Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 November 2001

68 articles found

Rebels test Arroyo's strength

Rebels test Arroyo's strength The Strait Times, Asia News Network, Singapore The situation in the southern Philippines is a threat, for both Manila's national calm and its implications for Southeast Asia during a delicate confluence of international security and economic uncertainties. On Wednesday some 100 hostages were released by forces of a rebel wing of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which had fought government forces in a sharp battle the day before.

Alleged rapists buy freedom

Alleged rapists buy freedom SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Police said here on Thursday they had released four youths suspected of raping a 14-year old girl after the suspects paid the victim compensation. Adj. Sr. Comr. Tikno Handako, chief of the Samarinda Ulu police precinct in East Kalimantan, said the victim withdrew her charges against the suspects named only by their initials as Am, 20, Yan, 17, Her. 18, and Pam, 17.

Workers' wage

Workers' wage From Warta Kota I was concerned to learn that the hike in the regional minimum wage for Jakarta and its surrounding areas has become a controversy between the city governor and businesspeople. Generally, workers are supporting the gubernatorial decree on the increase in the regional minimum wage while businesspeople feel that they will suffer losses due to the proposed new wage. I hope that relevant parties will find a way to resolve this matter wisely.

110 local planes flight worthy

110 local planes flight worthy JAKARTA: The government has declared 100 aircraft as airworthy for serving domestic routes during the Ramadhan, Christmas and New Year holiday season. Director General for Air Transportation Moch. Alwi said that, over a three-day period, transport authorities had conducted checks on aircraft run by airlines serving domestic routes.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 29, 2001 Share Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,175 0 8,500 Adindo Foresta 70 0 1,500 AGIS Tbk 130 -15 472,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 195 15 32,500 Alakasa 185 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 750 0 49,500 Alter Abadi Tbk 55 0 0 Alumindo Light 475 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,850 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 40 100,000 Aneka Tambang 725 -25 780,500 Apac Citra 265 0 0 Aqua Golden 29,500...

A new game in town

A new game in town A new game started being played out as soon as Tommy Soeharto's year-long hide-and-seek caper came to an end on Wednesday. We don't know its name yet, but the circumstances of Tommy's arrest and its announcement by the police all suggest that this is just the beginning of yet another game. Since we do not know the name of the game, we cannot predict its outcome. Ideally, justice should be the only game in town. Yet, somehow, we doubt that we are any closer to justice today.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 29

Rupiah Rates Nov. 29 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Emergency funds rejected

Emergency funds rejected The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives rejected on Thursday the government's proposal to raise emergency funds in the event oil prices fall below US$22 a barrel, the assumed price in the 2002 state budget. The House's budget committee turned down raising contingency funds worth Rp 1 trillion (about $96 million), reasoning the amount should go to development spending.

Angie signs deal with Samsung

Angie signs deal with Samsung Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian Junior Wimbledon Champion Angelique Widjaja has secured financial support from the Indonesian arm of Korean-based company Samsung Electronics for her 2002 tennis campaign. The deal was signed here on Thursday with PT Samsung general manager Lee Kang-hyun. "We are going to provide financial support for Angelique from one tournament to another.

JP/Mulkan Salmona

JP/Mulkan Salmona LEADERSHIP CHANGE: New National Police chief General Da'i Bachtiar (left) shakes hands with his predecessor General Suroyo Bimantoro at the State Palace on Jl. Veteran, Central Jakarta. President Megawati Soekarnoputri installed Da'i on Thursday as the new police chief replacing Bimantoro, who is to retire at the end of November. Vice President Hamzah Haz, a number of Cabinet ministers and members of the House of Representatives (DPR) also attended the ceremony.

D'ai told a lie: Activist

D'ai told a lie: Activist JAKARTA: Human rights activist Andi Arief has claimed that new National Police chief Comr. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar lied when he was a National Police spokesman in 1998. "Da'i, as well as former Indonesian Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Wahab Mokodongan and former Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Nurfaizi, said on April 25, 1998, that the police was responsible for my abduction," said Andi, who was kidnapped on March 28, 1998.

Fresh Poso conflict claims two lives

Fresh Poso conflict claims two lives Badri Djawara, The Jakarta Post, Poso A new clash erupted in Tangkura village, Poso regency in Central Sulawesi, leaving two more people dead and hundreds of houses burned in Muslim-Christian fighting. The violent clashes occurred during a visit by Provincial Police Chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin to halt the prolonged sectarian conflict in the war-torn regency. The first victim was identified as Sarif, 23, and the second was as yet unidentified.

