Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 November 2001

75 articles found

M-WEB to invest $10m next year

M-WEB to invest $10m next year Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leading Internet firm M-WEB Indonesia, a subsidiary of South Africa-based firm Myriad International Holdings (MIH), said on Wednesday it would continue to invest in the country, despite the currently unfavorable economic situation.

Regents continue to oppose oil and gas law, creates uncertainty in industry

Regents continue to oppose oil and gas law, creates uncertainty in industry Adianto P.Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Uncertainty continues to plague the oil and gas industry as the country's regions persist in rejecting the new oil and gas bill, which was recently approved by the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the central government is determined to soon put the new arrangements into effect.

Retail industry enjoy $3.5b turnover: Survey

Retail industry enjoy $3.5b turnover: Survey Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The domestic retail industry is expected to enjoy sales turnover of approximately Rp 36.7 trillion (about US$3.5 billion) in 2001, of which 32.3 percent will be generated by hypermarkets such as Carrefour and Makro, according to a survey conducted by the Business Intelligence Report (Biro).

RI to give visa-free facility, but only on reciprocal basis

RI to give visa-free facility, but only on reciprocal basis Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia will amend its immigration laws so as to ease foreigners' permit procedures and to better respect human rights, officials said on Wednesday.

Forced eviction may leave 35,000 families homeless

Forced eviction may leave 35,000 families homeless Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 35,000 families here would be left homeless if the Jakarta administration continued with the controversial demolition of slum areas across the capital, including those along the city's riverbanks, an activist said on Wednesday.

Fake painting in upcoming auction

Fake painting in upcoming auction It has been brought to my attention that there will be an art auction, held by City Auction House in conjunction with The White Gallery, called "Love Heart, Charity for the Children," as written up in The Jakarta Post of Nov. 8, 2001. Please be informed that one of the works is a forgery/fake, a painting done by S. Kerton and titled Tukang Balon.

RI to give visa-free facility, but only on reciprocal basis

RI to give visa-free facility, but only on reciprocal basis Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia will amend its immigration laws so as to ease foreigners' permit procedures and to better respect human rights, officials said on Wednesday.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 14

Rupiah Rates Nov. 14 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs State-owned Bank Mandiri plans to issue US$100 million in five- year floating rate Eurobonds to refinance its debt due next year and to improve its financial structure. Dow Jones Newswire quoted the bank as saying on Wednesday the coupon would be set at the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate plus a small premium and the bonds would be listed in either Hong Kong and Singapore. No details were given on the time-frame of the listing.

Party calls official corruption a threat

Party calls official corruption a threat VIETNAM: Ruling Communist Party is undertaking a "fierce" fight against worsening official corruption while reiterating its commitment to a one-party political system, state-controlled media said on Wednesday. At the closing session of a party Central Committee plenum, General Secretary Nong Duc Manh said corruption and wasteful spending have become the major threats facing Vietnam, the official Vietnam News Agency reported.

Eight garment workers arrested in protest

Eight garment workers arrested in protest Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang After firing five warning shots, the police successfully broke up a rally on Wednesday and arrested eight workers of PT Koinus Jaya Garment who had been demonstrating, along with some 250 others, to demand severance payment from the company. About 200 officers from Tangerang Police precinct were deployed to disband the rally on Jl. Imam Bonjol, Karawaci. Police deputy detective chief Insp.

Govt needs to extend IMF program: Official

Govt needs to extend IMF program: Official Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government should extend its agreement to an economic reform program under the supervision of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to maintain badly needed international financial support, according to a senior official. Deputy minister for international cooperation at the office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Syafruddin A.

Lampung employers asked to pay bonus

Lampung employers asked to pay bonus BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Lampung's provincial administration has called on employers to pay their Muslim employees the obligatory annual bonus at least seven days before the Idul Fitri holidays on Dec.16 and Dec.17, 2001.

U.S. continues humming contradictory tune

U.S. continues humming contradictory tune Harry Bhaskara, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, New York Public attention here has mostly shifted to the U.S.-led military attack on Afghanistan, two months after the Sept. 11 attacks; and both the government and the people are slowly gaining their composure amid uncertainties and confusion in the immediate future. An Iranian student who studied in San Francisco said: "I don't support terrorism but neither the bombing.

