Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 November 2001

69 articles found

JP/ /

JP/ / Message from the Ambassador: "Think Together, Walk Together" Today, Japan celebrates its national day. Opening this special supplement is an interview with Yukio Takeuchi, the Japanese ambassador to Indonesia. Question: What impressions do you have as you look back at the nine months that have passed since your arrival in Indonesia? Quite a lot. First, I am really impressed by the warm, friendly sentiments shown by Indonesians towards Japan.

Storm leaves 200 homeless

Storm leaves 200 homeless BANDUNG, West Java: A storm that hit Ciamis in West Java on Friday has left 200 people in Cipaku subdistrict homeless. Cipaku subdistrict chief executive Odang Erwijaya said that the brief but intense storm had affected three villages in the subdistrict for approximately three minutes, knocked down hundreds of mature trees and damaged 4000 houses, 30 of which were badly damaged.

S. Korean economic bailout cost $118b

S. Korean economic bailout cost $118b South Korea has spent US$118 billion in public funds to bail out troubled financial organizations since the outbreak of the Asian economic crisis in late 1997, officials said Sunday. The total amount of funds injected into the shaky financial sector in the last four years stood at 150.6 trillion won ($118 billion) at the end of October, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said. So far, the government has retrieved 37.7 trillion won of its funds, it said.

PSM seeks foreign coach for 2002

PSM seeks foreign coach for 2002 MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: PSM Makassar, the 2001 national soccer runner-up in the club championship, is seeking a foreign coach for its campaign in next season's Indonesian Soccer League, which will kick off on Jan. 13, 2002. Reza Ali, the club's head, said that they would be looking for a coach either from Croatia or South Korea and have assigned Erwin Aksa Mahmud, the vice president of a local cement producer PT Semen Bosowa, to take charge of the search.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * 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 Untuk Semua Umur, AIR Rumah Seni, Jl. Teuku Cik Di Tiro no. 10, Central Jakarta (Tel. 327484), until Nov. 30. * Sculpture by G. Sidharta Soegijo and Iriantine Karnaya, Bentara Budaya Jakarta (Galeri Sisi), Jl. Palmerah Selatan no. 17, Central Jakarta (Tel.

JP/FESTIVE

JP/FESTIVE Bali Offering joyous festivities for old and young OR Celebrate your holiday in style on the Island of the Gods OR Celebrate your holiday in style in Bali Rita A. Widiadana and I Wayan Juniarta The Jakarta Post Denpasar Let's cherish the year that has almost passed and welcome the one to come with joy and glory. This is a happy moment to celebrate with your loved ones.

U.S. unfair treatment of Agus Budiman

U.S. unfair treatment of Agus Budiman Surprisingly, Agus Budiman (31), an Indonesian citizen, has been subjected to investigations and detention by U.S. authorities for alleged involvement in terrorist acts on the WTC and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. While the truth of this case must be established in a court trial to be held on Nov. 30, Budiman seems to have been cornered after being interrogated for overstaying his visa and violating his work permit. (Generally U.S.

WTC creator says terrorists destroyed symbol of peace

WTC creator says terrorists destroyed symbol of peace Harry Bhaskara, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, New York "I have no name cards. They were buried under the World Trade Center (WTC)," Guy Tozzoli said when introducing himself here recently. Tozzoli is the man who oversaw the construction of the twin towers that were destroyed on Sept. 11. A traffic jam outside the Holland tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey that morning had spared his life.

Big discounts offered, customers warned

Big discounts offered, customers warned Emmy Fitri The Jakarta Post Jakarta Ahead of the holiday season, many shopping malls and department stores are offering hefty discounts and special prices in a bid to attract shoppers, but the Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) warned the public to be more critical in responding to offers, to avoid being trapped by tricks of the trade.

Evicting 'illegal' residents

Evicting 'illegal' residents From Koran Tempo Within a matter of minutes, thousands of residents of Pondok Kopi, Ancol Timur, Bantaran Angke and Teluk Gong lost their homes, as the Jakarta administration evicted them from their allegedly illegal dwellings. I don't know why their homes were said to be illegal. Aren't they Indonesian citizens? In whose eyes were these homes illegal? Isn't the government responsible for providing them with decent homes?

