Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 October 2001

70 articles found

2. EXON ( 1X20)

2. EXON ( 1X20) ExxonMobil plans to invest US$12b 3. AFTA (2X20) Asean warned not to delay on utilizing AFTA 4. Stock (3X20) Asian markets down after steep drop on Wall St.

East Asia braces for 'Chinese shock'

East Asia braces for 'Chinese shock' Philippe Ries, Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong China's imminent entry to the World Trade Organization has left the rest of East Asia bracing for the "Chinese shock" with the Asian giant attracting foreign investment like a magnet. The only country still posting growth in a region languishing in the doldrums amid the global economic downturn, China is seen as a formidable competitor.

Global economy, terrorist attacks dictate ASEAN meeting agenda

Global economy, terrorist attacks dictate ASEAN meeting agenda Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Singapore The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), set up to accelerate regional growth, is having its agenda dictated by events beyond its control as leaders of the 10-nation grouping prepare for their annual summit.

Norway again spoils Indonesia's brigde high hopes

Norway again spoils Indonesia's brigde high hopes Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia had to abandon dreams of an unprecedented Bermuda Bowl championship victory after succumbing to Norway in the quarterfinals in Paris on Monday. There was also a surprise as defending champion United States I was forced to scrap its quest for a second straight title after a defeat to Italy.

Company asked to deal with deceased

Company asked to deal with deceased MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Labor supply company PT Amestara Raya Corp should act responsibly in relation to the recent death of 27-year-old Saparuddin in Malaysia, said a local official.

50,000 beggars to flood the city

50,000 beggars to flood the city JAKARTA: The city administration announced on Tuesday that it would launch a public order operation against beggars who are expected to flood the city during the fasting month of Ramadhan. Acting Governor Abdul Kahfi estimated that as in last year's fasting month, around 50,000 beggars are expected to enter the city. They will be told to return to their hometowns.

S. Korea changes stance on talks venue

S. Korea changes stance on talks venue Paul Eckert, Reuters, Seoul South Korea has reversed earlier opposition to North Korea's proposed venue for inter-Korean ministerial talks and has agreed to accept the North's Mount Kumgang resort as the site, an official in Seoul said on Tuesday. The talks were originally scheduled to be held from Oct.

Government upbeat on 2001 state budget deficit: Anggito

Government upbeat on 2001 state budget deficit: Anggito Tantri Yuliandini and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Officials have said they were still optimistic the government could finance this year's budget deficit of around Rp 54.3 trillion (US$5.4 billion) despite an expected shortfall in privatization proceeds and the sale of assets under the control of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).

Goh rejects apology from rival

Goh rejects apology from rival SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong rejected on Tuesday an apology from a Singapore opposition leader who shouted questions at him over an alleged loan offer to Indonesia. Goh, campaigning for ruling People's Action Party candidates running in the Nov. 3 general election, said he will decide on what course of action to take after the polls.

Levy collection for truck drivers

Levy collection for truck drivers TANGERANG: Tangerang municipal administration had resumed collecting a road levy imposed on truck drivers that had been suspended two weeks ago following violent protests by the drivers, an official said on Tuesday. Administration spokesman Hery Kusnadi said that collection of the levy had resumed because the protests, which resulted in damage to 16 collection booths, had been masterminded by hoodlums.

Bomb smashes health center in Gowa

Bomb smashes health center in Gowa Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Gowa, South Sulawesi An explosion shattered the Bontobiraeng public health center in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi on Tuesday, but police ruled out suggestions it may have been politically motivated. The explosion, which took place in the early morning hours Tuesday, destroyed all the medicine cabinets, furniture and other medical equipment inside the building. No casualties were reported as the building was empty at that time.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 10:00 Children's Songs 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Debating 3:30 Children's Program 4:45 Quiz 5:15 TV Drama 6:00 News 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 Traditional Performance Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 5:30 a.m.

