Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 December 2001

89 articles found

The anti-terrorism bill

The anti-terrorism bill From Gamma The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights has held a day-long seminar on the eradication of terrorism to obtain input in connection with the formulation of an anti-terrorism bill, before being submitted to the House of Representatives in 2002. The seminar was organized in cooperation with the Economic Law, Institutional and Professional Strengthening Project (ELIPS II) funded by the United States Agency for International Development.

City to have new chief Monday

City to have new chief Monday JAKARTA: Outgoing Jakarta Police chief Comr. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb will hand over command to his successor Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara on Monday. "The handover ceremony is slated on Dec. 24," Makbul said. Makbul's previous post as Jakarta Police deputy chief will go to Brig. Gen. Edy Sunarno who will be installed on Friday. Makbul graduated from the police academy in 1974 and has considerable experience as a police detective.

Tommy's lawyer protests Supreme Court's opinion

Tommy's lawyer protests Supreme Court's opinion Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In her latest legal maneuver, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra's lawyer, Elza Syarief, filed an objection against Chief Justice Bagir Manan's letter of legal opinion on Thursday, and asked him to annul the ruling.

E. Java sets minimum wage at Rp 453,200

E. Java sets minimum wage at Rp 453,200 Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya On Thursday, following a two-month deadlock between employers and workers, the governor of East Java moved to set the monthly minimum wages in 36 regencies and mayoralties in the province for the 2002 fiscal year.

JP/14/Oracle

JP/14/Oracle Oracle challenges the world with unbreakable products ========================== Lela E. Madjiah The Jakarta Post San Francisco, California --------------------------- Oracle picked the perfect time when it launched its latest technological development, the Unbreakable Oracle9i Internet in early December. It's a complete, simple Internet application infrastructure featuring Oracle9i Database (Oracle9i DB), Oracle9i Application Server (Oracle9i AS) and Oracle Development Tools.

'Spy Game' offers elegant thriller

'Spy Game' offers elegant thriller Joko E.H. Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta Not many people would think that Hollywood would take up an espionage story again. Let's face it. For the last couple of years they have been too busy exploiting computer technology in making movies mainly for visual pleasure. Some turned out to be real quality entertainment, while some ended up being trashy, The Matrix rip-offs.

RI, Malaysian FMs in RP to discuss of Misuari

RI, Malaysian FMs in RP to discuss of Misuari Agence France-Presse, Manila The Indonesian and Malaysian foreign ministers arrived in the Philippines Thursday to discuss the fate of renegade Filipino Muslim leader Nur Misuari, the foreign department here said. Syed Hamid Albar of Malaysia and Indonesia's Hassan Wirayuda met behind closed doors with the Philippine vice president and foreign secretary, Teofisto Guingona.

Two men detained for murder

Two men detained for murder JAKARTA (JP): After killing a man to avenge their father's murder, Salamudin (25) and Darussalam (23) were detained by the East Jakarta district police for murder. Suyata, the victim, was murdered by the two men after the victim's son, now a fugitive, murdered Salamudin's and Darusalam's father, Saut, one week ago.

Batam tripartite meeting proposes 5% wage rise

Batam tripartite meeting proposes 5% wage rise Fadli The Jakarta Post Batam A tripartite meeting attended by businessmen, labor and government representatives has agreed to propose a five percent, or Rp 25,000, increase in the minimum wage for the industrial island of Batam in Riau province, officials said on Sunday. The proposal was approved by Batam Mayor Nyat Kadir and has been presented to the Riau governor for endorsement or rejection.

Oman agrees cut output to support OPEC

Oman agrees cut output to support OPEC Agence France-Presse, Muscat Oman, an independent oil producer, on Thursday announced it would cut production by 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) to back OPEC's bid to force up crude prices. "Oman will at the start of January and until June reduce production by 40,000 bpd to support prices on the international oil market," Oil Minister Mohammad bin Hamad al-Romhi told the official ONA news agency.

