Archive: 16 November 2001
92 articles found
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asian auto sales rise admid slump
Southeast Asian auto sales rise admid slump Agence France-Presse, Singapore Motor vehicle sales in the four biggest Southeast Asian markets defied the economic downturn to climb 10 percent to 783,793 units in the first nine months of the year, an industry report said. Sales in Malaysia were up 14 percent on the same period last year, Thailand showed 13.3 percent growth and Indonesian sales rose 7.8 percent, Automotive Resources Asia Ltd.(ARA) said in a report Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Billiard center employees protest
Billiard center employees protest BOGOR: About 100 billiard center employees staged a rally to protest Bogor mayor Iswara Natanegara's decision to ban operations during Ramadhan. "We need money in the fasting month and also to celebrate Idul Fitri ... Billiards is not entertainment, but sports," one of them said. Bogor administration economics and development head Idih O.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP/1/BULOG This is for 24 Hours
JP/1/BULOG This is for 24 Hours Winfried Simatupang, (not Wilfred Simatupang as reported earlier), a key witness in the Rp 40 billion corruption case implicating Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tanjung, appeared for the first time at the Attorney General's Office on Thursday for questioning as a witness. Simatupang enraged journalists who had been waiting for hours outside the interrogation room by replying, "I forget, I forget" to almost all the questions put to him.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Nov. 15
Rupiah Rates Nov. 15 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
State firms' employees demand minimum wage
State firms' employees demand minimum wage Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Thousands of workers of state-owned oil palm plantation PT Perkebunan Nusantara II in Tanjungmorawa, 20 kilometers southeast of the city, held a demonstration at the North Sumatra governor's office, demanding the management pay their wages in accordance with the province's minimum wage regulations.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
PT Bank Central Asia said Thursday its nine-month net profit rose
PT Bank Central Asia said Thursday its nine-month net profit rose to Rp2 trillion (some US$200 million) from Rp851.87 billion last year. BCA President Director DE Setiyoso said net interest income during the period was up sharply to Rp4 trillion, compared with Rp1.34 trillion in the first nine months of 2000. Setiyoso told reporters the bank's capital adequacy ratio (CAR) was 35 percent as of Sept. 30, down from 45.90 percent a year earlier.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
U.S. agrees on $600m in aid for Pakistan
U.S. agrees on $600m in aid for Pakistan Reuters, Islamabad The United States formally agreed to give Pakistan US$600 million in aid, yet another reward for a decision by President Pervez Musharraf to back U.S. President George W. Bush's declared war on terrorism. The memorandum of understanding signed on Thursday was for a total of $600 million, in addition to a deal to reschedule $379 million debt which was signed in September.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Students rally outside U.S. Embassy
Students rally outside U.S. Embassy JAKARTA: Hundreds of elementary school students held a peaceful demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy on Thursday to express concerns about the fate of the world's children, particularly those living in Afghanistan and Palestine. Led by their teachers, they bussed to the embassy carrying banners, some of which read, "Stop the War", "War (is) Not Our Future", "Just Peace, Not War", and "Save Our Brothers", Antara reported.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Matori poses major challenge to alwi: Analysts
Matori poses major challenge to alwi: Analysts Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political analysts on Tuesday advised former president Abdurrahman Wahid's National Awakening Party (PKB) not to belittle the strength of a rival faction led by Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil. They said Matori could pose a significant challenge to former minister of foreign affairs Alwi Shihab, who currently leads Abdurrahman's PKB camp.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia hails new WTO trade round talks
Indonesia hails new WTO trade round talks Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government was satisfied with the outcome of the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting in the Qatari capital of Doha, a minister said on Thursday, citing that some of Indonesia's demands had been accepted at the meeting. "It's generally good. Some of our demands were met at the meeting," Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi said on the sidelines of a trade discussion.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. GDP (4x8)
1. GDP (4x8) Economy grew 3.47 percent in third quarter: BPS 2. Bank (2x14) Expert sees more bank closures this year 3. GIA (2x18) Govt mulls merging Garuda, Merpati 4. Rini (2x18) Government hails new WTO trade round 5. Dahlan (2x18) Jawa Pos boss named top entrepreneur 6. US U.S. jobless claims fall
