Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 January 2001

61 articles found

Young generation should stay out of elite's dispute: KNPI

Young generation should stay out of elite's dispute: KNPI JAKARTA (JP): While calling for an end to the mounting tension between the House of Representatives and President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) asked the younger generation on Tuesday not to become involved in the rift. "The tension must be halted because it brings no benefit to the people.

Quake shakes Irian Jaya

Quake shakes Irian Jaya JAKARTA: A powerful earthquake jolted Manokwari and the nearby towns of Biak and Sorong on Tuesday morning, but no casualties or damage were reported. The spokesman for the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency, Waan Tarmin, said the quake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, was felt strongest in Manokwari. The office said the epicenter of the quake was 100 kilometers west of Manokwari, 33 kilometers below the sea.

Perplexity of asset sales

Perplexity of asset sales The protests by farmers in Riau province and politicians in Jakarta against the sale in November of around 260,000 hectares of oil palm plantations, through a competitive bid, to Malaysia's Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad is the latest in a series of perplexities hitting major asset acquisition by foreign investors in Indonesia. Canadian Manulife Financial Corp.

Old hands cruise in Cigna Open tournament

Old hands cruise in Cigna Open tournament JAKARTA (JP): Veteran players cruised into the second round of the 2001 Cigna Open Colors of Life tennis tournament on Tuesday at the Bung Karno tennis complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta. Men's singles top seed and defending champion Andrian Raturandang had no trouble ousting qualifier Sudjiono Timan, who is also the Indonesian Tennis Association's (Pelti) official in charge of athletes development, 6-1, 6-1.

Eight arrested for burglaries

Eight arrested for burglaries BOGOR (JP): Bogor police have apprehended eight people over Monday's burglaries in the village of Galuga, Bogor regency, deputy chief of Bogor Police said on Tuesday. Comr. Soemarso told reporters that the eight were members of an 11 person gang who broke into three houses belonging to Muarif, Inta bin Entong and Ucah in Galuga village at midnight on Monday. They were apprehended on Monday evening.

House confirms Gus Dur's role

House confirms Gus Dur's role JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives' special committee investigating the Bulog and Brunei financial scandals alleged that President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid was involved in the two scams. Sources at the House told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the President allegedly had a role in the withdrawal and disbursement of the Rp 35 billion (US$3.9 million) funds from the foundation of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

Gus Dur's fate pathetic

Gus Dur's fate pathetic From Rakyat Merdeka President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has a lame argument when stating that the special committees set up by the House of Representatives (DPR) are illegal because the legal basis for their establishment was weak and, hence, can be easily revoked. It is true that the legal basis for Law No. 6/1954 is the Provisional Constitution of 1950, when the parliamentary system of government was applied in Indonesia.

East Timorese refugees told to use official borders

East Timorese refugees told to use official borders KUTA, Bali (JP): Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Willem T. da Costa said on Tuesday that all East Timorese refugees living in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) must use official borders to travel in and out of the two territories. "The refugees must no longer use traditional passageways to cross the border of NTT and East Timor.

Rupiah Rates Jan. 30

Rupiah Rates Jan. 30 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Police drill six test holes in hunt for Tommy

Police drill six test holes in hunt for Tommy JAKARTA (JP): The National Police announced on Tuesday that their suspicion of further underground bunkers beneath and in the vicinity of the residence of the fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, had recently been strengthened after a number of test holes were drilled by police. "Other than the bunker which police located below Tommy's house, we have also drilled at six other spots, five of which are inside Tommy's residence.

Government won't cancel deal with KL firm despite protest

Government won't cancel deal with KL firm despite protest JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will not cancel the recent sale of 25 oil palm plantations to Malaysia's Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd despite protest from local farmers and politicians, said a senior official at the agency. IBRA deputy chairman Mahmuddin Yasin stressed on Tuesday that the transaction had been conducted in a transparent manner according to international standards.

