Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 November 2001

89 articles found

Boediono dashes hopes for justice in huge BI fraud case

Boediono dashes hopes for justice in huge BI fraud case Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Finance Minister Boediono stressed on Wednesday that the plan to appoint an independent consultant to audit the controversial Bank Indonesia (BI) emergency loan debacle was not meant as a new investigation measure into the alleged massive loan abuse. Boediono said that the independent audit would be more focused to calculate the burden the government and the central bank each must bear.

1. Kulon: 10 x 4 lines

1. Kulon: 10 x 4 lines Nine killed, three injured in Kulonprogo landslides 2. PTPN: 20 x 2 lines: Villagers demand social assistance from PTPN VII 3. Poso: 24 x 2 lines Poso killers' appeals denied, death penalty still stands

$200m aid for eastern regions

$200m aid for eastern regions JAKARTA: The government will receive US$200 million in fresh loans from the World Bank to improve highways in eastern Indonesia to accelerate development there, an official said on Wednesday. Under the Eastern Indonesia Region Transportation Project Phase I (EIRTP I), the Ministry of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure will upgrade 1,200 kilometers of highways and 5,600 meters of bridges in the next five years in 15 provinces.

RI accepts U.S. visa policy

RI accepts U.S. visa policy JAKARTA: Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda says the Indonesian government has no intention of making an issue out of the U.S. policy to apply strict visa application rules to males from 25 countries, including Indonesia. "We don't mean to question that because every country has the right to determine their own screening policy," Hassan said at the State Palace. The U.S. tightened its visa procurement procedures for males aged between 16 and 45 following the Sept.

Mosque stereo thief gets 11 months in jail

Mosque stereo thief gets 11 months in jail KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Kendari District Court sentenced on Wednesday a man to 11 months in jail for stealing a stereo recording unit belonging to a mosque in Anduonohu village, Poasia district in Kendari. The man, identified as Joni Rumaleang bin Syamsuddin, 39, a construction worker, said he accepted the sentence and pledged not to repeat his crime. In his confession however, he said he had stolen on at least three other occasions.

Kampung Bugis residents welcome Ramadhan

Kampung Bugis residents welcome Ramadhan Alpha Savitri, Contributor, Serangan Island, Bali Ramadhan has arrived and everybody in Kampung Bugis, a small Islamic village here, is very happy to welcome the holy fasting month. The sound of the Koran recital through a megaphone at an old Assyuhada mosque is heard in every corner of the 2.5 hectare village, near the Benoa harbor in Denpasar, the provincial capital of the Hindu dominated island of Bali.

1. BUGIS -- 55 pts Bodoni Bold 7/1

1. BUGIS -- 55 pts Bodoni Bold 7/1 Kampung Bugis residents welcome Ramadhan (1x44) ============== 2. PHOTO: 3X9 3. WTG-JKT

JP/18/money

JP/18/money The South Korean economy is expected to grow by 1.5 percent in the third quarter and double to 3.0 percent in the final three months, a top economic official said Wednesday. Chief presidential advisor Lee Ki Ho indicated there would be a faster recovery in gross domestic product (GDP) than expected but that strong measures would still be needed.

Teenagers sentenced for extortion

Teenagers sentenced for extortion YOGYAKARTA: The Yogyakarta District Court sentenced two teenagers to six months imprisonment on Wednesday for their involvement in extorting an American citizen.

JP/18/money

JP/18/money The South Korean economy is expected to grow by 1.5 percent in the third quarter and double to 3.0 percent in the final three months, a top economic official said Wednesday. Chief presidential advisor Lee Ki Ho indicated there would be a faster recovery in gross domestic product (GDP) than expected but that strong measures would still be needed.

