Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 December 2001

77 articles found

DPRD backs independent probe into They's murder

DPRD backs independent probe into They's murder R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The Irian Jaya provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) approved on Friday several demands by a local separatist group, including the establishment of an independent team consisting of both Indonesians and foreigners to investigate the death of top rebel leader Theys Hiyo Eluay.

Rupiah Rates Nov.30

Rupiah Rates Nov.30 JP/18/Conversion Rupiah Rates Nov.30 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Poso refugees in grave danger as mobs threaten

Poso refugees in grave danger as mobs threaten Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An estimated 50,000 mainly Christian refugees fleeing brutal sectarian violence in Central Sulawesi could be attacked in the absence of military or police protection, a Catholic priest in the area says.

Fire burns hundreds houses

Fire burns hundreds houses JAKARTA: A fire in Penjaringan district, North Jakarta, destroyed 300 family homes early Friday. The fire was caused by a short circuit shortly after midnight in the house of Ny. Eeng, a cake maker, and quickly spread to the 300 other mainly wooden homes, Antara reported. The slum area had only narrow alleys which made it practically impossible for firefighters' trucks to reach the fire. It took them almost five hours to extinguish the blaze.

West Javanese leaders have no sense of crisis: Expert

West Javanese leaders have no sense of crisis: Expert Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung An constitutional law expert criticized the West Java administration for allocating a majority of 2002 draft budget expenditure to routine expenditure, saying the local elite, both in the executive and legislative body, had no sense of crisis.

The economic power of 'zakat' to fight poverty

The economic power of 'zakat' to fight poverty Muhammad Akhyar Adnan, Director, International Program, Faculty of Economics, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta Muslims have often been associated with poverty, which is certainly the case in Indonesia. However, if the Islamic concept of zakat (Muslims tithes) is really applied this may not be the case.

'Minimum wage formalizes the poverty of workers'

'Minimum wage formalizes the poverty of workers' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's minimum wage, which fails to provide workers with sufficient means, is a legalization of labor poverty, labor activists say. The minimum wage of Rp 426,250 (about US$42) a month for Jakarta, meant workers could only just survive as wages are calculated on the basic need for food, clothing and accommodation.

City asked to make peace with the poor

City asked to make peace with the poor Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration should stop forcibly evicting the poor and demolishing their homes and accept the reality that poverty is part of the city, a sociologist said here on Friday. "The administration must deal with the fact that poverty has become a part of the country," Arif Budiman told a press conference at the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta.

TV Today: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001

TV Today: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001 TVRI 3:00 a.m. Ramadhan Program 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:30 Ramadhan Program 6:00 News 8:00 Cartoon 9:00 Variety Show 10:30 Documentary 11:00 News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 2:00 News 3:30 Religious Teachings 4:00 Documentary 4:30 Ramadhan Program 6:30 TV Drama 7:00 News 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 Sports Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Features TPI 3:00 a.m.

On police and

On police and military From Rakyat Merdeka Why should we be in a rush to enact the bill on Police affairs, which is part of the enforcement law of the 1945 Constitution, while the amendment to the constitution itself is not yet finalized? I think there is something fishy about the intentions of some officials in relation to the extended tenure of the National Police Chief as well as the postponed pension for members of the police force.

Monkey business?

Monkey business? The Jakarta administration's plan to spend some Rp 3.2 billion (about US$3.2 million) on the care of four African gorillas -- donations from a sister zoo in Britain to the Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta -- is drawing fire from irate members of the Jakarta City Council (DPRD). And quite understandably so, considering the circumstances. "It's unfair," fumed Azis Boeang, a legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction in the council.

AIDS: I care..., do you?

AIDS: I care..., do you? Chris W. Green, AIDS activist, Jakarta That is the slogan accompanying this year's World AIDS Day, which again falls on Dec. 1. Yes, I know it sounds a bit arrogant -- but forgetting that, what does it really mean? Interesting word, "care". Look it up in the dictionary and you will find it has many different meanings. I guess those who thought up the slogan intended it to mean "I feel concerned about AIDS", or perhaps "I worry about AIDS".

