Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 July 2000

63 articles found

Gus Dur given three months after August

Gus Dur given three months after August JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Amien Rais has called on President Abdurrahman Wahid to improve his administration and gave him two to three months after the August General Session to achieve positive results. "The Indonesia population of 210 million cannot be held hostage by one person named Abdurrahman Wahid.

More local firms using e-commerce

More local firms using e-commerce JAKARTA (JP): An increasing number of companies in the chemical, agriculture, pulp and paper sectors are employing the e-commerce platform to make procurements, bids and transactions, said the president of B2B e-commerce facilitator BidNets.com.

Inhumane electric train service

Inhumane electric train service From Kompas The electric train plying the Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabotabek) route is very much needed by the residents of those suburban towns. Unfortunately, the service provided by this train is worsening. The capacity of the train is not compatible with the number of passengers it carries.

Official denies S'pore dollar, IDR link

Official denies S'pore dollar, IDR link SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): There is no fundamental link between the levels of the Singapore dollar and the Indonesian rupiah, even though both currencies tend to move in tandem, a senior official of the Monetary Authority of Singapore said Thursday. "We don't see any fundamental reason why that should be the case," Khor Hoe Ee, senior executive director for economics, said of the parallel movements of the two currencies.

Settlers return to West Java

Settlers return to West Java BANDUNG: More than 1,800 families of West Javanese settlers have been returning over the last 12 months because of unrest at their new home. In all, 7,222 West Javanese have fled from Maluku, West Kalimantan, Irian Jaya and Aceh. Most settlers, part of the government-sponsored transmigration, said they would not go back.

SMS debtors get discounts from IBRA

SMS debtors get discounts from IBRA JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will provide a 100 percent interest discount and 100 percent penalty discount to small- and medium-scale debtors of productive credit facilities worth up to Rp 5 billion (about US$560,000). The agency said in a statement on Thursday that the facility would be granted only to the debtors who agreed to settle their total outstanding debts.

National rights body team visits devastated Maluku

National rights body team visits devastated Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): A team from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) began a visit to Ambon on Thursday to evaluate the success of the one-month long civil emergency status in the strife-torn provinces. Bambang W. Soeharto, BN Marbun and Maj. Gen. (ret) Sjamsoedin from Komnas HAM's team of reconciliation and mediation for the Malukus met with Governor Saleh Latuconsina at his office on Thursday.

Conversion Rates

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

Indorayon to improve ties with locals

Indorayon to improve ties with locals JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed pulp and fiber rayon firm PT Inti Indorayon Utama pledged to fulfill the local community's aspirations and other social and environmental aspects in its future mills operations.

Tanker sinks near Cilacap

Tanker sinks near Cilacap CILACAP, Central Java: A tanker carrying 1,000 tons of liquid asphalt sank off Cilacap on Tuesday. MT HHC sank because of a leak, according to the local office of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina. No fatalities were reported, and all 11 crew members onboard, including Captain Hendrik J. Takumangsan, were accounted for. The tanker was on its way to Parepare, South Sulawesi.

Malaysia palm oil closes lower, tracks soyoil

Malaysia palm oil closes lower, tracks soyoil KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower on Thursday with prices staying depressed following overnight losses in Chicago soyoil futures. The benchmark third position October futures contract ended down seven ringgit at 1,048 ringgit (US$275.79) a ton after trading in a tight nine-ringgit range. Traders pegged immediate support at 1,040 ringgit and resistance at 1,070. Overall volume stood at 980 lots against 749 on Wednesday.

N. Korea joins ASEAN Regional Forum

N. Korea joins ASEAN Regional Forum By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat BANGKOK (JP): North Korea was inducted into the region's premier security forum here on Thursday, further raising hope of mollifying one of the region's potential flashpoints. North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam-Sun, took his seat among his 22 other counterparts here at the annual ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) amid positive signs of reconciliation on the Korean peninsula.