Two killed in train accident

Two killed in train accident PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A tanker train hit a motorbike in Sukamerindu village, some 150 kilometers southeast of the provincial capital, Palembang, on Saturday, killing the driver and his passenger instantly.

Citibank and PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya, a water company in Jakarta,

Citibank and PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya, a water company in Jakarta, have signed an agreement on water bill payments, according to a Citibank statement. Under the deal, Citibank's credit cardholders are able to pay their water bills through the Citibank I Bill facility. -- JP Ailing Hynix Semiconductor Inc. has struck a final deal to sell its key liquid crystal display (LCD) unit to a Sino-Korean consortium for US$59 million, Hynix said Saturday.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Monday Maghrib 5:56 p.m. Tuesday Imsak 3:56 a.m. Subuh 4:06 a.m.

Aceh's Leuser project halted, 200 workers dismissed

Aceh's Leuser project halted, 200 workers dismissed Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The European Union-sponsored Leuser Management Unit (UML), which handled a conservation project in the Leuser National Park in southeast Aceh, has been forced to fire its remaining 200 staff members due to its patron's decision to stop financial assistance at the end of this month for unspecified reasons.

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.

45% of people in W. Java live below poverty line: Governor

45% of people in W. Java live below poverty line: Governor Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung West Java Governor R. Nuriana asked regents and mayors in the province to wage war against endemic poverty, saying they should create special programs for the empowerment of the poor. "Based on a recent survey, 45 percent or 16 million of the province's approximately 34 million population are living below the poverty line due to the continued economic crisis.

JP/rbw

JP/rbw ONE MONTH TO GO: It is still a month away, but hotels and recreation centers in Jakarta and other major cities in the country have been busy preparing to welcome the New Year. Here stock traders cheerfully blow trumpets to welcome the year 2001.

Brantas River: One of most successful projects

Brantas River: One of most successful projects The comprehensive development of Brantas River Basin is one of the most successful projects in Indonesia. Due to the construction of Dams and Barrages, Surabaya has become safe against flood disasters. And the electricity generated by hydraulic power plants could have changed Surabaya into an industrial city.

Mosque attendance rises during Ramadhan

Mosque attendance rises during Ramadhan JAKARTA: During the fasting month of Ramadhan, congregations for Friday prayers have increased significantly at several mosques around the city. Some 2,000 to 2,500 people attended the first Friday prayer of Ramadhan at Istiqlal Grand Mosque, Central Jakarta, as compared to the usual figure of between 1,000 and 1,500 people, according to Suherman, an employee there.

A new partnership for RI with European Union?(prefer second)

A new partnership for RI with European Union?(prefer second) Dian Wirengjurit Diplomat Jakarta 2. China -- China still far from a 'world factory' 1 X 32 50pt Bodoni China yet to become 'world factory' Lu Zheng Director, Institute of Industrial Economics Chinese Academy of Social Sciences China Daily Asia News Network Beijing 3.Reform -- 2 X 25 36pt bodoni Reform of public firms gains momentum in Japan The Yomiuri Shimbun Asia News Network Tokyo

GPI unsure about fate of Indonesian fighters in Afghanistan

GPI unsure about fate of Indonesian fighters in Afghanistan Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the Islamic Youth Movement (GPI) Suaib Didu said he had not yet received any new information about the fate of perhaps dozens of volunteer Indonesian fighters being held as prisoners of war by Northern Alliance troops in Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul.

Solution to poor transparency

Solution to poor transparency The results of a study undertaken by Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC), which has ranked Indonesia as the second least transparent country in Asia behind Vietnam, is certainly a blow to us, yet the study conducted through 1,000 expatriate respondents to assess transparency in Asia should be immediately and positively responded to.

Six cars damaged in traffic mishap

Six cars damaged in traffic mishap JAKARTA: Six cars were damaged in a traffic pileup on the Kuningan flyover toll road in South Jakarta on Saturday at 9:45 a.m. No fatalities were reported in the accident. According to a witness, the accident was triggered by a red Kijang van that braked suddenly. The driver of a blue Starlet sedan behind the van managed to brake just in time.