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Australian man to be deported
Australian man to be deported SURAKARTA, Central Java: A 61-year-old Australian, Garry Jhon Palmer, and his daughter Tahani Wulandari, 7, will be deported for having no stay permit despite the fact that they have been living for some eight years in the town of Karanganyar, Central Java, according to an immigration official. Surakarta Immigration Office head of supervision Munsya Putera Sembiring said on Wednesday that the deportation would take place on Nov. 21.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesianist Faith dies in accident
Indonesianist Faith dies in accident The Jakarta Post, Melbourne/Jakarta Leading Indonesianist Herbert Feith died on Wednesday evening in Melbourne in an accident that occurred during his trip home from Monash University. He was cycling when a train hit him, sources close to the family said. He died at about 6:30 p.m. at the accident site near Glen Iris Station near his residence. Further details were not available.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta to sue Bekasi if Bantar Gebang dump is closed
Jakarta to sue Bekasi if Bantar Gebang dump is closed Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration will take legal action should the Bekasi municipal administration proceed with the closure of a dump used by Jakarta and located at Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, Jakarta's Governor Sutiyoso said on Thursday. However, this would be the last resort, Sutiyoso said, and negotiations on the Bantar Gebang dispute were still ongoing.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Nov. 15
Rupiah Rates Nov. 15 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Food prices increase
Food prices increase JAKARTA: The price of vegetables, staple foods and meat here have slightly increased and will likely have increased more by the end of the fasting month. Vendors at the Kramat Jati central market in East Jakarta said that the price of potatoes had increased from Rp 3,500 to Rp 4,000 per kilogram (kg), while the price of cabbages had increased from Rp 1,100 to Rp 1,800 per kg. A kilogram of mustard greens, which used to be Rp 1,500, is now Rp 2,000.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Australian man to be deported
Australian man to be deported A 61-year-old Australian, Garry Jhon Palmer, and his daughter Tahani Wulandari, 7, will be deported for having no stay permit despite the fact that they have been living for some eight years in the town of Karanganyar, Central Java, according to an immigration official. Surakarta Immigration Office head of supervision Munsya Putera Sembiring said on Wednesday that the deportation would take place on Nov. 21.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Theys' death: Internal conflict or political interests?
Theys' death: Internal conflict or political interests? Asip Hasani and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta Despite internal conflict among Papuan leaders, the 'murder' of pro-independence figure Theys Hiyo Eluay is believed to have been triggered by vested political interests of members of the political elite in Jakarta. Human rights activist Bambang Widjojanto said this political group wanted to disrupt the improving relations between Papua and Jakarta.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fasting start on different days
Fasting start on different days The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government decided on Thursday to commence Ramadhan on Saturday, but the nation's second-largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah, announced that the first day of the holy fasting month fell on Friday. Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Husein Al Munawwar said the government's decision was made during a meeting with leaders of various Islamic organizations to determine the start of Ramadhan on Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Matori fired from PKB for disloyalty
Matori fired from PKB for disloyalty Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Awakening Party (PKB), under the leadership of Alwi Shihab, officially dismissed Matori Abdul Djalil on Thursday from the party for disloyalty. Matori was fired after ignoring the third and last request to clarify why he had defied the party's policy not to attend the July People's Consultative Assembly Special Session that impeached president Abdurrahman Wahid, the PKB's chief patron.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Iwan Fals dreams of Rp 1m tickets
Iwan Fals dreams of Rp 1m tickets JAKARTA: Noted musician Iwan Fals, known for his critical songs on social conditions in the country, expressed his dream of becoming the most expensive performer in the country. "I had a dream once that someday each fan would have to pay Rp 1 million (US$94) to watch a concert of mine. Even if there were only 15 people in the audience, I would still get Rp 15 million.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
1: VENDOR: 50 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 8
1: VENDOR: 50 pt, 1 cols, 3 x 8 Don't evict vendors: Minister 2. BUS: 40 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 26 Minibus strike set to continue 3. GORILLA: 36 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 26 Zoo confusion clouds ape project 4. GARBAGE: 30 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 18 Tangerang garbage left uncollected
