Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 November 2001

83 articles found

Contemporary dances by young men

Contemporary dances by young men JAKARTA: Kreativitat Dance Indonesia, led by Farida Oetoyo, will present Repertoar Masa Kini (Contemporary Repertoire) this weekend, featuring the works of three young choreographers, Yudistira Syuman, Jecko Kurniawan Siompo and Chendra Effendy. The performance will take place at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (the Jakarta Playhouse) on Saturday and Sunday evenings. It is the fourth production of the dance group, which was established in 1998.

Govt supports 'status quo' on Semen padang case

Govt supports 'status quo' on Semen padang case The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government would maintain the "status quo" in the high profile PT Semen Padang case, Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said on Thursday. "For the time being, the status quo will be maintained in the (Semen Padang) case, meaning it (the company) will not be spun off nor will the put option be exercised," Hari told reporters after attending a state function in Merdeka Palace.

Election of legislators

Election of legislators From Pikiran Rakyat I propose to members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the House of Representative (DPR) that they implement a direct election not only for the presidential and vice presidential positions but also for the positions of legislators at both the regional and central government levels.

Indosat injects extra fund for IM3

Indosat injects extra fund for IM3 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat said on Thursday that it would inject an additional Rp 1.5 trillion (US$143.5 million) for the development and expansion of its cellular service, Indosat Multi Media Mobile (IM3).

Rupiah inches up at donors' support of state budget

Rupiah inches up at donors' support of state budget Leigh Murray and Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Jakarta and Singapore The Indonesian rupiah closed higher against the dollar Thursday after international donors pledged US$3.14 billion to help finance the 2002 budget deficit, traders said. After touching an intraday high of Rp 10,600, the dollar closed at Rp 10,485 compared with Rp 10,638 Wednesday.

Headings

Headings 1. Langkat: 8 x 4 lines Floods hit Langkat again 2. DAU: 24 x 2 lines Govt asked to be fairer in subventions to regencies 3. Minyak: 32 x 1 line Sulawesi NGO to sue Pertamina over fuel crisis 4. Bandung: 32 x 1 line Bandung to have Ombudsman Commission

WTO accord has 50% chance

WTO accord has 50% chance Agence France-Presse, Doha, Qatar Developing countries give an upcoming WTO conference here only a 50 percent chance of reaching an accord to launch a new round of global trade talks, a senior Asian official said Wednesday. "It is 80 percent for the big guys (in the developed world) but only 50-50 for the little guys," said the official, representing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

More Muslims will join anti-U.S. forces

More Muslims will join anti-U.S. forces MALAYSIA: A fundamentalist Islamic leader in Malaysia warned on Thursday that the longer U.S.-led forces bomb Afghanistan, the more Muslims around the world will be "compelled" to join pro- Taliban forces.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * History and Archives: Srilangka-Malay Cultural History, and Archives Preservation in Tropical Countries, the Indonesian Archives Building, Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nov. 9. * Artifacts at Gedung Dua8, Jl. Kemang Utara no. 28, South Jakarta: Kamoro artifacts at Mbitoro gallery, Asmat artifacts at Mbis gallery, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 9. * Painting Art Festival 2001 by Amrus Natalsya, Joko Pekik, etc., Bizete Gallery, Jl.

WIC to hold charity bazaar

WIC to hold charity bazaar JAKARTA: The annual charity bazaar organized 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.

Rafters inspect Asahan River

Rafters inspect Asahan River MEDAN, North Sumatra: Participants of the second Asahan Whitewater Festival were undergoing final preparations on Thursday after the event was officially opened by North Sumatra's deputy governor Abdul Wahab Dalimunthe. More than 200 athletes, including 28 international participants will take part in rafting and canoeing events, the categories of which are rodeo, head to head, downriver and slalom.

Governor urged to dismiss zoo officials

Governor urged to dismiss zoo officials Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city council urged Governor Sutiyoso on Thursday to dismiss officials at city-owned Ragunan Zoo for trying to bribe city councillors. Chairman of the council's Commission B for economic affairs Syarief Zulkarnain said the governor should fire the zoo's general affairs head Allen Marbun for trying to bribe the commission members with Rp 90 million (US$900).

NU, Muhammadiyah agree to take lead in countering militant groups

NU, Muhammadiyah agree to take lead in countering militant groups Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadyah, the country's two largest Muslim organizations, have agreed to take the lead in restoring the image of Islam, which has been tarnished by militant groups' anti-U.S. protests.