A bit off the beaten track

A bit off the beaten track Stevie Emilia, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Interesting places to go, good food to savor and comfortable places to stay are the main things that make any trip to a new place enjoyable and memorable. And Cirebon, a small coastal city in West Java, has them all. Only four hours drive from Jakarta, Cirebon boasts a fishing industry, a thriving harbor and trading activities. It is also popular for its rattan and batik products, and a wide array of local cuisine.

Log thieves arrested in Samarinda

Log thieves arrested in Samarinda SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Samarinda Police arrested seven people suspected of stealing logs belonging to a timber company PT Kalhol Utama Samarinda on Wednesday. Sr. Comr. Setyanto, chief of the Samarinda Police, said the seven identified as Ar, 31, Su, 28, He, 19, Ar, 26, So, 27, Im, 29, and a minor, were nabbed because they tried to resist police arrest. "The police shot one of the suspects when they ignored three warning shots.

Fair trade better than free trade

Fair trade better than free trade In international relationships, the desire to reap maximum profits by selling products is often hampered by the interests of the destination country in defending its local products. In such cases, strength often speaks louder than fairness. The stronger countries seldom hesitate in exercising pressures on the weaker countries. This unfair treatment is now felt by Indonesia in its trade with the United States.

JP/FESTIVE

JP/FESTIVE Bali Offering joyous festivities for old and young OR Celebrate your holiday in style on the Island of the Gods OR Celebrate your holiday in style in Bali Rita A. Widiadana and I Wayan Juniarta The Jakarta Post Denpasar Let's cherish the year that has almost passed and welcome the one to come with joy and glory. This is a happy moment to celebrate with your loved ones.

1. BECAK: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. BECAK: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 City resumes crackdown against 'becak', vendors 2. TOMMY: 40 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 17 Elza protests MA's legal opinion 3. POLICE: 36 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 22 Police officer explains why corruption is endemic 4. ARI: 30 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 26 Court finds Ari guilty, but he will be freed 5. PANSUS: 30 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 26 Sutiyoso denies officials involved in garbage graft

1. Bank

1. Bank Banks expect strong loan growth next year 2. AFTA (2x28) 95% of RI's tariffs already in line with AFTA: Official 3. IBRA IBRA exceeds 2001 target 4. Bonds IBRA starts asset bond swap 5. Blum1 Top firms purchase RP bad loans 6. Blum3 Thai Airways appoints board

Two elite soldiers killed in Aceh

Two elite soldiers killed in Aceh JAKARTA: Two soldiers of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) were killed in an exchange of gunfire with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels in Teunom, West Aceh, on Wednesday. Kopasuss spokesman Capt. Rano Tilaar confirmed on Thursday that the two soldiers identified as First Pvt. Arianto and First Pvt. Syaiful Anwar were killed while conducting a patrol in a village in Teunom.

Police told to remove Iraqi refugees from E. Nusa Tenggara

Police told to remove Iraqi refugees from E. Nusa Tenggara Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang East Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor Johanis Pake Pani has asked the provincial police to remove Iraqi refugees from the province because they are the responsibility of the central government and the International Migration Organization (IOM).

Some products not ready to compete under AFTA: Kadin

Some products not ready to compete under AFTA: Kadin Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) said that some 27 percent of local products were not yet ready to compete in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which would start early next year.

Air Force Spokesman Commodore Imam Wahyudi confirmed the

Air Force Spokesman Commodore Imam Wahyudi confirmed the incident, saying in Jakarta that it was a Hercules C-130 H made in 1980. "The Air Force now has two Hercules squadrons with 24 Hercules of C-130 type. They are based at Halim Perdanakusuma airbase in Jakarta and Abdurachman Saleh airbase in Malang, East Java. Of the 24 planes, only about six or eight are operable," Imam said. He said that the pilot failed to smoothly land. "We are investigating the case."

Police urged to probe Karo deforestation

Police urged to probe Karo deforestation Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The Farmers' Advocacy Institution has called on North Sumatra police to investigate the destruction of 1,060 hectares of a protected forest in Karo Regency, a catchment area supplying water to the provincial capital of Medan, Deli Serdang and Langkat regencies.

