Archive: 28 December 2001
102 articles found
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
[i][b]
For Yearend Dec. 29 ;JP;R. BERTO WEDHATAMA;A. NARA KRISNA;NO CREDIT; ANPAv..r.. Photo-book-Dewi Photo captions JP/19/CAPS Photo captions Photo A, B: Book JP/R. Berto Wedhatama JP/A. Nara Krisna Visitors flip through books in the cozy atmosphere of the Aksara Book Store in Kemang, South Jakarta (photo left). This year, the city has seen a growing demand for books from sophisticated book stores.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Cambodia ends first phase of military cuts
Cambodia ends first phase of military cuts CAMBODIA: The government on Wednesday wrapped up the first phase of efforts to scale back its bloated military, completing the demobilization of some 15,000 troops. Speaking to 385 soldiers at a ceremony in Kompong Thom province, 130 km north of Phnom Penh, to mark the end of the first phase, senior cabinet minister Sok An said the country was on course to reach its target of demobilizing 30,000 troops.
Fri, 28 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".
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mega to sign decree for Timor tribunal
Mega to sign decree for Timor tribunal JAKARTA: State Secretary/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo said on Wednesday that President Megawati Soekarnoputri will sign a decree on the appointment of ad hoc human rights trial judges by the end of the year. "We submitted the decree before Idul Fitri (Dec. 16). Before the end of the year (four more days) the President will issue the decree," Bambang told journalists after meeting the President, adding that the hearings will begin next month.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Tax office regulations, expedient cop-outs?
Tax office regulations, expedient cop-outs? or Taxation or extortion, what is the government doing to us? or Govt could increase revenue 40 times if diligent Berni K. Moestafa The Jakarta Post Jakarta The public hailed last year's amendment to the 1983 tax laws, but frowned when they saw the slew of tax regulations issued this year to implement the new laws. The updated tax laws were praised as owning a greater sense of justice while still aiming at improving tax revenue collection.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Bob' Hasan asks for judicial review
'Bob' Hasan asks for judicial review JAKARTA: Timber tycoon Mohamad "Bob" Hasan, who is serving a six year jail term for corruption, appeared on Thursday at the Central Jakarta District Court to file a request to the Supreme Court to review his case. Hasan, a former minister in the New Order regime, is currently being held at Nusakambangan Penitentiary, located off the coast of Cilacap, a town in Central Java.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
ICEL paints bleak picture on environment
ICEL paints bleak picture on environment Fitri Wulandari and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmentalists predicted doom on Thursday saying Indonesia's environment would likely remain the primary target of exploitation due to the government's desperate need to lift itself out of the protracted economic crisis.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Diversity of Indonesian art starts to emerge
Diversity of Indonesian art starts to emerge =============== Amir Sidharta Contributor Jakarta --------------- Even though the new era of post-Soeharto openness started over three years ago, only this year did we get the sense that diversity was emerging on the art scene. It was a year that saw the emergence of a significant number of young artists, particularly through art competitions and festivals.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special Section
Year-end Special Section The Jakarta Post continues its review of the year with this section today looking at the question of life in the regions and metro Jakarta. The year 2001, which ends in a matter of days, has witnessed what many people call the biggest experiment in regional autonomy -- the decentralization of power.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
New Year's resolutions for our environment
New Year's resolutions for our environment Nigel Sizer, Director, Forests Program, Asia Pacific Region, The Nature Conservancy, Jakarta I could start this year-end article with the predictable environmental worrywart's factoids -- two million hectares of Indonesia's forests destroyed each year, coral reefs poisoned and bombed, and killer air pollution. But what does "environment" mean in this country?