Police closing in on person linked to bombs

Police closing in on person linked to bombs JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police detectives have yet to apprehend the person who bought the three traveler's checks reportedly given by fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra to Elize, suspect in the recent TMII bomb plant, despite the fact that they know the person's whereabouts. Both National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Saleh Saaf and the City Police detectives' chief of general crimes, Comr.

Eurico's court hearing comes under spotlight

Eurico's court hearing comes under spotlight JAKARTA (JP): Portuguese Ambassador Ana Martins Gomez questioned on Tuesday the security and objectivity of the North Jakarta District Court during hearings on pro-integration leader Eurico Guterres. The ambassador expressed her concerns because there were "unruly" situations in the courtroom caused by the defendant's supporters. "Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra has clarified the situation...

Angelique Widjaja wants to enter the world top 20

Angelique Widjaja wants to enter the world top 20 JAKARTA (JP): Living a secluded life does not prevent women's tennis player Angelique Widjaja from shining. Angelique, who will turn 17 on Dec. 12, just concluded her campaign in the Australian Open junior championships last week. In the singles event, Angie (her nickname) bowed out in the third round to Slovakian Lenka Dlhopolcova 3-6, 1-6.

Asian currencies mostly up late, caution ahead of Fed rate policy

Asian currencies mostly up late, caution ahead of Fed rate policy SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were higher late Tuesday, as caution prevailed ahead of an anticipated interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the release of key U.S. economic data this week, dealers said. The New Taiwan dollar, the South Korean won, the Singapore dollar and the Indonesian rupiah were stronger, while the Thai baht and the Philippine peso were weaker.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 30, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,925 50 936,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 130 0 193,000 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 261,500 Alter Abadi 110 -5 5,000 Alumindo Light Metal 750 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,250 200 1,095,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 205 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 850 0 265,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex...

The business of golf versus facilities offered

The business of golf versus facilities offered By Sirikit Syah SURABAYA (JP): Indonesia's golf-course management business is experiencing difficult times. Its development is incomparable with similar businesses in other Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand. In those countries, golf is not considered an exclusive sport, played only by the "haves". It is already considered as having a balance of cost and benefit.

Aircraft firm signs deal to repair engines

Aircraft firm signs deal to repair engines JAKARTA (JP): Aircraft engine maintenance company PT Nusantara Turbin dan Propulsi (NTP) will repair up to 30 Tay jet engines this year as part of a five-year contract signed with Brazilian airline operator MTU-TAM. The company's president, Eddi Susilo, said in a press statement on Tuesday that according to the contract, the jet engines would be repaired at a cost of about US$1.5 million per unit.

IFC loses bankruptcy battle with POF

IFC loses bankruptcy battle with POF JAKARTA (JP): The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the commercial financing arm of the World Bank, lost its legal battle with publicly listed PT Panca Overseas Finance (POF) when a commercial court rejected its bankruptcy petition on Tuesday. The Central Jakarta Commercial Court approved a vote by POF's creditors to accept the company's debt restructuring proposal.

City firm has quietly sold land in Cibubur

City firm has quietly sold land in Cibubur JAKARTA (JP): City property company PT Sarana Jaya has quietly sold 3.2 hectares in Cibubur, East Jakarta to a private company and distributed some of the money to its employees, a city councillor revealed on Tuesday. Secretary of Commission B for Economic Affairs Dani Anwar said a shopping center would be built on the plot, worth Rp 27.2 billion (about US$2.86 million) with the selling price set at Rp 850 thousand per square meter.

Police fail to anticipate copyright violations

Police fail to anticipate copyright violations JAKARTA (JP): Amid deep concerns over the increasing crimes against artwork, the city police admitted on Tuesday that they had failed to anticipate such crimes as they lacked skilled investigators. Chief detective of economic affairs Benny Mokalu said the police had failed to actively investigate copyright violations although the law stipulates that such a crime could be investigated even if the victim had not reported it.

