Archive: 26 December 2001
92 articles found
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Security tightened at Caltex
Security tightened at Caltex PEKANBARU: Oil firm PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) stepped up security as Christians prepared to observe Christmas in Pekanbaru, Riau province. Security guards at the company's gate and police examined every motorcycle and car entering the compound. All guests were ordered to show their identity cards, causing a one-kilometer queue from the main gate.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Street vendors vs administration: Partnership is crucial
Street vendors vs administration: Partnership is crucial Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Street vendors have become a unique phenomenon in this city. Not to mention ubiquitous. Just about everywhere you turn, you can see them displaying their wares: at intersections, along the streets, outside schools and office buildings, inside public transportation, and even on the yards of mosques.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Will Malino peace deal effectively end Poso conflict?
Will Malino peace deal effectively end Poso conflict? OR Will Malino peace deal be effective? OR Can Malino peace deal end Poso conflict? OR Can Malino Declaration bring peace to Poso? OR Can Malino Declaration return peace to Poso?
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Money politics lurks behind corruption cases
Money politics lurks behind corruption cases Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country with 210 million people, is labeled as one of the most corrupt countries. In theory, Islam as well as other religions prohibit their followers from bribing and stealing, but in practice, many are involved in corruption. Why? Because corruption has nothing to do with religion but is closely related to the country's political and legal system.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Troops kill four Aceh separatists
Troops kill four Aceh separatists JAKARTA: Indonesian soldiers have killed four suspected separatist rebels in the strife-torn province of Aceh, the Antara news agency said Tuesday. The four alleged Free Aceh Movement (GAM) guerrillas were shot dead in a raid on a hideout in the Bengga village in Pidie district on Monday, Aceh military spokesman Maj. Zainal Muttaqin was quoted as saying. Muttaqin said the troops seized an AK-47 rifle, a Colt pistol, a hand grenade and ammunition.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
With dubious achievements, does Sutiyoso deserve reelection?
With dubious achievements, does Sutiyoso deserve reelection? Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta It is difficult to cite Governor Sutiyoso's achievements this year. Probably the most striking ones are the award he received from the Jakarta Diplomatic Corps for helping to facilitate the work of diplomats here and an honorary PhD he got from Pusan University of Foreign Studies in South Korea.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Are we getting closer to or farther from civil society
Are we getting closer to or farther from 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".
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Bomb explodes on Xmas Eve after police chief installed
Bomb explodes on Xmas Eve after police chief installed Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An explosion occurred here on Monday morning just minutes after a ceremony installing Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara as the new Jakarta Police chief to replace Comr. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb. At about 10:20 a.m. a explosive blasted on the roof of a house belonging to pensioner Suhandi M. Harun on Jl. Cikoko Barat III No. 24, Pancoran, South Jakarta.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fire leaves nine families homeless
Fire leaves nine families homeless JAKARTA: Nine families on Jl. Mardani III in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, were left homeless after fire destroyed their houses on Christmas day. Investigations have shown that the fire was ignited by an electrical short circuit. Besides the nine houses, several other homes were also badly damaged, but no injuries were reported.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Railway officials urged to quit
Railway officials urged to quit Kurniawan Hari and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Too many rail disasters have occurred in the past few months and politicians and passengers put that down to mismanagement by the top train officials. Many are demanding that the top executives of state railway company PT KAI quit and Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar be dismissed from his post.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Prosperous Bali demands a greater share in regional autonomy era
