Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 December 2001

85 articles found

Residents oppose plan to reopen garbage dump

Residents oppose plan to reopen garbage dump Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration's plan to reopen a garbage dump in Srengseng, West Jakarta, is being bitterly opposed by upset and bewildered locals. They find it difficult to comprehend how the former garbage site, which was closed six years ago and has since been converted into a shady, green park with a fish pond, could once again become a polluted and unhealthy garbage dump.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs Hong Kong's largest telecommunications carrier Pacific Century CyberWorks (PCCW) has laid off 506 Hong Kong staff and will freeze pay next year, chairman Richard Li said Wednesday. The company will freeze wages and staffing levels for the next year in an attempt to minimize further lay-offs amongst the remaining workforce of about 13,500.

BPOM recall leaves thousands of herbal medicine workers idle

BPOM recall leaves thousands of herbal medicine workers idle Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap Acting on orders from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) saying their product is dangerous, hundreds of producers of the herbal medicine jamu in the Cilacap and Banyumas regencies have shuttered their operations, leaving thousands unemployed.

Sutiyoso also threatened to bring the issue to Home Affairs

Sutiyoso also threatened to bring the issue to Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno, but until Wednesday he failed to show up at the home affairs ministry office. "As we have now reached a stalemate, I will ask the Home Affairs Minister to help solve the problem," Sutiyoso said on Tuesday.

Afghan immigrants questioned

Afghan immigrants questioned BATAM: Eight illegal Afghan immigrants will soon leave here for Jakarta for questioning before being sent to third countries, Bambang Wahyu Suprapto of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) said. Bambang explained that the eight were among the 70 illegal immigrants who were stranded on Batam Island several months ago.

Legislators zero in on Akbar's riddles

Legislators zero in on Akbar's riddles The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surakarta Well aware that the creation of a special committee to investigate House Speaker Akbar Tandjung's alleged corruption may not materialize due to stiff opposition, legislators are setting up a contingency plan. They will exploit Akbar's documented inconsistencies in public with regard to his role in siphoning off Rp 40 billion in National Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds in 1999 when he was minister/state secretary.

S'porean to hang for wife's murder

S'porean to hang for wife's murder SINGAPORE: A website designer, who recruited a 15-year-old boy at a McDonald's restaurant in Singapore to kill his estranged wife, was on Wednesday sentenced to death. Anthony Ler, 34, was sentenced by a high court judge to die by hanging after it was "proven beyond doubt" that he instigated his wife's murder in May.

1. Prima (4x14)

1. Prima (4x14) Mega calls on businesses to prepare for free trade era 2. Ginsi (2x28) Importers urge restoration of pre-shipment inspection 3. KOMSEL (1x28) Telkomsel to invest US$500m 4. Lucas (2x28) Lawyer denies wrongdoing in Manulife share transaction

Prisoner's remains returned to Malaysia

Prisoner's remains returned to Malaysia CIREBON, West Java: The remains of Koh Kim Chea, a Malaysian citizen who was found dead in his cell in Cirebon Penitentiary last Saturday, were sent back to Malaysia after undergoing an autopsy at the Gunung Jati General Hospital in the city. Hyesma Satyaka, who led the autopsy team, declined to reveal the causes of Kim's death. The police, however, believe he committed suicide in his cell.

Foreign minister's Australian visit seeks to promote mutual

Foreign minister's Australian visit seeks to promote mutual interests The recently completed visit to Australia and New Zealand from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda was aimed at boosting relationships and cooperation in the West Pacific region.

PTMSI congress urged after poor result

PTMSI congress urged after poor result Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The poor performance of the Indonesian table tennis team at the recent South East Asian Games (SEA Games) has prompted calls for a special congress to reshuffle the executive board of PTMSI, the national table tennis governing body. "We have no other option but to recommend a special convention for the executive board to account for their jobs," M.

Public told not to speculate

Public told not to speculate SURABAYA: Angered by persistent accusations of military involvement, Military Commander Adm. Widodo AS called on members of the public to stop theorizing about who murdered Irian independence activist Theys Hiyo Eluay. Widodo confirmed on Wednesday that several soldiers were among the people questioned as witnesses in the incident, although none have been named as suspects. Theys' body was found near the Irian capital of Jayapura on Nov. 11.