Toilet trouble on the train

Toilet trouble on the train From Warta Kota I usually take the Parahyangan train from Jakarta to Bandung and vice versa. Traveling on this train is more comfortable and quicker than going by bus. On Sunday, July 16, 2000 I took the Parahyangan from Bandung to Jakarta. The train left Bandung at 1 p.m. and I was in a business coach (K-1). Unfortunately, I could not enjoy the trip as much as I usually do because I found only one toilet with running water working properly.

Rallies held to mark anniversary of attack on PDI HQs

Rallies held to mark anniversary of attack on PDI HQs JAKARTA (JP): One overriding theme, namely the bringing of former president Soeharto to justice, marked the fourth anniversary of the July 27 violent takeover of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters nationwide on Thursday. In Jakarta, some 600 people joined a rally from the abandoned Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro to Jl.

IndoExchange launches WAP

IndoExchange launches WAP JAKARTA (JP): Business news portal IndoExchange.com launched on Thursday its new service, real time information using the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), in collaboration with mobile communications operator Excelcomindo. The company said the new service would provide real time stock quotes and currency exchange rates that could be accessed through WAP-enabled mobile telephones.

Unocal finds Bangladesh gas

Unocal finds Bangladesh gas DHAKA (AFP): The American oil and gas giant Unocal Corp. has discovered Bangladesh's largest single site of natural gas, holding up to six thousand billion cubic feet, officials said here Thursday. The site is in Bibiyana in northeastern Sylhet district and will raise the country's proven recoverable gas reserves by almost 50 percent to 19 thousand billion cubic feet. "The Unocal has submitted a technical report to the government confirming the gas reserve.

Teater Koma to stage 'Opera Primadona'

Teater Koma to stage 'Opera Primadona' JAKARTA (JP): The setting is Batavia (old Jakarta) in 1925. Two opera groups, Opera Miss Ketjoeboeng and Gardanella, are in a neck-and-neck competition to win an emerging young prima donna, Miss Kedjora. Miss Kedjora, who hails from the East Java town of Jember, became a prima donna and famous in Java thanks to her successful debut in the role of Princess Angsa Putih in a play called Djoela-Djoeli Bintang Tiga. Opera Ketjoeboeng wins Kedjora.

Neighbors asked to help rupiah

Neighbors asked to help rupiah SINGAPORE (Agencies): The acting governor of Bank Indonesia has asked Singapore and other neighboring countries to provide technical assistance in shoring up the embattled rupiah. Anwar Nasution said on Thursday that Bank Indonesia's request pertained to stricter supervision of foreign exchange trading regulations, which could curb speculative attacks on the rupiah.

Irian Jaya in the eyes of a prointegration figure

Irian Jaya in the eyes of a prointegration figure JAKARTA (JP): Irianese who are proindependence have pointed out that alleged human rights violations and unfair revenue sharing from mining activities have resulted in the demand for independence. In an interview in Jakarta with The Jakarta Post's reporter Neles Tebay, Elias Paprindey, 64, a leader of prointegration Irianese shares his views and offers a way out for the government.

KONI gives financial support to archers

KONI gives financial support to archers JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) will give financial aid worth Rp 33 million (US$3,670) to the Indonesian Archery Association (Perpani) to help it send three female archers and two coaches to warm up in the South Korea National Archery Championships prior to the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

President Abdurrahman accepts Yogyakarta Sultan's invitation

President Abdurrahman accepts Yogyakarta Sultan's invitation JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is scheduled to visit Yogyakarta on Aug. 1 in acceptance of the invitation of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, who will celebrate his 56th birthday, in order to hold a national dialog with other members of the political elite.

Recapitalized banks show strong results

Recapitalized banks show strong results JAKARTA (JP): Nine private banks which have been recapitalized by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) have shown strong performance during the first half of this year, according to the agency's deputy chairman, Jerry Ng. But Jerry said on Thursday that despite the improvement in key indicators, the banks were not out of the woods yet.