Prosperous Bali demands a greater share in regional autonomy era Rita A. Widiadana The Jakarta Post Denpasar The words regional autonomy used to be strange and even taboo to the ears of many Indonesians, including the Balinese. But since the Indonesian government imposed Law No. 22/1999 on the implementation of regional autonomy, people have become obsessed with the term.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
DPRD Jakarta: empowered but not all that wiser
DPRD Jakarta: empowered but not all that wiser T. Sima Gunawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta One is never too old to study. City councillors know the axiom well and took a shot at implementing it -- without worrying about the cost. In the middle of this year, they made a series of trips overseas for what they claimed were comparative studies. Some took a one-week tour to Los Angeles to study entertainment and advertisement taxes.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mega apologizes to Papuans
Mega apologizes to Papuans JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri apologized to all the Papuan people for not being able to attend Christmas celebrations in Jayapura as had been initially scheduled on Dec. 22. In a letter sent to Governor Jaap Salossa, the President said that her heart was with the Papuan people and she would try to find the right time to visit the country's easternmost province in the near future.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mega wants obedience from subordinates
Mega wants obedience from subordinates Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on all government officials and civil servants to carry out all her decisions and not to hamper the implementation of government policies, a senior government minister said on Monday. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Megawati expected all her subordinates to conduct their duties as ordered by her.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ex-hotel workers continue protest
Ex-hotel workers continue protest JAKARTA: Dozens of former employees of the Shangri-La Hotel staged a protest in front of the hotel on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, on Monday to mark the one-year anniversary of their dispute with management. They erected a banner, five meters high and 30 meters long, which they claimed was the biggest ever used in an Indonesian labor protest. In December of last year, 580 workers of the hotel staged a demonstration in demand of better working conditions.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Local firms unaware of AFTA requirements
Local firms unaware of AFTA requirements Adianto P.Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many local exporting firms are still unaware of the need to complete the form D document or certificate of origin in order to benefit from low tariffs when their products enter the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market early next year at the start of the regional free trade era, according to a senior government official.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Officials should be frugal
Officials should be frugal From Rakyat Merdeka Our country is still gripped by an economic crisis and trapped in huge foreign debts. Based on the report of the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN), our senior officials have abundant wealth. However, it has not spurred the commission into action. We need to recall Bung Karno's struggle during the Dutch colonial period. He was jailed several times by the Dutch colonialists. But, Bung Karno felt neither daunted nor hopeless.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Dec.24
Rupiah Rates Dec.24 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. Sjahrir --
1. Sjahrir -- Don't cry for me Indonesia 1 x 22 48 pt Sjahrir Economist Chairman, Alliance for a New Indonesia The title of that song is of course "Don't Cry for Me Argentina". 2. Terror -- 1 x 28 36 pt When fundamentalism is no shame Cormac Murphy-O'Connor Archbishop of Westminster Head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales Guardian News Service London The aftermath of Sept. 11 has left many people troubled about the destructive power ...
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
City to fund Rp 29b garbage projects
City to fund Rp 29b garbage projects The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City administration officials have agreed to finance projects worth Rp 29 billion (US$2.9 million) for the reopening of the 104-hectare refuse disposal site in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, West Java. The commitment was made on Monday with the hope that the Bekasi mayoralty would allow it to continue using the dump until 2003.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
It could have been worse
It could have been worse In a car accident, a man suffered broken legs and arms, his car was smashed beyond repair. He is lucky. It could have been worse. He could have died, or suffered worse injuries. This approach to life, which some people call a Javanese philosophy to life, is the best way of looking at 2001. No matter how bad things were during this politically turbulent year, we could say "it could have been worse".