North Sulawesi sends 40 students to Philippines

North Sulawesi sends 40 students to Philippines Yongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado North Sulawesi sent on Wednesday 40 students of several vocational high schools to undergo an apprenticeship program at their own expense in a number of professions in Davao City located in the Philippines. The program, which had been carried out since 1998, was part of a student exchange program between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Govt offices in Arso used as pig pens

Govt offices in Arso used as pig pens JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Four government offices in Arso subdistrict in Jayapura regency have been used to farm pigs after being abandoned for reasons that remain unclear. Octavianus Gusbarger, an informal leader in Arso, said the agriculture ministry, and the plantation, fishery and family planning board offices had been used by local people as pig pens since they were abandoned months ago.

Ramadhan starts on Friday

Ramadhan starts on Friday JAKARTA: Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Munawar said that the fasting month of Ramadhan would start on Friday. "The beginning of the fasting month will be Nov. 16," the minister said on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of Siar Ramadhan, Islamic religious programs to be aired on TV during the month. The beginning of the holy month is always a matter of debate, especially between the two largest Muslim organizations, Nadhatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah.

U.S. forces chief meets RP generals

U.S. forces chief meets RP generals PHILIPPINES: The head of U.S. forces in the Pacific flew to the embattled region of Mindanao on Wednesday as Washington ponders a military aid package to help the Philippines battle extremist Moro rebels. Admiral Dennis Blair, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, met in the southern city of Zamboanga with Philippine Chief of Staff Gen.

'Levies should be based on by-laws'

'Levies should be based on by-laws' BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: An expert has called on the provincial administration to phase out illegal levies that have overburdened local people. "The illegal levies have created a high cost economy and overburdened local people," Mohammad Effendy, a lecturer in constitutional law at the Lambung Mangkurat University in the city said here on Wednesday.

Over 517,000 Acehnese below poverty line

Over 517,000 Acehnese below poverty line BANDA ACEH, Aceh: More than 517,000 Acehnese people are still living under the poverty line due to the prolonged conflict in the resource-rich province, a local official says.

Rizal sees economy growing 4% in 2002

Rizal sees economy growing 4% in 2002 Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former coordinating minister for the economy Rizal Ramli said on Wednesday that despite the global economic slowdown, Indonesia's economic growth could still reach 3.5 percent to 4 percent next year, provided the central bank loosened its tight money policy.

Arroyo's initiative

Arroyo's initiative If nothing else, the visit of the Philippines' president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to Jakarta has resulted in some concrete agreements on fighting global terrorism and sharing intelligence information on transnational crimes. The original idea for this was aired in a number of capitals of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after the September 11 attacks in the United States.

Victims of AMA plane crash evacuated

Victims of AMA plane crash evacuated R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The wreckage of the ill-fated Cessna light aircraft that crashed into a hillside in Wanggar subdistrict, Nabire regency, Irian Jaya, was found on Wednesday. All of the dead and the injured victims have now been evacuated to Nabire and Timika.

MONEY MATTERS

MONEY MATTERS The government will offer to investors between 18 and 20 oil and gas exploration blocks at the end of this month, Rachmat Soedibyo, director general of oil and gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource announced on Wednesday.

Wanted: Manpower professionals

Wanted: Manpower professionals JAKARTA: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea is worried about the appointment of unprofessional people as chiefs of local manpower and transmigration offices. He said on Tuesday that their presence could harm the development programs of manpower and transmigration departments in the regions.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

Local hoodlum killed by mob

Local hoodlum killed by mob BOGOR: Angry residents of Kampung Cikarawang, Dramaga subdistrict, Bogor, mobbed an alleged notorious hoodlum to death and threw his body into the Ciapus River late on Tuesday. The residents had become outraged at the behavior of the victim, Jeri, 30, a resident of the neighborhood, who was apparently often involved in petty thefts and the blackmailing of public transportation drivers.