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta protests new U.S. discriminative visa policy
Jakarta protests new U.S. discriminative visa policy Bambang Nurbianto and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government on Wednesday criticized the United States' new visa policy targeting young Muslim applicants from 25 Islamic countries, including Indonesia. Acting spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wahid Supriyadi said such a new policy was "discriminatory" and that it went against Washington's claim that the U.S.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mentawai's firts regent sworn in
Mentawai's firts regent sworn in Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang Despite mounting protests, West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar finally swore in Edison Saleuleubaja as Mentawai's new and inaugural regent and Aztarmizi as deputy regent in a ceremony that attracted a heavy security presence from local police, in the provincial capital, Padang, on Wednesday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta administration to sue Bekasi if it closes Bantar gebang dumping site
Jakarta administration to sue Bekasi if it closes Bantar gebang dumping site Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration will take legal action should the Bekasi municipal administration proceed with the closure of a dump used by Jakarta and located at Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, Jakarta's Governor Sutiyoso said on Thursday. However, this would be the last resort, Sutiyoso said, and negotiations on the Bantar Gebang dispute were still ongoing.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Inefficient state firms lose US$4 billion
Inefficient state firms lose US$4 billion Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Independent audits on five state companies, including PT Telkomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) and national airline PT Garuda Indonesia, found inefficiencies, potential losses, and lost savings amounting to US$4 billion in the five years from 1995 to 1999.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Students rally outside U.S. Embassy
Students rally outside U.S. Embassy JAKARTA: Hundreds of elementary school students held a peaceful demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy on Thursday to express concerns about the fate of the world's children, particularly those living in Afghanistan and Palestine. Led by their teachers, they bussed to the embassy carrying banners, some of which read, "Stop the War", "War (is) Not Our Future", "Just Peace, Not War", and "Save Our Brothers", Antara reported.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Leave vendors alone: Minister
Leave vendors alone: Minister Antara, Jakarta Minister of Manpower Jacob Nuwa Wea asked Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso on Thursday to stop cracking down on street vendors on the pretext of keeping the city beautiful, arguing that 65 percent of the country's labor force was employed in the informal sector. "Pak Sutiyoso should no longer crack down on small-scale traders for the sake of the city's beauty.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan appeals for reconciliation with China
Taiwan appeals for reconciliation with China TAIWAN: In his first direct address to people in China, Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian on Thursday urged Chinese leaders to negotiate with his government and promote closer trade ties. As a former opposition leader, Chen had advocated Taiwan's formal independence. But he has softened his stand since taking office last year, saying Taiwan will not pursue independence unless China attacks.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
GAM aborts planned release of Aceh legislator
GAM aborts planned release of Aceh legislator The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) decided early this week to cancel the release of Acehnese legislator Ghazali Usman, held captive by the group for three months, due to the East Aceh regent's failure to be present to collect Ghazali at a location specified by GAM.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to disburse general allocation fund payments soon
Govt urged to disburse general allocation fund payments soon The Jakarta Post, Jakarta North Sumatra and East Java have both called on the central government to immediately disburse their general allocation fund (DAU) payments for December 2001 in light of the upcoming Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year holidays.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
New bridge links Bogor villages
New bridge links Bogor villages BOGOR: Residents living in the Bogor regency villages of Leuwi Karet, Klapa Nunggal district, and Tajur, Citeurep district, can now visit each other with ease after a bridge connecting the two villages was inaugurated on Wednesday. "For 20 years we have been expecting to have this kind of bridge because previously we had to use a bridge made of coconut tree trunks and bamboo," Leuwi Karet resident Eman said.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Corporate Briefs