Vietnam halts new rice exports because of low reserves

Vietnam halts new rice exports because of low reserves Associated Press, Hanoi Vietnam's government has ordered traders in its main rice- growing region to stop offering new rice export contracts until next February because of low reserves, a Trade Ministry official said Wednesday. Vietnam is the world's second-largest rice exporter after Thailand. The official in the ministry's Rice Management Office said the order was issued after ministry officials saw low reserves in the domestic market.

Poor to be hit hardest by power price hike

Poor to be hit hardest by power price hike Moch. N. Kurniawan and Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Low income households will have to pay on average a whopping 15 percent increase in electricity rate every three months next year, while rates for high-income families will only increase by an average of 8 percent during the same period, under the new electricity rates proposal announced by the government on Wednesday.

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================= Alpha Savitri The Jakarta Post Jakarta ----------------- History has recorded the superb works of the world's great artists who have been inspired by East Asian characters. America's Tobey and France's Mathieu and Soulages are those successfully exploring the esthetic quality of Chinese characters and transforming it into their fine creations.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Lippobank LippoBank DOOR PRIZE: LippoBank president director Ian B. Clyne (far right), managing director Harry Sasongko (far left) and the manager of the bank's Jakarta Stock Exchange branch, Reita Farianti, (second from left) congratulate door prize winners during the "Privilege Program" held for the bank's VIP customers.

Nine killed, three injured in Kulonprogo landslides

Nine killed, three injured in Kulonprogo landslides Tarko Sudiarno/Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Kulonprogo/Banyumas At least nine people were killed and three others seriously injured in landslides that destroyed more than 20 houses in Kedungrong village in Samigaluh subdistrict and Klepu village in Kalibawang subdistrict in Yogyakarta on Tuesday. Rescue workers were still looking for the bodies of three of the victims who are believed to be buried in the landslide in Kedungrong village.

Aussie visa difficulties

Aussie visa difficulties I must comment on Max Lane's most interesting article in the Nov. 20 edition of The Jakarta Post where he wrote: "If you are from a poor country and are traveling to Australia, you are guilty of being an illegal immigrant seeking residence and work until you can prove yourself innocent.

Two local brothers to take PSM helm for 2002 season

Two local brothers to take PSM helm for 2002 season Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi The Ali brothers, Reza and Diza Rasyid, have received a unanimous vote to lead PSM soccer club as chairman and manager respectively on a two-year contract basis. They replaced the Halid brothers, Nurdin and Kadir, who led the Makassar-based club to win the 2000 league and finish second this year during their two-year term.

Fresh fighting erupts in Jolo, over 100 killed

Fresh fighting erupts in Jolo, over 100 killed Reuters, Jolo, Philippines Fresh fighting broke out on Jolo island in the southern Philippines on Wednesday as the death toll in an uprising by guerrillas loyal to a rebellious Muslim governor rose to over 100, the military said.

Govt to merge four banks this year

Govt to merge four banks this year The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government announced on Tuesday that it would merge four banks including publicly listed Bank Universal, Bank Bali and non-listed Bank Prima Express and Bank Patriot in a bid to restructure the country's troubled banking industry.

BCA sale expected in 3rd week of December

BCA sale expected in 3rd week of December The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said in a statement on Tuesday that its divestment of Bank Central Asia (BCA) was expected to be finalized in the third week of December. IBRA said that the selection process considering the 15 preliminary bidders would be concluded at the end of this month. From the 15 bidders, five are foreign investors, the agency said without disclosing names.

Local govt pledges to help ailing Timah

Local govt pledges to help ailing Timah Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Bangka Belitung provincial administration has promised to ban the export of tin concentrate in the future to curb illegal mining activities on the islands and prevent state-owned tin mining firm PT Timah from collapsing, a senior official said on Tuesday.

PABBSI urged to review list of Asiad lifters

PABBSI urged to review list of Asiad lifters Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Internal conflicts and charges of regional bias, within the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) have surfaced following the selection of weightlifters for next year's Asian Games. PABBSI has proposed Erwin Abdullah of South Sulawesi, Sri Indriyani of Lampung, Lisa Rumbewas of South Kalimantan and Rosmaniar of Jambi.