Megawati to visit Irian Jaya

Megawati to visit Irian Jaya JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri will visit Irian Jaya from Dec. 22 to Dec. 23 to celebrate Christmas, State/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo announced on Wednesday. "The President has agreed to fulfill the invitation to attend Christmas celebrations in Irian Jaya. Then on Dec. 23, she will continue her journey to Manado, North Sulawesi, to also attend Christmas celebrations," Bambang told journalists.

DHL to invest US$300m in Asia in near future

DHL to invest US$300m in Asia in near future Dow Jones, Singapore DHL, a U.S. delivery company, will invest over US$300 million in Asia over the next few years to boost its infrastructure, vehicle fleet and workforce in its fastest growing market, Chief Executive Uwe Doerken said Wednesday. "We've a wonderful business here and we want to grow it... Asia's still the best growing region in the world" as a manufacturing and business base, he said.

Lawyer denies wrongdoing in Manulife share transaction

Lawyer denies wrongdoing in Manulife share transaction Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lawyer denied on Wednesday a report of his involvement in the alleged fraudulent share transaction of PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI), as he responded to new evidence in the Manulife case. Lucas' legal representative Marselina Simatupang of Lucas, S.H. & Partners, called a report in The Jakarta Post's Dec 4. edition misleading, as it suggested Lucas was behind the alleged scam.

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

1. BUS: 50 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 City to revamp bus system beginning next year 2. SJAHRIL: 40 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 50 BI governor claims his case is tainted by politics 3. COOKIES; 30 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 29 Broken cookies still sell

Bandung workers protest regency minimum wage

Bandung workers protest regency minimum wage Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung More than 1,000 workers in the regency of Bandung, West Java, marched to the regent's office to express their dissatisfaction with the minimum wage set by local leaders on Dec. 4. The protesters, who were marching from the industrial areas of Rancaekek, Majalaya, Cimahi and Padalarang, were however, blocked by a large number of policemen.

City to revamp bus system beginning next year

City to revamp bus system beginning next year Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bus passengers can expect to enjoy better service as the city administration plans to introduce a new system in which drivers will be paid monthly, changing the setoran (rental fee) system. The setoran system, which requires drivers pay a certain sum of money to the bus company, is believed to be one of the factors that causes reckless driving.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

Lovina gains popularity with tourists

Lovina gains popularity with tourists Wahyuni Kamah, Contributor, Denpasar Lovina may not be as popular as Kuta or Ubud for either local or foreign tourists. The name itself is quite strange, even to the Balinese. It was Singarajan poet A.A. Panji Tisna, author of the popular novel Sukreni Gadis Bali (Sukreni, Balinese Girl), who came up with the name, which stands for "Love Indonesia".

Tussle over grants to regions

Tussle over grants to regions The central government needs to act quickly to clarify the controversy set off by the sweeping allegations by a House leader last week that 40 percent of the Rp 60 trillion (US$6 billion) in general allocation grants from the central government to provincial and district administrations in the current fiscal year had been misused.

Military relaxes role in reform era

Military relaxes role in reform era The hypocrisy of Indonesian politics is often more than overwhelming. Political figures, party leaders and legislators, for instance, are now claiming that the military faction will be removed from the House of Representatives by 2004. But on the other hand, they all accept the notion of retired generals joining the ranks of their own political parties.

JP/FESTIVE

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

OBITUARY

OBITUARY JAKARTA: Prijadi Praptosuhardjo, finance minister through most of the 18-month Abdurrahman Wahid government, died of a liver ailment at MMC Hospital in Kuningan, South Jakarta at 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday. He was 62 years old. Born in Klaten, Central Java, on June 26, 1939, he was a graduate of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, and studied management training in the U.S. His career began to develop in 1989 after he became director of the Jakarta branch of Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI).

Bambang bids farewell to conflict-ridden LBH

Bambang bids farewell to conflict-ridden LBH The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bambang Widjojanto walked away on Wednesday from the populist Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI), which he has chaired for the last five years. His job will be done by an abruptly established group of caretakers tasked with reforming the 31-year-old organization, which has been battered by internal bickering. "I have chosen to quit ... I will work together with other people to promote democracy.