Corporate Briefs Indonesia will take part in the International Furniture Fair 2001 in Tokyo from Nov.20 through Nov.23 in a bid to help raise or at least maintain its furniture exports, the National Agency for Export Development said in a statement on Thursday. It said that 15 furniture firms had confirmed their attendance at the exhibition. -- JP State oil and gas firm Pertamina and its partner YPF Jambi Merang have discovered gas and condensate in the Musi Banyuasin regency, South Sumatra.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. MATORI: 4 lines, 11 counts
1. MATORI: 4 lines, 11 counts Matori fired from PKB for disloyalty 2. PARTIES: 2 lines, 20 New bill tightens rules on election contestants 3. VISA, 2 lines, 27 counts Jakarta protests new U.S. discriminative visa policy 4. FAITH, 2 lines, 20 counts Indonesianist Herbert Feith dies in accident
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Zoo games cloud ape project
Zoo games cloud ape project Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The prolonged row between the city's Ragunan Zoo and the councillors has confused Howletts and Port Lympne Animal Park, which will lend four gorillas to the zoo, and the Gibbon Foundation, which will provide support for the care of the apes.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Reflection for the nation
Reflection for the nation From Kompas Latest developments in our society, such as anti-American demonstrations taking place in various major cities of Indonesia, should give the nation ample reason for concern. The mass protests have even turned violent with the destruction of what protesters believed to be American property and clashes with security forces.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt extends deal with IMF to 2003
Govt extends deal with IMF to 2003 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Thursday it had decided to extend a contract with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to obtain financial aid until 2003, in an attempt to secure financing for the state budget. "On the contract with the IMF, which expires in December 2002, the government decided to extend its contract with the IMF by one year to 2003," Finance Minister Boediono was quoted as saying by Antara.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati visits father's grave
Megawati visits father's grave JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri visited on Thursday the grave of her father, the late president Sukarno, in Blitar regency, East Java. Along with her husband, Taufik Kiemas, and their children, M Ramadhana and Puan Maharani, Megawati laid flowers on the grave. A 45-minute prayer followed. The first family's visit to the grave was closed to journalists. It was a private visit, Blitar Mayor Djarot Syaiful Hidayat explained to reporters.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Oil dips under $18 as OPEC throws down gauntlet
Oil dips under $18 as OPEC throws down gauntlet Reuters London Oil prices were hovering around two-year lows on Thursday after OPEC raised the stakes in a game of high risk poker with rival oil producers. In the opening salvo of what industry analysts said could turn into an ugly oil price war OPEC ministers agreed to cut out put by 1.5 million barrels per day. But they said they would defer implementing the lower limits until Jan.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Most garbage in Tangerang left untransported
Most garbage in Tangerang left untransported Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Untransported garbage is a complex problem that remains unresolved here. Take a look in front of the Harmoni Mas shops along Jl. Gatot Subroto, Cimone, Tangerang, where piles of garbage are always to be found. Worse, an offensive odor hangs in the air, harmful to both human health and the environment.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Oil prices dip under $18 per barrel
Oil prices dip under $18 per barrel Reuters, London Oil prices were hovering around two-year lows on Thursday after OPEC raised the stakes in a game of high risk poker with rival oil producers. In the opening salvo of what industry analysts said could turn into an ugly oil price war OPEC ministers agreed to cut out put by 1.5 million barrels per day. But they said they would defer implementing the lower limits until Jan.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Banking system remains fragile
Banking system remains fragile The People's Consultative Assembly recommended last week that the government take firm measures against banks that fail to meet the December 31 deadline for achieving the prudential standards, notably the minimum capital adequacy ratio of 8 percent and maximum nonperforming loans of 5 percent.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
U.S. Dollar Rates Nov. 15
U.S. Dollar Rates Nov. 15 Latest Previous %Change Yen 122.23-27 121.54-60 +0.57 Euro* 0.8833-35 0.8826-31 +0.08 Sterling 1.4380-85 1.4415-21 -0.24 Swiss Franc 1.6671-77 1.6637-43 +0.20 Canadian dollar* 1.5909-14 1.5916-22 -0.04 Australian dollar* 0.5191-96 0.5197-02 -0.12 New Zealand dollar 0.4187-92 0.4199-06 -0.29 Deutsche mark 2.2135-42 2.2147-60 -0.05 Czech koruna 37.643-83 37.643-56 0.00 Hungary forint 282.59-09 282.35-10 +0.08 Danish krone 8.4267-82 8.4293-35 -0.03 Norwegian krone...
