Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 November 2001

80 articles found

Accounts link terrorists

Accounts link terrorists JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia (BI) announced on Wednesday that it has ordered all banks throughout the country to freeze accounts owned by individuals or groups allegedly having links with international terrorists. The order was made following an official request from the Attorney General's Office (AGO) to freeze 28 bank accounts suspected of having links with terrorist groups, Erwin Riyanto of BI, the central bank, said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post.

Interest Group faction at MPR faces guillotine

Interest Group faction at MPR faces guillotine Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Interest Group faction, a non-elected group in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), were fighting for survival on Wednesday claiming they were still a necessary component of the Assembly. The 65-member faction will be scrapped if the MPR eventually endorses the change of the current system into a bicameral system similar to the U.S.

Brawl breaks out in court

Brawl breaks out in court JAKARTA: A brawl broke out between members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and the City Forum (Forkot) at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday. No injuries were reported during the incident. It started when some 50 Forkot members tried to enter the court building to attend the trial of their colleagues, Mixilmina Munir and Aris Wardoyo. However, guards rejected their request due to the limited number of entry passes.

Security tightened in int'l schools

Security tightened in int'l schools Damar Harsanto and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police vowed on Wednesday to increase security at international schools in the aftermath of a grenade explosion in the courtyard of the Australian International School (AIS) in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta on Tuesday night. "We will be deploying more police officers to safeguard international schools in a move to prevent similar attacks from recurring," City Police spokesman Sr. Comr.

Live bomb found in Palembang

Live bomb found in Palembang PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A home-made bomb wrapped in a black plastic bag was found at the Raden Fattah Islamic Teaching Institute in the South Sumatra provincial capital of Palembang on Monday. The explosive device was found by Suyadi, the institute's security guard, when he was patrolling the campus on Monday night. According to Suyadi, the bomb was placed on the Adab faculty's gate by an unidentified man.

BSD gets REI award for environment

BSD gets REI award for environment TANGERANG: The Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing complex in Tangerang, Banten, has won an Indonesian Real Estate Association (REI) award for environmental management. BSD's president Budiarsa Sastrawinata said on Wednesday the award, presented last week during REI's national gathering, was based on environmental facilities installed by the developer, for garbage and waste-water processing.

WIC to hold charity bazaar

WIC to hold charity bazaar JAKARTA: The annual charity bazaar organised by the Women's International Club will take place next Thursday at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center. This year's event will feature 170 Indonesian stands representing a number of different provinces as well as 35 stands organized by embassies in Jakarta offering various specialty delicacies and crafts.

Balinese purify seas in sacred ritual

Balinese purify seas in sacred ritual Pariama Hutasoit, Contributor, Nusa Penida Island, East Bali The sea was so quiet. No commercial ships, no fishermen nor surfers were visible in the waters around Nusa Lembongan in East Bali, around 50 kilometers southeast of Denpasar. Its neighboring islands, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, also looked like barren islands. There were no activities on these tourist islands, which were usually crowded by domestic and foreign visitors. Between Oct. 31 and Nov.

Thai seeds spark rice protests in Kendari

Thai seeds spark rice protests in Kendari The Jakarta Post, Kendari Kolaka Regent Adel Berty's recent initiative to distribute Thai rice seeds to local farmers in the regency, located in Southeast Sulawesi, sparked a sharp protest from local agriculture and plantation authorities which said it was against Law No. 12/1992 on cultivation of seedlings.

Govt seeks Zhu's support for LNG supply

Govt seeks Zhu's support for LNG supply The government is set to ask the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji during his four-day visit here, which kicked off Wednesday, to give priority to the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to supply LNG to China, a minister confirmed.

City budget must be people oriented

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.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs Property firm PT Surya Semesta Internusa Tbk booked a net profit of Rp 1.61 billion in the first nine months of the year, up from a net loss of Rp 43.91 billion in the same period of last year, the company announced in a statement on Wednesday. It attributed the profit to its better operating performance and the stability of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar in the third quarter of the year.

