Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 November 2001

83 articles found

Govt eyes fresh IMF loans this year

Govt eyes fresh IMF loans this year Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said it was upbeat about receiving an estimated US$400 million in new loans this year from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), based on the expectation that it would soon sign a new lending agreement with the Fund.

Correction

Correction In this column on Monday, writer and political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono was identified as being from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. He is no longer affiliated to this institute. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. -- Editor

Bomb explosions kill two, injure 14 in Ambon

Bomb explosions kill two, injure 14 in Ambon The Jakarta Post, Ambon Two homemade bombs exploded in two separate areas in the Maluku provincial capital of Ambon on Monday, leaving two dead and 14 others seriously injured. Linggawati, 51, the owner of an electronics equipment store in the city, died of severe injuries after a strong explosion ripped through her store, while her son, Roberth, 25, died before he was able to receive medical attention at the Graha Bhakti General Hospital.

Meat sellers protest Bandung decree

Meat sellers protest Bandung decree Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Three hundred meat traders, members of the Bandung, West Java, Association of Beef Traders (Apdasi), took the streets on Monday protesting the imposition of a levy on local cattle and value added tax on imported cattle. The protesters staged a rally at the West Java provincial legislative council on Jl. Diponegoro, Bandung, before 20 of them were permitted to speak to Commission B for economic affairs.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs State-controlled PT Bank Negara Indonesia said Monday it swung to a net profit of Rp 1.33 trillion in the first nine months due to a sharp rise in interest income. The bank reported a loss of Rp 1.02 trillion a year ago. Its interest income increased to Rp 10.45 trillion, compared with Rp 6.63 trillion in the same period in 2000. It added that its capital adequacy ratio rose to 18.15 percent as of Sept. 30, from 13.07 percent a year earlier.

Asian monies mixed late, narrow insurance in thin trade

Asian monies mixed late, narrow insurance in thin trade Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies were tightly range-bound in thin trading conditions through local hours Monday. The Indonesian rupiah and Philippine peso were the exceptions, suffering from modest selling pressure as local corporations concerned about persistent weakness in the currencies stocked up on U.S. dollars for to repay foreign debts. The rupiah weakened past 10,700 rupiah to the U.S. dollar before the U.S.

Merauke to declare war on HIV/AIDS

Merauke to declare war on HIV/AIDS MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Merauke will declare a "state of emergency" to fight against the rapid spread of AIDS in the regency, according to one official. "I will invite all tribal chiefs and local religious leaders immediately and, in front of them, I will declare an all-out battle against AIDS which is spreading throughout the province at an alarming rate," Merauke Regent John Glubagedse said here on Monday.

Truly disgusting ad on 'ANteve'

Truly disgusting ad on 'ANteve' From Republika MTV 100 percent Indonesia is one of the programs on ANteve featuring the latest music video clips of the country's singers. In its one-hour program aired on Oct. 31, 2001, ANteve deliberately inserted a porn clip, in which singer Jennifer Lopez of the USA, scantily clad with her back to the camera, was seen throwing her bra to it.

Australia's election: Impacts on Indonesia

Australia's election: Impacts on Indonesia Rob Goodfellow, Cross-cultural Specialist, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Alison Battisson, Independent Researcher, Jakarta When the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hassan Wirajuda, announced that Indonesia would hold an international conference to discuss ways to curb the flow of illegal immigrants, his initiative was met with complete silence from the Australian government, which on Nov.

Local firms turn eyes on 'Six Sigma'

Local firms turn eyes on 'Six Sigma' Jonminofri, Contributor, Jakarta The term "quality assurance" carries quite a few meanings. Some companies translate it as a "good and correct" production method in accordance with ISO standards, while others connect it with "customer satisfaction". The latest interpretation, which is becoming more popular, is the application of "Six Sigma" in the management as well as the production process.

"I am sure that a political motive is behind the murder as he

"I am sure that a political motive is behind the murder as he (Theys) was a figure who struggled for certain political ambitions." House Speaker Akbar Tandjung

Indonesia supports calls of a new trade round talks

Indonesia supports calls of a new trade round talks Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will firmly support calls to hold a new round of multilateral trade negotiations -- now called "work program" -- to ensure the continuation of trade liberalization, a senior government official said on Monday. "A new work program must be launched, otherwise industrialized countries which have been suffering from an economic downfall following the Sept.

