Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 November 2001

92 articles found

Asian currencies firmer, rupiah slides

Asian currencies firmer, rupiah slides Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore Most Asian currencies were firmer late Monday, with the Singapore dollar leading the rise, relishing a much-needed correction, dealers said. Left out in the cold, the Indonesian currency extended last week's relentless slide, heightening expectations that a test of the Rp 11,000 mark against the U.S. dollar would be imminent.

AG asks BI to freeze terrorists' accounts

AG asks BI to freeze terrorists' accounts Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office formally requested Bank Indonesia, the central bank, to freeze 28 bank accounts belonging to companies suspected of having links with international terrorist Osama bin Laden.

Mayor termed 'wastephobiac'

Mayor termed 'wastephobiac' PEKANBARU, Riau: Mayor Herman Abdullah says that he doesn't mind residents calling him names because of his campaign to make Pekanbaru a clean city. "Whatever the name is, I will take it, even "wastephobiac", as long as you really keep the city clean," he told residents here on Monday. The mayoralty runs several programs, including routine evaluation on the cleanliness of every neighborhood, kelurahan districts, and the regencies.

Chinese should be active in political life: Arief

Chinese should be active in political life: Arief Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Government critic Arief Budiman has said that it is time now for Indonesians of Chinese descent to become political activists or figures who have the guts to criticize national leaders, even though they may risk being sent to prison.

Foreign sportsmen defy security fears

Foreign sportsmen defy security fears Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The extreme athletes take a breath, steady themselves and focus on a 2.7-meter high wooden ramp before dropping in for a series of radical maneuvers. The in-line skaters, skateboarders or BMX riders power up and down the ramp, punctuating each turn with a three-sixty (360 degree turn) or risk injury with back-flips and kick-flips as the spectators at the Senayan eastern parking lot in Central Jakarta applaud.

Rates for tax payment, valid from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11

Rates for tax payment, valid from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 10,260.00 Austrian schilling 1 Rp 671.14 Australian dollar 1 Rp 5,160.78 Belgian franc 1 Rp 228.93 Canadian dollar 1 Rp 6,433.01 Swiss franc 1 Rp 6,277.92 Deutschemark 1 Rp 4,720.71 Danish krone 1 Rp 1,250.28 French franc 1 Rp 1,407.86 Poundsterling 1 Rp 14,886.23 Hong Kong dollar 1 Rp 1,315.40 Italian lira 100 Rp 476.95 Japanese yen 100 Rp 8,384.41 Malaysian ringgit 1 Rp 2,700.00 Dutch guilder 1 Rp 4,190.68 New Zealand dollar...

OPEC may cut oil output by one million bpd: Chief

OPEC may cut oil output by one million bpd: Chief Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) may cut oil production by a million barrels per day (bpd) to boost prices, its secretary general said Monday. OPEC ministers meeting Nov.

Moderate Muslims

Moderate Muslims On Thursday the Indonesian President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, warned the U.S. that its bombardment of Afghanistan should halt during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, which begins in mid- November. A "humanitarian pause" is essential, she says, to allow aid agencies to deliver desperately needed food and medical supplies and prevent a humanitarian disaster as winter takes hold. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

Will CGI spoil picnic in vanishing forests?

Will CGI spoil picnic in vanishing forests? David Curry, Director, Environmental Investigation Agency, London. A. Ruwindrijarto, Director, Telapak Indonesia, Bogor, West Java Corruption is firmly on the agenda of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) meeting on Nov. 7-8, and the forestry sector is well placed to offer opportunities for the Indonesian government to act.

Sentiments rose, but may reverse: Survey

Sentiments rose, but may reverse: Survey The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Business confidence improved in Indonesia in the August- September period, buoyed up by a peaceful change in government in late July, but the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States could well reverse the trend once again, according to a survey.

Regional trade

Regional trade A year ago at their last summit, ASEAN leaders spoke of creating a large East Asian free trade area that would also encompass South Korea, Japan and China. An expert group that looked at the practicalities of creating such a free trade area has now come back with ways in which it can be created in the context of a larger East Asian Community. If ever there was a time to seriously look at lowering trade barriers in East Asia, it is now.