A fresh start from a corrupt past

A fresh start from a corrupt past This is the second of two articles on dealing with corruption by Bertrand de Speville, Consultants Project Director at the Jakarta-based Project for the establishment of an anti-corruption body for Indonesia. He is a former commissioner of the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Students block Andi Ghalib

Students block Andi Ghalib MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Students at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) prevented former attorney general Andi M. Ghalib from promoting his new book on the campus on Tuesday. A discussion of the book, titled Menepis Badai Menegakkan Supremasi Hukum (Avoiding the storm, upholding the supremacy of the law), scheduled be held at the institute had to be moved to the nearby provincial office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Power grid developer told to lower price or lose job

Power grid developer told to lower price or lose job JAKARTA (JP): The developer of the controversial Kediri power transmission project has been given one month to reduce the value of its contract or lose the job, a senior government official said here on Tuesday. Director general for electricity Endro Utomo Notodisuryo said that the contract value of the Kediri project should be lowered to that of a similar project in Depok.

PBSI tells chapters to reactivate tournaments

PBSI tells chapters to reactivate tournaments JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) is urging its provincial chapters, especially outside Java, to reactivate local tournaments to provide players from local clubs with more experience. "Badminton clubs are the grassroots in the sport's development.

Government forms team to review new tax policy on bonds

Government forms team to review new tax policy on bonds JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon set up a joint team to review a recently issued income tax policy on the transaction of bonds, according to an Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSX) executive. SSX president Anton Natakoesoemah said the joint team would comprise of officials from the capital market's self-regulatory organizations (SRO), the directorate general of taxes, and bond market players.

Military authorized to restore peace in Maluku

Military authorized to restore peace in Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina confirmed on Tuesday that he had given the military the authority to take the necessary action to restore peace and order in the riot-torn province. "I have ordered the Pattimura Military Commander to take the necessary action as security commander," Governor Latuconsina said after a media briefing on the investigation into last year's Kesui incident.

Asia faces growing health threat from auto boom

Asia faces growing health threat from auto boom BANGKOK (AP): Pollution caused by the rapid rise in motor vehicles on Asia's roads poses a growing health threat that already causes thousands of deaths in major cities every year, an expert said on Tuesday. Population and economic growth put the region at heightened risk in the decades ahead, Michael Walsh, an international consultant, told a conference on vehicle air pollution in Asia that began on Tuesday in Bangkok.

Gus Dur supporters and opponents stage rallies

Gus Dur supporters and opponents stage rallies SEMARANG (JP): Groups of students staged rallies here on Tuesday in support of and in opposition to President Abdurrahman Wahid. The demonstrators marched along the city's streets with dozens of police officers separating them. No clashes were reported. The anti-Abdurrahman group consisted of some 100 students from Diponegoro University, Semarang State University, the Islamic Institute and a number of other private universities.

Malaysian palmoil rebounds

Malaysian palmoil rebounds KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's palm oil futures rebounded by the close on Tuesday on the back of short covering ahead of the January export figures. The benchmark third-month April futures contract was up three ringgit at 784 ringgit ($206.32) a ton after trading as low as 765 ringgit on the back of persistent weakness at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT).

Gus Dur had better resign

Gus Dur had better resign From Rakyat Merdeka It is no public secret that many people of various walks of life are unhappy, disappointed or even fed up with President Gus Dur's confusing behavior and statements. These feelings of unhappiness, disappointment and disgust have found expression not only in protest rallies but also in puns, an example of which is that "Gus Dur" can be interpreted as (in Indonesian) Agustus Mundur (Stepping Down in August).

Beddu Amang to stand trial next Thursday

Beddu Amang to stand trial next Thursday JAKARTA (JP): The trial of the former head of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), Beddu Amang, is scheduled to begin here next Thursday. Beddu is being tried for his alleged role in an illegal land exchange that also involved Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. The trial will take place at the South Jakarta District Court and will be presided over by a three-member panel of judges led by the chief of the district court, Lalu Mariyun.

Uzbekistan gears up for Davis Cup victory

Uzbekistan gears up for Davis Cup victory JAKARTA (JP): Uzbekistan is preparing for its victory in the Davis Cup Group I Asia Oceania zone tie against Indonesia by arriving here early for acclimatization. The team arrived two weeks ahead of the scheduled matches from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11 at the Kemayoran Tennis Center in Central Jakarta. Uzbekistan topped Group I standings while Indonesia has been promoted to Group I and has to win the match if it wants to stay in the group.