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
PLN still struggles to recover from financial crisis
PLN still struggles to recover from financial crisis Johannes Simbolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year, public utility PT PLN continued to struggle to cope with the problems and difficulties that have been confronting the company since the start of the economic crisis in the middle of 1997.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
40 percent of Indonesians poor
40 percent of Indonesians poor JAKARTA: Forty percent of 210 million Indonesians live under the poverty line, according to the National Family Planning Coordinating Agency Yaumil Agoes Achir. The figure is a dramatic increase on statistics prior to the economic crisis in July, 1997 when 11 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, Yaumil said after meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz on Wednesday.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
JITF meets US$14b target
JITF meets US$14b target Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Initiative Task Force (JITF) has finalized the mediation of debt restructuring talks worth US$14.2 billion from the $14 billion targeted this year, but warned of tougher talks ahead as a prolonged economic slump undermines companies' cashflow. JITF chairman Bacilius Ruru said on Thursday the agency's target of restructuring $14 billion by Dec.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Army helps probe Theys murder
Army helps probe Theys murder JAKARTA: The Army has sent a five-member team to Papua to help police investigate the Nov. 11 murder of independence activist Theys Hiyo Eluay. Central military police chief Maj. Gen. Djasri Marin said on Thursday that the team was led by Army Intelligence Chief Brig. Gen. Sardas Markus. The Team was sent at the request of Papuan police investigators who were denied access to the Army in their efforts to probe the alleged involvement of soldiers in Theys's murder.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
;JP;P.J. LEO;R. BERTO WEDHATAMA;
;JP;P.J. LEO;R. BERTO WEDHATAMA; ANPAv..r.. Photo-Art Summit-music Photo captions JP/18/CAPS Photo captions Photo A, B: Art Summit JP/P.J. Leo JP/R. Berto Wedhatama Sitting in his wheelchair, an old man (photo above) is entertained by his loyal birds who cheerfully call him Bapak Presiden (Mr. President) in Theater Koma's play Presiden Burung- Burung (President of the Birds). Dancers from the Kim Bock-hee Dance Company (photo right) perform for a Jakarta audience.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt could increase revenue 40 times if diligent
Govt could increase revenue 40 times if diligent Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The public hailed last year's amendment to the 1983 tax laws, but frowned when they saw the slew of tax regulations issued this year to implement the new laws. The updated tax laws were praised as owning a greater sense of justice while still aiming at improving tax revenue collection. They also paved the way for the government to overhaul its tax regulations in support of the new laws.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Councilors' overseas trips
Councilors' overseas trips ---------------------------------------------------------------- Participants Destination Purpose --------------------------------------------------------------- Commission A on Tokyo Comparative study on Administrative and disaster management Legal Affairs Beijing Comparative study on security management Commission B on Paris Comparative study on Development Affairs street vendors Commission C for Los Angeles Study on entertainment Budgetary and and San Fran- and...
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ruling allows depositors to assess bank record
Ruling allows depositors to assess bank record Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The public will soon have greater access to gauge the performance of their bank under a new central bank ruling that, among other things, requires banks to publish financial reports every month and to disclose information in a more detailed and transparent fashion than they do at present. Bank Indonesia said on Thursday its new ruling, which will come into effect on Dec.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
2001 hints at signs of film industry recovery
2001 hints at signs of film industry recovery Joko E.H. Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta An unusual sight has been repeating itself at Blok M Plaza theater in South Jakarta, where teenagers wait at the entrance early in the morning to get tickets for an Indonesian horror movie, Jelangkung, which has been playing at the theater for weeks. "I must get a ticket today, otherwise I'll die from curiosity," 16-year-old Ria desperately told The Jakarta Post.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Special team set to probe graft case
Special team set to probe graft case JAKARTA: The city council agreed on Wednesday to establish a special committee to probe an alleged graft surrounding the acquisition of 10.4 hectares of land in the former red-light district of Kramat Tunggak in North Jakarta. A councillor from Commission C for budgetary matters, Anna Rudhiantina, said the council had yet to decide when the special committee would start its investigation.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
OPEC consensus for oil output cut
OPEC consensus for oil output cut Reuters, Cairo OPEC oil producers are set to seal an unprecedented alliance on output restrictions with rival independent suppliers to prop up world crude prices, cartel ministers said on Thursday. Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said OPEC ministers had a consensus to reduce supply by 1.5 million barrels a day (bpd) from Jan. 1 at their meeting on Friday. "We have a consensus for 1.5 from Jan. 1," he told reporters in Cairo.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Combination of factors behind JSX's decline
Combination of factors behind JSX's decline Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Stock Exchange's market capitalization -- the total value of stocks traded in the bourse -- dropped this year as transaction value declined due to a combination of the prolonged sluggish domestic market and the global economic downturn.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Dec.27
Rupiah Rates Dec.27 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto, sensible
Soeharto, sensible compromise or fear? When I lived in Aceh province for a number of years, fear was more than apparent. It was the very air that you breathed, and could on occasions make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. That same fear no doubt exists in the corridors of power in Jakarta, as they all scurry about, trying to find an excuse to drop the legal charges against former president Soeharto.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's foreign debt statistics, 1980 - 2001 (US$ thousand)
Indonesia's foreign debt statistics, 1980 - 2001 (US$ thousand) Debt Outstanding at Transaction during period end of period --------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- Disbursed Including Disbursements serive payments only Undisbursed ----------------------------------------- Principle Interest Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual 1980 20,937,697 30,420,359 3,245,505...