1. Magang - 18 x 2 lines -

1. Magang - 18 x 2 lines - N. Sulawesi sends 40 paying students to RP 2. Wanita - 18 x 2 lines - 200 take part in protest against violence to women 3. AMA - 10 x 4 lines Victims of AMA plane crash evacuated 4. Poso - 20 x 1 line - 'TNI to get tough in Poso'

Benchmark rate flat amid unstable rupiah

Benchmark rate flat amid unstable rupiah The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia's one month SBI promissory notes have entered their sixth week of flat trading, as the rate closed unchanged from last week's position of 17.58 percent after Wednesday's auction, the central bank said. "We're being prudent. Over the past six weeks, SBI rates have been flat," Bank Indonesia deputy governor Miranda Goeltom told reporters.

JORR to be resumed next January

JORR to be resumed next January JAKARTA: Minister of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure, Soenarno, said that he was optimistic the development of the neglected Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) would resume in January. He told Antara here on Wednesday that his optimism was based on the fact that the legal case involving JORR at the state administration court could be finalized later this month.

WIC to hold charity bazaar

WIC to hold charity bazaar JAKARTA: The annual charity bazaar organized by the Women's International Club will take place Thursday at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center. This year's event will feature 170 Indonesian stands representing a number of different provinces as well as 35 stands organized by embassies in Jakarta offering various specialty delicacies and crafts.

Immigration law amended to benefit expatriates

Immigration law amended to benefit expatriates Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will amend its immigration laws so as to ease foreigners' permit procedures and to better respect human rights, officials said on Wednesday.

RI awaits UN for Afghanistan mission

RI awaits UN for Afghanistan mission The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government on Wednesday said it was awaiting a formal request from the United Nations to deploy troops as part of its probable peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan as Muslim leaders here approved the country's planned participation.

RI to give visa-free facility, but only on reciprocal basis

RI to give visa-free facility, but only on reciprocal basis Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia will amend its immigration laws so as to ease foreigners' permit procedures and to better respect human rights, officials said on Wednesday.

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.

RSCM celebrates 82nd anniversary

RSCM celebrates 82nd anniversary JAKARTA: The state-owned Cipto Mangunkusomo hospital in Central Jakarta (RSCM) celebrated its 82nd anniversary on Wednesday and inaugurated a new hospital director. The hospital, established in 1919 under Dutch colonial rule, will alter its legal status from a public hospital to a non- profit state company in 2002, along with 13 other hospitals. "We see it as a solution to overcome our continuing financial difficulties.

Gambling suspects detained

Gambling suspects detained Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A total of 37 gambling suspects have been arrested since Oct. 25 during a police crackdown on illegal activities such as gambling and the sale of firecrackers, alcohol and drugs. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said that the suspects were mainly illegal lottery ticket sellers and agents with turnovers of between Rp 5 million (less than US$500) and Rp 10 million per day.

U.S. curbs visa for adopted babies

U.S. curbs visa for adopted babies CAMBODIA: The United States said on Wednesday it would maintain a tight clamp on issuing visas for Cambodian babies adopted by Americans following a "baby buying" scandal which erupted here in August. In October, U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh advised their nationals who were planning to adopt in Cambodia to postpone their trips.

Message of Ambassador, Proposing a new partnership

Message of Ambassador, Proposing a new partnership 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.

1. Law (2x24)

1. Law (2x24) Regents continue to oppose oil and gas law 2. Ritel (2x18) Retail industry enjoys $3.5b turnover: Survey 3. Rates (2x18) BI rates flat amid unstable rupiah 4. Econ (2x18) Rizal sees economy growing 4% in 2002 5. IPO (4x4) Satelindo to launch IPO mid-2002 6. FAO (4x4) FAO fails to adopt pesticide code 7. IMF Govt needs to extend IMF program: Official

Local lawmakers reject privatization

Local lawmakers reject privatization The Jakarta Post, Makassar The authority of central government was challenged afresh as the South Sulawesi House of Representatives (DPRD) issued a statement rejecting a plan to sell PT Semen Tonasa, a local subsidiary of publicly listed, state-owned cement producer PT Semen Gresik Tbk., to Mexican cement company Cemex S.A. under a put option (shareholder's contractual right to sell).