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
MONEY MATTERS
MONEY MATTERS NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan's largest mobile operator, said on Tuesday that the number of its i-mode Internet mobile service subscribers had reached 30 million. The i-mode service, which offers news, banking services, stock quotes, travel and other information over the Internet, has drawn a number of users since it was launched in February 1999.- Reuters Being the smallest in size among Taiwan's six new financial holding companies, SinoPac Holdings Co.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia remains prone to sectarian conflicts
Indonesia remains prone to sectarian conflicts Dwi Atmanta The Jakarta Post Jakarta As the year draws to a close, 2001 might best be remembered for its dark chapter when the bloody rampages pitting Muslim against Christian in Maluku and Poso ran unchecked. Thousands have been killed and many others displaced since the sectarian conflict first erupted in the capital of Ambon in 1999 and spread across the Maluku islands to the remote Central Sulawesi town of Poso.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Balinese Hinduism on The Brink of Violent Conflict
Balinese Hinduism on The Brink of Violent Conflict I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post Denpasar On the eve of the new year, Balinese Hinduism, the religion adhered to by more than 90 percent of the tourist island's population, faces its greatest challenge so far, as the majority of its religious elite -- layman intellectuals and religious leaders -- are divided into two opposing camps locked in a bitter struggle over the fundamental teachings of the religion.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The year of political disputes
The year of political disputes Kurniawan Hari and Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When the nation entered a reform era following the downfall of autocratic president Soeharto in 1998 and his protege B.J. Habibie in Oct.1999, there had been high expectation of the whole nation for a more humane society. This year, three years after the beginning of the reform era, the signs of improvement do not appear.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian investor pulls out from BCA tender
Malaysian investor pulls out from BCA tender Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A Malaysian investor, Malaysian Plantations Bhd., announced late last week that it had dropped its high-profile bid to purchase a controlling stake in publicly listed Bank Central Asia (BCA). No clear reason was given.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Papuans feel they are second-class citizens
Papuans feel they are second-class citizens Kornelius Purba Staff Writer The Jakarta Post Last Saturday, President Megawati Soekarnoputri was forced to drop her promise to deliver what she seemed to think was the best possible Christmas present she could offer the predominantly Christian province of Irian Jaya, after being informed that her planned visit to the rebellious province would not be welcomed by the local people. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Gen.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta maintains reputation of lawless jungle
Jakarta maintains reputation of lawless jungle OR Grizzly crimes continue unabated in Jakarta Emmy Fitri and Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Jakarta has turned into a lawless jungle where crooks prey on the innocent and the police are left to clean up the mess. There is no set figures to describe how bad it is on Jakarta's streets as many choose not to report their ordeals to the police. Many are haunted with dread each time they go out because crime can happen anytime to anybody.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt allocates Rp 100b for Poso
Govt allocates Rp 100b for Poso JAKARTA: The government has allocated some Rp 100 billion (US$10 million) in funds to rebuild the strife-torn area of Poso, Central Sulawesi, targeted especially for houses, schools and places of worship. Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare Jusuf Kalla said on Monday, after meeting President Megawati Soekarnoputri, that the funds were ready for use as long as the security situation remained as positive as it had done lately.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
HIV, a very delicate virus
HIV, a very delicate virus Dear Dr. Donya, I'm grateful for your article in The Jakarta Post and have several questions regarding HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). 1. When an HIV-infected drop of blood, semen or saliva of a person with HIV gets smeared and/or dried up on a bed sheet or any other object, will the virus die soon after exposure to the air? It is said or medically reported that the virus is very fragile and gets killed easily outside a human's body.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Scattering litter, mirror of the administration's ineptitude
Scattering litter, mirror of the administration's ineptitude Annastashya Emmanuelle The Jakarta Post Jakarta The closure of Bantar Gebang, the city's garbage dump, is the dire result of the city administration's incompetence in handling Jakarta's waste problems. Residents in Bekasi, where Bantar Gebang is located, have demanded the site's closure due to the health and environmental problems it has caused.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy raises hopes and fears on fate of environment
Autonomy raises hopes and fears on fate of environment Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Environmental destruction in 2001 may not have exceeded that in previous years but was unfortunately just as rapid, with nature continuing to vanish in a blink of an eye. The land, water and even the air were victims of man's obtuse greed. Citing a World Bank report, Minister of Forestry M.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The year of political disputes
The year of political disputes Kurniawan Hari and Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When the nation entered a reform era following the downfall of autocratic president Soeharto in 1998 and his protege B.J. Habibie in Oct.1999, there had been high expectation of the whole nation for a more humane society. This year, three years after the beginning of the reform era, the signs of improvement do not appear.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Women enjoy unprecedented progress, also setbacks