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Page turners on 2001's literary scene
Page turners on 2001's literary scene ----------------- Lie Hua Contributor Jakarta ------------------ The country's literary arena was shaken in 2001 by the appearance of Supernova, a novel written by a real newcomer, Dee (Dewi Lestari). This breakthrough work fostered an unusually rich literary debate. But it was not the only happening during the year. Writers, including a crop of first-timers, do not seem to be daunted by the protracted economic and political crisis gripping the country.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Corporate Briefs
Corporate Briefs Australia's national flag carrier Qantas Airways Ltd. will resume flights to Malaysia by September next year or January 2003, a report said Thursday. Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik said he was informed by Qantas chief executive officer Geoff Dixon on Monday that Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) would be one of the destinations. "This will help boost tourism, trade and investment between Australia and countries in the region,' he said.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. Abolisi: 4 lines, 10 counts
1. Abolisi: 4 lines, 10 counts Mega's party wants to see Soeharto stand trial 2. Thrifty: 2 lines, 21 Savings measures good but not enough, say observers 3. ICEL: 2 lines. 20 counts ICEL paints bleak picture of environment 4. Taufik: 2 lines, 27 counts President's husband messes up political order, claims critic
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special Section
Year-end Special Section The Jakarta Post's review of the year today focuses on the development of the country's economy as well as its entertainment scene. The economy continued on its path of muddling along, growing too slowly to kick start the long-awaited recovery but growing enough to prevent a total collapse. Signs of fatigue, however, are beginning to creep in, chiefly because of the government's inability to show firm leadership in pushing crucial but unpopular reforms.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Tax breaks fro Batam extended
Tax breaks fro Batam extended The government has decided to extend value-added-tax (VAT) and luxury tax exemptions on the island of Batam in Riau province over the next six months. Minister of Finance Boediono said the move was meant to give the government time to draft a bill that will give the island a free trade zone status. "The imposition of the taxes will be delayed for six months so that there is enough time to prepare the bill," the minister was quoted by news portal Detik.com as saying.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
RI, Argentina are different: Minister
RI, Argentina are different: Minister The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will not face a similar fate to Argentina because it is facing different economic difficulties and is taking different solutions to deal with its problems, economic minister Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti announced, following a Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The year of investing dangerously
The year of investing dangerously Reiner S., The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Various domestic obstacles have continued to scare foreign money away as reflected in the 51 percent drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) approval in the first 10 months of this year to US$6.47 billion from $13.14 billion in the same period last year.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
IBRA: A case of too much politicking
IBRA: A case of too much politicking Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It all depends on the owner, said an executive at the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA). He was referring to the changes of programs, direction and approach adopted by IBRA in carrying out its duties: restructuring banks, loans and assets and then selling them. He was also alluding to the all-too-frequent changes in IBRA's leadership.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Govt to raise fuel, power prices next month'
'Govt to raise fuel, power prices next month' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti said Thursday the government would raise fuel prices and power tariffs next month in line with an agreement with the House of Representatives. "The fuel prices and power tariffs will be increased in January because it was supported in the House," Dorodjatun said after a Cabinet meeting.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
For Info Box:
For Info Box: Some important cases which drew public attention but have yet to be, if ever, resolved: 1. The Ancolgate scandal involving some city officials and councillors who took a foreign trip in October 2000. The participants allegedly took travel allowances from the city budget as well as the city-owned developer PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol. Some canceled the trip but did not return the allowance.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Cabinet meeting frequency tripled
Cabinet meeting frequency tripled JAKARTA: Often criticized for a lack of coordination, President Megawati Soekarnoputri will triple the number of cabinet meetings to six times a month starting in January. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said after Thursday's cabinet meeting that the aim was to show that the government was highly committed to improving the condition of the country.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sofitel in hot water over its calendar
Sofitel in hot water over its calendar PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Luxury hotel Sofitel Cambodiana was forced to apologize Thursday for identifying the day Cambodia was rescued from Khmer Rouge rule as "Vietnamese Liberation Day" in its 2002 calendar. Jan.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Editor resigns, paper apologizes
Editor resigns, paper apologizes MALAYSIA: The editor of a newspaper that reported an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his top deputy has resigned, and the paper published a front-page apology on Thursday for running the story.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Train crash victims to get compensation
Train crash victims to get compensation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Brebes Families of the 30 passengers killed in Tuesday's train crash in Central Java will receive Rp 16 million (about US$1,500) in compensation each from state-owned railway company PT KAI and insurance firm PT Jasa Raharja, officials said on Thursday. In addition, they will also receive three-year scholarships for two of their relatives.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
2001: Human rights ignored?