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
U.S. urged to stop Afghan war
U.S. urged to stop Afghan war Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several Islamic organizations called on the United States on Thursday to stop its military campaign in Afghanistan, saying that there had to be a more peaceful way of capturing suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden. Representatives of 19 Muslim groups met with the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralph L. Boyce, at the headquarters of Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second largest Islamic organization.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. OIL (1 x 35)
1. OIL (1 x 35) Oil prices hovering around 2-year low 2. Auto (2 x 18) Southeast Asian auto sales rise amid slump 3. Telco (2 X 24) Asian telcos reward investor faith with performance 4. Newmon (2 x 18) Newmont world's biggest gold producer
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
'RCTI' unveils $5m World Cup schedule
'RCTI' unveils $5m World Cup schedule Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Soccer enthusiasts in Indonesia are expected to be glued to their television screens for the month-long 2002 World Cup finals after RCTI, one of the country's five current private TV stations, unveiled a US$5 million (Rp 52.5 billion) live broadcast package. The biggest soccer spectacle on the planet will be co-hosted by South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
45 police officers demoted in Jambi
45 police officers demoted in Jambi JAMBI: Jambi Police demoted a total of 45 police personnel who were found guilty of violating the law and of committing immoral wrongdoings. "The demotion was conducted to repair the police's tarnished image in the province and to uphold the police's code of ethics. And it will serve as a good lesson for other police personnel," Brig. Gen. Toto Soewali, chief of the provincial police force, said here on Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Australian man to be deported
Australian man to be deported A 61-year-old Australian, Garry Jhon Palmer, and his daughter Tahani Wulandari, 7, will be deported for having no stay permit despite the fact that they have been living for some eight years in the town of Karanganyar, Central Java, according to an immigration official. Surakarta Immigration Office head of supervision Munsya Putera Sembiring said on Wednesday that the deportation would take place on Nov. 21.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Gedung Dua8 art gallery offers new experience
Gedung Dua8 art gallery offers new experience Ida Indawati Khouw, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The main idea was to have a gallery which not only could serve as a display area for art works but also would allow art lovers to interact with the artists. The gallery also had to be able to "create" people with a high level of tolerance as well as respect for the arts in Indonesia. That's why Gedung Dua8, located on Jl. Kemang Utara 28 in South Jakarta, was established.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Parties retain govt funds
Parties retain govt funds JAKARTA : The government announced on Thursday that it had no plan to stop giving political parties financial assistance. "The Ministry of Home Affairs will not scrap Government Regulation No. 51/2001. The funds will continue to be disbursed through the Ministry of Finance," Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan requires self-examination
Ramadhan requires self-examination Mustafa Bisri Millions of Muslims across the country are entering the fasting month, while the economic crisis is far from over. The Jakarta Post reporter Muhammad Nafik interviewed Mustofa Bisri, who is known for his poetry and a as religious leader with the Nahdlatul Ulama organization. The following is an excerpt of the interview: Question: What is the significance of the fasting month of Ramadhan in relation to various problems in Indonesia?
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang garbage left uncollected
Tangerang garbage left uncollected Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Untransported garbage is a complex problem that remains unresolved here. Take a look in front of the Harmoni Mas shops along Jl. Gatot Subroto, Cimone, Tangerang, where piles of garbage are always to be found. Worse, an offensive odor hangs in the air, harmful to both human health and the environment.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
New 'Ar-Rahman Channel' offers
New 'Ar-Rahman Channel' offers education and Islam ================ Luas Samudera Contributor Jakarta --------------- Much has been said about the four novel television stations which grappled for their maiden broadcast last October. However, with far less publicity, a new kind of television service has been launched: Ar-Rahman, a free satellite television channel.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan requires self-examination
Ramadhan requires self-examination Mustafa Bisri Millions of Muslims across the country are entering the fasting month, while the economic crisis is far from over. The Jakarta Post reporter Muhammad Nafik interviewed Mustofa Bisri, who is known for his poetry and a as religious leader with the Nahdlatul Ulama organization. The following is an excerpt of the interview: Question: What is the significance of the fasting month of Ramadhan in relation to various problems in Indonesia?