1. Asean -- A test case on forestry

1. Asean -- A test case on forestry 2 X 18 48pt Bodoni CGI meeting focuses on forest destruction David Curry Director Environmental Investigation Agency London A. Ruwindrijarto Director Telapak Indonesia Bogor, West Java 2. Sadli1 -- LoIs: Source of frustration from Soeharto to Megawati 1 x 30 36pt Bodoni IMF: From Soeharto to Megawati Letter of Intent frustate Soeharto to Megawati M. Sadli Emeritus Professor Of Economics University of Indonesia Jakarta

Sidareja residents refuse relocated

Sidareja residents refuse relocated Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap, Central Java A majority of the residents of flood-prone Sidareja district, Cilacap regency, Central Java are against government plans to relocate them to a safer area in Kunci village over fears that they will not be able to pursue their businesses in the new area.

Malaysia expects 45,000 job losses

Malaysia expects 45,000 job losses Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur The government expects 45,000 Malaysian workers to be retrenched this year, but 110,000 new jobs were reportedly available to prevent growing unemployment, a Cabinet minister said Monday. Human Resources Minister Fong Chan Onn told Parliament that although the retrenchment figures were high, his ministry had received many reports of vacancies for new jobs, the national news agency, Bernama, reported.

Court asked to free 'Theys four' of charges

Court asked to free 'Theys four' of charges R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura A legislator has called on Jayapura District Court to free the Papua Presidium Council's functionaries from subversion charges, as what they have fought for has been accommodated in the newly endorsed law on special autonomy for Papua.

Entertainment and Ramadhan

Entertainment and Ramadhan Every time the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan approaches, there are pros and cons regarding the need to close entertainment venues during this month. Therefore, those in favor and against the closure of nightspots during the fasting month should consider the following in order that a win-win solution may be arrived at and the result incorporated in a stipulation of the regional administration; 1.

Freeport increases 2002 copper output

Freeport increases 2002 copper output Dow Jones, Singapore Despite a more than 20 percent slump in global benchmark copper prices since beginning of the year, PT Freeport Indonesia will go ahead with plans to increase copper production next year, the company's president director said Monday.

Rupiah closing in on 11,000 mark against dollar

Rupiah closing in on 11,000 mark against dollar The rupiah plunged to near 11,000 per U.S. dollar late on Monday, the lowest level during President Megawati Soekarnoputri's three-month-old administration. Bank Indonesia deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said that the pressure on the local unit was due to strong dollar demand from the corporate sector to repay foreign debt.

Semen Cibinong deposit sale approved

Semen Cibinong deposit sale approved Shareholders of publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Cibinong approved on Monday the planned sale of the company's controversial missing deposits worth US$250 million. "... shareholders approved the sale of time deposits held by it (Semen Cibinong) and its subsidiary, PT Trumix Beton, to an independent third party company.

Hamzah to visit Aceh

Hamzah to visit Aceh JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz is scheduled to be the first national leader to hold talks and travel throughout Aceh for an extended period of time as he is planning a three-day trip to the restive province. Hamzah will start the journey on Wednesday to visit the most disputed and dangerous areas, such as Lhokseumawe, Takengon and Pidie, where he will also visit the grave of an Acehnese national hero, Tengku Daud Beureuh.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 5

Rupiah Rates Nov. 5 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

S&P lowers Indonesia's debt ratings

S&P lowers Indonesia's debt ratings Standard & Poor's has said it has downgraded Indonesia's long- term foreign currency sovereign credit and senior unsecured debt ratings to CCC from CCC+, due to concern over possible debt rescheduling at next year's Paris Club meeting, as it would threaten bond-holders. The U.S.-based rating agency revised the outlook from stable to negative.