President urged to install N. Maluku governor

President urged to install N. Maluku governor JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar Party faction at the House of Representatives (DPR) has urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri to issue a decree for the installation of North Maluku's governor-elect, Abdul Gafur. "We see no reason to further postpone the installation of the governor- and vice governor-elect. What is more, the Supreme Court has issued a legal opinion that the election process was valid," Golkar faction chairman Marzuki Achmad said.

Stroke patients should be treated within three hours

Stroke patients should be treated within three hours Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People who suffer from a stroke should be treated by a doctor within three hours of experiencing it to enable them to have a better chance of recovering, an official said here over the weekend.

DPR must suspend Akbar: Riswandha

DPR must suspend Akbar: Riswandha The Golkar Party has stated it would withdraw its support for President Megawati Soekarnoputri should the legislature decide to form a special committee to look into the alleged graft scandal involving its Speaker, Akbar Tandjung -- though this statement was then retracted. Can the government work without Golkar's support?

Sjahril's defense: Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Sjahril Sabirin's

Sjahril's defense: Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Sjahril Sabirin's team of lawyers reiterated in the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday that their client's case was tainted by a personal revenge motive relating to former president Abdurrahman Wahid. Page 6 Public services in Aceh: Public services in restive Aceh were gradually returning to normal on Wednesday, a day after the 25th anniversary of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Millions of children unable to go to school

Millions of children unable to go to school Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post Jakarta Millions of school-age children throughout Indonesia have been unable to continue their education, due in large part to the lingering effects of the 1997 financial crisis, according to ministry of education officials.

On IBRA's plan to form holding companies

On IBRA's plan to form holding companies The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to propose the formation of two holding companies by the end of this year at the latest. IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said these companies will be required to manage IBRA's assets, as its term of operation ends in two years. The plan is for the first holding company to manage IBRA's property assets, while the second is to accommodate IBRA's ownership (equity) in various companies.

Brantas River: One of most successful projects

Brantas River: One of most successful projects The comprehensive development of Brantas River Basin is one of the most successful projects in Indonesia. Due to the construction of Dams and Barrages, Surabaya has become safe against flood disasters. And the electricity generated by hydraulic power plants could have changed Surabaya into an industrial city.

Megawati to visit Irian Jaya for Xmas

Megawati to visit Irian Jaya for Xmas President Megawati Soekarnoputri will visit Irian Jaya from Dec. 22 to Dec. 23 to celebrate Christmas, State/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo announced on Wednesday. "The President has agreed to fulfill the invitation to attend Christmas celebrations in Irian Jaya. Then on Dec. 23, she will continue her journey to Manado, North Sulawesi, to also attend Christmas celebrations," Bambang told journalists.

Telkomsel to invest US$500 million

Telkomsel to invest US$500 million Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's largest cellular operator PT Telkomsel is planning to invest some US$500 million next year for the development of its infrastructure, a senior executive said.

Prisoner shot in Tanjung Balai

Prisoner shot in Tanjung Balai MEDAN, North Sumatra: The head of the provincial office of the justice and human rights ministry, Lukas Tarigan, has yet to receive an official report on the recent shooting of Shahren Margolang, 36, a prisoner in Tanjung Balai, some 250 kilometers southeast of the city.

Ex-PLN boss in graft case

Ex-PLN boss in graft case Tangerang: The Tangerang prosecutors office named the former secretary of the Tangerang state electricity provider (PLN), along with three of his staff, as suspects in a case of alleged corruption involving Rp 11 billion, carried out between 1990 and 2000. Prosecutor's office chief Purwosudiro confirmed on Monday that the four suspects were former PLN office secretary Katiyanto, and his three staff Nur Hasan, Budi Indra and Adin Saepudin.

Papua is one of the knottiest woes confronting Megawati. She

Papua is one of the knottiest woes confronting Megawati. She has apologized to Papuans for past human rights abuses but made clear the eastern province of two million people and its natural resources would never be free.