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
New 'Ar-Rahman' channel offers education and Islam
New 'Ar-Rahman' channel offers education and Islam Luas Samudera, Contributor, Jakarta Much has been said about the four novel television stations which grappled for their maiden broadcast last October. However, with far less publicity, a new kind of television service has been launched: Ar Rachman, a free satellite television channel. One of its shareholders, Budiman, said Ar Rahman (Most Gracious) refers to one of the verses of the Koran in which telecommunications is mentioned.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Agency to build parks in slums
Agency to build parks in slums JAKARTA: The City Park Agency is planning to create parks in slums across the city to provide open space for slum residents, agency head Mauritz Napitupulu said on Thursday. The agency plans to build 20 parks measuring between 200 square meters and 500 square meters, in slums in the five city mayoralties. "We want slum residents to also be able to enjoy facilities such as parks," Mauritz said.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Papuans prefer security to autonomy: PDP
Papuans prefer security to autonomy: PDP The Jakarta Post Jakarta The secretary-general of the proindependence Papuan Presidium Council (PDP), Thaha Al Hamid, said in Jayapura on Thursday that Papuans (indigenous people of Irian Jaya) wanted the government to guarantee their right to life despite their constant demands for freedom. "A government guarantee to protect us is more important than the promised special autonomy," Al Hamid said in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
No U.S. military plan in RI: U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. "Skip"
No U.S. military plan in RI: U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. "Skip" Boyce dismissed on Thursday American press reports which said that Indonesia could become the next target of the U.S. military campaign against international terrorism after Afghanistan. Page 2 U.S. visa policy protested: The government on Wednesday criticized the United States' new visa policy targeting young Muslim applicants from 25 Islamic countries, including Indonesia.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati's speech
Megawati's speech From Gamma President Megawati's recent speech at the commemoration of the 73rd Youth Pledge Day in Cibubur, East Jakarta, which reiterated her call for the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), indicated her determination to fight KKN in line with Decree No.XI/1998 of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). With her authority, the President should be able to eradicate KKN practices, instead of merely calling on the public, including the youth, to fight KKN.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Police ready to safeguard holidays
Police ready to safeguard holidays YOGYAKARTA: Provincial Police chief Yohannes Wahyu Suronto has assured that police would safeguard the ancient city from any violence during festivities surrounding the fasting month of Ramadhan, Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Speaking to media here on Wednesday, Yohannes said that more than 4,250 officers, two-thirds of Yogyakarta Police personnel, would be deployed throughout the city and its surrounding areas.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Refugees sue Megawati, Habibie
Refugees sue Megawati, Habibie JAKARTA: Central Jakarta District Court postponed on Thursday a class action suit filed by pro-Indonesian East Timorese refugees against President Megawati Soekarnoputri and former president B.J. Habibie. Presiding judge Andi Samsan Nganro adjourned the hearing for a week due to the absence of the defence lawyers. The suit was filed by the Indonesian Independent Judicial Study Institute (Ls-ADIP), which claims to represent over 280,000 refugees.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on Nov.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Downer to visit Jakarta next month to fix strained ties
Downer to visit Jakarta next month to fix strained ties Associated Press, Canberra Following recent tensions between Jakarta and Canberra, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Thursday he would go to Indonesia in December to pave the way for a leaders meeting. Re-elected for a third term at parliamentary elections last Saturday, Prime Minister John Howard has signaled he is keen to repair the strained relationship with Jakarta.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
MONEY MATTERS
MONEY MATTERS Ministers from key rubber producers Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia will meet next month to finalize details of a plan to cut output and boost prices, the Indonesian Rubber Association said on Thursday. "The ministerial meeting will be held in Bali on Dec. 12," Suharto Honggokusumo, executive director of the association, told Reuters, referring to the famous resort island.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Religious exclusivity should be avoided
Religious exclusivity should be avoided Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The advancement of the quality of religiosity and morality among the Indonesian people should not be carried out in the spirit of religious exclusivity because it can foment intolerance among followers of different religions. This message was conveyed by Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP) Chairman Djohan Effendi in a text read out by Abdul Muhaimin, an ICRP member.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt mulls merging Garuda, Merpati