Traveling athletes unperturbed by security concerns

Traveling athletes unperturbed by security concerns Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta The extreme athletes take a breath, steady themselves and focus on a 2.7-meter high wooden ramp before dropping in for a series of radical maneuvers. The in-line skaters, skateboarders or BMX riders power up and down the ramp, punctuating each turn with a three-sixty (360 degree turn) or risk injury with back-flips and kick-flips as the spectators at the Senayan eastern parking lot in Central Jakarta applaud.

Government to install 60 judges for rights court

Government to install 60 judges for rights court Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will soon install 60 career and non-career judges to permanent and ad hoc courts scheduled to try human rights cases. Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Monday that the new judges would commence work after attending a six-day course on rights issues. After opening the course, Yusril said that he hoped to install the judges by Dec. 1 at the latest.

[b]Asian

Asian currencies firmer, Rp slides 2. Korea (2 x 21) Korea approves 1.64t won for extra spending in 2001 3. China (2 x 20) China trade to outpace Germany and Japan 4. ADB (1 x 30) ADB raises aid to Pakistan to $950m 5. Job (1 x 20) KL expects 45,000 job losses

1. SCHOOL: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 10

1. SCHOOL: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 10 Most schools to remain open during Ramadhan 2. BUDGET: 40 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 24 Officials fear conflict of interest in budget debate 3. JAM: 36 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 52 Traffic jams force commuters to change daily routines

Refugees facing starvation: Around 3,000 Maluku refugees in the

Refugees facing starvation: Around 3,000 Maluku refugees in the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang are facing starvation following the ending of food aid from a local Protestant church. Page 3 School calendar: Most high schools in the city have decided not to send students on long vacations during Ramadhan and opted instead to provide its pupils with various religious teachings.

U.S. hopes for better ties with Indonesia

U.S. hopes for better ties with Indonesia Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta United States Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph Boyce expressed his hopes here Monday that the two countries would manage to answer the challenges of diplomacy and improve relations between the two nations. Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz, Boyce said that Indonesia and the U.S. had a long and good relationship.

MPR session dismays people in the street

MPR session dismays people in the street The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The ongoing Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly is being mocked as "elitist" and there are complaints that legislators are out of touch with the interests of the general public they are supposed to represent. The following are comments from average citizens of various backgrounds.

Literary experts offer unity concept

Literary experts offer unity concept MEDAN, North Sumatra: At least 150 literary experts began a national conference in the North Sumatra capital of Medan on Monday, offering cultural approaches to prevent the country from breaking apart. The three-day conference of the Indonesian Literature Association (Hiski), entitled Indonesian Literature and the Problem of Cultural Pluralism, was attended by several literary experts from the neighboring nations of Malaysia and Brunei.

Constitutional amendment remains unresolved

Constitutional amendment remains unresolved Kurniawan Hari and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators of the People's Consultative Assembly intensified lobbying on Monday night as the debate on amendments to the Constitution stalled. They were seeking a breakthrough on the issue of direct presidential election that would require restructuring of the Assembly.

Court rules against police

Court rules against police JAKARTA: The South Jakarta District Court decided on Monday that the arrest of two members of a Surakarta-based group by Jakarta Police last month was unlawful. Presiding judge Abdul Madjid said that Karmidi and Ahmad Khoiri were arrested without a warrant and that police did not find any weapons on them. The judge said that on Oct.

Malaysia and RI to share intelligence

Malaysia and RI to share intelligence MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta will sign a new agreement next year that enables both countries to share intelligence and keep tabs on militant activities and international crimes, a report said on Monday. Defense Minister Najib Tun Razak was quoted by the official news agency Bernama as saying the agreement would focus on coordinated action to tackle militancy, piracy, human smuggling and firearms.

Officials fear conflict of interest in City budget debate

Officials fear conflict of interest in City budget debate Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City officials complained on Monday over the interference of city councillors in their drafting of next year's city budget and alleged that they might be tempted to seek an advantage from the planned projects.

Trial of SIRA chairman begins

Trial of SIRA chairman begins JAKARTA: The trial of the leader of Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA) commenced on Monday at the Central Jakarta District Court. The defendant Faisal bin Saifuddin was charged with violating Article 154 of the Criminal Code for inciting protests against the Indonesian government. The article carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment.