Man jailed for selling friend's bike

Man jailed for selling friend's bike TANGERANG: The Tangerang District Court on Tuesday sentenced a man for selling his friend's motorcycle for Rp 4,500,000 in June this year. Presiding judge Warsito said defendant Fachrudin, 42, a resident of Bojong Gede, Bogor, had been proven guilty of selling a Honda Astrea Grand belonging to his friend H. Musa on June 21, in Batu Ceper district.

Wage up by 38.7% for Jakarta in 2002

Wage up by 38.7% for Jakarta in 2002 Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta tripartite wages committee has agreed to recommend a 38.7 percent increase in the minimum wage for workers in Jakarta and the Greater Jakarta area in 2002, marking an increase from the current minimum wage of Rp 426,250 to Rp 591,266. The Secretary General of the Reformed All-Indonesia Workers Federation (SPSI Reformasi) H.M. Rodja said the recommendation was a 2002 New Year's gift from workers to employers.

Megawati's warning show courage and vulnerability

Megawati's warning show courage and vulnerability The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore President Megawati Soekarnoputri showed courage -- and underlined her own vulnerability -- when she warned Indonesians their country risked breaking up if they continued to accentuate regional, ethnic and religious differences. She said this not once, but twice, in as many days -- on Sunday and again on Monday.

Megawati fails to live up to reform hopes: Experts

Megawati fails to live up to reform hopes: Experts Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Megawati Sukarnoputri has failed to live up to the spirit of reform, especially as regards upholding the supremacy of law, during her first 100 days in office, tempting the public at large to take the law into their own hands, legal experts say.

HEADINGS

HEADINGS 1. Bigung: 8 x 4 lines West Java set to have anniversary to celebrate 2. Flood : 18 x 2 lines Floods inundate schools, hospital in Banyumas 3. BOMB: 24 x 1 line Bomb smashes health center in Gowa

Speech on culture at TIM

Speech on culture at TIM JAKARTA: In celebration of its 33rd anniversary the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) arts center will hold a discourse on culture, as part of the November Festival, presented by dean of the Hidayatullah Islamic Institute, Azyumardi Azra, on Nov. 10. Azyumardi will speak on the history and cultural development of the nation, including the future of Indonesian art and culture.

Robbery rampant in Sarolangun

Robbery rampant in Sarolangun JAMBI: Jambi Provincial Police have stepped up security along the 102-kilometer Tembesi-Sarolongun highway due to the rampant robbery of motorists over the last two months. Adj. Sr. Comr. Soemarsono, chief of the Sarko Police precinct, said robbery along the highway had been rampant over the last two months because of the highway's poor condition.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Tel. 031 5311234): - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Except Saturday), Solo Pianist, Monday to Friday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Saturday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Cascades Poolside Restaurant: Jazz Band, Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - The Tavern Pub: Live music, Tuesday to Sunday, 9 p.m. onwards, Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m.).

Asian currencies mostly buoyed late, concerns over U.S. economy

Asian currencies mostly buoyed late, concerns over U.S. economy Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies were buoyed late Tuesday, as the dollar struggled to overcome renewed anxieties over the severity of the U.S. economic malaise, dealers said. The Singapore dollar and the Thai baht were stronger, while the Philippine peso and the New Taiwan dollar were steady. The Indonesian rupiah and the South Korean were weaker.

Mixed results for Indonesian teenagers in world chess meet

Mixed results for Indonesian teenagers in world chess meet Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Andrean Susilodinata of Indonesia won his eight-round match at the World Youth Chess Championship in Oropesa del Mar, Spain, on Monday, but Susanto Megaranto miserably drew after twice squandering his winning chances. Andrean, making his debut in the U-12 category, beat local hopeful Ivain Bruned to collect an overall 6 points for the fifth place on the provisional standings.

Accepting drug realities to save lives

Accepting drug realities to save lives Dr. Alex Wodak, Director of Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia, and President of The International Harm Reduction Association. Joyce Djaelani Gordon Chairperson, Yayasan Kita Addiction Treatment and Community Recovery Center, Cipayung, West Java, Jakarta Indonesia now faces a serious threat from HIV among its rapidly increasing number of injecting drug users (IDUs).