Nana ordered to explain RI stance

Nana ordered to explain RI stance JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri asked Indonesian Ambassador to Britain Nana Sutresna on Thursday to explain Indonesia's opposition to military strikes against Afghanistan by the U.S. and its allies during Ramadhan. Speaking to journalists after meeting Megawati, Nana said it was his duty to communicate the Indonesian government's stance on continued attacks during the Muslim fasting month.

Museum reshuffles history to tell a better tale

Museum reshuffles history to tell a better tale Ida Indawati Khouw, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A big city like Jakarta should have a museum with a complete collection to enable its citizens to learn about the city's history. But the Jakarta Historical Museum in West Jakarta has failed to meet that need. "I want Jakartans visiting the museum to get the whole picture of their city.

Government not ready for increased urbanization

Government not ready for increased urbanization Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will not be capable of facing increased urbanization in the future if it continues to ignore the urgency of coping with current urban problems, an environmentalist from the University of Indonesia said on Thursday. Bianpoen said that the government had failed to implement the principles of sustainable development in its urban planning and in the development of rural areas.

Closure of entertainment centers lamented

Closure of entertainment centers lamented Emmy Fitri and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some entertainment places, in particular those located in luxury hotels, will remain open as usual during the fasting month. Others, like cafes, restaurants, bars and karaoke lounges, will have to limited their opening hours. But discotheques, nightclubs, gaming centers, massage parlors and some other entertainment centers will have to close down completely for the entire month.

Jayapura people want transportation

Jayapura people want transportation JAYAPURA: The residents of Kemtuk Gresy district in the regency of Jayapura, Irian Jaya, want more buses, including school buses, as promised by the provincial administration. Kemtuk Gresy district head Dellila Giay said here on Thursday that the district had received only six of nine buses promised by the provincial administration. Dellila said that buses were essential to the people's mobility, especially when they traded their crops in Jayapura.

Reminder to freeze accounts

Reminder to freeze accounts JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia (BI) reminded all banks throughout the country on Thursday to pay attention to a letter from the Attorney General's Office's on the freezing of accounts owned by individuals or groups allegedly having links with international terrorists. According to the letter sent to BI on Oct.

Activists briefly held for moeking politicians

Activists briefly held for moeking politicians Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police briefly detained two activists for handing out cotton buds to legislators that they said never listened to the common people. The cotton buds were slipped under the doors of rooms at Hotel Mulia near the Assembly premises, where most legislators taking part in the People's Consultative Assembly session stay. They were held on charges of "disturbing" the lawmakers on duty.

Under creditors' scrutiny

Under creditors' scrutiny There is no reason for the government to rejoice over the US$3.1 billion in new loans pledged on Thursday by its creditor consortium, the Consultative Group on Indonesia, because their disbursements are not yet guaranteed, being contingent upon policy performance.

1. Hira -- World trade body must be transformed

1. Hira -- World trade body must be transformed 1 X 35 50pt Bodoni World trade body must be transformed Hira P. Jhamtani Board Member Institute for Global Justice Jakarta 2. Dewi -- 1 X 55 36pt Bodoni Howard expected to win by exploiting latent hostility On Nov. 10, Australians are going to vote to retain the present Federal Government, or bring in a new one. Whoever is going to win office will have to begin work on improving relations with Indonesia, which are in all-time low at present.

4. Becak: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38

4. Becak: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Pedicab drivers sue Sutiyoso for Rp 26b

Slum area residents wait for compensation money

Slum area residents wait for compensation money Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When it comes to agrarian law, people living in slum areas are mostly oblivious or rather choose to ignore the matter, as tending to their own basic needs takes priority. This however, has cost some their homes.

Malay song contest

Malay song contest PEKANBARU, Riau: The Art Council of Riau (DKR) is holding a Malay song contest for Sumatra in Laman Bujang Mat Syam, Pekanbaru. The two-day contest starting on Friday aims to boost creativity among the Sumatran people and revive the popularity of Malay music in Riau and throughout the nation, according to organizing committee chairman Zuarman Ahmad. The contest is open to the general public. --Antara

Govt, businesses told to boost efficiency ahead of world's largest FTA

Govt, businesses told to boost efficiency ahead of world's largest FTA Adianto P.Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts warned both the government and the country's business sector to boost efficiency in anticipation of the planned world's most populated regional free trade area (FTA) or else risk losing competition, particularly from China. Cutting red tape should be a high priority, economists said.