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Seminar * Seminar and performance on Commedia dell'Arte by Marco Luly, at Udayana University, in Denpasar, Nov. 16. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Museum of Bali, Jl. Letkol Wisnu, downtown of Denpasar (Phone: 0361 2277271), Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

State-owned Bank Mandiri plans to issue US$100 million in five-

State-owned Bank Mandiri plans to issue US$100 million in five- year floating rate Eurobonds to refinance its debt due next year and to improve its financial structure. Dow Jones Newswire quoted the bank as saying on Wednesday the coupon would be set at the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate plus a small premium and the bonds would be listed in either Hong Kong and Singapore. No details were given on the time-frame of the listing.

Guideline on holiday bonus

Guideline on holiday bonus JAKARTA: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea has issued a guideline on the disbursement of Idul Fitri bonuses, suggesting that bonuses be given seven days before the holiday, at the latest, a report said. "Idul Fitri bonuses should be given seven days before Dec. 16, 2001 at the latest, or on Dec. 9," Nuwa Wea said. Minister of Manpower Decree No. 4/1994 regulates that a religious holiday bonus must be the equivalent of at least one month's salary.

RI cannot be permitted to collapse

RI cannot be permitted to collapse The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore Last week, Indonesia received a fresh credit line of US$3.14 billion (S$5.75 billion) from international lending agencies and governments, which collectively form the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), to tide it over its budget shortfall for the next year. The Asian Development Bank and others pledged US$1.15 billion, the World Bank US$1 billion, and Japan US$720 million.

Sutiyoso signs decree on entertainment spots

Sutiyoso signs decree on entertainment spots The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has signed the decree that orders the closure of a number of entertainment spots during the fasting month of Ramadhan, but which does not explicitly ban the sale of alcoholic drinks at the spots. "The governor signed the decree on Tuesday afternoon," city administration spokesman Muhayat said on Wednesday. Ramadhan is expected to begin officially on Friday.

Asian currencies mostly up late, rupiah closes slightly lower

Asian currencies mostly up late, rupiah closes slightly lower Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies were higher late Wednesday, with the rally in North Asian stock markets overpowering the pressure on the currencies of South Korea and Taiwan from a tottering yen, dealers said. Overall, trading in the region's currencies was listless, as a public holiday in Singapore sapped liquidity in Asia's foreign exchange markets.

Supreme Court Justices fail to testify in bribery trial

Supreme Court Justices fail to testify in bribery trial The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors failed to present three Supreme Court Justices and two former justices at the Supreme Court as witnesses in the corruption case trial of a Jakarta High Court judge on Wednesday. The Supreme Court Justices were R.L. Tobing, Soedarno and Marnis Kahar, while the former justices were M. Yahya Harahap and R.Sunu Wahadi.

Hospital lack waste treatment facilities

Hospital lack waste treatment facilities Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most hospitals in urban areas have failed to develop adequate waste processing facilities, with hazardous substances still contained within waste posing a serious danger to surrounding residential areas. Experts said that hospitals lacking proper waste disposal facilities could inadvertently pose a threat to the surrounding environment, especially people residing in densely populated areas.

Why should we rely on IMF?

Why should we rely on IMF? Despite calls for Indonesia to become self-reliant, the government has taken controversial steps. Finance Minister Boediono hinted that the government will extend its contract with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2002. Boediono argued that the IMF is needed to reschedule the government debts to the Paris Club of creditors. On the other hand, Bank Indonesia Governor Syahril Sabirin said the IMF is needed to help the national economic recovery program.

Phopto caption

Phopto caption EMERGENCY RIDE Thousands of passengers were stranded at the Blok M bus terminal in South Jakarta on Wednesday as hundreds of bus drivers went on strike after the City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) altered their routes on Tuesday. The drivers parked up their buses in protest at the new route designated by the DLLAJ, which now requires them to pass along Jl. Barito and Jl. Bulungan after they leave the bus terminal. Previously, they were allowed to pass along Jl.