Govt plans increase sugar import tariff to 65 percent

Govt plans increase sugar import tariff to 65 percent Adianto P.Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Agriculture has proposed an increase in sugar import tariffs to around 65 percent in a bid to protect local farmers, according to a senior official. Director general of plantations Agus Pakpahan said on Monday that the proposal had been submitted to the government's special tariff team. "The tariff team is still discussing our proposal," Agus told reporters.

Message of Ambassador H.E. Ambassador Luk Darras

Message of Ambassador H.E. Ambassador Luk Darras Each year King's Day, which Belgium celebrates on the 15th November, gives us the occasion to stand still for a moment to reflect and to focus on the relations between Belgium and Indonesia. This year Belgium having the presidency of the European Union from the 1st July until the 31st December, at a crucial time of the European unification, places this message in a much larger context. On the other hand, the recent shocking events of Sept.

Landslide destroys 43 houses

Landslide destroys 43 houses BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: At least 43 houses in the village of Sewidak, Wanayas district, Banjarnegara regency, Central Java, were totally destroyed by a landslide on Sunday. No fatalities were reported. Deputy regent of Banjarnegara Hadi Supeno said on Monday that his office was helping the residents evacuate the village for their relatives' houses in neighboring villages.

Riau legislative council rejects new oil and gas law

Riau legislative council rejects new oil and gas law M. Ara Syaf, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru The resource-rich Riau provincial legislature has rejected the House of Representatives newly-endorsed oil and gas law which the legislature says still gives a dominant role to the central government and provides no justice for local people.

Inconsistent permit policy criticized

Inconsistent permit policy criticized Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration's policy with respect to the building and restoration of houses in Menteng, Central Jakarta, is being questioned by longtime residents, as they consider the administration to be imposing double standards in issuing construction permits. The establishment of small hotels, restaurants and buildings, as seen along Jl.

Unidentified men shoot human rights lawyer's car

Unidentified men shoot human rights lawyer's car Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two unidentified men fired shots at the parked car of lawyer Johnson Panjaitan in the parking lot of the Indonesian Legal and Human Rights Association (PBHI) offices on Jl. Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta, on Monday afternoon, a witness said. The incident happened at 4.10 p.m., or some minutes after Johnson parked his green Feroza in the parking lot.

The death of a secessionist

The death of a secessionist On Monday, mystery still shrouded the death of Theys Hiyo Eluay, the chairman of the pro-independence Papuan Independence Council (PDP). Theys was found dead in his car near the edge of a remote ravine not far from Jayapura, the provincial capital of Irian Jaya, on Sunday morning. Earlier reports said he had been kidnapped by several unidentified people on his way from the city to his home by a lake 55 kilometers away.

UN envoy plans Myanmar visit

UN envoy plans Myanmar visit MYANMAR: United Nations special envoy to Myanmar Razali Ismail will return to the country at the end of this month in a fresh bid to unite the military government and opposition, a UN source in Yangon said on Monday. She said the planned visit was still to be formally approved by Myanmar's military government. Razali, a veteran Malaysian diplomat, has visited Myanmar four times since he took up a mandate to promote human rights and democracy in Myanmar in April 2000.

Strict visa application measures at U.S. mission

Strict visa application measures at U.S. mission Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States Embassy said that it would temporarily tighten nonimmigrant visa application procedures as a precautionary measure after the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks in September, a spokesperson for the Embassy said here on Monday. "It is a temporary measure to keep terrorists from entering the United States," a senior official of the U.S.

Opposing PKB camps trade accusations

Opposing PKB camps trade accusations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A bitter internal feud in the National Awakening Party (PKB), the fourth largest party in the country, erupted into the public domain on Monday. The open battle for leadership pits Matori Abdul Djalil in one camp and Alwi Sihab in the other, with each claiming to be the legitimate party leader.

Health ministry inaugurates disaster relief center

Health ministry inaugurates disaster relief center Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Health inaugurated a national emergency center on Monday, which will provide medical assistance for victims of disasters and serve as a training center for emergency health officers.