Rustriningsih: From shy girl to dauntless politician

Rustriningsih: From shy girl to dauntless politician Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In many ways, she is no different from other young single women with a rising career. But she's no ordinary woman in the country's political landscape, still primarily filled with men even with a woman president.

JP/4/Fundam

JP/4/Fundam Encouraging vengeful fundamentalism Jeremy Seabrook Guardian News Service London You see them everywhere on the streets of Dhaka, Jakarta, Karachi, the boys with their qualifications: a Master's in personnel, a diploma in management, a degree in marketing. You meet them on the battered buses, in the dusty parks, in the fly- blown eating-houses, clutching copies of their "biodata" in plastic folders.

Megawati delayed Irian jaya trip

Megawati delayed Irian jaya trip Tiarma Siboro and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri postponed indefinitely on Thursday her visit to the restive province of Irian Jaya, pending the implementation of central government policies there, including the establishment of an independent team to investigate the mysterious death of prominent independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay.

Tsinga village gets water reservoir

Tsinga village gets water reservoir Markus Mardius, Contributor, Tembagapura, Titmice, Irian Jaya A mountain water reservoir constructed by the residents of Tsinga village has become a source of pride, and water, for the inhabitants. Located some 100 kilometers, or a 15-minute helicopter flight, from Tembagapura, the reservoir took six months to complete.

oeharto's Long Legal Trip

oeharto's Long Legal Trip May 21 1998 Soeharto steps down Sept 25 1998 Soeharto authorizes prosecutors to find his alleged overseas deposits and assets Nov 22 1998 Soeharto hands over his seven free-tax charity foundations to the state Dec 2 1998 President B.J.

Minimum wage in East Java set Rp 453,200 in 2002

Minimum wage in East Java set Rp 453,200 in 2002 Ainur R. Sophiaan The Jakarta Post Surabaya Following a two-month deadlock between employers and workers, East Java Governor eventually decided on Thursday to set the monthly minimum wages in 36 regencies and mayoralties in the province for the 2002 fiscal year.

Minimum wage in E. Java set at Rp 453,200: On Thursday, following

Minimum wage in E. Java set at Rp 453,200: On Thursday, following a two-month deadlock between employers and workers, the governor of East Java moved to set the monthly minimum wages in 36 regencies and mayoralties in the province for the 2002 fiscal year. Page 2 What Islam will Afghan government follow?: The Taliban named it the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Their predecessors called it the Islamic State of Afghanistan.

Sutiyoso denies officials involved in garbage graft

Sutiyoso denies officials involved in garbage graft JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso agreed on Thursday to the establishment of a special team to investigate alleged corruption at the City Sanitary Agency, as proposed by the City Council a day earlier. "Please do so if necessary. But I don't see any indication of the crime," he told reporters. He denied that the dismissals of the agency's head Saksono Soehodo and deputy head Soegiono were linked to corruption.

Whither civil society?

Whither civil society? J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta Both Sukarno, through his "guided democracy", and Soeharto through his "Pancasila democracy", robbed the sovereignty and power of the people. In a sense, therefore, reform in Indonesia is a process by which the people will endeavor to reclaim their sovereignty and power from the state. Reform is to advance the cause of a "civil society".

RI bodybuilder can't guarantee gold but will try

RI bodybuilder can't guarantee gold but will try Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's leading bodybuilder Ade Rai has warned against unrealistic expectations ahead of his planned participation in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. "I can't promise to win a gold. What I can assure the Indonesian people of is that I will do my best," Ade told The Jakarta Post by phone on Thursday. "Don't expect too much from me," he said.

1. ASSETS: 4 lines, 11 counts

1. ASSETS: 4 lines, 11 counts Legislators urge seizure of Soeharto's assets 2. DAWAM: 2 lines, 21 counts Muhammadiyah, NU ponder joining hands in education 3. MAID: 2 lines, 18 counts Ismiyati sues Saudi princess for assault

Muhammadiyah, NU ponder joining hands in education

Muhammadiyah, NU ponder joining hands in education Leo Wahyudi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's two largest Muslim organizations, should join hands in promoting education to produce broad-minded Islamic thinkers with professional skills, a prominent Muslim scholar says. Dawam Rahardjo of Muhammadiyah said the two groups needed to share their experiences in education, so they could cultivate a new breed of modern Islamic thinkers.