Women enjoy unprecedented progress, also setbacks Ati Nurbaiti, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post In a country where the first ever woman president stands proud, along with a few other women within the central and local governments, awareness has been raised of the issue of "sexual terrorism." The alarming term was raised on Dec. 11 by the National Commission for Violence Against Women during a press conference on its annual review.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya
Where to go in Surabaya Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Tel. 031 5311234): - Lobby: Solo Pianist, every Morning, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday to Saturday evening, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Cascades Poolside Restaurant: Jazz Band, Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - The Tavern Pub: Live music, Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 9:30 p.m. * Mandarin Oriental, Majapahit Hotel, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Tel.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Poor SEA Games record shows Indonesia's slide
Poor SEA Games record shows Indonesia's slide Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Once considered a sports giant among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia began to lose its domination of the biennial Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 1999. Simple statistics show that Indonesian athletes were only able to win some 18 percent of gold medals at the last two SEA Games. There were 391 gold medals in 32 sports events being offered in the last SEA Games.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Prawn spawn released into sea
Prawn spawn released into sea BOGOR: The Bogor Institute of Agriculture has released 100,000 prawn eggs into the sea at Pelabuhan Ratu Beach as marine resources in the area have sharply decreased over the past decade. Spokesman of the institute, Agus Lelana, said traditional fishermen desperately needed help as they had suffered much due to their small catches.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Australia drops dumping charges against RI's paper products
Australia drops dumping charges against RI's paper products The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Australian government has dropped its dumping allegations against two Indonesian export paper products, according to an Indonesian envoy. Trade and industry attache at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra Sutriono Edi was quoted Sunday by Antara as saying that the decision was made after the Australian Customs Service completed an investigation process.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Shuttlers win this but what about next?
Shuttlers win this but what about next? Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta I personally thought Indonesia had begun to lose its grip on the badminton world after it only managed to win one of three finals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Apparently, this somewhat pessimistic view was not entirely well-founded. This year, Indonesia improved its performance at the Sudirman Cup in Seville, Spain by reaching the final, where it bowed out to defending champion China.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Raids against street vendors receives sharp criticism
Raids against street vendors receives sharp criticism Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Operations against street vendors, conducted by the Jakarta Public Order Office recently, have received sharp public criticism as the raids are considered to obstruct people's efforts to make a living, thus violating their right to seek employment. "The operations spread fear among people who want to be self- employed.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Comma vs point
Comma vs point I also might not fully agree with David Tucker's reasons on why Indonesia should stick to the "decimal comma" instead of switching to the "decimal point" (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 15). Still, I agree with him on Indonesia's right to keep the decimal comma: the system was inherited from the Dutch and is neither out of tune nor not modernly progressive, as stated by Rudy Schouten (Dec. 22; Schouten sounds like a Dutch name?).
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Biography of R. Makbul Padmanagara
Biography of R. Makbul Padmanagara Date/place of birth : Bandung, Dec. 30, 1951 Graduated from Police Academy : 1974 Chief of Setiabudi police subprecinct, Jakarta : 1983 Chief of Tambora police subprecinct, Jakarta : 1984 Chief of Taman Sari police subprecinct, Jakarta : 1986 Madiun Police chief, East Java : 1991 Malang Police chief, East Java : 1993 Detective chief of West Java police : 1997 Director of National Police's general crime unit: 1998 Jakarta Police deputy chief : 2000
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt moves to improve protection of children
Govt moves to improve protection of children Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Long criticized for a lack of attention to the widespread abuse of women and children -- perhaps the nation's most precious resource -- the government promised on Monday to correct this appalling situation. With assistance from international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as the government of the U.S., the government plans to address some critical problems and increase funds.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy policy no solution to Aceh conflict
Autonomy policy no solution to Aceh conflict Santi WE Soekanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Another year is whizzing by leaving Aceh with wounds agape and questions unanswered. Hardly a day in 2001 has gone by without murders being committed in the strife-torn region -- the Indonesian Red Cross workers in Aceh recently testified that over the past year at least 1,500 people have been killed while thousands of others will carry lifelong scars, both physical and mental.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Regional autonomy: a double standard in motion?
