Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 January 2001

69 articles found

New Thai regulations hurting boatmen

New Thai regulations hurting boatmen KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Some 200 Malaysian boatmen staged a protest Wednesday against a police crackdown on smuggling across a river on the border with Thailand. The boatmen plying the Golok river in the coastal town of Tumpat in Kelantan state said the operation had dented their income and urged authorities to ease or lift new restrictions. Spokesman Zamakhshani Taib said they had been earning up to 20 ringgit ($5.3) a day ferrying passengers across the river.

BI to maintain tight monetary policy in 2001

BI to maintain tight monetary policy in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Wednesday that the central bank would maintain its tight monetary policy this year in a bid to achieve a low inflation target of 4-6 percent. "We'll maintain our tight monetary policy to ensure long-term economic growth," he told a press conference.

Myanmar, opposition talks welcomed

Myanmar, opposition talks welcomed BANGKOK (AFP): Myanmar's government-in-exile welcomed on Wednesday news of landmark talks between the junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi which were brokered by United Nations envoy Razali Ismail. "We welcome the secret talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and Khin Nyunt, it's a positive move," said National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) spokesman Maung Maung Aye. "The NCGUB congratulates Mr.

Schoolboy showered with rewards for his courage

Schoolboy showered with rewards for his courage By Ahmad Junaidi BEKASI (JP): Attired in his school uniform, Ahmad Taufik was awarded on Wednesday for reporting his discovery of three live grenades on a railway track near his house in Karangsari village, Kedung Waringin district here on Monday. The 15-year-old Taufik received a scholarship to complete his three-year high school education from the Bekasi Police chief Adj. High Comr. Idrus Gassing.

More tourists in West Sumatra

More tourists in West Sumatra PADANG, West Sumatra: Reports of social unrest across the country have not stopped tourists from visiting West Sumatra. "Basically, West Sumatra is the second safest province in the country after Bali. So people can freely visit the area," said provincial police spokesman Comr. L. Simalango.

Ministers to brief Pope over bombings

Ministers to brief Pope over bombings JAKARTA (JP): Two cabinet ministers will soon leave for the Vatican to brief Pope John Paul II on the Christmas Eve bombings, Spokesman for the Office of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs I Wayan Karya said on Wednesday. "We hope, the two ministers -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab and Minister of Religious Affairs Tolchah Hasan -- explain about the bombings at the Indonesian churches.

Bogor to have general hospital

Bogor to have general hospital BOGOR (JP): Bogor Mayoralty will build a Rp 20-billion general hospital in the Kayu Manis area of West Bogor, officials announced on Wednesday. "The plan was officially approved by the Bogor Mayoralty Council in December and the funding will come from the 2001 local budget," Bambang Gunawan, deputy of Bogor's regional development said.

RI smust decide on coffee retention plan

RI smust decide on coffee retention plan JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will have to decide whether or not it will join the Association of Coffee Producing Countries' coffee retention plan before the association's meeting in London later this month, a senior trade official said on Wednesday. Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry and Trade Djoko Muljono said that they will have to make a firm decision before the meeting which would be held on Jan. 24.

Wreckage of missing plane located, all people aboard killed

Wreckage of missing plane located, all people aboard killed WAMENA, Irian Jaya (JP): The wreckage of the ill-fated Navy Cassa plane was located in a remote mountainous area of Jayawijaya regency on Wednesday with all people aboard found dead.

RI foreign policy falls from grace

RI foreign policy falls from grace By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): Foreign policy analyst Soedjati Djiwandono in a column in this paper recently described Indonesian foreign policy as being in disarray. His feeling reflected the dismay of many observers that Indonesian foreign policy was not only in disarray, but had lost its dignity.

'I won't back off' says Bagir Manan

'I won't back off' says Bagir Manan Uncertainty continues to surround the selection of the chief justice following President Abdurrahman Wahid's refusal to pick from two candidates, Muladi and Bagir Manan, nominated by the House of Representatives (DPR). Wahid, in an unusual gesture, has said he needed to consult Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri (who has also rejected the two nominees) before making his decision.