Close immoral entertainment

Close immoral entertainment From Neraca I disagree with the Jakarta Governor's plan to allow night entertainment businesses to operate with restricted hours between the end of evening prayers and the pre-daybreak meal during the fasting month, although it gives the businesses a limited opportunity to survive.

PSSi drops Asian Games 2002 bid

PSSi drops Asian Games 2002 bid Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) has brought to an end the polemics over its much-questioned demand, for a 2002 Asian Games spot with the Indonesian contingent, after its chief Agum Gumelar announced on Wednesday that a national soccer team would not go to Pusan next year. "I say PSSI will not send a team to the Asian Games.

200 women protest against violence

200 women protest against violence Panca Nugraha, The Jakarta Post, Mataram In observance of the International Day of the Eradication of Violence against Women, which will fall on Nov. 25, more than 200 women held a demonstration against violence in the city on Wednesday, demanding the government introduce laws to protect Indonesian women both at home and overseas.

Australia deports 37 boat people

Australia deports 37 boat people SRI LANKA: Australia on Wednesday deported 37 Sri Lankans, many of whom risked a boat journey across the Indian Ocean to enter its shores illegally, an official in Colombo said. The asylum seekers were deported on a flight chartered by Canberra which has toughened its stand on a rising tide of boat people in recent months.

Comics expo at the British Council

Comics expo at the British Council JAKARTA: The British Council is collaborating with the Indonesian Comic Collectors' Society (Pengki) to hold the second and third part of its comics exhibition from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. The exhibition will be held at The British Council, and will display the works of nine Indonesian arts and design students. Aside from promoting Indonesian comic artists, the event is also aimed at encouraging them to continue their work.

PKB leadership conflict intensifies

PKB leadership conflict intensifies Endy M. Bayuni and Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The leadership feud within the National Awakening Party (PKB) intensified on Wednesday when a national working conference involving supporters of Matori Abdul Djalil gave him a free hand to fire and appoint party leaders in PKB regional offices.

'Barong' gathering strengthens spiritual bond

'Barong' gathering strengthens spiritual bond Ananta Wijaya, Contributor, Tabanan, Bali Black cloud blankets the Pucak Padang Dawa hills in Baturiti village, Tabanan. Soon, heavy rains are likely to deluge these hills south of Denpasar. Bali. The inclement weather does not deter the congregations of Hindu parading toward the main temple of Pura Luhur in the Pucak Padang Dawa hills on the morning of Oct. 31 or Buda Kliwon Pahang according to the Balinese lunar calendar.

The government will offer to investors between 18 and 20 oil and

The government will offer to investors between 18 and 20 oil and gas exploration blocks at the end of this month, Rachmat Soedibyo, director general of oil and gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource announced on Wednesday. He did not specify the exact locations of the blocks -- JP

Legislator accused of illegal logging

Legislator accused of illegal logging The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Non-governmental organizations urged legal authorities on Wednesday to look into possible links that legislator Abdul Rasyid had with an illegal-logging syndicate in Kalimantan. The call came after Navy troops seized three foreign-flagged ships on Sunday in Tanjung Priok harbor, Jakarta, for attempting to smuggle 25,000 cubic meters of logs worth Rp 40 billion (US$4 million) from Central Kalimantan.

'Graft case loaded with politics'

'Graft case loaded with politics' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Central Bank Governor Syahril Sabirin said Wednesday that politics had highlighted his trial on corruption charges linked to the Bank Bali scandal in 1999 which led to government losses of Rp 904 billion (more than US$90 million).

Honorary degrees for sale

Honorary degrees for sale From Kompas I used to be one of those who didn't believe that honorary degrees could be "purchased".

The government will offer to investors between 18 and 20 oil and

The government will offer to investors between 18 and 20 oil and gas exploration blocks at the end of this month, Rachmat Soedibyo, director general of oil and gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource announced on Wednesday. He did not specify the exact locations of the blocks -- JP

China's WTO entry places squeeze on Southeast Asia

China's WTO entry places squeeze on Southeast Asia Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Singapore China's entry into the global trading community next month will place even more strain on Southeast Asia, already reeling from the worldwide downturn and repercussions of the September attacks in the United States, research reports said. Unlike Hong Kong and Taiwan which are set to gain from Beijing's formal accession into the World Trade Organization on Dec.