Yusril floats idea of dual citizenship

Yusril floats idea of dual citizenship Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra is floating the idea of dual citizenship, something which previous governments had never even considered. Yusril, a constitutional law expert, began considering the idea during his recent visit to Los Angeles and Washington, where he received complaints from Indonesians living there, especially as it concerned citizenship issues. Indonesia recognizes only single citizenship.

Sorong authorities seize 10 bombs

Sorong authorities seize 10 bombs SORONG, Papua: Sorong seaport authorities seized 10 hand-made explosive devices from a man, identified as ND, while on his way from Ambon to Sorong aboard the passenger ship KM Rinjani last week. Brig. D. Renyaan of the Sorong Police precinct, said the suspect was under police arrest pending further investigation. Chief of the police precinct, Adj. Sr. Comr.

W. Java has Rp 3b for disasters

W. Java has Rp 3b for disasters BANDUNG, West Java: The West Java provincial administration has allocated Rp 3 billion (US$300,000) in anticipation of possible landslides and floods during the rainy season. "The provincial administration has been on alert in preparation for possible disasters in the province in areas prone to landslide and flood as they hit several areas last year," West Java Deputy Governor Elyadi Agrahardja said here on Tuesday.

Squatting rampant in Leuser park

Squatting rampant in Leuser park BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Some 13,300 hectares of the 1.2-square kilometer Gunung Leuser National Park in Southeast Aceh regency have been denuded due to rampant forest squatting and illegal logging in the protected national park. O.K.

ExxonMobil plans to invest US$12b

ExxonMobil plans to invest US$12b Associated Press, Moscow ExxonMobil announced plans Monday for what it called the largest single direct foreign investment in Russia to date, a US$12 billion commitment to an oil project in the Russian Far East. The announcement of the investment in the Sakhalin-1 project was made at the Foreign Investment Advisory Council, a gathering of Russian government leaders and international executives aimed at streamlining economic cooperation.

Indonesia, East Timor agree to demilitarize border

Indonesia, East Timor agree to demilitarize border Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang In line with the planned establishment of an independent East Timor early next year, Indonesia and East Timor have agreed to demilitarize their border areas to allow their people to visit one another freely. The bilateral agreement was reached in a meeting of Indonesian and East Timorese officials in Atambua over the weekend.

PDI Perjuangan indecisive on Akbar corruption case

PDI Perjuangan indecisive on Akbar corruption case The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's largest party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), has failed to take a final stance on the Rp 40 billion graft case, which allegedly involves Akbar Tandjung. After a day-long meeting, party spokesman Pramono Anung announced on Tuesday that PDI Perjuangan would allow its legislators at the House of Representatives to take their own stand.

Learn from RP in treatment of workers, Jacob says

Learn from RP in treatment of workers, Jacob says The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In Manila, workers returning from overseas are welcomed like heroes. In Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport, they will be met by an army of hungry officials herding them into Terminal III to be extorted. The sinister comparison between the contrasting ways the two countries treat their overseas workers was made by Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea on Tuesday.

Cabinet preparing decree to freeze terrorist assets

Cabinet preparing decree to freeze terrorist assets Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government appears set to issue a presidential decree on antiterrorism to enable it to access bank accounts of individuals or groups believed to have links with international terrorists.

Freedom fails

Freedom fails When any ministry of religious affairs takes it upon itself to control the activities of business and the economy, and interferes in the normal secular routines of all the citizens of a democratic nation, then the people must take note. The discriminatory edict to close down discos during Ramadhan breaks a number of laws and regulations. It goes completely against the concept of Pancasila. Literally, tens of thousands of Indonesian citizens will be unemployed for five weeks.

Police identify hardliners threatening MPR session

Police identify hardliners threatening MPR session Damar Harsanto and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb said on Tuesday the police had identified several radical groups that might threaten the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session, which is slated for Nov. 1 to Nov. 8.