Asset seizure threat

Asset seizure threat Sadly, U.S. Ambassador Robert Gelbard is playing with fire for his overt threat to seize Indonesian assets over the OPIC dispute. For those of you who have been living under a rock, State Electricity company (PLN) defaulted on its payments to American energy producer MidAmerican Energy Holdings (formerly known as CalEnergy). MidAmerican turned to their U.S. government's Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) for insurance and, in turn, received US$290 million.

PKB renames Matori and Muhaimin top officials

PKB renames Matori and Muhaimin top officials SURABAYA (JP): The first congress of the National Awakening Party (PKB) wound up on Thursday with Matori Abdul Djalil and Muhaimin Iskandar reappointed as party chairman and secretary- general for the next five years. Vice President Megawati officially declared the congress closed, with a call for the party to work together with all parts of the nation to uphold a spirit of nationalism.

Businessman nabbed on drug charges

Businessman nabbed on drug charges JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives arrested on Wednesday businessman Suryono Jusuf, alias Empek, for possession of more than one kilogram of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), an officer said on Thursday. Supt. Abdullah HS, City Police narcotics detective chief, said that besides shabu-shabu, police detectives also confiscated from the 39-year old businessman packages of marijuana and ecstasy pills.

EU, ASEAN ministers plan to meet in Laos

EU, ASEAN ministers plan to meet in Laos BANGKOK (Reuters): Southeast Asian and European Union foreign ministers have agreed to meet in Vientiane, Laos, in December, a senior Thai official said on Thursday. "We agreed to hold a meeting in the capital of Laos during December 11-12 this year," Don Pramudwinai, director-general at the Thai foreign ministry's information department, told reporters. Ministers had been due to meet earlier in the year but no suitable dates could be found.

Accusing TNI without proof unfair: Juwono

Accusing TNI without proof unfair: Juwono JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono deplored on Thursday unfair comments on the recent killing of a United Nations peacekeeper near the East Timor border with Indonesia.

CA launches BizWorks

CA launches BizWorks JAKARTA (JP): Computer Associates launched on Wednesday the Roadshow interBiz, which is part of the company roadshow program to 10 countries in Asia to promote the development of e-business in the region. During the roadshow in Jakarta, the company also launched its new e-business product BizWorks, which is designed for entrepreneurs that plan to transform their existing traditional business framework into new e-business technology.

Holdiko sells Karimun stake

Holdiko sells Karimun stake JAKARTA (JP): PT Holdiko Perkasa, a holding company established as part of the debt settlement agreement between the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) and the Salim Group, will sell its 17.25 percent stake in PT Karimun Granite IBRA said here on Thursday PT Siddharta Consulting-KPMG had been appointed as the financial adviser for the sale of the stake.

Govt offers variety of haj packages

Govt offers variety of haj packages JAKARTA (JP): In a major departure from tradition, the government has announced nine different rates for the haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2001. The new rates range from Rp 19 million to Rp 23 million, compared to the single price of Rp 17.76 millions that all pilgrims paid this year.

Makassar welcomes home soccer heroes

Makassar welcomes home soccer heroes MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Thousands of people in the capital of South Sulawesi jammed the roads on Thursday welcoming their heroes bringing home the Bank Mandiri national soccer league championship. "The Old Brothers" team turned the Hasanuddin international airport into a red sea of fanatical supporters. Fans began arriving at 7:00 a.m. local time to welcome their team, which defeated Pupuk Kaltim of Bontang, East Kalimantan, 3- 2 in Sunday's final.

Sport broadcasts unite the nation

Sport broadcasts unite the nation From Suara Karya In the midst of a heated political atmosphere, Indonesia has been entertained by the recent performances of its badminton payers that could be observed at the Sanyo Open Badminton Tournament in Jakarta on the evening of July 23. Indonesia succeeded in winning two titles: the men's singles thanks to Taufik Hidayat, and the doubles, thanks to the duo of Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan.