Foundation's chief to queried

Foundation's chief to queried JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office is scheduled to summon Raudhlatul Jannah Foundation chairman Dadang Sukandar on Wednesday as a witness in an alleged corruption case of Rp 40 billion of funds belonging to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), which has implicated several executives of the Golkar Party.

Damar Harsanto

Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta While members of the legislature have the option of spending the night at a five-star hotel near the House of Representatives (DPR)/People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building, a number of policemen who are assigned to secure the event have to sleep in the dark on the ground at the building compound, with mosquitoes for company. "Look at our barracks for yourself. No electricity, no TV set, not even an electric lamp.

Padang's brinkmanship game

Padang's brinkmanship game President Megawati Soekarnoputri's government was either so lame-duck that it was incapable of acting immediately and firmly or was so completely ignorant of the grave implications that it simply sat back and relaxed after the West Sumatra administration and legislative council declared on Thursday what they described as the "take over" of the Semen Padang unit of state majority- owned Semen Gresik.

Bogor asked to act on prostitution

Bogor asked to act on prostitution Activists from the Muslim-based Justice Party (PK) gathered at the Bogor administration office on Monday, demanding that the administration rid the city of all prostitution spots and porno VCDs before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan begins later this month.

Foreign sportsmen defy security fears

Foreign sportsmen defy security fears Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The extreme athletes take a breath, steady themselves and focus on a 2.7-meter high wooden ramp before dropping in for a series of radical maneuvers. The in-line skaters, skateboarders or BMX riders power up and down the ramp, punctuating each turn with a three-sixty (360 degree turn) or risk injury with back-flips and kick-flips as the spectators at the Senayan eastern parking lot in Central Jakarta applaud.

RI proposes water sale to Singapore

RI proposes water sale to Singapore Associated Press, Singapore A Singapore official said Monday that Indonesia will next year complete a proposal on how to supply this island nation with water. Acting Environment Minister Lim Swee Say told News Radio Monday that the water would come from Indonesia's Riau province. Singapore now gets more than half of its water through a pipeline from its northern neighbor, Malaysia.

Page 7

Page 7 1. IRIAN: 8 x 4 lines Court asked to free 'Theys four' of charges 2. Guru: 18 x 2 lines 72 elementary schools in Indramayu to be merged 3. Pulang: 24 x 2 lines Aceh refugees in N. Sumatra want to return home 4. Tolak: 16 x 2 lines Sidareja residents refuse relocation 5. Serang: 8 x 4 lines Bus driver named suspect

MPR spotlights govt's performance

MPR spotlights govt's performance People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) members have put the performance of the government under the spotlight. In their general opinions presented during the MPR session, some factions have said that the government has not been able to revive the economy and that it is weak in eliminating corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN).

72 elementary schools in Indramayu to be merged

72 elementary schools in Indramayu to be merged Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu, West Java At least 72 state-run elementary schools in the Indramayu regency will be merged, reducing their number to 32, due to a shortage of teaching staff and a low education budget. Herutoko D., chief of the local education ministry office, said the administration had been forced to implement the school mergers to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the regency's education system.

Police tell sad story on sidelines of MPR session

Police tell sad story on sidelines of MPR session Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While members of the legislature have the option of spending the night at a five-star hotel near the House of Representatives (DPR)/People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building, a number of policemen who are assigned to secure the event have to sleep in the dark on the ground at the building compound, with mosquitoes for company. "Look at our barracks for yourself.

IMF team to visit Jakarta on new LoI talks

IMF team to visit Jakarta on new LoI talks Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta later this week for preliminary talks on the upcoming letter of intent (LoI) with the government, the IMF said on Monday.

Asian leaders concerned about Afghans

Asian leaders concerned about Afghans Simon Cameron-Moore, Reuters, Bandar Seri Begawan Asian leaders at a summit in Brunei voiced concern on Monday over the fate of Afghan civilians caught in the midst of a U.S.-led bombing campaign. The 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) met their North Asian neighbors China, Japan and Korea in a summit primarily focused on economic issues, but unable to escape the shadow of the Afghan conflict.