Decree readied to freeze terrorist assets

Decree readied to freeze terrorist assets Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government appears set to issue a presidential decree on antiterrorism to enable it to access bank accounts of individuals or groups believed to have links with international terrorists.

Unibank fallout raises concern over BI roles

Unibank fallout raises concern over BI roles Dadan Wijaksana and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The closure of publicly listed Unibank, which Bank Indonesia (BI) officials said was linked to heavy loan exposure to a former controlling owner, has renewed concern over the central bank's poor bank supervisory capability. University of Gadjah Mada economist Sri Adiningsih voiced concern that the central bank had fallen short in carrying out its supervisory role.

Executive train derails at Gambir station, hundreds stranded

Executive train derails at Gambir station, hundreds stranded Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A Taksaka I executive class train derailed at Gambir railway station here early on Tuesday, causing the departure of four other trains to be postponed and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The Taksaka I train, serving the Yogyakarta-Jakarta route, derailed at about 5 a.m. Within two hours, however, the line had been cleared.

Floods inundate schools, hospital in Banyumas

Floods inundate schools, hospital in Banyumas Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto Heavy rain on Tuesday worsened flooding in Banyumas, one of the areas in Central Java badly affected by floods. Fourteen villages in three districts of Tambak, Kemranjen and Sumpyuh, were again inundated by water, forcing 2,500 people to seek shelter in drier areas. Floods also affected three villages in the Banyumas district, with a total of 325 houses inundated with water.

Rupiah Rates Oct.30

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

Authors awarded by MSI

Authors awarded by MSI JAKARTA: Two history writers -- Rosihan Anwar and Ramadhan KH -- were honored for their contribution to historical writing from the Indonesian Society of Historians (MSI) on Tuesday. The two were also made honorary MSI members. Among several books written by senior journalist Rosihan is the popular Kisah-kisah Jakarta Setelah Proklamasi (Stories of Jakarta since Proclamation).

Jakarta police commendable

Jakarta police commendable JAKARTA: Jakartans should be proud of the discipline and behavior displayed by police during Monday's operation to remove asylum seekers from the Arya Building, used by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an executive of the UNHCR Jakarta office said on Tuesday. "The police behaved with a restraint which is to be envied by other countries in the world.

U.S. marines deliver humanitarian aid

U.S. marines deliver humanitarian aid EAST TIMOR: About 1,000 U.S. marines were deployed across East Timor on Tuesday to provide medical assistance and other aid as part of a three-day visit to the new nation which is still struggling to recover from years of violence. The troops arrived in East Timor on Monday from bases in Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan, said Maj. Paul Van Breeman, the U.S. military spokesman in East Timor.

"This historical event should be taken into consideration in

"This historical event should be taken into consideration in determining the province's anniversary." Edi S. Ekadjati

RI faces shortage of lawyers

RI faces shortage of lawyers BOGOR: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said here on Monday that Indonesia was short of about 2,000 lawyers. Indonesia should have 5,500 lawyers to serve at least 400 district courts throughout the country, but in reality there are only about 3,500 lawyers at present, he said.

Global recovery fights new costs of terrorism

Global recovery fights new costs of terrorism Vincent Lingga, Senior Editor, The Jakarta Post, Hong Kong The United States was pushed decisively into recession when the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on that country undermined consumer confidence, disrupted trade and destroyed assets, most economists at the East Asian Economic Summit in Hong Kong agree.

Taufik flown to Australia for checkup

Taufik flown to Australia for checkup Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Taufik Kiemas, the husband of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, was flown to Perth, Australia on Tuesday evening, after being treated overnight for heart problems at Jakarta's Harapan Kita Hospital. Taufik was admitted to the hospital at midnight on Monday and received immediate treatment for several heart complaints.

Council to build new building

Council to build new building Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City council members moved forward with plans for a new building equipped with sauna and fitness facilities as the council's deputy chairman Tarmidi Suhardjo revealed on Tuesday a construction plan valued at Rp 30.5 billion (US$3.05 million) for the new city council building.