Gafur, Fadel in Mega's hands

Gafur, Fadel in Mega's hands JAKARTA: Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Wednesday that concern over the delayed inauguration of governors Abdul Gafur of North Maluku and Fadel Mohammad of Gorontalo could trigger local political unrest. He said a team of ministers in charge of local administrations had presented a report to President Megawati Soekarnoputri on their track records.

Military to take tough actions against rioters in Poso

Military to take tough actions against rioters in Poso Badri Jawara, The Jakarta Post, Poso The military has vowed to take resolute action against those involved in or instigating riots in the regency of Poso, the chief of the Tadulako Military Command, which oversees the regency of Poso, Central Sulawesi, has warned. Col. Suwahyuhadji said here on Wednesday that the military would not hesitate to take tough action against rioters.

'Fake Kerton' adds color to charity auction for children

'Fake Kerton' adds color to charity auction for children Mehru Jaffer, Contributor, Jakarta News that Sudjana Kerton's Tukang Balon (Balloon seller) was a fake only added to the excitement already generated by the auctioneer's hammer at an art auction held here last weekend. And when the 54x78 centimeter water color, with a starting price of Rp 30 million (US$2,830), was finally displayed none bid for the rust-colored painting.

Gunung Kidul prone to dengue epidemics

Gunung Kidul prone to dengue epidemics YOGYAKARTA: At least 17 of 114 villages in the Gunung Kidul regency are prone to dengue fever epidemics, says a local official. "The villages that are prone to the epidemics are located in water-rich subdistricts in the regency while the dengue fever has rarely hit subdistricts lacking clean water," Wahyudi, chief of the Gunung Kidul health ministry office, said when launching an anti-dengue campaign in Wonosari on Wednesday.

W. Java to deploy 16,000 police

W. Java to deploy 16,000 police BANDUNG, West Java: The West Java Provincial Police will deploy 16,000 personnel to step up security during the exodus of the millions of Jakartans who are expected to celebrate the upcoming Idul Fitri holidays, Christmas and 2002 New Year in their home towns in Sumatra and Central and East Java.

Plant trees to save environment

Plant trees to save environment JAKARTA: The government has called on the public to take an active role in protecting the country's forests from destruction, which has affected 2.1 million hectares per year. Every citizen would have to plant 10 trees to 100 trees in their lifetime to compensate for the lost forests, director general for land rehabilitation at the Ministry of Forestry Suhardi said on Monday.

Legal experts debating changes on birth citizenship

Legal experts debating changes on birth citizenship Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legal experts are currently debating a change to the 1958 Law on Citizenship which would allow a child born in Indonesia to obtain citizenship regardless of the parents' nationality.

Family, friends on bury Theys on Saturday

Family, friends on bury Theys on Saturday The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Secretary of the proindependence Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) Thaha Al Hamid said in Jayapura, Irian Jaya, on Wednesday that the body of PDP chairman Theys Hiyo Eluay would be buried on Saturday, and called on all investigating teams to speed up the release of the final post-mortem report. "The post-mortem report should be handed over to Theys's family before the funeral.

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 Drama 4:30 Children's Tale 5:15 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 Music 10:30 Documentary 11:00 Talk Show Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 5:30 a.m.

Satelindo to launch IPO mid-2002

Satelindo to launch IPO mid-2002 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cellular operator PT Satelindo will float its shares via an initial public offering (IPO) by the middle of next year and was expected to earn US$75 million in cash to help finance the expansion of its network, a senior official said on Wednesday. Budi Prasetyo, director of operations at Satelindo's parent company PT Indosat, said that the funds were needed to upgrade Satelindo's services and increase competitiveness.

NGOs should not take over MPR

NGOs should not take over MPR From Republika Indonesian-based NGOs have increasingly shown that they know best and have demonstrated their self-righteousness. Also, the NGOs -- with no clear identity or objectives -- always feel that they are blessed to act on behalf of the Indonesian people even though, as far as we know, Indonesians have never given them any mandate, not even a power of attorney. Moreover, Indonesians have never been invited to discuss the issues with them.