Quality: in the beholder's eye

Quality: in the beholder's eye Roy Goni, Contributor, Jakarta A number of managers from U.S. service industries appearing on a CNN newscast in April 2000 voiced their concern over today's business realities. One of their statements raised the issue of good service amid the general lack of attention to customers' needs, while others complained about the fact that only relatively unqualified personnel could be recruited.

Angry supporters demand justice for Theys' 'killers'

Angry supporters demand justice for Theys' 'killers' The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Some 7,000 people, mostly youths, marched to the Irian Jaya provincial legislature on Monday, demanding that the legislators be firm in having what they termed the murderers of proindependence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay arrested soon. They yelled outside the building, urging that the alleged murderers be arrested and punished, after laying out Theys' body in the building.

RI fares better on economic freedom

RI fares better on economic freedom Johannes Simbolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has improved its performance in terms of economic freedom this year, while Hong Kong remains the world's freest economy for the eighth consecutive time, according to The Heritage Foundation, a United States-based think tank.

More firefighters needed but inefficiency scorned

More firefighters needed but inefficiency scorned Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Though the Tanah Abang fire station is only 600 meters away, it took firefighters one hour to reach the Kampung Bali neighborhood, where a fire raged. Worse still, it took more time for the weary and aging fire crews to bring their short-range leaking hoses ran down the narrow alley through an increasingly-angry crowd. The problems did not stop there.

Merauke wages war on HIV/AIDS

Merauke wages war on HIV/AIDS MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Regent John Glubagedse declared on Monday the area was in a state of emergency with respect to contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the still-incurable Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). "I will invite all tribal and religious leaders here and declare war on HIV/AIDS," he said at his office, as quoted by Antara. The regency has the highest incidence of the virus in the country: As of Aug.

Da'i's track record questioned

Da'i's track record questioned JAKARTA: About 100 people on Monday demonstrated their objection to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's choice of Cmr. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar as the sole police chief candidate. Grouped under the Tangerang People's Movement (Gerang), they amassed at the busy Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta. They said that Da'i was unacceptable because he had been an ardent supporter of the New Order government and had a questionable track record.

WTO reaches deal on cheaper drugs for developing countries

WTO reaches deal on cheaper drugs for developing countries Agence France-Presse, Doha WTO ministers meeting here early Monday agreed in principle on a compromise over access to cheaper drugs for developing countries, a source close to the negotiations said. The text drawn up by a ministerial working group states that the WTO's intellectual property rights accord known as TRIPS "shall not prevent (WTO) members from taking measures to protect public health".

Free medical checkups

Free medical checkups JAKARTA: Some 700 residents of the Karet Tengsin area of Central Jakarta received free medical checkups on Saturday organized by U.S.-based General Electric (GE) Medical System. The company also provided Ultra Sono Graphic (USG) tests using its USG machines for pregnant women as part of its "GE Medical Drive" program. The program's chairwoman Linda Carolina said that the annual program, which started here three years ago, was organized by GE employees and pensioners.

ASEAN army chiefs to discuss terrorism

ASEAN army chiefs to discuss terrorism PHILIPPINES: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) army chiefs are scheduled to hold a meeting in the Philippines this week to discuss ways to increase cooperation in combating terrorism, an official said on Monday. Philippine army chief Lt. Gen. Jaime De Los Santos said the Nov. 15 meeting, "intends to draw out a plan in responding to the threats of terrorism in the region.

27 HIV cases detected in C. Kalimantan

27 HIV cases detected in C. Kalimantan PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: The local health ministry office has recently detected 27 HIV cases in West Kotawaringin regency. M. Leiden, from the local health ministry office, claimed that all those infected by the virus were Thai fishermen arrested for fishing illegally in Indonesian waters off the regency. "They have tested positive for the HIV virus," he said.

Fighting poverty involves human rights

Fighting poverty involves human rights Kamala Chandrakirana, Indonesian Working Group for Poverty Alleviation (KIKIS), Jakarta More debt in the name of the poor, but how much of it will really benefit the poor? The fight against poverty must address the structural constraints that systematically marginalize the poor from sources of power and decision making on the allocation of national assets, resources and laws.