Workshop on garments

Workshop on garments JAKARTA (JP): Netherlands-based Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) in association with the Indonesian Netherlands Association will hold a workshop on garment export opportunity in the European Union markets. The workshop, to be held here on Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, will provide information needed by garment exporters, including basic regulations, requirements, market segmentation and pricing mechanism set by EU member countries.

Learning about business the Chinese way

Learning about business the Chinese way By Edi Petebang PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan (JP): At the age of 14 years, Adijanto worked as a manual laborer in the market. In the evening, he went to school. Thanks to his perseverance, he eventually succeeded in establishing his own company. Adijanto, one of most prominent local businesspeople of Chinese descent, is now the boss of PT Bumi Raya Utama Group. His father was a poor farmer.

IBRA wins major bankruptcy case for first time

IBRA wins major bankruptcy case for first time JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) for the first time won a bankruptcy case after the Jakarta Commercial Court declared on Thursday PT Landasan Terus Sentosa of the Ongko Group bankrupt for its failure to repay a Rp 270 billion matured debt, a lawyer said. Presiding Judge Syamsudin Manan Sinaga said Landasan Terus had failed to prove to the commercial court its good faith, cooperativeness and consistency.

KL warns against Anwar verdict demos

KL warns against Anwar verdict demos KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police issued on Thursday a stern warning against any demonstrations on Aug. 4 when the verdict is due in the sex trial of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim. But supporters said they would gather outside the court. "There is a demo planned ... people will gather outside the high court," said Tian Chua, vice-president of the National Justice Party founded by Anwar's wife.

More Australia choopers, troops for East Timor

More Australia choopers, troops for East Timor SYDNEY (AFP): Australia is to send four blackhawk helicopters and an extra 100 troops to East Timor to help support the United Nations peacekeeping mission, Defense Minister John Moore said on Thursday. Moore said the decision was made some weeks ago to increase Australia's involvement in the peacekeeping operation, and it was not a response to the death of a New Zealand soldier near the border with West Timor on Monday.

A $155 million question

A $155 million question The Attorney General's Office announcement on Wednesday that it had completed its investigation into former president Soeharto over allegations of massive corruption during his 32 years in office came not only as something of an anticlimax. It was a gross insult to people's intelligence and sense of justice.

Kuwait backs KL for Asiad bid

Kuwait backs KL for Asiad bid KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A leading Kuwaiti sports official on Wednesday backed the Malaysian capital to host the 2006 Asian Games, Bernama news agency reported. In a report from Kuwait City, it quoted the Kuwait National Olympic Committee president as saying Kuala Lumpur had the edge over the three other cities bidding to host the event.

Jabatex Group wins ISOs to enter int'l market

Jabatex Group wins ISOs to enter int'l market Starting as a home industry with just one modest machine more than 30 years ago, Jawa Barat Textile (Jabatex) has become a leading group focusing in textiles. Jabatex Group now runs several subsidiaries, specializing in spinning, knitting, dyeing and finishing. As a well-established and experienced firm, it is one of the largest yarnmakers and fabricmakers in Indonesia.

What lies ahead for the CEO

What lies ahead for the CEO By Bob Widyahartono JAKARTA (JP): With the growing interdependence of nations and wave upon wave of change and innovation, more enterprises are being compelled to find ways and means of coping with the impact on social values and industrial structure. The chief executive's primary responsibility is to redesign and implement strategies upon which the success of the firm depends.

Malaysia's top bank to operate in China

Malaysia's top bank to operate in China KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Top bank Malayan Banking Bhd. (Maybank) has become the first Malaysian bank to get a licence to operate in China, officials said on Thursday. "Maybank has obtained a licence to establish a bank in Shanghai as part of an reciprocal arrangement for the reinstatement of Bank of China in Kuala Lumpur," a Chinese embassy economic official told AFP. She declined to elaborate.

Legislators, mind your p's and q's

Legislators, mind your p's and q's From Media Indonesia It's sad to observe the things that have been happening in Indonesia of late. The President, elected through a relatively democratic general election compared with previous ones, had to face a forced interpellation. It's true that he has made many confusing and even controversial statements.