Bank Mandiri drops plan to acquire BII

Bank Mandiri drops plan to acquire BII Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government decided to drop earlier plans to merge state- owned Bank Mandiri with publicly listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) citing improvement in the latter's financial condition.

Bulogate 2

Bulogate 2 Former Golkar Party House of Representatives member Bambang Warih Kusuma has a piece of good advice for embattled House speaker Akbar Tanjung: be honest and openly explain where the Rp 40 billion of money taken out of the coffers of the Bulog national logistics agency went, or your political career will be over.

1. CPO

1. CPO (3*2 lines) RI fails to compete with Malaysia in tapping China's CPO market 2. EU (2*3 lines) EU cuts growth forecasts, sees worsening budget 3. LNG (2*3 lines) Phillipine Natl. Oil, Pertamina to study LNG import strategy 4. Mad (3*2 lines) Japan confirms second case of mad cow disease

Xanana visit to speed up repatriation

Xanana visit to speed up repatriation ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: The visit next week by East Timorese political leader Xanana Gusmao to the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang is expected to speed up the repatriation of East Timorese refugees, a local legislator says. Blasius J. Manek, chairman of the provincial legislative council, said that representatives of the thousands of refugees in West Timor would meet Xanana to discuss their future on Monday.

Dorodjatun denies rumors: Coordinating Minister for the Economy

Dorodjatun denies rumors: Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti denied on Wednesday rumors which suggested that he had tendered his resignation to President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Page 2 Seasonal vendors: For Muslims, the fasting month of Ramadhan means a holy season, a time for cleansing their bodies and souls of impurity. But for some people, like the seasonal vendors, Ramadhan is a time to make money.

RI only to join UN-backed forces

RI only to join UN-backed forces JAKARTA: Indonesia would only be interested in joining a UN- led peacekeeping force in Afghanistan and not one organized by a coalition of willing nations, senior government ministers said on Wednesday. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said that UN member countries had considered establishing a multinational force in Afghanistan or a force comprised of willing countries like the U.S., Japan and the United Kingdon.

`Zakat' becomes tax deductible beginning next year: Minister

`Zakat' becomes tax deductible beginning next year: Minister The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A tax that all Muslims are obliged to pay, zakat, will become fully deductible from income taxes as of 2002, Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Husein Al Munawar said on Tuesday. Muslims are obliged to pay 2.5 percent of their wealth, measured in terms of both their income streams and wealth, in zakat. This is in on top of other donations they are encouraged to give to the needy.

Unfair revenue split causes losses to Jasa Marga

Unfair revenue split causes losses to Jasa Marga Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post. Jakarta State-owned toll operator PT Jasa Marga said that the recent audit findings of Rp 1.68 trillion (about US$160 million) in efficiency losses were mainly caused by an uneven revenue sharing scheme between the company and private toll road investor PT Citra Marga Nusapala Persada (CMNP).

Bank Mandiri drops plan to acquire BII

Bank Mandiri drops plan to acquire BII Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government decided to drop earlier plans to merge state- owned Bank Mandiri with publicly listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) citing improvement in the latter's financial condition.

;JP;HPR;

;JP;HPR; ANPAk..r.. Editorial-Akbar-Bulog Buloggate 2 JP/4/EDIT-22 Buloggate II Former Golkar Party and House of Representatives member Bambang Warih Kusuma has a piece of good advice for embattled House Speaker Akbar Tandjung: Be honest and openly explain where the Rp 40 billion of money taken out of the coffers of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) went, or your political career will be over.

36 kgs of marijuana seized in Palembang

36 kgs of marijuana seized in Palembang PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Local city police confiscated on Wednesday some 35.9 kilograms of marijuana from Syaiful Bahri, 24, a resident of Pidie in Aceh, and Ruslan, 46, a local resident. The marijuana was seized when the police raided a passenger bus at the bus station in the city. The City Police chief, Sr. Comr. Sutarman, said the raid was conducted after the police received a tip on the marijuana from local people.