The disabled demand equal treatment in education

The disabled demand equal treatment in education Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of disabled people have demanded that they be given equal treatment in education and rehabilitation that enables them to live their lives normally within society.

Councillor's 'guest' arrested

Councillor's 'guest' arrested JAKARTA: A man, who went to meet a councillor of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, was arrested at the City Council building on Wednesday for smoking marijuana. The man, identified as Zulkarnain, who had planned to meet Councillor Supangat, was arrested by council security guard Agus. Agus said the 33-year-old man, who claimed to be a party supporter, often visited the building to ask for donations from the party's councillors.

Auction aims to help children's education

Auction aims to help children's education The economic and political crisis that has hit the country has also affected the lives of children, especially the poor. The increasing number of children dropping out of school has highlighted the crisis. Many parties have tried many ways to raise money to overcome the problem but it has not been enough. The City House Auction is staging Love HeArt, Charity for the Children in its attempts to help the less-fortunate.

Protest against textile factory pollution

Protest against textile factory pollution PEKALONGAN, Central Java: Residents of the Jeruksari village in Pekalongan regency threatened to force the closure of the textile company PT Berhasiltex for polluting the environment. Anwar Qosim, spokesman for the villagers, said the people were very disappointed with the company's failure to respond to their demands in regard to the prolonged contamination of ground water in the village.

RI, China agree to step up economic ties

RI, China agree to step up economic ties Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta China and Indonesia signed several agreements on Wednesday, including one on the reopening of a branch of the Bank of China in the country in a bid to further boost economic cooperation between the two countries. Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and President Megawati Soekarnoputri witnessed the signing of six economic agreements at Merdeka Palace, following bilateral talks between the two delegations.

Bogor expects more vagrants

Bogor expects more vagrants BOGOR: The number of vagrants operating in the town of Bogor was likely to increase sharply during the holy month of Ramadhan, an official said. Head of the Social Assistance Section of the local Office of the People's Empowerment, Eli Yulia, said on Tuesday that most of the vagrants came from Sukabumi, West Java, and Tegal, Central Java. They usually operated near Jembatan Merah area, Baranangsiang terminal, Taman Topi park, Pangrango intersection and Jl. Pajajaran.

Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav.

Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 22, South Jakarta (Tel. 5268458); Poet Linge, and Scenes from an Occupation, 5:30 p.m., Domesticas, 7:30 p.m., Carrement a l'ouest, 9:30 p.m. . Djakarta Theater, Thamrin, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3848944); To and From, 7:30 p.m., Rosetta, 9:45 p.m. . TIM 1, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 325130); Day I Became a Woman, 7:05 p.m., Price of Milk, 9:15 p.m. . TIM 2: Tatziki, 5:35 p.m., The Circle, 7:45 p.m., Together, 9:45 p.m. .

Dolly seeks leniency

Dolly seeks leniency SURABAYA: While some groups want nightspots to close or have their operational hours limited during the coming holy month of Ramadhan, the biggest red light district in Surabaya, known as Dolly, is seeking leniency in relation to its operating hours. The red light district is part of the Suaka Dolly (Dolly Sanctuary) and has sent a letter to Commission E of the provincial legislative council, asking legislators to allow the area to open from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m..

Officials guilty of 'KKN' face administrative penalties

Officials guilty of 'KKN' face administrative penalties Dadan Wijaksana, Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The preliminary debate over the draft decree on the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) was completed on Wednesday but the mandatory dismissal for state officials implicated in KKN was downscaled to "administrative" punishment.

Ex-militiaman tried: An East Timorese pro-integration militiaman

Ex-militiaman tried: An East Timorese pro-integration militiaman was indicted on Wednesday at the Central Jakarta District Court and could face the death penalty for the murder of a New Zealand peacekeeper in East Timor last year. Page 3 Ruling upsets association: The city chapter of the Association of Indonesian Entertainment Centers (Aspehi) expressed its disappointment on Wednesday over the city administration's plan to close entertainment centers during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

The scouts should be revived

The scouts should be revived From Warta Kota The recent brutal gang fights among students in the Greater Jakarta area have claimed a huge number of lives, while the police seem to be at a loss as to how to deal with the problem. Wielding knives, some students also rob passengers on the buses. Admittedly, it will not be easy to tackle these problems. A comprehensive solution is really required here, though it might take a long time to implement.

