Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 January 2001

65 articles found

Plurality and the unitary republic

Plurality and the unitary republic From Rakyat Merdeka Irian Jaya belongs to the entire Indonesian nation, and we feel it is important to retain it within the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). The loyalty and desire of the Irianese to be one with the NKRI is reflected by RCTI's polling in its various "Dialogue" program held on Dec. 27, 2000.

Government gloomy about dialog with GAM

Government gloomy about dialog with GAM YOGYAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud MD said on Sunday he was pessimistic that the scheduled dialog between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Switzerland on Monday would be successful. "Actually, we (government) are pessimistic about the dialog with GAM because they have set a 'fixed price'...

MUI invites top leaders for 'talks'

MUI invites top leaders for 'talks' JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to help the bickering members of the political elite mend their relationships, the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has invited five top national leaders to attend a post-fasting get-together here this week.

Police finally act to stop raids by groups at entertainment centers

Police finally act to stop raids by groups at entertainment centers JAKARTA (JP): The year 2000 was marked by violent raids conducted by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) on several businesses which the Front considered sinful. The raids have resulted in damages to entertainment centers and nightspots, injuries, even death of man at one of the raided places.

Laborers still denied their rights: Pakpahan

Laborers still denied their rights: Pakpahan JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI) Muchtar Pakpahan said on Saturday that Indonesian laborers are still unable to freely express their opinions due to the continuing repression of security apparatuses. "Indonesian laborers are still apprehensive (to take labor action), although the country has been one year under President Abdurrahman Wahid's leadership.

Iraq urges OPEC to cut output by up to 2m bpd

Iraq urges OPEC to cut output by up to 2m bpd BAGHDAD (AFP): Iraq's Oil Minister Amer Rashid on Saturday urged OPEC to cut production at its upcoming meeting by up to two million barrels per day (bpd) to stabilize oil prices on the world markets. "We hope that OPEC will cut production at its upcoming meeting by at least between 1.5 and two million bpd to ensure a calm market," Rashid told reporters.

Casamayor stays unbeaten

Casamayor stays unbeaten LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP): Unbeaten Joel Casamayor kept his World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title here Saturday, stopping American Roberto Garcia in the ninth round and improving his record to 25-0. The Cuban-born champion sent Garcia, who fell to 33-3, to the canvas twice in the final seconds before the fight was halted 1:14 into the ninth round.

UK forms new agency to prevent new 'Dr Death'

UK forms new agency to prevent new 'Dr Death' LONDON (Reuters): Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Sunday a new government agency was being created to ensure no one like serial killer Dr Harold Shipman -- who may have murdered up to 300 of his patients -- could ever work in Britain's health service again. Blair said the agency, the National Clinical Assessment Authority, was designed to intervene very rapidly when suspicions emerge about a family doctor or practice.

Horse racing falls victim to bomb hoax in England

Horse racing falls victim to bomb hoax in England UTTOXETER, England (AFP): A packed horse race meeting in central England was abandoned on Saturday after a hoax call sparked a massive security alert. Police said around 7,000 people were forced to evacuate the course at Uttoxeter in Staffordshire when a man purporting to be from an Irish paramilitary group claimed that a bomb had been planted in the stand.

VP visits KL, cements ties with Bangladesh

VP visits KL, cements ties with Bangladesh KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Indonesian Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri arrived on Sunday in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur for a three-day official visit, her first since taking office two years ago. Megawati will hold talks with Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday, Malaysian foreign ministry officials said. "There is no fixed agenda for the meeting.

Improved NGO financing necessary for operations

Improved NGO financing necessary for operations SEOUL: The recent controversy involving one of the nation's leading civic groups, Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ), again brought to the surface a crucial problem facing the nascent civil society in the country in general -- how to raise funds necessary for its operation.

Russia to delay debt payment

Russia to delay debt payment MOSCOW (AFP): Russia said on Friday it would delay this year's first payments on its US$48 billion debt to the Paris Club of creditor nations, a move described by analysts as a strong-arm negotiating tactic. "This is not a default of payment but a technical delay of repayments," Russian Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Ulyukayev insisted in an interview with told Moscow Echo radio station.