IBRA starts asset bond swap

IBRA starts asset bond swap The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Banks may soon start exchanging their recapitalization bonds with assets from the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA's) bond payments from the state budget. "Basically this is a sale program of IBRA's core assets, in which payment can be made partially or entirely in recapitalization bonds," IBRA spokesman Suryo Susilo said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ismiyati sues Saudi princess for assault

Ismiyati sues Saudi princess for assault The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Memet Ismiyati, an Indonesian maid assaulted by her employer while working in the U.S., has filed suit against the woman, a Saudi princess, for an attack that she says caused her physical and mental trauma. An Indonesian diplomat in Houston told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview on Thursday that Ismiyati, 36, is now under the protection of Florida State officials.

Govt agrees to form impartial team to probe Theys death

Govt agrees to form impartial team to probe Theys death Tiarma Siboro & R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Jayapura Bowing to intense public pressure, the government announced on Thursday that it was forming an independent team to investigate the Nov. 11 murder of Irian Jaya independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay.

Regional autonomy puts Irian forests in peril

Regional autonomy puts Irian forests in peril Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fresh fears that regional autonomy will put the environment in danger have become more evident as regency administrations in Irian Jaya have issued controversial bylaws, which have allowed them to overexploit forests to boost revenue. The increasing export of logs from Irian Jaya this year, despite the infringement of the law, stood out as a good example.

Jakarta seeks alternative dumpsite

Jakarta seeks alternative dumpsite Annastashya Emmanuelle and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid uncertainty about the capital's garbage disposal policy following the Bantar Gebang controversy, the Jakarta administration is approaching towns bordering Bekasi, Tangerang, Depok and Bogor to explore whether they may be able to assist in handling the city's trash. The five administrations met on Thursday at the home affairs ministry to discuss the issue.

House set to draft geothermal bill

House set to draft geothermal bill The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives has formed a team to draft a bill on geothermal energy as part of its efforts to boost the development of energy resources, according to a leading legislator.

Batam conducts raids on migrants

Batam conducts raids on migrants BATAM, Riau: The Batam administration has launched an operation in the island's airport and seaports following the Idul Fitri holiday, to prevent people from migrating to the densely- populated island. "We have deployed government officers at the airport and seaports in anticipation of the entrance of job seekers who are not holders of identity cards indicating they live on the island," Said Hasyim, chief of the local population office, said here on Thursday.

Ari Sigit found guilty, but walks free

Ari Sigit found guilty, but walks free The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The grandson of former president Soeharto, Ari Sigit, was sentenced to two months and 22 days in jail after the Central Jakarta District Court found him guilty of illegal possession of firearms' ammunition. The charge carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison.

LOYAL CUSTOMERS: LippoBank deputy president Yusuf Valent (left)

LOYAL CUSTOMERS: LippoBank deputy president Yusuf Valent (left) and managing director Harry Sasongko (right) share a light moment with two customers of the bank's branch offices in Bali who won top prices in LippoBank's Menang Lagi (Win Again) draw. The prizes were given during a gathering at LippoBank's regional office in Bali on Dec. 7.

Papua's autonomy test: The Tangguh LNG project

Papua's autonomy test: The Tangguh LNG project Ignas Kleden, Sociologist, The Center for East Indonesian Affairs, Jakarta Part 1 of 2 The messages of Law no. 22/1999 and Law no. 25/1999 regarding political decentralization (regional autonomy) and economic deconcentration (fiscal balance) has been, over the past year, hanging in the air.

2 x 20 - 48pt Bodoni

2 x 20 - 48pt Bodoni Papua's autonomy test: The Tangguh LNG project Ignas Kleden Sociologist The Center for East Indonesian Affairs Jakarta The messages of the law no 22/1999 and the law no 25/1999 regarding political decentralization and economic deconcentration has been, for the past one year, so to speak, hanging "on air".

