Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 November 2001

92 articles found

Govt to change approach on restive provinces

Govt to change approach on restive provinces Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Vice President Hamzah Haz says the government is trying to change its approaches to restive provinces such as Aceh and Irian Jaya in order to reduce violence and promote people's welfare.

Police yet to be paid for MPR session

Police yet to be paid for MPR session Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session finished on Friday but the police had yet to receive funds from the Finance Ministry for the security operation, Jakarta Police Chief Ins. Gen. Sofjan Yacoeb revealed. "The Ministry of Finance has yet to pay operational costs spent during the People's Consultative Assembly Annual Session," Sofjan told reporters at the city police headquarters.

Will legal system bury Tommy's case?

Will legal system bury Tommy's case? Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Noted lawyer Todung says only repressive methods could force high-profile fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra out of hiding. "The only thing that would bring Tommy out of hiding and serve his prison sentence would be the use of repressive measures by the police," Todung told The Jakarta Post in a recent interview. However, he said, he was pessimistic about whether the police had any intention of finding Tommy.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta Do you want something different to do with your family on a day off? Try the graveyard tour offered by the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Kalibata, South Jakarta. The tour is open for any group with about 20 members and lasts for two hours, during which you can explore the 25-hectare cemetery and learn all about the site. The first thing many people have in their minds, is what kind of heroes deserve a grave at the cemetery.

Firecracker trafficking foiled

Firecracker trafficking foiled CIREBON, West Java: Cirebon police foiled the trafficking of 150 packets of firecrackers from Indramayu to the provincial capital of Bandung on Friday. The police also seized a truck used to transport the banned explosive substances and its owner Sodikin. Adj. Sr. Comr. Ricardo Hutauruk, chief of the Cirebon Police Precinct, said that according to the police investigation, the firecrackers were destined for Bandung.

Disintegration on doorstep, PPP warns government

Disintegration on doorstep, PPP warns government The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Development Party (PPP) faction in the People's Consultative Assembly has warned that the government must be more serious in dealing with the threat of disintegration, referring to separatist movements in Aceh, Papua and Maluku.

RI-U.S. diplomatic relations

RI-U.S. diplomatic relations From Tempo With regard to the suggestion made by some community leaders that Indonesia should suspend diplomatic relations with the United States, I consider that stance to be unwise and very subjective; a suggestion made emotionally and rather thoughtlessly. As we all know, the U.S. exercises great control over the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has extended financial assistance to Indonesia to help the country out of its monetary crisis. The U.S.

Cambodians study pest control in E. Java

Cambodians study pest control in E. Java SURABAYA, East Java: A group of Cambodian officials visited the East Java regencies of Ngawi and Jombang between Nov. 6 and Nov. 9. to study a program for the eradication of rice pests. "We are here to share experiences and ideas on how to control rice pests," Chou Chey Thyrith, leader of the Cambodian group, said after a meeting with East Java deputy governor Imam Supardi here on Friday.

Army warned against logging

Army warned against logging JAKARTA: Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto on Thursday said he has ordered regional military commanders in Kalimantan provinces to take firm action against their personnel found guilty of involvement in illegal logging. "I have warned the local military commanders in Kalimantan to strictly supervise their subordinates in order not to be involved in illegal logging," he said.

Understanding World Bank

Understanding World Bank Disappointing! This is what the World Bank thinks of the 100 days of Megawati's administration. This administration, the World Bank says, is yet to make great strides in structural reforms and in the running of the government. This evaluation is a bitter pill for Indonesia, a country rich in natural resources but heavily dependent on other nations. This disappointment has led to negative market sentiment. The rupiah fell to around Rp 11,000 per U.S.

ADB cuts RI growth forecast to 3.2%

ADB cuts RI growth forecast to 3.2% Moch. M. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's predicted economic growth this year has been slashed by about 25 per cent, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Friday. ADB revised its economic growth forecast for Indonesia this year from the 4.2 percent predicted in April to just 3.2 percent due to a global economic recession deepened by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

Australians dramatically change attitude to Indonesia

Australians dramatically change attitude to Indonesia Rob Goodfellow, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia In September 2001 Wollongong-based IRIS Research was commissioned by Ian PCH Siagian, Political Representative (Koordinator Wilayah) of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in Australia, to research changing attitudes of ordinary Australians towards Indonesia.