World automakers need to look to their teamwork

World automakers need to look to their teamwork DETROIT, Michigan (AFP): When John Devine joined the world's largest automaker as chief financial officer in December, he cheerfully predicted that General Motors Corp. would be one of the few survivors in a consolidating industry. "I think we're seeing an enormous change in this automotive business around the world," said Devine, who spent all but one year of his 33-year career at GM rival Ford Motor Co., before joining GM.

Schroeder ends Russian holiday

Schroeder ends Russian holiday MOSKOW (DPA): Sightseeing and a sleigh ride topped the agenda Sunday as German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder wound up what has been officially billed as a private visit to Russia. Sources with the German delegation said Schroeder and his host, Russian President Vladimir Putin, had "got along well" during the first day of the visit Saturday, which involved Orthodox Christmas festivities and an exchange of views between the two leaders.

Police seize 5 kgs of 'shabu-shabu' in raids

Police seize 5 kgs of 'shabu-shabu' in raids JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police detectives have seized over 5 kilograms of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) worth Rp 1.2 billion (US$126,000) and 12,000 ecstasy pills from six suspects in four separate raids conducted between Wednesday and Saturday. Chief of detectives High Comr.

IBRA faces tough challenges in meeting target

IBRA faces tough challenges in meeting target JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) admitted that the challenges ahead would be "incredibly huge" in meeting its 2001 target. IBRA deputy chairman Slamet Sumantri said that the agency would find it difficult to obtain a good price for its banking assets because of competition from other similar agencies in neighboring countries. "The challenges ahead are incredibly huge ...

People need reliable leaders

People need reliable leaders From Rakyat Merdeka I would like to remind all members of the political elite. This country has been messy for a long time. We need the thinking of honest, bright and reliable people. Don't trick each other and launch statements confusing people. People only want leaders with the following qualifications: 1. Honesty and willingness to think for the public, consistency, incorruptibility, and elected and loved by the majority of the people. 2.

Estrada asked to take witness stand in trial

Estrada asked to take witness stand in trial MANILA (DPA): Prosecutors in Philippine President Joseph Estrada's trial on Sunday renewed a challenge for the embattled chief executive to take the witness stand and personally deny bribery and corruption charges against him. Prosecutors also dared First Lady Luisa Ejercito to explain how an 8-million-peso ($160,000) cheque from Estrada's self- confessed bagman for illegal gambling payoffs ended up in her bank account.

Nudist campaigner in court naked

Nudist campaigner in court naked LONDON (Reuters): A British nudist campaigner appeared in court for his trial with nothing on, court officials said. Vincent Bethell, from Coventry in central England, is charged with causing public disorder by refusing to wear clothes in public places on several occasions last August.

Kufour becomes Ghana's new president

Kufour becomes Ghana's new president ACCRA (AFP): Ghana's longtime ruler Jerry Rawlings on Sunday handed over to his elected successor John Kufour in the country's first peaceful democratic transfer of power since independence in 1957. Kufour, draped in traditional Kente cloth, was sworn in outside Parliament House in Accra as Rawlings, wearing a white smock and his trademark sunglasses, looked on.

Makassar expects more tourists

Makassar expects more tourists MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The province expects some 120,000 foreign tourists in 2001, representing a five percent increase compared to last year, and which would generate some US$750,000 in revenue. "This year we estimate that each tourist would spend around $300 to $400 per day and that most of them would spend at least four days in the province," Provincial Tourist Agency chief Sjamsul Alam Mallarangeng said on Saturday.

Alonso waits for Minardi

Alonso waits for Minardi MADRID (Reuters): Spanish teenager Fernando Alonso expects to find out within 10 days whether he will drive for the Minardi Formula One racing team next season. "In 10 days, more or less, my future will be clear," Alonso said on Saturday. "I'm waiting on news from Minardi.