2001: Human rights ignored? Todung Mulya Lubis, Lawyer, Jakarta This year was the beginning of a new century, the beginning of Megawati's government. The public held high hopes that 2001 would mark the beginning of a new awakening in the economy, law, politics and human rights. Sadly, we have not seen any clear signs that such an awakening is about to commence.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
[b]Govt determined
Govt determined to raise fuel, power prices in January 2. JITF ( 1 X 24) JITF meets US$14b target 3. Jatun ( 2 X 24) Indonesia not the same as Argentina: Dorodjatun 4. Susul ( 2x 20) Tax reform looms as Japan's top priority 5. Batam ( 3 X 10) Tax breaks for Batam extended
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Five hit by stray bullets in Ambon
Five hit by stray bullets in Ambon AMBON: Five people, including three police officers and two children, were wounded by stray bullets in Ambon, Maluku, on Thursday. The first was deputy commander of the first Regiment Battalion Adj. Comr. Tukidjan who was hit in the forehead as he drove along the Tantui area, Sirimau district, at 10:15 a.m. The two children were also shot at the same site, where there a conflict among security officers stationed there.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mega's party wants to see Soeharto stand trial
Mega's party wants to see Soeharto stand trial Tiarma Siboro, Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) wants to see ex-dictator Soeharto stand trial before President Megawati Soekarnoputri considers pardoning him. PDIP secretary general Sutjipto called on Megawati, who is also party chief, not to close her eyes to public aspirations for justice.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Bogus officials in IBRA scam
Bogus officials in IBRA scam Recently, some unidentified people have claimed, as part of a scam, to be senior officials of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA). They have telephoned people or institutions, asking them to give them an amount of money, saying that these funds are needed to pay for certain activities. IBRA has not assigned any officers to request sums of money as these irresponsible people have done.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Woman gets death sentence for drug smuggling: A 24-year-old woman
Woman gets death sentence for drug smuggling: A 24-year-old woman cried hysterically as a Jakarta court sentenced her to death for attempting to smuggle one kilogram of heroin from Thailand. Page 3 A year without politics on human rights: This year was the beginning of a new century, the beginning of Megawati's government. The public held high hopes that 2001 would mark the beginning of a new awakening in the economy, law, politics and human rights.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Another setback in local capital market history
Another setback in local capital market history Hendarsyah Tarmizi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year shows another setback in the financial market, with share prices and rupiah suffering another downfall amid fears over the worsening of the country's economic performance. The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI), the main price barometer at the Jakarta Stock Exchange, closed at 377.96 on Wednesday (Dec. 26), or eight percent lower from the 410.20 at the same time last year.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Latest version - Dec 27 - bsr
Latest version - Dec 27 - bsr Caltex Provides Free Harelip Surgery For Local Kids Rahmat was 12 and Juniati was 11. Like the other kids in their village of Aur Sati in the Tambang district of Bangkinang, Riau, the two could often be found playing cheerfully in their neighborhood. As could Kurniati, 7, who lives in the small town of Kuala Enok, Indragiri Hilir, Riau.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The costs of habitual fudge
The costs of habitual fudge The best lesson the government can draw from its macroeconomic management this year is that political stability, policy consistency and good rapport with multilateral development agencies are key prerequisites to maintaining the momentum of economic recovery.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
~
~ I interviewed Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri at her private residence in Teuku Umar, an upscale residential area in Jakarta. None of her staff accompanied her, not even to take notes. Megawati, who became president in July, started out by saying her Cabinet was busy dealing with a mountain of problems inherited from the previous administration.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
President's husband messes up political order, claims critic
President's husband messes up political order, claims critic The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas messed up the legislative and executive functions when he led a ministerial delegation to China last week, a researcher says. Taufik is a member of the House of Representatives from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and has no known post in the government.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Thieves steal two ATMs
Thieves steal two ATMs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of 22 people stole two automated teller machines (ATMs) in the compound of Alfa hypermarket in Bintaro housing estate, Pondok Aren, Tangerang, on Thursday, a police officer said. Tangerang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Affan Richwanto said the ATMs belonged to Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Bank International Indonesia (BII). Citing witnesses' testimony, Affan said 22 people took the ATMs at 4 a.m.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Heroin courier gets death sentence