Blast at Jakarta Church: Police have detained two men who are

Blast at Jakarta Church: Police have detained two men who are suspected of throwing an explosive device into Petra Church in Koja, North Jakarta, late Friday night. City police spokesman Snr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam told Jakarta Post that two men, one aged 17 and the other 20, were apprehended by police not far from the scene of the explosion after police became suspicious of their movements. At least two explosive devices were confiscated from them.

Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav.

Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 22, South Jakarta (Tel. 5268458); Show Me Love, 2:30 p.m., Pasir Berbisik, 5:30 p.m., Family Pack, 7:30 p.m. . Djakarta Theater, Thamrin, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3848944); Almost Famous, 5:15 p.m., The Circle (Closing Film), 7:30 p.m. . New Goethe Institute, Jl. Sam Ratulangi 9-15, Menteng, Central Jakarta (Tel. 23550208); Get Animated 3: Pib and Pog, 3 p.m., Day I Became a Woman, 5 p.m. . Film schedule was correct at press time.

ASEAN-China free trade plan gets ADB thumbs up

ASEAN-China free trade plan gets ADB thumbs up Cecil Morella Agence France-Presse Manila The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday backed plans by China and 10 neighbors to create the world's largest free trade area (FTA), saying Beijing's growth engine could take up part of the slack in the United States, Europe and Japan. China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached broad agreement at a meeting in Brunei on Tuesday in working toward the creation of the FTA.

MPR fails to agree on constitutional reforms

MPR fails to agree on constitutional reforms The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) wrapped up their annual session on Friday evening, but failed to reach an agreement on constitutional reforms to allow voters to elect the president by direct ballot.

Orangutan trader jailed

Orangutan trader jailed TOKYO: A director of a pet shop in Osaka, Japan was sentenced to 32 months in jail after he was found guilty of illegally buying four endangered orangutans from Indonesia. The defendant, identified as Hiroharu Kaito, 40, was also ordered by the Osaka District Court to pay a fine amounting to 2.5 million yen (Rp 225,000,000), an Antara correspondent reported from Tokyo on Friday.

Govt needs Willem's help for refugee repatriation

Govt needs Willem's help for refugee repatriation Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla has officially requested the Indonesian Military (TNI) leadership to allow Maj. Gen. Willem T. da Costa, chief of Udayana Military Command to participate in the government's endeavor to repatriate East Timorese refugees. Kalla made the request in an official letter he delivered to Indonesian Military Commander Admiral Widodo A.S. on Nov. 6, 2001.

1. SERIBU: 2x15

1. SERIBU: 2x15 Seribu Islands now a regency 2. Security : 3x15 Police promise to secure city during Ramadhan 3. ARI - 1x 40 Conflicting testimonies mark Ari's trial 4. TMP - 1x 40 Generals, corporals treated alike at cemetery 5. SUsul - 1x16 Bar ban final

[b]Can badminton restore

Can badminton restore nation's pride? Primastuti Handayani Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Mari -- Indonesia-China Bilateral Economic Relations: a view from Shanghai 1 X 30 48pt Bodoni RI-PRC bilateral economic ties better: RI-PRC bilateral economic relations (if it fits) Indonesia-China Bilateral Economic Relations: a view from Shanghai Mari Pangestu Economist Shanghai, China 3.

Chinese Prime Minister takes rest in Bali

Chinese Prime Minister takes rest in Bali I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China Zhu Rongji arrived in Bali on Friday afternoon for a two-day informal visit. The China Airlines Boeing 747 carrying Zhu and his 140-strong entourage landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport at 12:15 p.m. local time. Indonesian Ambassador to China AA Kustia and Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Chen Shiqiu accompanied the prime minister.

