Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 November 2001

75 articles found

President supports plans to probe military abuses

President supports plans to probe military abuses The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri supports plans by the government-sanctioned Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations for Trisakti and Semanggi Cases to summon high-ranking military officers believed to be involved. The investigation was expected to be completed by January, commission chairman Albert Hasibuan told reporters after meeting with the President on Monday.

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.

N. Sumatra minimum wage up 36 percent

N. Sumatra minimum wage up 36 percent Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin issued a decree on Monday increasing the monthly minimum wage by 36.27 percent to Rp 464,000 (US$46.4) for the 2002 fiscal year, up from the current Rp 340,500 ($34). The increase was higher than that proposed by employers' representatives, but lower than that proposed by the labor side.

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 Talk Show 4:00 Quiz 4:30 Ramadhan Program 4:30 Religious Teachings 6:30 Music 7:00 News 8:00 Music 9:00 News 9:30 The Legend 11:00 TV Drama Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 3:00 a.m.

Driver jailed for 4 years

Driver jailed for 4 years PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: A driver whose negligence caused the death of nine passengers in the Central Kalimantan capital of Palangka was sentenced in the Palangka Raya District Court on Monday to four-years jail. The sentence imposed on Nur Ilhami, 18, was heavier than that demanded by the prosecution who sought a three-year jail term.

Official summoned over disease

Official summoned over disease BOGOR: Bogor council summoned on Monday city health agency chief Triwhanda Elan with regard to an outbreak of disease at Kedung Badak neighborhood, Tanah Sereal subprecinct in Bogor. Eman Sulaeman, a commission chief of the municipal council, said the council had asked the health agency to monitor people's health at their homes in a move to prevent further infection.

House Committee approves Da'i nomination as police chief

House Committee approves Da'i nomination as police chief Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All factions in the House of Representatives (DPR) endorsed on Monday the nomination of Commr. General Da'i Bachtiar as the new National Police chief to replace General Surojo Bimantoro who is expected to retire by the end of the month.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibition * Silver Jewelry and Batik by Jessica Collection and Enka Batik, Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 4231631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Nov. 30. Film * French Film, CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel.

JP/18/18capt2

JP/18/18capt2 JP/Bayu Ismoyo NO WORRY OF PRICE HIKE: A retailer prepares to sell his cigarette stocks in the capital of Jakarta. Most merchants were remained optimistic that their earning wouldn't decline despite the recent government's decision to raise cigarette minimum price starting on Dec. 1.

House told to reject health bill

House told to reject health bill JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) should reject draft health laws relating to community health services and medical profession judicature, as they are unfair, the Legal Aid Institute on Health (LBH Kesehatan) has urged. "The two draft bills have to be rejected because they will protect only the interests of a handful of groups of people, not the public in general," LBH Kesehatan head Iskandar Sitorus said on Monday.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

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

Exit tax scams

Exit tax scams From Suara Karya The collection of an exit tax of Rp 500,000, or even Rp 1 million, from Indonesian citizens wishing to go abroad is probably abused by corrupt officers. Obviously, this will cause financial losses to the state. Secretary of the Tax Directorate General M. Soebakir may be annoyed about rumors of the decline in state income from the exit tax imposed on passengers going abroad via Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport.

Nine investors shortlisted for BCA: The Indonesian Bank

Nine investors shortlisted for BCA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has shortlisted nine investors to join the final bid for the government's 51 percent stake in publicly-listed Bank Central Asia (BCA). Page 3 Is Megawati doing her job?: Our main concern is not with her chances of remaining at the republic's helm, but whether she is doing the country the kind of service it desperately needs.

Pakistan palm oil demands to benefit Southeast Asia

Pakistan palm oil demands to benefit Southeast Asia Lewa Pardomuan, Reuters, Kuala Lumpur Pakistan's palm oil imports may reach 220,000 tons a month over the next few months because of the prospect of exports to neighboring Afghanistan and a reduced cottonseed oil crop, traders said on Monday. Pakistan normally buys 80,000 tons of palm oil a month from the world's largest producers, Malaysia and Indonesia. "We expect strong demand to continue until March.

Batam seeks return of training funds

Batam seeks return of training funds Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam Local authorities and labor activists on Batam Island called on the central government to return levy-for-training funds collected from expatriates employed locally, so they could improve the quality of the island's human resources.

Banten's islands claim rejected

Banten's islands claim rejected JAKARTA: The city administration rejected on Monday a claim by Banten province that 22 islands in Kepulauan Seribu (Seribu Islands) regency belonged to the province. "The islands belong to us according to the law. Banten may claim the islands, but they should change the law first," City Governor Sutiyoso said, referring to Law No. 34/1999 on the Jakarta administration. He said government regulation No.