Coca Cola campaigns for clean water

Coca Cola campaigns for clean water JAKARTA: PT Coca-Cola Indonesia, in cooperation with the Indonesian Medical Association and Visi Anak Bangsa non- governmental organization, has completed a campaign on the use of clean water among elementary students. The campaign, titled Airku, Airmu, dan Air Kita (My Water, Your Water and Our Water), was officially closed Saturday through various programs at Bellarminus Elementary School in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Controversy on Theys Eluay

Controversy on Theys Eluay Followers of Theys Hiyo Eluay must be accusing the Indonesian government of being responsible for his death, even though it is possible that the murder was committed by his own followers, who have been opposed to him. Whatever the motivation or whoever the murderer was, Theys' death has a serious impact, given his importance in the Free Papua Movement.

U.S. visa plans unfair to Muslims: Malaysia

U.S. visa plans unfair to Muslims: Malaysia Agencies, Kuala Lumpur New United States visa restrictions on Muslim men from 25 countries will undermine Washington's claim that Islam is not the enemy in the war on terrorism, Malaysia warned on Monday. The international coalition against terror could be weakened, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar told an official news conference called to protest the move, which targets Muslim men aged 16 to 45.

Rare Bali starling on the brink of extinction

Rare Bali starling on the brink of extinction Pariama Hutasoit, Contributor, Jembrana, West Bali Back then, Bali was famous for its beautiful Bali starling (Leucopsar rothshildi) with millions of these magnificent birds flying freely above the island's Bali Barat National Park in Jembrana. As time goes by, due to the ceaseless practice of illegal hunting and trade of this rare species, its numbers have been drastically cut.

[b]OPEC mulls

OPEC mulls cutting crude output by 6% to lift prices OPEC mulls cutting crude output by 6% to firm up oil prices With Saudi Arabia now calling for OPEC to cut production, energy analysts say other members of the cartel are sure to agree to tighten their taps to try to reverse the recent slide in oil prices. Fears of a global recession and dwindling demand for oil will dominate the debate when delegates of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meet Wednesday in Vienna, Austria.

"Six Sigma" concept earns popularity Local companies turn eyes on 'Six Sigma'

"Six Sigma" concept earns popularity Local companies turn eyes on 'Six Sigma' Jonminofri, Contributor, Jakarta The term "quality assurance" carries quite a few meanings. Some companies translate it as a "good and correct" production method in accordance with ISO standards, while others connect it with "customer satisfaction". The latest interpretation, which is becoming more popular, is the application of "Six Sigma" in the management as well as the production process.

WBC alarmed by high death toll in Indonesia boxing

WBC alarmed by high death toll in Indonesia boxing Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The World Boxing Council (WBC) expressed its deep concern over poorly organized boxing contests in Indonesia, which have resulted in a series of fatalities over the past 10 months. The professional organization also called for a meeting with the country's boxing representatives to cope with the issue.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 12

Rupiah Rates Nov. 12 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Robbery suspect arrested

Robbery suspect arrested JAKARTA: Police from Depok precinct arrested the alleged mastermind behind a robbery at a house on Jl. Krakatau Blok J, Limo, Depok on Sunday evening, just hours after the incident took place, thanks to information provided by a witness, the Depok Police Chief said on Monday. Adj. Sr. Comr.

When legislators' lives are at stake

When legislators' lives are at stake Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Zaini Ali was walking in the front yard of Runtoh mosque in broad daylight in the town of Sigli in Aceh on the weekend when gunshots were heard. The legislator from Pidie regency, North Aceh, died on the spot. It was Friday, only a day after Aceh figures and visiting Vice President Hamzah Haz had agreed to say no to violence and yes to negotiations.

'Cosmo Man 2001', not just about macho looks

'Cosmo Man 2001', not just about macho looks Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mr. Right, according to Kosmopolitan magazine, the franchise of the U.S. magazine with a "C", is not merely a good-looking guy with a flat stomach and bulging biceps. Of course looks matter, but a man must have certain "qualities", including a successful career, a respect for a woman's career, maturity and the ability to be a reliable partner.

