Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 October 2001

91 articles found

Indonesia cruises to Bermuda quarters

Indonesia cruises to Bermuda quarters Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite an 8-22 loss to minnows New Zealand, Indonesia cruised into the quarterfinals of the Bermuda Bowl, securing the last of the eight qualifying places after 17 sessions were completed on Saturday. "The defeat did not result from a poor performance by the players. It was just because New Zealand, which had nothing to lose, played in such a wild manner," coach Bert Toar Polii said diplomatically from Paris.

High book prices make people turn to libraries

High book prices make people turn to libraries Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Neneng Huliyah is not the only person in the capital who has to deal with skyrocketing book prices. Books are still considered luxury items here, despite popular awareness that they are a rich source of knowledge.

Seafarers obliged to have safety certificate

Seafarers obliged to have safety certificate SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: As of February 2002, all seafarers employed in ships plying domestic and international routes are required to have basic safety training certificates in line with a ruling of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). "All seamen in the province will be obliged to posses safety training certificates as Indonesia is a member of IMO," said Sabran Malisi, chief of the local transportation ministry.

Many teachers unqualified

Many teachers unqualified JAKARTA: At least 62 percent of millions of elementary and junior high school teachers throughout Indonesia do not meet the requirements to teach, thereby affecting the quality of school graduates, Rector of state-run Jakarta University Sutjipto said on Saturday.

School curriculum

School curriculum From Media Indonesia Looking at the new school curriculum, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for junior high school students to learn their subjects adequately. This is particularly so because of the amount of time that the Ministry of National Education have allocated for studying, which is far too short to allow students to cover the syllabus.

JP/17/cap

JP/17/cap JP/Leo READY TO COMPETE: Pharmacists busily fill prescriptions at a Jakarta pharmacy. An executive of the Indonesian Pharmaceutical Association said that local drug companies are ready to compete with tighter competition when more prescription drugs from neighboring countries will be readily available here when the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) goes into effect.

1. Market (1 x 30)

1. Market (1 x 30) Rupiah gloom to linger: Analyst Rupiah gloom to linger, analyst say 2. Stock (2 x 18) Wall Street extends rally despite bad news Wall Street extends rally despite bad news 3. Sia (1 x 30) SIA to defer aircraft deliveries Singapore Airlines says deferring aircraft deliveries 4. 4. Air ( 2 x 18 ) German urges China to buy Airbus A320s Schroeder to call on China to buy 50 Airbus A320 5.

The nation could perish, Megawati warns

The nation could perish, Megawati warns The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia as a nation could perish if people keep undermining national unity and cohesion, President Megawati Soekarnoputri said on Sunday. Virtually every group in society today is fighting for its own interests at the expense of the national interests.

Budget at risk as BCA, Gresik sales in doubt

Budget at risk as BCA, Gresik sales in doubt Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fresh doubts over the planned sale of PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) and cement firm PT Semen Gresik will jeopardize deficit financing for this year's state budget, as the government finds itself short of options to secure alternate funding, say experts.

Landslide hits 300 houses as flood subsides in Kebumen

Landslide hits 300 houses as flood subsides in Kebumen Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap While the flood water that has been inundating 70 villages in Kebumen regency gradually subsided, a landslide destroyed at least 300 houses in Mangunweni village in the district of Ayah on Saturday. No fatalities were reported, but financial losses were believed to be significant.

Self-funding surgery system on the way to help blind

Self-funding surgery system on the way to help blind Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cataract, which has affected millions of mostly impoverished Indonesians, has become a national headache, but help may be on the way soon. The Indonesian Association of Ophthalmologists (Perdami) released a report that shows that three million people throughout Indonesia (1.47 percent) suffer blindness and 1.5 million of those are victims of cataract.

There's no need to panic over anthrax: Experts

There's no need to panic over anthrax: Experts Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A package bearing no return address sent from an African country to an expatriate here was rushed for examination earlier this month to the Bogor-based Veterinary Research Center (Balitvet) following fears that it may have contained spores of the anthrax bacterium. The result: the package contained a letter, but no suspicious materials.