FPI threatens to raid nightspots during Ramadhan

FPI threatens to raid nightspots during Ramadhan Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defying police warnings, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) maintained that it would raid nightspots violating city regulations governing the operation of entertainment centers during the holy month of Ramadhan.

ASEAN-China form Business Council

ASEAN-China form Business Council The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Chinese business leaders signed here on Thursday an agreement to establish the ASEAN-China Business Council in a ceremony witnessed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri and visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.

JP/1/BCA

JP/1/BCA IBRA optimistic on BCA sale: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) insists it can finalize the sale of a 51 percent stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA) this year, in spite of doubts expressed Wednesday by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti. IBRA said in a statement that preliminary bids from strategic investors would start flowing in by next week.

Can Chinea help RI eradicate corruption?

Can Chinea help RI eradicate corruption? Charles Himawan, Professor of Law, University of Indonesia, Jakarta During his meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday, China's Premier, Zhu Rongji, emphasized China's support for Indonesia's attempt to accelerate its economic recovery. But before Indonesia can do that, the country must be free of corruption. What better person than Zhu himself to advise the Indonesian leadership on how to eradicate corruption effectively?

ASEAN broadens its agenda

ASEAN broadens its agenda Thanks mainly to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Australia is not part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and indeed, at least in the immediate future, has given up aspiring to be part of it. However, that does not mean the meeting of ASEAN leaders, which has just taken place in Brunei, holds no interest for us. It does.

RI boxers to start Asiad program soon

RI boxers to start Asiad program soon Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) has named eight boxers for next year's Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea with intensive training expected to begin no later than early December.

Five Mt. Slamet climbers die: Five members of a nine-person

Five Mt. Slamet climbers die: Five members of a nine-person climbing expedition attempting to scale Mt. Slamet (3,428m) in Central Java were found dead at an elevation of about 3,000 meters above sea level on Thursday morning. Quoting his officers sent to evacuate the victims, Banyumas police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Sukamto Handoko told The Jakarta Post that three other climbers were in a critical condition. He did not mention the fate of the ninth climber.

RI-U.S. diplomatic relations

RI-U.S. diplomatic relations From Koran Tempo With regard to the suggestion made by some community leaders that Indonesia should suspend diplomatic relations with the United States, I consider that stance to be unwise and very subjective; a suggestion made emotionally and rather thoughtlessly. As we all know, the U.S. exercises great control over the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has extended financial assistance to Indonesia to help the country out of its monetary crisis.

Shift in focus for Indonesian TV

Shift in focus for Indonesian TV Luas Samudera, Contributor, Jakarta Prime-time programs on Indonesian TV have slowly shifted away from series of local costume dramas, which used to be aired on every station last year, toward local TV movies and local teenage serials or soap operas. Looking at the top ten programs from the first six months of this year, the type of programs seem varied.

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.

RI considers extraditing Abu Quassey to Australia

RI considers extraditing Abu Quassey to Australia Tiarma Siboro and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian ministers have expressed mixed opinions on the possibility of extraditing to Australia an Egyptian people- smuggling suspect whose boat sank in the Java Sea last month carrying an estimated 400 asylum seekers.

1. RAGUNAN: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 11

1. RAGUNAN: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 11 Governor urged to dismiss zoo's officials JP/6/CITY Governor urged to dismiss zoo officials 2. FPI : 40 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 28 FPI threatens to raid nightspots during Ramadhan 3. SPEAK-UP: 36 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 43 Closure of entertainment centers lamented 4. ROADSIDE: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Riverbank squatters seek compensation

NGOs reject third amendment to 1945 Constitution

NGOs reject third amendment to 1945 Constitution Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A coalition of non-governmental organizations yesterday rejected the third amendment to the 1945 Constitution and urged the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to set up an independent commission to facilitate public participation in determining the country's Constitution.

'Post' players fail to advance

'Post' players fail to advance JAKARTA: The Jakarta Post suffered early defeats in individual events at the Garudafood-SIWO PWI Jaya Inter Media Tennis Tournament at the Bung Karno Sports Complex on Thursday. Bruce Emond provided the biggest upset after defeating second seed John Lembong of Suara Pembaruan in a close men's singles match. During their first round match, John took the lead several times but Emond managed to catch up and turned the tide just in time to win 9-7.