New Jakarta masterplan justifies past violations

New Jakarta masterplan justifies past violations By Marco Kusumawijaya JAKARTA (JP): Without much publicity, the old masterplan of Jakarta 1985-2005 has been replaced by a new one named Jakarta 2010. Local legislation enacted it in June 1999.

Improved public service sought

Improved public service sought JAKARTA (JP): Along with the implementation of regional autonomy on Jan. 1, the Jakarta administration is expected to be able to improve its services to the public, councillors said over the weekend . Councillor Tjuk Sudono of the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction said regional autonomy is aimed at providing more access for the people to monitor the administration's performance.

C. Java MUI chief elected

C. Java MUI chief elected SEMARANG: Amin Sholeh, head of the Hasyim Asy'ari religious school in Bangsri, Jepara, has been elected head of the provincial chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) for the 2000-2005 term. He was elected here on Sunday after a three-day consultation of Central Java regional representatives. Amin will be assisted by Achmad Rofiq who is the provincial council's secretary, Antara reported.

S'pore IDA offers incentives

S'pore IDA offers incentives SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore is offering tax and other incentives to attract foreign telecommunication companies to invest in the country's upcoming auction of third generation, or 3G, telecommunication network licenses, the Straits Times reported Saturday. However, the IDA won't grant foreign players open access to existing mobile phone networks, it added.

Soldiers to have e-mail accounts

Soldiers to have e-mail accounts MANILA (DPA): President Joseph Estrada has directed the military to provide all its personnel with e-mail accounts, a government statement said on Sunday. According to the statement, Estrada wanted the e-mail accounts to be established within the year. "Each and every soldier must be given a mailbox," Estrada said.

Gore presides as Congress certifies Bush's victory

Gore presides as Congress certifies Bush's victory WASHINGTON (AP): With the vanquished Vice President Al Gore presiding, Congress formally anointed George W. Bush as the victor in last year's achingly close and bitterly contested presidential election.

Most regions still confused over autonomy

Most regions still confused over autonomy JAKARTA (JP): Confusion rules the roost in the country's sprawling regions following the inception of autonomy on Jan. 1 due to the absence of technical rulings governing the exercise of authority in certain autonomous sectors, the Forum of Regional Representatives (FUD) has concluded.

FID regrets police statements on bombings

FID regrets police statements on bombings JAKARTA (JP): Police allegations that suspects of the Christmas Eve bombings were trained in Afghanistan were hasty and could cloud efforts to probe the attack, a member of the newly- established Indonesia Forum for Peace (FID) said on Sunday. The Forum's state coordinator Bara Hasibuan feared that such a premature conclusion could deflect attention from the possible involvement of other parties in the bombings. "Police seem too hasty.

Removal of taste enhancer across the nation goes on

Removal of taste enhancer across the nation goes on JAKARTA (JP): The withdrawal of over 3,000 tons of Ajinomoto taste enhancers continued across the country on Sunday as six PT Ajinomoto Indonesia executives remain in detention over the controversy, concerning the use of pig enzymes in its production process. Police assisted the withdrawal of all Ajinomoto taste enhancers over the weekend, and as of Sunday afternoon seized at least 110 kilograms from several traditional markets in the capital.

Is Indonesia becoming a genocidal society?

Is Indonesia becoming a genocidal society? By Siswo Pramono CANBERRA (JP): Genocide is a term deriving from the Greek word genos, which means tribe or race, and the Latin cide, analogous to 'homicide' or 'patricide'. Genocide is an act committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. In many cases, the crime of genocide is committed by states. However, there are ample examples that societies themselves can be genocidal.

Turning your computer into a database

Turning your computer into a database By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): If your work depends on the availability of information, the use of the Internet is a must. Today, more and more people make more and more use of the Internet, and information at your fingertips is certainly desirable. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer between 15 hours to 30 hours of monthly dial-up Internet connection for around Rp 50,000 to Rp 100,000 per month as a minimum charge.