1. Top-performing companies create an environment where

1. Top-performing companies create an environment where underperformers feel under strong pressure to select themselves out. McKinsey Survey 2. "ASEAN leaders can reasonably be expected to keep this subject of terrorism high in their consciousness." Vic Lecaros.

Doubt lingers over selection as Komnas ends screening

Doubt lingers over selection as Komnas ends screening Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has completed its efforts to find 34 member candidates despite criticism from its own members over the qualifications used in the selection process and the integrity of several names.

ASEAN mulls common strategy to fight terrorism

ASEAN mulls common strategy to fight terrorism P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse, Manila Southeast Asian leaders are expected to adopt a common strategy to combat terrorism amid concern over the potential threat posed by growing religious militancy, officials say. The joint action is part of an anti-terrorism declaration prepared for adoption by the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) set to meet in Brunei this week for the first time since the Sept.

Bars, cafes may open during Ramadhan

Bars, cafes may open during Ramadhan Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Entertainment centers are allowed to operate during the fasting month of Ramadhan, but operators were cautious on Saturday amid fear of possible raids from hard-line groups. Deputy governor for administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi said on Friday that the centers were allowed to open from the end of Tarawih evening prayer (about 8:30 p.m.) until the Sahur predawn meal (about 3 a.m.).

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JP/ / General Motors Corp. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. will begin marketing Isuzu trucks through GM's sales channel in China as early as next spring as part of their new cooperative effort to expand operations in the Chinese market, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun learned Friday.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces major revamp

Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces major revamp Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be revamped next year with the elimination of the two key directorates general: those for sociopolitical affairs and for economic relations. In their place, there will be three directorates general with responsibilities based on geographical areas.

Wiranto establishes moral movement

Wiranto establishes moral movement Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former minister of defense and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret.) Wiranto launched on Sunday the establishment of the Garda Muda Merah Putih (Red-and-White Youth Defenders), a youth group promoting moral values.

Former minister opposes early revision of autonomy law

Former minister opposes early revision of autonomy law Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Former state minister of regional autonomy Ryaas Rasyid criticized on Saturday central government's plan to revise the newly implemented autonomy law as a sign of its reluctance to relinquish many of its powers to local administrations. "Why should central government revise the law?

Temporary garbage dumps prepared

Temporary garbage dumps prepared Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration is preparing a total of 30 hectares of land in Srengseng and Cengkareng, West Jakarta, for temporary garbage dumps in anticipation of the possible closure of Bantar Gebang dump in Bekasi at the end of the year. The city's development assistant Irzal Jamal said the two dumps could be used for about six months.

JP/17/cap

JP/17/cap JP/Leo READY TO COMPETE: Pharmacists busily fill prescriptions at a Jakarta pharmacy. An executive of the Indonesian Pharmaceutical Association said that local drug companies are ready to compete with tighter competition when more prescription drugs from neighboring countries will be readily available here when the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) goes into effect.

'Handle your own garbage'

'Handle your own garbage' Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Increasing the awareness of residents and encouraging individual initiatives to maintain a clean and healthy environment could become an alternative option to handle waste, instead of relying on the City Sanitary Agency, who claim to lack the resources to handle garbage effectively, says an expert in the field.

Some popular libraries in Jakarta

Some popular libraries in Jakarta Want to search for your favorite books in the city? Check out these libraries to fulfill your needs: Erasmus Huis Library Atmosphere: Like other libraries run by various foreign services in Jakarta, Erasmus Huis is also very well-maintained and designed to make visitors feel comfortable. It has air- conditioned reading areas and a carpeted floor. Space tends to be a bit limited in the library room, which is relatively small for its large book collection.

JP/4/GRACE

JP/4/GRACE Grace Emilia The Jakarta Post Contributor Jakarta Talking about the hotel market situation in Indonesia means discussing the ripple down effect of globalization, particularly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack in America. The attack has sent the world airline industry into the doldrums. Prior to the tragedy, the decline in the global economy had led the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to predict losses for all carriers of US$2.5 billion until the end of this year.