Pontianak to stop illegal gold miners

Pontianak to stop illegal gold miners PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Landak Regent Cornelis threatened to deploy local gangs to help stop uncontrolled, illegal mining in Landak regency. "If the gold miners refuse to stop their illegal conduct, I will send more local people to face them because their activities have deteriorated the environment and the forest area in the regency," he said here on Monday.

Abbot retains white water rafting title

Abbot retains white water rafting title Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra The Asahan International White Water Rafting competition here was officially brought to a close on Monday with a medal presentation ceremony that put Australian defending champion Mike Abbot in the limelight.

Purge New Order, corruption now!

Purge New Order, corruption now! From Rakyat Merdeka I can no longer bear to witness the widespread corruption in this country. It has been committed by both bureaucrats and businesspeople who are ardent supporters of the New Order, former president Soeharto's political vehicle for his 32 years in power. I myself do not belong to the group and suffered mentally during the New Order administration.

Cause of Theys' death still a mystery

Cause of Theys' death still a mystery R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The death of the Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) chairman Theys Hiyo Eluay remained a mystery as a team of doctors who examined his body, claimed on Monday that they believed that Theys might not have been murdered. Dr. Kelemen Mayakori, the head of the Jayapura General Hospital revealed the results of the post-mortem examination, which apparently showed that the 63-year-old Theys had choked to death.

Stop megaphone diplomacy, Indonesia tells PM Howard

Stop megaphone diplomacy, Indonesia tells PM Howard Muhammad Nafik and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government congratulated Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Monday for his re-election, but also urged him to stop his "megaphone diplomacy". "We congratulate Prime Minister Howard for his reelection and we look forward to working closely with the new administration in Australia," Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told a press conference.

Message of Ambassador H.E. Ambassador Luk Darras

Message of Ambassador H.E. Ambassador Luk Darras Each year King's Day, which Belgium celebrates on the 15th November, gives us the occasion to stand still for a moment to reflect and to focus on the relations between Belgium and Indonesia. This year Belgium having the presidency of the European Union from the 1st July until the 31st December, at a crucial time of the European unification, places this message in a much larger context. On the other hand, the recent shocking events of Sept.

Caltex welcomes 54 apprentices

Caltex welcomes 54 apprentices PEKANBARU, Riau: Some 54 university graduates are set to begin an intensive apprenticeship program with American oil company PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) in Riau. Aswin Yakob, an assistant to the secretary of the provincial administration, said in the opening ceremony at the kick-off of the apprenticeship program that all the recent graduates were expected to develop their careers with the oil company in order to transfer mining technology to local experts.

Australia's election: Impacts on RI

Australia's election: Impacts on RI Will the Liberal-National Coalition's Victory on November 10 Make a Difference to Australia-Indonesia relations? Rob Goodfellow and Alison Battisson 2. Nuclear -- Bush and Putin cook the nuclear books 1 X 55 36pt Bodoni Cooking the books on nuclear weapons: The less the better Dan Plesch Senior Research Fellow Royal United Services Institute United Kingdom Guardian News Service London 3. Kyoto -- 1 X 55 36pt Bodoni After Morocco, U.S.

'Political motive' behind Theys' murder

'Political motive' behind Theys' murder Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives (DPR) leaders said on Monday the killing of chairman of pro-independence Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) Theys Hiyo Eluay was politically motivated, but they refused to speculate on who was behind it.

Cosmo Men 2001, the quest for Mr. Right goes wrong

Cosmo Men 2001, the quest for Mr. Right goes wrong ================= Hera Diani The Jakarta Post Jakarta ----------------- Mr. Right, according to Kosmopolitan magazine, the franchise of the U.S. magazine with a "C", is not merely a good-looking guy with a flat stomach and bulging biceps. Of course looks matter, but a man must have certain "qualities", including a successful career, a respect for a woman's career, maturity and the ability to be a reliable partner.

Govt gets tough on log smugglers

Govt gets tough on log smugglers JAKARTA: Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa submitted to the Attorney General's Office on Monday the dossiers on a smuggling attempt involving some 25,000 cubic meters of logs, and asked state prosecutors to seek severe punishments for the perpetrators. The ministry's Director General of Forest and Nature Conservation, Wahjudi Wardojo, explained that the ministry was expecting the prosecutors to also seize evidence and the transport used to smuggle out the logs.