Regional autonomy: a double standard in motion? Santi WE Soekanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When 2002 dawns, Indonesia will mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the regional autonomy policy. Dubbed by many last year as the world largest experiment in decentralization of powers, the policy has turned out to become a sharp wedge splitting scholars and bureaucrats apart.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
~
~ Yearend special Every day for the rest of this week The Jakarta Post presents a special 10-page review of the year that was starting today with a look back at the national news as well as the sports scene. -- Pages 11-20 ;JP; ANPAj..r.. Publisher-notice No paper on Christmas day JP/1/20011215.@04 No paper on Christmas Day We apologize for this belated announcement that The Jakarta Post was not printed on Tuesday, in observance of Christmas Day.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy policy no solution to Aceh conflict
Autonomy policy no solution to Aceh conflict Santi WE Soekanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Another year is whizzing by leaving Aceh with wounds gaping and questions unanswered. Hardly a day in 2001 has gone without murders being committed in the restive region -- the Indonesian Red Cross workers in Aceh recently testified that over the past year at least 1,500 people have been killed while hundreds of others would bear the marks of violence permanently.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
New dawn of legislative dictatorship nearing
New dawn of legislative dictatorship nearing Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year witnessed perhaps the worst political conflict to plague Indonesia in decades, culminating in president Abdurrahman 'Gus Dur' Wahid's removal in July by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). The relatively peaceful transfer of power brought high hopes that his successor Megawati Soekarnoputri would deal swiftly with the nation's problems.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Drugs abuse: How low can you go?
Drugs abuse: How low can you go? Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Amid mounting concerns due to the increasing numbers of drug abusers in the capital, the government seems to be powerless to contain the problem and curb the distribution of illegal drugs.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Political disputes prolog people's misery
Political disputes prolog people's misery Kurniawan Hari and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When the nation entered a reform era following the downfall of autocratic president Soeharto in 1998 and his protege B.J. Habibie in Oct.1999, there had been high expectation of the whole nation for a more humane society. This year, three years after the beginning of the reform era, the signs of improvement do not appear.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
2. Kodam - 2x 25
2. Kodam - 2x 25 Does an established metropolis need a military command? 3. Sampah - 3x 25 Raid against street vendors receives sharp criticism 4. Vendor - 1x 30 City to fund Rp 29b garbage projects
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
b]Unsolved major cases in Jakarta during Sofjan Jacoeb's
b]Unsolved major cases in Jakarta during Sofjan Jacoeb's tenure (May - December 2001) No. Crime Date 1. Three explosions in a boarding June 19 house on Jl. Cikoko Barat III/23, South Jakarta leaves five people injured. 2. A bomb under the Slipi flyover July 11 in West Jakarta leaves 13 people injured and one dead. 3. A blast under the Mampang Prapatan July 15 flyover in South Jakarta leaves six people injured. 4. Drive-by shooting on Jl. Warung Sept. 1 Buncit Raya, South Jakarta. 5.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Some of 2001's grizzly crimes in Jakarta
Some of 2001's grizzly crimes in Jakarta ================================================================================= No. Incident Date State ==================================================================================== 1. Police officer, driver shot Jan. 26 unsolved during armed bank robbery 2. Red Axe gang members shot Jan. 26 -- dead 3. Police shoot two more Red Axe Jan. 28 -- members 4. Body with multiple wounds Jan. 31 unsolved found 5. Police arrest two, seize Feb.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Why not learn from history?
Why not learn from history? The fall of all our governments, since independence, have been prompted by their abuse of the public's aspirations. It was the Sept. 30 movement (G30S) and the involvement of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) -- cursed by the people -- that brought the Old Order down. The New Order regime crashed because it was not responsive enough to public demands for civilian supremacy.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta gridlock, problems and solutions
Jakarta gridlock, problems and solutions JAKARTA: Many residents here seem to take traffic jams for granted since it has become a daily occurrence as well as a characteristic of this city of more than 10 million people. Even though the congestion gets worse each year, many people have no other choice but to face it. Nobody seems to do much about the fact that they have to allocate more time and spend more money for gasoline for their daily travels.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Do police really serve and protect the public
Do police really serve and protect the public Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a scale of one to ten, the public will most likely score around four to five if they were asked whether or not they think the police are protecting them. Taking the semblance of order and security they provide to the public aside, the police force is in fact an institution which was once invisible and too minuscule to stand among the three other forces in the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI).