House to deabte Akbar investigation

House to deabte Akbar investigation Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives is scheduled to begin a debate on Thursday on the establishment of a special committee in charge of investigating House Speaker Akbar Tandjung's alleged involvement in a Rp 54.6 (about US$5 million) corruption case.

Young karatekas bid for Asiad task

Young karatekas bid for Asiad task Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's campaign to win karate medals at the Asian Games next year would focus on its young guns, an official said Wednesday. Indonesian Karate-Do Federation (FORKI) athletes development chief Tono Soe'oed said the policy was aimed at giving exposure to young karatekas and to examine whether the regeneration program now underway was working.

Seasonal vendors make money during Ramadhan

Seasonal vendors make money during Ramadhan Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For Muslims, the fasting month of Ramadhan means a holy season, a time for cleansing their bodies and souls of impurity. But for some people, like the seasonal vendors, Ramadhan is a time to make money. During the month, you can easily find seasonal markets in almost every corner of the city.

U.S. unlikely to have combat role in SE Asia: Adm. Blair

U.S. unlikely to have combat role in SE Asia: Adm. Blair Agencies, Kuala Lumpur U.S. military forces were unlikely to have a combat role in fighting terrorist groups in Southeast Asia, but would offer logistical and other support to regional governments that asked for it, the U.S. Pacific commander said on Wednesday. Speaking at the end of a tour of several Southeast Asian countries, Adm. Dennis Blair, the chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, said U.S.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

Jasa Marga proposes 30% toll fee hike

Jasa Marga proposes 30% toll fee hike Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga has proposed an increase in tolls of an average of 30 percent for all toll roads so as to attract new investors for future toll road projects, a senior executive said.

Dorodjatun denies rumor he will quit

Dorodjatun denies rumor he will quit The Jakarta Post Jakarta Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti denied on Wednesday rumors which suggested that he had tendered his resignation to President Megawati Soekarnoputri. "That's not true. It's just a rumor," Dorodjatun was quoted as saying by Antara in Banda Aceh, where he was attending a military ceremony.

Foundation distributes free health services

Foundation distributes free health services JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Shrawata foundation recently dispensed medical services free of charge in Sorong regency in a bid to help the poor from that area to get proper health treatment, Shrawata Director Paskalis Taa said on Tuesday. Taa added that the free medical treatment was provided for people in Aimas district who were living in remote areas or those who were unable to pay for medicine and other medical services.

IMF, govt reach agreement on fourth LoI

IMF, govt reach agreement on fourth LoI Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government reached an agreement on Tuesday with the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) team over the economic reform policies to be implemented next year, a statement said. IMF senior adviser for Asia Pacific Daniel Citrin said in the statement that the letter of intent (LoI) would be presented to IMF management in Washington for approval.

Separating fact from fiction: Who killed Theys?

Separating fact from fiction: Who killed Theys? Tjipta Lesmana, Indonesian Strategic Studies Institute (LPSI), Jakarta Theys Hiyo Eluay, Chairman of the Papuan Presidium Council (PDP), was found dead in his car on the morning of Nov. 11 after apparently being kidnapped the previous evening by unidentified persons. On that day, Nov. 10, Theys, 63, had attended a dinner party at the headquarters of the army's special force headquarters in Hamadi, Jayapura.

Bombing cases reenacted

Bombing cases reenacted Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two men alledged to have taken part in last year's Christmas bombing campaign in Jakarta, have helped police recreate attacks on the Atrium Plaza and a catholic high school. "The reconstructions are needed to complete the police reports before all documents are brought to court," City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters on Wednesday.