Police need extra money for security

Police need extra money for security JAKARTA (JP): In the wake of the numerous bombings across the nation, National Police Chief Gen. Suroyo Bimantoro said on Tuesday that the police needed an extra Rp 346 billion (US$36 million) to purchase high-tech security instruments to detect explosives and drugs. Legislator Amin Arjoso said that Bimantoro made the request in a closed-door meeting with House of Representatives Commission II for domestic and legal affairs on Tuesday evening.

Asita fears more travel warnings against Indonesia

Asita fears more travel warnings against Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Travel Agencies (Asita) fears more countries will issue warnings against visiting Indonesia following warnings issued by Taiwan and Britain on Monday. The association's chairwoman Meity Robot said on Tuesday the travel warnings would be another blow to the country's ailing tourism industry.

'Bandeng' satay a distinctive dish from Banten

'Bandeng' satay a distinctive dish from Banten By Rochmat Doradjat SERANG, Banten (JP): It has taken years of experience for Mariyam to select the right fish to make bandeng satay, the distinctive dish of the area. But she knows it when she sees it. The skin must not be too thin, or too thick, and it should be from the local area. The 73-year-old lady, who runs a food stall from her kitchen on Jl. Kiuju in Serang, said she would not compromise her standards in the kitchen.

Akbar dismisses calls to dissolve Golkar Party

Akbar dismisses calls to dissolve Golkar Party JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung on Tuesday dismissed calls to dissolve the party saying that it is a lawful organization and has the right to exist in the country. "We cannot accept such calls because the Golkar Party is legitimate and registered with the state gazette. "We have to respect the law and democracy that we have been trying to build," Akbar told journalists on Tuesday.

Aetna to merge with ING Life

Aetna to merge with ING Life JAKARTA (JP): PT Aetna Life Indonesia will integrate its insurance business with ING Life Indonesia following the recent merger of the two firms' parent companies. A senior executive of PT Aetna Life Indonesia, Vera Sukawati, said here on Tuesday that the merger, which has been in process since December, would create one of the largest insurance companies in the country, with 280,000 customers, 450 employees and 2,600 agents in 21 major cities.

IBRA told to control collateral assets of Sinar Mas Group

IBRA told to control collateral assets of Sinar Mas Group JAKARTA (JP): Experts urged the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) on Tuesday to get hold of the collateral assets pledged by the Sinar Mas Group in return for the government bailout of the latter's huge debt to the publicly listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII). Chief research officer of Danareksa Research Institute Raden Pardede said that IBRA must make sure that it can sell the assets whenever necessary to raise cash.

Omar Dani speaks up

Omar Dani speaks up JAKARTA (JP): Former Air Force chief of staff Omar Dani launched on Tuesday a book seeking to set the record straight about the Army's allegation of his role in the 1965 coup attempt, an accusation which condemned him to jail for over 29 years.

President denies scam involvement

President denies scam involvement JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid went on national television on Tuesday to deny his involvement in two natorious financial scandals. "I have already stated to the House special committee during our last meeting that all information on this is untrue ... I am not involved in anything," Abdurrahman told a pre-recorded talk show hosted by his spokesman, Wimar Witoelar. The show was first aired by private television channel Indosiar at 12 a.m.

Body found with multiple wounds

Body found with multiple wounds JAKARTA (JP): Tambora Police detectives of West Jakarta are still in the dark about the cause of the death of a man, whose body was found in the Roa Malaka subdistrict of Tambora on Monday night. City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam identified the victim as Zeth Aleh Sonisa, 42, a resident of Taman Manggis Permai housing complex in Depok, south of Jakarta. "He was found dead at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, with multiple stab wounds.