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati calls for obedience: President Megawati Soekarnoputri
Megawati calls for obedience: President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on all government officials and civil servants to carry out all her decisions and not to hamper the implementation of government policies, a senior government minister said on Monday. Page 2 Explosion rocks Jakarta: An explosion occurred here on Monday morning just minutes after a ceremony installing Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara as the new Jakarta Police chief to replace Comr. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Xmas peaceful under tight security
Xmas peaceful under tight security Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The religious violence hotspots of Poso in Central Sulawesi and Ambon in Maluku remained calm as Christmas was celebrated peacefully across Indonesia on Monday and Tuesday. As of late last night, there had been no reports of unrest, despite fears of a repeat of last year's wave of bomb attacks on churches that killed 19 people and injured scores more throughout the country on Christmas Eve, 2000.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
TNT Logistics plans to transfer its expertise as an industry
TNT Logistics plans to transfer its expertise as an industry leader in automotive logistics in Europe and the United States to Asia and make Singapore its hub, a company spokesman said in a published report on Monday. "Singapore is well suited to a hub function because of its geographical location," The Straits Times quoted Jeroen de Wilde, a TNT regional director, as saying.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Lifting the poor from the yoke of poverty
Lifting the poor from the yoke of poverty Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seven years ago, the government initiated a multimillion dollar biodiversity conservation project on Siberut island in West Sumatra, with strong financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
People dream of better life under Megawati
People dream of better life under Megawati Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post Megawati Soekarnoputri is the second vice president, after B.J. Habibie to be appointed, not elected, president by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) because their predecessors had to vacate their positions long before their five-year terms were due to end. Both Habibie and Megawati inherited political and economic chaos from Soeharto.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Modern, comprehensive constitution remains a dream
Modern, comprehensive constitution remains a dream Pandaya, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta During the course of the 32 year despotic New Order regime under Soeharto, the 1945 Constitution functioned like the holy scriptures. Only the state had the "right" interpretation of the document's rambling contents, the weakest point of the 57 year- old constitution. Anybody daring to question the state on constitutional matters was subject to harassment or even prosecution for subversion.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Upholding of justice continues to be an illusion
Upholding of justice continues to be an illusion Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If justice could cry, it would be running out of tears as it endures the pain of being ruthlessly manipulated by the corrupt judicial system. Three years after the fall of the despotic New Order regime of president Soeharto, the reform movement seems to have made no impression on the fraudulent justice system in the crisis-riddled country.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP//TNI
JP//TNI Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Although it has formally abandoned its much criticized dual function (Dwifungsi) doctrine, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is yet to shed its image as a "troublemaker". Normally, the military's presence in an area of conflict will raise hopes that peace and order will be restored. But that is not always the case. Look at the heavy military presence in areas of conflict in Maluku, North Maluku, Poso, Aceh, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Brebes train crash kills 54
Brebes train crash kills 54 The Jakarta Post, Brebes The live of dozens of holiday travelers well shattered by tragedy as apparent negligence spilt blood on the tracks in a head-on train collision near Brebes, Central Java, causing the death of up to 54 people. Two overloaded economy-class trains - one heading east from Jakarta towards Yogyakarta and the other traveling west to the capital from Surabaya - collided at about 4:30 a.m.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Urban poor, marginalized by the city
Urban poor, marginalized by the city Ida Indawati Khouw The Jakarta Post Jakarta Who's the enemy of the Jakarta administration this year? The answer is neither criminals, nor poverty, nor others one might think more obvious. The enemy, perversely, is the urban poor. This statement is no exaggeration.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Banners on footbridges
Banners on footbridges From Warta Kota Striking banners reading "Happy Idul Fitri" from various political parties are now being displayed on pedestrian bridges. As we know, Jakarta's road users have a very low sense of discipline and the traffic police have yet to take stern action. I call on political parties to also erect banners with a theme of traffic discipline, for example, "Use pedestrian bridges while crossing for your safety", "Pedestrian bridges are built for road crossers", etc.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Chee sues Lee, retracts apology
Chee sues Lee, retracts apology SINGAPORE: An opposition leader being sued for defamation by Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew has filed a counter lawsuit on the same charge, the Straits Times reported on Tuesday. The paper said that Chee Soon Juan, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party filed a lawsuit on Saturday charging Lee, the island's first premier, who still wields significant influence in the government, with defaming him in the run up to the Nov. 3 general elections.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Politics turns people into mere pawns