Publication workshop for students

Publication workshop for students JAKARTA: The AIDS Foundation on Wednesday held a two-day workshop for students on how to organize majalah dinding (publications on notice boards). Mira Fajar Aviatri, the program coordinator of the AIDS Foundation, said that the workshop involved 56 students from 14 selected high schools in Greater Jakarta.

1. BCA (2x16)

1. BCA (2x16) BCA deal unlikely this year: Minister 2. Oil (2x28) Oil prices will recover to $22 if OPEC cuts output: Minister 3. WTO (2x18) Protests planned in Asia to mark start of WTO talks 4. HK (4x8) HKMA cuts rates by half point 5. Taiwan (1x24) Taiwan to lift investment ban

BCA deal unlikely this year: Minister

BCA deal unlikely this year: Minister Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Signaling a further setback in the privatization program, the government said chances were slim for it to secure a deal for the sale of a 51 percent stake in PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) by the end of this year. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro- Jakti attributed the delay, in part, to the long talks with legislators when seeking their approval for the sale of BCA's 51 percent stake.

Regency legislatures to prepare formation of Cirebon province

Regency legislatures to prepare formation of Cirebon province Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon The leadership of five regency legislative councils in West Java were slated to meet in Cirebon on Thursday to conduct preliminary preparations for the planned formation of Cirebon province.

Papuan demand more than just autonomy

Papuan demand more than just autonomy Ridwan Max Sijabat, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recently endorsed law on special autonomy for Papua suggests a real social contract between its people and the government. The pact dictates the transfer of the bulk of authority in numerous fields by the government to the people.

Traffic at Jl. A. Yani rerouted

Traffic at Jl. A. Yani rerouted JAKARTA: Traffic traveling from Jl. Jend. A. Yani through Jl. Let. Jend. Suprapto, East Jakarta, is expected to suffer delays due to a City Land Transportation Agency drainage project commencing Thursday. During the construction work, expected to take several days, one lane of the two-lane road will be closed from 10 p.m. till 5 a.m. daily. Traffic will be diverted between lanes depending on which lane workers are using.--JP

Few women trafficking cases go to court

Few women trafficking cases go to court Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Only eight of 286 cases of trafficking of women reported to the police during the last two years have gone to court, according to North Sumatra's Kaukus Perempuan, a coalition of non-governmental organizations dealing with women's concerns.

Govt sets deadline for East Timor refugees

Govt sets deadline for East Timor refugees Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang As of January 2002, the government will no longer provide any financial or food assistance to East Timorese refugees in West Timor as it will reinstate the Indonesian citizenship of those who choose to stay in Indonesia.

Hun Sen hails ASEAN meet

Hun Sen hails ASEAN meet CAMBODIA: Prime Minister Hun Sen returned to Phnom Penh on Wednesday with a string of victories from this year's annual summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Brunei, officials said. Hun Sen's spokesman Chem Widhya described the meeting as a great success for Cambodia, adding the country was ready to hold the next ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh. Cambodia will also host the ASEAN tourism meeting and the Great Mekong sub-region meeting in Phnom Penh in 2002.

Two students activists jailed for defying police orders

Two students activists jailed for defying police orders Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The South Jakarta District Court sentenced two student activists to five months in jail each on Wednesday for defying police officers during a demonstration against a fuel price hike in June.

Big leap in Malay population

Big leap in Malay population MALAYSIA: Latest census showed on Wednesday that Malays and other indigenous groups make up 65.1 percent of the total population, an increase of 4.5 percent since the last count in 1991. Ethnic Chinese dropped from 28.1 to 26.0 percent of the total of 23.27 million people, while ethnic Indians were down from 7.9 percent to 7.7 percent, according to newspaper reports of last year's census results.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 10:00 Children's Songs 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Debating 3:30 Children's Drama 4:30 Cartoon 5:15 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 MPR's Annual Session (live) 10:00 Music 11:00 Documentary Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 5:30 a.m.