Govt loses US$3.8b from import under-invoicing

Govt loses US$3.8b from import under-invoicing The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi) estimated on Thursday that the government has been losing at least Rp 40 trillion (US$3.8 billion) a year in revenue from import duty, value added tax (VAT) and income tax due to the widespread practice of under-invoicing import prices.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 5:58 p.m. Saturday Imsak 3:56 a.m. Subuh 4:06 a.m.

Italy lends $10 million to help Aprisindo

Italy lends $10 million to help Aprisindo Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Italian government has agreed to provide a US$10 million soft loan to the Indonesian Footwear Association (Aprisindo) for the development of a training center to improve the skills of Indonesian shoemakers and the quality of their export products. Italian Ambassador to Indonesia Alessandro Merola said on Thursday that the training center was expected to start operating at the beginning of 2003.

Xanana pledges closer ties with West Timor

Xanana pledges closer ties with West Timor Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang East Timor's prospective first president Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao wrapped up his four-day visit to the country's neighboring province of East Nusa Tenggara, pledging to further improve bilateral ties with Indonesia. Speaking before flying home to Dili on Thursday, he specifically said he would seek closer relations between his country and the province due to their similar cultures.

Employers objects the increase of workers' minimum wage

Employers objects the increase of workers' minimum wage Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Workers' hopes of enjoying a 38.7 percent increase in the minimum wage here next year will likely not materialize as employers have rejected the hike.

UN envoy meets with Suu Kyi to end deadlock

UN envoy meets with Suu Kyi to end deadlock MYANMAR: A United Nations special envoy met with detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon on Thursday in his latest attempt to speed up reconciliation talks between the ruling military regime and pro-democracy forces. Razali Ismail, a former Malaysian diplomat.

Fireworks abusers may get death

Fireworks abusers may get death Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Police and the City Administration pledged on Thursday to take stern actions against firecracker producers, distributors and users, claiming that some of the larger noise-making devices could be classified as bombs. "Some of these are bombs with seriously explosive material. Gone are the days of small, harmless firecrackers," City Police Deputy Chief Brig. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara said after a meeting at City Hall.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 29

Rupiah Rates Nov. 29 JP/18/Conversion Rupiah Rates Nov. 29 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

'Fare hike should be obeyed'

'Fare hike should be obeyed' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso urged bus operators not to increase fares above 12 percent during the holiday season. The administration would take stern action on any violations, he said Thursday. The increase was decided by the House and the director general of land transportation during a hearing on Wednesday.

Govt protects mangrove forests

Govt protects mangrove forests SEMARANG: The government is committed to continue protecting mangrove forests, which have suffered widespread damage due to reckless tree felling along the country's seashores, an official announced on Monday. "The protection of existing mangrove forests is ensured through the issuance of regional regulations on the importance of replanting the damaged woodland," said Irfandi Idris, director of seashore development at the Central Java marines and fishery office.

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.

12 former generals to join PPP

12 former generals to join PPP SURABAYA: Twelve retired generals are to join the United Development Party (PPP) to strengthen the conflict-ridden Muslim based party, a senior party official has revealed. M. Hafidz Ma'soem, chairman of the party's East Java chapter, said that the generals' admittance was discussed in a party plenary meeting in Jakarta on Nov. 14. "The generals have offered to provide informal help to the party," he said on Tuesday. Among the names that Ma'soem mentioned were Lt.

Unreturned official cars to be seized

Unreturned official cars to be seized The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Several former officials of Tangerang regency, who left their posts almost two years ago, have still not returned their cars. The vehicles - eight Kijang minivans, a Landrover and a Toyota Hardtop - were taken by the former officials when they were transferred from their positions, according to Soma Atmaja, head of the regency administration's equipment and assets department.

Achmad Ruskandar a new suspect in Bulog

Achmad Ruskandar a new suspect in Bulog Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Achmad Ruskandar, former deputy chief of finance at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), has been declared a suspect for allegedly misusing some Rp 4.6 billion (US$446,600) in funds belonging to the agency. Director of investigations at the Attorney General's Office Muchtar Arifin said that Ruskandar had officially been declared a suspect on Wednesday.