Domestics a necessity for many Jakartans

Domestics a necessity for many Jakartans Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To some, the thought of everyday life without the assistance of domestic helpers is unbearable. The fact that human labor is inexpensive, and, at times, taken for granted, means that the services of domestic helpers are accessible to most households in the city. It also enables the latter to live increasingly self-indulgent lifestyles.

Thai Recovery Fund focuses on SMEs

Thai Recovery Fund focuses on SMEs Johannes Simbolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To many people, it remains unclear what the Indonesian Recovery Fund, which was announced by the government last week, will look like and what it will focus on, as the government has yet to provide the details. But, the Thai Recovery Fund, which Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M. Soewandi referred to as a model while announcing the new funding scheme on Friday, has a clear focus: small and medium enterprises.

HIV among drug addicts

HIV among drug addicts JAKARTA: At least 75 percent of the 400 drug addicts treated by the non-profit Asa Bangsa Foundation over the past two years are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the foundation's chairperson, Sufiah Ambardy, said on Saturday. "About 75 percent of the patients are infected with the deadly HIV," Ambardy said at the opening of Ramadhan Bazaar on Drug Danger, which was opened by Vice President Hamzah Haz's wife Nani.

1. Leuser: 10 x 4 lines

1. Leuser: 10 x 4 lines Aceh's Leuser project halted, 200 workers dismissed 2. Miskin: 20 x 2 lines '45% of people in West Java live below poverty line' 3. Ayi: 24 x 2 lines: Kiemas donates Rp 250 million for the disabled in N. Sumatra 4. Sulut: 32 x 1 line Village cooperatives fail to receive funds

Fire halts research on plant species

Fire halts research on plant species BOGOR: The Bogor-based Research and Development Center of the Ministry of Forestry has been forced to suspend research following a fire in its laboratory on Thursday. The fire destroyed a six-meter-by-12-meter room in the building and its contents, including notes of ongoing research on rare plant species. "The material loss was not much, but from the academic point of view, we suffered a lot," head of the center A.

New power bill promises cheaper electricity

New power bill promises cheaper electricity Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Post The House of Representatives is expected to approve the country's new power bill in March 2002, which is aimed at introducing a free market system to the country's power industry.

A new Indonesia-European Union partnership

A new Indonesia-European Union partnership Dian Wirengjurit, Diplomat, Jakarta The European Union (EU), as a group or individually, has been very active since the establishment of the Gotong Royong Cabinet under the leadership of President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz. Not only were the EU ambassadors in Jakarta very active in approaching various government agencies, visits by high ranking officials from EU countries were also intensified.

Our Religiousness

Our Religiousness Nearly a week has gone in the Ramadhan fasting month. Muslims have been performing their religious obligations with great enthusiasm. Mosques and other houses of prayer are full of Muslims doing their tarawih non-obligatory evening prayer during Ramadhan, and other prayers. Hotels organize a fast-breaking celebration, followed by the tarawih prayer. Television stations air special Ramadhan programs with beautiful and handsome celebrities as anchors. Radio stations do likewise.

Workers struggle to survive

Workers struggle to survive Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Life could not be harder for minimum wage earners in the capital. They are forced to struggle to make both ends meet with the current minimum monthly wage of Rp 426,250 (about US$40). One might wonder how they could survive earning such a low amount of money while the prices of goods keep on increasing. Jefri, 43, an office boy working for a state enterprise on Jl. Jend.

Keith Loveard

Keith Loveard News Editor www.laksamana.net Publisher, www.asiamad.com Jakarta 2. Nicholas -- Towards a new approach in preventing terrorism 1 x 32 48pt Bodoni Finding a new approach to tackle terrorism Nicholas Abbey Former Policy Officer Department of Justice Victoria, Australia

Is Akbar truly forgetful?

Is Akbar truly forgetful? From Republika The alleged corruption concerning the Rp 40 billion funds of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), in which some popular names like Akbar Tanjung, Haryono Suyono, etc, are involved, has shown that these people have played their role well. If Akbar Tandjung does not remember at all about the use of the nonbudgetary Bulog funds, apparently he is an unsuitable leader due to his bad memory.