Religious leaders demand independent probe on Theys' alleged murder

Religious leaders demand independent probe on Theys' alleged murder The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Religious leaders in Irian Jaya demanded on Monday that the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) conduct an thorough and objective investigation into the death of independence activist Theys Hiyo Eluay.

40% of regional funds fall victim to corruption: House

40% of regional funds fall victim to corruption: House Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives urged the government on Monday to audit the use of regional decentralization funds, suspecting that almost 40 percent of the funds, worth some Rp 60 trillion (about US$5.71 billion), had fallen victim to corruption.

NGOs call on DPR members to investigate Akbar Tandjung

NGOs call on DPR members to investigate Akbar Tandjung Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legal analysts on Monday cast doubt on the Attorney General's investigation into Akbar Tandjung's alleged misuse of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds, demanding a House of Representatives Honorary Council to also be held to ensure fairness and transparency.

Sjahril finally meets with Megawati

Sjahril finally meets with Megawati Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia governor Sjahril Sabirin and his deputies met with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday at the State Palace for around 45 minutes, the first formal meeting between the President and the independent central bank since Megawati assumed power in late July. Sjahril was accompanied by senior deputy governor Anwar Nasution and deputy governor Miranda Goeltom.

Xanana seeks speedy repatriation of East Timorese refugees

Xanana seeks speedy repatriation of East Timorese refugees Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang East Timorese leader Jose Alexandro "Xanana" Gusmao arrived in Kupang, the provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara, for a three-day visit on Monday, and immediately called on the more than 143,000 East Timorese refugees in the province to return home.

Rupiah Rates Nov.26

Rupiah Rates Nov.26 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

RP Muslims vote for new leader

RP Muslims vote for new leader Mynardo Macaraig, Agence France-Presse, Zamboanga, Philippines Filipino Muslims in a poor autonomous region in the southern Philippines voted on Monday for a new governor while the incumbent faced extended detention in Malaysia. Nur Misuari, governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), spent his third day in a Malaysian prison as Kuala Lumpur mulled over the prospect of charging him for illegal entry.

Radio plays contest on conflicts

Radio plays contest on conflicts JAKARTA: The frequent conflicts that hit the country have inspired a radio play script writing contest on conflicts and their resolution. The contest is being organized by Common Ground Indonesia, an independent international institute, in cooperation with Radio 68H, a radio news agency, which has a network of 200 radio stations throughout the country.

Megawati's presidency: Is sincerity alone enough?

Megawati's presidency: Is sincerity alone enough? Mochtar Pabottingi, Senior Researcher, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta The question to be posed regarding our deep and unprecedented ordeal must certainly be about more than just the longevity of a presidency.

KONI relegates lifters from 2002 Asian Games priority list

KONI relegates lifters from 2002 Asian Games priority list Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) has decided to drop four weightlifters from the priority list for the 2002 Asian Games after criticisms of bias were found with the eligibility assessment.

Paper Week 2 helps teenagers put theory into real practice

Paper Week 2 helps teenagers put theory into real practice Bayu Dwi, Contributor, Jakarta One morning, a group of students, still wearing their school uniforms, lent a different atmosphere to West Plaza at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The students sat and formed a circle while, in the center, an instructor was busy giving instructions. "Get a bamboo stick and a piece of paper. Then, put a bit of glue on one side of the stick.

Govt gets tough on separatists

Govt gets tough on separatists JAKARTA: About 50,000 army and police personnel deployed throughout Indonesia had been readied to quell any seperatist movement, Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil said on Monday. "We have thus far deployed about 50 battalions or about 50,000 personnel of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police across the nation.

Tommy's bodyguards tried

Tommy's bodyguards tried Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two bodyguards of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra were tried on Monday for allegedly purchasing fake documents to help their boss escape capture by police after he went into hiding in November 2000 to avoid an 18-month prison term. Prosecutor Maju Ambarita presented the indictments of the two bodyguards, Dedi Sutaedi Yusuf, 34, and Ferry Hukom, 40, at the South Jakarta District Court.

Solemn gathering to farewell Herbert Feith

Solemn gathering to farewell Herbert Feith Israr Ardiansyah, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Grief seemed to overwhelm everybody gathered at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) campus on Tuesday. Some shed tears when prayers were said and stories told to honor their dear friend, Herbert Feith. It was a solemn gathering of more than 100 old friends in remembrance of the Australian Indonesianist who died on Nov. 15, 2001, in an accident in Melbourne.