Malaysian economy to grow about 8%: NEAC

Malaysian economy to grow about 8%: NEAC SINGAPORE (AFP): The Malaysian economy should grow 8.0 - 8.5 percent this year, a member of the Malaysian government's National Economic Action Council (NEAC) said on Thursday. This was expected to fall to 7.5-8 percent in 2001, Zainal Aznam Yusof told the Nanyang Asia Pacific Central Banking Conference.

Violence against women regretted

Violence against women regretted YOGYAKARTA (JP): First Lady Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid bemoaned on Thursday the continuing violence against women, saying that no religion condones oppression or duress against women. Speaking at the opening of a seminar on religion and violence against women at the Century Hotel here on Thursday, Nuriyah said that religious teachings -- as most teachers have interpreted them from the various holy scriptures -- in patriarchal societies tend to benefit men.

Witness says defendant lied in fake money case

Witness says defendant lied in fake money case JAKARTA (JP): A police witness said on Thursday that Junie, a defendant in the Rp 19.2 billion (US$2.1 million) counterfeit money case, had given false testimony during the initial court hearing. She told the court she had no idea that counterfeit money was being made until one week before she quit, Sr. Insp. R. Umar Faroq of the National Police Detectives for counterfeit money crimes said.

Provinces want more contributions from state firms

Provinces want more contributions from state firms By Berni K. Moestafa DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo said here on Thursday the government was considering requiring state companies to contribute more to the regions in response to demands by local residents and administrations. The minister said he agreed with the locals about the need to enhance the role of state companies in empowering the local economy.

Business on-the-rise at Kebayoran Lama flea market

Business on-the-rise at Kebayoran Lama flea market JAKARTA (JP): Three months after moving to their new trading site at the Kebayoran Lama market complex on Jl. Stasiun in South Jakarta, business for former traders of Taman Puring flea market has started to pick up. At about 9:30 a.m. on Thursday when several vendors selling used goods were about to open their businesses, dozens of prospective customers had already crowded the market, at which numerous kinds of used items are sold.

RI books a berth in men's singles final

RI books a berth in men's singles final JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Suwandi is up against compatriot Hendri Susilo Pramono for a place in the men's singles final of the Extra Joss Future-4 tennis championships at the Kemayoran tennis center. Suwandi outclassed Lee Seung-hun of South Korea 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) in Thursday's quarterfinals to set up a semifinal clash with Hendri, who survived a hard quarterfinal, beating Marian Leysek of Slovakia 7-5, 6-4.

EU's Lamy to seek RI, S'pore support for trade round

EU's Lamy to seek RI, S'pore support for trade round BRUSSELS (Reuters): European Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy will visit Indonesia and Singapore this week to try to build support for a new round of global trade liberalization talks, an EU official said on Wednesday. During his visit to Indonesia on Thursday and Friday, Lamy will hold talks with Coordinating for Finance, Economy and Industry Minister Kwik Kian Gie and Industry and Trade Minister Luhut Pandjaitan.

Globalization poses security risks: Forum

Globalization poses security risks: Forum BANGKOK (AP): Countries with defense interests in Asia agreed on Thursday that the volatility of the world economy because of globalization was forcing them to take a broader look at security concerns. Foreign ministers of 23 countries represented in the ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia's largest defense conference, noted in their annual meeting that economic and social issues were increasingly important to security.

Asian currencies up late, led by Singapore dollar

Asian currencies up late, led by Singapore dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were firmer Thursday, with the Singapore dollar racing up to a three-week high, following remarks by the de facto central bank suggesting the Singapore dollar may be allowed to appreciate. Other Southeast Asian currencies found some reprieve from the Singapore dollar's strong gains and as players unwound their long U.S. dollar positions, currency watchers said.