Rift widens over N. Maluku gubernatorial election

Rift widens over N. Maluku gubernatorial election Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A dispute over the validity of the North Maluku gubernatorial election signaled a deepening rift between the Supreme Court and President Megawati Soekarnoputri's government. The government and the Supreme Court differ sharply over the bribery case surrounding the election of Abdul Gafur, a Golkar Party member and New Order (Soeharto regime) stalwart.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

Howard expected to win by exploiting latent hostility

Howard expected to win by exploiting latent hostility On Nov. 10, Australians are going to vote to retain the present Federal Government, or bring in a new one. Whoever is going to win office will have to begin work on improving relations with Indonesia, which are in all-time low at present.

Reviewing the education mission: ITB's intellectual and cultural role

Reviewing the education mission: ITB's intellectual and cultural role Kusmayanto Kadiman, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, West Java Since the early phase of its development, the Bandung Institute of Technology, or ITB-BHMN (henceforth termed ITB), has created many ties -- in various ways and forms -- with other social agents in this country, and thereby has implemented social changes.

Sulawesi NGO to sue Pertamina over fuel crisis

Sulawesi NGO to sue Pertamina over fuel crisis Yongker Rumthe, The Jakarta Post, Manado The Talaud Young Generation Presidium (PGMT) said it would file a lawsuit against state oil and gas giant Pertamina for allegedly slashing the fuel supply to the Sangihe-Talaud regency from February throughout October 2001 causing the recent fuel crisis in the regency. "We, along with our lawyers, are preparing a lawsuit to be filed at the district court.

Zoo relocation plan opposed

Zoo relocation plan opposed SEMARANG: Residents of the Central Java capital of Semarang strongly oppose the mayor's plan to relocate the Tinjomoyo Zoo to Mijen. Psychology and Environmental Study Foundation chairman Wijanarko said here on Thursday that relocation of the zoo was unnecessary. "Unstable land and low visitor numbers could not be the reason for relocating the zoo," Wijanarko said.

Bulog case witness fails to show up

Bulog case witness fails to show up JAKARTA: The State Logistic Agency's (Bulog)'s Achmad Ruskandar failed to appear before an investigating team of the Attorney General's Office on Thursday, despite having been summonsed in his capacity as a witness in the misuse of Rp 40 billion of the agency's funds.

Constitutional changes may be postponed

Constitutional changes may be postponed The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) look set to postpone until next year deliberation of the stalled, contentious issue of a direct presidential election during their last day of the Annual Session this Friday. Also stalled is the debate on a constitutional commission, which NGO activists say is a ploy to avoid discussing their demands for an independent commission.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 8

Rupiah Rates Nov. 8 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Floods hit Langkat again

Floods hit Langkat again Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Three districts in the regency of Langkat, North Sumatra were still inundated by flooding on Thursday that had initially started on Wednesday. Floodwater on the roads was still 10 centimeters deep in Tanjung Pura, Besitang and Sawit Seberang districts, and an average of 80 centimeters deep in residential areas. Several government offices were still closed, and human activities had not yet returned to normal.

1. Mari -- Indonesia-China Bilateral Economic Relations: a view

1. Mari -- Indonesia-China Bilateral Economic Relations: a view from Shanghai 2 X 18 48pt Bodoni RI-PRC economic ties: A view from Shanghai Mari Pangestu Economist Shanghai, China 2. Kusma -- Cultivating sense of relatedness 2 x 30 36pt Bodoni Reviewing the education mission: ITB's intellectual and cultural role Kusmayanto Kadiman Bandung Institute of Technology- State-owned Badan Hukum Milik Negara (ITB-BHMN) Bandung, West Java

Durians flooding Banda Aceh

Durians flooding Banda Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Tens of thousands of durians from the west and south coasts have been flooding traditional markets in Banda Aceh. Durian sellers said that the abundance of durians had resulted in a significant price drop. "A big, quality durian now costs Rp 8,000, Rp 7,000 cheaper than they were before.

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.

ISSI anxious of Tonton's plan to move to Malaysia

ISSI anxious of Tonton's plan to move to Malaysia Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While applauding the planned move of Tonton Susanto to Malaysia, the Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI) has warned that it should not disrupt the cycling ace's preparation for the 2002 Asian Games. "As long as it is beneficial to Tonton and national cycling as a whole, then it is not a problem.

Infringement on personal freedom

Infringement on personal freedom On Oct. 22, 2001, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso left for Europe on a much criticized 10-day visit. On Oct. 26 the Ministry of Religious Affairs arbitrarily declared that all discotheques in the nation must close during the fasting month of Ramadhan. On the same date, Deputy Governor Abdul Kahfi stated that all entertainment centers would be allowed to stay open with some restrictions. Restaurants are not subject to this restriction. On Nov.

