have found 93 new species in the Wapoga and Sewa districts of Yapen Waropen regency, a team member said on Thursday. Yance de Fretes told Antara the new species discovered during last month's joint research included reptiles, dragonflies, fish, ants, frogs and bugs. Most of the species were types of insect. He said more species were expected to be found as more research had been arranged.

Six arrested over Rp 750m robbery

Six arrested over Rp 750m robbery JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives have arrested five men over their alleged roles in the robbery of imported video compact discs (VCD) players and television sets worth Rp 750 million (US$93,750) from an electronic goods importing firm, an officer said on Thursday. City police chief of Mobile Detectives (Resmob) Capt. Syafe'i told reporters the arrest took place on April 14.

RI ties altered forever: Howard

RI ties altered forever: Howard SYDNEY, Australia (AP): Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Thursday tensions between the two neighbors due to the East Timor issue may never be fully repaired. He said top-level efforts to repair diplomatic relations between Australia and Indonesia have been set back by the delay of a visit by Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid. Howard said he was not surprised that Abdurrahman had called off the visit that had been penciled-in for next month.

Purwokerto trains bring profit

Purwokerto trains bring profit PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): The regional office of state- owned railway company PT KAI, overseeing Purwokerto and its surrounding area, enjoyed Rp 9 billion in net profits last year. This was Rp 3 billion more than the intended target, a company official said here on Thursday. Spokesman for the regional office, Supriadi, told The Jakarta Post that profits were mostly reaped from executive and business class trains which stop in Purwokerto on a daily basis.

Thai PM to visit Laos

Thai PM to visit Laos BANGKOK (AP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai is to visit neighboring Laos on May 26 through May 28 at the invitation of his Laotian counterpart Sisavath Keobounphanh, Thai and Laotian officials said on Thursday. Chuan's office could not yet give further details of the visit, the first by a Thai premier to the communist state since 1997. Sisavath visited Thailand in March last year.

Asian currencies mixed late, interest rate hike lifts peso

Asian currencies mixed late, interest rate hike lifts peso SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): A surprise interest rate hike by the Philippine Central Bank in anticipation of tighter monetary policy in the U.S. helped the peso higher late Thursday as Asian currencies ended the session mixed. The Indonesian rupiah rose as fears of political instability after a cabinet reshuffle eased, while the Korean won fell sharply on market fears of a possible liquidity crunch at Hyundai Investment Trust & Securities Co.

Prosecutors seize documents from Soeharto foundation

Prosecutors seize documents from Soeharto foundation JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office began on Thursday the unprecedented seizure of documents believed to contain information on assets allegedly illegally amassed by former president Soeharto. Five state prosecutors confiscated documents concerning the activities of the Supersemar Foundation, one of seven tax-free charitable foundations set up by Soeharto during his 32-year rule.

RP economy sinking under President Estrada

RP economy sinking under President Estrada By Bob McKee LONDON: In early April, Philippine armed forces spokesman Col. Romero denied reports that the military was preparing a coup against President Joseph Estrada. The military had been on "red alert" all week and security at military camps had been strengthened. At the time, Col. Romero commented: "It's the biggest of April Fools Day jokes". Despite Col.

Balinese couple named professors

Balinese couple named professors DENPASAR, Bali: Scholars Luh Ketut Suryani and Tjokorda Alit Kamar Adnyana were inaugurated as professors at Udayana University's School of Medicine here on Thursday. The couple, both 56 and married for 28 years, are known for their critical thinking on issues such as gender, democracy, tourism and culture, aside from their main fields of study.

Mitsubishi in Indonesian oil

Mitsubishi in Indonesian oil TOKYO (AFP): Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp. said on Thursday it had bought a five-percent stake in oil and gas fields off Indonesia from German energy group Veba. Mitsubishi got the rights to acquire two concessions off the southeast Sumatran coast and northwestern Java coast of Indonesia, it said in a statement. The fields produce a combined 190,000 barrels of crude oil and the equivalent of 50,000 barrels of natural gas per day.

Businessman reports graft in Supreme Court

Businessman reports graft in Supreme Court JAKARTA (JP): The government-sanctioned National Ombudsman Council received on Thursday a complaint of corruption in the Supreme Court. Businessman Djohan Taniwidjaya lodged a complaint with the council alleging a substitute registrar at the Supreme Court in August 1999 had asked him for a Rp 200 million payoff if he wanted to win his land dispute case. Djohan claimed the registrar told him the money would be given to several justices.

Prosecutor's demand upsets court

Prosecutor's demand upsets court TANGERANG (JP): A prosecutor's demand to sentence a South Korean national, the sole defendant in a murder case, to 18 months in jail sparked anger on Thursday in Tangerang District Court. The demand, read by prosecutor Mawardi Hasim, upset court visitors and also stunned the panel of judges presided over by Satria US Gumai. Article 338 of the Criminal Code states that a person guilty of such a crime can receive a 15 year term of imprisonment.

Oil-rich Dumai has new mayor

Oil-rich Dumai has new mayor DUMAI, Riau: Wan Syamsir Yus and Suarman AR were installed on Thursday as the mayor and deputy mayor of Dumai, home to an oil refinery serving oil giant Caltex. Riau governor Saleh Djasit called on the new officials during the swearing-in ceremony to develop the town into a prominent industrial estate on Sumatra.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, April 28, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, April 28, 2000 Exhibitions * Sculpture Exhibition: Klein Plastiek, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5252321), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until May 20. * Paper and Signs Exhibition by Manuel Hernandez, at Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3813021, 34833954), 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., until May 4. * Painting Exhibition: The Power of Colors, at Loteng Gallery, Jl. Prapanca Raya No.