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JP/ / German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will call on China during a visit to Beijing next week to order up to 50 Airbus A320 jet planes worth 3 billion euros (US$2.7 billion), a top official close to the German government said late Friday. -- AFP The Thai government expects to sell rice stocks totaling around 681,000 metric tons to Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, Director of the Department of Foreign Trade's Grain Division told reporters Friday.

Reaffirming nonalignment policy

Reaffirming nonalignment policy Irawan Abidin, Veteran Diplomat, Jakarta A decade ago, there was a lively debate on whether the Non- aligned Movement (NAM) was still relevant following the demise of the Cold War. One side argued that nations could no longer be regarded as being aligned with one or the other ideological camp; the policy of non-alignment was then meaningless.

RP on alert as Arroyo leaves for China

RP on alert as Arroyo leaves for China Reuters, Manila The Philippine military and police went on alert in a regular precautionary exercise as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo left for an official visit to China on Sunday, officials said.

Local pharmaceutical companies happy with AFTA

Local pharmaceutical companies happy with AFTA Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Local drug companies are mostly upbeat in anticipation of the introduction of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) next year as it will provide them with greater opportunities to expand their markets to neighboring countries, the Indonesian Pharmaceutical Association (GP Farmasi Indonesia) said.

Hunger, disease grip coffee areas

Hunger, disease grip coffee areas Reuters, London Families in the coffee regions of three continents face hunger and sickness as market prices remain locked at their lowest in 36 years. "Our life has become very hard in the past year. We don't eat well and our children cannot go to school," D'An, a peasant coffee farmer, told a Reuters correspondent in Ivory Coast. D'an survives on meagre quantities of rice and hasn't eaten meat for months.

Opportunities in the banking quagmire

Opportunities in the banking quagmire Thomas A.Timberg and Sukiswo Dirdjosuparto, Financial Analysts, Jakarta The world of small-scale credit sometimes seems ruled by folk proverbs: "Rather than give someone fish, teach them how to fish" or "A penny saved is a penny earned". But the most appropriate proverb in contemporary Indonesia is, "If you are given lemons, make lemonade".

Asian share of global mergers on the rise

Asian share of global mergers on the rise Asia's share of the global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market has been on the rise despite the economic slump, a survey showed on Saturday. For the first eight months of this year, Asia's share rose to 9 percent or US$56 billion, up from 3 percent from the corresponding period three years ago, said the report by consultants Arthur Andersen.

1. Boat 60pts, three columns, 3 x 15

1. Boat 60pts, three columns, 3 x 15 Hijacked vessel found drifting off Sumbawa island Agencies Mataram A boat reportedly hijacked last week by 170 Australia-bound Afghan and Iraqi asylum-seekers has been found in the sea off Sumbawa island, West Nusa Tenggara, news reports said on Sunday.

The central bank saga

The central bank saga The House of Representatives failed to select three new deputy governors of the central bank out of the nine candidates put forth early this year by Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin. This means that Bank Indonesia will have to do with only four deputy governors at a time when its work burden is steadily increasing amid the worsening economic crisis as the House will not return from its current recess until late next month.

Students briefly stranded in Seoul

Students briefly stranded in Seoul SURABAYA: Some 20 students and three lecturers from Surabaya- based Christian Petra University were briefly stranded at the Seoul immigration office while on their way to attend a joint art exhibition with Dongseo University in Pusan, South Korea. Petra University spokesperson Lusy Puspita said in Surabaya on Sunday that the entourage, which had left Jakarta on Oct.

Terry Fox 2001 for cancer research

Terry Fox 2001 for cancer research JAKARTA: This year's Terry Fox Run, which is aimed at raising funds to fight cancer, is scheduled to take place on Nov. 4. There will be two routes, five kilometers and 10 kilometers, which will both start at 6:30 a.m. from the Regent Jakarta situated on Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta.