Heroin courier gets death sentence Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A 24-year-old woman cried hysterically as a Jakarta court sentenced her to death for attempting to smuggle one kilogram of heroin from Thailand. "Aduh, mama, I don't want to die, Mama. I am not guilty, I was deceived by the black man, Mama, I knew nothing Mama, please help me Mama...," defendant Edith Yunita Sianturi shouted as she rolled on the floor of the Tangerang District Court on Thursday.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
;JP;P.J. LEO;MULKAN SALMONA;IGGP BAYU ISMOYO;
;JP;P.J. LEO;MULKAN SALMONA;IGGP BAYU ISMOYO; ANPAv..r.. Photo-JakArt-exhibition-painting Photo captions JP/17/CAPTION Photo captions Photo A: JakArt JP/P.J. Leo Artistically inclined young people paint pictures on walls near the People's Consultative Assembly building in Central Jakarta as part of JakArt@2001 activities. The walls have since been painted over. The JakArt@2001 festival promoted art events throughout the city.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The anti-terrorism bill
The anti-terrorism bill From Gamma The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights has recently 0held 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Tirta and Gerhana in chess wins
Tirta and Gerhana in chess wins JAKARTA: Tirta Chandra and his female compatriot Gerhana extended their winning streaks after beating their opponents in their respective age categories at the ASEAN Junior Chess Championships in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Tirta, who held black, beat Aron Quang of Malaysia in the seventh round of the Under-18 competition while Gerhana, who is in the Under-8 field, eased past Alia Anim, also from Malaysia. Both players have now collected 6 points each.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Status of Disputes between PLN and IPPs
Status of Disputes between PLN and IPPs No Names of Projects Status of Dispute 1. Paiton I under negotiation 2. Tanjung Jati B settled, project continues 3. Paiton II under negotiation 4. Sengkang settled, price reduced 5. Sibolga A under negotiation 6. Amurang under negotiation 7. Palembang Timur under negotiation 8. Jawa Barat (Cilegon) under negotiation 9. Pare-Pare (Suppa) under negotiation 10. Pasuruan arbitration, PLN lost 11. Cilacap under negotiation 12. Asahan under negotiation 13.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Local music scene shows promise in 2001
Local music scene shows promise in 2001 Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What did the local pop music industry offer in 2001? Let's see. Sheila On 7, Padi, Dewa and Jamrud. Not a single day passed throughout the year without the exposure of the bands' songs and videos until we ended up knowing the songs by heart. And some of us got really sick of that tinkling sound of the harp from Padi's Kasih Tak Sampai (Unfulfilled Love), for instance. But that is another problem.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
'motorklasik' magazine launched
'motorklasik' magazine launched JAKARTA: Automotive enthusiasts have been given another choice of reading material after the launching of motorklasik here on Thursday. But different from other automotive publications, motorklasik, an 84-page monthly magazine, specializes in providing its readers with news concerning "classic" makes of cars and motorcycles. The first copies of the magazine are going to print on Dec. 29. Each copy costs Rp 17,000.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Absorbing war on drugs story in 'Traffic'
Absorbing war on drugs story in 'Traffic' Joko E.H. Anwar, Contributor, Jakarta It has been a long time since the hip generation first took on movies about drugs. These young filmmakers tend to produce films in visual styles that mainly attract younger audiences. Not that these films are bad, in fact, most of them are great. Among these entries is the recent, highly acclaimed Requiem for a Dream, which was directed by the young and talented Darren Aronofsky.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
;JP;STE;
;JP;STE; ANPAc..r.. Yearend-arts-culture JP/18/YEAREND The long winding road to improve arts appreciation ================= Stevie Emilia The Jakarta Post Jakarta ----------------- Quality performances by world-class artists throughout the year have brought new and stimulating experiences for loyal enthusiasts of the performing arts.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Local mining industry remains in the doldrums
Local mining industry remains in the doldrums Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In this first year of the implementation of regional autonomy, the country's mining industry remained in the doldrums. The autonomy laws were, in the beginning, expected to solve security problems confronting mining companies since the downfall of former president Soeharto in mid-1998.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
The dilemma of the cases of Soeharto and Tommy
The dilemma of the cases of Soeharto and Tommy Three of Indonesia's former presidents are connected with legal cases. The cases of two of the former presidents are not so complex or dilemmatic. B.J.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
1. Stock (4 x 12)
1. Stock (4 x 12) Combination of factors behind JSX's decline 2. Yen (1 x 21) Yen hits new record low 3. Argent (1 x 27) 'Argentino' launch next month 4. Opec (2 x 18) OPEC consensus for for oil output cut
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
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~ 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Counting the years while domestic banks recover
Counting the years while domestic banks recover Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's banking sector entered the year 2001 limping and, as the year comes to a close, it has yet to pick up the pace. Banks have barely lifted themselves above the lows they first hit as the 1997 financial crisis swept the country. All this comes after having entered this year fully recapitalized at a staggering bailout cost of US$60 billion.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Nation expects more benefits from oil and gas