FBI once declared Agus Budiman clean

FBI once declared Agus Budiman clean The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Agus Budiman, an Indonesian charged with document fraud in the United States in connection with suspected terrorists, had once been declared "clean" by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before officials with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) apprehended him on Oct. 30, according to his younger brother Faisal.

UN not impressed with Indonesia's rights record

UN not impressed with Indonesia's rights record The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Nations Committee against Torture has given a virtual thumbs-down to an Indonesian report on its compliance with internationally accepted standards, calling on Jakarta to make better efforts to prevent future abuses and to punish past perpetrators.

Politicians not serious in handling Akbar scam

Politicians not serious in handling Akbar scam Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives is playing for time and lacks seriousness in its plan to investigate the alleged involvement of its speaker, Akbar Tandjung, in a Rp 40 billion (US$4 million) corruption case, analysts say. They charge that the politicians are exploiting trivial procedural errors as a pretext for postponing a debate on the formation of a special investigating committee.

Does Islam oppose gender equality?

Does Islam oppose gender equality? Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Islam has been widely perceived as a religion that does not respect gender equality. Many, including Muslims, believe that Islamic doctrine views women as subservient to men or their husbands whose wishes they are obliged to fulfill.

Big discounts offered, customers warned

Big discounts offered, customers warned Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ahead of the holiday season, many shopping malls and department stores are offering hefty discounts and special prices in a bid to attract shoppers, but the Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) warned the public to be more critical in responding to offers, to avoid being trapped by tricks of the trade.

Japanese Embassy

Japanese Embassy FOTO I: Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri (left) is welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko (right) upon her arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Megawati visited the palace on Sept. 28 as part of her five-day trip to Japan. FOTO: 3 NEW DAM: Wonorejo Dam is the highest and newest dam in the Brantas River Basin. It was constructed with a loan provided by the Japanese government. The dam provides water and electricity for the Surabaya area.

Singapore succession in place as PM Goh prepares for exit

Singapore succession in place as PM Goh prepares for exit Roberto Coloma, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore's political succession is now in place as Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong begins his last big mission: restore economic growth before stepping down as chief executive of Singapore Inc.

N. Sulawesi village cooperatives fail to receive funds

N. Sulawesi village cooperatives fail to receive funds Yongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado The North Sulawesi provincial legislative council has questioned irregularities in the distribution of the central government's Rp 50 billion low interest loan package to village cooperatives by the North Sulawesi Development Bank (Bank Sulut), saying the discrepancies must be thoroughly investigated.

Xanana to visit West Timor, seeking reconciliation

Xanana to visit West Timor, seeking reconciliation Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang East Timor figure Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao begins on Monday a three-day visit to East Nusa Tenggara with his main mission being reconciliation with East Timorese refugees and pro-Jakarta East Timor leaders in the province. He will be accompanied by his wife and child. Other East Timor leaders who are scheduled to go include Nobel Peace Laureate Bishop Mgr. Felipe Ximenes Belo, Baucau Bishop Mgr.

On Harry Burton and journalism

On Harry Burton and journalism Keith Loveard, News Editor, www.laksamana.net, Publisher, www.asiamad.com, Jakarta Journalists in the Asian bureaux of the international news agency Reuters held a minute's silence Wednesday, Nov. 21 to honor their colleagues killed by Taliban stragglers in Afghanistan.

Domestic uncertainties to cloud Indonesia Recovery Fund: Expert

Domestic uncertainties to cloud Indonesia Recovery Fund: Expert The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will face difficulties attracting sufficient foreign funds into the planned Indonesian Recovery Fund due to various domestic uncertainties, according to one economic expert.

Bleak Christmas looming for Asian bankers

Bleak Christmas looming for Asian bankers Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Christmas will be bleak for Asia's once high-flying international bankers as major institutions push ahead with plans to trim their presence in a region still struggling to recapture its glory days prior to the 1997-98 crisis.