Assembly to retain its power in presidential elections

Assembly to retain its power in presidential elections Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Firm in its first vote on the contentious issue of presidential elections on Wednesday, the Golkar faction at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session finally agreed to support the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

'Chief' people-smuggler arrested

'Chief' people-smuggler arrested Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have arrested an Egyptian here believed to have organized the voyage of the boat that sank in the Java Sea last month, killing more than 350 Middle Eastern asylum-seekers trying to enter Australia illegally, a police officer said in Jakarta on Wednesday. National Police Deputy Spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr.

380 to compete at junior athletics championships

380 to compete at junior athletics championships Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Junior Track and Field Championship will start next week with the organizers aiming to scout the country's future talents. Around 380 athletes from 25 provinces and 11 student training centers (PPLP) will take part in the championships, which will run from Nov. 12 to 14 at the track and field stadium in the Bung Karno Sports Complex.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Performance * Dance by Ida Bagus Lolec, Paros Gallery, Jl. Pantai Purna, Sukawati, Gianyar, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., until Nov. 10. Seminar * Seminar and performance on Commedia dell'Arte by Marco Luly, at Udayana University, in Denpasar, Nov. 16. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WB urges RI to restore confidence in 6 months

WB urges RI to restore confidence in 6 months Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The World Bank urged the government on Wednesday to restore business confidence in this country within six months, as opportunities to revive that confidence was running out quickly. The World Bank Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region, Jemal-ud-din Kassum said investor confidence had fallen sharply on the heels of a deteriorating global economy.

'Militiaman' could face death

'Militiaman' could face death Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An East Timorese pro-integration militiaman was indicted on Wednesday at the Central Jakarta District Court and could face the death penalty for the murder of a New Zealand peacekeeper in East Timor last year. Prosecutor Muhammad Syafei told the court that the defendant, Yacobus Bere, 37, along with five other men, killed Pvt.

New flights to eastern regions

New flights to eastern regions BANDUNG: The Pelita Air Service will next week begin regular flights to Indonesia's eastern regions using 73-seat Fokker-28 planes, said company director Soeratman. He said that beginning from Nov. 15, Pelita would fly from Bandung to Surabaya and Denpasar, and continue flying to eastern cities, including Kupang, Maumere, Waingapu, Makassar and Kendari.

Farmers stage protest

Farmers stage protest JAKARTA: About 200 farmers and activists demonstrated outside the People's Consultative Assembly on Wednesday, demanding a decree to defend the interests of peasants and customary communities. The demonstrators came from various organizations, such as the United Pasundan Farmers, the Alliance of Nusantara Customary Communities, the Alliance of Indonesian Farmers and the Federation of Indonesian Farmers.

Kebumen prepares land to relocate landslide victims

Kebumen prepares land to relocate landslide victims Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Kebumen Several hundred families left homeless after recent floods and landslides wreaked havoc in West Java's Kebumen regency, were to be relocated, a local official said. Kebumen Regent Rustriningsih said the local government, in cooperation with state-owned forest company PT Perhutani, had prepared a 100-hectare land plot for the relocation of an estimated 600 families.

Soccer likely to go through back door 2002 Asiad

Soccer likely to go through back door 2002 Asiad Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) is still stalling over the much-awaited decision as to whether soccer will be given a place in the Indonesian sporting contingent to the 2002 Asian Games. Although the decision has yet to be made, the latest development has signaled that the soccer team may slip through the back door.

Armed thieves nabbed, another shot

Armed thieves nabbed, another shot BOGOR: The Bogor Police arrested on Wednesday three men suspected of armed theft and shot dead another. Bogor Police intelligence chief Asrizal confirmed the arrests, saying that the group usually targeted cars in factories and residential areas in Bogor. He did not elaborate on the place of the arrests, saying only that the suspects were arrested in East Jakarta. The fourth suspect was shot when he tried to escape.