Nation expects more benefits from oil and gas Johannes Simbolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's oil and gas industry has opened another chapter in its history with the introduction of the new oil and gas law.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Complaints regarding the bureaucracy
Complaints regarding the bureaucracy The government bureaucracy is again in the spotlight. This time it is the comments from President Megawati Soekarnoputri. In essence, the head of state said that cooperation between the ministers and the first and second echelon officials was not good. As a result, the government policies could not be executed the way they should be. As far as we know, this is the President's complaint regarding bureaucracy that she expressed openly.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Tourism feels the pinch of global slump
Tourism feels the pinch of global slump Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta These have been tough times for Indonesia's tourism industry, hit first by the 1998 Asian financial crisis and now by the most recent global economic downturn, made worse by the terrorist attacks on the United States. Hopes had run high that this year would see a turning point, which was not inconceivable.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Reforms have come to a halt, NGOs say
Reforms have come to a halt, NGOs say Bambang Nurbianto and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Reforms have come to a complete halt under the leadership of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, as she prefers to collaborate with the remnants of the New Order regime rather than work with reform-minded leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) said on Thursday.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's debt: No end in sight
Indonesia's debt: No end in sight Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Saddled with massive, mounting debt amid the monetary crisis, Indonesia resembles a sinking ship that has almost completely disappeared beneath the waves. That was the grim assessment by Vice President Hamzah Haz in early November to describe how Indonesia was faring in its life- and-death struggle to survive economically. Hamzah, nevertheless, was quick to add "it is fortunate that the country has not yet sunk".
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Poso refugees afraid to go home
Poso refugees afraid to go home PALU: A number of refugees from strife-torn Poso in Central Sulawesi, temporarily accommodated in Napu near Donggala, are reluctant to go home despite the improving security conditions. "Besides being burdened with a bitter feeling of trauma, our reluctance to go home is caused by the fact that our houses have already been burnt down by rioters," Neli, 54, one of the refugees, said on Thursday.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
"Dr. Death" and other Timor conspiracies
"Dr. Death" and other Timor conspiracies or "Dr. Death" and the conspiracy against East Timor Aboeprijadi Santoso Radio Netherlands Amsterdam U.S. documents on President Gerald Ford's endorsement for Indonesia's military takeover of the former Portuguese colony of East Timor, declassified on the 25th anniversary of the invasion, are a fresh reminder of the human cost of a great political debacle. For the Dec.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's airline industry flying turbulent skies
Indonesia's airline industry flying turbulent skies Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Don't build an airline. It is a capital intensive business with a very slim profit margin and high risks". These are what Wahyu Hidayat, chairman of the Indonesian Air Carrier Association (Inaca) preaches almost every time he is invited to talk in a seminar on the Indonesian airline industry.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
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~ InBox What's the governor's job worth? Monthly salary of Rp 12.6 million (similar to a Cabinet minister) and various allowances that are taken from the 2001 city budget: Annual allowance for official wardrobe of Rp 40 million Annual travel allowance of Rp 445 million Annual health allowance of Rp 138 million Annual allowance for maintenance of official residence totaling Rp 705 million.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Economy muddles through adverse conditions
Economy muddles through adverse conditions Vincent Lingga, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's economy entered 2001 amid heightened political uncertainty, the increasingly erratic leadership of then president Abdurrahman Wahid, a decline in the government's credibility and a weakened global economy.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
;JP;EDI SEDYAWATI;
;JP;EDI SEDYAWATI; ANPAc..r.. Yearend-performing arts JP/18/EDI Performing arts: Art Summit and beyond =============== Edi Sedyawati Former Director General of Culture Jakarta --------------- In the year 2001, the most significant event in performing arts here, at least from its many dimensions, was the Third Art Summit Indonesia: Performing Arts. This international festival of contemporary art took place for a whole month, from Aug. 27 to Sept. 27.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sacrificing for the country is the duty of all citizens
Sacrificing for the country is the duty of all citizens President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti have highlighted the financial difficulties experienced by Indonesia. Both of them then appealed to business people to make sacrifices and help the country by bringing back funds kept abroad.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Year-end Special
Year-end Special The Jakarta Post continues today with its special 10-page review of 2001 with a look at the regional and metro Jakarta scene. Pages 11-20
Fri, 28 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?