Student arrested for bomb possesion

Student arrested for bomb possesion Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have arrested a third suspect in connection to eight bombs that were found at a hotel room in Central Jakarta on Saturday, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb announced on Monday. Sofjan said police seized the suspect, named Rendi, who claimed to be a university student in Jakarta, during a raid on Sunday afternoon carried out by the police's anti-terrorist squad.

When legislators' lives are at stake in Aceh

When legislators' lives are at stake in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Zaini Ali was walking in the front yard of Runtoh mosque in broad daylight in the town of Sigli in Aceh on the weekend when gunshots were heard. The legislator from Pidie regency, North Aceh, died on the spot. It was Friday, only a day after Aceh figures and visiting Vice President Hamzah Haz had agreed to say no to violence and yes to negotiations.

We need to improve Indonesian's tainted image

We need to improve Indonesian's tainted image M. Ali, MBA Student Nottingham University, United Kingdom In the world of economics and investment, very much depends on perception. If people perceive good prospects, they invest. If they see risks, they avoid investing. For us, the perception of Indonesia in the West right now is not good.

Laksamana upbeat on BCA divestment

Laksamana upbeat on BCA divestment Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi on Monday downplayed fears that the privatization of Bank Central Asia (BCA) would not be completed within the year, saying that the process was still on target.

'Power Bank' merger may slow privatization

'Power Bank' merger may slow privatization Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Plans to merge recapitalized banks into the so-called "Power Bank" have come under the scrutiny of the World Bank, which warned the move could delay privatization. The World Bank said that a merger conducted under the supervision of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) could result in a new institution with a weak capital base and poor risk management.

A meeting of two women presidents

A meeting of two women presidents President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit to Indonesia to meet Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri should be an occasion for both women leaders to address the problem of poverty more vigorously in their respective countries in particular and in Asia in general.

Late amendment harms elections

Late amendment harms elections Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A legislator tries to allay fears that the delayed People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) decree for a direct presidential election will hamper preparations for the 2004 general elections. Andi Mattalatta said on Monday said that the government could start revising laws on subjects other than the pending issues.

Asian currencies mixed late; Narrow ranges in thin trade

Asian currencies mixed late; Narrow ranges in thin trade Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies were tightly range-bound in thin trading conditions through local hours Monday. The Indonesian rupiah and Philippine peso were the exceptions, suffering from modest selling pressure as local corporations concerned about persistent weakness in the currencies stocked up on U.S. dollars for to repay foreign debts. The rupiah weakened past 10,700 rupiah to the U.S. dollar before the U.S.

RI expects DM 50 million in debt-for-nature swap

RI expects DM 50 million in debt-for-nature swap Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is expecting to receive a 50 percent reduction of the Dm 50 million that it owes Germany if a planned debt-for- nature-and-sustainable-development-swap is agreed to by the creditor nation in January 2002, an official said on Monday.

1. Bandung: 8 x 4 lines:

1. Bandung: 8 x 4 lines: Meat sellers protest Bandung decree 2. Tolak: 18 x 2 lines Riau legislative council rejects new oil and gas law 3. Maluku: 24 x 2 lines Two killed, 14 injured in bomb explosions in Ambon 4. Poso: 16 x 2 lines Two killed in Poso gunfire

JP/3/WTO

JP/3/WTO Doha deal on trade shapes up but hurdles remain Alan Wheatley and Rawhi Abeidoh Reuters Doha The United States said on Monday the outline of a deal to launch a new round of world trade talks was taking shape, but India said that rich-country barriers to textile imports could wreck it.

[b]"Power Bank" merger may

"Power Bank" merger may slow privatization: WB 2. BCA (2x18) Laksamana optimistic on BCA sale this year 3. WTO (2x24) Indonesia supports calls for new trade round 4. Free (2x18) RI fares better on economic freedom 5. EU EC wants code of conduct for budget policy

"The law must be revised because it is against the regional

"The law must be revised because it is against the regional autonomy and does not provide any role for the province to undertake its own resource exploration," said Abdul Kadir Salim

Stock quotations on JSX

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

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 News: Hallo, Metro Indonesia 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 4:00 Quiz 4:30 Cartoon 5:15 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 TV Drama Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 5:30 a.m.