Distraught mother attempts suicide

Distraught mother attempts suicide PADANG, West Sumatra: A distraught mother tried to commit suicide after learning in court that her daughter was involved in drugs. Ita, 40, became hysterical on Saturday after hearing that her daughter Eliana, 18, along with boyfriend Salim, has been charged with possession of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), Antara reported. With tears in her eyes, Ita ran out of the court room and sat on the front lawn of the court building.

Contract fees for RI maids in Hong Kong scrapped

Contract fees for RI maids in Hong Kong scrapped HONG KONG (AFP): Indonesian maids employed in Hong Kong have gained the support of their consulate in their battle to scrap extortionate agency fees when renewing employment contracts, a report said on Sunday. Employment agencies commonly charge maids HK$5,500 (US$706) -- which is more than two month's salary for some maids -- each time they renew their contract.

Bomb rocks Lombok

Bomb rocks Lombok JAKARTA: A bomb explosion shocked the villagers of Bajur, in Labuapi district on the resort island of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Saturday, as local leaders were meeting in an attempt to bring calm to the region following a two-day brawl between villages which killed nine people and injured scores of others. "The explosion, caused by a huge firecracker, occurred at approximately 10 p.m. local time Saturday," head of NTB Police Detective Chief Comr.

Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah not in 'all-out' war

Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah not in 'all-out' war Recent tension between two of Indonesia's largest religious organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, is an offshoot of long-standing differences. Mitsuo Nakamura, however, thinks incidents of violence involving the two groups are a legacy of the New Order's culture of violence.

Rice and sugar imports fall

Rice and sugar imports fall JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia imported significantly less rice and sugar in 2000 following the reimposition of import duties on the two commodities at the start of the year, Antara reported on Saturday. Latest available figures from the Ministry of Industry and Trade showed that Indonesia imported 950,800 tons of rice between January and August, compared to 4.6 million tons for all of 1999.

Three killed as Estrada suspends talks with rebels

Three killed as Estrada suspends talks with rebels ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Three Muslim rebels were killed in fresh clashes with soldiers in the southern Philippines hours before President Joseph Estrada suspended talks after police accused them of masterminding a wave of deadly bombings in Manila, officials said on Sunday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 9:00 Technology 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 3:30 Children's Program 4:30 Children's Program 5:00 News 5:30 Religious Teachings 6:00 Village News 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 9:00 Film 10:00 Variety Show 11:00 Music Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 English Learning Program 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

tycoon sweeps to Thai poll victory

tycoon sweeps to Thai poll victory BANGKOK (Reuters): Controversial tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra scored a runaway victory in Thailand's general election and may even have secured the country's first ever absolute majority, unofficial results showed on Sunday. But Thaksin's victory does not mean the end of the political uncertainty gripping Thailand -- the 51-year-old telecoms billionaire faces an anxious wait to see whether he is banned from politics over allegations of graft.

Bank Indonesia warned against interest rate cuts

Bank Indonesia warned against interest rate cuts JAKARTA (JP): Analysts have warned Bank Indonesia (BI) against joining the regional sentiment to cut interest rates, following the United States Federal Reserve's move to cut theirs, saying that it could risk an outflow of capital. According to the analysts, Indonesia's economy is much too dependent on political and security issues which could offset any positive impact an interest rate cut might hold for the economy.

Cameras to ease traffic congestion

Cameras to ease traffic congestion SINGAPORE (AFP): Singaporeans can look forward to less congestion on the road once surveillance cameras are installed at 100 traffic junctions across the island-state in the next 18 months, the Sunday Times reported. The Land Transport Authority has embarked on a S$6.3 million (US$3.6 million) venture to install surveillance cameras at selected road junctions to capture images of traffic conditions which will be available online, the report said.

Soldiers of fortune

Soldiers of fortune Police investigators' claims that one of the suspects in the Christmas Eve bombing had been trained in assembling bombs in Afghanistan does not come entirely as a surprise. This is not the first time that we have stumbled onto a report that Indonesian mercenaries fought with the Mujahideens against the pro-communist Soviet regime in Afghanistan in the early 1990s.