Alert status for Merapi

Alert status for Merapi JP/Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): Mt. Merapi (right photo) has been placed on alert status after the 2,968-meter high mountain began showing signs of increased volcanic activity, including a two-kilometer lava flow from its crater. Syamsul Rizal, head of the Yogyakarta based Volcanic Technology Development and Research Station, said here on Wednesday that multi-phase in the past fortnight has been twice as high compared to the previous two weeks.

House of Representatives is govt partner in making laws

House of Representatives is govt partner in making laws By Wimar Witoelar JAKARTA (JP): Democracy is a necessity, not an option. Unfortunately, democracy is simple only when you recite the jargon. It becomes extremely complicated when you try to implement it; the devil is in the detail. For instance, how do we activate the roles of the various institutions? The only political institution that worked in the past was Soeharto.

BSD houses facing demolition

BSD houses facing demolition TANGERANG (JP): At least 10 houses in Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) real estate complex are facing imminent demolition after the West Java High Court has granted an appeal sought by Rusli Wahyudi and declared a disputed land where the houses stand belongs to him.

Regional autonomy without the community?

Regional autonomy without the community? By Meuthia Ganie-Rochman JAKARTA (JP): Internationally, the notion of regional autonomy has at least two dimensions, namely greater say for regional/local governments and the participation of the community in decision making. Over the past decade, the second dimension has gained greater importance. The era has passed where regional autonomy meant the delegation of power from the central government to the regions.

Legislators propose bill on Aceh's special autonomy

Legislators propose bill on Aceh's special autonomy JAKARTA (JP): A total of 86 legislators submitted on Wednesday a draft bill on special autonomy in Aceh which would grant the province various powers and support the establishment of a recognized provincial community figure to oversee Acehnese customs.

Rabat MS takes the spiritual path in art

Rabat MS takes the spiritual path in art By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): Musician and painter Rabat MS believes the only way to stop oneself from indulging in evil is to listen to the soul and reach out to other people.

Govt to imposes levies on fishing permits, catches

Govt to imposes levies on fishing permits, catches JAKARTA (JP): Fishing companies, depending on their vessel types and capacities, will have to pay between Rp 11,250 (about US$1.18) and Rp 109,773 per gross tonnage (GT) when applying for a fishing permit beginning this year. The levy requirement is stipulated in Regulation No. 141/2000, one of two new regulations announced by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on Wednesday. The other directive, Regulation No.

Welcome H.E. Vajpayee

Welcome H.E. Vajpayee Friendly relations between Indonesia and India have long been established, since the countries were still struggling for independence from their colonial masters more than half a century ago. But friendship and cultural ties between the two peoples existed long before the birth of these two Asian nations.

Syndicated loans to Asia leaped in year 2000

Syndicated loans to Asia leaped in year 2000 NEW YORK (Dow Jones): Foreign banks that have gobbled up a bigger slice of the cake in Asia's record-setting syndicated lending market in 2000 could suffer an attack of indigestion. Now that the global economy is slowing and Asia's banking systems have still not recovered from the effects of an international financial crisis three years ago, participants in last year's syndicated lending-fest may rue their eagerness to snaffle more market share.

Indian PM arrives in Jakarta

Indian PM arrives in Jakarta JP/Alex Lumi JAKARTA (JP): Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (left) is welcomed by President Abdurrahman Wahid (right) at Merdeka Palace. The Indian prime minister arrived here Wednesday afternoon for a four-day state visit.

Rupiah Rates Jan. 10

Rupiah Rates Jan. 10 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Migrants will only burden the capital, official says

Migrants will only burden the capital, official says JAKARTA (JP): Some 176,000 migrants who have recently arrived in the capital to seek jobs will burden the city administration, an official said on Wednesday. "Most of the migrants who arrived after the Christmas, Idul Fitri and New Year holidays have no skills," head of the City Population Agency Sjahrin Lumban Toruan said.

Wreckage of missing Navy plane found

Wreckage of missing Navy plane found WAMENA, Irian Jaya (JP): The wreckage of the ill-fated Navy Cassa plane was located in a remote mountainous area of Jayawijaya regency on Wednesday with all people aboard found dead.

Ajinomoto not tainted with pork enzyme: BPPT

Ajinomoto not tainted with pork enzyme: BPPT JAKARTA (JP): Echoing President Abdurrahman Wahid's statement, government scientists concluded on Wednesday that monosodium glutamate (MSG) taste enhancers produced by PT Ajinomoto Indonesia do not contain pig enzymes.