Domestic demand for heroin 'increasing'

Domestic demand for heroin 'increasing' TANGERANG (JP): Increasing domestic demand for heroin has encouraged foreign drug dealers to smuggle the illegal narcotic into the country, Director General of Customs and Excise Permana Agung said on Tuesday. Substantial quantities of the drug have been smuggled though the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Permana said, the customs officers at the airport would stay alert for smugglers and monitor suspected drug dealers.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Poster Exhibition Hari Terindah dalam Masa Remajaku, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Feb. 17. Music and Entertainment * The Westin Surabaya, Jl. Embong Malang 85-89 (Phone: 031 5458888): - Java Jimmy's Irish Pub: Asia Reforms Band, Monday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Thursday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend.

Customs office seized Rp 3t in illegal goods

Customs office seized Rp 3t in illegal goods JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Customs and Excise office is storing illegally imported goods worth Rp 3 trillion (US$ 315.8 million) seized over the past six months, its outgoing chief said on Tuesday. Office head Roy R. Lino told visiting members of City Council Commission C for financial affairs most of the goods were not equipped with appropriate invoices or brought into the country by fake companies which imported electronic goods and luxury cars.

Lapo Ni Tondongta for a taste of Batak Toba delicacies

Lapo Ni Tondongta for a taste of Batak Toba delicacies JAKARTA (JP): Here is a taste of traditional meals all the way from North Sumatra's Batak Toba at a bare basics eatery. Lapo Ni Tondongta: Jl. Gelora Los A1, Senayan, Central Jakarta (behind the legislature, within an outdoor "food court" area located between the Senayan Shooting Range and a high school, SMU 28). It has several branches, including in Kebon Jeruk and Grogol in West Jakarta, and Pramuka and Bekasi in East Jakarta. Open: 8 a.m.

Chrysler to cut 26,000 jobs as U.S. economy dips

Chrysler to cut 26,000 jobs as U.S. economy dips AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Reuters): DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler group on Monday announced plans to cut 26,000 jobs over three years and close or cut production at 13 plants to staunch its financial bleeding. The massive job cuts, amounting to 20 percent of Chrysler's global work force, are part of a wider plan the automaker will unveil on Feb. 26 to reverse course from losses expected to total around $1.75 billion for the second half of 2000.

Nestle and Coca-Cola boost drinks venture

Nestle and Coca-Cola boost drinks venture ZURICH (Reuters): Swiss food group Nestle SA and U.S. beverages concern Coca-Cola Co said on Tuesday they would boost their coffee and tea joint-venture partnership by adding new brands and entering new markets. The 50-50 joint venture would be run as an independent entity from headquarters in Zurich.

Woods wants revenge against Calcavecchia

Woods wants revenge against Calcavecchia PEBBLE BEACH, California (Reuters): Tiger Woods suffered his most serious humiliation as a professional during the Phoenix Open -- and plans to avenge that embarrassment in a practice round with Mark Calcavecchia this week. Woods shot a two-over-par 73 in the second round at Scottsdale, while eventual winner Calcavecchia went round in a brilliant 60. The 13-stroke difference was the worst Woods has suffered since he joined the paid ranks in 1996.

Pick of the Flicks

Pick of the Flicks Hollywood KC: The 6th Day 14:15 16:55 19:05 21:15 The Accidental Spy 14:55 17:35 19:45 21:55 Cast Away 14:15 17:15 20:15 Scary Movie 14:55 17:35 19:45 21:55 The Art of War 14:15 16:55 19:05 21:15 Senayan: The Art of War 13:00 15:15 17:30 19:45 Scary Movie 13:45 16:00 18:15 20:30 Bless The Child 13:00 15:15 17:30 19:45 The 6th Day 13:45 16:00 18:15 20:30 Cast Away 13:00 16:00 19:00 The Accidental Spy 13:45 16:00 18:15 20:30 Unbreakable 13:00 15:15 17:30 19:45 Anggrek: Cast...

Annan blasts some EU countries

Annan blasts some EU countries STOCKHOLM (AFP): United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday accused some European Union countries of violating the UN convention on refugees, saying they were unjustifiably tightening immigration policies instead of granting asylum.