Attacks on foreign assets in Jakarta

Attacks on foreign assets in Jakarta (Date/Venue: Type of attack: State) Aug. 1, 2000. The residence of Philippine Ambassador Leonides T. Caday on Jl. Imam Bonjol, Central Jakarta: a bomb went off: unresolved. Aug. 24, 2000. Parking lot of the Malaysian Embassy on Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta: a grenade thrown: five people sentenced to between seven years and 15 years in jail Nov. 6, 2001. Australian Int'l School on Jl.

Inspirational visions color Art Awards

Inspirational visions color Art Awards Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta The Eighth Philip Morris Indonesia Art Awards organized by the Indonesian Fine Arts Foundation (YSRI) may be considered an important milestone in the competition that since 1994 has been encouraging Indonesian contemporary painters to explore their potentials. This year's event reveals deeper thought with more color, new trends and innovative concepts.

Unique fiber art on display

Unique fiber art on display Asikin Hasan, Contributor, Jakarta Fiber artist Biranul Anas, 54, is staging a solo exhibition for the first time at the Edwin Gallery, Jakarta, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 11. It is a very rare and interesting event for the arts in Indonesia, which has been strongly dominated by painting exhibitions and its target market.

Oil prices will recover to $22 if OPEC cuts output: Purnomo

Oil prices will recover to $22 if OPEC cuts output: Purnomo Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro expressed optimism on Wednesday that oil prices would recover to around US$22 per barrel if the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cuts oil output by 1 million barrels per day (bpd). "We hope OPEC will cut production by that amount.

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.

VP offers amnesty to Aceh rebels

VP offers amnesty to Aceh rebels Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Vice President Hamzah Haz offered peace to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) during his trip in Lhokseumawe on Wednesday, saying that the government would possibly give amnesty to the rebels. Speaking to local figures at the Multiple Purpose Building at PT Arun NGL, some 10 kilometers west of Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, Hamzah said a peace deal would be possible.

Flood hits Kulonprogo

Flood hits Kulonprogo YOGYAKARTA: Torrential rain since Tuesday caused floods in the village of Sindutan in the district of Sindutan, Kulonprogo regency, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday. Water levels reached 1.5 meters and forced 180 people to seek refuge. A local Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) official, Yuliana, said that the flood victims were in desperate need of clothing. "We want people to donate their used clothes to the flood victims." --Antara

Kayaking event draws 28 int'l athletes

Kayaking event draws 28 int'l athletes MEDAN, North Sumatra: The organizer of the 2001 Asahan Whitewater Festival (AWF) was pleasantly surprised that the number of competitors pledging to participate reached some 200 including 28 international athletes. "We did not expect the number of participants to get to that number considering the current global and domestic situation.

RP population jump eroding economic growth

RP population jump eroding economic growth PHILIPPINES: The population of the Philippines is growing so quickly that it is wiping out the effect of economic growth rates, officials said on Wednesday. Southeast Asia's only Catholic nation has one of the world's highest population growth rates this year at 2.3 percent, compared with 1.3 percent globally, according to a United Nations report released on Wednesday.

Straightening out meaning of jihad

Straightening out meaning of jihad From Rakyat Merdeka Western countries such as the United States are still propagating their view that Islamic holy war (jihad) is similar to terror. They regard mujahideen as a group of terrorists or extremists that must be eliminated. They are afraid that Muslims' spirits can demolish their hegemony.

Assembly set to endorse bicameral system

Assembly set to endorse bicameral system Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Voices from outlying areas, from Irian Jaya in the extreme east to Aceh in the west, may be heard more easily in far away Jakarta, hopefully in the foreseeable future. That will happen if the current session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) endorses the establishment of a Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

Traditional music appeals to young people

Traditional music appeals to young people Kadek Suartaya, Lecturer at Indonesia Arts Institute in Denpasar and expert on Balinese traditional performing arts Gianyar, Bali Any time the Balinese celebrate big religious rituals, the sound of their baleganjur traditional gamelan orchestra fills the air. Dozens of people play baleganjur before Nyepi (the Hindu day of Silence), Ngaben (cremation rituals) or even at a more secular celebration like the nation's Independence Day.