On affiliated class

On affiliated class From Media Indonesia I and perhaps some other parents need clarification about a news story titled "State-owned University conducts an illegal program" published in Media Indonesia on Sept. 25 and a response from a professor of Padjajaran University, also published in the same newspaper on Sept. 28. I deem it necessary to ask Director General of Higher Education Satriyo S. Brojonegoro the following questions: 1.

Parents complain over school's fees

Parents complain over school's fees JAKARTA: Some 20 parents visited City Hall on Monday, complaining that their applications to register their children at a state elementary school in their neighborhood in South Jakarta were rejected as they were unable to afford an entrance fee of between Rp 2 million (US$200) and Rp 3 million. The parents said the principal of SDN 10 Pesanggrahan preferred to accept students who lived far from the school whose parents could afford to pay the "entrance fee".

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 News: Hallo, Metro Indonesia 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 4:00 Quiz 4:30 Animated Film 5:15 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 TV Drama Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 5:30 a.m.

Three months in jail for shoe thief

Three months in jail for shoe thief PADANG, West Sumatra: The provincial court sentenced Rudi, 20, on Monday to three months imprisonment for stealing a pair of shoes. The sentence was much lighter than the 10-month sentence sought by the prosecutors. The panel of judges, presided over by Judge Arnellia, found that the defendant had caused discomfort in the neighborhood.

Court endorses Gafur's election as governor

Court endorses Gafur's election as governor Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid accusations of money politics, the Supreme Court has issued a legal opinion endorsing the controversial election of Abdul Gafur as North Maluku governor and Yamin Tawari as his deputy, saying that the election procedures were complied with.

Telkom lines in Bekasi

Telkom lines in Bekasi From Kompas Responding to IG Ngurah Budi's letter that Telkom has been giving deceptive discounts, (published in Kompas on Oct. 10), Telkom has deemed it necessary to clarify that it is unable to fulfill immediately the request of residents in Graha Indah housing complex, Bekasi. Telkom needs to build its new line network in phases and without interruption to adjust to site conditions and existing costs, as well as the number of prospective customers on the waiting list.

Maluku refugees living in Kupang face starvation

Maluku refugees living in Kupang face starvation Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Around 3,000 Maluku refugees in the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang are facing starvation following the ending of food aid from a local Protestant church.

City budget must

City budget must be people oriented From Media Indonesia With regard to regional autonomy, the city administration has now been given a free hand to manage its funds to augment its income and to carry out city development activities. This is, perhaps, closely related to the significant increase in vehicle tax in Jakarta.

Debt and economies crisis sinking RI

Debt and economies crisis sinking RI Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With US$139 billion in foreign debt coupled with a crippling economic crisis, Indonesia is like a ship that has almost sunk. That was the figure of speech that Vice President Hamzah Haz used on Monday to describe how Indonesia was in the middle of a life-and-death battle for survival.

KL's Petronas urges ASEAN oil firms to join forces

KL's Petronas urges ASEAN oil firms to join forces Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur The chief of Malaysian oil firm Petronas Monday urged national oil corporations (NOC) in Southeast Asia to form alliances to counter the influence of growing industry giants. Mohamad Hassan Marican, Petronas president and chief executive, said there appeared to be a new round of consolidation among medium-sized multinationals hit by weak oil prices.

Most schools to remain open during Ramadhan

Most schools to remain open during Ramadhan Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most high schools in the city have decided not to send students on long vacations during Ramadhan and opted instead to provide its pupils with various religious teachings. Muslim schools will close for the first few days of Ramadhan (the fasting month) but afterwards Islamic lectures have been scheduled, with some schools inviting well-known Muslim speakers.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs Indonesia's PT Tambang Timah plans to cut average tin production costs to $3,200 a metric ton from $3,859/ton in the third quarter, the company said Monday. Achieving the target is crucial for the world's largest tin producer to survive with current tin prices between $3,500-$3,750, the company told Dow Jones Newswires.