Taufik and Mega: Battle of the brash and the bashful

Taufik and Mega: Battle of the brash and the bashful Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Before entering his limousine, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti sighed when asked about rumors of his resignation from the Cabinet. The economic czar seemed fed up with queries about his supposedly imminent departure from the Cabinet and his apparently worsening relations with President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Strong team to combat money laundering

Strong team to combat money laundering Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia, struggling to shed its image as a haven for world class money launderers, plans to set up a commission to combat the rampant illegal activity. The Anti-Money Laundering Commission will wield wide-ranging authority which will include the summoning of suspects, investigatory powers, the tracing of suspicious bank accounts and taking perpetrators to court.

Government vows to be tougher in restive areas

Government vows to be tougher in restive areas Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian government would no longer compromise with separatist movements, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono vowed Thursday. The government has already deployed 51 battalions or around 50,000 soldiers to the large number of conflict areas throughout the country.

/JP/17/Stock

/JP/17/Stock .pl .rm List of Securities Quotation: Day/Date:Thursday, November 29, 2001 Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.

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.

Garuda, CSA sign agreement

Garuda, CSA sign agreement The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Garuda Indonesia and China Southern Airlines (CSA) have agreed to market 30 economy class seats on their respective aircraft serving the Jakarta-Guangzhou route, a report said. Garuda's commercial director, Bachrul Hakim, and CSA vice president, Li Kun, signed an agreement on the initiative in Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday, Antara reported.

IBRA plans holding firms for equity and property assets

IBRA plans holding firms for equity and property assets Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it planned on creating two holding companies to accommodate the properties and equity it took over from bank debtors, allowing the agency to manage the assets beyond IBRA's term of operation in 2004.

NO MORE HIKES: Chairman of the Association of Indonesian

NO MORE HIKES: Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Businessmen (Apindo) Suparwanto and his deputy Hariyadi B. Sukamdani (right) chat with Firman Tamboen (left), an investment and partnership deputy at the Coordinating Ministry for Economy, on the sidelines of an Apindo meeting in Jakarta. The association on Thursday officially protested a 40 percent hike in the minimum wage recently announced by the Jakarta administration.

Police (always) too late for a show

Police (always) too late for a show Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police basked in praise on Thursday after the one-year long extensive, but until recently fruitless, search for the nation's top fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. Wednesday's orchestrated show started when police escorted an unhandcuffed, smiling and waving Tommy to meet journalists at Jakarta Police headquarters.

No more shame of public funds abuse

No more shame of public funds abuse There is a strong suspicion that 40 percent of the regional decentralization subsidies known as the General Allocation Fund (DAU) for the 2001 fiscal year have been misused by almost all regional administrations.

RI seen as 'most stressful' for expatriates in Asia

RI seen as 'most stressful' for expatriates in Asia Agence France-Presse, Singapore Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam are the most stressful Asian countries for expatriates to live in, while Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand offer the least pressure, a regional poll showed.

'Basis' still strong, fifty years on

'Basis' still strong, fifty years on Asip A. Hasani, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The inaugural edition of Yogyakarta-based cultural magazine Basis was officially launched in October 1951. Fifty years later, it remains in existence even though others have vanished. Basis is still there giving its readers cultural discourses, intellectual thoughts and reflective analysis in its 48 to 100 page bimonthly editions.

Buloggate II

Buloggate II The Buloggate II case has placed House Speaker Akbar Tandjung in a difficult situation, because his statement regarding the submission of a check for Rp 40 billion from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) has always been denied by some witnesses, including Ishadi, the head of PT Yanaprima.

AIDS subject of poster contest

AIDS subject of poster contest JAKARTA: In commemorating International AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the Indonesian AIDS Foundation is running a three-day poster and banner competition for high school students at the Bulungan auditorium, South Jakarta. As many as 60 high and vocational schools are participating in the competition, which will last on Friday. The participants are asked to create catchy slogans or posters to increase HIV and AIDS awareness. Their work will be part of a parade on Dec.

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.

Minister says bus fares hike is final

Minister says bus fares hike is final Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An agreement between legislators and the government to raise intercity bus fares during the upcoming holiday season by 12 percent has caused an uproar as the government insisted that the decision was final, while bus operators continued to demand more.

Chubu buys LNG from Malaysian firm

Chubu buys LNG from Malaysian firm Chubu Electric Power Co. on Wednesday signed a contract with Malaysia LNG to purchase liquefied natural gas on a spot basis, the first Japanese company to do so, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported in its Thursday morning edition, citing sources close to the deal. Power utilities and gas companies in Japan usually sign at least 20-year LNG-procurement agreements.