Dita Sari wins 2002 Reebok Rights Award

Dita Sari wins 2002 Reebok Rights Award The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian labor activist Dita Indah Sari has been named joint-winner of the 2002 Reebok Human Rights Award. Since 1988 Reebok, one of the world's leading footwear manufacturers, has presented the award to honor activists aged 30 years of age or younger for their efforts to improve human rights at great personal risk and against formidable odds. Dita, 29, was awarded $50,000 award for her eight-year struggle.

Activists urge probe into Musi River pollution

Activists urge probe into Musi River pollution Bahrul Ilmi Yakub, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Environmental activists have called for a transparent investigation into the pollution on Musi River in Palembang that has allegedly originated from a factory on the river's banks owned by state-owned fertilizer company PT Pupuk Pusri.

Ministers weigh possible state of emergency in Poso town

Ministers weigh possible state of emergency in Poso town Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno have visited Poso, Central Sulawesi, to explore a possible state of civilian emergency to resolve the prolonged sectarian conflict in the regency.

190 illegal immigrants held in Lombok

190 illegal immigrants held in Lombok MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The West Nusa Tenggara Police have taken 190 illegal immigrants into custody here, in preparation for sending them to Jakarta. Adj. Comr. Tri Budi Pangastuti, spokesman for the provincial police, said here on Wednesday that the refugees, who mostly hailed from Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq, were being held at several locations in the province.

1. Poso (4x9)

1. Poso (4x9) Ministers weighs possible state of emergency in C. Sulawesi Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno have visited Poso, Central Sulawesi, to explore a possible state of civilian emergency to resolve the prolonged sectarian conflict in the regency.

Organda warns of bus shortage during upcoming holiday season

Organda warns of bus shortage during upcoming holiday season Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) said on Wednesday that only 60 percent of its 29,000 buses are in working order, sending an early warning to Idul Fitri and Christmas travelers that they might have to change their travel plans if they want to catch a bus home.

1. Bulog/Golkar 2x18

1. Bulog/Golkar 2x18 Legislators zero in on Akbar's riddles Well aware that the creation of a special committee to investigate House Speaker Akbar Tandjung's alleged corruption is no easy task, legislators are setting up a contingency plan. They will exploit Akbar's documented inconsistent public statements regarding his role in siphoning off Rp 40 billion in National Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds to Golkar Party in 1999 when he was minister/state secretary.

Komnas HAM questions witnesses over Theys' death

Komnas HAM questions witnesses over Theys' death R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has questioned three key witnesses whom it was hoped could shed light on the mysterious death of Papuan independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay. Bambang W.

1. Tommy is indicted for a land scam -- April 1, 1999;

1. Tommy is indicted for a land scam -- April 1, 1999; 2. Attorney General's Office confirms reports that Soeharto's family possesses three lavish mansions in London -- April 19, 1999; 3. Soeharto's city arrest is extended by 20 days -- May 1, 2000; 4. Government puts Soeharto under house arrest -- May 29, 2000; 5. The Supreme Court reaches a verdict and sentences Tommy to 18 months imprisonment -- Sept. 21, 2000; 6. President Abdurrahman Wahid turns down Tommy's request for a pardon -- Nov.

Batam tripartite meeting proposes 5% wage rise

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

BI governor claims his case is tainted by politics

BI governor claims his case is tainted by politics Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Sjahril Sabirin's team of lawyers reiterated in the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday that their client's case was tainted by a personal revenge motive relating to former president Abdurrahman Wahid.

Residents oppose plan to reopen garbage dump

Residents oppose plan to reopen garbage dump Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration's plan to reopen a garbage dump in Srengseng, West Jakarta, is being bitterly opposed by upset and bewildered locals. They find it difficult to comprehend how the former garbage site, which was closed six years ago and has since been converted into a shady, green park with a fish pond, could once again become a polluted and unhealthy garbage dump.

Court 'violated all the rules' in acquitting Tommy

Court 'violated all the rules' in acquitting Tommy Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A team examining October's controversial verdict issued by the Supreme Court exonerating Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra from all charges has concluded that the Court violated the Criminal Code Procedures as well as its own rules and procedures.