Riau attracts Singapore investors

Riau attracts Singapore investors Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Singapore Indonesia's Riau province is turning into an attractive investment destination for Singapore companies intrigued by its pro-business stance, it was reported on Monday. More than S$100 million (US$55 million) was invested by Singapore-based companies in the province during the first six months of this year, with about a dozen firms opening factories and farms, The Business Times said.

Tran Duc leaves for Brunei

Tran Duc leaves for Brunei JAKARTA: Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong left for Brunei on Monday after a two-day visit to Indonesia, an airport official said. An Airbus carrying Luong and his retinue took off from the Halim Perdanakusuma air base in East Jakarta at 8:35 a.m., the official said. During his visit Luong signed two agreements on economic and technical cooperation in an effort to strengthen ties and increase trade.

Four killed in bus crash

Four killed in bus crash SEMARANG, Central Java: At least four people were killed and 19 others seriously injured after a bus traveling from Jakarta to Purwokerto in the province crashed into a deep ravine near the town of Brebes on Monday. According to information from the Brebes Police Precinct, the deceased included the bus driver and the bus conductor. All of the injured were taken to Brebes General Hospital.

Two killed in Poso gunfire

Two killed in Poso gunfire Fresh gunfire erupted in the Central Sulawesi town of Poso late on Sunday, killing two civilian residents and wounding several others. "One of the fatalities was identified as Yafet, a retired Indonesian Military (TNI) officer, while the other victim and the injured are still being identified by the police," Antara news agency quoted Udin, a resident of Kayamanya subdistrict in Poso, as saying.

Task force on illegal immigrants

Task force on illegal immigrants DENPASAR: The government will set up a task force to handle the flow of illegal immigrants to Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here Monday.

Who is fighting for Indonesia's poor?

Who is fighting for Indonesia's poor? Mubyarto, Economics professor Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta People's attitude towards poverty changes with time. At one time the subject was considered taboo. It was simply culturally incorrect in the early 1970s for any one in this country to admit that he or she was poor. One is "insufficiently" or "inadequately" endowed, but never "poor". Similarly, a person is "sufficiently" or "adequately" endowed, but is never "rich".

Two Singaporeans arrested in Batam

Two Singaporeans arrested in Batam BATAM, Riau: Police in Batam are investigating two Singapore citizens who were found to be using crystal methamphetamine (an illegal drug popularly known as shabu-shabu) while in the company of a suspected sex worker in a luxury hotel on Sunday. The two Singaporeans identified only as CC and LSS tested positive for the banned substances after undergoing a laboratory examination.

Cisarua police chief dismissed

Cisarua police chief dismissed BOGOR: Head of the Cisarua police subprecinct First Insp. Napoleon and his deputy Second Insp. Ali Yusak were dismissed from their posts following the escape of eight detainees, a police source said on Monday. The detainees escaped after breaking through the roof of their cell at the police office at around 11 p.m. on Friday, but it was not until 3 a.m. on Saturday that the police knew about the escape, according to the source, who refused to be named.

E. Timorese mark anniversary of massacre

E. Timorese mark anniversary of massacre Associated Press, Dili, East Timor Thousands of East Timorese gathered at the Santa Cruz cemetery on Monday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of a brutal massacre by Indonesian troops that shocked the world and paved the way for the territory's independence. Standing in the midday heat, survivors and family members of those killed held bouquets of flowers and listened to speeches by East Timorese leaders outside the cemetery in the capital Dili.

Indonesia, Philippine bolster security ties

Indonesia, Philippine bolster security ties Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and the Philippines agreed on Monday to strengthen security cooperation to fight terrorism and curb transnational crimes in the region by intensifying naval patrols along the border between the two countries.

PKB leader's seat left vacant

PKB leader's seat left vacant JAKARTA: The Assembly deputy speaker's seat that is reserved for the leader of the conflict-ridden National Awakening Party (PKB) will be left vacant at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) until the party's internal rift has been resolved. The Assembly deputy speaker's seat from PKB went to its chief, Matori Abdul Djalil, until he was appointed defense minister by President Megawati Soekarnoputri in August.

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.