Public disappointment

Public disappointment From Gamma The multi-faceted crisis, which has hit all Indonesians, has not weakened but become stronger as the days wear on. Various kinds of tricks and strategies, which some administrative experts have studied and applied, have failed to expel the giant crisis from this country. People really expected the government to manage the country well, honestly and based on regulations that benefit all. Yet, it has just been an empty promise.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Indonesian Comic part 2, The British Council, S. Widjoyo Centre, Jl. Jend. Sudirman 71, South Jakarta, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Dec. 31. * Painting Returning to the Work Ethic II, Galeri Cafe Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta (Tel. 71790008), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., until Dec. 9. * Painting by Wakidi, Kusmana, etc., Dinda Kafe Gallery, Kafe Taman Semanggi blok L 7/8, Jl Jend.

Authorities at odds over justice for Tommy

Authorities at odds over justice for Tommy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After searching for Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra for over a year, now that they finally have him in their grasp the authorities seem at odds on exactly what legal steps they should take against him. The government, prosecutors, police, and even the chief justice, all look to be heading in different directions, each touting their own legal interpretations.

PDI Perjuangan apologizes for racism incident

PDI Perjuangan apologizes for racism incident Bambang Nurbianto and Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) offered a public apology on Friday for an incident involving one of its legislators this week that some said smacked of racism. PDI Perjuangan faction chairman Roy B.B.

NO BAIL: An artist's rendering of Agus Budiman, an Indonesian

NO BAIL: An artist's rendering of Agus Budiman, an Indonesian accused of assisting suspected terrorists, at the Federal Court in Virginia, the United States. Agus was ordered to be held without bail on Thursday after an FBI agent testified that Agus knew some of the hijackers, including suspected ringleader Mohammed Atta.

Will Tommy ever face the music?

Will Tommy ever face the music? Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Will Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra ever be punished? This is the question that is preoccupying the minds of many people following his arrest on Wednesday. Tommy's arrest has undoubtedly become the hot topic of conversation across the country, but many have expressed pessimism about the legal process awaiting him, saying that the millionaire will in the end buy his freedom.

[b]The economic power of

The economic power of 'zakat' to fight poverty 2. Andrew -- 1 x 26 48pt Bodoni RI a front line against terrorism 3. Corrup -- 1 x 26 48pt Bodoni Efficiency outweighs corruption?

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

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

Art mission aims to melt icy ties with Australia

Art mission aims to melt icy ties with Australia Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta An Australian cultural mission comprising Wollongong City Gallery director Peter O'Neill and its advisor on Indonesian culture Rob Goodfellow is in Indonesia to attempt to repair the two countries' strained ties. The two are completing their week-long stay in Indonesia with a five-day visit to Yogyakarta after a two-day stop in Bali.

Indonesia, a front line in war against terrorism: Indonesia has

Indonesia, a front line in war against terrorism: Indonesia has become a crucial front line in the war against terrorism. This development, so far, has escaped the attention of most Americans. While the United States and its allies have been preoccupied with other aspects of the new war, a smoldering fire is burning in the world's largest Muslim nation.

'More sex education needed'

'More sex education needed' JAKARTA: Director/photographer Jay Subijakto noted that there had not been enough domestic campaigns informing the public about the danger of AIDS. "Such campaigns should be more intense, especially when dealing with teenagers. Many of them get drunk and have sex without taking any preventive measures. They should be warned that they could get the deadly disease," he asserted. Many people, he said, remain clueless about AIDS.