New scheme for poverty alleviation introduced

New scheme for poverty alleviation introduced JAKARTA (JP): Twenty subdistricts in the capital will receive a total of Rp 54 billion (US$5.6 million) in funding for poverty alleviation and subdistrict development programs this year, an official said over the weekend. Secretary to the City Development Planning Board, Rohana Manggala, said the funds would be disbursed once people submitted program proposals, which is a new approach to the community-based development program.

Doing the honors at the Ngabekten ceremony in Yogyakarta

Doing the honors at the Ngabekten ceremony in Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA (JP): Pomp and circumstance are still important to the people of Yogyakarta when it comes to matters of their sultan. Once a year, in the Syawal month following the Ramadhan fasting month on the Islamic calendar, Yogyakartans have a chance to perform the Ngabekten honorific ceremony at the palace, a tradition dating back to ancient times.

Indian PM leaves for Vietnam, RI

Indian PM leaves for Vietnam, RI NEW DELHI (AFP): Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee left Sunday, on an eight-day visit, for Vietnam and Indonesia to try and secure a better foothold in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "We have traditional close and friendly ties with both the countries and my visit to Vietnam and Indonesia will bolster the existing friendship," Vajpayee told reporters before leaving the Indian capital.

Self confidence needed

Self confidence needed From Republika We are happy with Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's article in Kompas of Dec. 18, 2000 as we can read and analyze the president's way of thinking affecting his actions so far. The article describes Gus Dur's sluggishness and superficial approach in facing this nation's big problems. Therefore it's natural if many state decisions are inappropriate for handling various important problems, while other problems keep arising.

Riau plans own airline

Riau plans own airline JAKARTA (JP): The Riau administration is planning to set up its own airline, starting initially with two small planes, to link up the various towns in the province which consists largely of small islands, Antara reported on Saturday. To realize its plan, the administration will allocate around Rp 36 billion ($3.8 million), the news agency quoted Ruskin Har, vice chairman of the Riau Development and Planning Agency (Bappeda), as saying.

Pollution from home industries

Pollution from home industries PADANG, West Sumatra: Home industries is expected to be the primary source of environmental pollution in many areas this year, Darman Siry, head of the West Sumatra Regional Environmental Impact Management Agency, said. He said improving economic conditions would spur the growth of these small industries which in turn would likely cause greater environmental damage due to these industries limited means and lack of awareness of such issues.

M'sia threatens hackers with ISA

M'sia threatens hackers with ISA KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Authorities may use a controversial law that allows for indefinite detention without trial against Malaysians who hack into government-owned websites. Deputy home minister Zainal Abidin Zin said the government might use the Internal Security Act to deter hackers from jeopardizing public interest, the national news agency Bernama reported late on Saturday. The 40-year-old law is often used against political dissidents.

Museum's offerings to spirits are 'shaken, not stirred'

Museum's offerings to spirits are 'shaken, not stirred' By Narita Gianini JAKARTA (JP): Where can you find a Martini served up as an offering to keep the other "spirits" happy? It's at the Jakarta History Museum, often known as Museum Fatahillah, in West Jakarta. The museum administrators feel compelled to provide offerings, which are known as sesaji, at certain times during the year. They declare, however, that they personally do not believe in the practice.

Three arrested for stabbing of HK man

Three arrested for stabbing of HK man JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Police detectives took three days to arrest three men in connection with a brutal attack on a Hong Kong national on Wednesday night. Chief of North Jakarta Police High Comr. Andi Chaeruddin said on Saturday the three suspects, identified as Hasan, Yadi and Nurman, were arrested separately earlier in the day at their residences on Jl. Budi Kemuliaan in North Jakarta, and in the Sawah Besar subdistrict of West Jakarta.

Political elite, stop pretending!

Political elite, stop pretending! From Suara Karya The bomb blasts on Dec. 24, 2000 at places of worship across the nation are the largest attacks yet in Indonesia because they were launched in numerous regions and destroyed tens of churches and killed a lot of people. The incident is really a shame for all of us. So many times now, the security apparatuses have failed to take precautions and have been unable to do anything.