1. Timah (2x30)

1. Timah (2x30) House ready to help Timah resolve illegal mining: Legislator 2. China China's SOEs back on the brink as WTO entry draws near 3. Japan (2x19) Japan eyes tax reforms to boost economy 4. Merger (2x19) Asian share of global mergers on the rise 5. KL (4x8) KL to cut alien work permit duration

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JP/ / By Christiani Tumelap Contributor The Jakarta Post Jakarta Mostly great, except for Internet connectivity For German traveler Juergen, 37, many of Jakarta's hotels, with their luxurious interiors, spacious rooms and friendly staff, are actually much better than the ones back home. The only thing he truly misses from the hotels he visited here is proper Internet connections.

NTB fighting for its rights

NTB fighting for its rights MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Speaker of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) legislative council HL Serinate said here on Saturday that some legislators would visit several ministries in Jakarta to fight for the province's rights. "It often happens that the province receives what it is due very late," Serinate said, citing as an example the royalties from PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara, Batu Hijau, Sumbawa.

70 fishing families lose homes

70 fishing families lose homes JAKARTA: Some 70 fishing families in East Ancol lost their temporary homes on Friday afternoon after the North Jakarta public order office bulldozed the structures and burned the remains. Uli Parulian Sihombing from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) said the officers had also burned a pier where the fishermen docked their boats. The fishing families are staying at the LBH office on Jl.

Supply of vegetables, rice disrupted due to flooding

Supply of vegetables, rice disrupted due to flooding The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The supply of vegetables, fruit and staple food to the city has been disrupted in the past few days since floods hit several parts of Central and East Java, vendors said on Saturday. A number of vendors in three main traditional markets in Kramatjati, Cipinang and Jatinegara separately told Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih, who visited the places, that they had received fewer supplies.

Who do House members represent?

Who do House members represent? MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Who do the members of the House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly represent? According to government critic Arbi Sanit, they represent themselves and their political parties. So what they do is serve their own interests. "Don't believe their claims that they represent the people. They mostly represent their political interest groups," he said at a seminar here on Saturday.

New oil and gas law:

New oil and gas law: Threat to government? Parulian Sihotang and Alex Russell Department of Accountancy and Business Finance University of Dundee United Kingdom By its very nature the passing of state legislation is a process designed to bore the pants off the average Indonesian citizen; the creation of opaque and jargon-laden legal gobbledygook possesses none of the charms of an intellectual aphrodisiac and is certainly not a light read before bedtime.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Dutch Graphic Design, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5241069), until Nov. 3. * Indonesian Comic, the British Council, S. Wijoyo Centre, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Oct. 31. * Painting Art Festival 2001 by Amrus Natalsya, Joko Pekik, etc., Bizete Gallery, Jl. Gandaria I no. 9 A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7246725), Mon. to Fri., 10 a.m.

Skyrocketing book prices make people turn to libraries

Skyrocketing book prices make people turn to libraries ---------------- Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta ---------------- Neneng Huliyah is not the only person in the capital who has to deal with skyrocketing book prices. Books are still considered luxury items here, despite popular awareness that they are a rich source of knowledge.

"The contract looks very strange in that Tirtanadi is obliged

"The contract looks very strange in that Tirtanadi is obliged to purchase its own water from the foreign investor and then turn around and sell it to consumers at a higher price." Ibrahim Sakti Batubara

1. Parulian --

1. Parulian -- 2 X 18 48pt Bodoni New oil and gas law: Threat to government? Parulian Sihotang and Alex Russell Department of Accountancy and Business Finance University of Dundee United Kingdom By its very nature the passing of state legislation is a process designed to bore the pants off the average Indonesian citizen; 2.

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JP/ / The Thai government expects to sell rice stocks totaling around 681,000 metric tons to Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, Director of the Department of Foreign Trade's Grain Division told reporters Friday. The government's marketing teams along with officials from the department will start negotiations in the three countries next week, Pranee Siriphand said. -- Dow Jones A new Internet worm surfaced in Asia earlier Friday, but experts said they don't believe it poses much threat.