Court orders Agus Budiman held without bail

Court orders Agus Budiman held without bail Mathew Barakat, Associated Press A U.S. federal magistrate ordered Agus Budiman held without bail after an FBI agent testified Thursday that one of the Sept. 11 hijackers had used his Virginia address to gain entry into the United States. U.S. Magistrate Theresa Carroll Buchanan said she could not ignore the "close ties" between Agus and the hijackers. Agus, 31, is awaiting trial on document-fraud charges.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 30, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,175 0 25,500 Adindo Foresta 70 0 52,500 AGIS 125 -5 2,691,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 205 10 59,000 Alakasa 185 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 725 -25 2,500 Alter Abadi 55 0 0 Alumindo Light 475 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,850 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 510 110 75,000 Aneka Tambang 725 0 844,000 Apac Citra 265 0 0 Aqua Golden 30,000...

'Zakat' plan questioned

'Zakat' plan questioned The government's plan to make zakat (Islamic alms) tax deductible starting next year has not been greeted with any euphoric show of rejoice from the Muslim community. The absence of any reaction is understandable from various points of view. Many Muslims already do their religious duty without expecting reimbursement from any party because the obligation has become a way of life.

Disciplinary committee for Bulog scam unlikely

Disciplinary committee for Bulog scam unlikely Bambang Nurbianto and Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators gave the cold shoulder on Friday to anticorruption activists' calls for the House of Representatives to set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the speaker's alleged involvement in a Rp 40 billion corruption case.

FPI storms discotheque

FPI storms discotheque JAKARTA: Hundreds of Islam Defenders Front (FPI) members raided a Central Jakarta nightclub early Friday morning and forced the management to close the venue until seven days after the Idul Fitri holidays. FPI Secretary General Ustadz Ja'far Siddiq, who led the raid, said the 1001 Nights Discotheque, on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, had violated city administration regulations banning clubs from opening during certain hours during Ramadhan. He said the club opened from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Scholarship in honor of Feith

Scholarship in honor of Feith JAKARTA: The Australia Indonesia Institute (AII) announced on Friday that it had established a scholarship in honor of Herb Feith, one of Australia's greatest Indonesia scholars, who died in Melbourne on Nov. 15. The Herb Feith Scholarship will enable students to join the new Masters Program in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. The institute has committed funding to the project for three students over the next four years.

Robby supports AIDS website

Robby supports AIDS website JAKARTA: Designer/entertainer Robby Tumewu admitted that he had had a medical checkup, including a blood test for HIV/AIDS, every year since the death of fellow singer Didi Mirhad several years ago. "Many people laughed when they found out that I had taken a blood test. They didn't realize how lethal AIDS could be," he said at the launch of Baby Jim Aditya's website.

Bank Mandiri awarded better rating than state

Bank Mandiri awarded better rating than state The Jakarta Post, Jakarta International rating agency Standard & Poor's assigned on Friday its single B- long term and C short term counterparty credit ratings to the giant state-owned Bank Mandiri, with a negative outlook. But at the same time, Bank Mandiri's proposed US$100 million five-year floating rate note (FRN) was rated B-, which is above the sovereign rating.

Fight against malaria in C. Java

Fight against malaria in C. Java SEMARANG: The Ministry of Health has reportedly committed itself to combat malaria, which has plagued 13 regencies in Central Java. The ministry's commitment has been made evident through the provision of a fund at the directorate general of communicable disease and environment improvement, said a member of the Central Java Legislative Council, only identified as Sitompul, on Monday.

Fitch downgrades RI sovereign rating

Fitch downgrades RI sovereign rating Hong Kong , Dow Jones International ratings agency Fitch said Friday it has downgraded its outlook for Indonesia's sovereign ratings to stable from positive. It cited growing concerns about authorities' intentions to explore interest rescheduling with the Paris Club of creditors. Fitch said it was concerned about the potential burden-sharing implications for private creditors of such a move.

Legislature's bickering hindering reform: Mega

Legislature's bickering hindering reform: Mega Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri said on Friday that the legislative body had been too preoccupied with bickering to progress the nation's reform agenda. The President's open criticism, the most scathing she has made in public, is likely to renew tension between the executive and legislative bodies.