Two Banten villages involved in brawl

Two Banten villages involved in brawl SERANG, Banten: Residents of two neighboring villages in Serang and Tangerang regencies were involved in a fierce brawl early on Tuesday morning. The brawl started when several residents of Bendungan village in Serang Regency launched fireworks in the direction of Kedung Village. The Kedung residents then attacked Bendungan in retaliation, leaving two villagers seriously injured.

Immigrants riot in detention camp

Immigrants riot in detention camp MALAYSIA: Around 2,000 illegal immigrants detained in a Malaysian camp rioted and burnt down some of their quarters overnight before police fired tear gas to re-establish control, newspapers reported on Wednesday. The New Straits Times quoted witnesses as saying detainees at the Pekan Nenas camp in the southern Peninsular Malaysian state of Johor, most of whom were Indonesians, began rioting shortly after breaking their Ramadhan fast. "They set fire to clothes.

72 companies pollute river

72 companies pollute river TANGERANG: Dozens of factories in Tangerang are disposing waste into the Cisadane river, a councillor said. Councillor Doni Mastopo of Commission F on environmental affairs, said most of the 72 companies that polluted the river did not have waste water treatment facilities. Some have the facilities but they do not work. He suspected that those companies had made false reports to the administration about how they treated waste.

Millions of children unable to go to school

Millions of children unable to go to school Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Millions of school-age children throughout Indonesia have been unable to continue their education, due in large part to the lingering effects of the 1997 financial crisis, according to ministry of education officials.

On IBRA's plan to form holding companies

On IBRA's plan to form holding companies The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to propose the formation of two holding companies by the end of this year at the latest. According to IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta, these companies will be required to manage IBRA's assets, as its term of operation ends in two years. The plan is for the first holding company to manage IBRA's property assets, while the second is to accommodate IBRA's ownership (equity) in various companies.

What to expect after Tommy arrest -- more terror?

What to expect after Tommy arrest -- more terror? Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Public expectations from the outcome of the arrest and detention of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra may not quite equate with the current reality. The people may want justice, an end to violence, but in recent days a bomb exploded on a railway track linking Cikampek and Cirebon, more bombs were found in the capital and violence flared up again in Poso after a relatively long period of calm.

1. Bulog, 4 lines, 10 counts

1. Bulog, 4 lines, 10 counts Contractors come out in defense of Akbar 2. Reebok, 2 lines, 16 counts Dita Sari wins 2002 Reebok Rights Award 3. AIDS, 3 lines, 18 counts Activists urge law to curb HIV spread 4. LBH: 2 lines, 20 counts Bambang bids farewell to conflict-ridden LBH 5. OBIT: 2 lines, 18 counts Ex-finance minister Prijadi dies at 62 6 Millions of children unable to go to school

An adventure of the most rapid lifestyle changes

An adventure of the most rapid lifestyle changes What do many Indonesians have in mind about this country? Its oil? Sand? Date? Football team and leagues? The Emirate Airline? The teasing prices at its airport dutyfree shops? Or simply as one of the richest countries in the world? Many of us here might not know that, for example, the United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates, or principalities, and President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has ruled the federation for 30 years.

Parents object to POMG levy

Parents object to POMG levy BEKASI: The parents of students of Cendrawasih Jaya state elementary school in Duren Jaya, East Bekasi, refused to pay a levy of Rp 10,000 for the teachers' Idul Fitri allowance. Asep, one of the parents, said that he had received a letter from the school's POMG (union of parents and teachers) that informed him about the levy on the parents of the school's students.

State guest portrait maintains low profile

State guest portrait maintains low profile Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta When presidents and other guests of the state come to Jakarta, you will notice huge pictures of the visitors appearing at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout and other strategic places in the capital. Many have no idea that the portraits are made by IB Said.

Rupiah Rates Dec.05

Rupiah Rates Dec.05 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Telkom to finalize fixed-wireless project

Telkom to finalize fixed-wireless project Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom said on Wednesday that it expected to finalize the tender of its fixed- wireless services worth US$1 billion in mid-January as an alternative to its existing wireline services.

Locals' lynch mob frustrated

Locals' lynch mob frustrated BOGOR: Dozens of ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers and residents from Cigombong village in Bogor encircled the police station in Cijeruk on Tuesday and demanded that the police let them lynch two motorbike thieves.