Matori told to meet Gus Dur

Matori told to meet Gus Dur Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Chairman of the country's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Hasyim Muzadi urged Matori Abdul Djalil, the former chairman of National Awakening Party (PKB), to have a dialog with the party's board of patrons head Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid for the sake of reconciliation.

Business leaders criticize office

Business leaders criticize office The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sofjan Wanandi, a leader of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), has urged economics ministers to strengthen the customs service due to the domestic market being flooded with foreign goods entering the country illegally, either through outright smuggling or underinvoicing.

Howard gets elections boost: A dramatic last minute twist arising

Howard gets elections boost: A dramatic last minute twist arising from the government's tough stance on asylum seekers dominated the final campaign day before Saturday's federal election, likely boosting Prime Minister John Howard's third term bid.

Seribu islands now a regency

Seribu islands now a regency Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After being delayed twice, Kepulauan Seribu was finally inaugurated on Friday by Governor Sutiyoso as a new regency with Kamil Abdul Kadir appointed as the first regent. The inauguration ceremony was held on Pramuka island. The islands, located in Jakarta Bay, were previously a district under the North Jakarta mayoralty.

IFC investment in RI still suspended

IFC investment in RI still suspended Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Finance Cooperation (IFC), a commercial arm of the World Bank, said on Friday it would maintain its investment suspension on Indonesia, until it saw concrete improvements in the country's legal environment. The IFC regional representative for Indonesia, Amitava Banerjee said a number of incidents involving legal cases had prompted it to suspend investment programs since last March.

Rupiah higher on suspected BI intervention

Rupiah higher on suspected BI intervention Dow Jones, Jakarta/Singapore The Indonesian rupiah ended higher against the dollar Friday on suspected central bank intervention, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 10,400, down from its close Thursday at Rp 10,480. Suspected intervention by Bank Indonesia - both directly and indirectly through state banks - pushed the dollar to an intraday low of Rp 10,325 midmorning. However, fresh dollar purchases late afternoon by local companies helped the U.S.

Faulty cable disables train

Faulty cable disables train JAKARTA: An electric train bound for Serpong was held at Kebayoran railway station on Friday, as the cable connecting the train and the overhead wire had been damaged. According to the public relations officer for the state-owned railway company PT KAI, Zainal Abidin, the disruption did not cause other trains to be rerouted or rescheduled.

Owners ask closure plan reviewed

Owners ask closure plan reviewed BOGOR: Owners of nightspots and entertainment centers asked the Bogor municipality on Friday to review the decision to ban their operation during the fasting month, saying their workers would not be able to make money if they did not work. An owner of a billiards center, Suyanto, told reporters that the administration could exempt his business from the ruling as billiards was also a sport.

In pursuit of true heroes

In pursuit of true heroes As Indonesians commemorate Heroes Day today, every thinking individual among us must be provoked to question what type of heroes this country now needs amid the devastating multi- dimensional crisis.

Presidential election

Presidential election From Forum Keadilan The amendment of Article 6 of the 1945 Constitution regarding the election of the president and the vice president as a single team is a step forward in turning Indonesia into a genuinely democratic country. Unfortunately, this bill has been tarnished by a stipulation that in the event that no presidential election team meets the requirements, it is the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) that will elect the president. The reason is cost efficiency.

Mayor urged to combat gambling

Mayor urged to combat gambling SEMARANG, Central Java: Some 30 students of the Indonesian Muslim Student Association (KAMMI) staged a demonstration at the city office on Friday, demanding that Mayor Sukawi Sutarip combat the widespread gambling in the city on the eve of the Ramadhan fasting month. "Pak mayor and the police, take the Ramadhan month as a good moment to show your commitment and credibility, please.

Police promise to secure city during Ramadhan

Police promise to secure city during Ramadhan Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police vowed to tighten security to help secure the capital during the fasting month of Ramadhan, which starts on Nov. 16. "We will increase our patrols to places that are considered at high risk to crime to prevent crime from occurring," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam announced on Friday.