Security forces set up for mass rallies

Security forces set up for mass rallies JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud MD claimed that the government had uncovered evidence that certain groups were planning to increase tension in the capital by conducting mass rallies, with the ultimate goal of destabilizing the government. "The groups have held several meetings in Central Java," Mahfud claimed without identifying the parties involved.

Mahaka fights on without Erick

Mahaka fights on without Erick JAKARTA (JP): Mahaka Satria Muda of Jakarta still aims to become the best basketball team in the 2001 Kobatama national league despite the resignation of its general manager Erick Thohir. Simon Pasaribu, who takes over Erick's post in both Mahaka and women's side Mahaputri, expressed optimism to reporters on Wednesday on Mahaka's chance of repeating its 1999 victory in the league which will kick off in March.

Pelti aiming for four golds in SEA Games

Pelti aiming for four golds in SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) is eying four of seven golds at stake in the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur in September. "We are optimistic that we can grab four golds in the Games. If Yayuk Basuki confirms her participation, we will be more certain of our chances," Pelti official in charge of athletes development Sudjiono Timan said on Wednesday.

Malaysia seeks greater military ties with U.S.

Malaysia seeks greater military ties with U.S. KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia, which sees potential security threats from unrest in Indonesia and the Philippines, said on Wednesday it is seeking stronger military cooperation with the United States. Deputy Defense Minister Mohamad Shafie Apdal held talks on regional security with visiting Admiral Dennis Blair, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command.

I will gladly quit the race: Muladi

I will gladly quit the race: Muladi Question: What is your position now that Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid) has rejected your candidacy? Answer: I believe that I have done all that I needed to do. Through the selection of the chief justice at the House of Representatives, I have proven (my ability) by scoring the highest. Professionally, I have accomplished my task. The rest no longer has anything to do with me, it is the responsibility of the DPR in its relations with the President.

Business owners protest govt ruling

Business owners protest govt ruling JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of established business owners who used to provide goods and services to Jakarta's city administration urged the office on Wednesday to ignore a presidential decree requiring them to register with the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). In a rally staged at the city hall in the afternoon, the protesters renounced the Presidential Decree No. 18/2000, saying such a regulation would lead to trouble.

KL, Thailand to begin talks over auto offset

KL, Thailand to begin talks over auto offset KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia said on Wednesday it would open talks this month with Thailand to discuss compensation following Kuala Lumpur's move to delay tariff cuts on auto imports. But International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said any compensation might be in the form of trade concession rather than outright payments. "We have to discuss first. There is no such thing as paying up money," Rafidah told reporters.

Soedradjad questioned on BLBI malfeasance

Soedradjad questioned on BLBI malfeasance JAKARTA (JP): Former Bank Indonesia (BI) governor Soedradjad Djiwandono was again questioned on Wednesday about alleged misuse of some Rp 144.5 trillion in liquidity supports to 48 commercial banks between 1997 and 1999, Attorney General's Office spokesman Muljohardjo said. But Muljohardjo added that the questioning was focused on Soedradjad's knowledge of the liquidity assistance channeled to Bank Modern.

Indonesia's tea exports are expected to increase by 10%

Indonesia's tea exports are expected to increase by 10% JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian tea exports are projected to increase by about 10 percent this year to 130,000 tons although local production will stay at last year's level of about 165,000 tons, according to the Association of Indonesian Tea Producers. The association's chairman Rachmat Badruddin said here on Wednesday that many tea growers planned to increase their exports to benefit from the rise in the tea price in the world market.

Indonesia begins natural gas exports to Singapore from West Natuna

Indonesia begins natural gas exports to Singapore from West Natuna JAKARTA (JP): State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina said Wednesday that it and its production-sharing contractors had started sending natural gas to Singapore from the West Natuna area in the South China Sea.

BI to maintain tight monetary policy in 2001

BI to maintain tight monetary policy in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Wednesday that the central bank would maintain its tight monetary policy this year in a bid to achieve a low inflation target of 4-6 percent. "We'll maintain our tight monetary policy to ensure long-term economic growth," he told a press conference.