Abolish arrogance through national consultation

Abolish arrogance through national consultation The discourse on national consultation regarding national economic problems was raised three days ago. It began from the statement of Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti who said the government planned to hold an economic consultation on Oct. 31. The Minister said the national consultation would be held to anticipate impacts of the global recession.

New oil and gas law: Threat to government?

New oil and gas law: Threat to government? Parulian Sihotang and Alex Russell, Department of Accountancy and Business Finance, University of Dundee, United Kingdom By its very nature the passing of state legislation is a process designed to bore the pants off the average Indonesian citizen; the creation of opaque and jargon-laden legal gobbledygook possesses none of the charms of an intellectual aphrodisiac and is certainly not a light read before bedtime.

East Timorese refugees offered incentives

East Timorese refugees offered incentives Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang The government has offered money and rice as incentives for East Timorese refugees who want to return to their homeland immediately in an attempt to help solve the refugee issue in East Nusa Tenggara.

Seeds of nationhood

Seeds of nationhood It could be blamed on the weekend, the fragile security situation or the myriad of problems Indonesia is now facing. Whatever the reason, it is regrettable that the commemoration of the 1928 Youth Pledge, passed almost unnoticed by the average Indonesian on Sunday. The fact is that their visionary oath, formulated and proclaimed by a few youthful Indonesian leaders, is still relevant -- now possibly more than at any other time in this country's history.

Sondakh learns from protesters

Sondakh learns from protesters MANADO, North Sulawesi: Governor AJ Sondakh said on Saturday that the burning of a poster with his image on it by student demonstrators was a corrective action against him. "I will take note about the burning of my poster," Sondakh said after opening a discussion titled "Press, Democracy and Regional Autonomy" here. Hundreds of students took to the streets last week to protest the local administration's sluggishness in handling the province's debts.

Police criticized over students' VCD

Police criticized over students' VCD Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Lawyers have criticized the decision of Bandung police to name students AH and NN as suspects in the case of a porn VCD starring the two students, saying that the decision was groundless. Criminal law expert at the Padjadjaran University in Bandung Pontang Moerad said last week that the police had fabricated matters.

Makassar delivers ordered vessels

Makassar delivers ordered vessels MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Asmar Jaya Pratama, a private company manufacturing traditional vessels, has delivered two ships ordered by Australia and Sweden. The launching of the two ships worth Rp 1.2 billion was conducted in a traditional ceremony at the Bontobahari dockyard, Bulukumba, over the weekend.

Jambi stays alert to flood

Jambi stays alert to flood JAMBI: The Jambi provincial government is taking measures to minimize the impact of flood and landslides during the rainy season. Syahnikmat Nizam, spokesman for the provincial administration, said related government offices, the local military, police and the search and rescue agency were coordinating to draft maps of areas prone to flood and landslides in the province.

3. Karim --

3. Karim -- 1 x 55 36pt Bodoni Malaysia: The vanguard of pragmatic Islamic thinking Karim Raslan Lawyer Kuala Lumpur The events of the past two months have ambushed the international business community. The economic and commercial issues that used to determine virtually all investment decisions have been superseded by cultural and religious factors.

Firecracker stalls destroyed by fire

Firecracker stalls destroyed by fire JAKARTA: About 25 stalls selling firecrackers located on Jl. Jembatan Tinggi, Kebon Kacang, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, went up in smoke on Friday afternoon. The police said the fire was caused by a firecracker going off near a stall, which caused a fire that devoured other stalls nearby. The fire also destroyed a Yamaha RX King motorbike belonging to Mulyadi that was parked adjacent to the stalls. --JP

PPP hit by internal rift over election schedule

PPP hit by internal rift over election schedule Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Development Party (PPP) announced on Sunday that it would assign Husni Thamrin, one of the party's central board members, to attend a meeting being held by renegade members of the party's branch offices in Yogyakarta on Monday. "As Husni Thamrin is the only executive invited to the meeting, we will let him go.