Police vow to secure Jakarta during fasting month

Police vow to secure Jakarta during fasting month Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Police vowed to tighten security to help secure the capital during the fasting month of Ramadhan, which starts on Nov. 16. "We will increase our patrols to places that are considered at high risk to crime to prevent crime from occurring," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam announced on Friday.

[b]Japan's economy to

Japan's economy to shrink in 2001/02 2. Duit (3 x 14) Indonesian rupiah ends higher on suspected intervention 3. Belum (2 X 20) Saudi push for big OPEC cut lifts oil price

RI, Holland to set up joint heritage committee

RI, Holland to set up joint heritage committee Ida Indawati Khouw, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands have agreed to set up a joint heritage committee to preserve Indonesia's Dutch related heritage, the visiting Dutch State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science, Frederick van der Ploeg, said. The agreement was reached after a meeting with Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardhika on Thursday.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 9

Rupiah Rates Nov. 9 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

1. Refuge: 8 x 4 lines

1. Refuge: 8 x 4 lines Govt needs da Costa's help for refugee repatriation 2. Land: 20 x 2 lines Land disputes disruptive, confusing in Irian Jaya 3. Flood: 24 x 2 lines Major river dredging to start in Central Java next year

Asian stocks close mixed, HK gains on property stocks

Asian stocks close mixed, HK gains on property stocks Dow Jones, Singapore Asian stocks closed mixed Friday, with Tokyo shares failing to hold onto gains after Thursday's rally but Hong Kong shares climbing further on rising property stocks. In Hong Kong, shares closed slightly higher, fueled by further gains in property stocks, which were boosted by the latest round of U.S.-led interest rate cuts by local banks this week.

Local reps, Interst Group: A tale of two factions

Local reps, Interst Group: A tale of two factions Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators from the Regional Representatives faction hummed a happy tune on Friday after eventually winning back their faction status in the Assembly after two years of bitter struggle to retain it. But the members from the Interest Group faction sung a different tune because their fate remained in a state of limbo.

Ramadhan may start differently

Ramadhan may start differently SURABAYA: Muslims may not begin the holy fasting month of Ramadhan on the same day this month as Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations will likely set different dates. Leaders of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the nation's biggest Muslim group, said in East Java on Thursday that Ramadhan will likely start on Nov. 17, while Muhammadiyah, the second largest Muslim group, will start the holy month one day earlier, referring to the general calender.

132 Riau scouts leave for Malaysia

132 Riau scouts leave for Malaysia PEKANBARU, Riau: A total of 132 boy and girl scouts from the province left for Malaysia on Friday to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) scout camp meeting being held in the neighboring country. Azwar, coach of the Riau contingent, said the ASEAN camp meeting, which would run for five days from Nov. 10 until Nov. 14, 2001 was expected to enhance brotherhood and cooperation among member countries' scouts.

Public misery

Public misery From Pikiran Rakyat The Megawati administration is no different from the previous government. It has acted repressively and shown no care for public misery. Senior officials, from both the executive and legislative institutions, have been paid handsomely to prevent them from practicing corruption, collusion and nepotism, but the facts show that these practices remain rife. They no longer have a conscience about the misery inflicted on people at the grass- roots.

Make airport more pleasant

Make airport more pleasant I'd like to add some comments with regard to the complaint in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 8, 2001 on Soekarno-Hatta airport. On Nov. 7 I arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport from Singapore with my family. I was holding my 14-month old son in one hand, carrying a 15 kg backpack on my back and a 10 kg bag across my body. I was accompanied by my three-months-pregnant wife. I had my watch stolen amidst the jostling that accompanies arriving passengers accosted for taxi services.

Taiwan to unshackle investment for China

Taiwan to unshackle investment for China Agence France-Presse, Taipei Taiwan is set to fully open some 1,722 items for China-bound investment that currently require case-by-case review, in line with its recent easing of mainland policy, officials said Friday. "We expect to free most of the 1,722 items from case-by-case review to the general category under which they would no longer need prior approval from the government," said an Investment Commission spokesman.

