The people's corporations The government will shortly establish a special agency to oversee all the BUMN state-owned corporations. With many interest groups vying to gain control over those corporations, the new agency will have an important function to improve control and efficiency in those corporations, which up to now have practically served as cash cows to certain interest groups.

Tangerang exceeds revenue target TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Regent Agus Djunara said on Thursday the regency had exceeded its targeted revenue for the 1999/2000 fiscal year by 16 percent. He said the regency had revenue of Rp 46.5 billion, while it had been targeting Rp 39.8 billion. "This was thanks to four newly introduced tax policies on advertisements, hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers, and public road lights, which contributed Rp 25.7 billion to our revenue.

Solok market razed by fire PADANG, West Sumatra: Fire ravaged on Thursday the Solok market and 69 surrounding houses, leaving 214 people homeless. No fatalities were reported, but it is estimated that the fire, which destroyed 109 kiosks and the residential houses, caused almost Rp 2 billion in losses. Quoting eyewitnesses, Solok Mayor Yumler Lahar said that the fire which started at 3:00 a.m. was spotted by a market night watchman.

Govt to go ahead with fuel price hike next month JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Thursday it would go ahead with a plan to raise fuel prices in October, but was still unsure of the exact date of the increase. "It's unlikely that we can either cancel, alter or delay the fuel price increase," Cabinet Secretary Marsillam Simanjuntak said at the presidential office.