Heaven for thieves, hell for passengers

Heaven for thieves, hell for passengers Upon returning from an overseas trip in the early afternoon of Jan. 4, 2001, aboard China Airlines flight CI 677 from Taipei, we had a traumatic experience at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. My wife's black-colored light traveling bag was snatched from the trolley at the customs clearance area. We suspect that the traveling bag was stolen when we were busy opening and showing our clothing bag to the customs officer.

Ship carrying nickel sinks

Ship carrying nickel sinks TORONTO (AFP): Inco, one of the world's major nickel producers, said Tuesday that a ship carrying 2,200 tonnes of its nickel in matte, worth some US$13 million, sank in stormy seas off the Japanese coast over the weekend. The Panamanian-registered vessel, White Koowa, which was transporting nickel produced in Soroako, Indonesia by its subsidiary PT Inco, went down late Sunday before reaching Japan, the company said in a statement.

Jakartans to pay homage to Thamrin

Jakartans to pay homage to Thamrin JAKARTA (JP): A celebration marking the 60th anniversary of noted Betawi (native Jakartan) figure Muhammad Hoesni Thamrin's death will be held on Thursday. Chairman of the event's organizing committee Abdul Radjak said on Tuesday that the occasion would include a visit to the tomb of the national hero located in Karet Bivak cemetery in Central Jakarta.

'Black propaganda' in Estrada trial, claims judge

'Black propaganda' in Estrada trial, claims judge MANILA (Reuters): A judge in Philippine President Joseph Estrada's impeachment trial admitted on Wednesday he made money on a stock at the center of a price-fixing scandal but accused Estrada of "black propaganda" to besmirch his name.

Mapindo performed aerial mapping upon request: Hasan

Mapindo performed aerial mapping upon request: Hasan JAKARTA (JP): Timber tycoon Mohammad 'Bob' Hasan, the defendant in an allegedly fraudulent aerial mapping project between 1989 and 1999, revealed on Wednesday that he took over the project upon request of the company originally named for the job.

New DNA evidence re-opens Marsinah rape-murder case

New DNA evidence re-opens Marsinah rape-murder case JAKARTA (JP): An Australian-based laboratory has jump-started the 1993 rape-murder case of female labor activist Marsinah as it had found out that the DNA in the blood found at the residence of a former primary defendant in the case matched that of the activist's. "The DNA in the blood is identical to the DNA extracted from the late Marsinah. That in itself, reopens the case in full force," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

Dream come true for Erica

Dream come true for Erica JP/Mulkan Salmona JAKARTA (JP): Known for her distinctive childlike painting style which has captivated observers, Erica Hestu Wahyuni is embarking on a brand new project. On a scaffold at Taman Safari Indonesia in Cisarua, West Java, she is working on a painting measuring 3 meters x 4.5 meters which depicts the nature and animals to be found in the safari park.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 10, 2001: ------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,050 -25 21,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 100 0 60,000 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,000 0 431,000 Alter Abadi 125 10 10,500 Alumindo Light Metal 725 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,075 -25 7,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 260 0 0 Aneka Tambang...

DPR/MPR office opens in Sidrap

DPR/MPR office opens in Sidrap SIDRAP, South Sulawesi (JP): The regency of Sidrap, some 200 kilometers north of the capital city of Makassar now has its own official House of Representatives and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) representative office. House Commission I Chairman Yasril Ananta Baharuddin officially opened the representative office on Sunday.

Investment in Bali must be tightly controlled

Investment in Bali must be tightly controlled MENGWI, Bali (Antara): Bali is famous as the island of paradise. Its pristine beauty, unique cultural and customs draw millions of tourists. But the sheer number of tourists has led to rapid development on the island, as developers race to provide facilities for the visitors. And this development is proving a serious threat to the island's ecosystem.

Govt, GAM agree to a short truce

Govt, GAM agree to a short truce JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government and representatives from the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have agreed to a one-month moratorium on violence, to commence Monday. The provisional agreement was reached after four-days of talks at a secluded location in Switzerland which ended Tuesday night.

Heidelberger plans to acquire Indocement

Heidelberger plans to acquire Indocement FRANKFURT (AFX): Heidelberg Zement AG said it reached an agreement with the Indonesian government and three other Indonesian parties to acquire the country's second largest cement producer PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa TbK.