JAL told to compensate house owners

JAL told to compensate house owners Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court ordered Japan Airlines (JAL) on Monday to pay US$1 million in compensation for causing anxiety to 55 families of three villages near the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, following a plane accident last year.

Megawati must assume more control

Megawati must assume more control Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a meeting with members of the Indonesian community in Tokyo last month, President Megawati Soekarnoputri shared the secret of how she manages the country, including restoring calm to the economic and political chaos. She uses "housewife management", she said, and she also told her Cabinet members to follow her approach.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct.30, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,250 0 41,500 Adindo Foresta 80 0 0 AGIS 105 -5 661,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 190 20 9,500 Alakasa 215 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 800 -25 117,500 Alter Abadi 55 0 0 Alumindo Light 525 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 17,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 260 0 7,500 Aneka Tambang 875 -25 800,000 Apac Citra 240 -10 28,000 Aqua Golden...

"This historical event should be taken into consideration in

"This historical event should be taken into consideration in determining the province's anniversary." Edi S. Ekadjati

Indonesia's economic malaise: Fix the banks, quick!

Indonesia's economic malaise: Fix the banks, quick! Christopher Lingle, Global Strategist, eConoLytics.com Indonesia's economy remains plagued by structural inefficiencies and the banking system is near collapse. A first step toward escaping from these economic doldrums is for the government to change policies that inhibit long-term investment. That requires fixing the financial system whereby ailing banks are recapitalized so they can increase the supply of credit.

ASEAN warned not to delay on utilizing AFTA

ASEAN warned not to delay on utilizing AFTA Member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations should move quickly to implement the Asean Free Trade Agreement to meet the 2002 deadline, the World Trade Organization's Director-General designate Supachai Panitchpakdi said Tuesday. Faced with the global economic slowdown, "some countries may want to delay full participation in AFTA," he warned.

Hundreds lose their homes

Hundreds lose their homes JAKARTA: East Jakarta Mayoralty officers on Tuesday completely demolished hundreds of houses at Kampung Garapan in the Pondok Kopi area. "There was no clash during today's demolition because the residents surrendered in desperation when faced with the powerful joint operation by the mayoralty officers and the police," Afrizal Malna, an activist with the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) said.

Deflation rears its head in Asia

Deflation rears its head in Asia Alan Wheatley, Reuters, Tokyo The spectre of deflation is haunting Asia, bringing the risk of further pain to a region struggling with one of the steepest economic downturns on record. Economists said the unfolding shock to global demand, coupled with a flood of goods from low-cost China, was putting heavy downward pressure on prices and could pose serious policy challenges if the trend persisted. "It could cause a lot of problems. You just need to look at Japan.

The first 100 days

The first 100 days President Megawati Soekarnoputri's first 100 days in office is more noteworthy for things that did not take place, than for what did. For sure, many things happened during that period. Most notable of these was the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Everyone, including ministers and officials in Megawati's Cabinet, agrees that they have changed the world completely.

TIM, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 325130);

TIM, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 325130); Destiny, 4:55 p.m., Spring to Come, 7:05 p.m., City of Sadness, 9:15 p.m. . Film schedule was correct at press time. More information is available at www.jiffest.com or the JiFFest Communications Director, Vashti (Tel. 325113, 325115).

'Organda' should be dissolved

'Organda' should be dissolved From Pelita I see that the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) in Jakarta is not useful any more, as it is unable to prevent city public transportation fares from going up. Some transportation company owners have increased their fares arbitrarily. For example, the fare for mikrolet (public minivans) plying the Cililitan-Kampung Melayu route has been increased from the stipulated Rp 800 to Rp 1,200, or even Rp 1,400, per passenger.