Owners ask closure plan reviewed

Owners ask closure plan reviewed BOGOR: Owners of nightspots and entertainment centers asked the Bogor municipality on Friday to review the decision to ban their operation during the fasting month, saying their workers would not be able to make money if they did not work. An owner of a billiards center, Suyanto, told reporters that the administration could exempt his business from the ruling as billiards was also a sport.

Martial law in N. Maluku to be revoke

Martial law in N. Maluku to be revoke TERNATE, North Maluku: The government is considering lifting martial law in light of the gradual normalization of the situation in North Maluku, says an official. "Martial law will certainly be revoked after all refugees have returned to their home villages in the province," Maj. Gen. Karyono, secretary of the coordinating minister for political and security affairs, said in a meeting with local figures and activists here on Friday.

Burning chillies mark anti-WTO protests in Asia

Burning chillies mark anti-WTO protests in Asia Reuters, Tokyo Hundreds of Thai farmers burned chillies in a protest against the World Trade Organization on Friday, but other anti- globalization protests were small in Asia and mixed with an anti- war message ahead of WTO talks in Qatar.

ASEAN-China FTA plan gets ADB thumbs up

ASEAN-China FTA plan gets ADB thumbs up Cecil Morella, Agence France-Presse, Manila The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday backed plans by China and 10 neighbors to create the world's largest free trade area (FTA), saying Beijing's growth engine could take up part of the slack in the United States, Europe and Japan. China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached broad agreement at a meeting in Brunei on Tuesday in working toward the creation of the FTA.

NGO activists unimpressed with legilators

NGO activists unimpressed with legilators The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Non-governmental activists who monitor the People's Consultative Assembly's Annual Session are not impressed by what the politicians have done. They say the legislators are not serious in dealing with critical state issues. Iva Kasuma of the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW): From what I've learned from this year's Annual Session, we have to tell the people to be ready for disappointment.

1. --

1. -- 1 X 35 50pt Bodoni Prospect and pitfalls in Australia-RI ties Part 2 of 2 Australia - Indonesia relations Prospect and pitfalls Ali Alatas Former Foreign Minister Perth 2. Rob -- As Australians go to the polls survey shows dramatic changes in attitudes to Indonesia 1 X 55 36pt Bodoni Australians dramatically change attitude to Indonesia By Rob Goodfellow 3. Star -- 1 X 55 36pt Bodoni U.S. tries to avoid criticism in international forums V.K.Chin

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs PT Astra International said on Friday that it may not sell its oil palm plantation unit PT Astra Agro Lestari this year. Astra International director Kour Nam Tiam cited current unfavorable market sentiment hurting the company's value as one of the reasons. He said buyer interest existed but the company was not in any hurry to divest Agro Lestari.

Preparing yourself effectively for today's workplace

Preparing yourself effectively for today's workplace Pri Notowidigdo, Amrop Hever, Global Executive Search, Jakarta New trends have affected our lives in the workplace. Key trends include a shift from hierarchies to networks in organizations. Markets have become increasingly global. What worked in the past may not necessarily work in these times of rapid change requiring us to shift to continuous learning.

Use of security funds questioned

Use of security funds questioned BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Aceh provincial legislature has asked the provincial administration to account for the use of Rp 10 billion (US$1 million) allocated to finance the military operation to restore security and order in the restive province. "The provincial government must account for the alleged leakage in the funds allocated to finance the security operation conducted by both the police and the military," Mustafa A.

For woman, handbag gives ultimate feeling

For woman, handbag gives ultimate feeling Christiani Tumelap Contributor If you see a woman blowing her budget on an Rp 8 million (about US$780) branded handbag, don't bother to ask why. Handbags have recently achieved higher esteem not only as indispensable fashion statements but also bold status symbols. "I'm not a true fashionist.

Vietnamese president to visit Indonesia

Vietnamese president to visit Indonesia INDONESIA: Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong will start his official visit to three member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the first stop being Indonesia on Saturday. According to the Indonesian foreign ministry, the Vietnamese president will hold a meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri only two hours after arriving at Halim Perdanakusuma airport.