Sri Warso Wahono exploits women's beauty in sketches

Sri Warso Wahono exploits women's beauty in sketches Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta Alone, idle, displaying fatigue, loneliness and restlessness, here and there, naked and waiting -- on the bed or on a chair in the sitting room. These are the women of Sri Warso Wahono's sketches, being exhibited at Galeri Cipta III, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, along with his sketches of other subject matter, like fish, flowers, cities and landscapes.

Traveling athletes unperturbed by security concerns

Traveling athletes unperturbed by security concerns Musthofid The Jakarta Post Jakarta The extreme athletes take a breath, steady themselves and focus on a 2.7-meter high wooden ramp before dropping in for a series of radical maneuvers. The in-line skaters, skateboarders or BMX riders power up and down the ramp, punctuating each turn with a three-sixty (360 degree turn) or risk injury with back-flips and kick-flips as the spectators at the Senayan eastern parking lot in Central Jakarta applaud.

Vietnam party discusses 2002 polls

Vietnam party discusses 2002 polls VIETNAM: Ruling Communist Party met on Monday in Hanoi to discuss National Assembly elections next year and constitutional changes, the state-run Voice of Vietnam (VOV) radio reported. The radio said the meeting of the 150-member Central Committee would also discuss Vietnam's socio-economic development plan until 2005 and next year's budget and would consider ways to strengthen the party and fight corruption and wasteful spending.

SE Asian states to boost ties with E. Asia

SE Asian states to boost ties with E. Asia Agencies, Bandar Seri Begawan Southeast Asian leaders and their major dialog partners, China, Japan and South Korea, on Monday agreed to work towards closer economic integration amid a proposal by Seoul to create a giant East Asian free trade area. The zone would cover more than two billion people, taking in China, Japan and South Korea, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah told reporters at the end of a regional summit here.

Southeast Asian plans huge free trade zone

Southeast Asian plans huge free trade zone Cindy Sui, Agence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan Southeast Asian leaders and their major dialogue partners China, Japan and South Korea agreed Monday to work towards closer economic integration, including the prospect of a giant East Asian free trade area.

Major antiporn protests hit several big cities

Major antiporn protests hit several big cities The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of Muslims staged separate protests on Monday in several cities across the country, urging authorities to take firm action against pornographic products. Some protest groups demanded the death penalty for porn producers and distributors.

RI donors wary of new loan pledges, World Bank says

RI donors wary of new loan pledges, World Bank says Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's poor track record in meeting reform targets may inhibit donor countries from pledging greater loan support needed to finance next year's state budget deficit, according to the World Bank on Monday. The World Bank, in a report preceding a donor meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) this week, warned of the consequences of the snail's pace reforms of the government.

1. IMF (4x8)

1. IMF (4x8) IMF team to visit Jakarta on new LoI talks 2. Dana (2x16) Sentiments rose, but may reverse, Survey says 3. SP (4x8) S&P lowers Indonesia's debt ratings 4. German (2x28) Ifo chief urges German govt to take remedial action on economy German economy in state of emergency: Ifo 5. Water (2x18) RI proposes water sale to Singapore 6. Global Central banks seen easing this week on grim data 7. Micro (4x8) Investigation of Microsoft continues, EU says 8.

More E. Timor refugees to go home

More E. Timor refugees to go home KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Around 900 East Timorese refugees will go back to their home villages in the district of Baucau, East Timor, in the immediate future. Leonel Guterres, a coordinator of refugees in Naibonat, said he and 900 refugees would return to East Timor in December. "We have met with coordinators of refugees in many other camps last week and agreed to return to our homeland in December," he said here recently.

Human rights course for judges

Human rights course for judges JAKARTA: Seventy-five judges and prosecutors are undergoing a human rights course organized by the Ministry of Justice along with the Asia Foundation, as part of preparations of the legal apparatus for human rights tribunals. Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the six-day course, which began on Monday, was aimed at preparing judges to comprehend fully basic human rights concepts and materials.