Politics turns people into mere pawns Harry Bhaskara, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post Human rights violators might have nodded with approval as the year 2001 drew to a close. They can look ahead convinced that their impunity will remain in their pockets. Those who hope to bring them to justice had better known that it is an illusion. Like fireflies at night, their hope only lit intermittently in the dark.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Political turmoil overshadows local sports
Political turmoil overshadows local sports Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian badminton enthusiasts will remember when a number of the world's top players failed to turn up to the US$170,000 Indonesia Open in July, which took the gloss of the competition. Top shuttlers from Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Denmark and China cited security fears for their withdrawal.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
It was all President's idea, says Yusril
It was all President's idea, says Yusril The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday that the idea of revoking all charges against former president Soeharto was the initiative of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, with ministers only being asked to provide input on the matter.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /DPR
JP/ /DPR MPR/DPR - A spectacle of turbulence and contention. Meidyatama Suryodiningrat The Jakarta Post Jakarta Some 250 years-ago American James Madison wrote that democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention. Madison's prophetic discourse on the peril of an assembly undermining democratic values, aptly portray the current plight of Indonesia's highest democratic institutions. His forewarning of "no cure for the mischief of factions" ring true.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Thousand Islands, a new regency need of people first development
Thousand Islands, a new regency need of people first development Benget Simbolon Tnb., The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta city administration inaugurated Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) off the North Jakarta coast as a new regency in November, but many problems have still been left unsolved. The 69,976-square-kilometer mini archipelago has great potential in terms of tourism and marine-based industries. But its basic infrastructure is very poor.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Police told to reveal graft case
Police told to reveal graft case BANDA ACEH: Aceh Singkil Regent Makmur Syahputra on Tuesday asked police to finish investigations into an Rp 4 billion (US$400,000) corruption case allegedly involving several local officials. "The case is a big disaster and the most serious offense for me during 2001," he said in Banda Aceh.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Germany to write off RI's debts
Germany to write off RI's debts From Rakyat Merdeka Recently I attended a meeting with a senior representative at the German Embassy. The German government is currently offering to write off Indonesian debts worth 50 million Deutschemarks next year if the Indonesian government carries out certain programs on education, poverty eradication and the environment. Relevant ministries have to submit the proposals through the Indonesian finance ministry.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Forgive, but forget not
Forgive, but forget not The debate about whether or not President Megawati Soekarnoputri should use her prerogative to halt the corruption investigation into former president Soeharto misses the point of the exercise: The search for truth. When Soeharto stepped down in May 1998, there was widespread agreement about the need to investigate the more than three decades of his misrule.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Regional autonomy: A double standard in motion?
Regional autonomy: A double standard in motion? Santi WE Soekanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta When 2002 dawns, Indonesia will mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the regional autonomy policy. Dubbed by many last year as the world's largest experiment in decentralization of power, the policy has turned out to be a sharp wedge, splitting scholars and bureaucrats apart.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JETRO sees 3.8% growth for RI economy in 2002
JETRO sees 3.8% growth for RI economy in 2002 Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) estimated Indonesia's economy to grow by 3.8 percent next year, on the back of continued solid domestic consumption and better export sales, as developed economies were likely to swing back to growth.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special Section
Year-end Special Section As the year draws to an end it is always a good opportunity for us to contemplate on what has happened these past 12 months by examining the year's highlights and lowlights. Considered contemplation teaches us valuable lessons that can better prepare us for the year ahead. The second section of The Jakarta Post this week will be dedicated entirely to articles and photos detailing the year that was, with each edition devoted to different topics.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Reduce military presence in Papua: Observer
Reduce military presence in Papua: Observer The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri needs to reduce the presence of the military in Papua because it causes local people live in fear rather than bringing them peace, according to an Australian expert on Indonesia.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
PON XVI project
PON XVI project and collusion From Republika As a citizen of South Sumatra I feel very sad, annoyed and confounded by the attitude of the provincial executive toward the PON XVI 2004 national sports festival project scam between the regional public works office and the regional legislature's Commission D, involving a Rp 350 million payoff. The conflicting parties (provincial governor Rosihan Arsyad, councillor M.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Who needs Military Command in Jakarta?