Why is Tommy smiling?

Why is Tommy smiling? Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Why was Tommy smiling? "There must be something wrong. Tommy just continued grinning as if he had no fear despite being accused in a murder case," a commuter on the Serpong-Tangerang train was overheard saying as he and his friends discussed Thursday morning's national headlines. Several analysts when asked by The Jakarta Post were also quick to pose a similar question as police amorously welcomed him after his arrest.

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.

House endorses Da'i's nomination as police chief

House endorses Da'i's 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.

Bakrie plans share buyback

Bakrie plans share buyback The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Bakrie family plans to buy back its shares in the publicly listed PT Bakrie & Brothers from creditors who took over their shares under a debt to equity deal after the company was declared bankrupt. Aburizal Bakrie said on Thursday he hoped to reclaim a 25 percent stake in Bakrie Brothers within the next five years.

Five tried for Rp 1.8b robbery

Five tried for Rp 1.8b robbery BOGOR: Five people were tried at Bogor District Court on Thursday for their alleged role in a Rp 1.8 billion robbery at PT Great River here. The defendants were Antono Dwi Hendaryanto, alias Heru, 36, a dismissed marine officer; Tugiyanto, alias Yanto, 32; Benni, alias Deden Sunarya, 35; Yustinus Lelatobur, 40 and Adisetyo bin Sukamto, 29. Yustinus and Adisetyo were former security guards of PT Great River.

Street vendors willing to be managed, taxed

Street vendors willing to be managed, taxed Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Street vendors, who have long been accused of being a major source of traffic jams, said they were willing to be managed and regulated by the city administration. They said they would obey the regulations and would not object to paying fees to the administration, so long as they were not evicted. "We don't mind if the administration wants to relocate us, and we are ready to pay the fees.

1. IBRA (3x16)

1. IBRA (3x16) IBRA plans holding firms for equity and property 2. PERC (2x28) RI seen as "most stressful" for expatriates in Asia 3. Shoe (4x9) Italians lend $10m to help Aprisindo 4. Log (2x18) Rini to take action against senior staff 5. Bakri Bakrie plans "buyback" 6. Buget Emergency funds rejected

'Max Havelaar's Saijah and Adinda', a tragic love story

'Max Havelaar's Saijah and Adinda', a tragic love story Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Dance drama Max Havelaar's Story of Saijah and Adinda, a love story based on a book written by Edward Douwes Dekker in 1860, the assistant resident in Lebak village in Banten, West Java, presented the audience with a narrative communicated through theater and dance. More than 80 dancers and actors took part in the 120-minute performance at Pagelaran Hall of the Yogyakarta Palace on Sunday.

Gen. Da'i sworn in as National Police chief

Gen. Da'i sworn in as National Police chief Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta General Da'i Bachtiar was sworn in as the new National Police chief on Thursday amid protests by members of the House of Representatives (DPR) pleading for more time to study his capability to lead the police force.

Tommy begins Day 1 in captivity

Tommy begins Day 1 in captivity The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The frivolity following the arrest of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra persisted on Thursday as authorities patted each other's backs and government officials glorified the belated capture as if a salvation to the nation's ills.

Five more killed on eve of GAM anniversary

Five more killed on eve of GAM anniversary Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh At least five people were killed and five more seriously injured in separate, violent incidents in the strife-torn province of Aceh on Wednesday, separatist movement and military sources said here on Thursday. Spokesman for the local military Lt. Col.

JP/17/brief

JP/17/brief The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Thursday it has signed a deal to sell 49 percent of leading television broadcaster PT Indosiar Visual Mandiri, to PT TDM Aset Management at Rp 775 per share. IBRA will raise some Rp 755 billion ($72.28 million) in gross proceeds from the stake sale to the local asset management firm. "The sale agreement was signed last night," IBRA senior official Dasa Sutantio said on Thursday.

Rini to take strong action against senior staff

Rini to take strong action against senior staff Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Industry and Trade Rini Soewandi said on Thursday that she would take strong action over the breaching of the joint ministerial decree banning log exports that had taken effect on Oct. 8. Her comments came following the issuance of a letter on Nov. 11 granting a reprieve to 11 exporting companies to export logs by the ministry's director general of international trade, Riyanto B. Yosokumoro.

TV today

TV today TVRI 3:00 a.m. Ramadhan Program 5:00 Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 10:00 Children's Song 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Debating 3:30 Music 4:30 Quiz 5:00 Religious Teachings 5:30 Ramadhan Program 7:00 News 8:00 Music 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 Religious songs Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 3:00 a.m.