JP/17/cap

JP/17/cap JP/Leo READY TO COMPETE: Unidentified workers are serving customers at a drug store in Jakarta. An executive of the Indonesian Pharmaceutical Association said that local drug companies are ready to compete in the tighter competition during the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

Government to help 13m homeless families

Government to help 13m homeless families Antara, Surabaya The cash-strapped government is aiming high. Vice President Hamzah Haz said on Saturday that it intended to help 13.2 million slum dwellers find decent housing by 2010. He said that 4.3 million families were homeless. "This is a big number. The government and the community should pay serious attention to this problem," he said.

Squatters threatened with action

Squatters threatened with action MANADO, North Sulawesi: Manado Mayor Wempie Frederik said here on Saturday that the mayoralty would be getting tougher against residents squatting in public places like markets, bus terminals or roadsides. "I have instructed my subordinates to take stern measures against the illegal residents in accordance with the law," Wempie said at a coffee morning with reporters.

Singapore Airlines says deferring aircraft deliveries

Singapore Airlines says deferring aircraft deliveries Reuters Singapore Singapore Airlines (SIA) said on Saturday it was in talks with aircraft manufacturers to defer delivery of billions of dollars worth of new plane orders as part of a bid to cut costs due to a sharp slowdown in the industry. "We are not specifying what or when," an SIA spokesman told Reuters on Saturday.

House ready to help Timah resolve illegal mining problem: Legislator

House ready to help Timah resolve illegal mining problem: Legislator Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives is ready, if needed, to help state-owned tin mining giant PT Timah seek ways of resolving rampant illegal mining activities at its mining sites on Bangka and Belitung islands. Legislator Ramson S. of House Commission VIII overseeing environmental, science, and technology affairs said that the commission would invite Timah to discuss the problem.

Trisakti tragedy focuses on Brimob

Trisakti tragedy focuses on Brimob JAKARTA: Nine low-level Mobile Brigade (Brimob) policemen are facing possible jail time and dismissal from the National Police for allegedly shooting students at Trisakti University three years ago, which claimed four lives and injured six others. The sentence requested by Prosecutor Lt. Col. Taufikurrahman on Thursday at the Jakarta Military Court was reported to be a maximum of three years in jail. The defendants are First. Insp.

Entertainment centers allowed to open during Ramadhan

Entertainment centers allowed to open during Ramadhan Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Entertainment centers are allowed to operate during the fasting month of Ramadhan, but operators were cautious on Saturday amid fear of possible raids from hard-line groups. Deputy governor for administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi said on Friday that the centers were allowed to open from the end of Tarawih evening prayer (about 8:30 p.m.) until the Sahur predawn meal (about 3 a.m.).

Amien says govt not serious about solving Maluku conflict

Amien says govt not serious about solving Maluku conflict Asip Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Amien Rais, Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) criticized the government here on Saturday for not being "serious it its efforts" to find a solution for the prolonged conflict in riot-torn Maluku.

Limited help for isolated tribes

Limited help for isolated tribes BANDJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The chief of the local social affairs ministry, Umar Achmad, revealed here over the weekend that the provincial government had located 8,750 families of isolated communities in the province. "So far, we are still handling only 2,500 families of isolated tribes living on the slopes of Mount Meratus because of financial restraints," he said at a meeting with several legislators on a field trip to the province.

People urged to take initiative in handling domestic garbage

People urged to take initiative in handling domestic garbage Annastashya Emmanuelle The Jakarta Post Jakarta Increasing the awareness of residents and encouraging individual initiatives to maintain a clean and healthy environment could become an alternative option to handle waste, instead of relying on the City Sanitary Agency, who claim to lack the resources to handle garbage effectively, says an expert in the field.

Indonesian climbers grab three titles at 10th Asian Championships

Indonesian climbers grab three titles at 10th Asian Championships Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian speed climbers showed their might by staging all- Indonesian finals at the US$20,000 10th Asian Sports Climbing Championships at the Eastern Plaza of the Bung Karno Sports Complex, Central Jakarta on Sunday.