Police to shut shop selling porn VCDs

Police to shut shop selling porn VCDs PAREPARE, South Sulawesi: Parepare Police in South Sulawesi would soon close down a shop found copying and selling a pornographic VCD of a student couple from Bandung, West Java, an official said on Monday. Amiruddin, a legal officer at the Parepare administration, said the closure was a strong warning for Pondok Indah photo studio, which had illegally duplicated the pornographic VCDs.

IKJ lacks education fund

IKJ lacks education fund A four-day fine arts exhibition called "Concern for IKJ" has been held to raise funds for the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ), a higher learning institute that faces an annual shortage of funds to carry out its activities. Assistant to IKJ rector, Wagiono Sunarto, said every year IKJ needed Rp 5 billion but that it received much less than this: a Rp 350 million subsidy from the Jakarta city administration and about Rp 2.8 billion from old and new students.

Former Thai central bank chief sued

Former Thai central bank chief sued Associated Press, Bangkok Thailand's Finance Ministry will sue a former central bank governor for US$1.6 billion, blaming him for a failed defense of the baht against speculative trading that led to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, officials said Monday. They said the ministry's Financial Institutions Development Fund has completed more than three years of investigation and submitted a civil lawsuit to the public prosecutor against Rerngchai Marakanond.

Minimum wage up by 36% in North Sumatra

Minimum wage up by 36% in North Sumatra Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin issued a decree on Monday increasing the monthly minimum wage by 36.27 percent to Rp 464,000 (US$46.4) for the 2002 fiscal year, up from the current Rp 340,500 ($34). The increase was higher than that proposed by employers' representatives, but lower than that proposed by the labor side.

1. Oil (4 x 14)

1. Oil (4 x 14) ANPAf..u.. MARKETS-OIL-FALL Oil falls, disappointed by puny Russian cut JP/17/oil Meagre Russian oil output cut triggers crude price plummet 2. Palm ( 2 x 20) Pakistan, India palm oil demand firm JP/ Pakistan palm oil demands to benefit SEA 3. Thai ( 2 x 24 ) Jasmine rice farmers urge prime minister to protect the export JP/ Thai rice farmers urge PM to protect its crops 4.

Can RI end the prolonged national banking crisis?

Can RI end the prolonged national banking crisis? Ross H. McLeod, Editor, Bulletin of Indonesian, Economic Studies, Acting Head, Indonesia Project, Australian National University, Canberra In 1998 and 1999 the banking sector was recapitalized and drastically restructured. Four of the state banks were merged into one. Many of the private banks were closed, several were temporarily nationalized, and the government took a majority stake in several more.

Police deserter dismissed

Police deserter dismissed SURABAYA, East Java: The police dismissed one of its members from East Java's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) force on Monday for deserting while on duty. First Sgt. R. Yogi Hari Christanto was officially dismissed from Brimob during a regular flag-hoisting ceremony presided over by East Java Police Sr. Supt. M. Syamsuddin at Police Headquarters in Surabaya. His dismissal letter was dated Aug. 28, 2001 and signed by the National Police chief.

Nine investors shortlisted for BCA: The Indonesian Bank

Nine investors shortlisted for BCA: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has shortlisted nine investors to join the final bid for the government's 51 percent stake in publicly-listed Bank Central Asia (BCA). Page 3 Is Megawati doing her job?: Our main concern is not with her chances of remaining at the republic's helm, but whether she is doing the country the kind of service it desperately needs.

H.E. Ambassador Yukio Takeuchi

H.E. Ambassador Yukio Takeuchi What is your impression of Indonesia since your arrival nine months ago? I have noticed many things. First, I am really impressed by the warm and friendship shown by Indonesians towards Japan. As for the changes in the political field, the election of the President and Vice President and the transfer of political power took place peacefully without any confusion. This is, in my opinion, an indication of the progress toward democracy in Indonesia.

Huge loan scam revisited

Huge loan scam revisited If determining the proportion of burden-sharing, not establishing justice, is really the main purpose of another independent audit to be conducted on the alleged misuse of Rp 138.4 trillion (US$13 billion) in emergency liquidity credit given by the central bank in 1997 and 1998, then such an exercise will simply end up being another blatant mockery of the law.

Nine investors to make final bids for stake in BCA

Nine investors to make final bids for stake in BCA Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) announced on Monday it had shortlisted nine investors to join the final bid for the government's 51 percent stake in publicly-listed Bank Central Asia (BCA). Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said the bidders were expected to submit their final bids in the third week of December.

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.

Safety of exodus guaranteed

Safety of exodus guaranteed Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police will deploy around 2,500 officers at bus terminals, railway stations, the airport and the seaport here to help smooth the flow of the annual exodus ahead of the Muslim Idul Fitri holiday next month, city police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb said on Monday.