Vendors defrauded with counterfeit bank notes

Vendors defrauded with counterfeit bank notes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vendors operating in economic class trains in greater Jakarta are complaining that they have been cheated by a group of youths who use fake bank notes to buy their merchandise. A security officer at Pondok Ranji railway station in South Jakarta, Sudiyono, confirmed on Sunday that at least three vendors suffered a combined loss of about Rp 150,000 (US$15).

'TV7' launching

'TV7' launching A new privately run television station, TV7, was launched on Sunday with the broadcast of Sajadah, a talk-show focusing on Ramadhan hosted by local senior model Ratih Sanggarwati. The low-key launch was held at the station's headquarters in the Wisma Dharmala Building on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

House set to approve Da'i as new police chief

House set to approve Da'i as new police chief Abu Hanifah and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If you want to place a bet on who will become the new police chief, choose Comr. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar. And expect an almost certain win. Da'i, the sole candidate that President Megawati Soekarnoputri has proposed to the House for approval, will face a House panel on Monday.

Taufik Kiemas donates Rp 250m for the disabled in North Sumatra

Taufik Kiemas donates Rp 250m for the disabled in North Sumatra Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post , Medan President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas donated Rp 250 million on Saturday to a fund for a disabled children's foundation in Medan, North Sumatra. Taufik, when presenting the donation, said the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) would also provide Rp 100 million more as well as musical instruments to the Foundation for Handicapped Children (YPAC).

Habibie's lawyer blames Akbar

Habibie's lawyer blames Akbar Former president B.J. Habibie's lawyer blamed Akbar Tandjung for not coordinating with ministers assigned to handle the social safety net (JPS) in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rp 40 billion (US$4 million) of funds belonging to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

Misuari's arrest will lead to peaceful polls: Arroyo

Misuari's arrest will lead to peaceful polls: Arroyo Agencies, Zamboanga, Philippines Key polls in a Moro self-rule area in the troubled southern Philippines should be peaceful after the arrest of renegade Moro leader Nur Misuari, President Gloria Arroyo said on Sunday.

Emmy Fitri

Emmy Fitri The Jakarta Post Jakarta Ahead of the holiday season, many shopping malls and department stores are offering hefty discounts and special prices in a bid to attract shoppers, but the Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) warned the public to be more critical in responding to offers, to avoid being trapped by tricks of the trade.

JP/rbw

JP/rbw ONE MONTH TO GO: It is still a month away, but hotels and recreation centers in Jakarta and other major cities in the country have been busy preparing to welcome the New Year. Here stock traders cheerfully blow trumpets to welcome the year 2001.

1. IMO (4x12)

1. IMO (4x12) RI retains position at UN maritime watchdog 2. Fund2 (2x30) Domestic uncertainties to overshadow recovery fund 3. Fund (2x18) Thai Recovery Fund focuses on SMEs 4. Banker (2x18) Bleak Christmas looming for Asian bankers 5. Gas (2x18) New oil, gas reserves discovered in China 6. Banks (4x8) Japanese banks to lay off personnel 7. Blum (4x8) S. Korean economic bailout absorbs $118b

Judicial review may be problematic

Judicial review may be problematic J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta I have too frequently referred to the three fundamental defects of the 1945 Constitution: The creation of an institution of unlimited power, controlled by and accountable to no one, which is the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR); the absence of a mechanism for judicial review; and the absence of a separation of power between the three branches of government, the legislative, the executive and the judiciary,...

Pele to visit Singapore after WCup draw

Pele to visit Singapore after WCup draw SINGAPORE: Brazilian soccer legend Pele will visit Singapore in early December as part of an Asian trip that will also include his involvement in the World Cup draw in South Korea, sponsors MasterCard International have said. "Singapore will be his (Pele's) second and final destination on his trip to Asia this year.

Firecrackers

Firecrackers not appropriate From Warta Kota I was relieved by the firm attitude of Jakarta City's Police Chief, Sofyan Jacoeb, on producers as well as traders of firecrackers, as reported by Warta Kota on Nov. 16. "There will be no deferment of their detention even at the request and guarantee of the family or the lawyer," he was quoted as saying. I was further pleased to read in Warta Kota on Nov. 17 about the confiscation of firecrackers in Pasar Rebo and Pasar Cakung, East Jakarta.