Tjipta Lesmana

Tjipta Lesmana Indonesian Strategic Studies Institute (LPSI) Jakarta 2. Poverty -- Tinkering with poverty WTO still no friend of the poor 1 x 30 48pt Bodoni George Monbiot Guardian News Service London

TV today

TV today TVRI 3:00 a.m. Ramadhan Program 4:30 Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 10:00 Children's Songs 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Debating 3:30 Children's Program 4:30 Ramadhan Program 5:15 TV Drama 6:00 News 6:30 TV Drama 7:00 News 8:00 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 Music 10:00 Country Road 11:00 Talk Show Program 2 5:30 p.m.

German airline Lufthansa is to lay off 2,000-4,000 employees in

German airline Lufthansa is to lay off 2,000-4,000 employees in response to an industry-wide crisis sparked by the September 11 terror attacks, sources close to the company said on Tuesday. A spokesman for Lufthansa, Thomas Jachnow, confirmed that the carrier was initiating measures immediately to shed workers but refused to say exactly how many would be affected.

Habibie fails to heed summons

Habibie fails to heed summons Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former president B.J. Habibie failed to answer a summons on Wednesday by prosecutors investigating a financial scandal involving Rp 54.6 billion (US$5 million) in funds from State Logistics Agency (Bulog), and denied any wrongdoing in the disbursement of the funds.

Rupiah Rates Nov.21

Rupiah Rates Nov.21 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

;JP;HPR;

;JP;HPR; ANPAk..r.. Editorial-Akbar-Bulog Buloggate 2 JP/4/EDIT-22 Buloggate II Former Golkar Party and House of Representatives member Bambang Warih Kusuma has a piece of good advice for embattled House Speaker Akbar Tandjung: Be honest and openly explain where the Rp 40 billion of money taken out of the coffers of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) went, or your political career will be over.

Oil prices stabilize around $19

Oil prices stabilize around $19 Agence France-Presse, London The price of oil stabilised on Wednesday after two days of volatile trading, as the market digested the latest remarks from world crude producers about a possible pact to restrict output so as to give prices a boost. A barrel of Brent North Sea crude for January delivery rose 15 cents in early deals to 18.90 dollars. Overnight, the December light sweet crude contract closed in New York at 19.15 dollars a barrel, up 72 cents.

Buloggate 2

Buloggate 2 Former Golkar Party and House of Representatives member Bambang Warih Kusuma has a piece of good advice for embattled House Speaker Akbar Tandjung: Be honest and openly explain where the Rp 40 billion of money taken out of the coffers of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) went, or your political career will be over.

Rice output to drop 1.8m tons this year

Rice output to drop 1.8m tons this year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's rice production is expected to fall this year to about 50.09 million tons from 51.89 million tons last year due to the shrinking total crop area, an official said on Wednesday.

Sukarno's teaching still relevant

Sukarno's teaching still relevant From Rakyat Merdeka I respond to the polemic as to whether or not Marhaenism -- the Indonesian National Party (PNI) ideology to eliminate poverty developed and adopted by the late first president Bung Karno -- is still relevant in solving Indonesia's current problems.

Three workers charged as suspects

Three workers charged as suspects TANGERANG: The police have charged as suspects three out of eight protesting workers who were arrested during a rally at PT Koinus Jaya Garment on Jl. Imam Bonjol, Karawaci, last week. Tangerang police detective's deputy chief, Insp. Kustanto, said on Tuesday that there were strong indications that Luciana, 26, Sri Hayati, 26, and Siti Suryani, 23, had incited their fellow protestors to commit acts of vandalism during the rally.

Philippine National Oil, Pertamina to study LNG import strategy

Philippine National Oil, Pertamina to study LNG import strategy Dow Jones, Singapore State Philippine National Oil Co. or PNOC, and Indonesia's state oil and gas company Pertamina, will form a working committee by end-November to review a possible plan for the Philippines to import liquefied natural gas, or LNG, from Indonesia. According to a memorandum of understanding signed last week by PNOC President Thelmo Y.