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 Song 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:30 Debating 3:30 Music 4:30 Quiz 5:00 TV Drama 7:00 News 8:00 Music 9:00 News 9:30 Music 11:00 Religious songs TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Entertainment News 7:30 Cartoon 8:00 Music 9:00 Comedy 9:30 Entertainment News 10:00 Variety Show 11:00 Music 12:00 p.m.

Air Force Hercules crashes in Aceh

Air Force Hercules crashes in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh An Air Force Hercules plane No. A 1329 crashed and burned just as it was about to land at around 9:45 a.m. on Thursday at Malikussaleh Airport, some 30 kilometers south of the town of Lhokseumawe in restive North Aceh. The plane was carrying 95 people, comprising 68 members of the Indonesian Military (TNI), 12 crew and 13 relatives of the military personnel.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

A kaleidoscope of fashion in 2001

A kaleidoscope of fashion in 2001 Muara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta The journey of the Indonesian fashion industry, with Jakarta- based designers remaining the trendsetters, gives reason for optimism on the one hand but cause for concern on the other. Competition between local and international fashion brands still color the business. Designers have the opportunity to survive by catering to the upper-class market with its many consumers who are willing to spend.

Oracle challenges the world with 'Unbreakable' products

Oracle challenges the world with 'Unbreakable' products Lela E. Madjiah, The Jakarta Post, San Francisco, California Oracle picked the perfect time when it launched its latest technological development, the Unbreakable Oracle9i Internet in early December. It's a complete, simple Internet application infrastructure featuring Oracle9i Database (Oracle9i DB), Oracle9i Application Server (Oracle9i AS) and Oracle Development Tools.

Jakarta Hilton presents

Jakarta Hilton presents Masterpieces of Le Lion D'or at Jakarta Hilton Gracing the tables of Taman Sari ~ Savor fine French food & wine In surroundings of elegance & style Visiting guest chef - Eric Momme'jac Taman Sari Restaurant Jakarta Hilton International Dec. 20 - 28, 2001 Jakarta Hilton proudly announces the arrival of visiting guest chef, Eric Momme'jac from the Quercy region of South West France.

SE Asian auto sales up 9 %

SE Asian auto sales up 9 % Agence France-Presse, Singapore Motor vehicle sales in major Southeast Asian markets continue to rise despite the economic slump, increasing 9.0 percent in the first 10 months of the year, an industry monitor said Thursday. A total of 881,232 units were sold in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines between January and October, compared to 805,125 in the same period last year, Automotive Resources Asia Ltd. (ARA) said in a report.

Rupiah Rates Dec.20

Rupiah Rates Dec.20 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Fighters call for Great Timor State

Fighters call for Great Timor State KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Indonesian Military (TNI) on Thursday threatened harsh action against any group or individual who attempts to declare East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) an independent state. "It would be treason and they will be crushed," warned Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. William T. da Costa who oversees security in NTT, West Nusa Tenggara and Bali. He said separatist campaigners have no place in the province.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Stone Lithographs and Paintings by Ken Pattern, Koi Galeri/Restoran Jl Mahakam I/2 (Tel: 722 2864), 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. until Dec. 31. * 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 Menjemput Impian by Damay, Yaqub Elka, Zeita Gallery, Jl. Kemang Timur no. 71, South Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Jan. 26.

'Don't have too many expectations in life'

'Don't have too many expectations in life' Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wherever she goes, Vina Panduwinata is serenaded by her hit songs of the 1980s. Light to the point of verging on frothy, songs such as Burung Camar (The Seagull) and Didadaku Ada Kamu (In My Heart There's You) were distinguished by Vina's rich, one- of-a-kind voice, making her the Krisdayanti (without the flashy clothes and makeup) of her generation.

Banks expect strong loan growth next year

Banks expect strong loan growth next year Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Major banks predicted for next year continued brisk growth of new loans to the private and consumer sectors, as they expected parts of the local economy to remain unscathed from the economic gloom that has befallen much of the world.