Govt mulls merging Garuda, Merpati Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Talks are continuing within the government on the plan to merge flag-carrier PT Garuda Indonesia with state-owned PT Merpati Nusantara to create a stronger airline industry, the state minister of state enterprises said. Laksamana Sukardi said on Thursday that discussions within the government were continuing over whether or not to merge the two state-owned airlines.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Woman gets 4 years for drugs
Woman gets 4 years for drugs TANGERANG: A woman was sentenced to four years jail and fined Rp 100,000 (US$10) for possessing 27 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamines) and two ecstasy pills. The sentence handed down by Judge Suhartoyo of the Tangerang District Court was one year less than what prosecutor Laswan had asked for. Erni bin Muchtadi, 37, a resident of Jl. Mangga Besar VIII, Central Jakarta, was arrested as she dealt drugs from her car on Jl.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Strict Islamic states unlikely in Southeast Asia: Experts
Strict Islamic states unlikely in Southeast Asia: Experts Agence France-Presse, Singapore The emergence of strict Islamic states in Southeast Asia was unlikely because of strong religious tolerance in a region with several areas of large Muslim majorities, analysts said on Thursday. Harold Crouch, an expert on Indonesia, told a seminar on "Islam in Southeast Asia" that press reports of a resurgence of political Islam in the world's largest Muslim nation were unfounded.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Peace-keeping mission a pride
Peace-keeping mission a pride JAKARTA (JP): Taking part in the peace-keeping mission in Afghanistan would not only be an honor but would also improve the Indonesian military's image, a legislator said on Thursday. "But above all, the request should come from the UN," said Ibrahim Ambong, chairman of the House of Representatives Commission I in charge of defense and security.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Economy grew 3.47% in third quarter: BPS
Economy grew 3.47% in third quarter: BPS Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Thursday that the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), grew by 3.47 percent in the third quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. BPS said that, compared to the second quarter, GDP grew by 2.8 percent. BPS chief Soedarti Surbakti said that full-year GDP growth would be in line with the government's target of 3.5 percent.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Three injured in bus crash
Three injured in bus crash KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The wife of Southeast Sulawesi provincial legislature chairman Hino Biohanis, Ibu Hertin Hino Biohanis, his adjutant Arnold and his driver Abdullah were in a critical condition after their car crashed into a deep ravine in Silea, Sampara subdistrict on Wednesday. Antara reported on Thursday that the accident occurred when the three were returning home after attending the inauguration of the chief of the Kendari prosecutors office.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Saturday Imsak 3:56 a.m. Subuh 4:06 a.m.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian volunteers trapped in Afghanistan
Indonesian volunteers trapped in Afghanistan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta JAKARTA: Most of the 300 Indonesian volunteers who went to Afghanistan remain trapped in Afghanistan territory. Some of them managed to be pulled back to Pakistan following the fall of the Taliban in Kabul and other provinces, an organizer of the group said on Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
New bill tightens rules on election contestants
New bill tightens rules on election contestants Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's highest electoral authority said on Thursday it would soon submit a new bill to the House of Representatives that would impose tighter requirements for those of the country's more than 300 political parties wishing to contest the general election in 2004. Mulyana W.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Call for peace in Aceh during Ramadhan
Call for peace in Aceh during Ramadhan BANDA ACEH: The Aceh provincial legislative council called for the two conflicting sides to stop violence in the restive province during the Ramadhan fasting month.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Bus strike set to continue
Bus strike set to continue Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of minibus crews at the Blok M bus terminal remained on strike for a third consecutive day on Thursday protesting the new bus routes designated by the City Land Transportation Agency, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The crews said they would likely stay on strike for several more days or until the city administration met their demands to give them back their old routes.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Caution during fasting month
Caution during fasting month From Neraca During Ramadhan and around Lebaran (the post fasting day of festivity) many traders earn their living in various dishonest ways. Apart from increasing prices, they mix the rice with low quality brands and minced beef is mixed with other meat. Last year, butchers at Pasar Minggu sold such meat at a low price, which was later discovered to be the meat of boars, which had been smuggled into Jakarta.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Singapore, Australia have most transparent companies: S&P
Singapore, Australia have most transparent companies: S&P Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore and Australia have the most transparent companies in the Asia-Pacific, while Taiwan firms are the least open, global ratings agency Standard and Poor's said Thursday. S and P said findings in its latest survey showed a need for companies to improve the disclosure of timely and adequate information on a firm's operating and financial performance.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sex workers still on Batam streets