Labor exporter wanted in Parepare

Labor exporter wanted in Parepare PAREPARE, South Sulawesi: Local police are chasing a labor exporter identified as AM, the main suspect involved in swindling job seekers in the province last September. First Insp. J.R. Sitinjak, chief of the detective section of Parepare Police precinct, said here on Saturday that according to witnesses, the suspect had received hundreds of millions of rupiah from 83 job-seekers who were promised jobs overseas.

On accountability speech, once a year is too often

On accountability speech, once a year is too often The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party has proposed a review of the practice of the presidential accountability report being given on an annual basis, as practiced over the past two years, because it is inefficient. Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung said on Monday that an annual session used up too much money and energy, which Indonesia desperately needed for other urgent state priorities.

'Gamelan' taught in Canadian schools

'Gamelan' taught in Canadian schools NEW YORK: Traditional Javanese gamelan music will be included in the education curriculum of primary and secondary schools in Toronto, Canada, said an Indonesian diplomat. Sylvia Shirley, acting consul-general in Toronto, said on Sunday the move followed efforts by Jakarta's representative office in Toronto to introduce Indonesia's cultural arts among local citizens.

Bank solvency

Bank solvency From Neraca With regard to the closure of Unibank, I am increasingly in doubt about saving my money in a national bank. Moreover, rumors abound that two more banks will also be closed. Will our deposits in national banks be safe? Certainly yes, as the government provides a blanket guarantee to all third parties' funds in national banks. This means that we can select any bank, regardless of its reputation or the quality of its management, and need not worry about our deposit.

Regional railway reaffirmed

Regional railway reaffirmed Agence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan Southeast Asian leaders gave the go-ahead signal Monday to a proposed multi-billion dollar railway project that will link the region with China. The US$2.5 billion project forms part of an effort by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to firm up so called economic linkages in the region, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah told a news conference after an annual ASEAN summit here.

Can China live up to Asia's expectations?

Can China live up to Asia's expectations? Ching Cheong The Straits Times Singapore Just last year, people were talking about the "China threat" in the economic dimension, meaning the rise of China would squeeze out the lesser economies in Asia. Now they are hoping that it can hedge the region's economies.

WTO meet to boost global economy

WTO meet to boost global economy 2. Market (2 x 14) Asian markets close mixed 3. OPEC (2 x 21) OPEC may cut oil output by 1 million bpd: Chief 4. Petro (2 x 21) Petronas urges ASEAN oil firms to join forces

[b]Southeast Asia plans

Southeast Asia plans huge free trade zone 2. Freeport (2 x 14) Freeport increases 2002 copper output 3. Rail (1 x 20) Regional railway reaffirmed 4. Rubber (1 x 20) KL wants to be int'l rubber center

Traffic jams force people to alter daily routines

Traffic jams force people to alter daily routines Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As traffic jams have become an everyday routine and there is no indication it will lessen, residents here have been forced to be "creative" in coping with the problem. Traffic gridlock commonly occurs during morning and evening rush hour when about 2.5 million vehicles taking people to and from their houses and working places or schools are on the roads.

[b] Jakarta International Film Festival (JiFFest) Schedule for

Jakarta International Film Festival (JiFFest) Schedule for Tuesday: Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 22, South Jakarta (Tel. 5268458); Malawaian Kiss, and Indonesian in the Eye of Global News, 5:30 p.m., 10 Minutes Before Dying, and Viva Timor Lorosae, 7:30 p.m. . Djakarta Theater, Thamrin, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3848944); Vollmond, 7:30 p.m. . TIM 1, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 325130); Chunyang, 4:55 p.m., White Badge, 7:05 p.m., White Balloon, 9:15.

W. Sumatra denies seizure of cement firm

W. Sumatra denies seizure of cement firm Adianto P. Simamora and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Signaling that it was backing down from its controversial plan, the West Sumatra administration said on Monday that it had no intention of unilaterally taking over local cement-maker PT Semen Padang.