Housing for evicted people proposed

Housing for evicted people proposed Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration finally agreed on Wednesday to provide homeless people, who had been forcibly evicted by the City Public Order Office from their dwellings, with low-cost apartments but asked the central government to help finance their construction.

;JP;HPR;

;JP;HPR; ANPAk..r.. Editorial-Akbar-Bulog Buloggate 2 JP/4/EDIT-22 Buloggate II Former Golkar Party and House of Representatives member Bambang Warih Kusuma has a piece of good advice for embattled House Speaker Akbar Tandjung: Be honest and openly explain where the Rp 40 billion of money taken out of the coffers of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) went, or your political career will be over.

Akbar could be declared suspect if he lied: Lawyers

Akbar could be declared suspect if he lied: Lawyers Bambang Nurbianto and Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung could be named a suspect in a Rp 54.6 billion (US$5 million) financial scandal if it is proven he lied in his testimony on the high-profile scam, lawyers said on Wednesday.

U.S. rubber imports fall due to attacks

U.S. rubber imports fall due to attacks Dow Jones, Singapore The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. could account for the plunge in U.S. imports of technically specified rubber 20 grade in September from the previous month, a senior Indonesian rubber official said Wednesday. According to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau Tuesday, TSR20 imports fell 47 percent to 35,484,372 kilograms in September from August. "It's a very big drop.

Poso killers' appeal denied, death penalty still stands

Poso killers' appeal denied, death penalty still stands Badri Djawara, The Jakarta Post, Palu The Supreme Court has rejected the appeals submitted by three men who were sentenced to death for committing a series of murders between May and June of 2000 in the strife-torn regency of Poso, Central Sulawesi.

Why not ban firecrackers?

Why not ban firecrackers? From Media Indonesia During every fasting month of Ramadhan, ulema repeatedly call for the total closure of entertainments venues, an appeal which is certainly welcome by most Muslims in this country. However, there is something else that ulema should be doing: calling for stern punishment of those who are playing with firecrackers, as those people are not only causing terrible discomfort during the day and night, but also serious harm to others.

;JP;HPR;

;JP;HPR; ANPAk..r.. Editorial-Akbar-Bulog Buloggate 2 JP/4/EDIT-22 Buloggate II Former Golkar Party and House of Representatives member Bambang Warih Kusuma has a piece of good advice for embattled House Speaker Akbar Tandjung: Be honest and openly explain where the Rp 40 billion of money taken out of the coffers of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) went, or your political career will be over.

Human rights defenders call for protection

Human rights defenders call for protection Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Human rights groups urged the government on Wednesday to recognize and honor their work to help the groups to continue to promote basic human rights in the face of terror.

Made Wianta traces grace and beauty of calligraphy

Made Wianta traces grace and beauty of calligraphy Alpha Savitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta History has recorded the superb works of the world's great artists who have been inspired by East Asian characters. America's Tobey and France's Mathieu and Soulages are those successfully exploring the esthetic quality of Chinese characters and transforming it into their fine creations.

Most school buildings damaged

Most school buildings damaged BOGOR: About 76 percent of Bogor's elementary schools are seriously dilapidated but the city does not have enough money to repair them, an education official said on Wednesday. "Of the total 1,625 elementary schools in Bogor, 76 percent are seriously run down, 2 percent are completely run down and the rest have minor problems," said Didi Suwardi, the education agency chief.

Debate on Widodo's replacement continues

Debate on Widodo's replacement continues Lela E. Madjiah and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top security officers on Wednesday expressed mixed reactions on the possible replacement of incumbent Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm. Widodo Adisutjipto. Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil said the replacement of the military chief was the prerogative of President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

RI embassy denied access to suspect linked to terrorism

RI embassy denied access to suspect linked to terrorism The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian authorities in the United States had been denied access to an Indonesian citizen accused by U.S authorities of assisting suspected terrorists linked to the Al-Qaeda group, Antara reported Wednesday. Charge d'affaires T.A. Samoedra Sriwidjaja said the embassy in Washington had contacted the Virginia court where Agus Budiman had been charged.