Time for Indonesia to reassert its non-alignment policy

Time for Indonesia to reassert its non-alignment policy Irawan Abidin Veteran Diplomat Jakarta A decade ago, there was a lively debate on whether the Non- aligned Movement (NAM) was still relevant following the demise of the Cold War. One side of the argument argued that nations could no longer be regarded as aligned with one or the other ideological camp. To say a country was non-aligned was therefore meaningless. So was the policy of non-alignment.

Rupiah gloom to linger: Analyst

Rupiah gloom to linger: Analyst Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thinning U.S. dollar reserves and a global economic downturn clouding the domestic outlook would likely confine the rupiah at 10,000 against the dollar this week amid possible waning intervention from Bank Indonesia, an analyst said. PT Danareksa Sekuritas's currency and stock analyst Feri Latuhihin said he saw little hope for the rupiah to recover from its current levels in the short and medium term.

We are being warned

We are being warned What is happening to this country? The multidimensional crisis has not ended, yet now we have been hit by disasters. Within a week, flood in five provinces has inundated thousands of houses and thousands of hectares of rice fields and has forced thousands of people to evacuate. Hundreds of people have lost their homes because of fire while communal clashes in some provinces have compelled thousands to seek refuge.

Hijacked boat found drifting off Sumbawa island

Hijacked boat found drifting off Sumbawa island Agencies, Mataram A boat reportedly hijacked last week by 170 Australia-bound Afghan and Iraqi asylum-seekers has been found in the sea off Sumbawa island, West Nusa Tenggara, news reports said on Sunday.

Competitive advantage no longer enough: Survey

Competitive advantage no longer enough: Survey The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Competitive advantage is no longer enough to achieve high growth in revenue and profit. That was the strongest message reiterated by France's INSEAD business school at a management seminar organized for senior executives of publicly-listed PT Astra International here last week. INSEAD professor Ben. M.

'Blue Friday' for RI's youth chess stars

'Blue Friday' for RI's youth chess stars Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta The sixth round of the World Youth Chess Championship in Oropesa del Mar, Spain, saw the Indonesian youth team dealt a cruel blow as all three team members were defeated. Susanto Megaranto, who held the overall lead only two days ago and was expected to shine in the championship, failed to hold off Hungarian Viktor Erdos' onslaught in their U-14 category match.

Akbar, Wiranto to come out clean, critics predict

Akbar, Wiranto to come out clean, critics predict Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Anti-corruption activists are skeptical about the seriousness of a future probe of House Speaker Akbar Tandjung and ex-top officials of their alleged involvement in a Rp 54 billion scandal. They are concerned that the legal process at the Attorney General's Office as well as political impeachment at the House will end in Akbar coming out clean.

Refugees' departure to the U.S. suspended

Refugees' departure to the U.S. suspended Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor A number of Afghan refugees here who are scheduled to leave next month for the U.S. might have to delay their departure due to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, an immigration official says. The head of immigration control at the Bogor immigration office, Saffar M.

Indonesia on course for quarterfinals

Indonesia on course for quarterfinals Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian men's team made a clean sweep of Japan, Italy and Brazil on Friday to return to the top eight on the provisional standings at the Bermuda Bowl bridge championship in Paris. Henky Lasut/Eddy Manoppo led the team to a 17-13 victory over Japan in the opening session match which indicates that they have recovered from their shock defeat by Australia in the final session on Thursday. "That's a relief.

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JP/ / The Thai government expects to sell rice stocks totaling around 681,000 metric tons to Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, Director of the Department of Foreign Trade's Grain Division told reporters Friday. The government's marketing teams along with officials from the department will start negotiations in the three countries next week, Pranee Siriphand said. -- Dow Jones A new Internet worm surfaced in Asia earlier Friday, but experts said they don't believe it poses much threat.