Govt, IMF to mull spending cuts on 2001 budget

Govt, IMF to mull spending cuts on 2001 budget Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are expected to start discussions next week on the slashing of expenditure in this year's state budget to anticipate a shortfall in deficit financing from the privatization and asset sales programs. IMF Senior Representative for Indonesia David C.

PDI Perjuangan blamed for stalling debate on Constitution

PDI Perjuangan blamed for stalling debate on Constitution Abu Hanifah and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Development Party (PPP) and Reform factions are blaming the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI- Perjuangan) for stalling deliberation of constitutional reform. They say that legislators from the PDI Perjuangan, the country's largest party, have been half-hearted in responding to popular demands for amendment of the Constitution.

1. IMF (4x8)

1. IMF (4x8) Govt, IMF to mull spending cuts on 2001 budget 2. IFC (2x18) IFC investment in RI still suspended 3. ADB (1x30) ADB cuts RI 2001 growth forecast to 3.2% 4. Custom (2x18) Business leaders criticize tax office 5. EBRD (4x8) EBRD to push for reform in C. Asia 6. Taiwan (2x18) Taiwan to unshackle investment for China

Top ministers hold dialog with investors

Top ministers hold dialog with investors Adianto P.Simamora and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top ministers holding key economic and political portfolio for the first time opened a dialogue with domestic and foreign investors on Friday, following strong warning earlier from the World Bank that the government only had six months to restore investor confidence as time is running out.

Pandora's Box must be opened

Pandora's Box must be opened President Megawati, as cited in a news story in Kompas of Nov.

E. Kalimantan loses 6m ha of forest

E. Kalimantan loses 6m ha of forest SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A total of more than six million hectares of forest area in the province has been damaged due to mismanagement and fires this year, says a local official. "The destruction has a lot to do with the infringement of the transparency, conservation and justice principles in forest management," Robian, chief of the local forestry ministry office, said here on Friday.

Legislators seek ouster of corrupt officials

Legislators seek ouster of corrupt officials Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Major factions of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) urged the government on Friday to get tough on state officials involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) practices. The National Awakening faction demanded that the government impose severe sanctions on state administrators and law enforcers allegedly involved in KKN.

Woman jailed for slapping RI maid

Woman jailed for slapping RI maid SINGAPORE: A woman initially fined for slapping her Indonesian maid will now spend three months in a Singapore jail under stiffer punishments for maid abuse, it was reported on Friday. This is the second time this week Chief Justice Yong Pung How increased an employer's sentence for the offense, noting violence against maids had to stop, The Straits Times said.

JP/2/roundup

JP/2/roundup MPR fails to agree on constitutional reforms The Jakarta Post Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) wrapped up their annual session on Friday evening, but failed to reach an agreement on constitutional reforms to allow voters to elect the president by direct ballot.

UNICEF-WFP cooperation

UNICEF-WFP cooperation The Wood Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF would cooperate in ongoing attempts to address the problems of malnutrition in Indonesia, the agencies said Friday. The two agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in 41 districts and to provide specific support to the integrated health service posts (Posyandu), the statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Friday said.

RI-PRC blateral economic ties

RI-PRC blateral economic ties Mari Pangestu, Economist , Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Shanghai, China Part 2 of 2 There are specific areas of cooperation that could be strengthened such as the great potential in resource based sectors where Indonesia has comparative advantage. The rapid growth experienced by China will mean increased demand for fuel and other resources it does not have in sufficient quantities in the foreseeable future.

Can RI badminton reclaim its lost pride?

Can RI badminton reclaim its lost pride? Primastuti Handayani, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) elected its new chairman last weekend. Businessman Chairul Tanjung, owner of Bank Mega, defeated Justian Suhandinata, a well known figure in badminton world, in a one-sided contest, 252 votes to 13. The result revealed two things.

Connflicting testimonies in mark Ari's trial

Connflicting testimonies in mark Ari's trial Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Witnesses gave conflicting testimonies during the trial of former president Soeharto's grandson Ari Haryo Wibowo (alias Ari Sigit) at the Central Jakarta District Court on Friday. Presiding judge Heri Suwantoro even once raised his voice to warn one of the witnesses, Ganjar Sutardi, the security guard at Ari's house.