Murni, the 'Ibu' of Ubud village

Murni, the 'Ibu' of Ubud village By Rob Goodfellow UBUD, Bali (JP): I was having dinner with an international businesswoman based in Singapore. I asked if she knew Murni's Warung in Bali. Without blinking she said, "Know Murni? Of course I know Murni! Everyone knows Murni. She is a legend. Travelers to Bali call her the Ibu (mother) of Ubud". In October this year I traveled to Ubud to meet this living legend. Murni was born just after World War II in the village of Penestanan-Ubud.

RI joins ATF forum in Brunei

RI joins ATF forum in Brunei JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has sent a delegation of government officials and executives of tourism-related industries to the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which opened in Brunei Darussalam on Wednesday. Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika said that Indonesia would promote its standard of tourism services during the six-day meeting.

Top U.S. commander to visit Vietnam

Top U.S. commander to visit Vietnam HANOI (AFP): U.S. commander in chief for the Pacific region Admiral Dennis Blair is to visit Hanoi next week in what is only the third such visit since the 1975 end of the Vietnam War, the U.S. embassy here said on Wednesday. Blair will hold talks with senior Vietnamese military and civilian officials on the military-to-military relationship between the two former foes during his three-day visit which begins on Monday, an embassy statement said.

TV Program: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001

TV Program: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Children's Program 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 4:00 Children's Program 5:00 News 5:30 Music 6:00 Village News 7:00 News 7:30 TV Drama 9:00 Music 10:00 News 11:00 TV Drama Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

ABN Amro to boost Asian assets to $20b

ABN Amro to boost Asian assets to $20b HONG KONG (Dow Jones): ABN Amro Asset Management has announced plans to triple assets under management sourced from Asia from US$7.5 billion to $20 billion by 2005. Its strategy: expanding into new countries, offering more products, and hiring more staff. Japan, and also Taiwan and South Korea, are markets where Frank Kusse, chief executive for Asia Pacific, sees the most potential for growth.

Where to go in Bali

Where to go in Bali Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001 Exhibitions * Painting by German artist Peter Dittmar, at Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl Raya Sayan (Phone: 0361 979253), until Feb. 10. * Painting Wings and Excursions by Astari Rasjid, Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran, Denpasar, until Jan. 12. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.

Violence should concern ASEAN

Violence should concern ASEAN A round of bombings in Indonesia on Christmas Eve was followed by a similarly terrifying series of bomb blasts in Manila the day before New Year's Eve. There is no evidence the two series of attacks were linked. Indeed, the attacks left Filipinos and many Indonesians truly terrorized because they were mysterious. No group has claimed involvement in either round of bombings. The terrorists killed more than 40 people in the two countries.

Police make yet another futile search for Tommy

Police make yet another futile search for Tommy JAKARTA (JP): In another attempt to find former president Soeharto's son, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the Jakarta Police searched 58 locations in the capital on Wednesday, including 18 in areas around Jl. Cendana in Menteng, Central Jakarta. "We have found nothing so far," Jakarta Police chief of detectives High Comr. Harry Montolalu told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

AFP issues profit warning

AFP issues profit warning SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore's Asia Food & Properties Ltd. issued a profit warning Wednesday, saying its financial performance for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000 has "fallen short of expectations." The company said it will report a consolidated loss for financial year 2000 by the end of March 2001.

RP defense officials to China, Vietnam

RP defense officials to China, Vietnam MANILA (AP): Philippine Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado will visit China and military chief Gen. Angelo Reyes will travel to Vietnam for talks that will likely touch on the disputed Spratly islands, officials said on Wednesday. Mercado said he would leave on Friday for a three day stay in Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart to discuss common defense concerns that may include the dispute over the islands in the South China Sea.

Gulf to invest US$300m

Gulf to invest US$300m JAKARTA (Dow Jones): Gulf Indonesia Resources Ltd. (GRL), an oil and gas company, will invest $300 million in Indonesia this year, its president Bill Fanagan said Wednesday. "We are still very committed in Indonesia and very happy to stay here," Fanagan told Dow Jones Newswires. "We will spend $300 million a year over the next three or four years." The company is currently drilling new oil wells in East Java and South Sumatra, Fanagan said.

Buleleng need selective investment if it is to survive

Buleleng need selective investment if it is to survive BULELENG, North Bali (Antara): For the sake of environmental sustainability in Buleleng district, Bali, the district administration should be more selective in which investment projects it allows in the area, a legislator said.