1. Bulog/Golkar 2x18

1. Bulog/Golkar 2x18 Legislators zero in on Akbar's riddles 2. Arabs --- 2x21 Arab countries fear U.S. about-face in Middle East 3. Tommy ---- 1x30 Court violated all the rules in acquitting Tommy

Contractors come out in defense of Akbar

Contractors come out in defense of Akbar Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even though Attorney General M.A. Rachman has reiterated that there was no distribution of food for the poor in 1999, as claimed by House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung, two contractors, who claimed they handled the project, insisted they had carried it out.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * An Evolution of Collaboration between Photograps and Paintings, Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979253), until Dec. 26. * Panting Faight of Women by Made Sukadana, Paros Gallery, Jl. Pantai Purna, Sukawati, Gianyar, until Jan. 10. * Panting Ibu - Anak Perempuan, Seniwati Gallery, Jl. Sriwedari 2b, Banjar Taman, Ubud, until Dec. 30.

Broken cookies still sell

Broken cookies still sell Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta is full of options for the entrepreneur. If one cares to go the extra mile and project a good bargaining skill, canned cookies, commonly sold in supermarkets, can be bought on the street at about 30 percent from the shelf price. Street vendors also sell broken, but not passed their expiry date, cookies for those not so meticulous about the condition of the biscuits they consume.

Proposed minimum wage for Jakarta is appropriate

Proposed minimum wage for Jakarta is appropriate Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has set the province's minimum wage at Rp 591,266, 38 percent up from the present level of Rp 426,250 effective from January 2001. The Jakarta chapter of the Association of Indonesian Entrepreneurs (Apindo), however, has threatened to sue Sutiyoso and halt production for three to seven days if he enforces this new minimum wage.

Mega calls on businesses to prepare for free trade era

Mega calls on businesses to prepare for free trade era The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on the country's businesses to be prepared for the looming trade liberalization era despite current economic woes at home. She said that local businesses must use their comparative advantages to improve competitiveness as the government would not continue its protectionist policies.

Public services return to normal in Aceh

Public services return to normal in Aceh Ibnu Mat Noer and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Medan Public services in restive Aceh were gradually returning to normal on Wednesday, a day after the 25th anniversary of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Government offices resumed their services to the public and most shopping centers and traditional markets in towns throughout the province reopened after being closed on Tuesday.

CIREBON, West Java: Local police shot eight alleged criminals

CIREBON, West Java: Local police shot eight alleged criminals who are suspected to have committed numerous crimes in Sumber village over the weekend in the process of arresting them. None of the injuries incurred were deemed to be life- threatening. The eight suspects, identified only as Ae, Bd, KH, GB, UJ, DI, OE and PO, were shot while apparently attempting to resist arrest. Adj. Sr. Comr.

Are donations compulsory?

Are donations compulsory? From Kompas What happened to me on Nov. 24 reminds me of compulsory donations through the collections for the ninth SEA Games in 1997. On that day, I had purchased two tickets at Studio 4 of the Grand Widjaya Cineplex, South Jakarta, for Rp 35,000. I handed over a Rp 50,000 bill, expecting Rp 15,000 in change.

Set up 'Telkomgate' committee

Set up 'Telkomgate' committee From Koran Tempo At last, the House of Representative (DPR) has teamed up with the state-owned telecommunications company, PT Telkom, to increase telephone rates, effective January 2002. Actually, PT Telkom has recorded profits of almost Rp 3 trillion, which would have been even more if there had been no leakages in PT Telkom (see news story in Koran Tempo of Nov. 28 titled DPR: Probe into leakages in Telkom and Indosat).

Be prepared for bumpy 'mudik'

Be prepared for bumpy 'mudik' JAKARTA: By far one of the biggest obstacles sure to face millions of revelers during homecoming, or (mudik), of the fast approaching holiday season will be 150 kilometers of potholed, crumbling roads in Java and Sumatra. According to Minister of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno, the worst damage could be found along the well-traveled 140 km of main roads in eastern Sumatra that link Lampung, South Sumatra and Jambi.