Sex workers still on Batam streets BATAM, Riau: A day prior to the beginning of the Ramadhan fasting month, sex workers were still visible in the streets of Batam Island freely going from one hotel to another. According to Antara's monitoring, sex workers were also seen at star-rated hotels and shopping centers in Nagoya. Many others were serving their Singaporean guests in several tourist resorts in Nongsa and Batu Ampar.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Boyce dismisses report of U.S. military plan in RI
Boyce dismisses report of U.S. military plan in RI Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. "Skip" Boyce dismissed on Thursday American press reports which said that Indonesia could become the next target of the U.S. military campaign against international terrorism after Afghanistan.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 5.52 p.m. Saturday Imsak 3:56 a.m. Subuh 4:06 a.m.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Athletes warn against hasty drug suspicions
Athletes warn against hasty drug suspicions Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Athletes have warned against hasty suggestions about rife drug abuse that threaten to create false stereotypes about the whole community, following former national diver Temmy Kusuma's drug- related death. "I'm deeply sorry to hear about Temmy's death. I know the news from a publication," Ade Rai, one of the country's top bodybuilders, told The Jakarta Post.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
We prefer security to autonomy: Papuan council
We prefer security to autonomy: Papuan council The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The secretary-general of the proindependence Papuan Presidium Council (PDP), Thaha Al Hamid, said in Jayapura on Thursday that Papuans (indigenous people of Irian Jaya) wanted the government to guarantee their right to life despite their constant demands for freedom. "A government guarantee to protect us is more important than the promised special autonomy," Al Hamid said in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Indonesia Art Awards 2001, the National Gallery of Indonesia, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Tel. 34833954), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Nov. 20. * Indonesian Comic part 2, The British Council, S. Widjoyo Centre, Jl. Jend. Sudirman 71, South Jakarta, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Dec. 31. * Painting Interruption, Galeri Milenium, Diamond Supermarket shopping center, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Reactor leak undetected for months
Reactor leak undetected for months JAPAN: A radioactive water leak detected last week at a nuclear plant in central Japan -- the second glitch found there this month -- may have started as early as July and gone unnoticed, a company official said on Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP/1/BULOG This is for 24 Hours
JP/1/BULOG This is for 24 Hours Key witness in graft case: Winfried Simatupang, a key witness in the Rp 40 billion corruption case implicating Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung, appeared for the first time at the Attorney General's Office in Jakarta on Thursday for questioning as a witness.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Expert sees more bank closures this year
Expert sees more bank closures this year Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia (BI) is likely to close down more poorly capitalized banks by the end of this year if their owners fail to come up with fresh money as the merger alternative is no longer feasible due time constraints, says senior banker Rijanto Sastroatmodjo. "Mergers and acquisitions take time. They can't be completed in just one or two months," Riyanto said on the sidelines of a seminar.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
"Civil servants working in isolated areas will face financial
"Civil servants working in isolated areas will face financial difficulties in the mouth of the Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year holidays if their salaries are not paid on time." Soekardi
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Three soldiers injured by mines in Ambon
Three soldiers injured by mines in Ambon AMBON, Maluku: Three soldiers of the Army's West Java 408th Battalion deployed in the province of Ambon were seriously injured in land-mine explosions while patrolling in Karang Panjang in the city on Wednesday. "The three victims are still undergoing intensive medical treatment at the hospital," Antara quoted a military hospital employee as saying here on Thursday.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Jawa Pos boss named Entrepreneur of the Year
Jawa Pos boss named Entrepreneur of the Year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dahlan Iskan, the chief executive officer of the Jawa Pos publishing group, was named Indonesian Entrepreneur of the Year on Wednesday by United States-based consultancy firm Ernst & Young.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Singapore, a new haven for Indonesia shuttlers
Singapore, a new haven for Indonesia shuttlers Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Singapore It was 8.30 on a Saturday morning and Guillemard Road remained quiet. But several male shuttlers were already gearing up for their training session. The players -- Wandri Kurnia Saputra, Hendri Kurnia Saputra, Donny Prasetyo, Denny Setiawan and Hendra Wijaya -- are familiar names to Indonesians.
Fri, 16 Nov 2001, 00:00 WIB
Headings
Headings 1. Buruh: 10 x 4 lines State firm's employees demand minimum wage 2. DAU: 20 x 2 lines Govt urged to disburse general allocation fund payments soon 3. Ghazali: 24 x 2 lines GAM aborts planned release of Aceh legislator Ghazali Usman 4. Mentawai: 16 x 2 lines Mentawai's first regent sworn in