Seribu newest district in DKI

Seribu newest district in DKI or Seribu officially becomes a regency or 1000 Islands, Jakarta's only regency Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta After being delayed twice, Kepulauan Seribu was finally inaugurated on Friday by Governor Sutiyoso as a new regency with Kamil Abdul Kadir appointed as the first regent. The inauguration ceremony was held on Pramuka island.

"The tribes, who previously owned the land, never received any

"The tribes, who previously owned the land, never received any money for the land now fully controlled by the Indonesian government." A.R. Mapanding

Was it worth the effort?

Was it worth the effort? Most of the lawmakers assembled for a little over a week in Jakarta for the Annual Session of the nation's supreme policy- making body, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), would certainly resent being labeled ineffective; nor is it entirely fair to say that the session that ended yesterday was a total waste of time, energy and tax-payers' money. After all, the lawmakers in the MPR can point to some tangible progress made in their deliberations.

1. KKN: 4 lines, 10 counts

1. KKN: 4 lines, 10 counts Legislators seek ouster of corrupt officials 2. KOREK: 2 lines, 23 counts Cotton buds, piggy banks and checks for legislators 3. LAMBAT, 2 lines, 28 counts PDI Perjuangan blamed for stalling debate on Constitution 4. FUD: 5 lines, 9 counts Local reps, Interest Group: a tale of two factions 5. SEPARATIS: 2 lines, 23 Counts Disintegration on doorstep, PPP warns government 6. SPEAK: 1 line 38 counts NGO activists unimpressed with legislators

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.

Govt told to address domestic problems

Govt told to address domestic problems Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri must resolve domestic problems such as security and legal uncertainty in order to bring the country out of its current crisis, observers said on Friday. "We should shift our attention from global problems to domestic issues," political observer Dewi Fortuna Anwar told a seminar on The Implications of International Terrorism and U.S.

Temmy was not a drug addict when still an athlete: Coach

Temmy was not a drug addict when still an athlete: Coach Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta KONI, the Indonesian sports governing council, admits to being shocked about Southeast Asian Games triple-gold medalist Temmy Kusuma's drug-related death, while his former diving coach denied speculation that the athlete was a drug user when he was on the national team.

Major river dredging to start in Central Java next year

Major river dredging to start in Central Java next year Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto In a bid to control flooding which has ravaged many regencies in the southern part of Central Java, the administration plans clean up three big rivers, the Serayu, Bogowonto and Citanduy. The head of the provincial office for water resources management, Nidhom Ashari said here on Thursday that the project would include dredging, widening and straightening some parts of the rivers.

Shadow puppet theater finds appreciative audience in Japan

Shadow puppet theater finds appreciative audience in Japan ======================== Kartika Bagus C. Contributor Surakarta, Central Java ------------------------ In Javanese culture, the shadow puppet show depicts life in this world, where there is a dichotomy of black and white, good and evil, sorrow and happiness. It is this depiction of life that makes the shadow puppet show really appeal to those well versed in this traditional art.

Cotton buds, piggy banks and cheeks for legislators

Cotton buds, piggy banks and cheeks for legislators Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Apart from tense debate inside the People's Consultative Assembly's commodious convention hall over burning state issues, it was a bundle of laughs outside. The main unofficial event was a "ceremony" where NGO activists presented easygoing legislators with a box of cotton buds, a mock check and a piggy bank.

RI sends high-powered team to WTO meeting

RI sends high-powered team to WTO meeting The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has sent the biggest delegation from the developing world to the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Doha, while Japan becomes the largest delegation, a news agency quoted the organization Friday.

Shadow puppet theater finds audience in Japan

Shadow puppet theater finds audience in Japan Kartika Bagus C., Contributor, Surakarta, Central Java In Javanese culture, the shadow puppet show depicts life in this world, where there is a dichotomy of black and white, good and evil, sorrow and happiness. It is this depiction of life that makes the shadow puppet show really appeal to those well versed in this traditional art.