1. Vendors - 1x22

1. Vendors - 1x22 Street vendors willing to be managed, taxed 2. Tuslag 'Fare hike should be obeyed' 3. Petasan - 1x34 Fireworks abusers may get death 4. Car - 2x16 Unreturned official cars to be seized

The fate of migrant workers

The fate of migrant workers From Media Indonesia We often hear of how unfortunate Indonesian workers are, especially those working abroad, but the government and manpower agencies have yet to find a solution to the problem. I think it is necessary for the government to monitor the condition of Indonesian migrant workers involved in overseas working contracts and tightly control their departure from Indonesia and their return home. The granting of permits to manpower agencies must be selective.

Police urged to solve cases linked to Tommy

Police urged to solve cases linked to Tommy Praise and warnings for the National Police from legislators were flowing on Thursday following the capture of the country's most- wanted fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. The police are now tasked to carry out a thorough investigation against Tommy, whom the police have linked to a number of criminal cases including the assassination of Supreme Court Justice, Judge Syaifuddin Kartasasmita and a number of bomb cases.

Police claim to have found clues to Theys' murder

Police claim to have found clues to Theys' murder Antara, Jakarta JAKARTA: Irian Jaya Police claimed on Wednesday evening that they had uncovered clues relating to the murder of Papuan proindependence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay, while in Jakarta on Thursday dozens of Irianese demanded the United Nations and House of Representatives (DPR) intervene to resolve the case. Clues were revealed after the police's investigative team had questioned a large number of witnesses, Irian Jaya Police chief Insp.

[b]Taufik and Megawati: Battle

Taufik and Megawati: Battle of the brash and bashful Mega's war of independence: Keeping Taufik at bay Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Jakarta 2. Intel -- Doubts persist around British Intelligence gathering 1 x 32 48pt Bodoni Doubting British Intelligence Nick Hopkins Guardian's crime correspondent and Richard Norton-Taylor Security affairs editor Guardian News Service London

Seminar on housemaids

Seminar on housemaids JAKARTA: A seminar here has concluded that the government should issue a new regulation on housemaids, which would give them the same rights as other workers. The seminar on violence against housekeepers, which was organized by several non-governmental organizations, including Komnas Perempuan (Human Rights Commission for Woman), noted that the current government regulations on housemaids do not fully cover their rights and only benefit their employers.

Buoyed by U.S. trade deal, Vietnam steps up WTO membership talks

Buoyed by U.S. trade deal, Vietnam steps up WTO membership talks Agence-France Presse Hanoi Communist Vietnam prepared to launch intensive talks on World Trade Organization (WTO) membership Thursday, buoyed by the final ratification of an historic trade deal with the U.S. WTO director general Mike Moore was due to arrive here around 7:00 pm (7 p.m.

Why is Tommy smiling?

Why is Tommy smiling? Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Why was Tommy smiling? "There must be something wrong. Tommy just continued grinning as if he had no fear despite being accused in a murder case," a commuter on the inner-city train was overheard saying as he and his friends discussed Thursday morning's main photo in the national headlines. Several analysts when asked by The Jakarta Post were also quick to pose a similar question as police amorously welcomed him after his arrest.

Job seekers stranded in Padang

Job seekers stranded in Padang Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang Thousands seeking jobs on Mentawai island have been stranded for two days in the provincial capital of West Sumatra, Padang, due to the lack of transportation. The job seekers, who were going to apply to be civil servants in the new regency, have canceled their 120-mile boat trip because of the lack of transport, even though the deadline for applicants expires on Nov. 30, 2001.

Headings

Headings 1. Aceh: 24 x 2 lines Five more killed in Aceh on eve of GAM anniversary 2. Xana: 20 x 2 lines Xanana for closer ties with RI 3. POSO: 16 x 2 lines: Two more dead in Poso conflict 5. CPNS: 16 x 2 lines: Job seekers stranded in Padang

An adventure of the most rapid lifestyle changes

An adventure of the most rapid lifestyle changes What do many Indonesians have in mind about this country? Its oil? Sand? Date? Football team and leagues? The Emirate Airline? The teasing prices at its airport dutyfree shops? Or simply as one of the richest countries in the world? Many of us here might not know that, for example, the United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates, or principalities, and President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has ruled the federation for 30 years.