Local workers to get international support

Local workers to get international support Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta International organizations will continue to intervene in local labor disputes until Indonesia has a sound conflict resolution mechanism, observers said on Saturday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 26, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,200 0 40,000 Adindo Foresta 70 -10 44,000 AGIS 135 0 577,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 170 -5 10,000 Alakasa 185 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 750 0 12,500 Alter Abadi 55 0 0 Alumindo Light 475 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,850 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 315 0 0 Aneka Tambang 750 -25 2,452,500 Apac Citra 265 0 0 Aqua Golden 29,500 0 0...

Govt efficiency

Govt efficiency From Koran Tempo As the state enterprise privatization program has signally failed to reach its target, State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi has suggested reducing the salaries of all ministers. Also, the International Monetary Fund has recommended a retrenchment of the state budget. So, perhaps, we need a national campaign on efficiency to ensure that we no longer rely on debt to cover the state budget.

Phone bills to bulge, DPR approves hike

Phone bills to bulge, DPR approves hike Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives finally approved on Monday the government's proposal to raise phone rates, but asked the government to delay the imposition of the rates until next year and reduce the increase to a level affordable by the public.

KONI relegates lifters from priority list

KONI relegates lifters from priority list Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) has decided to drop four weightlifters from the priority list for the 2002 Asian Games after criticisms of bias were found with the eligibility assessment. PABBSI, the national body governing weightlifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding, formerly had its four lifters Erwin Abdullah, Sri Indriyani, Lisa Rumbewas and Rosmaniar on the 41-member list of top priority athletes.

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.

Fire razes three vessels in Manado

Fire razes three vessels in Manado MANADO, North Sulawesi: Three motor boats caught fire when docking at the North Sulawesi capital of Manado, port officials said here on Monday. No human casualties were reported in the fire. Robby Silangen, a Manado Port official, said the fire, which occurred on Sunday evening, caused more than Rp 4 billion in losses.

Regional administrations asked to revoke restrictive regulations

Regional administrations asked to revoke restrictive regulations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Monday that he had officially asked regional administrations to revoke a total of 71 regional regulations on tax and levies considered to be inhibiting investment and economic development. Hari said he had decided to allow the regions to revoke the regulations themselves rather than use the central government's power to annul them.

Nur Misuari poses problems for Malaysia, RP

Nur Misuari poses problems for Malaysia, RP Julia Yeow, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur The capture of Philippine Moro rebel leader Nur Misuari posed a problem on Monday for Malaysia, which wants to deport him quickly but has been asked by Manila to hold onto him for a while. The government said on Monday it was preparing to deport Misuari, but was studying a request by Philippine President Gloria Arroyo that it put the troublesome former governor on trial for illegal entry.

Military office gutted by fire

Military office gutted by fire PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: A fire gutted an office at the West Pontianak district military headquarters on Monday morning amid normal exercises and other activities being held by troops there. However, local military personnel managed to remove ammunition before the fire spread to other buildings. The incident surprised local residents because it happened at around 10 a.m.

Racalcitrant officials to face tough punishment

Racalcitrant officials to face tough punishment Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The State Officials' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN), regarded by many to be a toothless tiger, is seeking tougher punishment for those who fail to disclose, or lie about, the source of their wealth. The commission established in 1999 is drafting an amendment of Law No. 8/1999 that will allow it to file a criminal case against recalcitrant officials.

Gowa regent at 'drug party' but denies involvement

Gowa regent at 'drug party' but denies involvement Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar The regent of Gowa district in South Sulawesi province, who has been implicated in a high-profile drug case, admitted on Monday he was at the five-star hotel room, when local police were involved in a raid there against narcotics abusers.

Drug dealer shot dead by police

Drug dealer shot dead by police JAKARTA: Police shot dead a drug distributor on Jl. Hayam Wuruk in Central Jakarta on Sunday evening after the suspect tried to escape police arrest. "The suspect, Syarif Muhammad Jamal, 25, had long been a police target in a drug trafficking case," city police detectives chief of narcotics Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo B. Tewu told The Jakarta Post. Police confiscated 2,000 ecstasy pills and 20 grams of shabu- shabu (crystal methamphetamine) from the suspect.

Ramadhan a catalyst to quit smoking

Ramadhan a catalyst to quit smoking JAKARTA: For those who wish to quit smoking, the fasting month can be a good month to begin, as Muslims are not just battling hunger and thirst but also other worldly pleasures, said the Indonesian Smoking Control Foundation. During the fasting period of the day, Muslim smokers are required to resist the urge to light up, therefore the Foundation is suggesting they banish the habit altogether.