Govt to reneg on Cemex deal again

Govt to reneg on Cemex deal again Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government decided on Friday to sell a 51 percent stake in state-owned cement producer PT Semen Gresik to Mexico's Cemex SA de CV and use part of the proceeds to repurchase majority shares in two subsidiaries, striking a path between appeasing those opposed to foreign control, while hopefully upholding legal certainties before foreign investors.

Embong Rahardjo passes away

Embong Rahardjo passes away Noted jazz saxophonist Embong Rahardjo passed away on Friday at around 10 a.m. Embong suffered a stroke after being hospitalized at the Tria Dipa Hospital in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, and did not recover. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. His body was taken to the St. Carolus Hospital in Central Jakarta where it was laid out for people to pay their last respects later on Friday, and will be buried on Saturday at Pondok Rangon cemetery.

Plucky female guitarists enthuse family audience

Plucky female guitarists enthuse family audience Harry Bhaskara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A man from the audience asked one of the female guitarists peforming on stage, "Could I know your phone number?" The 100-strong audience, who crowded the small hall on Jl. Dempo, South Jakarta on Nov. 17, broke into laughter. "No, my daughter is learning to play the guitar," the middle- aged man quickly added, apparently sensing that his question had aroused unintended interpretations.

Free HK visa good for one month

Free HK visa good for one month Beginning this month, Indonesians visiting Hong Kong can stay in the territory for up to one month with a visa issued on arrival, Antara reported on Friday. Previously, the visa-on-arrival facility for Indonesian visitors was only valid for a stay of up to 14 days. The Hong Kong government announced its decision to extend the validity of visas for Indonesians in a letter to the Indonesian Consulate on Nov. 27.

U.S. thanks Southeast Asia for support in terror war

U.S. thanks Southeast Asia for support in terror war Stephen Collinson, Agence France-Presse, Washington The United States on Thursday expressed "deep appreciation" for Southeast Asia's support in its war on terrorism after talks with regional envoys overshadowed by September's terror attacks. And in deference to sensitivities of some regional leaders who must reconcile the sentiments of largely Muslim populations with support for the U.S.

Noted religious scholars welcome ruling on 'zakat'

Noted religious scholars welcome ruling on 'zakat' Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While praising the government's decision to make the Muslim religious obligation to pay zakat tax deductible, religious scholars differed on whether or not the same ruling should be extended to other religions groups. Catholic priest and intellectual Mudji Sutrisno welcomed the ruling, saying that charity should be translated into concrete action and not just be confined to lip-service.

Bagir delays ad hoc tribunal against rights violators

Bagir delays ad hoc tribunal against rights violators Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite pressure to bring to justice high-ranking officials suspected of involvement in a number of human rights violation cases, Chief Justice Bagir Manan said on Friday that the ad hoc human rights tribunal would be delayed until early next year due to the long holidays.

IT'S ONLY BUSINESS

IT'S ONLY BUSINESS OR IT'S NOT FOR FUN: A prostitute displays a poster reading "Mr. Journalists, we are not promiscuous women" during a rally at the provincial legislative council in Surabaya, East Java. Around 300 sex workers demonstrated on Thursday against the closure of some red-light districts in the city during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

'Zakat' plan questioned

'Zakat' plan questioned The government's plan to make zakat (Islamic alms) tax deductible starting next year has not been greeted with any euphoric show of rejoice from the Muslim community. The absence of any reaction is understandable from various points of view. Many Muslims already do their religious duty without expecting reimbursement from any party because the obligation has become a way of life.

Asia awaits gains from WTO reforms

Asia awaits gains from WTO reforms Reuters, Sydney/Tokyo Asia is warily counting expected region-wide gains from big decisions by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to launch a round of global trade reform negotiations and to admit China and Taiwan as members. A Reuters survey of government and trade opinions across Asia shows payoffs are expected by poverty-mired developing countries through to rich industrial giants led by Japan.