Malaysia urged to delay auto tariff cuts to 2008

Malaysia urged to delay auto tariff cuts to 2008 Reuters Kuala Lumpur Malaysia should delay cutting auto import tariffs for three years beyond 2005 because local car and car component makers are unlikely to be ready to compete until then, a leading industry executive said on Wednesday. "It would be more ideal if we open our market only in 2008," Koo Sian Chu, executive director of APM Automotive Holdings, told an economic conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Dadang admits receiving Rp 40b in Bulog fund

Dadang admits receiving Rp 40b in Bulog fund The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dadang Sukandar, chairman of the Raudlatul Jannah Foundation, on Wednesday revealed that he had accepted Rp 40 billion in non- budgetary funds from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), but insisted that it had been properly spent on relief operations. The admission to waiting reporters came following 10 hours of questioning at the Attorney General's Office.

"We will give a guarantee for foreign investors that the

"We will give a guarantee for foreign investors that the proposed formation of the new province will not adversely affect their investments. In fact, we will offer legal and security protection for them." Iwan Hendrawan

Warning against certain ideology

Warning against certain ideology From Kompas Banners warning against the dangers of certain ideologies and faith are now commonplace on the streets. Besides spoiling the beauty of the city, these signs can arouse great suspicion and fear within the community. Whatever we might call it, whether ideology, religion or faith, if it is founded on bad intentions we should always be on our guard. The most important thing of all is, in fact, knowing how to protect ourselves.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov 7, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,200 0 10,500 Adindo Foresta 90 0 0 AGIS 135 -5 2,332,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 170 5 26,000 Alakasa 200 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 775 0 8,500 Alter Abadi 55 0 0 Alumindo Light 525 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 255 5 30,000 Aneka Tambang 800 0 805,000 Apac Citra 240 -5 21,500 Aqua...

New closure ruling upsets association

New closure ruling upsets association Ahmad Junaidi and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city chapter of the Association of Indonesian Entertainment Centers (Aspehi) expressed its disappointment on Wednesday over the city administration's plan to close entertainment centers during the fasting month of Ramadhan. "Frankly, we're disappointed over the planned closure of the entertainment centers," Aspehi secretary Adrian Mahulete said.

Handling Indonesia's debts

Handling Indonesia's debts The central bank, Bank Indonesia, has said that the country's total foreign debt has reached US$137.6 billion -- consisting of the government's debts ($74.16 billion) and corporate debts ($63.43 billion). The government has been trying to repay its debts, which accounts for the sharp decrease in the state budget. The Paris Club has rescheduled Indonesia's debts since 1988, but this has not had any great impact.

Taiwan to ease restrictions on China-bound investment: officials

Taiwan to ease restrictions on China-bound investment: officials Taiwan is to substantially remove restrictions on China-bound investment on Jan. 1 to boost economic ties with its rival China, as both sides get ready for their expected accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), officials said Wednesday.

Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav.

Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 22, South Jakarta (Tel. 5268458); Poet Linge, and Scenes from an Occupation, 5:30 p.m., Domesticas, 7:30 p.m., Carrement a l'ouest, 9:30 p.m. . Djakarta Theater, Thamrin, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3848944); To and From, 7:30 p.m., Rosetta, 9:45 p.m. . TIM 1, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 325130); Day I Became a Woman, 7:05 p.m., Price of Milk, 9:15 p.m. . TIM 2: Tatziki, 5:35 p.m., The Circle, 7:45 p.m., Together, 9:45 p.m. .

100 students' parents protest

100 students' parents protest SURABAYA: Around 100 parents of students at Santa Theresia Catholic Elementary School on Jl. Kalijudan staged a protest on Wednesday, opposing the arbitrary increase of school fees. They demanded that the foundation managing the school review its decision to increase fees by between 100 percent and 150 percent, which they said was irrational. The protesters, mostly housewives, carried banners and distributed brochures.