Rp 4.2b for Maluku refugees

Rp 4.2b for Maluku refugees BIAK, Irian Jaya: The Irian Jaya provincial legislature has allocated Rp 4.2 billion in assistance to help thousands of people from Maluku who have taken refuge in the province, says a local official. Ones Ramandey, chief of the local social affairs office, said the funds, allocated in the province's 2001 budget, had been partly distributed in the form of food.

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.

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.

Sutiyoso denies agreement to close Bekasi rubbish dump

Sutiyoso denies agreement to close Bekasi rubbish dump Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration moved one step backward in its efforts to settle the case related to the planned closure of the city's waste dump in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, as Governor Sutiyoso stated on Monday that it should not be closed down before 2003.

Students want rerun of gubernatorial election

Students want rerun of gubernatorial election Yongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado An alliance of student associations in Gorontalo and North Sulawesi has called on the central government to annul the results of the recent gubernatorial election in Gorontalo on the grounds that they were not legal.

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.

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.

Privileges for places of worship

Privileges for places of worship MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The state-owned tap water company, PDAM, said on Monday that it would exempt places of worship in South Sulawesi from paying water bills during their respective religious holidays. Makassar's PDAM Director Ridwan Syahputra Musagani said the exemption was given as part of the company's contribution to community members in the province.

Regional autonomy beginning of the end for Indonesia?

Regional autonomy beginning of the end for Indonesia? Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Disputes sparked by conflicts of interest between the central government and regional administrations in connection with the implementation of regional autonomy early this year could endanger national unity, analysts warn. "The implementation of regional autonomy legislation could be the beginning of the end for the Republic of Indonesia, if the disputes continue," A.S.

1. Trash - 2x 22

1. Trash - 2x 22 Sutiyoso denies accord to close rubbish dump 2. Fitri - 3x8 Annual exodus plans 3. Ferry - 2x 26 Tommy's bodyguards tried for document forgery 4. Basis- 2x 35 New 'zakat' tax law will not affect amounts collected: donation board

Govt readies funds to cover shortfall of 2002 oil revenue

Govt readies funds to cover shortfall of 2002 oil revenue Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will raise funds to anticipate a shortfall in next year's oil revenues amid concern that a sluggish global economy may depress crude oil prices to below the level assumed in the 2002 state budget. Minister of Finance Boediono said on Monday the contingency funds would be used if crude oil prices fell below US$22 per barrel.

Ross H. McLeod

Ross H. McLeod Editor, Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies Canberra, Australia 2. Summit -- Summit hopes 1 x 32 48pt Bodoni Hope amid the gloom for Philippines Philippine Daily Inquirer Asia News Network Manila 3. LDP -- LDP abusing its privilege of prior examination of bills 1 x 32 48pt Bodoni LDP continues rampant abuses of power

'Four jamu makers made toxic brew'

'Four jamu makers made toxic brew' Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto Police in the Central Java town of Cilacap said on Monday they were still investigating four major jamu (traditional herbal medicine) companies on charges of allegedly mixing their products with a potentially dangerous chemical substance. Three of companies are PT Jamu Serbuk Manjur, PT Jamu Purba Salma and PT Jamu Sinar Laba-Laba are based in Kroya subdistrict.

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.

Prison escapee nabbed in Sanur

Prison escapee nabbed in Sanur I Wayan Juniarta, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar A prison inmate, who was supposed to be safely locked up in Bali's Kerobokan penitentiary, was nabbed before dawn on Sunday at a brothel in the Sanur area, Denpasar. Apparently, the escapee had spent the night with a prostitute. In a strange turn of events, two prison guards were discovered to have not only helped the suspect escape from jail, but also participated in the night's escapade.

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).

New 'zakat' law will not affect donations collected: Bazis

New 'zakat' law will not affect donations collected: Bazis Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city's Muslim Charitable Donations Board (Bazis) and several mosques have expressed optimism that the new government policy on zakat (Islamic alms) will not affect the amounts they collect annually in zakat. The chairman of Bazis Jakarta, Abdul Shomad Muin, stressed that the board had many loyal donors.

Where is the Truth in Buloggate II?

Where is the Truth in Buloggate II? Akbar Tandjung's story: * Akbar Tandjung initially denied directly receiving the funds. * Akbar said Dadang Ruskandar on behalf of Raudhatul Jannah Foundation accepted the funds for relief operations. * The naming of Raudhatul Jannah to handle the relief had been reported to three ministers (Haryono Suyono, Rahardi Ramelan and Muladi). * The foundation was recommended by Haryono Suyono.