PT Telkom preparing to go international

PT Telkom preparing to go international JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic phone operator PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) will start running international services in 2002 or 2003, Director of Operation and Marketing Komarudin S.K. said on Thursday. "The new telecommunications law to be implemented in September would let us prepare the way," Komarudin said after launching the American Express Telkom Credit Card.

Poor start for home boxers at Bali meet

Poor start for home boxers at Bali meet DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Indonesian boxers were knocked out in the opening match of the 19th President's Cup at the Area Court in the Grand Bali Beach hotel in Sanur, Bali, on Thursday. Dedek Chandra of the Jakarta-based Garuda A boxing camp was outclassed 3-10 by Kedam Naccer of Algeria in four rounds of the flyweight division. Dedek received successive hooks to his left and right and failed to fight back until the second round was over.

BHP puts RI investment on hold due to mining issues

BHP puts RI investment on hold due to mining issues MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): Australia's Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. (BHP), a minerals, energy and steel company, is putting on hold any new major investment in Indonesia, preferring to wait out an end to uncertainty over mining issues in the archipelago.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jul. 27, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 665 65 144,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 310 10 427,500 Alakasa Industrindo 900 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 905 10 106,000 Alter Abadi 295 15 70,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 335 0 5,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,165 -5 277,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Tension in S. China Sea easing: Surin

Tension in S. China Sea easing: Surin BANGKOK (Agencies): Tensions arising from rival territorial claims in the South China Sea have eased as claimants move toward forging a code to govern activities, Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said on Thursday. Ministers attending Asia's only security working group "concurred that the situation is not serious," Surin said in a statement after the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) security working group wrapped up its discussions.

Air Force wants new radar units

Air Force wants new radar units YOGYAKARTA: The Indonesian Air Force plans to buy six new radar units to be deployed mostly in eastern Indonesia which is considered to be the most vulnerable to airspace violations. "We haven't decided which country we will buy them from, but they have to suit the existing system," Chief of Staff Marshall Hanafie Asnan Hanafie said during a ceremony to inaugurate the Air Force Monument of Struggle in Ngoto, Bantul, 15 km south of here.

Skepticism greets govt plan for Soeharto trial

Skepticism greets govt plan for Soeharto trial JAKARTA (JP): The government's announcement that it is ready to file corruption charges against former president Soeharto was greeted on Thursday with skepticism, with most observers saying that the indictment was not tough enough. Lawyer Frans Hendra Winarta regretted the government's decision not to prosecute Soeharto as a former president but rather as the chairman of seven tax-free charitable foundations.

School boy shoots his neighbor

School boy shoots his neighbor JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Police arrested on Thursday a senior high school student for fatally shooting his neighbor in the head. The shooting, which a police source suggested may have been accidental, occurred on Wednesday close to the victim's home on Jl. Lontar, Menteng Atas, South Jakarta. The schoolboy has been identified as Priya and the victim a 30-year old business man named Saefudin.

Pertamina's responsibility

Pertamina's responsibility For decades, Pertamina has held a monopoly on the production of fuel, with the recent exception of certain products such as premix-grade gasoline. The consequences are felt by us all: the company has become difficult to control, sluggish and riddled with corruption, collusion and nepotism. The Balongan refinery is a good example, so there is no need for anyone to be surprised if things there get broken so easily.

Special sites for vendors planned

Special sites for vendors planned JAKARTA (JP): A City Council commission called on all five mayoralty offices on Thursday to open special sites for vendors who now occupy many of Jakarta's busy streets to the point of disrupting the flow of traffic. Commission B on Economic Affairs said something must be done to contain the swelling number of street vendors. While they provide valuable economic services, especially during the economic crisis, their presence must also be regulated, it said.

Police to deploy more personnel to safeguard MPR General Session

Police to deploy more personnel to safeguard MPR General Session JAKARTA (JP): In order to preempt any worsening in the security situation in the capital during the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) next month, City security authorities will deploy in greater numbers to ensure that the annual political event goes ahead smoothly, an officer said on Thursday. City Police chief Insp. Gen.