Elite shuttlers boost championship standards

Elite shuttlers boost championship standards Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) defended on Tuesday the mandatory presence of elite players at the 2001 National Badminton Individual Championships, saying they boosted the event's standards. The PBSI official in charge of tournament and referee affairs, Juniarto Suhandinata, admitted that the policy had sparked controversy among the organization's chapters nationwide.

52 prosecutors dismissed

52 prosecutors dismissed MEDAN, North Sumatra: Fifty-two prosecutors have been dismissed this month for misrepresenting cases that have gone to trial, Attorney General M.A. Rachman said. Rachman said on Saturday that the dismissals were conducted in a bid to wipe out prosecutors who were hindering the law enforcement effort. He said that the dismissals were also aimed at improving its tarnished image in the community where the prosecutor's office is considered the center of trial fixing.

Telephone rates shouldn't go up

Telephone rates shouldn't go up From Forum Keadilan The delay in discussions at the House of Representatives (DPR) on the increase of telephone rates is understandable, due to the lack of transparency in the calculation of such an increase, as presented by PT Telkom. In addition, PT Telkom has not given its customers much advance notice of the planned increase. I cannot accept their reason that the increase is necessary due to expansion and continued maintenance of the existing network.

Da'i nomination faces mounting opposition

Da'i nomination faces mounting opposition The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The nomination of Comr. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar as the new National Police chief by President Megawati Soekarnoputri has faced mounting opposition from observers, who say his neutrality in the police's internal conflict should not be the main reason for appointing him. Mulyana W.

Harm reduction: A necessary solution to IDU/HIV dilemma

Harm reduction: A necessary solution to IDU/HIV dilemma Chris Green, AIDS Activist and advocate, Jakarta Nowhere in the world is the practice of harm reduction, as explained in the accompanying article, uncontroversial. For a start, even those among us who understand the basics of drug use and abuse often find it difficult to appreciate the logic of providing substitute drugs or clean needles to drug addicts. Surely we are trying to cure them of their addiction, not sustain them in their habit?

West Java set to have anniversary to celebrate

West Java set to have anniversary to celebrate Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung The West Java political elite has been uneasy due to the absence of a major provincial anniversary celebration, which it considered had something to do with the low participation of ordinary people in the provincial development program.

Ban on firecrackers

Ban on firecrackers From Rakyat Merdeka Some districts in Jakarta have now been disturbed by the loud noise of firecrackers. It shows that firecracker vendors have tried to make profits by selling firecrackers ahead of a possible ban by the government on their sale. Relevant authorities should therefore conduct raids against these vendors. Whoever ignites firecrackers in front of someone's house should be punished.

RI incapable of 'controlling extremism'

RI incapable of 'controlling extremism' Associated Press, Jakarta Religious minorities in Indonesia face persecution and discrimination and cannot count on authorities to protect them from attacks by extremists, according to a U.S. State Department report.

Schools remain closed in Jayapura

Schools remain closed in Jayapura JAYAPURA, Papua: Thousands of elementary and high school students in Pantai Timur subdistrict in Jayapura regency missed classes because their teachers had left the city due to security disturbances in the subdistrict. Damianus Swenik, a local informal leader, called on local authorities to restore the disrupted security and order to allow the teachers to return to do their jobs.

Pertamina eyes stake in BP unit

Pertamina eyes stake in BP unit Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Tuesday it was considering buying British American oil firm BP Plc.'s shares in Singapore Refining Co. Pertamina president Baihaki Hakim said that Pertamina was in talks with BP about the share price. "We were not interested when BP offered them to us a year ago, but we were approached once again with a more interesting price.

PPP told to accelerate its national congress

PPP told to accelerate its national congress Asip A. Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Members of the United Development Party (PPP) from half of the party's provincial branches across the country reiterated their demand on Tuesday that the party's central executive board bring forward the timing of its national congress (Muktamar) to precede the 2004 general election.

Entry point to constitutional change

Entry point to constitutional change J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta A great number of issues are likely to be on the agenda of the upcoming Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Most probably short of efforts at a change of government, but for a better performance of the government in the light of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's "progress report".