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ahmad Junaidi
Ahmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post Jakarta The city administration has proposed a 2002 City Budget totaling Rp 8.8 trillion, with increased funding for the repression of disadvantaged people and for Governor Sutiyoso's wardrobe. The proposed allocation of funds for public order operations is Rp 63 billion. This year, public order operations received Rp 45 billion, out of a total budget of Rp 8.1 trillion.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Illegal logging destroys Indonesia's forests
Illegal logging destroys Indonesia's forests Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As in previous years, the government has failed to curb rampant illegal logging practices. There is little on-the-ground evidence, if any, that indicates that deforestation, which had caused trillions of rupiah in losses, has lessened this year.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fire guts garment warehouse
Fire guts garment warehouse JAKARTA: Fire destroyed a North Jakarta garment warehouse when flames raced through the structure early Thursday morning, despite the efforts of more than 80 firefighters. In all, 12 fire engines with 84 firefighters descended on the building, located at Jl. Pademangan II, Gunung Sahari, North Jakarta, just across the Academy of the Maritime compound. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati: Guardian of the nation
Megawati: Guardian of the nation Yoichi Funabashi, The Asahi Shimbun, Jakarta I interviewed Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri at her private residence in Teuku Umar, an upscale residential area in Jakarta. None of her staff accompanied her, not even to take notes. Megawati, who became president in July, started out by saying her Cabinet was busy dealing with a mountain of problems inherited from the previous administration.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Why privatization fails in Indonesia
Why privatization fails in Indonesia Reiner S., The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When popular leader Megawati Soekarnoputri was elected as the country's new President late in July, followed by the appointment of her confidant Laksamana Sukardi as State Minister of State Enterprises, there were high hopes Indonesia might finally be able to push ahead with its privatization program, which had stalled over the past three years.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Savings measures good but not enough, say observers
Savings measures good but not enough, say observers Bambang Nurbianto and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government won public support on Thursday for its move to cut unnecessary expenditure in the bureaucracy but was reminded at the same time that it needed to work much harder to combat widespread corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN).
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Main points of the new gov't instruction limiting wastefulness
Main points of the new gov't instruction limiting wastefulness On efficient uses of state-owned assets: * Limit the use of paper, official stationary only should be used for external correspondence. Typing should be done using 12-point Pica, Arial fonts with a 1.5 margin between lines. * Office vehicles should not be used for non-official purposes, with gasoline and vehicle maintenance costs scrutinized.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
Crude oil and gas production for September 2001
Crude oil and gas production for September 2001 Crude oil/bpd Natural gas/mscfd ------------------------------------------------------------------ Pertamina 86,000 - Contractors Amerada Hess 131 3,761 bp ONWJ/bp ARBNI 40,965 330,809 Caltex Pacific Indonesia 615,171 184,567 Conoco 41,793 54,567 Exspan (Nusantara) Kalimantan 7,180 39,806 Exspan (Nusantara) Sumatera 79,858 68,509 ExxonMobil Oil - 482,033 EE EPIC (Sengkang) Pty. Ltd - 25,565 Gulf Res.
Fri, 28 Dec 2001, 00:00 WIB
President Megawati Soekarnoputri calls on warring parties in
President Megawati Soekarnoputri calls on warring parties in Maluku, North Maluku, and Kalimantan to end hostility and renew the spirit of togetherness. "So many people have been killed and many more will fall victim if we don't do anything to put an end to those conflicts," Megawati said during a Christmas Celebration at the Jakarta Convention Center on Thursday evening.