Death threats on elephant, keeper

Death threats on elephant, keeper BANGKOK (AP): Motola the elephant drew sympathy and donations from around the world after being maimed by a landmine. Now, she's getting threats on her life, her keeper said on Sunday. "I get telephone calls from people saying they want Motola dead," said Soraida Salwala, founder of the world's first elephant hospital, where Motola's mangled left foot was amputated in August, 1999.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo: A Letter from the Ocean by Mosista Pambudi at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), until Jan. 24. * Painting Flying Horizon by Teguh Ostenrik, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5241069), until Jan. 13. * Photo: Yang Terlupakan by students of SMU Tarakanita 1, Galeri Foto Cahya, Wisma Surya Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya no. 33, South Jakarta, Jan. 8.

On Indonesia's recovery

On Indonesia's recovery From Pikiran Rakyat Considering that up until the first days of 2001 Indonesia has continued to be disorganized in terms of the economy, politics, law enforcement, observation of human rights, national security (in particular the recent Christmas night bomb blast at/near several churches and other recent bombings) as well as personal security.

Navy conducts 'Sea Control 2001'

Navy conducts 'Sea Control 2001' JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Navy will conduct a three-week massive military exercise around Indonesia's western seas involving 15 warships, several fighter jets and a large number of Navy soldiers. Navy Headquarters said in a statement that the military exercise, called Sea Control 2001 (Dalla-2001), is due to begin on Friday. It is aimed at improving the readiness of the Navy to uphold law and order in the area.

Irianese detained for weapons

Irianese detained for weapons JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Eleven locals from Wamena were still being detained here on Sunday after after they were apprehended on Thursday for carrying sharp weapons. They were part of a group of 61 people who left their hometown in Arso and Genyem areas of the town of Wamena, about 290 kilometers southwest of here, amid rumors of a clash between security forces and separatist rebels. "The 11 men were caught bringing sharp weapons such as machetes, arrows and bows.

Prices of basic commodities remain high

Prices of basic commodities remain high JAKARTA (JP): More than 10 days after the Idul Fitri and Christmas celebrations, the prices of most basic commodities have yet to come down significantly, largely because many of the big suppliers are still closed for the long holidays.

Autonomy worries entrepreneurs

Autonomy worries entrepreneurs JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta-based entrepreneurs threaten that they will relocate their businesses if any of the city administration's policies associated with implementation of regional autonomy are not conducive and cause increased costs to their businesses.

Locals take revenge on accident prone bus company

Locals take revenge on accident prone bus company PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Locals were aggravated to an act of violence here on Sunday afternoon, when they burned a Sinar Jaya bus after it struck and killed a 17-year-old student. The victim was identified as Salman, a student of Muhhamadiyah High School at Paguyangan village in Bumiayu of Brebes regency. Coincidentally, this is the third incident of this kind in the area, involving the same bus company in less than a fortnight.

IMF questions delay of legal action

IMF questions delay of legal action JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, said that the International Monetary Fund had questioned the government's decision to delay legal proceedings against three business tycoons, Sjamsul Nursalim, Marimutu Sinivasan, and Prajogo Pangestu. "Anoop Singh inquired about the differences in treatment, why some (legal proceedings) were delayed," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Ulemas air support for Gus Dur's presidency

Ulemas air support for Gus Dur's presidency SURABAYA, East Java (JP): A meeting of senior ulemas of East Java pledged on Sunday to give their support to President Abdurrahman Wahid until the end of his term in 2004. The commitment was made in a meeting between President Abdurrahman, senior figures of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization and police leaders in East Java, which was hosted by KH Abdullah Faqih and attended by NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi and East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. E.

Malaysian duo to skip Korea Open

Malaysian duo to skip Korea Open JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian men's doubles specialists Lee Wan Wah and Chew Choon Eng withdrew at the last minute from the US$250,000 Korea Open in Cheju Island, South Korea, scheduled for next week, due to injury and illness. Lee Wan Wah, third seed at the Jan. 10 to Jan. 14 tournament with partner Choong Tan Fook, injured his ankle during the training session on Tuesday and has yet to recover.