18 rebels arrested in Irian

18 rebels arrested in Irian JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Police in Merauke have arrested 18 rebels believed to be members of the self-proclaimed Papuan Liberation Front, the Merauke Police chief said here on Thursday. Adj. Sr. Comr. Agus Mulyono said that the 18 people were arrested in the district of Kimaam on Tuesday.

"The amount of DAU regencies will receive depends on their

"The amount of DAU regencies will receive depends on their fiscal capacity, resource potential, population, territory size, political and social condition." Machfud Sidik

Annual Assembly session leaves students, teachers feeling cold

Annual Assembly session leaves students, teachers feeling cold The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is the highest state body, so the text books say. Students all over the country should know that. But do they have any idea about the Annual Session? And what do the teachers say?

OJI against manpower firms

OJI against manpower firms MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Jihad (OJI) in the province, Muhammad Nasir, has called on Governor Harun Al Rasyid to ban the activities of local business representing labor supplying firms (Perwada PJTKI). Nasir said here on Thursday that Perwada PJTKI had caused problems in the province. "Many firms were closed down soon after collecting money from prospective workers," he said.

Leaders unaware of discriminative rulings

Leaders unaware of discriminative rulings The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There are still many legal instruments still on the statute books that discriminate against ethnic and religious minorities in Indonesia, but there are also many leaders who are unaware of the legal instruments in question. Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Amien Rais, for example, did not know that there was Provisional Assembly (MPRS) Decree No.

Three arrested in drug raid

Three arrested in drug raid JAKARTA: The police had detained three suspects over the possession of 0.3 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) and a roll of marijuana during a raid involving 200 officers at Tangki, Taman Sari subdistrict in West Jakarta, City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said on Thursday.

Batam investors ask for tax relief

Batam investors ask for tax relief The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of foreign companies with interests on Batam island in Riau province have asked for tax relief, creating anxiety among island authorities who worry that they will not be able to reach tax revenue targets this year.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 RI-PRC economic ties: A view from Shanghai Mari Pangestu, Economist, Shanghai, China It is timely to evaluate the relationship between our two economies in light of the important visit by Premier Zhu Rongji to Indonesia, especially with the bird eye's view of living in Shanghai and after just witnessing the spectacular events of the meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Forum which China hosted.

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.

NU, Muhammadiyah should be pro-active: Scholars

NU, Muhammadiyah should be pro-active: Scholars Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Scholars and political observers on Thursday urged Indonesia's two biggest moderate Islamic groups to take the lead in restoring the image of Islam and its followers, which has been tarnished over major anti-U.S. protests by extremist Muslims.

Improved recruitment needed for judiciary

Improved recruitment needed for judiciary Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Major factions at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) are demanding a better recruitment system as part of the efforts to suppress the well-known corrupt practices at the Supreme Court.

CGI pledges $3.14b in loans

CGI pledges $3.14b in loans Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Creditors in the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) stood by their promise to support the country on Thursday, as they pledged a total of US$3.14 billion in loans and $586 million in grants and technical aid to help cover the 2002 state budget deficit.

1. Padang

1. Padang Govt maintains 'status quo' on Semen Padang 2. FTA (2x30) Govt, businesses told to boost efficiency ahead of world's largest FTA 3. Indosat (4x8) Indosat injects extra Rp 1.5t for IM3 4. Batam (4x8) Batam investors ask for tax relief 5. Rate (2x16) ECB cuts its key interest rate

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); Berlin Babylon, 5:30 p.m., Living Afterwards, 7:30 p.m., Legends of Rita, 9:30 p.m. . Djakarta Theater, Thamrin, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3848944); White Badge, 5:15 p.m., Dancer in the Dark, 7:30 p.m. . TIM 1, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 325130); Tatziki, 4:55 p.m., Family Pack, 7:05 p.m., Together, 9:15 p.m. .

Army warned against illegal logging

Army warned against illegal logging JAKARTA: Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto on Thursday said he has ordered regional military commanders in Kalimantan provinces to take firm action against their personnel found guilty of involvement in illegal logging. "I have warned the local military commanders in Kalimantan to strictly supervise their subordinates in order not to be involved in illegal logging," he said.