Jambi police probe women's demo

Jambi police probe women's demo JAMBI: The Kerinci, Jambi, Police Precinct is still investigating the recent demonstration by a group of women aimed at stopping the police investigation into the theft of 50 trees from the Kerinci Seblat National Park. "We are carrying out the investigation to arrest those who engineered the women's demonstration," Adj. Sr. Comr. Edi Purwanto, chief of the police precinct, said here on Friday.

Fire destroys automobile repair shop

Fire destroys automobile repair shop JAKARTA: Fire razed an automobile repair shop on Jl. Saharjo Raya, South Jakarta, on Friday, destroying a number of cars that were waiting to be repaired. According to a South Jakarta fire department official, Abdul Fakar, the fire occurred at 1:20 p.m. and after deploying 13 firefighter units the fire was extinguished at 3:30 p.m., thus preventing it from spreading to other buildings.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Art Festival 2001 by Amrus Natalsya, Joko Pekik, etc., Bizete Gallery, Jl. Gandaria I no. 9 A, South Jakarta (Tel. 7246725), Mon. to Fri., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. to Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 10. * Ikat from Eastern Sumba and Handicrafts from Sardinia, Italian Cultural Institute, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto 117, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3927531), until Nov. 15. * Indonesia Art Awards 2001, the National Gallery of Indonesia, Jl.

JP/2/roundup

JP/2/roundup MPR fails to agree on constitutional reforms The Jakarta Post Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) wrapped up their annual session Friday evening, but failed to reach an agreement on constitutional reforms to allow voters to elect the president by direct ballot.

Prospects and pitfalls in Australia-RI ties

Prospects and pitfalls in Australia-RI ties Ali Alatas, Former Foreign Minister, Perth, Australia Part 2 of 2 As may be recalled, through this approach both sides consciously and actively developed and agreed on a number of accords and cooperative endeavors in various fields, in trade, communications, tourism, science and technology etc. The Australia -- Indonesia Institute was established in Australia.

[b]ASEAN-China FTA plan

ASEAN-China FTA plan gets ADB thumbs up 4. Cyber (1 x 30) EU council adopts cybercrime treaty

MONEY MATTERS

MONEY MATTERS Indonesia's gross foreign exchange reserves slipped to US$28.48 billion as of Nov. 7 from $28.59 billion a week ago due to the government's foreign debt repayments, the central bank said Friday. -- Dow Jones The South Korean government will expand its budget spending next year to help achieve its goal of 4.0-percent economic growth, the country's top economic minister said Friday.

Didik Nini Thowok blends different cultures on stage

Didik Nini Thowok blends different cultures on stage Israr Ardiansyah, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Blending elements of Javanese and Japanese culture in dance may seem almost inconceivable, but noted dancer Didik Nini Thowok has succeeded in creating a synergy between the two. Titled Kala Kina Kini, which in Javanese means "from past to present", the show by the Didik Nini Thowok Foundation held on Monday evening at Purna Budaya Art Center in Yogyakarta drew an enthusiastic audience.

Justian resigns from IBF

Justian resigns from IBF JAKARTA: Following his defeat in the election for the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) chairmanship, Justian Suhandinata has resigned from his positions as IBF vice president and council member, the worldbadminton.net website reported on Thursday.

Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center loses its touch

Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center loses its touch Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta Today, Nov. 10, the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center, better known as TIM, in Cikini, Central Jakarta, celebrates its 33rd anniversary. Again, the November Festival is being held to mark the event, featuring lectures, exhibitions and performances.

Land disputes disruptive, confusing in Irian Jaya

Land disputes disruptive, confusing in Irian Jaya R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura One of many social conflicts in the easternmost province of Irian Jaya is land disputes between the tribal communities and the government. A tribe head said that the indigenous people just wanted their agricultural land they had inherited from their ancestors, to be returned or be paid compensation. The land has been "acquired" by the government "for public purposes". On Sept.