U.S. Dollar Rates Jan.10

U.S. Dollar Rates Jan.10 Latest Previous %Chg Yen 116.61-64 116.81-91 -0.17 Euro* 0.9416-19 0.9436-43 -0.21 Sterling* 1.4921-26 1.4887-91 +0.23 Swiss Franc 1.6182-92 1.6126-36 +0.35 Canadian Dollar 1.4964-69 1.4935-45 +0.19 Australian Dollar* 0.5589-94 0.5629-34 -0.71 New Zealand Dollar* 0.4477-82 0.4475-82 +0.04 Deutsche Mark 2.0765-74 2.0712-27 +0.26 Czech Koruna 37.195-25 37.133-63 +0.17 Hungary Forint 281.56-86 280.65-96 +0.32 Danish Krone 7.9294-34 7.8918-65 +0.48 Norwegian Krone 8.7134-84...

Only Budi and Rony crash in Korea Open first day

Only Budi and Rony crash in Korea Open first day JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia men's singles Marlev Mainaky and Johan Hadikusuma reached the third round of the US$250,000 Samsung Korea Open at the Hanra Gymnasium in Cheju Island, South Korea after winning their early round matches Wednesday. Unfortunately, teammates Budi Santoso and Rony Agustinus had to bow out to their opponents. Marlev, who had a bye in the first round, defeated host player Kim Hak-kyun 15-6, 15-6.

Unocal finds oil and gas

Unocal finds oil and gas SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Unocal Corp. unit Unocal Rapak Ltd. has discovered natural gas and crude in the southern portion of the Rapak Production-Sharing Contact area, offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia, Unocal said in a news statement received Wednesday. The Ranggas-1 well was drilled to a total depth of 11,845 feet (3,600 meters) in 5,303 feet (1,600 meters) of water.

On law enforcement

On law enforcement From Rakyat Merdeka The escape of former president Soeharto's youngest son, Tommy Soeharto, sentenced to 18 months in prison, is closely linked with law enforcement. In the past, the attorney general was the only head of law enforcement, because the prosecutor's office was a civilian institution, not a military one. The attorney general was also in charge of assigning police to carry out criminal investigations.

Plural form of rupiah

Plural form of rupiah In my letter to the editor on corruption What's the motive of corruption?, which you published on Jan 10, 2001, I wrote billions of rupiahs (the plural of rupiah) and millions of rupiahs (again the plural form). You have edited these into billions of rupiah (without s) and millions of rupiah (again without s). With all due respect to your editing capabilities, I think both corrections are faulty, or are these typographical errors?

Banser prepare for mass-mobilization

Banser prepare for mass-mobilization SURABAYA (JP): M.H. Rofiq, 39, is these days busy with preparations to send thousands of members of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) militia, known as Banser, to Jakarta to display their support for embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid who is facing inquiries by legislators over various financial and political scandals.

Artist Rustamadji still going strong

Artist Rustamadji still going strong By Erry Prabandari KLATEN, Central Java (JP): It's the dark blue of the mountains in the background and the paddy fields in the foreground which make the gorgeous landscape. Nature, and all of its creatures, are the source of inspiration for Rustamadji, an 80-year-old painter from Klaten. Everything finds a place on his canvas: An urban sewage system, frolicking ducks, banana trees pregnant with plump fruit, even a street musician playing a simple instrument.

'Gus Dur may say no, but we are going anyway'

'Gus Dur may say no, but we are going anyway' SURABAYA (JP): Preparations are almost complete for the thousands of members of Banser to throng to Jakarta in a show of support for President Abdurrahman Wahid. In the town of Pasuruan, a Banser stronghold, activists have established a National Alert Command post. The post receives public complaints regarding various conflicts among the political elite.

Clarification sought for

Clarification sought for As a taxpayer for a motorized vehicle license in the reform era, in which democracy, human rights and the law are upheld and corruption, collusion and nepotism have been eradicated, I find the following case strange: I have a Mercedes made in 1982 and pay the tax for its license every Nov. 11. In 1999 I paid Rp 518,400 and in 2000 I paid Rp 981,400 (an increase of 89.3 percent), an amount which, in my opinion, is insensibly too high. As I paid the tax six days late, i.e.