Bob Hasan to be questioned again

Bob Hasan to be questioned again JAKARTA (JP): Timber tycoon Muhammad "Bob" Hasan, who is facing a possible eight-year jail term for corruption, was grilled by the Attorney General's Office on Tuesday over his alleged role in another graft case. Prosecutors examined Hasan in his capacity as the former chairman of the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo).

Ring travels 16,000 kms

Ring travels 16,000 kms LONDON (Reuters): A ring given up for lost by its owner traveled 16,000 kilometers around Egypt, the United States and Costa Rica stuck to the bottom of her boyfriend's hiking boot. The gold and sapphire ring worth about 30 pounds (US$43.88) dropped to the floor of Katie Smith and Dave Gould's Harrogate home in northern England before they set off on a round-the-world trip last September.

U.S. Senate panel to vote on Sen. John Ashcroft

U.S. Senate panel to vote on Sen. John Ashcroft WASHINGTON (Reuters): As Democrats stepped up their opposition to conservative former Missouri Sen. John Ashcroft, a Senate panel on Tuesday was slated to vote on his nomination to be U.S. attorney general. The Senate Judiciary Committee was expected to send the full Senate the nomination of Ashcroft, a hero of the Christian right who has been President George W.

NBA to broadcast on the Internet

NBA to broadcast on the Internet NEW YORK (AFP): The National Basketball Association (NBA) said on Monday it would begin live broadcasts of portions of its games over the Internet next month as part of an agreement with RealNetworks. The announcement said the NBA would offer live "look-ins" for games in progress -- but not the broadcast of full matches -- as well as highlights and studio programming through its NBA.com site and Real.com.

EU mission arrives in Burma at a critical moment

EU mission arrives in Burma at a critical moment BANGKOK: The EU mission to Burma this week could make or break the military regime. For the past 12 years, the European Union has been at the forefront of the anti-Burmese drive around the world. The last visit by a team from the EU was pretty much unsuccessful in that it did not produce any positive results.

Mahfud repeats warning on military takeover

Mahfud repeats warning on military takeover JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud MD repeated his warning on Tuesday that political chaos and anarchy would prompt the Indonesian Military (TNI) to take over the country. The often outspoken Mahfud said there were no signs yet of a military takeover, but the armed forces (TNI) would step in to prevent anarchy and the break-up of the world's fourth-largest nation.

Acehnese activist to be tried in Medan

Acehnese activist to be tried in Medan JAKARTA: Human rights activist Muhammad Nazar, who has been accused of urging the Acehnese not to celebrate Indonesia's independence day, will be tried in a Medan court due to the lack of judges in Aceh. Chairman of the Banda Aceh court, Farida Hanoum, revealed here on Tuesday that the justice minister appointed a court in Medan to try Nazar, chairman of the Information Center for the Referendum in Aceh (SIRA).

How secure is Secure Parking?

How secure is Secure Parking? The facts: The day was Jan. 23, 2001, after 4 p.m. I had to buy a few things at a nearby Hero supermarket located in front of Vila Melati Mas, Serpong, Tangerang. About two years ago, Secure Parking established their parking facility at this Hero outlet. So I paid the Rp 1000 parking fee and was given the parking ticket (serial number 557002). Accompanied by my wife, I spend around five minutes in the supermarket for my purchases.

Gradual removal of military territorial commands sought

Gradual removal of military territorial commands sought JAKARTA (JP): Military observers called on Tuesday for gradual removal of the Indonesian Military (TNI) territorial commands and demanded TNI quit its interference in the civil government's decision-making policy. The Alliance of Young Researchers on Civil-Military Relations said in a media conference that the action should be taken as a consequence of TNI's past involvement in politics and government affairs.

Gus Dur has 'no basis' to dissolve House

Gus Dur has 'no basis' to dissolve House JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid does not have a strong constitutional basis to issue a decree to dissolve the House of Representatives and People's Consultative Assembly, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday. Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who is a Constitutional Law expert, said the current security situation in the country cannot be used as constitutional grounds for the President to issue such a decree.