Men's hockey tourney shifted to KL

Men's hockey tourney shifted to KL NEW DELHI: The inaugural Champions Challenge men's hockey tournament has been moved from India and will now be held in Malaysia next month, it was announced here on Wednesday. Argentina, Belgium, India, Japan, Malaysia and South Africa will contest the Dec. 8-16 event in Kuala Lumpur, a release from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) said.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport complaint

Soekarno-Hatta Airport complaint The irony now is that Soekarno-Hatta international airport is only marginally better than East Jakarta's Pulogadung bus terminal. True indeed! The airport, once our pride and joy, is now crowded with street vendors offering all kinds of wares, bogus fiscal and foreign exchange traders, illegal porters frequently extorting money for unasked-for services and unauthorized taxi drivers touting for potential passengers, harassing or frightening them.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 7

Rupiah Rates Nov. 7 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Headings

Headings 1. Bibit: 8 x 4 lines Thai seeds spark rice protests in Kendari 2. Cirebon: 24 x 2 lines Regency legislatures to prepare formation of Cirebon province 3. Bumen: 24 x 2 lines Kebumen prepares land to relocate landslide victims 4. WNI: 16 x 2 lines Govt sets deadline for W.Timor refugees

Lingling hits RP, 66 killed, 110 missing

Lingling hits RP, 66 killed, 110 missing Agence France-Presse, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines Tropical storm Lingling killed at least 66 people and left another 110 missing as it cut a swathe of destruction across the central and southern Philippines on Wednesday. The heaviest hit area was the southern island of Camiguin, where at least 54 people died after tornadoes battered its five coastal towns and flash floods washed away an entire village.

Regional legislators meet

Regional legislators meet BATAM: Representatives of regional legislative councils (DPRDs) began a national conference here on Wednesday to discuss the central government's plan to revise autonomy laws. The three-day meeting, organized by the Association of All- Indonesian DPRDs (Adeksi), planned to discuss issues relating to the planned revision, particularly the chapters on revenue- sharing allocations for the regions.

Dear politicians, please come back down to earth

Dear politicians, please come back down to earth The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The current People's Consultative Assembly Annual Session, costing Rp 18 billion (US$1.6 million), is talking gibberish, which people from Irian Jaya, Sulawesi, Java and Sumatra say has nothing to do with their lives. Jacobus Malu Dendu, 30, owner of a chicken farm, Jayapura, Irian Jaya: I could hardly breathe when listening to President Megawati Soekarnoputri's speech at the Session.

Foreigner faces possible death sentence for drug smuggling

Foreigner faces possible death sentence for drug smuggling Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A Pakistani is facing a possible death sentence for allegedly smuggling 1,050 grams of heroin from Pakistan into the country in June. Prosecutor Ferry Silalahi on Tuesday asked Tangerang District Court to sentence Mohammad Abdul Hafeez, 32, to death as he had been proven guilty of illegally taking the drugs from Karachi to Jakarta on June 26.

Prosecutors crucial to rights cases: Lawyers

Prosecutors crucial to rights cases: Lawyers Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Justice will remain elusive if the government's move to install 60 judges for human rights courts is not complemented by the appointment of prosecutors, rights lawyers asserted on Wednesday. "The move is a progressive step, but the appointment of prosecutors is also important," Hendardi, director of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI), told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

NO MORE DEBT

NO MORE DEBT JAKARTA: More than one thousand protesters from various non governmental organizations (NGOs), grouped into the newly-formed organization the Anti-Debt Coalition (KAU), staged on Wednesday an anti-foreign debt rally, urging the government to stop talks with the creditor nations of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI).

Official questioned over fraud

Official questioned over fraud MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Police are questioning the head of the Indonesian Workers Association (Atkindo) of West Nusa Tenggara provincial office regarding the alleged fraud of hundreds of job seekers. Police spokesman Adj. Comr. Tri Budi Pangastuti said here on Wednesday that HL Masrun had been questioned by a special crimes team over the case.

Asian currencies up, dollar totters after rate cut

Asian currencies up, dollar totters after rate cut Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were higher late Wednesday, as the U.S. dollar struggled in international foreign exchange markets after the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by half a percentage point to their lowest level in 40 years. Asian currencies may continue to find reprieve if the U.S.