Govt to extend tax exemption in Batam

Govt to extend tax exemption in Batam The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to release a ministerial decree to extend value-added tax and luxury tax exemption on Batam island in the province of Riau before the end of the year, when the tax incentive scheme expires. Minister of Finance Boediono told reporters last week that the government had actually decided to issue the decree but it delayed the issuance due to the tight schedule in preparing the 2002 budget and national holidays.

Some things fishy, and more, in Cirebon cuisine

Some things fishy, and more, in Cirebon cuisine Stevie Emilia, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Cirebon is popularly known as "Shrimp City", and sampling a wide range of tasty seafood is a must when visiting the city. The good news is that there is no limit to your options, starting out with sidewalk food stalls offering bargains for grilled shrimp, fish or crab. If money is no object, there are also several restaurants that serve delicious seafood.

Official complains of improper e-mails

Official complains of improper e-mails JAKARTA: Head of the Commodity Future Trading Supervisory Board complained on Thursday about people who sent improper e- mails, faxes and letters under his name. Ridwan Kurnaen, head of the agency, told Antara that he had received information that many people claiming to be him had sent faxes, letters, e-mails and even made phone calls giving false information, from financial gatherings to prostitute spots available for traders.

Free harelip medical operation for local kids from Caltex

Free harelip medical operation for local kids from Caltex Rahmat was 12 and Juniati was 11. Like the other kids at their village of Aur Sati in Tambang district of Bangkinang, Riau, the two played cheerfully in the neighborhood. So did Kurniati, 7, who lives in a small town of Kuala Enok, Indragiri Hilir, Riau. But their parents could not hide their sorrow eyes towards their happy-looking children, who "differ" from other kids because of their harelips.

Megawati mulls dropping charges against Soeharto

Megawati mulls dropping charges against Soeharto The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a shocking revelation that will invite fierce public debate, officials said here on Thursday that President Megawati Soekarnoputri was pondering whether to intervene in the stalled legal process against Soeharto by dropping all charges against the former president.

IBRA defends MSAA extension

IBRA defends MSAA extension The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has claimed that the controversial extension of the Master of Settlement and Acquisition Agreement (MSAA) is necessary to restart faltering debt payments from former bank owners. IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said that without the ruling, which received the backing of the powerful Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC), the government might never get its money back.

95% of RI's tariffs already in line with AFTA: Official

95% of RI's tariffs already in line with AFTA: Official Adianto P.Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Thursday that the country could no longer delay the full implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) as most of its tariffs had been reduced to comply with the regional free trade arrangement.

ASEAN Tourism Forum will be held on time

ASEAN Tourism Forum will be held on time Israr Ardiansyah, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The construction of the Yogyakarta Exhibition and Convention Center (YECC) building that will be used as the venue for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum 2002 in January is nearly complete. Bambang Susanto Priyohadi, the Yogyakarta provincial secretary, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that technically the project, which started last July, was 93 percent complete.

IBRA exceeds 2001 target

IBRA exceeds 2001 target Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Thursday that it had raised a total of Rp 27.98 trillion (about US$2.7 billion) in cash and Rp 10.6 trillion worth of recapitalized bonds, slightly exceeding its target for this year's state budget. IBRA chief I Putu Gde Ary Suta told a press conference on Thursday that the agency had fulfilled its duty in terms of asset sales, at least for this year.

Silk Air tragedy remembered

Silk Air tragedy remembered PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Dozens of Singaporean and Japanese families were in the city on Wednesday to commemorate the Silk Air plane crash that killed 104 people on Dec. 19, 1997. They prayed and placed a floral wreath on the Musi river where the Silk Air plane's wreckage was found days after it exploded during its flight from Jakarta to Singapore.

MONEY MATTERS

MONEY MATTERS Indonesia's gross foreign exchange reserves fell to US$27.61 billion as of Dec. 14 from $28.08 billion a week earlier, as the government repaid foreign debt that matured during the period, the central bank said Thursday. --Dow Jones Japan's customs-cleared trade surplus fell 16.3 percent in November from a year earlier for the 17th month of decline as the global economic slowdown held down exports, Finance Ministry data showed on Thursday.