`Zakat' to be deductible from net income tax

`Zakat' to be deductible from net income tax The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Directorate General of Tax confirmed on Friday that zakat, or the religious tax that Muslims are obliged to pay, will become net income tax deductible starting next year. "In determining the size of taxable income, zakat on income (as against wealth/property) will be deductible from net income, rather than from income tax owed," said Moch. Soebakir, acting director of the tax information office.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency said in a statement on Friday that it had sold Sugar Group, formerly owned by the Salim Group, to a local consortium, led by a PT Trimanunggal Jaya-PT Garuda Pancaarta joint venture, for Rp 1.16 trillion (US$110 million). Sugar Group consists of two parent companies, PT Inti Petala Bumi and PT Eka Primaguna Perkasa, which own cane plantations, sugar factories and an ethanol distillery in Lampung.

Monkey business?

Monkey business? The Jakarta administration's plan to spend some Rp 3.2 billion (about US$3.2 million) on the care of four African gorillas -- donations from a sister zoo in Britain to the Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta -- is drawing fire from irate members of the Jakarta City Council (DPRD). And quite understandably so, considering the circumstances. "It's unfair," fumed Azis Boeang, a legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction in the council.

Rupiah Rates Nov.30

Rupiah Rates Nov.30 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Street sweepers go on strike in Medan

Street sweepers go on strike in Medan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan What would the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan look like if more than 1,700 street sweepers in the city stayed away from work? Aslan Harahap, an assistant to the Medan mayor, expressed his deep concern over the rubbish on the city's streets on Wednesday as the street sweepers went on strike, demanding the city administration pay their annual bonuses and provide them with a health insurance scheme.

A land of time-honored traditions and rapid lifestyle changes

A land of time-honored traditions and rapid lifestyle changes What do many Indonesians have in mind when they think of the United Arab Emirates? Its oil? Sand? Dates? Football? Emirates airline? The teasing prices at its airport duty-free shops? Or simply as one of the richest countries in the world? Many of us might not know, for example, that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of seven emirates, or principalities.

Baby calls for less AIDS bigotry

Baby calls for less AIDS bigotry JAKARTA: AIDS activist Baby Jim Aditya called on people not to discriminate against people with AIDS. "AIDS victims are depressed enough as it is. Let's help encourage them to deal with their condition," she said on Tuesday at the launch of her website on AIDS www.babyjimaditya.com in Bale Air, Central Jakarta. Known for helping people with AIDS and disseminating information on AIDS prevention, Baby will stage a talk show on AIDS and drug addiction with Dr.

Special prayer for Agus Budiman

Special prayer for Agus Budiman BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Ulemas in the South Kalimantan capital of Banjarmasin, the home town of Agus Budiman, an Indonesian suspected by the FBI of involvement in the bloody terrorist attacks in Washington and New York last September, have held a special prayer for the safety of the 31-year-old. The special prayer held at the Mujahirin mosque in downtown Banjarmasin was led by noted local ulema Waini Hambaly on Thursday evening.

Rini suspends senior staff

Rini suspends senior staff The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Trade and Industry Rini Soewandi has suspended the director general of international trade Riyanto B. Yosokumoro from duty as punishment for breaching a ministerial decree.

Leuser Project

Leuser Project Referring to your article in The Jakarta Post of Nov. 26 regarding the dismissal of 200 staff members of the Leuser Management Unit, I hereby formally disown that the European Commission or the Delegation has any plan to close the Leuser Development Program before its closing date. I also wish to say that the European Commission is not dissatisfied with the performance of the project, which it closely monitors.

Firecracker-makers face death, as well as helpful police

Firecracker-makers face death, as well as helpful police Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang In a small house in the village of Karangtengah in Pademangan subdistrict, Tangerang, three teenagers sat with their agile fingers busily filling a small carton tube with gunpowder, some of which dripped onto the floor. Beside them lay a six kilogram sack of gunpowder, ready to explode with just a spark. They worked after school until 9 p.m.

Free HK visa good for one month

Free HK visa good for one month Beginning this month, Indonesians visiting Hong Kong can stay in the territory for up to one month with a visa issued on arrival, Antara reported on Friday. Previously, the visa-on-arrival facility for Indonesian visitors was only valid for a stay of up to 14 days. The Hong Kong government announced its decision to extend the validity of visas for Indonesians in a letter to the Indonesian Consulate on Nov. 27.