Bacelius replaces Laksamana as chief of JITF

Bacelius replaces Laksamana as chief of JITF JAKARTA (JP): The government has appointed Bacelius Ruru to head the Jakarta Initiative Task Force (JITF), newly appointed State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Development Rozy Munir said on Thursday. He added that Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie signed the letter of appointment. Speaking following a meeting of senior economic ministers, he said Bacelius replaced Laksamana Sukardi.

Indonesia joins trade displays in Japan, Singapore

Indonesia joins trade displays in Japan, Singapore JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian businessmen will join an international trade fair in Osaka, Japan. It will be held from April 29 to May 4 in order to promote local products on the Japanese market, the Ministry of Industry and Trade office said on Thursday.

PT Newmont responds

PT Newmont responds The editorial page of The Jakarta Post has often been a forum for the debate of important issues involving the development of democracy in Indonesia. I believe that no issue is of more importance to the future of nation than the process of decentralization, and Donna Woodward, as usual, has been at the forefront of critically examining the issue and some of its more troubling aspects. Donna's article entitled Newmont: Tax peace at any price?

One dead, three still missing in Ambon riot

One dead, three still missing in Ambon riot AMBON, Maluku (JP): A man was found dead with multiple stab wounds, while three others were still missing on Thursday following the latest sectarian conflict involving Christians and Muslims in Waihaong subdistrict here. The discovery of Daniel Pati Kaihatu's body on the seashore of Waihaong brings the death toll resulting from the communal clashes on Wednesday to three.

Abuse of prerogative

Abuse of prerogative The President has the prerogative right to appoint and dismiss members of his cabinet. In the political sense such a right can be easily abused. Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Amien Rais reminded us the other day that the latest dismissal of two ministers in charge of economic affairs, by President Abdurrahman Wahid, could well be seen as abuse of this prerogative right.

Asian antipiracy meet opens in Japan

Asian antipiracy meet opens in Japan TOKYO (AFP): Japan convened on Thursday the first ever conference to discuss collective measures against mounting attacks on ships in Asia by organized gangs of pirates. Coastguard officials and maritime policymakers from 16 Asian countries were meeting at a Tokyo hotel for the Regional Conference on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships.

Graft rumors swirl after reshuffle

Graft rumors swirl after reshuffle JAKARTA (JP): Legislators said after a closed-door consultative meeting that President Abdurrahman Wahid told them his decision to replace two economics ministers was due to their alleged involvement in corruption, collusion and nepotism. Legislator Meliono Suwondo of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said Abdurrahman revealed that the Cabinet reshuffle was due to corruption.

Two taxi robbers mobbed to death

Two taxi robbers mobbed to death JAKARTA (JP): Residents from Kedondong village in Mangun Jaya, Bekasi, fatally mobbed late on Wednesday evening two men from a gang of four who police say were attempting to rob a taxi driver. Bekasi Police chief Lt. Col. Sutarman identified the dead victims as Oma Irawan and Gandi, alias Malaikat, both 18. Their two accomplices managed to escape. Sutarman said the driver of the Royal City taxi, Sulaiman, suffered light stab wounds to his waist.

Police checking IDs

Police checking IDs I am an Indian girl living and working in Jakarta with an oil company. The other night I went out with some of my friends. While the group was returning in a couple of taxis, we were stopped near the Hard Rock Cafe about 1:30 a.m. A police van was parked on the side of the road and officers were stopping all cars to check IDs. Some of us were not carrying our IDs at the time.

Group in military garb storms police post, injures six

Group in military garb storms police post, injures six JAKARTA (JP): A group of some 30 men in military uniforms attacked on Thursday a traffic police post in Johar, Karawang, 45 kilometers east of here, and beat five of six on-duty officers and vandalized six motorbikes, a local police source said. The men -- most riding motorcycles -- later attacked Chief Sgt. Maj.

'Congkokan', a Javanese centenarian ceremony

'Congkokan', a Javanese centenarian ceremony By Bambang M YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Javanese people were once known to strongly hold their centuries-old traditions. Yet, in the modern era, many think such traditions irrational with traditional ceremonies a waste of time and money. As a result, not many young people understand the importance and the philosophy behind the traditions of their ancestors. One of the rare traditional ceremonies is congkokan.

Marine security system planned to stop poaching

Marine security system planned to stop poaching BANDUNG (JP): The government will require all commercial vessels bearing Indonesian flags weighing more than 2,000 dead weight tons to equip themselves with transponders next year in an attempt to curb illegal entry and poaching in the country's territorial waters.

Nine missing after RP boat hijack

Nine missing after RP boat hijack MANILA (AFP): Nine Filipino fishermen have been reported missing for almost two weeks after their boat was hijacked by unidentified armed men in the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea, a Philippine military report said here on Thursday. The locally-registered fishing boat, identified as ML Alfie, was off Half-Moon Shoal, among the Philippine-controlled areas in the Spratlys, when the incident occurred on April 14, the report said.

Police impostor nabbed in Denpasar

Police impostor nabbed in Denpasar DENPASAR, Bali: Local police arrested on Wednesday night a 21- year-old man from Praya in Central Lombok for pretending to be a policeman. The man, named by police as Lalu Fauzi, was employed at a fruit stall. "We are still investigating the case. Lalu admitted he had dreamt about becoming a policeman since he was a kid and that he wanted to impress on his ex-girlfriend that he was somebody," Denpasar Police chief Capt. Lukas Gunawan said.