Police officer explains why corruption endemic

Police officer explains why corruption endemic Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A man planning to return to his hometown in Surabaya appeared at a security post in the Senen railway station recently, saying that he had been robbed on his way to the station. "I lost Rp 650,000 and now I've only got Rp 20,000 left. So I beg you sir, please give me a free ticket," the man said to the police officer on duty.

PDI Perjuangan parties in Kalimantan

PDI Perjuangan parties in Kalimantan PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is scheduled to attend a ceremony for the 29th anniversary of her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) on Jan. 13 in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. Saily Muchtar, PDI Perjuangan secretary of the provincial party branch, said here on Thursday that Palangka Raya was chosen as the host of this year's anniversary due to its security.

Poso's Christians, Muslims sign truce

Poso's Christians, Muslims sign truce Jupriadi and Erik W., The Jakarta Post, Malino/Palu True to the words that came from their first meeting, representatives of the Christian and Muslim groups of Poso who have been locked in fighting for three years, pledged Thursday afternoon to end their hostilities. The agreement came at the end of a relatively smooth, two-day- long conference at a cool mountain resort area about 70 kilometers southeast of South Sulawesi capital Makassar.

Minimum wage in East Java set at Rp 453,200 in 2002

Minimum wage in East Java set at Rp 453,200 in 2002 Ainur R. Sophiaan The Jakarta Post Surabaya On Thursday, following a two-month deadlock between employers and workers, the governor of East Java moved to set the monthly minimum wages in 36 regencies and mayoralties in the province for the 2002 fiscal year.

Marijuana trafficker arrested in Bima

Marijuana trafficker arrested in Bima MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Bima Police have arrested a man identified as Ricky for the possession of 250 grams of dried marijuana. "The suspect was arrested when he was making a transaction with three consumers -- David, Ronald and Bendo -- in Rasane Timur in Bima regency," Adj. Sr. Comr. Budi Susanto, chief of the Bima Police precinct, said here on Thursday.

IBRA won't cancel Indomobil sale

IBRA won't cancel Indomobil sale Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Thursday that it would not cancel the newly concluded sale of a controlling block of shares in publicly listed car assembler PT Indomobil Sukses Internasional to a Trimegah-led consortium, arguing the transaction had followed normal procedures.

JP/5/REFUGEES

JP/5/REFUGEES Yoichi Funabashi Senior Staff Writer Asahi Shimbun Time to extend helping hand to Afghan people The first snow of the season fell on Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan on Dec. 3. The New York Times carried a photo of snow falling on a cluster of tents at a nearby refugee camp. People who sought refuge there lost their homes in a fierce battle between the Northern Alliance and the Taliban over this area of strategic importance.

1. Pesawat - 8 x 4 lines

1. Pesawat - 8 x 4 lines Air Force Hercules crashes in Aceh 2. Logging - 20 x 2 lines Regional autonomy puts Irian forests in peril 3. Israr - 18 x 2 lines ASEAN Tourism Forum will be held on time 4. Rambah - 18 x 2 lines Police urged to probe Karo deforestation

Legislators urge seizure of Soeharto's vast assets

Legislators urge seizure of Soeharto's vast assets Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Any ill-gotten wealth belonging to ailing former president Soeharto should be confiscated, despite the failure to take him to court due to his deteriorating health, senior legislators said on Thursday. House of Representatives deputy speaker A.M.

The Shirt Torn in the Back

The Shirt Torn in the Back By Agung Mabruri The pressure to get by and provide for our daily needs had me and my wife Asih, just married for six months, racking our brains to figure out how to make some extra money. We discussed everything from opening a newspaper stand, a catering business or a small retail shop, weighing the pluses and minuses of each idea. But we stumbled when it came to finding the start-up capital.

Human rights and terrorism

Human rights and terrorism Although deliberations in the House of Representatives on the government-proposed draft law on terrorism are far from over, fears currently circulating among the Indonesian public that the new law, if or when it is passed and enacted, will to some lesser or greater degree herald a return to the days of military- dominated authoritarian rule are difficult to quell. And little wonder.