Aceh regent orders more raids on GAM

Aceh regent orders more raids on GAM Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Langsa East Aceh Regent Azman Usmanuddin has ordered the local police and military to crack down on the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and capture its spokesman Tengku Ishak Daud to restore security and order in the regency. "I have ordered local security authorities to raid the separatist movement's base in the regency and to capture its leader Ishak Daud, dead or alive," he told The Jakarta Post here on Thursday.

Seventeen Asian nations adopt plan to fight corruption

Seventeen Asian nations adopt plan to fight corruption Ryan Nakashima, Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Seventeen Asian nations adopted a legally non-binding plan on Friday to fight corruption, which they said was widespread in the region and hampered economic growth and poverty reduction efforts. The plan advocates civil service, private business and public awareness action designed to help halt the supply and demand for bribery in publicly funded projects.

Sex workers protest, police not bending

Sex workers protest, police not bending Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The East Java Provincial Police have rejected demands made by more than 300 sex workers who demonstrated in Surabaya on Thursday, saying allowing brothels to stay open during Ramadhan is not an option. "The ruling on the closure of all entertainment centers, brothels and nightclubs must be enforced.

Seventeen Asian nations adopt plan to fight corruption

Seventeen Asian nations adopt plan to fight corruption Seventeen Asian nations adopted a legally non-binding plan Friday to fight corruption, which they said was widespread in the region and hampered economic growth and poverty reduction efforts. The plan advocates civil service, private business and public awareness action designed to help halt the supply and demand for bribery in publicly-funded projects.

LDP to end in May 2002

LDP to end in May 2002 We were surprised that a newspaper of such high quality as The Jakarta Post continues to publish factually incorrect information about the Leuser Development Program ('Aceh's Leuser project halted, Nov. 26). Since there are still several parties with their own private agendas distorting the facts, we kindly request that The Jakarta Post contacts the Leuser Management Unit (UML) directly to confirm information it receives.

1. Poso: 24 x 2 lines

1. Poso: 24 x 2 lines Poso refugees in grave danger as mobs threaten 2. WTS: 16 x 2 lines: Sex workers protest, Police not bending 3. Bandung: 24 x 2 lines West Javanese leaders have no sense of crisis: Expert 4. Langsa: 16 x 2 lines: Aceh regent orders more raids on GAM 5. Mogok: 16 x 2 lines: Street sweepers go on strike in Medan

Bankers recruited in new PBSI board of directors

Bankers recruited in new PBSI board of directors Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new executive board of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) was divulged here on Friday, which exposed the organization's allegiance to several prominent bankers and businesspeople.

Legislators seek Idul Fitri bonus

Legislators seek Idul Fitri bonus SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The East Kalimantan provincial legislative body (DPRD) was slammed on Friday for allegedly proposing that its members be given a Rp 75 million bonus each, ahead of Idul Fitri. "The proposal is embarrassing.

Medan fire destroys 300 houses: A total of 1,500 people lost

Medan fire destroys 300 houses: A total of 1,500 people lost their homes on Friday when a fire razed 300 houses in the Kampung Kubur area of Medan, North Sumatra. No casualties were reported in the fire that broke out at around 3:25 p.m. The fire victims blamed the huge losses on the fire brigade, which arrived an hour after the fire started despite the fact that the fire station office was located near the site.

Indonesia a front line against terrorism

Indonesia a front line against terrorism J. Andrew Spindler, Executive Director, Financial Services, Volunteer Corps (FSVC). John L. Walker, President, FSVC Board, New York Indonesia has become a crucial front line in the war against terrorism. This development, so far, has escaped the attention of most Americans. While the United States and its allies have been preoccupied with other aspects of the new war, a smoldering fire is burning in the world's largest Muslim nation.