Hundreds sleep at railway station

Hundreds sleep at railway station JAKARTA: Hundreds of would-be passengers spent the night at Senen railway station in Central Jakarta queuing for tickets. It was 5:50 a.m. on Wednesday and there was another hour before the ticket window opened, but the crowd impatiently demanded the immediate sale of tickets, Antara reported. "I have been here since 7 p.m. last night.

Police net illegal racers in Bandung

Police net illegal racers in Bandung BANDUNG, West Java: Central Bandung Police arrested 35 motorcycle racers and confiscated 29 souped up motorcycles during an operation against illegal racing in the vicinity of the West Java People's Struggle Monument on Jl. Japati on Tuesday afternoon. Police started the operation at 4:30 p.m. and closed all three available escape routes before arresting the racers. The operation not only surprised the racers but also the many spectators.

[b]Settling human rights abuses

Settling human rights abuses crucial to RI's transition Eddy O.S. Hiariej Parliament Watch Yogyakarta 2. Zan -- A Trial for Osama? 1 x 34 48pt Bodoni An international trial for Osama? Sept. 11 suspects belong to int'l court A trial for Osama: U.S.' sole right? Should bin Laden's trial be int'l? Myint Zan School of Social and Economic Development University of the South Pacific Suva, Fiji 3. State -- Will the U.S. attack Iraq?

Activists urge law to curb fast spreading HIV in Indonesia

Activists urge law to curb fast spreading HIV in Indonesia Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Alarmed by the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS, activists proposed on Wednesday that Indonesia make a law to help curb it. The law would deal with monitoring the epidemic, establishment of various standards (related to condoms, HIV testing and blood transfusions), intervention and programs (including harm reduction), and protection of HIV/AIDS victims from discrimination.

Three more dead as Aceh raids intensify

Three more dead as Aceh raids intensify Ibnu Mat Noor The Jakarta Post Banda Aceh At least three people were killed as military and police intensified operations in Aceh ahead of a commemoration, which has caused anxiety among villagers, the military said on Sunday. The heightened assaults come as security forces anticipate planned celebrations by separatists to observe their unrecognized independence which falls on Dec. 4.

Importers urge restoration of pre-shipment inspection

Importers urge restoration of pre-shipment inspection The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Importers Association (Ginsi) on Wednesday urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri to institute pre-shipment customs inspection of imports to curb smuggling and the under- invoicing practices that have damaged the domestic market and resulted in big losses in state revenues from duties and taxes.

Settling human rights abuses crucial to RI's transition

Settling human rights abuses crucial to RI's transition Eddy O.S. Hiariej, Parliament Watch, Yogyakarta The surging demand for the enforcement of human rights in the wake of the New Order's downfall is an urgent issue; but not one of the massive breaches of human rights has been settled so far. This situation is highly unfavorable to Indonesia's global position.

ARMM chief offers peace to Moro renegades

ARMM chief offers peace to Moro renegades Agencies, Manila A former rural doctor elected governor of an unruly Muslim region in the southern Philippines offered an olive branch on Wednesday to Moro rebels fighting Manila and said he was ready to meet their chief detained in Malaysia. Parouk Hussin, newly installed governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), also opposed any U.S.

Autonomy and integrity

Autonomy and integrity From Gamma The central government should not be afraid of the proportional distribution of finances between the central and regional administrations in the implementation of regional autonomy and special autonomy. Autonomy should be implemented smoothly so that the regions are able to improve and develop faster in accordance with their capability as well as their pluses and minuses.

Komnas HAM questions three witnesses over Theys' death

Komnas HAM questions three witnesses over Theys' death R.K. Nugroho The Jakarta Post Jayapura The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has questioned three key witnesses whom it was hoped could shed light on the mysterious death of Papuan independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay. Bambang W.

Crimes in housing complex to rise

Crimes in housing complex to rise JAKARTA: Crime in the city's housing complexes will increase in the days preceding and proceeding Idul Fitri celebrations, a criminologist at University Indonesia says. "Many people in the complexes will leave their houses to celebrate the Muslim festivities in their hometowns," criminologist M. Mustafa said on Wednesday. According to him, security officers often paid no attention to the exodus and therefore crimes in the complexes went unattended.