Top firms purchase RP loans

Top firms purchase RP loans U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and the World Bank's International Finance Corp. (IFC) plan to invest in buying bad loans from Philippine banks, central bank governor Rafael Buenaventura said Thursday. "Lehman Brothers says it is willing to put in one billion dollars," he said at a year-end economic briefing for reporters.

Shangri-la Hotel clarifies

Shangri-la Hotel clarifies With regard to the letter entitled Theft at coffee shop, published in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 15, 2001, the management of Shangri-la Hotel Jakarta wishes to clarify matters as follows. On Dec. 4, 2001, one of the hotel's guests in the Coffee Garden restaurant reported that he had lost his laptop, which he put under the table while he was at the buffet. At that time the Coffee Garden restaurant was very crowded as it was coincidentally the time for breaking the fast.

Batam conducts raids on migrants

Batam conducts raids on migrants BATAM, Riau: The Batam administration has launched an operation in the island's airport and seaports following the Idul Fitri holiday, to prevent people from migrating to the densely- populated island. "We have deployed government officers at the airport and seaports in anticipation of the entrance of job seekers who are not holders of identity cards indicating they live on the island," Said Hasyim, chief of the local population office, said here on Thursday.

City resumes crackdown against vendors

City resumes crackdown against vendors Hundreds of street vendors from around the Gambir Railway station attacked city public order officers on Thursday after the officers confiscated the vendors' possessions just days after Idul Fitri celebrations. The officers transported six truck loads of belongings confiscated from the vendors around the station in Central Jakarta to a warehouse in Cakung, North Jakarta.

Fire in the slums, displace Jakarta migrants

Fire in the slums, displace Jakarta migrants Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta She wanted to wear the dress for Idul Fitri, but only two days before the holiday, it was burned along with other valuables inside her parents' house along with dozens of other semi- permanent buildings in the densely populated Cipulir area of South Jakarta.

Sebastian Gunawan: Making a grand impression

Sebastian Gunawan: Making a grand impression Muara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta Sebastian Gunawan's annual show at the Hotel Mulia in Central Jakarta in August was outstanding for two reasons. The presentation was extraordinary, with the plexiglass runway, bordered by two screens on each side, an ideal arrangement to show the 100 sparkling dresses before 1,500 guests, undoubtedly the most ever assembled for a fashion show in the capital.

Traunt civil servants to be warned

Traunt civil servants to be warned State Minister for Administrative Reforms Faisal Tamin vowed on Thursday to punish civil servants who extended their vacations after two days of official holidays during this week's Idul Fitri celebrations. This year's Idul Fitri holidays fell on Dec. 16 and 17, but as of Thursday afternoon most civil servants in Jakarta and many other cities across the country had not yet returned to work.

Is peace in sight in Poso?

Is peace in sight in Poso? Since Dec. 19 the two conflicting factions in Poso have held peace talks in Malino, Palu. It's never too late for something good to emerge out of this even though the sectarian conflict has claimed many lives and forced thousands of people to be displaced. Shameful slanders have also spread even abroad, while facts have been distorted. We wish the government had taken the initiative to end the conflict long ago, which is now recorded as a black mark in our history.

Thailand to maintain strong rice exports in 2002: FAO

Thailand to maintain strong rice exports in 2002: FAO Dow Jones, Bangkok Thailand will enjoy another rice "export bonanza" next year, thanks to expected increased demand from buyers but reduced competition from regional rival exporters, the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization said this week.

Japan proposes smallest

Japan proposes smallest budget in four years 2. Argent (4 x 16) Argentine currency peg to end soon, analysts say 3. Batam ( 2 X 20) Govt to extend tax exemption in Batam 4. Auto ( 3 X 10 ) SE Asian auto sales up 9.0%

More on the decimal sign

More on the decimal sign I disagree with David Tucker's opinion outlined in "Your Letters" in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 15. Supporting a different decimal system in Indonesia just because it is a custom is not practical and has no cultural merit. "Modern progress" (for want of better words) in this ever more integrated, borderless and technical world in which Indonesia deserves its rightful place, most assuredly involves overall standardization of using the decimal sign.