Singapore presses ahead with desalination program

Singapore presses ahead with desalination program Agence France-Presse Singapore Singapore announced Friday that it will push ahead with a program to develop desalination as an alternative source of water while pursuing long-term supply deals with Malaysia and Indonesia. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) said it had pre-qualified 11 bidders for the supply of 136,000 cubic meters (30 million gallons) of desalinated water per day under a build-own-operate scheme.

Some love firecrackers, some hate them

Some love firecrackers, some hate them Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many people say that not only are firecrackers and fireworks annoying, they are also illegal and downright dangerous. So, how is it that so many people, especially young people, enjoy playing with them, especially during Ramadhan. "It's entertaining, I like it," said Yusuf, 16, who lives in the Jagakarsa area of South Jakarta.

Private TV stations gearing up for tough competition

Private TV stations gearing up for tough competition Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The addition of two more private stations -- TV7 and Trans TV -- means that a total of nine television channels are now crowding the airwaves. Two more stations, Lativi and Global TV, are expected to follow suit by the end of this year. With so many different channels, including state-owned TVRI, the competition for advertising will certainly become a headache for the stations.

Two killed in Aceh violence: Two civilians, including a woman,

Two killed in Aceh violence: Two civilians, including a woman, were killed and 10 shops were burned down in renewed clashes in the village of Sueneubok Baro in East Aceh on Friday. East Aceh Police chief Lt. Col. Gaguk Sumartono claimed that one of the fatalities was a member of the separatist group Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Gaguk also confirmed that one member of the police's Mobile Brigade Chief Pvt. Sugandhi was injured in the fighting. He was rushed to Medan general hospital.

AGO holds authority on trial against Soeharto

AGO holds authority on trial against Soeharto Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chief Justice Bagir Manan said on Friday that the Attorney General's Office itself had to decide on its own whether it wanted to continue with corruption proceedings against former president Soeharto. "The Attorney General's Office has the authority to issue an order halting the investigation and stopping the proceedings.

Snipers to secure annual exodus

Snipers to secure annual exodus BOGOR: The police will deploy dozens of snipers on the roads that will be used by people returning to their hometowns during the holiday season. Bogor chief of detectives Comr.Edi S. Tambunan said that they would be deployed three days before the Idul Fitri holidays. He said they would be assigned to provide security at certain spots that are prone to crime. Those areas are usually dark and the roads are in a bad state of repair.

Caring can help to make a difference

Caring can help to make a difference David and Joyce Djaelani Gordon, Directors of Harapan Permata, Hati Kita Foundation, Bogor This year's World AIDS Day campaign avails of the slogan, "I care ... Do you?" to create a sustained focus on the role of men in the epidemic. What is a man's role today regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)? Can men make a difference with this epidemic? Do you care (or not) whether men take that role?

Rp 8.2b used to clear brothel land

Rp 8.2b used to clear brothel land JAKARTA: City Administration claimed on Friday to have used Rp 8.2 billion (US$820,000) for the acquisition of 5.6-hectare land and buildings at former Kramat Tunggak brothel complex in North Jakarta. Speaking in a press conference at the City Hall, Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani admitted the owners of the properties have no land ownership certificates and building permits.

[b]Enron collapse

Enron collapse will cost Japanese firms some US$8b 2. Trade ( 2 x 16 ) U.S. to move fast on S'pore trade deal 3. China ( 2 x 18 ) Asia awaits gains from WTO reforms 4. Belum ( 2 x 20 ) Asian countries adopt anticorruption plan 5. Mekong ( 2 x 11) Nations sign Mekong pact

Inflation up in November, hope for lower rates dashed

Inflation up in November, hope for lower rates dashed Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), rose 1.71 percent in November above the previous month's level, as prices crept higher with the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Friday that year-on-year inflation in November increased to 12.91 percent.

Condolences

Condolences Our deepest condolences on the passing of Martha R. Tooy Kaunang 68 years old the beloved mother of our Business Manager Christian Tooy She died in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Friday afternoon. The funeral service will be held on ... in Manado. Management and staff of The Jakarta Post