`Zakat' becomes tax deductible from 2002

`Zakat' becomes tax deductible from 2002 The Jakarta Post Jakarta A tax that all Muslims are obliged to pay, zakat, will become fully deductible from income taxes as of 2002, Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Husein Al Munawar said on Tuesday. The directorate general of tax has began disseminating information about the ruling to the regions, Said told reporters after meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz.

Wiranto's libel suit turned down

Wiranto's libel suit turned down BOGOR: The Cibinong District Court on Wednesday ruled in favor of University Indonesia sociologist Thamrin Amal Tomagola who was sued by former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto and three other Army generals. According to the panel of judges, presided over by Judge Sareh Wiyono, the evidence presented at the hearings was not sufficient to prove the libel suit. Thamrin was accused of defaming Wiranto, Lt. Gen. Djaja Suparman, Lt. Gen.

The challenge of political Islam to Megawati

The challenge of political Islam to Megawati Azyumardi Azra, Rector State Islamic Studies Institute (IAIN), Jakarta, Part 2 of 2 Polemics on the relationships between Islam and politics, and Islam and democracy in the nation-state have once again come to the fore in Indonesia after the fall of Soeharto. This has much to do with the rise of "political Islam", one of the most visible political developments in post-Soeharto Indonesia.

1. Kulon: 10 x 4 lines

1. Kulon: 10 x 4 lines Nine killed, three injured in Kulonprogo landslides 2. PTPN: 20 x 2 lines: Villagers demand social assistance from PTPN VII 3. Poso: 24 x 2 lines Poso killers' appeals denied, death penalty still stands

Tension rising in Ambon, Poso

Tension rising in Ambon, Poso Tiarma Siboro and Oktavianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon Tension has been rising in conflict-ridden Maluku and Poso, Central Sulawesi, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday. In Poso, where an estimated 2,000 people have been killed over the past two years, tension has compelled Jakarta to send in a 100-strong company from the National Police Mobile Brigade, he said.

Sewage project proposed

Sewage project proposed JAKARTA: The City Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda) is planning to propose a sewage management project called Integrated Waste Water and Sewage System to handle the city's household waste. Kosasih Wirahadikusumah, the head of Bapedalda, said that Jakarta is far behind other cities in providing a proper sewage system and therefore groundwater in the city is highly contaminated with the coli bacteria.

Part 2 of 2

Part 2 of 2 The challenge of political Islam to Megawati Azyumardi Azra Rector State Islamic Studies Institute (IAIN) Jakarta

Sculptors unite in show to regain lost pride

Sculptors unite in show to regain lost pride Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta In the glitz and glamor of contemporary fine arts, sculpture is always overshadowed by painting. Such a predicament has encouraged sculptors in Yogyakarta, Bandung, Jakarta, Padang, Surakarta and Bali to make a greater effort at improving the image of their artform by grouping themselves within the Indonesian Sculptors Association (API). Entrusting its chairmanship to senior sculptor G.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Panting Faight of Women by Made Sukadana, Paros Gallery, Jl. Pantai Purna, Sukawati, Gianyar, until Jan. 10. * Panting In Praise of Women, by Sri Supryatini, Seniwati Gallery, Jl. Sriwedari 2b, Banjar Taman, Ubud, until Nov. 29. * Panting The Secret of a Rectangle by Made Ardika, I Made Sudana, Gallery 9, Ubud, today. * Instalation Art Bolder by Japanese artist Yoshie Mizuno, Sika Contemporary Art Gallery, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud, until Nov. 24.

IBRA hopes to raise Rp 24t in cash this month

IBRA hopes to raise Rp 24t in cash this month The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said Tuesday that by the end of the month it will have achieved 88 percent of its target cash earnings of Rp 27 trillion (about US$2.5 billion) for the 2001 state budget. IBRA Chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said that the agency will receive an additional Rp 3.5 trillion later in the month so that "as of Nov.