Death penalty for corruptors, why not?

Death penalty for corruptors, why not? Kurniawan Hari and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A death penalty proposal for those convicted of large scale corruption was put forth by the Crescent Star Party (PBB) on Monday and received a positive response from observers. In a country where heavy-weight corruptors can freely flaunt their wealth, capital punishment would be a good shock therapy against thus far futile efforts to combat corruption, they said.

Shareholders approve Semen Cibinong deposit sale

Shareholders approve Semen Cibinong deposit sale Shareholders of the publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Cibinong approved on Monday the planned sale of the company's controversial missing deposits worth US$250 million. "...shareholders passed the sale of time deposits held by it (Semen Cibinong) and its subsidiary, PT Trumix Beton, to an independent third party company.

'Mardiyem' highlights nightmare of the comfort women

'Mardiyem' highlights nightmare of the comfort women Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Being raped is every woman's nightmare. To experience it once is more than enough to turn a woman's life upside down. But there are women who had to undergo such assaults 10, 15 or even more than 30 times a day. Who were those unfortunate women? And what kind of monsters could treat them so heartlessly?

Bus driver named suspect

Bus driver named suspect Multa Firdaus, The Jakarta Post, Serang Ali Muhammad, the driver of a Hiba Utama bus that collided with a cargo train killing at least 20 people in Serang, Banten on Sunday, has been arrested while locomotive engineer Jumari is still under police investigation. The chief of the Serang Police Precinct, Adj. Sr. Comr. Jati Wiyono said Ali was arrested because he allegedly did not stop his bus when he heard the train.

AMEX card has limitations

AMEX card has limitations AMEX cards issued in Indonesia have many limitations that you may not be aware of until you are denied a claim. My daughter is a supplementary AMEX cardholder and so are my two other children who are residing and studying in the U.S. I gave them these cards as a protective measure since I was confident that AMEX is, as it proclaims, one of the most comprehensive credit card companies. But that confidence has eroded.

Beddu gets 2-year prison term

Beddu gets 2-year prison term Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court sentenced on Monday former chief of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang to two years imprisonment for his involvement in a land swap deal causing some Rp 20 billion (US$ 20.8 million) in losses to the state. Beddu, 65, was also ordered to pay back Rp 5 billion to the state and a Rp 5 million fine.

[b]Can China live up to

Can China live up to Asia's expectations? Ching Cheong The Straits Times Singapore Just last year, people were talking about the "China threat" in the economic dimension, meaning the rise of China would squeeze out the lesser economies in Asia. Now they are hoping that it can hedge the region's economies. 2. Herald -- Reinventing domestic politics 2 X 23 36pt Bodoni Kim Dae-jung's homework on rebuilding his party The Korea Herald Asia News Network Seoul 3.

Letters of Intent frustrate Soeharto to Megawati

Letters of Intent frustrate Soeharto to Megawati M. Sadli, Emeritus Professor of Economics, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Part 2 of 2 In the end, it was Megawati Soekarnoputri as vice president, who in May, 2001, took an initiative to invite back the International Monetary Fund.

Refugees want to return home

Refugees want to return home Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra Some 2,000 Acehnese refugees now being sheltered in a number of camps in Langkat, North Sumatra, have expressed their willingness to return to their homes despite poor security conditions in the strife-torn province.

Kim Dae-jung's homework on rebuilding his party

Kim Dae-jung's homework on rebuilding his party The Korea Herald, Asia News Network, Seoul President Kim Dae-jung left for Brunei Sunday to attend the annual summit of "ASEAN plus Three" (East Asian nations). Gripping his mind during the three-day overseas tour, however, will not be the international agenda, but domestic politics.

Can China live up to Asia's expectations?

Can China live up to Asia's expectations? Ching Cheong The Straits Times Singapore Just last year, people were talking about the "China threat" in the economic dimension, meaning the rise of China would squeeze out the lesser economies in Asia. Now they are hoping that it can hedge the region's economies.