Prospect and pitfalls in Australia-RI ties

Prospect and pitfalls in Australia-RI ties Ali Alatas, Former Foreign Minister, Perth, Australia Part 1 of 2 I have been asked to share with you some thoughts on the Australia -- Indonesia relationship and considering Perth's proximity to Indonesia and its many-sided links with my country, this is just the right place to do it. For some time now, especially since the events in the aftermath of the popular consultation in East Timor, Indonesian -- Australian relations are again at a low ebb.

Decentralization of health service launched

Decentralization of health service launched Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government was developing a project to help the regions improve management of its health services in a bid to accelerate the national decentralization program, Health Minister Ahmad Suyudi said on Thursday. He said that as part of the project local health officers, community leaders and legislators would be trained to design and implement the programs efficiently.

Long-term but fuzzy vision from the Assembly

Long-term but fuzzy vision from the Assembly Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Without much fanfare, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is set to pass a decree called Indonesia Vision 2020 that will serve as a guideline for the country in an attempt to achieve prosperity within 20 years. All factions in the Assembly have endorsed the draft without the usual boisterous debates and with hardly any media attention.

Pedicab drivers sue Sutiyoso for Rp 26b

Pedicab drivers sue Sutiyoso for Rp 26b Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court began hearing a civil case on Thursday filed against Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, Jakarta Police Chief Gen. Ins. Sofjan Jacoeb and Jakarta Military Command Chief Lt. Gen. Bibit Waluyo, in relation to the crackdowns against becak (pedicab) drivers and street vendors.

Bandung to have Ombudsman Commission

Bandung to have Ombudsman Commission Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung West Java's capital Bandung will establish an Ombudsman Commission following findings that public trust of the mayoralty administration is very low. "Once the Ombudsman Commission is established, Bandung will be the first city to have such a commission in the country," Bandung Development Planning Board secretary Kamalia Purbani said here on Thursday.

Government asked to be fairer in subventions to regencies

Government asked to be fairer in subventions to regencies Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya East Java's regents have called on the central government to be more fair in the provision and distribution of general allocation funds (DAU) to regencies in the 2002 fiscal year.

'Becak' drivers seek Rp 26b compensation from Sutiyoso

'Becak' drivers seek Rp 26b compensation from Sutiyoso Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court began hearing a civil case on Thursday filed against Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, Jakarta Police Chief Gen. Ins. Sofjan Jacoeb and Jakarta Military Command Chief Lt. Gen. Bibit Waluyo, in relation to the crackdowns against becak (pedicab) drivers and street vendors.

World trade body must be transformed

World trade body must be transformed Hira P. Jhamtani, Board Member Institute for Global Justice, Jakarta The fourth ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will commence on Nov. 9, 2001 in Doha, Qatar, with civil society calling for democratization and a review of the multilateral trading body.

Cease-fire, dialog preferred to settle Aceh crisis

Cease-fire, dialog preferred to settle Aceh crisis Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Most of 13 Acehnese leaders who met with Vice President Hamzah Haz in Banda Aceh on Thursday said they preferred a cease-fire and dialog to settle the prolonged dispute between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the government of Indonesia.

Court starts examining 'becak' drivers' lawsuit against Sutiyoso

Court starts examining 'becak' drivers' lawsuit against Sutiyoso Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court began hearing a civil case on Thursday filed against Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, Jakarta Police Chief Gen. Ins. Sofjan Jacoeb and Jakarta Military Command Chief Lt. Gen. Bibit Waluyo, in relation to the crackdowns against becak (pedicab) drivers and street vendors.

Under creditors' scrutiny

Under creditors' scrutiny There is no reason for the government to rejoice over the US$3.1 billion in new loans pledged on Thursday by its creditor consortium, the Consultative Group on Indonesia, because their disbursements are not yet guaranteed, being contingent upon policy performance.

Under creditors' scrutiny

Under creditors' scrutiny There is no reason for the government to rejoice over the US$... billion in new loans committed on Thursday by its creditor consortium, the Consultative Group on Indonesia, because their disbursements are not yet guaranteed, being contingent upon policy performance.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs Travel agency PT Anta Express Tour & Travel Service plans to float its shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange mid-December with PT Kresna Graha Sekurindo as underwriter, the company said on Thursday. -- JP The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency has raised Rp 49.5 billion (US$4.6 million) from the sale of steel container manufacturer PT Poli Contindo Nusa, formerly owned by the Salim Group, to PT Kerismas Witikco Makmur, the agency said on Thursday.