By Hendarsyah Tarmizi

By Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Booking rooms online, why not? Are you planning to go somewhere but don't have enough time to find a good hotel. Why not try online booking, it is easier and more convenient. With only a click of your computer mouse, you can find a wide range of hotel choices that can suit your taste, and more importantly your budget. In Indonesia, the number of hotels which have their own online reservation facilities are still few and far between.

Entertainment: Entertainment centers are allowed to operate

Entertainment: Entertainment centers are allowed to operate during the fasting month of Ramadhan, but operators were cautious on Saturday amid fear of possible raids from hard-line groups. "It's unfair if we urge them to close for the whole month. How can their workers earn a living?" Deputy governor for administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi told reporters at City Hall Friday. Page 2 Oil and gas law: The passing of the new oil and gas law on Oct. 23 has triggered deep emotions throughout society.

Schroeder will ask China to buy 50 Airbus A320

Schroeder will ask China to buy 50 Airbus A320 German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will call on China during a visit to Beijing next week to order up to 50 Airbus A320 jet planes worth 3 billion euros (2.7 billion dollars), a top official close to the German government said late Friday. The chancellor Saturday starts a week-long tour of Pakistan, India and China focused on encouraging the international alliance against terrorism and finding a political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Limited help for isolated tribes

Limited help for isolated tribes BANDJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The chief of the local social affairs ministry, Umar Achmad, revealed here over the weekend that the provincial government had located 8,750 families of isolated communities in the province. "So far, we are still handling only 2,500 families of isolated tribes living on the slopes of Mount Meratus because of financial restraints," he said at a meeting with several legislators on a field trip to the province.

JP/4/GRACE

JP/4/GRACE Grace Emilia The Jakarta Post Contributor Jakarta Travel downfall: Big players suffer most Talking about the hotel market situation in Indonesia means discussing the ripple down effect of globalization, particularly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack in America. The attack has sent the world airline industry into the doldrums.

Autonomy laws revision slammed

Autonomy laws revision slammed Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former state minister of regional autonomy Ryaas Rasyid criticized on Saturday central government's plan to revise the newly implemented autonomy law as a sign of its reluctance to relinquish many of its powers to local administrations. "Why should central government revise the law?

Recreational beaches a rarity

Recreational beaches a rarity From Warta Kota There are very few beaches left in Jakarta, which people can enjoy free of charge. Beaches in the city have now become commercial places, run by business interests. To relax at the beach people are now forced to spend money. The Jakarta administration should provide opportunities for people, in particular its residents, to enjoy beaches free of charge. Families should not have to pay expensive tickets every time they visit a beach.

Firecrackers cause havoc

Firecrackers cause havoc From Neraca At this time of year, the hearts of many Jakarta residents sink at the sound of firecrackers. Before the Muslim fasting month arrives, the city's markets are glutted with various types of firecrackers, which are sold openly to the public. Unfortunately, firecrackers are often used by youngsters to frighten passers by. This silly act can trigger chaos and trouble.

First echelon officials

First echelon officials New structure Secretary General Inspector General Director General for Asia, Pacific and Africa Director General for Europe and America Director General for ASEAN Director General for Multilateral relations on Political, Social and Security Affairs Director General for Multilateral relations on Economic and Development Affairs Director General for Information, Public Diplomacy and International Agreements Director General for Protocol and Consular Head of Research and...

Energy drinks withdrawn

Energy drinks withdrawn MANADO, North Sulawesi: PT Mega Sari Manado, a local distribution company for Kratingdaeng energy drinks, has withdrawn 35,000 bottles of the product over the last three months. The company's sales manager Ferdinand Loho said on Saturday that the drinks had been withdrawn from four provinces under its supervision -- North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Maluku and Gorontalo.

Medan's water supply project questioned

Medan's water supply project questioned Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan A number of legislators have called on the Medan municipal administration to review a controversial contract between state- owned water company PT Tirtanadi and French investor Lyonnaise des Eaux on the supply of tap water to the city. Ibrahim Sakti Batubara, a member of the Medan legislative council, questioned the contract, which he said had inflicted financial losses on both Tirtanadi and consumers.