Distribution of fuel

Distribution of fuel From Media Indonesia Last April I wrote to Media Indonesia, giving a suggestion about how to secure fuel distribution, and received much criticism via e-mail afterward. The writers threatened me and accused me of causing them to lose a means of earning income. Also, they said that I was a stupid person, pretending to understand things about fuel. But, for the sake of justice and the national interest, I encouraged myself to continue giving some input to the government.

JP/FESTIVE

JP/FESTIVE Bali Offering joyous festivities for old and young OR Celebrate your holiday in style on the Island of the Gods OR Celebrate your holiday in style in Bali Rita A. Widiadana and I Wayan Juniarta The Jakarta Post Denpasar Let's cherish the year that has almost passed and welcome the one to come with joy and glory. This is a happy moment to celebrate with your loved ones.

Page 7

Page 7 Photo caption AN EXPRESSION OF SOLIDARITY: Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X (left) shakes hands with a landslide victim in Kedungrong village in Samigaluh, Kulonprogo regency while others look on. The sultan during his visit on Friday evening, asked villagers living on the Menoreh hillside to vacate their houses in anticipation of further landslides. On Saturday, rescue workers were still searching for the bodies of two more victims believed to be buried in the mud.

Ari to hear sentence demand Dec.3

Ari to hear sentence demand Dec.3 JAKARTA: Ari Haryo Wibowo, alias Ari Sigit, a grandson of former president Soeharto who is charged with the illegal possession of 70 bullets, is expected to hear on Dec.3 the nature of the sentence that state prosecutors wish to see imposed on him. Ari is charged with violating Article 1, Paragraph 1 of Emergency Law No.12/1951 on the illegal ownership of firearms and ammunition. The article carries a maximum penalty of death.

Indonesia maintains position at UN maritime watchdog

Indonesia maintains position at UN maritime watchdog The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has succeeded in retaining its position on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the period between 2002 and 2003, after its commitment to aims of the organization was questioned by other members.

Japan Foundation offers international exchanges

Japan Foundation offers international exchanges The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 as a special legal entity under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The purpose of the foundation is to efficiently carry out activities for international cultural exchange. In Indonesia, the Japan Foundation's Jakarta Liaison Office was opened in 1974, and it was transformed into the Japan Cultural Center Jakarta (Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang Jakarta).

ERP, a key success factor in IT implementation

ERP, a key success factor in IT implementation Zatni Arbi, Columnist, Brisbane, Australia, zatni@cbn.net.id A story has been going around that some Garuda Indonesia passengers got extremely enraged recently when they arrived late at one of the airline's airport check-in counters, to find that their plane had taken off exactly on schedule.

Volkswagen to invest US$31b between 2002 and 2006

Volkswagen to invest US$31b between 2002 and 2006 Agence France-Presse Germany Volkswagen, the leading car maker in Europe, plans to invest some 31 billion euros (US$27 billion) between 2002 and 2006, it announced on Friday. The cash, approved by the car maker's supervisory board at a meeting here, would be invested mainly in expanding and updating VW's range of models, the car maker said in a statement.

Does Islam oppose gender equality?

Does Islam oppose gender equality? Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Islam has been widely perceived as a religion that does not respect gender equality. Many, including Muslims, believe that Islamic doctrine views women as subservient to men or their husbands whose wishes they are obliged to fulfill.

Shangri-la dispute continues

Shangri-la dispute continues JAKARTA: The management of Shangri-la hotel in Jakarta has denied that the International Labor Organization (ILO) had ordered it to reemploy former workers dismissed after a strike last year. In a hearing with the Committee of Freedom Association, ILO received a recommendation for the reemployment of the workers, but the Employers Group Forum had countered it, according to a statement issued by the hotel management on Saturday.

JP/3/INSIGHT

JP/3/INSIGHT Judicial review may be problematic Numerous problems have arisen that have made people's lives miserable because of discriminatory laws and government regulations that discriminate against people because of their racial or religious backgrounds.