Who needs Military Command in Jakarta? Emmy Fitri The Jakarta Post Jakarta In the big city of Jakarta, where there are neither simmering separatist movements nor challenges from foreign invaders, where should the dear soldiers of the city Military Command (Kodam) be positioned?
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. JETRO
1. JETRO JETRO sees 3.8% growth for RI economy in 2002 2. Argent Argentina halts foreign debt payments, plans printing money 3. Dumping Australia drops dumping charges against RI products 4. Airlin China extends airline insurance 5. BCA Malaysian investor pulls out from BCA bid 6. AFTA Local firms unaware of AFTA requirements
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy raises hope and fear on environment's fate
Autonomy raises hope and fear on environment's fate Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Environmental destruction in 2001 may not have exceeded previous years but was unfortunately just as rapid with nature continuing to vanish in a blink of an eye. Overland, underwater and even our air were victims of man's obtuse greed. Citing a World Bank report, Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa said that at its present rate, Sumatra's forest could vanished by 2005 while Kalimantan would be bare by 2010.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Peace elusive as ever in Kalimantan
Peace elusive as ever in Kalimantan Kanis Dursin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Peace remained elusive as ever in the land of headhunters in 2001 as a fresh bout of ethnic violence pitting native Dayaks against migrant Madurese broke out in Central Kalimantan last February, wearing down a fragile "truce" between the two hostile communities.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Is Jakarta ready for greater autonomy?
Is Jakarta ready for greater autonomy? Muninggar Sri Saraswati and T. Sima Gunawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta Jakarta is a special city. It is the capital of Indonesia, the government center and also the center of industry. In fact, the official title of Jakarta is Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta or the Special Region of the Capital of Jakarta. As a special region, Jakarta is treated as a province and headed by a governor.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/INSIGHT
JP/3/INSIGHT Whither civil society? Are we getting closer or farther from becoming a 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".
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Dekel: Grass root democracy or job opportunity?
Dekel: Grass root democracy or job opportunity? Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta Members of Dewan Kelurahan -- or Dekel (subdistrict legislative councils) -- are often described as people who are concerned more about their salary and allowances than in contributing their thoughts towards the improvement of their subdistricts.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Public demands resignation of railway officials
Public demands resignation of railway officials Kurniawan Hari and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three separate train accidents occurred on Christmas Day, killing at least 61 people. Dozens of rail disasters have occurred in the past few months and politicians and passengers put that down to mismanagement by the top train officials. Many are demanding that the top executives of state railway company PT KAI quit and Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar be dismissed from his post.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
ID card raid postponed
ID card raid postponed JAKARTA: The City Population Agency has postponed the implementation of the controversial ID card inspection raid to 14 days after the Idul Fitri holiday, the head of the agency said on Monday. The ID card raid will commence on Dec. 31 instead of the original plan of Monday, Sylviana Murni, head of the City Population Agency told reporters.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia: A Country of Vanishing Forest?
Indonesia: A Country of Vanishing Forest? Edith Hartanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta In the past decade, Indonesia has witnessed the major destruction of forests in all its provinces, from the western tip of Aceh, to the eastern end of Irian Jaya. This year is no different. We can vividly see the severe damage found in designated conservation areas such as national parks and protected forests.
Wed, 26 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Getting rid of the military's dual-function
Getting rid of the military's dual-function Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although it has formally abandoning the much criticized dual function (Dwifungsi) doctrine, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is yet to shed its image as a "troublemaker". Normally, the military's presence in an area of conflict will raise the hope that peace and order will be restored. But that is not always the case.