KL better in tapping CHina's CPO market

KL better in tapping CHina's CPO market Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has failed to compete with Malaysia in penetrating China's promising crude palm oil (CPO) market due to poor marketing efforts, the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (Gapki) said on Wednesday.

Dorodjatun denies resignation rumor

Dorodjatun denies resignation rumor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti denied on Wednesday rumors which suggested that he had tendered his resignation to President Megawati Soekarnoputri. "No, I didn't write that (letter of resignation)," Dorodjatun told The Jakarta Post by telephone here upon his return from Aceh Wednesday night.

Jasa Marga to expand toll road network

Jasa Marga to expand toll road network State-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga disclosed on Wednesday plans to expand its toll road network early next year to improve the flow of traffic in and out of Jakarta and several major cities in Java. Jasa Marga's director of development and commerce Frans S. Sunito said that the company was planning to widen the Pondok Aren-Ulujami toll road and begin construction of the Cikampek- Padalarang toll road early next year.

IMF, govt ease base money target

IMF, govt ease base money target The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the government agreed on targeting next year a base money growth of between 12 percent to 14 percent, easing down from this year's growth target of 12.5 percent. Finance Minister Boediono said on Wednesday the new growth target was added to the draft of the fourth Letter of Intent (LoI) with the IMF.

Public disappointment

Public disappointment From Gamma The multi-faceted crisis, which has hit all Indonesians, has not weakened but become stronger as the days wear on. Various kinds of tricks and strategies, which some administrative experts have studied and applied, have failed to expel the giant crisis from this country. People really expected the government to manage the country well, honestly and based on regulations that benefit all. Yet, it has just been an empty promise.

Villagers demand assistance from PTPN VII

Villagers demand assistance from PTPN VII Bahrul Ilmi Yakub, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Thousands of villagers held a demonstration at the offices of the state-owned sugar plantation company PTPN VII in Ogan Komering Ilir, some 75 kilometers south of the provincial capital on Wednesday, demanding that management carry out social development programs in villages near the plantation. The villagers thronged the offices but failed to meet with management.

Legislators' moral ills

Legislators' moral ills From Rakyat Merdeka It is ironic that Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Akbar Tandjung received tight security protection from his "bodyguards" some time ago, particularly as he was asked to testify in the case of misappropriation of non-budgetary funds from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). A sensible observation will show that the examination of this case is under the authority and responsibility of law enforcers.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Thursday Maghrib 5:55 p.m. Friday Imsak 3:55 a.m. Subuh 4:05 a.m.

Judge admits he was paid

Judge admits he was paid Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A judge being tried in a bribery case linked to Supreme Court justices admitted on Wednesday to receiving Rp 550 million from a company, but claimed that he did not keep the money. Faozatulo Zendrato, 51, now a Jakarta High Court judge, said he only attempted to help state-owned PT Surabaya Industrial Estate Rungkut (PT SIER), which appealed two land dispute cases to the Supreme Court.

Suspected teenage tout murdered

Suspected teenage tout murdered BOGOR: An alleged 17-year-old public minivan tout who operated in the vicinity of Sukasari market, Bogor, West Java, was found dead on Tuesday with his head almost severed from his body in front of the Bogor Plaza shopping center. The victim, Arpan, also had a stab wound to his abdomen. The police believe that the victim, a resident of Cilebut Timur village, Bogor, was murdered at around 2 a.m.

Indonesia still immature

Indonesia still immature I thank Mr. Rod Livesey for his comment on my article in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 14, titled I pledge allegiance. I agree with him. Indoctrination, when extreme, breeds narrow- mindedness. But Britain had the Magna Carta and the Victorian era, when Britain ruled the waves and "the sun never set". Britain participated in two world wars and had to contemplate the loss of its colonies. In short, Britain reached maturity.